November 21, 2022 Council Appointments Review Committee

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Transcript

[00:00:00] Member Lucas Ramirez: Okay. Your life? Good evening everyone. Uh, during this declared state of emergency, this meeting will be conducted in accordance with California government code sections 54953 E as authorized by resolution of the city council. Please contact city.clerk at mountain view.gov to obtain a copy of the applicable resolution. All members of the council appointments review committee will participate in the meeting by video conference with no physical meeting location. Members of the public wishing to observe the live meeting may do so at uh mountain view dot gov forward slash meeting or mountain view dot legisstar dot com. And additional details are available in the agenda. I'll start with the roll call. How

[00:00:53] Unknown Speaker: many members, Hicks? May.

[00:00:57] Member Alison Hicks: Here

[00:00:58] Member Ellen Kamei: here.

[00:00:58] Unknown Speaker: Cher Ramirez?

[00:01:00] Member Lucas Ramirez: Here. So we, we do have all members of the committee present. Uh, item 3 minutes approval minutes for the special meeting of June 15, 2022 have been delivered to committee members if there are no corrections or editions. Um, well, 1st we'll take public comment. Are there any members of the public who would like to provide input on the minutes uh and we'll go ahead and allocate 3 minutes. Uh, the 1st speaker is Bruce England.

[00:01:36] Bruce England: Hello, do you hear me?

[00:01:37] Member Lucas Ramirez: Yes, we can hear you.

[00:01:39] Bruce England: Okay, I didn't get the usual unmute button thing, so you sold school method. Bruce England Westman Station Drive. So I submitted a comment letter, so I won't repeat that. Um, I only say what I did at the last meeting, which was some time ago, that it would be great if some of the public input could be considered for the questions you asked the applicants. And that did not happen last time. And so there was some offline discussion about how is that done? Like, should I should I and others raise that here? Should we do it through CPPC? I'm not sure that's entirely clear, but I was hoping that some of what I put in my comment letter could be considered tonight, but I can live with it if that can't happen. But I would like to know how to handle it, if not through these meetings directly. Thanks.

[00:02:25] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you, Bruce. Well, if that's okay, I'd like to consider that, um, part of the next item, oral communications, uh, from the public because it isn't specifically related to the minutes.

[00:02:36] Bruce England: Oh, sorry, I miss. Yeah, I got that wrong. Sorry, that is what I meant, Lucas. Thanks.

[00:02:41] Member Lucas Ramirez: No worries at all. Thank you. Um, see no other members of the public wishing to speak. Emotion is in order to approved minutes. Some of. Thank you, uh, and by Snur Hicks, can we count you as a 2nd?

[00:03:00] Member Alison Hicks: 2nd yes.

[00:03:02] Member Lucas Ramirez: Fantastic. Thank you both. Motion by uh committee member to May and 2nd by uh committee member Hicks. Uh can we have a roll call vote, please?

[00:03:12] Unknown Speaker: Yes. Committee members, Hicks?

[00:03:16] Member Alison Hicks: Yes.

[00:03:17] Unknown Speaker: May?

[00:03:18] Member Ellen Kamei: Yes,

[00:03:18] Unknown Speaker: Cher Ramirez?

[00:03:20] Member Lucas Ramirez: Yes. Thank you. Passes unanimously. Thank you very much. So we'll now move to item 4 oral communications from the public. This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the committee on any matter not on the agenda. Speakers are limited to 3 minutes. State law prohibits the committee from acting on nonagenda items. Are there any members of the public wishing to speak on an item not on the agenda? Go ahead, Bruce.

[00:03:49] Bruce England: Yeah. Just to make it official what I said last time.

[00:03:53] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you. Appreciate it. Um okay. See no other members of the public wishing to speak. We'll move to item 5 discussion on procedure and questions. The committee will review the interview questions for the board, uh, library trustees, bicycle pedestrian advisory committee, human relations commission, parks, and recreation committee, and performing arts committee. Um, so, we'll, uh, we'll start with. Is there presentation from staff?

[00:04:22] Unknown Speaker: Yes, um, I have a couple updates to the staff report attachment too. Um, Yow Yow, on the performing arts committee, her current term started on June 28th, 2022. And also on attachment 3, the interview schedule. Rick Talmage will be able to join us via Zoom after all from the airport. And regarding uh, performing arts committee, Sandra Gifford has withdrawn her application. And I just want to remind you that this will be a round-robin format and I was wondering, how much time do you want to allocate each question per person?

[00:05:08] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you. Um, so we'll, we'll go ahead and um, take public comment and then um, deliberate the 1st of any questions from the members of the committee. Yeah. If not, uh we'll turn to the public, members of the public provide input on item 5 discussions on procedure in questions. Being none um we'll start uh the deliberation uh so we do have a a question from staff and then we also uh will need to determine which questions to ask all of the applicants. Um, would like to start a sauce. Uh, no, nobody objects. I was planning to, the questions, um, so, unless, if, if we would like to divide them, that's full with me, but I think just in the interest of time, I'm happy to read them to the applicant, of, uh, committee member hits.

[00:06:13] Member Alison Hicks: Yeah, my my only question was whether we want. I'm not one to tinker with questions enough, although I'm open to other people doing that. My only question is whether we want to shorten it a little by, um, you know, so we don't make it, uh, the night doesn't run too long by combining several questions. Um, So, for For example, uh, many of the, many of the, the questions from many of the committees or commissions uh, start out with uh, why do you want to serve? And then end with uh, what would you be likely to focus on? It's possible those could be one together. Uh, asked together and given one time allotment, to shorten it. So that was, that's my suggestion. Uh,

[00:07:06] Member Lucas Ramirez: thank you. And do you have any input on, um, deputy city city clerks question about the amount of time to respond? I'll

[00:07:17] Member Alison Hicks: let you, I'll let you discuss that and I'll, I'll come up with my answer. Okay. Problem Mini member, can I? Sure. Can I'm

[00:07:28] Member Ellen Kamei: so sorry. Can can we? Um. Can, can, can, I just recall that in the past we had people waiting in the waiting room before we let them in while we had this discussion. I, I, I just, that, that's all I would give the, the, the feedback to, to staff. Um, I just feel bad because, um, So, um, I'm comf- Could that be possible or?

[00:08:08] Member Lucas Ramirez: Yeah, is that something we can do? You

[00:08:10] Unknown Speaker: want me to remove people? Um,

[00:08:13] Member Ellen Kamei: I just forgot, uh, I just forgot that it's the round robin style, and so I had just a question on, um, you know, what we had talked about last time when we had had this. Um,

[00:08:32] Unknown Speaker: yeah, we can move people.

[00:08:34] Member Ellen Kamei: The last time we, the last time we had Cark, I was on maternity leave. So, we just, this is the different procedure and so I just want to. Thank you.

[00:08:47] Member Lucas Ramirez: Oh, um, yeah, to make sure I understand the efforts are going to be in the waiting room and then once it's that committee, then we'll bring it for interviews. Right,

[00:08:57] Member Ellen Kamei: right, right. That was, that was my understanding in the past is, that we had this discussion with the committee before bringing people in, and that way we had the deliberation, so that way applicants were not waiting as we were just, like, watching us discuss, uh, you know, everything, um, which is, which is fine, but I think if we're talking about time allocation, I just don't recall the last time we had, um, what, what was this, what was decided in terms of timing. So I just need a refresher.

[00:09:33] Unknown Speaker: I think it was approximately one minute that was given per question per applicant. I

[00:09:50] Member Ellen Kamei: just couldn't remember if we had decided on, uh, the, a group timing for the number of applicants or we had just decided if it was, you know, the per question and they said, I'll change and it used to be. We just let one person in at a time. I recall, I voted for the one person at a time. I find it less confusing with Zoom, but, you know, when there's many Jeopardy screens. I I, you know, anyways. So my feedback would be, I prefer to stick to the suggested questions as published. I think that it gives the applicants some sense of, um, then introduce new questions. So that would be my preference, mayor. Uh city clerk? Um,

[00:10:38] Unknown Speaker: I was just gonna ask the deputy city clerk that interview questions are not published, correct? That's

[00:10:44] Unknown Speaker: correct. It was only it was only provided to the committee. Um,

[00:10:53] Member Lucas Ramirez: okay, but uh, we, we, we don't have to make modifications, though. Um. Then um. Like I think the only other question was to. Combine the 1st and the last questions which, which, um, I don't have a strong preference either way, uh, committee member to me, um, is that something, um, you'd be amenable to, or just, keep, keep the options exactly as they are. Is each question is,

[00:11:35] Member Ellen Kamei: I mean, is each question gonna be a minute? Yeah. And you would combine them? I mean. Mm-hmm. I mean, you could also suggest another time also. I just recall, I think in the, in the past, we had done something like a minute, 2 minutes, depending on what the question was, mayor, but I can't, I also, that, that was, that, that was my confusion. And so I just wanted to check in before we started making changes on what we had decided and what we were gonna do. So. Given the round robin style. Thanks.

[00:12:19] Member Lucas Ramirez: Okay, no worries. Thank you. Um, I uh, I don't remember either, unfortunately. Um, uh committee member Hicks?

[00:12:27] Member Alison Hicks: Yeah, I think it's just hard to give an answer that's uh, less than a minute. So in my opinion, we're kind of a minute is kind of the minimum. And then I just, you know, it's actually the, I know that when we've prepared for things like this in the past. There's been a lot of questions tweaking and I'm not, you know, I'm not going to do that. Uh, there are some that only have 4 questions and then there's some that have 5 or 6. So, You know, in the interest of not having this go on and on. Maybe it's more the ones that have 5 and 6 questions that it might be good. Um, sometimes asking 2 questions at once, the 2 try together. Um, You know, like, for example, I'm looking at human relations commission, and there's one that says, do you think, what do you think the job of the, of the HRC should be, and what do you think the priorities should be? You know, I feel like we could ask those together and kind of people could decide. Um, how much they wanted to talk about priorities and how much the, um, the job. So just the longer ones, maybe we could, um, combine a couple. And I'll say, I'm not particularly, I mean, I think it's good to not make this too long, but I'm not, you know, how we do that. I'm not, I don't have a strong opinion on, I just thought I'd offer for the suggestion. Thank you. Um,

[00:14:10] Member Lucas Ramirez: I think for, um, my part, I'm, I'm inclined to support one minute per question, just because there are, there are many applicants and, um, and, and many questions for some of the bodies. Um, I think we can try. I will probably need your help. Dep deputy city clerk with um with timing. Um maybe just like right in your hand when people have reached a minute or something along those lines. Um, it's gonna be hard enough to manage the rounds, Robin. I'll try and remember um who began each. But um but but just for managing the process I'll need a little bit of help. Um and then uh for the for the committees that have 4 questions. I'm okay with keeping the 4 but I I do think uh for like the human relations commission and. Maybe B and Parks and Rec, which have 5 questions. Combining 1st and the last, why do you want to serve and what, do you think are the areas you would like, you would focus? Um, I think those, those seem like, uh. Related questions that we could combine maybe just to save a little bit of time. Um. Happy to continue the conversation too. That sound good to everybody? Okay. So thank you. So then I'll we'll combine for human relations one and 6. And then Parks and Rec, one and 5. And B pack one and 5 and then everything else will remain the same. Uh, each applicant will have one minute to respond to each question and then, um, we'll, we'll rotate the orc, so different, applicants start with different questions. Um are there any other changes to uh or uh parameters related to procedure that we'd like to discuss before we um begin the interviews? Okay. Uh, thank you, uh, for yeah, I committee member committee. Great.

[00:16:34] Member Ellen Kamei: So the deputy city clerk will keep the timing and then you'll prompt people each time, mayor. Is that right?

[00:16:42] Member Lucas Ramirez: Yes, if that's, if that is okay. Sounds great. awesome. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, deputy city clerk. I think you were you were muted. Hear me, Edwanda? Wanda, hear muted.

[00:17:06] Unknown Speaker: I was just wondering if the city clerk was going to keep the time. Um, I will. Okay,

[00:17:10] Unknown Speaker: um, and if I, if I may chair, uh, do you want all of the members that are being interviewed for all of the bodies to come in at one time or do you want one body at a time?

[00:17:22] Member Lucas Ramirez: Oh, well, so I, I, I don't, it's probably logistically easier to do one at a time and then have folks in the waiting room. But, uh, we started off with with talking about a round robin, which would imply everybody in and then we start with different, um, different applicants for each question. Um. I don't have a strong preference. Uh, since, but we'll, we'll just maybe we'll do it both hands for each. Uh, is there, uh, a committee member command?

