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APPOINTMENT TO THE STOCKTON PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a resolution appointing one commissioner to the Parks and Recreation Commission for a term effective immediately and ending December 31, 2028.
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Summary
On December 31, 2024, the term of Commissioner Gina Calder expired, thus creating one vacant term to be filled. Step one of the process requires the City Clerk to conduct the applicant interviews. Eight applications were received and two individuals were interviewed. The interviews were recorded and broadcasted on the City’s website so that they could be viewed through the archive by the members of the City Council before tonight’s meeting. Step two is the City Council appointment process, which is scheduled for this evening.
DISCUSSION
Background
The function of the Parks and Recreation Commission is to act as the agent of the governing boards of its constituents (City of Stockton, County of San Joaquin, and Unified School Districts representing Stockton, Lincoln, Lodi, and Manteca).
The four-year term of Gina Calder expired on December 31, 2024, which created the one vacancy we are seeking to fill this evening. The term for the newly appointed Commissioner will be effective immediately and will end on December 31, 2028.
By the close of the recruitment period, eight applications were received to fill the position.
Pursuant to Council Policy Chapter 3.02, City Council and Mayoral Appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Committees, the following two-step interview and appointment process is used to fill current vacancies on boards and commissions:
1. The City Clerk conducts the initial applicant interviews, which are recorded so that the Council can view from the archive; and,
2. The Council makes the appointment at a regularly scheduled Council meeting.
The City Clerk’s Office scheduled interviews on December 11, 2024 and December 17, 2024. Five of the eight applicants responded to the invitation to interview with the following two that appeared:
1. Pandora Crowder
2. Gina Calder - Incumbent
The applicants were notified of tonight's meeting; however, their attendance is not mandatory.
Present Situation
Tonight, the City Council will proceed with the following method for appointment pursuant to Council Policy Chapter 3.02:
1. From the list so provided to the Council, each Councilmember, including the Mayor, will rank the applicants for each Commissioner such that the number of applicants that each Councilmember ranks will be one number greater than the number of vacancies and/or the number of Commission members whose terms will be expiring. (This will likely avoid tie votes.) For example, if there is only one vacancy or only one term expiring, the Councilmember’s first choice for appointment will be ranked with the number “2” and the Councilmember’s second choice with the number “1.” If because of a vacancy and/or because of an expiring term, there is more than one appointment to a Commission, the Councilmember will assign to the Councilmember’s first choice the higher(est) number and lesser number(s) to the Councilmember’s other choice(s). For example, if there were one vacancy and one term expiring, each Councilmember would rank three applicants, assigning the number “3” to the Councilmember’s first choice, the number “2” to the Councilmember’s second choice and the number “1” to the third choice.
2. After the Council has ranked the applicants, the City Clerk will tally the rankings and the applicant(s) receiving the highest number(s) would, subject to Council ratification, be appointed. If there is a tie, then the process described in A above will be repeated only as to the applicants who are tied.
The City Clerk will present the resolution upon appointment of the individual selected to fill the vacancy effective immediately and ending on December 31, 2028.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
There is no financial impact to the City as a result of this appointment.
Attachment A - Redacted Applications