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APPOINTMENT TO THE STOCKTON PORT COMMISSION
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RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution appointing one member to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Stockton Port Commission, for a term commencing January 16, 2026 and ending January 15, 2030.
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Summary
On January 15, 2026, Commissioner Stephen Griffen’s term on the Stockton Port Commission will expire creating a vacancy to be filled. The City Clerk’s Office conducted an ongoing recruitment to fill the vacancy and scheduled interviews with the qualified applicants. Interviews were held on December 2, 2025, December 4, 2025, and January 5, 2026 at which three applicants were interviewed.
DISCUSSION
Background
The Stockton Port Commission consists of seven members, with three members appointed by the County Board of Supervisors, and four members appointed by the City Council. The function of the Stockton Port Commission is to exercise general supervision over the Port of Stockton by adopting general rules and regulations which, in its judgment, will best promote the interests of the Port as established under State law.
The four-year term of Commissioner Stephen Griffen will expire on January 15, 2026, which will create the vacancy we are seeking to fill this evening.
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 2, 2025, December 5, 2025, and January 5, 2026. The following applicants appeared and were interviewed using a list of prepared questions approved by the Port of Stockton:
1. Stephen Larson
2. Gregory Page
3. Joshua Renwick
4. Jacqueline Smith-Ratliff
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. 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 January 16, 2026, and ending on January 15, 2030.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Members of the Port Commissioner do not receive remuneration. There is no financial impact to the General Fund in making this appointment.
Attachment A - Redacted Application