[00:17:53] Member Ellen Kamei: Yeah, I I thought it was. Perhaps I'm understanding the question differently. So I'm understanding that. All the applicants of the library board would come in. And then we, and then we would round rob in that board. When that board is done, then we would do be packed. Then they would leave. Rather than having every applicant on the Zoom at once. That is my, that is my preference. That's why I was confused at 1st because I started seeing faces and people before we had gotten to the boards. And so I, you know, since I was out, I just wanted to clarify and understand if the process had changed, which was last time I was here for Cark, they, we had, Cark discussion, and then we went by one by one each advisory board. And that's how we were able to go through, especially in the round robin style. So, okay,

[00:18:49] Unknown Speaker: so you'll just have to give me a little bit of leeway because we've got several people that don't actually have a name. So we're going to have to cycle people in every time to see who they are. Okay. Okay,

[00:19:02] Member Lucas Ramirez: um, thank you. So, so then we will proceed with the round Robin, um, for each individual committee, and then once we've concluded with all of the interviews for applicants and the, that, in that committee, then we'll proceed to the next committee. Um, and I, uh, if so, I don't know if I can, I can't send a, a message to folks in the waiting room, but, um, we might want to encourage people to. Change their name if they're able to just to make it easier for you because I know that's, it's not going to be easy, um, since we don't know, who is who? Okay, um, so I think, I think we're all on the same page on process now. Um so we'll go ahead and begin. Uh item 6 committee interviews and uh the 1st committee is um. The board of library trustees. Uh so that's Carol, Carol Donahue, Sandra Gifford. Kristen Igaki and Eric, uh, Nerlich. I think everybody is present, uh, from everyone. Thank you for applying. Uh, I'm going to read, um, the there are 4 questions. Each applicant will have one minute to respond to each question. This will be conducted in a round Robin style. Um so each applicant will have an opportunity to answer 1st so it's not the same applicant answering 1st each time. Uh so we'll start with uh Carol Donahue. And the 1st question is. Why do you want to serve on the library board? Oh, you're you're muted. girl. Sorry. Well,

[00:20:59] Carol Donahue: thank you for considering my application. Um, I have enjoyed serving on another uh, advisory body, and I've come to know a lot about how the city works, and I would like to use my professional experience running a small corporate library. Um, to bring my library knowledge to the public library space. The library is one of the more trusted resources in any community. And I would like to do my part to keep the policies updated. to keep the library serving the community. Um And as I understand it, most of the library board's decisions are data driven. So, this being Silicon Valley, it seems that, um, things seem to be running pretty well. That's one minute. Thank you very much, Carol. Uh, Sandra

[00:22:10] Member Lucas Ramirez: Gifford. Um, now it's your turn. Let me repeat the question anytime. Hello.

[00:22:19] Sandra Gifford: My reason for wanting to be on the library board is more general reason wanting to do volunteer work. I've had a long career of working in law firms and I did also teach school. Um, And I want to keep on working some way, whether I'm paid or whatever I want to keep learning new things. So I know some things about a library because I was an English teacher, but I've never run a library before, but I would be willing to, uh, work in any area, uh, that they would need me, whether it's public facing, or, getting books. any office work or other type of work that's related to the library. Lucas,

[00:23:19] Member Lucas Ramirez: you're muted. I'm sorry. Thank you, Sandra. Kristen, uh, Hi,

[00:23:28] Kristen Igaki: um, thank you. I'm Kristen. The reason why I'm interested in, um, being part of the library is that, well, there's a few things. One, I, it's a facility that I use a lot, um, not only as a patron for myself, um, but also my kids. And so, I think that I bring a varied experience for usage. I also think that in general, the library is a great way to, um, keep the community connected and The way that I look at it is there's a lot, there's lots of events and ways that we can continue reaching out to the community and those are things that I'm very passionate about and would love to be a part of. Thanks.

[00:24:21] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much. Thank you. And then, Eric, you're next. Thanks, Lucas.

[00:24:29] Nerlich: Yeah, so obviously from my background, you can tell I love books. I'm a huge fan of the library, I use it a lot. I have 2 young kids, so we use it even more now. Um, and that's a lot of reason why I jumped at this opportunity. I haven't done any volunteer work with the city before, but I recently became self-employed after 20 years in my tech career, Silicon Valley. So, well, recently I was doing business strategy in operation. So if what Carol said about data driven and things like that is important. I can definitely help with that. But mostly I just want the opportunity to give back to my community. I've been living here for 14 years. I plan to live here a lot longer because we just bought a house in Questa Park. So, I want to be here. I want to expand the availability of the library as a resource for our community. And, um, yeah, that's why I'm here. Thanks. Thank you very much.

[00:25:23] Member Lucas Ramirez: For the next question, Sandra will start. How do you view the role of the board and how does it relate to counsel?

[00:25:33] Sandra Gifford: My understanding of the board is that it serves to advise the council on matters, uh, of the library, if there are problems or there are needs, uh, or there's something, uh, they want to change or make better, that all of this, uh, would be brought before the board. Thank you very much. And

[00:26:03] Member Lucas Ramirez: then, uh, Kristen, uh, you will be next.

[00:26:09] Kristen Igaki: Um, okay, so the way that I believe the differences lie are that a lot of the activities for the library board will be, um, with a narrower scope of thinking about the library, so within the library budget, um, deciding certain programs that would outreach to the community, and that's actually, um, where the line continues to get closer to the council, where we're talking about how the library interacts with the community and there, I think that there's a lot of synergies, um, that the library board will actually reach out to various other boards within, um, Mountain View and and the council to work together on that kind of stuff. Thank you.

[00:27:00] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much. And Eric, you're next. Thanks.

[00:27:06] Nerlich: So I actually don't know the official role of the board and how it relates to the council, but based on my previous experience in industry, I would imagine it's more of an advisory role where the advisory board becomes familiar with what the library needs and makes recommendations to the council. So if there's something where the council needs more information, we could go investigate, figure out what needs to happen, make our recommendations, and then the council will be the one to actually implement that. So that's my guess, and I'm going to go with that.

[00:27:35] Member Lucas Ramirez: Great. Thank you very much. And then Carol, you're next.

[00:27:40] Carol Donahue: Well, as I understand it, the library board is in the city charter, which makes it unique among other advisory bodies. And, um, The library trustees review portions of different library policies each year and update what needs to be updated, to keep things fresh, to respond to situations, such as COVID, you know, is a big thing. And the library, like other institutions, is moving out of COVID and into, you know, a more open way of doing business. And so there are a lot of um, considerations that have to be made. In cooperation with advice from other, you like the CD. Well, the, um, the state, you know, guidelines. And it's a very professional staff. It's very well run and they're very up on issues. And so as I understand it, the library director reports annually to the board, the friends of the library. Carol. with...

[00:28:50] Member Lucas Ramirez: That's your minute.

[00:28:52] Carol Donahue: Okay.

[00:28:54] Member Lucas Ramirez: No, rent a minute goes by very quickly. Uh, the next question. Um, Kristen will start. What do you think should be the priorities for the board in the coming few years?

[00:29:12] Kristen Igaki: Sorry, needed to unmute. So, again, the way that I see it is the library is a resource, I was looking at the mission statement related to connect users and to help them create and learn, right? And so, I would love to understand kind of what the North Star metric is for the library and how we want to optimize on that. A lot of the, when I read a lot of the past minutes. It seemed like a lot of the focus, um, was looking at the budget and then also a lot of the programs that are happening. And when I read the mission statement, the 1st thing is really to connect the users of the community. And so to me, that's what I think would be, uh, the emphasis for the next coming years is to really figure out how the library can help become, um, or continue to be, you know, like a great resource for the community. Thank you.

[00:30:04] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you. And Eric, you're next for the, Thanks.

[00:30:10] Nerlich: Yeah, I, I'm just building on, uh, Christian's answer. I, I, I think the focus, the priorities should, I would say, would be in the realm of how do we, let's say, level the playing field? Like one of the beautiful things about a libraries, that's free. It's available to anybody in the community, no matter what their background. I'm fortunate that I've had a lot of privilege in my life and I've had access to a lot of sources of education and knowledge that other people don't have. And I would love to see the library be used as a way to empower other people who don't necessarily have access to that level of privilege and those resources to get a leg up and get started, especially in these days when, obviously, real estate prices are skyrocketing and uh, and uh, inequality is becoming more and more of an issue. Thanks. Thank you.

[00:30:59] Member Lucas Ramirez: Uh, Carol, you're next.

[00:31:05] Carol Donahue: Well, the library. There's many priorities for the coming year, because it serves many different communities, and uh, an example is the bookmobiles back in use, and so where is it stopping? you know, what communities is it serving what other communities could it be serving? Um, and then going back to COVID, you know, how open does, How relaxed do things, you know, want to be? Um, And what can the library do to welcome more people in because some people are still hesitant to go to public places? And so it's opening up. It's opening up and building, you know, a broader, stronger community in the coming year.

[00:31:57] Member Lucas Ramirez: Great. Thank you. And, uh, Sam, next.

[00:32:02] Sandra Gifford: Yes, well, I was very interested to hear people who have, uh, specific experience with libraries and experience with Mountain View. I would have to say that, um, my role, Might be a someone who wasn't a library person, although I've used many libraries in my uh, studies in my work. Um, so I might be a person that might give a point of view that, um, a library person who knows the ins and outs. Uh, you know, would not have. That can be useful. Also, I think I would give support to those ideas. Uh, too, and see how they would um, relate to our city and the people that are using the library. So I think my role would be advisory. Or getting data. Data entry. Great.

[00:33:11] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much. And uh, the final question. Eric, you'll start us off. What do you think would be likely areas of particular focus for you on the board?

[00:33:24] Nerlich: I honestly can't answer that question because I don't know what the responsibilities of the board specifically are, but I think I would start. I guess I would start by listening and learning and volunteering for whatever needs to happen and willing to roll up my sleeves and do what needs to be done. So, I mean, people, other people have mentioned budget being a thing. I've run budgets for very large organizations, so happy to get into budget details and the biggest question budgets is always prioritization. What's going to get resources and what doesn't. So that might, maybe budget would probably be the place I'd start because that's where I'm familiar and that's where my professional experience lies. Thank you very much And

[00:34:04] Member Lucas Ramirez: Carol, uh, you're next. Well,

[00:34:09] Carol Donahue: um, I'm a member of the friends of the library as well. I don't know if that's a conflict of interest if I would be on the board and working closely with them, but there, I observed their last report to the board. And They're increasingly raising more money again as things after COVID open up. And so, taking a closer look at, uh, the library's finances. as things open up, you know, um, impossible sources of funding. And again, making the library, responsive to the local community. Great, thank you.

[00:34:57] Member Lucas Ramirez: Next is Sandra.

[00:35:00] Sandra Gifford: I think that, uh, My role would be, uh, really similar to what, um, Eric said in terms of how I could help. Um, I, in my career, I've read lots of budgets, fairly large ones, but, but a lot of smaller ones. Uh, in, in law firms, uh, and I, I know, uh, what it takes to make, uh, an operation run and the people that, you know, participate there and the people that are using the library. I know the types of things that one has to do, all of this specific things, that the people with the library experience have been, um, pointing out. Great. Thank you very much.

[00:35:57] Member Lucas Ramirez: And then crept in your neck.

[00:36:02] Kristen Igaki: So, I believe the question is, what would I focus on, right, in the coming year? Is that correct?

[00:36:09] Member Lucas Ramirez: Yes.

[00:36:11] Kristen Igaki: Okay. Um, so at the beginning, I think I would spend a lot of time learning and, you know, kind of like reviewing what programs have been doing well and listening to others to really understand what other people who have, um, been running the program for a while feel is going well and not going well, right? To get a better sense of where I think that I can help influence things, feel that, um, a lot of the work that I do right now in my current job is really about figuring out how to make different teams and people work better together. And that's one of the things that I think that I would 1st initially focus on is where can we help improve things and, um, a lot of it generally ends up being collaboration. So. Thank you. Fantastic.

[00:37:03] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much. So that concludes uh, the interview portion for the board of library trustees and will be, um, the deliberation captured conclusion of all of the, so thank you very much for, uh, joining us and then, um, once the council, um, uh, has made the decision. I believe the city clerk uh clerk's office will uh be in touch with you. Any clarifying questions from the members of the committee? If not, thank you very much for joining. Thank you. I have next on the list, the bicycle and suggest for an advisory committee. And Eric remains, and then we'll be joined by Molly Smith and Johnstone.

[00:38:26] Unknown Speaker: We're gonna have to cycle some people in to see if one of the unnamed users is, uh, John. No worries.

[00:38:41] Member Lucas Ramirez: Technology is the bane of humanity.

[00:38:54] Unknown Speaker: Other John Stone's name could be Isaac. Yes,

[00:38:58] Member Lucas Ramirez: I think in his application, I think he goes by Isaac. Yeah,

[00:39:03] Unknown Speaker: there's no one in the waiting room by that name. Um, can I have the user UNA? Oh, Xavier? Okay, Xavier. I'm going to pop you back out into the waiting room and we'll come back to you in a minute. Thank you. Um, so unless Zoom user. Connects to audio and identifies themselves as John Stone, it does not look like we have. Um that person in the waiting room. Um,

[00:39:38] Member Lucas Ramirez: then, uh, we will, uh, if, if you have it, you know, somebody send it, a quick email, just to check in, um, but otherwise we can't wait too long, so we'll. send an email. Okay, thank you very much. Um, and it explains then, we'll figure it out later, but, um, we'll go get started. Um, so welcome, uh, uh, and welcome back, Eric. Uh, there are, uh, 4 questions and we'll conduct this round round style, um, and we'll start with, Eric. Uh oh one minute per spot per uh question per asking. Uh, Eric. uh why do you want to serve on the bicycle pedestrian advisory committee?

