Background

Following the November 5, 2024, election, Hans Buder and Bob Delves were sworn in as City Councilmembers on December 9, 2024. This created vacancies on the Forest and Beach Commission and Planning Commission, respectively, as their prior service on those bodies ended upon assuming their Council seats. To ensure the continued function of these commissions, the City promptly initiated an appointment process to fill the vacancies.

Application and Interview Process

In December, 2024, the City Clerk's office published the notice of vacancies in accordance with the City's policies and Government Code Section 54974(a) through the Pine Cone, City notice boards, website, and public newsletters, which invited qualified residents to apply. Twelve (12) applications were received by the January 10, 2025 deadline (Attachment 1).

An Ad Hoc Committee, comprised of Mayor Byrne and Mayor Pro Tem Delves, interviewed all applicants. The Committee was impressed by the applicants' commitment to community service and their strong desire to contribute meaningfully to the Carmel-by-the-Sea community. The Committee extends its sincere appreciation to all applicants for their time, dedication, and the valuable insights they shared during the interview process.

Recommendation

Based on the interview process and careful consideration, the Ad Hoc Committee recommends the following appointments:

• Forest and Beach Commission: Appointment of Neal Rutta - Term expiring May 30, 2028.
• Planning Commission: Appointment of Mel Ahlborn - Term expiring May 30, 2029.

For the Planning Commission, the Committee recommends a full four-year term to ensure continuity and maintain a staggered term structure.

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment 2) to formally ratify the above appointments and term lengths.