MEETING DATE:
DECEMBER 10, 2024
SUBJECT:
Title
APPOINTMENTS TO MEASURE Q CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
Body
Recommendation
Recommendation
APPOINT individuals to positions on Measure Q Citizens’ Oversight Committee (COC).
Body
Board or Commission Action
Not applicable.
Relevant Council Strategic Theme
Good Governance
Introduction
The City Council has established boards and commissions to assist with various functions of the City. The roles of the boards and commissions vary from making decisions to making recommendations to the City Council. These boards and commissions consist of individuals who meet certain criteria outlined in the bylaws of the applicable entity, in the Municipal Code, and/or in a City Council enabling resolution, as applicable. The City approved for placement on the November 5, 2024, ballot an ordinance imposing a sales tax (Measure Q) and requiring the City to establish an oversight committee to monitor the use and accounting of the tax funds. Based on the preliminary election results, the ballot measure has passed.
As part of the board and commission appointment process, and in compliance with the Maddy Act (Act), the City enables and ensures all citizens of the City, have equal access to specific and current information about the many local regulating and advisory boards, commissions, and committees. The Act provides citizens equal opportunity to be informed of vacancies which occur, so that they may pursue, participate in, and contribute to the operations of local government by serving on such boards, commissions and committees. In compliance with the Act, the notice of vacancies was posted on the City’s website. The application period was from November 13, 2024, to December 5, 2024. The City Clerk’s Office received a total of 9 applications. Applications were then screened by the City Clerk’s Office to ensure that eligibility requirements met the respective board’s governing documents. Qualified applicants were invited to attend the December 10, 2024, City Council meeting to be interviewed and to provide an opportunity to speak to their qualifications for service.
Discussion
On November 12, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-9376 establishing the Measure Q Citizens’ Oversight Committee (COC) and adopting its bylaws. The purpose of the COC is to review and report on City compliance with the provisions of Measure Q, particularly with respect to the City's accounting and expenditure of Measure Q revenues. Pursuant to the adopted bylaws, the COC is to consist of no more than three (3) members of the community. In accordance with SMMC 3.22.110, the City Council shall appoint the members of the Committee by majority vote. The members shall be qualified electors of the City of San Marcos, and shall not be elected officials or current City employees. It is highly desirable, but not required, that members of the Committee have professional experience in accounting, finance, engineering or related discipline (including construction), and/or own or manage a business located in San Marcos.
The initial COC members are to be appointed no later than April 1, 2025. Initial terms shall commence upon assumption of office. The City Council shall appoint one member of the committee to an initial term expiring June 30, 2027. The terms of the individuals appointed to succeed this member shall be three (3) years. The other two members shall be appointed with an initial term expiring on June 30, 2028, to stagger future appointments of members of the COC. Pursuant to Government Code Section 1302, “every officer whose term has expired shall continue to discharge the duties of his/her office until his/her successor has qualified” and been appointed by the City Council.
The City Council has the opportunity to consider making appointments to various City boards, committees, and commissions. The Council is reminded that for those appointments which carry a stipend, the provisions of San Marcos Municipal Code Chapter 2.16 (Controls on Campaign Contributions) restrict Council Member action on campaign contributors of $100 or more. See section 2.16.070. In the event an applicant has made such a contribution to a Council Member within the last 12 months, that Council Member must leave the dais during any action and consideration concerning that candidate. This particular Committee does not carry a stipend.
Measure Q Citizens Oversight Committee: Three (3) regular scheduled vacancies; 3-year terms (one initial term to be 2 years).
• Qualifications: Applicant must reside within city limits and be a qualified elector
• Stipend per meeting: None
Applicants:
|
Alexandra Seanez |
District 2 |
|
Chris Freeman |
District 1 |
|
Christopher Carroll |
District 2 |
|
Christopher Waskiewicz |
District 4 |
|
Erin Kaminski |
District 4 |
|
Gary Greving |
District 2 |
|
Hemant Phadnis |
District 1 |
|
Janice Miller |
District 4 |
|
Justin Matsushita |
District 2 |
|
Marla Trussell |
District 2 |
|
Shoshana E. Aguilar |
District 4 |
|
Sonja Olson |
District 2 |
|
Tim Regello |
District 4 |
|
Tracy Rich |
District 3 |
Fiscal Impact
The Citizens’ Oversight Committee was established pursuant to the requirements of Measure Q. The Committee will serve to foster the responsible fiscal management of the sales tax income generated by Measure Q and ensure transparency with respect to accounting for, and use of, the sales tax funds. There is no fiscal impact associated with this specific action of appointing the Committee members.
Attachment(s)
Applications and Statements
Prepared by: Phil Scollick, City Clerk
Approved by: Michelle Bender, City Manager