[00:40:25] Nerlich: Well, as I mentioned, I want to get back more to Mountain View in general, and I recently came across these volunteer opportunities as a way to do so. The bicycle pedestrian advisory committee is particularly meaningful to me because I am a pedestrian and avid bicyclist in Mountain View. I've chosen where I live specifically to be walkable to Castor Street, to walk to the library, to walk to stores. And for longer distances. I often take my bike as my main motor transportation, up to 5 to 10 miles, and I've had my kids on bikes now. And so creating a place where it's safe for my 4 year old to uh, bike around the city and for us all to walk around the city is really important to me. So, uh, I want to just have continued progress and making the streets safer for bicycles and pedestrians and have other people join me and having much less of a car centric lifestyle.

[00:41:19] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much. Uh, and question, and if you'd like me to repeat any questions, please let me know. Uh. You're you're still needed.

[00:41:41] Molly Smith: Did you say Molly?

[00:41:43] Molly: Yes.

[00:41:44] Molly Smith: Sorry, you're um, glitching a little bit.

[00:41:48] Molly: Oh, I'll see what I can. Um,

[00:41:53] Molly Smith: I'm kind of newer to the area and I'm also in a walking area, uh, commute area to downtown and I've really enjoyed. Um, being able to walk and bike places. I've seen little inconveniences and some of those problems that we could easily address, and I'd love to help with that, and I just want to make it as easily accessible and increase the walking ability and the biking ability around town would be. Michael. Thank you very much. And

[00:42:30] Member Lucas Ramirez: then for the 2nd question, Molly, you'll start us off, and uh, that is, uh, what are the 2 most important issues facing the bicycle pedestrian advisory committee, and how would you, as a committee member, go about resolving the issues? I

[00:42:46] Molly: would have to say um. Just the safety across the board, um, from car involvement and car interactions and pedestrian interactions, and how we're balancing that now around downtown being mainly walking. We're back introducing some of the lights. I've seen more cars run the lights downtown than I've seen people running the crosswalk lights now. Uh, it's getting a little bit confusing because I know that the cars aren't used to those lights being, um, traffic lights anymore and they don't treat them like traffic lights anymore. Um, it's a little bit dangerous. And um, just basically the safety and the sustainability in that regard, like keeping things. Approachable and pleasant in that regarding, encouraging. Yeah, biking and walking. Across town, things.

[00:43:47] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much. Eric.

[00:43:52] Eric: I think there's a couple things. I mean, one, there's, I've been working on the bike to this forum for a few years now, and I know El Camino Real keeps coming up as an issue that's not safe. It's just such a car heavy roadway. There's no way to bike on it, but yeah, there's a lot of retail and other things are only accessible in El Camino. So, I know there's a lot of work in progress. I know there's been work in Sunnyvale and Los Altos around what to do with El Camino, but I think um, that would be one area. That's one of the important issues is how do we start to transform that main thoroughfare into something more, some bike and pedestrian friendly? Um, as far as resolving it, I think it's, I think I need to get up to speed on all the work that's already been done and then start to look at, how do we account for all the different stakeholders, the merchant, the people that actually do have to drive here, and as well as the bicyclists and pedestrians that may want to use that thoroughfare. More broadly, I agree with, um, Mali on the safety issue. I think, you know, we all know what the, the bike accident that happened at uh, Grant and El Camino, with a teenager that got hit by a truck and how do we start making it just safer for people of all ages to bike around our city in a way that doesn't get them killed? And it's it's a tragedy. climeric. Thank you very much. Um,

[00:45:13] Member Lucas Ramirez: okay, so, well, now, move to item, uh, or question three. I'm still not seeing John or Isaac. Um, so we'll just keep pressing ahead and uh, Eric will start with this one. What suggestions do you have for improvements in our bicycle and pedestrian accommodations?

[00:45:35] Eric: Well, I should have been prepared for this question. Um. I think there's a few things that come to mind. I mean, One thing that comes to mind is we have limited bike racks in Caster Street, so it's often, it's kind of a, that we often see like 3 bicycles trying to bike, walk to the same rack because there's, there's just not enough in the, the highest traffic areas. So that's one thing that comes to mind. Um, I think, there, the other thing is like, there's no on-ramp for people that don't know their way around Mountain View in this way. So, like, I've, I've kind of figured out where all the bike routes are, and I've developed that through knowledge and working with, and following on, following other bikers, basically. But if you don't know that, all you see is even the bike directions are not very good. So, I think that's another area going back to the safety issue. Part of it is that how do we like create more accommodations, but part of it is also giving the resources to the community so that they know what resources are already available and can use them to get to where they're trying to go. So, I'll leave it at that

[00:46:40] Member Lucas Ramirez: for now. Thank you. Molly.

[00:46:45] Molly: Um, I'm gonna start with my 1st one that got me interested in this. There is, I live right next to um, Central Expressway, and right next to Castro and Central Expressway. And there's the construction going on at blocking the driving, going into Castro. Uh, they have blockades. And they have this much space for pedestrians, and they have half foot blockaded, which is very interesting because when there's high traffic times, There's a flow of pedestrians and bikes, and then they all bottleneck, and they're stuck in the road, in, um, on the expressway, walking 2 lanes, because they have to try to maneuver around each other, and it's just like, well, why do we have this blockade here when we actually want to block cars from turning down this road? We shouldn't be blocking pedestrian traffic. We shouldn't make this bottleneck situation where we're leaving strollers and bikes and children and people trying to go into Castro. Like trying to maneuver around this blockade in the main pedestrian walkway.

[00:47:53] Molly: Well, I know your time. Thanks.

[00:47:57] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much. Uh, and then the uh, final question. Uh, Molly will start us with this one. What do you think should be the priorities for the board? Uh or the committee in the coming few years? Um.

[00:48:19] Molly: Obviously, safety and just encouraging the availability and excess. Um, as, Uh, Eric said, like, it's hard to find some of these paths and access to the paths and where they come out and all these things. Um. Information is, Greatly encouraged and and really, helps, boost other people being interested in biking, or walking to places, if they know that they can get there safely, and if it's a pleasant walk rather than like, uh, trash littered or, you know, unpleasant way, then more people are going to walk, and more people are going to bike, if it's. information that they need to learn the ways or, you know, just feeling safer in those paths and right of ways. Great.

[00:49:17] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much. And then, Eric.

[00:49:19] Eric: Yeah, similarly, I think, um, generally increasing non-driver trips. More bike trips, more pedestrian trips. I feel like that's the measure of success for this committee. Um, because there's a, There's a positive flywheel effect here. I mean, we know from places like Amsterdam that the more once it starts to become more mainstream for people to use bikes as a main mode of transport, then more people start feeling safer to use it, and then it becomes more, and then there's more infrastructure built for it, and it's just a positive flywheel effect. And I think the more we can do to get people visibly using these, these, um, the resources we have and and creating more accommodations for bikes and pedestrians and making it more normal. Um, I think that would be the way that and that could include making it safer, making more information more accessible, as Molly said. And, um, yeah, generally just finding ways to make make the choke points, the bottlenecks where, uh, things are unsafe today, uh, more safe so that people don't get trapped by on one side of El Camino, one kind of central or one side of 85. Those are the 3 that are really hard to get across. You don't know what you're doing. Yeah, that's okay. Thanks. Great. Thank

[00:50:32] Member Lucas Ramirez: you both very much. Uh, so we will, uh, conduct the, uh, discussion and make the selections after all of the interviews are completed for all of the committees. Um, and uh, somebody from the city clerk's office will be in touch with you. Um, at the conclusion of that process. And uh, so now, um, so thanks to you again for, for your interest in, in, uh, the B pack. We'll now move on to the human relations commission, so Molly, I believe you will continue uh to participate in the panel. And then, um, if we can bring in all of the other, applicants. Um, so I think that should be, everyone, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven. Oh, right, great. Uh so welcome everyone. Thank you for your interest in the human relations commission. Um, I'm going to ask uh, 5 questions uh in a round robin style. Um, and uh, each applicant will have one minute to respond to each question. Um, and then, uh, we will proceed to the next committee, and then after all of the committee, applicants that do interview, the, uh, council appointments review committee, uh, will determine, uh, which applicants to, uh, recommend to the, the city council for, uh, for approval. So uh, I'll go ahead and ask the 1st question and Jo- Jocelyn Baird will be uh the 1st uh, to respond and the question is, why do you want to serve on the human relations commission? and what do you think would be likely areas of particular focus for you on the commission?

[00:52:49] Jocelyn Baird: Ooh, all right, kicking it off. Hi everyone um. I'm Jocelyn. Um, so, Why I want to serve on human relations commission, the short answer is that I love Mountain View. I love being involved here and I've been kind of looking for ways to get more involved and this kind of seems like a good step. I've seen the projects that have been worked on and stuff that I think is really cool and I want to be a part of. Um, in terms of areas of particular interest to me, um, Probably the, Housing, I would say, I mean, the history of housing event really made an impact on me. I thought that was super interesting and then, um, also just, um, sort of making sure that, that, um, folks that need social safety net services are able to access them. Um, I, I'm on the board of CSA and so, That's something that I'm pretty passionate about as well.

[00:53:42] Member Lucas Ramirez: Fantastic. Thank you very much. And Sandra, you are the next, uh, applicant.

[00:53:48] Sandra: Yes, hello everyone. Actually, um, Jocelyn took my the 1st half of my response. I, um, I've lived in Mountain View for 10 years. Um, I've lived on the east coast, but I'm from the Middle West. I've lived in California for 20 years. And I love Mountain View. I have been, um, gainfully employed for a long time. And um, I would like to do something. Um, that would use some skills and experience that I have. I was in human resources which is not exactly the same as human relations. But it is, for law firms, um, and working things with, uh, people, uh, so that, uh, people, uh, get what they need. And also, um, I, I, I was in the administration of law firm. Standard. this time.

[00:54:54] Member Lucas Ramirez: Okay. Thank you very much. Uh, and Eric, you are next. Thank you.

[00:55:03] Eric Weicon: Good evening, everyone. My name is Eric Weicon. I, uh, I can't say I've lived here for 10 years, but I have fallen in love with Mountain View. Completed my 1st year living here, but have worked with the community services agency prior to that. And I gotta say, I've fallen in love, not only with the community, but also the services that until that come with that. Um, long story short, I just want to continue to serve the community, those in desperate need, especially the RV communities who are uh, still trying to find ways to uh, help themselves in repairing their vehicles or be in an appropriate place to be able to reside in, uh, without getting harassed, um, even with uh, 3 day eviction notices, uh, making sure they are folks in mouth to be staying mouth and view and continue to be housed. Um, So, and I'll pause right there. Thank you. Thank you very much.

[00:55:58] Member Lucas Ramirez: Molly, you are next. Molly, um,

[00:56:05] Molly: I'm gonna be on the same track as Jocelyn there. I want to be more involved and I Also recognize that it's kind of hard to find out information that's going on around me. Um, I know that I live downtown, and it should be pretty easy access or, you know, information, but I've had quite a few different, um, roadblocks, and I want to make sure that everyone gets information and access to what's going on, and I would love to be part of positive changes. Paramopia.

[00:56:42] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much. Ida Rose, you are next.

[00:56:47] Ida Rose: It's wonderful to be here with all of you tonight. It's really exciting to hear everyone's answers. Um, why I want to serve and actually continue to serve the last 4.5 years have been very, very powerful years for me. In my longtime residency in Mountain View, bringing voices to people who haven't necessarily always had their issues or their voices heard in the community. Bringing our community together, especially through the time of COVID, when people needed each other so much. It's just been a very powerful thing for me. Um, and I've learned that I'd like to focus on 2 things. One bringing more partnerships to the HRC so we can be stronger through working with others. And to continue to bring more diverse conversations to the table so that people can really learn more from each other. and continue to see how many people can learn about and benefit from the HRC.

[00:57:37] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you. Thank you. And then next is Xavier.

[00:57:48] Xavier: Hi everyone. Um, I won't say that I love Mountain View. I say I live in Mountain View. Um, that's just the catch all for that I feel and one thing that I do bring is a perspective that, um, that I, a different experience than others, that have been sitting on a commission. I'm currently on a commission. Um, Been on for the last year. I'm sitting on, I've done. I'm on 2 subcommittees now. I was part of the housing. I'm part of the housing and security commission as well. But I like doing this because this is what I'm supposed to do. I'm supposed to help people. I've been put in a position to help people. So I'm here to help people. And this committee is an opportunity to do that and do it in a big way. No areas of focus, just hit in and where I fit in. I did the multicultural event last year. Um, and I'll continue. Okay, that's your time. Thank

[00:58:59] Member Lucas Ramirez: thank you very much. And then, uh, Lee. You'll be the last on this question. You're mute, you're mutedly.

[00:59:15] Lee Zhang: Sorry. Um, my name's Lee Zhang, um. I'm, actually, the 1st time I get to know this, uh, commission, uh, was, uh, through the, the housing, uh, history of housing. I was very impressed about the presentation and the dialogue I had during that commission meeting. Um, my, I would like to, um, I would like to, uh, if I'm selected for this commission, I would like to bring, um, uh, in more a Chinese community and Asian community into this commission. I felt like we, we're not engaged enough for some reason. Um, I think, uh, this, this is, I would definitely like to, uh, breach the dialogue be, between different diverse groups and with my involvement and with my outrage too, um, to the, to the communities, um, Um, my main reason want to apply for this is um, understanding, you know, the, the other, you know, the broad, broader communities.

[01:00:21] Member Lucas Ramirez: Um, I that's your time. Okay, thank you.

[01:00:26] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much. And uh, so Sandra, you will start us off with the next question, which is, what are the most pressing human relations needs in our community? Okay. Um,

[01:00:41] Sandra: well, I think that, uh, Housing would be one you, you all have mentioned that several times. Plus, I also read the report on the immigration services. Uh, and I found it very, interesting, and I was, um, encouraged that a town would go, to the, um, trouble of doing this because I've lived in a lot of different places, and I've not always had access to the committees or whoever was doing things. And when you rely only on, um, news reports, You really don't have a good idea of what's going on. So I want to be involved in what's going on. So I can, um, Help uh, defend it or improve it if I need to.

[01:01:44] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much. And Eric, you are next. All right, thank you. Um,

[01:01:50] Eric: yeah, I think one of the pressing uh, issues facing when it comes to human relations is just that dialogue, right, in building those sustainable relationships with our community. I mean, I think one of the biggest impacts I seen was, uh, though the city made its big strides into informing the community, especially the RB community, about measure seed, there was many people who felt like they were left out of the conversation, and thus felt that if we had constructed a dialogue between us, law enforcement in the city, and I get also there was, uh, some legal, uh, limits that we were able to implement there, we were, we would probably have had a smoother transition with all those things. Uh, immigration being another one with all our refugees, right, from Ukraine and Colombia, being another issue that knowing that we, as, have one agency, which is your CSA, and they're not really well equipped to handle such a huge influx of people, let alone having all those reaches resources available to them. And I think, uh, yeah, uh... Thank you. Thank

[01:02:57] Member Lucas Ramirez: you, and Molly, you are next. You're, you're meeting. Alright, can you repeat the question? Yeah, I just want to make sure you got the right points. No problem. What are the most pressing human relations needs in our community?

[01:03:13] Molly: I would have to say communication is tough because I know that there are a lot of resources and I know that there are a lot of community organizations and different things going on, but I have to say that I have been, Having a rough time trying to find out information under a few different circumstances. I've even gone to, um, city hall, and try to maneuver my way around city hall was actually very difficult. Um, there's just been kind of, Blockades here and there that could, really be smoothed over and made information accessible to a lot more people. Um, So people can access the needs or the support and Different options that they need themselves if they know where to go. Um. That would be my priority, actually. Thank you very much. And

[01:04:08] Member Lucas Ramirez: then uh, Ida Rose, you are next. Um,

[01:04:13] Ida Rose: I view it a few different ways. Now I'm feeling like I'm echoing some of the other folks, but, uh, the ability to create dialogue in our community among people who normally don't talk to each other, don't have a chance to talk to each other, uh, the HRC in the last couple of years has worked with nonprofits, with Mountain View police, with all aspects of our community, different kinds of community organizations. So when Eric said, dialogue is the key to the HRC success going forward, but on specific issues, I think continuing to understand, um, the impact of housing shortages in our in our community, how they impact folks is really important. Um, and we have, we have done a lot of work on race and understanding race. and starting to look at things like hate crimes in our community, which are on the rise among the Asian Pacific Islander community. There's been some anti-Semitic issues. So really deep diving into what's going on in our community and teaching people how to respond is really important for the HRC going forward. Xavier, you're next.

[01:05:22] Xavier: I always look at. This question is on listen and and and open-ended question where It it depends on perspective. It depends on the lived experience that you've had. As a commissioner. Um, whereas, you know, I've never had an issue with being homeless. I've never had an issue with, with race. So these are different lived experiences. But as a commission, I've always thought of the, the, the, the, the commission should be a place and should strive to be a place where people come to and and see that the city of Mountain View has compassion. So that's something that, that's, that, we need to continue to build. That reputation as a compassionate commission that helps the city of Mountain View spread their message. Thank you very much.

[01:06:20] Member Lucas Ramirez: Lee, you are next.

[01:06:24] Lee Zhang: Yes, I want to continue on that subject of compassion. I think um, to have compassion for each other, you really have to understand each other. Um, I really like the mission for um, HRC that's the dialogue. I, I think the depressing issue is, um, you know, people, some, some, if people from, some communities are not really understanding. Um, the other, the needs of the other communities or, so that's why they were, um, I think the misunderstanding or don't really understand the way each other's are coming from. Are the fundamental present issues. Um, to have people have compassion with each other. And I, I want to bridge, uh, the, the dialogue between different groups and different communities so people would have better understanding of each other. So, um, have compassion with each other to help each other out. Uh, build one community for all. Now, uh, being segregated and, you know, just look out for your own race or own communities, uh, interests. Thank you. Yeah. Thank you very much. And uh,

[01:07:39] Member Lucas Ramirez: Jocelyn, um, this is for question two, what are the most pressing human relations needs in our community? Or next? Oh

[01:07:46] Jocelyn: gosh, okay. Big question. Um. I mean. We could get really granular and that's part of what I look forward to, you know, if I'm participating on this commission, I want to learn more about the specifics of the various issues. Um, but I think in general, um, going on that theme of compassion of helping kind of identify what are the different groups in Mountain View, who's not feeling heard, how can we bring more people together to, you know, um, Facilitate connection, public discussion. Um, yeah, I think just making it more transparent and accessible for a variety of folks to understand what's going on in their community and feel like they have a say in it. Fantastic. Thank you. So

[01:08:38] Member Lucas Ramirez: now we'll proceed to question 3. And we'll start with Eric. What types of experience do you have that particularly prepare you to serve on this commission? Uh,

[01:08:56] Eric: where do I start? Uh, boots on the ground. Honestly, I remember when the notices were being sent out about the implementation of marriage HC. I was out there knocking on those RV doors and building those relationships and notifying them about what are some possible steps they can pick, partnering up with Malia from reach potential as well, and even have someone here, uh, uh, Jocelyn, who walked with me and notifying a lot of these folks about the things that were happening on, uh, working on the inviction health center as well and connecting them with resources, not only locally here in Mountain View, but anywhere else inside our county or outside. I'm not sure how I'm doing for time, but those are some of the things and if not more, I've done here. Uh, within the community. Thank you. Molly, you're next. Um

[01:09:46] Molly: Uh, mainly just living here and experiencing it. I've definitely felt on the outside before, and I've definitely felt on the inside before of different interactions within the city and the people of the city. And I think that. Just being aware of that, you know, they're different times to be aware of another person's interpretation of an experience, versus your own interpretation of an experience, or your own experience, in that regard, and, Being ready to look from another person's perspective. Great. Thank you. And

[01:10:27] Member Lucas Ramirez: Ida Rose, you're next. Um,

[01:10:33] Ida Rose: several things. Um, I, my work in the community doesn't begin and end with the HRC. I like to work on the kinds of issues that impact our community with other nonprofit partners. I'm always engaged. I'm on the board of several nonprofits in Mountain View covering everything from history to mental health to environmental sustainability, and I always try to wrap those other ideas into what the work HRC does and the work around equity of HRC into the work I do with those organizations. Um, I also have extensive relationship, building experiences across nonprofits, different community groups, different types of people in our community after living here over 20 years. Um, and I have a lot of experience running community events, both for HRC and in my own personal business, a lot of training and facilitation experience. Fastic, thank you. And Xavier, you're next. Again, uh. I've,

[01:11:33] Xavier: I've actually, I'm currently doing things with the HRC right now, so that's current experience. But prior to that, and continually doing other stuff with nonprofits, that, um, I run a program with the United Nations Association, uh, that does programs up and down the peninsula, uh, working with them on a variety of topics, not only human relations, uh, But also in other areas that are related to United Nations sustainability goals. So I've had experience working with different committees, different commissions, different leaderships, working with different people towards a common goal, looking at things from a different perspective. There you go. Thank you. Lee, your next. Yes, um, I,

[01:12:27] Lee Zhang: um, as you guys probably already know, and I immigrated into the US 30 years ago. So I came here with nothing. So I really deeply understand how people would have felt if, you know, with nothing, basically uh, start from ground 0. How you have to supposedly build your life uh, in the States. I feel very fortunate. I have the opportunity to go through graduate school and made my way. Um, in Mountain View and I've lived here for 20 years. So I've served, um, in the, in the school board as well as in the commu- uh, alumni association for UC San Diego. So, I have capacity to offreach to the communities and um, uh, doing all kinds of uh, coordination for communities. Um, so I do think with my ability of understanding where people are coming from as well as I've served on many different uh, school uh, boards as well as the Boy Scout, troop uh, community services. So, I think I hope I'm qualified for this commission. Yeah, thank you. Mm-hmm. Um, and

[01:13:37] Member Lucas Ramirez: then we'll um, proceed now to Jocelyn, you're next.

[01:13:43] Jocelyn: Relevant experience. Um, Definitely some passive relevant experience in the sense that um, I was born and raised in Mountain View. I have lived here my whole life, with the exception of when I was in college, and um, got to see it really change rapidly before my eyes. Um, And I just, I love it here. I grew up being involved downtown um, and I have always just enjoyed being part of this community in terms of more specific experience. Uh, I like being out and about in the community. Eric mentioned, you know, volunteer work with community services agency. Um, trying to connect with other groups. Also in my professional life, I specialize in outreach, um, businesses, multifamily developments, uh, schools and special events trying to teach folks how to recycle and compos. So, I spend a lot of time meeting strangers and trying to like have a conversation and feel out where we have common ground to try and figure out. You know, how can we work together to make their business or their community more sustainable. And I like it. I like the kind of, The challenge and the interest of it. I think there's a lot of cool stories out here. Thank you. Sandra, you're next.

[01:14:55] Sandra: I would, um, say that the experience that I've had is a long time with dealing with individuals and how they relate to an organization or a government. And what I've learned over that time, Is it? It's a one person at a time. job. That, that people are not defined totally by their race or their sex or how much money they make, and that when you approach, uh, people you, you 1st have to understand where they're coming from, and then you might have a chance of making a change. Thank you very much. And

[01:15:43] Member Lucas Ramirez: uh, with the consent of the committee. I'm going to combine the last 2 questions, and we'll start with Molly. What do you think the job of the human relations commission should be and what do you think? The the priorities be for the commission in the coming few years.

[01:16:04] Molly: I. Believe that the commission's doing some great work already with their uh, immigrant research and surveys. Uh, it was very informational for me to read them. I in, I hope that they continue to do, more inclusion, more active involvement on those topics and helping everyone feel like part of this community and that this community is welcoming to them. Um, being open access to everybody in the community so that, They can feel like Mountain View is for them. Thank you.

[01:16:48] Member Lucas Ramirez: Ida Rose is next.

[01:16:51] Ida Rose: Keep forgetting, I have to unmute myself. Um, I mean, I think the job of the HRC is to provide a voice for everyone in our community and for all of the issues facing people in there, in their daily lives, particularly when we can shine light on corners of our community that are often in the darkness. Um, And that can change over time, but there are always groups in our community who, whose stories are not known. So I think giving a voice to everybody's stories is one of the key, maybe the key job of the HRC. And in the future, I honestly think we just need to continue to expand our reach to make sure we do find all those corners. I think we've done a great job reaching some populations, but I think we haven't reached everybody. We haven't talked about all the issues like age or gender discrimination in our community. There's so much more to do when you have such diverse and fairly large population. Thank you. Thank you. Is it me? No, Z,

[01:17:58] Member Lucas Ramirez: and then, and then you, after Xavier. Okay. Yeah. Um,

[01:18:04] Xavier: the job of the commission, I see it as twofold. One, we are liaison. For the city council. So we're helping spread that message from from the perspective of the city council. But we also have to be from a liaison from the from the community as well. So this is why we attend the local events. This is why we attend the, the, the, the, the, the committee meetings for different pockets of in the community. So we can have an ear to the ground on that side, but also have an ear to the, to from the commission, from the city's perspective as well. So that's our role. Uh, as far as seeing things uh, in the future. You don't know what the future holds. So as a commission, we sit together and we discuss these things from everyone's different perspectives. So things may shift over time. So I don't, I never say that this is what the commission's going to do in the next 3 to 5 years because in 3 to 5 years, things will change. And we need to be mobile. Time, safe, care.

[01:19:13] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much.

[01:19:15] Member Lucas Ramirez: Lee, you're next.

[01:19:17] Lee Zhang: Yes, hi, um, I, I, I think it might be good, uh, if we can include uh, the ideology of sustainability and as well as a cool block, uh, into with the HRCs that people can actually share what they have, as well as, you know, being more sustainable, because I see the neighborhood that have been involving, um, become more diversified. So if we can uh, you know, uh, outreach even more to the neighborhood association, you know, doing more activities altogether. So we were have one community, people were have more much better understanding of each other by doing different kind of activities. Yeah, that's what I imagine for the next year or two. Thank you.

[01:20:00] Member Lucas Ramirez: Great. Thank you very much. And uh, now, Jocelyn, you're next. Yeah, for. Priorities

[01:20:11] Jocelyn Baird: that I think HRC should focus on for the next few years. Um. I don't want to get lost in the weeds because I, you know, I always have 1000000 ideas and I just want to talk about all the things that I think would be neat and I would love to do, but in general, um, I want to, would like it to continue to serve as a forum for public discussion. I mean, I think events are really powerful. Um, not just because I like events, but also like, for example, the history of housing event, um, kind of compiling a body of knowledge and sort of, um, making, not just, not necessarily an argument about our history, but just sort of presenting folks with, hey, here's stories that you might not have known about, and I think the really important thing is to represent it. Don't just wait for them to come to us or expect them to be plugged in enough to know that if they want their voices heard. They have to show up at this place or send an email to this, to this place. Um, I want us to be proactive to try and bring more folks, bring more folks into um, our networks.

[01:21:17] Member Lucas Ramirez: Great, thank you. And Sandra, you're next.

[01:21:22] Sandra: I've been thinking, um, that the project on immigration, uh, housing. And, um, other things are not the kind of thing that you, You do a project and then that's it. It has to stay alive. And, and it has to, to, continue on. I'm also very interested in the, um, minimum income that, Mountain View proposed for certain people. Um, to follow something like that. In other words, these things are not separate. That, you know, we do them in 22, but then in 23 we're doing something else. It seems like we're doing everything every year.

[01:22:10] Member Lucas Ramirez: To me. Thank you. Eric, you're next. Thank you. Um, I

[01:22:22] Eric Weicon: think that the role of the human relations commission, it's really to be a bridge between, uh, information misinformation to be able to be advocates for community members who aren't able to really represent themselves or really share their own narratives in spaces that the city definitely, um, provides for them to be able to do so, right? I believe that, uh, based off what's essential. Of course, housing is going to be one of them, uh, sustainability, uh, environmental friendliness, now, especially given the climate change, and things of that sort. But honestly, I think upon my time here, it's really providing a needs assessment based off all the different cultural groups that we have here and seeing what truly is it that they need, what, how do they, do they feel that they've been seen, if not. How can we improve that as the human relations commission?

[01:23:15] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you. Thank you very much. And that concludes the interviews for the Human Relations Commission. Thank you all for applying. Um, and uh, so once again, the, uh, the, subcommittee will, uh, make recommendations at the conclusion of all of the interviews and, uh, the city clerk's office will be in touch with you, um, after the, the process has concluded. So thank you again and we'll proceed now to uh parks and recreation. Um, very much and I understand uh I believe Isaac has joined us so uh because there are only 3 applicants in Parks and Rec uh we'll go ahead and include him and I'll just tailor. There are a couple of questions that are different but some are the same uh so we'll just um make sure that he gets the B pack questions. Uh and please hold me accountable if I fail. Uh so let's see or we've got. Olga, Jessica, Isaac, and I believe we're waiting for Ronit. There she is. Once Renee has connected to audio, we'll go ahead and welcome everyone. Uh, thank you for applying uh, to the Parks and Recreation Commission and then, um, Isaac, we've included you as well. Um, I'm gonna go ahead and tailor the B pack questions to you. Um a couple of the questions are the same. This will be conducted uh through around Robin. Um each applicant will have one minute to respond to each question. Um, and then, uh, once we've concluded, these interviews will proceed to the next committee and at the conclusion of all of the interviews. Uh, the subcommittee will then, uh, deliberate and make recommendations to the council for the appointments and the city clerk's office will be in touch with you at the end of that process. Uh so we'll go ahead and um start uh. Interview with um Olga Bright and the 1st question is, why do you want to serve on the parks and recreation commission, and what do you think would be likely areas of particular focus for you on the commission? Olga, you're you're muted.

[01:25:44] Olga: Can you hear me?

[01:25:45] Member Lucas Ramirez: Yes, we can. Okay. Um,

[01:25:48] Olga: I'm delighted to be a Mountain View resident. I'm so impressed with the commitment that people in the past have given, um, to making it such a wonderful, uh, community with all the, um, trails. Um, and all the parks. Uh, and the shoreline park, you know, is just outstanding. Um, and I would like to, you know, continue that. Uh, great initiative. Um, and I think one thing that I was thinking would be really, Wonderful if we could, makes, gonna connect some of the parks that exist, or by either by adding trails between them. So, and also, um, I'm very interested in, uh, increasing the urban, uh, the tree canopy of mountain view, and I was thinking that maybe putting some trees along some of the, Trails would be a wonderful addition.

[01:26:52] Member Lucas Ramirez: Um, That's your time, Oga. Thank you very much. A minute goes by quickly. Renee, you are next. Yes,

[01:27:02] Renee: so in the, there's some coming year, the Parks and Rec is going to be looking at the strategic plan, the uh, biodiversity plan, and the urban tree, master plan, or urban forestry plan, whatever we're calling it these days. And I've been involved in all of these, and and helping push them in a, somewhat new direction, and I'm, I would very much like to participate in. In writing them now, in in gathering the information, in gathering input from the community. And in coming up with plants that will really direct what we do in the city. And mainly, to kind of, So that we don't do things in silos, but get all the planning for both how we grow as a city and the parks and our services altogether in one plan, with with a strong structure for moving forward immediately.

[01:28:13] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much. Jessica, you're next. Hi,

[01:28:18] Jessica: everyone. Um, So I'm, I'm eager to serve on the PRC, um, because it'll have an impact on the short and long-term plans of the city, um, the health and well-being, and economy and quality of life of our community. Um, I bring a geographic and demographic diversity. Um, to the commission. I live in Monteloma, North Mountain View. I'm of the median age demographic within Mountain View. I have 2 young children who are major users of our city's recreation services. I also have, my mother-in-law lives with us half the year from India. Um, and, you know, I believe that our um, parks and recreation can start a wider population and um, be more representative of our community on the PRC. Um, I also believe the parks and rec strategic plan and biodiversity strategy. Um, and urban forest plan is I think it's called right now. Um, will be really key to the community long term. Um, I've invested a lot of, um, time and energy to learn about this space, um, and what's um, happening in our community. It's your time, Jessica. Okay, well, thank you. Thank you very much. Um,

[01:29:32] Member Lucas Ramirez: and Isaac, same question, but for the B pack. Yes,

[01:29:39] Isaac: uh, and and thank you for, uh, I apologize for my darkness. Thank you for taking the time. Um, Yeah, so I'm interested in, I guess my, my main interest is the safety of the streets. Um, as someone who walks and bikes and often with my daughter, uh, having the streets be safer, is, uh, a very strong interest to me. I also would really like to see walkability increased in the city just because a walkable city is a good city. Um, I've walked around. I think almost every neighborhood in Mountain View now, I haven't been to Springer Trees yet. But I really enjoy walking around the city and seeing the different neighborhoods and thinking about just what, what can, what's good, what's working, and what could potentially be improved. And I'd like to, if I can help and share my thoughts, uh, I guess that's it.

[01:30:48] Member Lucas Ramirez: You very much. I will now proceed to the 2nd question, and Rene will start us off. What are your thoughts on programs or classes that you would like to see offered through our recreation program? Um.

[01:31:04] Renee: I don't have a list of programs or classes that I'd like to see offered. My, my main interest is thinking with stab, about ways to provide classes. Uh, not only the community center. For example, there are classes being offered in mini parks, and they're not necessarily through the city, they're through nonprofits, and it would be fascinating to see if we could do some more of that. You know, as we add neighborhood parks at services in the parks. And part of the strategic plan is hearing from the community. What other classes we need, what other services we need? So I'm looking forward. To hearing that from the community.

[01:31:54] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you. And Jessica is next. Yeah,

[01:32:01] Jessica: um, like Ronnie, I also think that a major part of the strategic plan is hearing from the community as to what they want, whether it's pickleball or, um, uh, you know, more, um, different types of, um, water aerobics or swimming classes and whatnot. Um, but I also think that just in general, bringing our current recreation programs to a wider range of people. Um, in different languages or offering, uh, programs to, um, you know, babies. Most of our rec programs are um, 3 and up, for example, or to um, our seniors or um, parent and grandparent caretakers. I'd like to see more of our programs adapted and brought to places to parks or downtown or other places that serve a wider population in the community. Thank you.

[01:32:51] Member Lucas Ramirez: Olga, you're next.

[01:32:53] Olga: Well, um, I'm active user of the tennis in, um, Cuesta. And also, I sometimes play at Ringstorf. Um, and I know that there's some, um, demand for pickleball. Um, and, um, so I think that, that's probably going to expand in certain parks in, in, um, mountain view. Um, but I think that, you know, I also noticed the other day when I was at Cuesta, that there was quite a group of people doing kind of like Pilates or something with their babies in a stroller. I thought that was quite innovative. Um, somebody was leading a class and the women had a stroller in front of them. Um, and they were doing this, these exercise. So, obviously, um, there's a demand for, you know, perhaps new forms of recreation that would accommodate people in different, um, age groups and family, you know, family stage of family life. Um, that I think we could uh, work on.

[01:34:03] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much. Uh, Isaac, uh, what are the 2 most important issues facing the B pack and how would you, as a committee member, go about resolving the issues?

[01:34:17] Isaac: Uh. Um, that, that, that's a, that's a, a good question. One of the problems. Not for feedback, but kind of for the city as a whole is just the lack of staff time. Uh, and how that kind of setbacks a lot sets back. A lot of timelines. And in, uh, kind of for the bicycle and pedestrian improvements, that's exacerbated by, I, again, the need for traffic studies for almost every improvement, it feels like. Um, I think that the work that's being done, uh, in the BPAC and in the Mountain View is good. There's a lot of good bicycle, pedestrian improvements coming down the pipeline, a lot of the new stuff like, uh, uh, just, just, uh, right by my house uh, on Calderon. these brand new pikelines are great. Um,

[01:35:14] Eric: a lot of stuff come down the pipe and

[01:35:16] Isaac: a lot of it's really good. Um, but the, the process is slow, and then another big challenge is a lot of the easy stuff has been done.

[01:35:26] Member Lucas Ramirez: That's your time, thank you. Uh, no worries. Uh, but we'll proceed now to uh, the 3rd question and we'll start with Jessica. Which demographic group do you feel has the greatest need for programs?

[01:35:44] Jessica: I think all demographic groups need programs. If your question is which ones need more programs, um, I think that, um, you know, our, our seniors could probably be provided more programs, um, I think also our, um, our young, young, you know, babies could be provided more opportunities as well. But, um, you know, that's something that's personally, but our seniors could be provided more offerings outside of the senior center, um, especially, um, where they have, um, access to transportation to get to them, whether it's downtown or in other locations around the city or within our parks. I think that that's an area that we can grow in our offerings.

[01:36:27] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you. And Olga, you're next.

[01:36:32] Olga: Um. Yeah, I mean, I'm, I'm very impressed at all the programs that run for seniors that are run at the community center there on, um, Renstorff. Um, I don't, I don't, I think I would, I did go once to a, uh, aerobics class there. I felt kind of like it needed to be improved. I mean, I can't say, I shouldn't generalize from one. But there was a certain. Sleepiness about it or something. Um, that, um, maybe we could do something to make them more attractive and more, A little bit more dynamic. Um. Um. Yeah. And I noticed that, for example, um, on, uh, the quest of grounds, a lot of older people do walk, um, around near the tennis courts there, it's a very dry area, um, most of the year. And I thought at that area, for example, could be more inviting and more people just enjoy walking there.

[01:37:43] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much. Uh, and, um, Renee, you're next.

[01:37:50] Renee: Yes, I I don't know that there's, I have. I know. That's what the strategic plan is for. We need to hear what the community has to say. Who, we need to look at the numbers, how many people are using our services. I am very proud of the of the teen center that we have and the wonderful programming that we have there. And I, personally, feel that I see very few teens and proteins downtown. I would love to see services for kids. In many places, I'd love to see kids being able to, like our, our, we close Castro. In some downtowns, you see a lot of kids in their downtowns and ours won't barely see any. So, I don't have a group that I would want to offer more services to. That's what we have a certificate plan for to think this through.

[01:38:54] Member Lucas Ramirez: Great. Thank you. And Isaac, your question is, what suggestions do you have for improvements in our bicycle and pedestrian accommodation?

[01:39:05] Isaac: Um. Well, I, I, I like a lot of the stuff that the, the city is doing in the direction that it's going and one of the big problems is, as, as I was going to say, the, the easy stuff has been done and the difficult stuff is, is difficult. For example, that I think a lot about, uh, my daughter goes to, uh, Landl's, and there's no easy, safe way for kids in the, in the, all right, Sylvan Park area, to get to Landl's, right? There's only the Dana Street Bridge, which is kind of a, not a safe place for kids to be biking. Uh so. But there's no easy, like there's no simple solution to that. problem. Um, and like improving walkability in kind of the more dense areas of mountain view, you think of a scuela or Sierra Vista Avenue, those are very dense areas, but also are lacking a lot in pedestrian, because of just kind of how it is historically, and making those areas more walkable and bike friendly is a difficult problem.

[01:40:15] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much. Uh, and the final question, uh, is what do you think should be the priorities for the commission or committee in the coming few years and we'll start with Olga?

[01:40:31] Olga: Oh, I think, you know. It always comes down to budget. Um, and, you know, if we have a limitless budget, that would be great. Um. I, I, I mean, I really want to, um, focus on the areas, um, such as, um, uh, Thompson and Rainstorf areas, for example, which, um, don't have the, um, 3 acres for a, per 1000 residents. Um, all the development that's taking place around middle field and Met in, in, in the last couple of years along Ringstorf here. Um. Has put a lot of pressure on, for example, the Monte Loma. This isn't one example of the Monteloma school because we share that park. Right? The Montalong school with the Montalonga community. Um, and um, so I'm really delighted that I understand the cities and negotiation by some properties. Um, and to make a linear park. Um, with Thetis. But, um, that kind of idea. I really want to push, you know, I would be very keen to push that forward. That's your time.

[01:41:44] Member Lucas Ramirez: Okay, thank you very much. And remit is next.

[01:41:49] Renee: Yeah, so, so in the next year, hopefully, no more than that, the Parkson Rec needs to focus on the, on the strategic plan. And on the biodiversity plan and on the urban forest plan. And make sure that we have both a long term vision and a vision for the immediate future. Where we know where we're heading, but we also have actions that are connected to financing that will improve the situation. With the canopy, for example, immediately. And uh, and and use all the new tools. That are available for for mapping the city for seeing where more canopies needed, where more parks are needed. Um, so, so, have an overarching vision and have the processes and procedures that will make it possible for us to get there.

[01:42:51] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much. I am Jessica, you're next.

[01:42:57] Jessica: Yeah, um, I think, um, focusing on the strategic plan, the parks and rec, um, strategic plan as well as the biodiversity and urban forest, um, plan are the key, um, key areas that the PRC should be focusing on. But not just creating a plan. It needs to be a realistic plan that has a strategy for financing and implementation. Um, these are long, long range plans, um, with challenging land use problems to, um, resolve, um, and challenging finance problems to, you know, find creative solutions for. Um, I think Mountain View has some great opportunities in ways we can use our existing lands and, you know, and survey our, um, our areas and look at our new census data to determine where we need parks and utilize maybe land that's already available. For example, we're looking at our streets or like the recent purchase of land within Monteloma. You know, how can we, how can we, um, bring parks in open space to, um, underserved areas? And also with that bring biodiversity in more forests. Thank you very much.

[01:44:09] Member Lucas Ramirez: And Isaac will conclude with you, same question, but for BPA.

[01:44:15] Isaac: Challenge or the next 3 years. Can you ask the question again?

[01:44:21] Member Lucas Ramirez: Sure, uh, what do you think should be the priorities for the commission of the coming few years?

[01:44:27] Isaac: Okay, yes, priorities. Okay, um, so, We have a vision 0 and a safe routes to school plan, and I think a priority should be kind of merging those plans, uh, basically, I, I would like to see a really well thought out plan where every school age kid has a way to walk and bike. to their school. Um, I, I, some, some of the neighborhoods right now are being told to take trans because there is no safe bike routes to their school. And I would like to see like a lot of thought and planning. I mean, planning's already happening, but like really working it out so that there is, everybody can be given a, like this is your state route for your kid to walk or bike to school, and it's a low stress, all ages ability network. Uh, Making the plan and then implementing the plan.

[01:45:35] Member Lucas Ramirez: Great. Thank you very much. Thank you all again, uh, for applying that concludes the interview portion, uh, for these 2 uh, committees. Um, so we'll proceed now to the downtown committee, um, and, uh, uh, at the conclusion, I think I shared earlier of all of the interviews. Uh, the subcommittee will begin the deliberation and the city, city clerk's office will be in touch with you. So thank you again. Uh for for. Thank you. Uh, and uh, Heather, thank you for helping with timing. It, it is a tremendous, uh, uh, burden that uh, I'm, I'm just not able to manage on top of all this other, uh. So we'll proceed now to the downtown committee. Um, and with the consent of the committee, um, I uh have consolidated the 1st and final questions just to save time. And

[01:46:30] Unknown Speaker: let's see we've got 123-456789

[01:46:36] Member Lucas Ramirez: applicants but for different sections of the committee.

[01:46:52] Member Lucas Ramirez: Just want to say hi, I'm here.

[01:46:55] Member Lucas Ramirez: Welcome. We're, we're, we're gonna wait till every, one of the applicants has joined, uh, and then conduct the interviews and around Robin Stock. Sounds good. Okay. 2345 6. Uh, uh, I mean, you remember to me? Uh,

[01:47:15] Member Ellen Kamei: thank you, mayor. I I just wanted to through the chair. Let Lee know that she's sideways, so I don't know if she wants to get herself right side up, but she was sideways during our last round of interviews and I didn't want to interrupt, um, but wanted to let her know. Thank you.

[01:47:31] Member Lucas Ramirez: No problem. Thank you. Uh, and then, uh, city clerk, are, uh, is everyone? In attendance or are there? Uh, you need some more time. cycle through. Zoom users who don't have their name listed.

[01:47:52] Unknown Speaker: We're almost there. It looks like. Uh, money thing. It's not in the waiting room. Okay,

[01:48:07] Member Lucas Ramirez: uh no worries. Um, We will proceed with everyone who is in attendance, so I think, at this point, that's everybody except for the one applicant, so welcome everyone, thank you for applying to serve on the downtown committee. Um, there are 3 questions, uh, which, uh, I will ask any around Robin style. Each applicant will have one minute to respond. Um and then uh at the conclusion of the interviews will proceed to the final uh set of interviews and then after that um the subjectivity will uh make recommendations to the council uh regarding the appointment and the city clerk's office will be in touch with you after the conclusion of the process. Uh so we'll start uh. And the 1st question is, why do you want to serve on the downtown committee and what do you think would be likely areas of particular focus for you on the committee?

[01:49:16] Marina: Are you speaking with chair? Oh,

[01:49:19] Member Lucas Ramirez: with Marina.

[01:49:21] Marina: Oh, okay, cool. Um, so, um. I really enjoyed the last few months that I've been on the committee. I mean, I met a lot of cool new people and are really passionate about the downtown. And I thought that, you know, I, you know, you gave me a different perspective on how to view downtown and also how many people are really engaged in making downtown a better place for everybody. And so um, I would love to continue that. Um, you know, we met at the, you know, with the 1st um, with the latest thing that we did with the DBA, uh, with the residency, uh, uh, meeting residents, with businesses. That was a really cool opportunity, to meet really a lot of people who are in different committees, that really wanted to join and participate as well as residents and kind of have a very eclectic, um, exchange of ideas and uh, show support for the downtown. So I would, you know, I would love to continue doing something like that for the community as well as, uh, to engage other committees and other, um,

[01:50:28] Member Lucas Ramirez: That's your time, right now. Oh, okay. Thank you very much. David you're next.

[01:50:35] David: Okay. Um, yeah, so like Marina, uh, I served on the downtown committee for a partial term last year and I kind of feel like we, you're just getting warmed up when the term ended. Um, Simply put, I love Mountain View. I live very close to Mountain View. There's a couple of projects that we're working on kind of around one around beautification of downtown. And another is a leadership Mountain View project to try to encourage people to to celebrate the good things. There's a lot of people who might focus on the negatives, but there's so many great things about downtown. Um, pedestrian lifestyle. There's a lot of work coming for the pedestrian mall and making smart decisions for both the residents of Mountain View as well as the businesses. Um, Beyond that. I have so much fun downtown, have met so many wonderful people through the Chamber of Commerce through the downtown committee, also through Leadership Mountain View. It's been wonderful and I'd really love the opportunity to continue. Thank you.

[01:51:39] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much. Ira, you're next.

[01:51:43] Ira: All right. Well, I had served as the head of operations for the downtown business association as well as the membership director for the Chamber of Commerce. So I would like to continue to serve on the downtown committee. I have served for a partial term um. About 2 years. Already and I would like to continue to be a voice for the downtown businesses and also for the community engagement part.

[01:52:10] Member Lucas Ramirez: Great, thank you. Mike you're next.

[01:52:14] Mike: All right. Well, it's been great serving on the um, committee this past 2 years, and of course, during my term, as on the council, I also had a couple of opportunities to work on the committee. There's a lot of really interesting stuff happening in downtown, um, that I think I bring a, um, uh, a certain amount of knowledge too. First, there's going to be sort of the whole new pedestrian mall, all of the stuff that's going to go into that. I imagine staff will have a lot of questions not only for the council, but also the downtown committee. There have been a couple of things that, um, during my chairmanship that we've been trying to advance and it is on the agenda and that has to do with downtown music, uh, sort of the busking rules that Mountain View has to go way back. But again, things that really help make downtown more vibrant, sort of recognizing the fact that retail is changing, and it's not the same old, same old that it used to be.

[01:53:16] Member Lucas Ramirez: So. Great. Thank you very much. And the next applicant is Anne.

[01:53:28] Anne: Yes, hi. Um, I'd like to serve on the downtown committee. I live downtown. I have lived downtown since I moved to the Bay Area about 20 years ago. Um, I love living downtown. I love, um, the, you know, many services for residents and the, you know, sort of vibrant businesses. It's a time of a lot of change in downtown with the pedestrian mall coming in. I was part of the, um, leadership Mountain View project that surveyed downtown business owners, um, about, um, and, uh, you know, real estate agents about how to, um, keep downtown Mountain View vibrant. It was a really fun project. I felt like we learned a lot. Um, that could be of value, and I would like to continue working on those issues. Um, both as a resident and as a person who has an interest in keeping Mountain View, like a really, um, vibrant and, um, good place to visit and work and look.

[01:54:26] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you. Rick, you're up next.

[01:54:31] Rick: Hi, let me turn my video on. sorry. Um, good evening. So I would like to serve on the downtown committee. I um, I actually was born and raised here. So I grew up on Montalto in Questa Park. I'm currently serving on the Questa Park, steering committee involved in that community. Um, and doing some activities with them. Uh, but I go to downtown free. So like I said, I was born and raised here, so I've seen all the different variations of downtown. Um, so if someone wants to complain about how it looks now, I can tell you some stories about what it used to look like in the 60s and 70s. Um, so I really know the downtown well, and I lived in New York for 25 years. So my career was doing retail development. So I was developing, um, um, retail communities and retail brand strategies and retail environments that attracted people to the store. Um, and the whole concept was the more time you spend in the store, the more money you would spend. So my philosophy is the more time we have people spend downtown, the more money they're going to spend in restaurants and stores. And I think that's what we're really lacking right now is retail.

[01:55:41] Member Lucas Ramirez: Time, Rick. Thank you very much. I know a minute goes by quickly. Um, the next applicant is Lee.

[01:55:50] Lee: Yes, hi, um. Uh, the reason I wanted to be involved is I really think there's a lot of things going on in in the downtown at this moment that with the interim uh, pedestrian mall. And as well as the, uh, updating of the, the culture station. I really wanted to be part of it. And I also wanted to bring a different perspective from the, the, you know, the neighborhood and now so close to, uh, downtown, kind of rely on the transportation to get there. So how the parking strategy is going to work out. It's kind of important as well. I would like to, I would like to really understand if we're going to be able to downtown for the purpose of, uh, a destination place, for the whole, you know, the, you know, the put, put, peninsula, the, the, the, Virginia cities, or we're going to focus on for the residents. So if, uh, so either way, I think we need to come by some strategies. So, because now, like with, uh, you know, the pedestrian mall, it make the convenience for the residents who live close by, but somehow make it a little bit less inconvenient. Okay. Thank you. I want to bring some uh, perspectives.

[01:57:06] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much. Uh, well, start, 2nd question, um, with David. What do you think of downtown Mountain View? How would you improve it? How would you balance the interest of businesses with those of the community? This is a one minute question.

[01:57:23] David: Yes, I'm sorry. Okay. Um, let's see. I love downtown Mountain View. Um, I have lived in Cupertino, uh, grew up in Cupertino, moved here in, uh, 02, uh, oh, sorry, 06. My family built a parcel in 02. Um, I think the main thing. There's a couple things around just general cleanliness, uh, sort of along the lines of, um, Broken Windows theory. When people see trash from the ground, they're not encouraged. They don't feel that this is a kind of a vibrant place. Um, I think the city has been making progress. And I think there's a lot of things that we can do, including bacon storefronts, to just make downtown more as appealing as possible. Um, I think for businesses and residences, it's a balance. I live on Villa and Bryant, and literally was in front of city council talking about the balance between the residents rights to a peaceful night versus having a beer garden. But I think the dialogue was the most important thing that came from that. And so more dialogue between residents and businesses, and having residents realize that a vibrant downtown means higher rents for them if they're renting it out, higher property values for them.

[01:58:36] Member Lucas Ramirez: Have your time, David. Thank you very much. Uh, next uh, applicant is Kira.

[01:58:45] Kira: All right, so I'd move downtown. Speaking for the businesses, I would look for a different balance of retail and services and restaurants, but also find ways to do more way finding, and I say that because oftentimes people who aren't restaurants feel that it could be difficult to find their place. I would also be working with the vacant windows. I did that leadership Mountain View as well. And so finding more ways to make it more welcoming and engagement engagement engagement. One of the things we really need is to make sure that we can support our local businesses so they can be downtown. And the way to do that is to be engaged in local residents. We do that in the downtown association through events. We try to bring people downtown. We just had a meeting with businesses and local residents and just finding more ways to communicate with the residents, the neighborhood around downtown and also all of Mountain View. So that's just in a nutshell what we do. And I think that each of those I could probably write an essay about. Great.

[01:59:45] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much. And now we'll move on to Mike, you're next.

[01:59:53] Mike: Um, well, one of the things I already talked about was music and busking, um, not at like the art and wine festival, but more like they do in Los Altos, where you could have music on Friday evenings and that sort of thing without going through a whole huge permit process. I think store vacancies are a real issue. I know the council is looking at some ways of might incentivizing landlords to make sure that their places are full. I think that's really important. I also think we really do need, as David was saying, is we need to have people downtown. And, um, you know. Fuller offices, you know, you know, you know, I, you know, it was, it was really clear during the pandemic. When people were working from home. It was dead downtown. Lunch really thrives on, you know, uh, workers downtown, not people coming down for dinner. So that's it. Thank you.

[02:00:57] Member Lucas Ramirez: And and you're next. You're you're muted.

[02:01:05] Unknown Speaker: So I think downtown is great. I think, you know, there's a lot for everybody there and, you know, with the library, the transit, and then the retail and the restaurants. One thing I think that is important is to sort of set a vision of what what we want mountain of downtown Mountain View to be. Um, there is, you know, There's uh, more socioeconomic diversity in Mountain View than in a lot of surrounding cities. So looking at how to, um, to, uh, create options for all of the people of Mountain View to live and work downtown. Um, and I think a lot of what people have talked about in terms of, uh, making it more, um, attractive for tenancy in terms of maybe some, um, permitting maybe some, um, different, uh, regulations for redevelopment. I mean, certainly that's one of the things we heard in Leadership Mountain View. is that landlords need, um, need incentives to redevelop their properties to make them attractive to demons. Great. Thank you.

[02:02:10] Member Lucas Ramirez: Rick, you're up next.

[02:02:13] Rick: Yes, I love downtown Mountain View and I will echo what David said. I think cleanliness is something that sometimes I cringe when I go from the parking garage down by where Dopio 0 is, you know, walking through there. I feel like, I don't know why we can't just have someone, you know, watch that on a regular basis. Um, so that it's clean. Um, but I also think that there needs to be a vision for downtown. Um, almost like a merchandising plan. Restaurants typically bring people to downtown, but they all seem to be in one particular area. They don't seem to be, you know, strategically placed on the block. Um, and then also, you know, merchandising and making attractive for retail tenants, whatever, whatever they may be. Um, because having all this, all the vacant storefronts, having all the focus be just on that one block, um, it doesn't really, if I was, if I was a uh, retailer looking for a place to be, um, downtown Mountain View would not be top of my list right now. So how do you make it attractive for retailers to be there and how the type of businesses that, um, uh, will serve the community. Great.

[02:03:23] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much. And Lee, you're next.

[02:03:27] Lee: Yes, I, I, I do chime in uh with the, the diversity and different options for the dining in downtown mountain view. I lived here for 20 years. I recall in the past, there are a couple, there are more options. There are more reasonable priced dinings over there. So people would go like after work. And now, like, a lot of restaurants become more upscaled, and it's for different kind of, like maybe young type people. Um, so there are much less options for people who have lower income, um, to die in downtown mountain mill. And in addition, I do believe if you create some more options for people can go in and out close to the, um, Castro close to the El Camino side, have restaurants, more lower priced restaurants, I think that would be much better dining opportunities because I know a lot of people, just, you know, go get take out of El Camino, so that could create more options for people would be waiting to, uh, go, uh, eat, um, get eating options in downtown. In addition, that's okay. Okay, thank you. I just have a lot to say.

[02:04:38] Member Lucas Ramirez: Don't worry. Thank you very much. Yeah, and Marina, you're next.

[02:04:44] Marina: So, you know, um, I think retailers are very scared right now to actually even sign a lease in downtown due to the fact that the whole, you know, front store is going to be changing. So, I can see why it would be difficult for landlords to find. Um, new tenants um, because of the upcoming changes within the next 5 years. However, what I think can be done immediately is what, um, David said beautification. So is it a storefronts or is it just as simple as cleaning the floor? So allow, you know, uh, there is no ordinance at this point to uh, maintain your patios. Now, every place has patios now in front, and the businesses could help the city, since the city does not have, you know, regular cleaning schedule, it has like once a month, I think. But uh, in order to help because the leaves fall every day. Uh, not to, you know, blow it into other people's uh, patios, but to actually pick it up and put it in the garbage so that every business is responsible for their front to keep it maintained. And that, I think, itself would do a big, huge thing. For, uh, businesses and community to actually enjoy downtown. Um, as far as, I mean, loving, I love downtown.

[02:06:05] Member Lucas Ramirez: That's your time. Oh, perfect, there you go. Thank you very much. And, um, uh, Monet Singh, or Monet Singh, is that, am I saying your name properly? Fantastic. That's correct. Hello, everyone. Uh, welcome. So we're going to go ahead and turn to you. One minute to respond. I'm sorry for the limited time. What do you think of downtown Mountain View? How would you improve it? And how would you balance the interests of businesses with those of the community?

[02:06:40] Monet Singh: Well, the number one thing, I think, um, uh, the process of bringing somebody on into downtown Mountain View, um, like if someone wants to sign up a lease, someone wants to start working as an owner or a small business owner, we have to understand, everybody, especially the mom and pop businesses, they have very limited funds, they're not venture capitalist. So when they sign up for a lease, The bureaucracy of doing something takes so long that, you know, it just takes forever for them to even start a business. So the number one thing we'll have to do is bring down the timeline of doing those things to like as fast as we can instead of, yeah, we submit a plan, then we wait for another 4 weeks for the city to evaluate, then they're going to come back to us, then they'll say, oh, okay, yeah, we do this, but then they're going to take another 3 weeks to evaluate, which basically it's like 6 months just before they can finalize something. So I think if we can decrease the, the timeline, make it more, uh, efficient, make it more instead of bringing those people to the city hall, we send the people from city hall to them.

[02:07:49] Member Lucas Ramirez: That's time. Thank you very much. I know a minute goes by quick. And so we'll proceed now to the 3rd question and we'll start with Kira. What do you think should be the priorities for the committee in the coming few years?

[02:08:07] Kira: I'm thinking for a 2nd The priority for the committee. I think the priority for the committee should be to really help. Guide what's going to be happening here with the pedestrian mall with the changes that are happening that we've heard already here. Uh, there's going to be a lot that's happening in terms of development, in terms of communication with both the businesses and the residents, uh, with how are they going to be able to adapt with, how are they going to be able to potentially get the support from the city or get the permits that they need and development they need and also aesthetically. So for the next few years, we don't quite have the timeline yet, but we're going to be going through a kind of bumpy time in terms of the construction of things that we're doing. And so I think what we really need to prioritize is making sure there is a communication, making sure there is a plan, and making sure that downtown remains usable and accessible so that people can support it, and that the businesses also know what is going on, what their resources are, what they can access, and how they can do best in their businesses and have the tools to do so. So I think that's number one, the number two.

[02:09:14] Member Lucas Ramirez: That's your turn. Oh, okay. Thank you very much. Uh, next is Mike. You're you're muted. You muted.

[02:09:29] Mike: Uh, 1st is going to be the pedestrian mall, um, and, you know, responding to staff's request, recognizing, of course, that we are advisory to staff, not necessarily advisory to council, and the pet mall is going to be huge. I think vacancy control or working on that is going to be big. As is parking. We haven't really talked about parking, but parking has been a huge issue. will probably continue to be moving forward. I know downtown a couple weeks ago. I had to go to 2 different garages to find a parking place on the top floor. So we're back to good old days. So, I mean, those, you know, those are 3 things, and, you know, whatever staff comes up, and let's not forget music.

[02:10:20] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much. And you're next.

[02:10:26] Unknown Speaker: Yeah, again, I mean, similar to what I said before. I think, um, with all of the changes expected in Mountain View with the pedestrian mall with, um, you know, changes to Caltrain service with, um, you know, uh, you know, new precise plan coming out. I mean, I think, I think it's an opportunity to set a vision for downtown and to ensure, um, that what is happening is aligned with that vision, um, and that it serves with the residents and the, and the business community. And so I think that that is also an opportunity for engagement for um, all of those constituencies in, um, in doing that. And I think the, um, what has been done so far with the pedestrian mall and engaging in the community is really amazing and I think continuing to do that. And um, and look at just how to, you know, keep Mountain View's unique character, but continue to um, ensure its economic vibrancy is really a, a great opportunity for this committee.

[02:11:28] Member Lucas Ramirez: Great. Thank you very much. And Rick is next.

[02:11:34] Rick: I kind of kind of go back to what I was saying before. I think, you know, working as a team to really decide what what the vision is of downtown. Um, and from what I understand, there's been a lot of community involvement in that, so really getting, making sure the community's involved and and what, uh, downtown's going to be. I think it's also kind of looking around of, of, what is the competition to downtown Mountain View? Where do people go? And why do they go there? And what are the elements that they have there? And I'll just give one example, and this is coming up with an idea, but I was at Santana Row on Sunday. And they have a community trash compactor, that takes care of all the trash for the community. It's very efficient. It's very clean, and that some of the, some of the sanitary issues we have behind the restaurants is that there's not really a consistent way to take care of trash. So, come up with the ideas, um, you know, um, having finding a way for the city to support those ideas, to support the businesses, and therefore help downtown be more beautiful, more appealing, and a place where people want to go, um, over other places that they have choices for.

[02:12:44] Member Lucas Ramirez: Great, thank you. Lee is next.

[02:12:48] Lee: Yes, I I do believe uh, the economics uh, has to work for the people actually are waiting to uh, do business in downtown. I think one of the challenges are, the rent is high, and the, you know, to, to do, also get it permitted to renovate at the store front, and it takes so much time, and, you know, it's so inconvenient for the, for the store owners, as well. I think the other thing is the vacancy rate is high. So I, I don't, I don't know if we can come up a, a vision plan to reduce the rent in, in addition to charge the vacancies, tax, make it economical for the owners, uh, actually one or 2 operated in downtown. And in addition, um, do more community outreach to figure out, um, how their residents in Mountain View would, would more, like they go in, um, into our shopping or dining in downtown, as well as what's in these cities, if it's possible. So more community outage both to the store owners as well as the community. Thank you very much. Marina, you're. Uh,

[02:13:59] Marina: so I would like to see if we can, within the community, find a way to engage all the different um, communities, subcommunities that we have within Mountain View. Is it the Latino community, the Asian community? They're like, I feel always kind of, not visible within all the different, uh, uh, festivities that Mountain View puts up. And so I would like to see maybe more engagement on that end to see how we can, you know, also celebrate, since we have such a strong Asian community here, to also celebrate, let's say, Asian New Year, or like Chinese New Year, or, or, uh, maybe some uh, Latino as well, uh, uh, festivities like Cinco de Mayo or something like that, where we can really bring in that diversity of mountain view. And um, and have them participate as well within our community. Um, and then, of course, improve communication for the downtown between, between businesses, so that the businesses are clear on what's coming. I think these next 5 years are going to be very tough for the businesses. Right now, that's your time. Got it. Thank you very much. Uh,

[02:15:10] Member Lucas Ramirez: David, you're next. Okay.

[02:15:14] David: So, I think a lot of the ideas have already expressed, um, I pretty much, the 1st priority would be engagement with the businesses in the community, um, gather feedback and incorporate that feedback into clarity, that the businesses can make investment decisions about whether to build when to build what to do. Um, I think there's a lot of detail in there also, uh, such as when you close one side versus the other side of the street, for construction, how is it going to impact the business? I think there's an opportunity there for more clarity, um, and more speed in some ways in the decision making. Uh, the 2nd piece is really just velocity. Um, to kind of turn the crank faster, uh, be able to, you know, engage the DBA to gather some of this feedback, engage downtown committee, and get multiplicative effects from gathering more information and folding in quicker. And then the last piece, I think, is really kind of with the social side. Homelessness is becoming an increasing problem on housedness, I suppose. Um, Hope's Corner is an amazing resource. There are a ton of amazing resources that we can use. That's okay. Connect those. Thank you. Thank you very much. Uh,

[02:16:27] Member Lucas Ramirez: and we started with Kira, so, uh, we'll now move to, um, Money. Um,

[02:16:37] Monet Singh: I certainly think if we want to help the small businesses in all this, we should increase the parking time limit, instead of 2 hours, we should certainly change that to 3, not 4, it's a very good number. Somebody comes in, even like I own a barbershop. Somebody comes in, they get a service, it takes one hour, 30 minutes. So they'll be like in and out because they'll have to move the car once they get into the car. They'll just leave Mount Mountain V downtown. I think if we can increase the parking time, which will enhance the customer to promote the customer to go to the other shops because they have more time to shop around. Great. Thank you very much. So

[02:17:13] Member Lucas Ramirez: that concludes the interviews for the downtown committee. Thank you all again for your interest. We're going to move on to the performing arts committee, and uh, the city clerk's office will be in touch after the council has, um, completed, uh, the, uh, application process. Thank you again for joining us. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you guys. Thank you. Well, now, uh, proceed to the performing arts committee, and I believe there was one applicant who withdrew Sandra, and a couple of, uh, or 11 applicant who was unable to attend the interview. So that these 123456. I

[02:18:02] Unknown Speaker: think we wound up with um one applicant that is able to attend. Let me see.

[02:18:14] Member Lucas Ramirez: So I, I'm counting 6 here, so I, I think that's, that should be everybody. Welcome everyone. Thank you for your interest in the performing arts committee. Uh, I will be asking uh, 3 questions, uh, in a round robin style, uh, uh, committee member can may?

[02:18:36] Member Ellen Kamei: Yes, thank you. I think, um, City Clerk Glaser was saying it looks like maybe Anjalie is here. That's what it looks like. So I think all applicants are here. Um, I think that's what she was saying. If the username could change it to the correct name and put their camera. Yes, thank

[02:18:59] Member Lucas Ramirez: you. My my apologies. I, uh, I misunderstood. Appreciate the clarification, so we've got, um, everyone present then. Uh, so, uh, I'll ask 3 questions and around Robin style. Um, each applicant will have one minute to respond to each question, and then, um, after we've completed the interviews. Uh, the subcommittee will deliberate and make recommendations to the council uh, regarding uh, the appointments um, and the city clerk's office will be in touch. After the process is complete. So we'll start with Veronica. Um, the question is, why do you want to serve on the performing arts committee and what do you think would likely be areas of particular focus for you on the committee? Hey,

[02:19:49] Veronica: hello, yeah, thank you. Thank you for this opportunity. for me here. Um, I am very interested in the performing arts, uh, community here in Montan View. I am a resident in Montambio course. Because I consider, in my case, has also an educator, that every student in a different education level can be elementary school, middle school, high school, should be exposed to an artistic, artistic experience. Such as theater, music, dance, uh, painting, sculptors on. And has a community on society. We need to support better human beings that are aware as human interactions. It can improve the mental stability. I think that our society is so, so focused into the stem, about technology, creating technicians, to create an engineers, creating architects, uh, because of the economy and that's the future, but I, I think, and I consider that is wonderful and is great. But we are forgetting about creating better human beings. And with the pandemic, um, I, we could ourselves are raising uh, a lot of those problems with the mental health. In the students and what is going on. And I think that the art. That's your time. Thank. Thank

[02:21:00] Member Lucas Ramirez: you very much. I know a minute goes by quickly. Uh the next applicant is Ruth. Uh, I'm Ruth, you're muted, if you're speaking. Oh,

[02:21:16] Julia: you miss me, Julia? No,

[02:21:19] Member Lucas Ramirez: uh, no, Ruth, Ruth, North, uh, uh, Applicant, but Ruth, you are muted. Alright, uh, well, uh, we'll come back to you, Ruth. Uh, but we'll move to Heather. Hello, hello, hi. Um,

[02:21:42] Heather: I, I have been involved in the farming arts since 1997 professionally as a performer, as a choreographer, and as now a marketing administrator for various, uh, performing arts institutions in Mountain View area. Um, and I just see an opportunity here to bring the community together, using the arts, um, specifically outreach and development of underserved populations. I've worked recently in 2019 to create large um, scale, uh, performing arts access for ballet at Mountain View Center for the Proming Arts, Spring, uh, Mountain View Police Activities Leagues, um, Vargas Elementary Title one, uh, education schools, um, Child Advocates of Silicon Valley. working to develop relationships with those underserved communities to give access to the arts to these people that, um, otherwise wouldn't be able to afford, um, to see a show, to go to the ballet, to, uh, experience this art in their lives. Heather. That's your time. Thank you very much. Um,

[02:22:52] Member Lucas Ramirez: so it looks like, uh, on Jolly may have fallen off of the panel, um, so we'll move now to, uh, Julia Wu. Yes,

[02:23:04] Julia: here. Um, anyways, um, since the COVID-19 pandemic, hey, hey, my issue, um, have happened every year, so music information and misunderstanding have caused a love, uh, caused it worse. So now it's kind of slowed down. We need to back to normal. Um, it's for the healing and understanding, respect from each other among the years. So when we think about the national power, we were thinking of mentory and also the economic, but I would say culture is one of the powers of the solve powers that we couldn't deny that. Um, are in the gentle way to breed and exchange cultures, through the music dance and also drama, and then also it's that, uh, at the same time, we can build up the mostly foundation of the society. And because of my experience in non-profit organization, and also I, uh, as a human managing, in media industry, so I have the network, and also the experience, uh, experiences in media. So I want to contribute enjoying the community. For the city. I live and I love. Thank you. You very much. Uh,

[02:24:16] Member Lucas Ramirez: and uh, we'll move on now to Yowi. Um,

[02:24:23] Yoyo: hi, and so I have been uh, serving on the, uh, comedy for uh, the past 6 months and I have attended 8 meetings, uh, so I have attended all the meetings in the past, and uh, I am a professional musician, I'm a piano teacher, and I have been teaching for 20 years, and I am also, um, um, a jazz pianist and bands and as a soloist. I have been performed at virus venues throughout Asia and USA. And um, I, I, I'm willing to uh, contribute, contribute more in the future. And uh, uh, I want to, uh, bring everyone in the community together, uh, through performing arts. And yeah, that's it. Thank you. Thank you very much. Lee, you're next. Uh,

[02:25:17] Lee Zhang: actually, beautiful now, uh, Joy, is my hobby, so I loved it when I was a kid and uh, uh, uh, So, uh, when I came to the stays and I, I've taken all kinds of art classes and so, um, as a hobby also, I now I know I can serve community in that regard. So, I just interview a downtown community, that would be my, uh, higher choice than this one, but if uh, other people are more qualified for the downtown committee, I would, I would like to work on the mural, uh, uh, aspect of the, the performing arts and maybe helping uh, beautify uh, the downtown. That's why I'm applying for this position. Thank you. Okay,

[02:26:04] Member Lucas Ramirez: thank you. So we'll come back now to Ruth. Uh, and Ruth, if you didn't hear the question, that's why do you want to serve on the performing arts committee, and what do you think would likely be areas of particular focus for you on the committee? Uh,

[02:26:21] Ruth: yes. Thanks for uh, the interview. I'd like to work on the performing arts committee, because I, a part, I, I'm a big, um, uh, say, uh, I attend lots of different venues throughout the Bay Area. Uh, probably going to 2 or 3 events per month, either in, uh, Stanford or, um, Livermore at the banquet theater, and actually at Mountain View, and then just yesterday in Palo Alto. I went to the, Or on Saturday, went to the uh, Beauty and the Beast exhibit, uh, play. So I, I feel like it's enriches the community to, uh, have a full venues of different, um, uh, events for partic, the community, and, uh, some parts of what I've noticed in Mountain View. Bruce. That that's your time. Oh,

[02:27:27] Member Lucas Ramirez: I didn't realize there was a time. No worries. Thank you. My apologies for one day. Um, and so we'll move now to Unjolly. And if you didn't hear the question on Jolly, please let me know. Uh, we, we, if uh, you're speaking, we can't hear you. You are muted. All right. Well, Anjali, we can't hear you, unfortunately. Um, I'm gonna move on to the next question. Um, which is, describe your vision of the cultural scene and artistic desires of mountain view and surrounding communities, and we'll start with Ruth. My theme? Uh,

[02:28:19] Ruth: so how long do I have? One

[02:28:22] Member Lucas Ramirez: minute uh per question. Okay. Um, I

[02:28:25] Ruth: see our community. It, in my perspective, could use a different variety, a broader variety of events. I think the, the, um, Mount Hew performing arts center is kind of tied into the theater works and the, um, uh, the other 2 the Pacific Youth Orchestra, uh, The, oh, I, I don't know what it's called Pacific Youth. And I just feel like we could fill up the theater with more events during the week. I was looking at the schedule. It seems like only Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays, if that per week are filled with, um, events, and we're like a big metropolitan area that could draw lots of people. And uh, I think we could do a better, um, sort of outreach to get more and different events scheduled. Thank you. Hi,

[02:29:27] Member Lucas Ramirez: Heather, you're next. Um,

[02:29:31] Heather: I guess I could say that you'd be advocating for the arts might be, um, a thing that would resonate with people, um, under certain populations, uh, artists that are struggling to find, uh, venues to perform, yet having multiple venues in our community that we are unaware of. So creating more awareness, uh, within, like, performing artists and artists in our community to get them more involved in, uh, venues that we had. Um, and also engaging with those, uh, performing arts, uh, companies right now that are trying to bring new works to the community, but it may be financially, um, not peaceable for them because the venue prices are too high. Um, so looking at alternatives for them to find uh, more affordable ways to bring the arts, uh, using, you know, uh, outdoor venues and, um, also just engaging with the younger population, which I feel, um, social media, for example, is underutilized by the city.

[02:30:39] Member Lucas Ramirez: That's your time. Thank you very much.

[02:30:43] Member Lucas Ramirez: Anjali, are you able to unmute yourself? Oh, we, we still cannot hear you on Jolly. Um, so I'll go ahead and move on to Julia. Juliet, can you, um, are you? Are you able to hear me, Julia?

[02:31:10] Julia: Oh yeah, I'm sorry. Yeah, I think the city performance artist already has professional hardwares, which means building facility and also qualify softwares. Which means programs and management. So I think the most very important thing is reach out and buy more people. Uh, 3 different channels and networks and also at the same time. I think we need to kind of partner with our partners. I mean, is the current or in the future, uh, especially based on their digital marketing stage, because I know they have a lot of audience and also they have the content that is the full, the red marketing. So I mentioned that uh, digital market that is quite essential because 65% of the population, in mountain view, its age, uh, from uh, 19 to 65 and also 93% of the household has brought uh, broken in uh, internet. So they can they can go to internet to share information and communicate with others on the internet. It's a.

[02:32:19] Member Lucas Ramirez: Yes, that's your trend. Okay, thank you. Thank you very much. Uh,

[02:32:24] Member Lucas Ramirez: we'll move now to Yoyo.

[02:32:29] Yoyo: So, um, I hope we can have more of a variety of different kinds of performing arts, because right now, I feel like it's a kind of limited to our theater works, Mexico stuff. Uh, because I know, um, a lot of, yeah, local musicians, uh, no matter they are individual or um, company or a group, I wish, um, um, Monteville can provide more chances for them to, um, get, um, get, get opportunities to, um, uh, to show their talent, uh, such as, uh, like a musical instrument in the orchestra, or, uh, I, I wish we can have more like an outdoor, um, performing arts performances such as, uh, music on plaza. And we can do some, something like a drama, uh, in the garden because California is always like nice weather. Yeah, I wish we can have, um, more like different kinds of, um, vibrant, uh, perform different kinds of vibrant performing arts. Yeah.

[02:33:33] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much. Lee, you're next.

[02:33:37] Lee Zhang: Yeah, I kind of. Agreed, through the years, I've been enjoying a lot, all of the outdoor theater as well as the, uh, uh, art, uh, theater works. Um, it seemed to be a very, uh, some type of, uh, performing artist is going on in mountain view, like a more classical uh, theory. Theories. Um, I wonder if we can bring in more salsa dancing. And some more less, uh, less series kind of, uh, performance. uh, Uh, so I, I do. I also enjoying the community school of music arts and when my kids were a little younger, so I'm just wondering if there are any collaboration going on with uh, with them as well. Just more variety of art performance. Um, I think that probably will be um, a more appreciative for the community. That that would be my input. Thanks.

[02:34:35] Member Lucas Ramirez: Great, thank you. And we'll go back up to Veronica.

[02:34:42] Veronica: Yeah, I go, I consider that you have a beautiful installation, the performing arts in Montameu is beautiful. It's gorgeous, beautiful. You have a 2nd stage, you have the main stage. You have a nice backyard with a nice theater, and um, all the patios on the park area. It will be great to see more like either festival or festival going around in the community. Bring the students probably from the schools, maybe rotate, bring the students, and show them like, uh, puppet, uh, puppet play, like a performer, like a storyteller. Oh, it's no awesome, the community, probably the performing as committee, or the, the theater can be has a connector with local artists, with the, that we have a beautiful or great musicians, great theater, people. Uh, great productions going around, music, dance and everything. And also can be a good option is we cannot bring the students to the performing arts center why we don't um. Establish or take the theater or take the art to the schools directly, to the patios, to the schools, to the cafeteria, to the theaters, and the performing arts committee can be like a connector.

[02:35:54] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you very much. And we'll try Anjali one more time. Can you hear us, Anjali? Are you able to unmute yourself? We're still not able to hear you. I'm sorry for uh the technical difficulty. Um, so we'll we'll move on to the last question and Heather will start us off. What do you think should be the priorities? Uh for the committee in the coming few years? I

[02:36:27] Heather: would say, um, just many of the common themes here are the home companies. Uh, it seems to be a concern. I think we all share, um, like maybe bringing more that that diversity into this space and providing more opportunities for a broader range of artists in our community to show network. And uh, to highlight that in more marketing channels. get it out to the community so that where people are looking, if it's, whatever has Instagrams, social media, Facebook, TikTok, whatever channels there are, where people are listening, and where those artists are gaining their audiences, to leverage those their audiences, and bring their people to the theater so that we can have a more diverse audience, and the diverse pool of artists that are sharing their work. in the community. Um, also to better utilize, work with maybe the record. I don't know how the PAC and the recreation department worked together, but there's a lot of movement in the recreation department bringing festivals and I don't see a lot of crossover between the center and like, for example, the multicultural festival, nothing was going on. Yeah, the performing arts.

[02:37:42] Member Lucas Ramirez: Other? That's that's okay. Thank you very much. We'll, uh, uh, looks like Anjelly has dropped off. Uh, Julia, you are next.

[02:37:57] Julia: Okay, um, I think the 1st one will be, probably will be thinking about how to invite more people and have more people know about the news. The social media where the 1st priority. I mean, it's about more people and I know more about the news. The 2nd one will be about this year because um, I think as a mutual connection with other cities, performance in our communities and social media and have them to share. And also thinking about our, I miss the mountain view youth community. We have about 21 members from at least 8 different schools. How come we don't have them to be our investors to invite those generation to join us and then the other one is our learning page for the city's Wi-Fi. Probably they can show our performance or events when they want to use the city free Wi-Fi and also city government news later. And the community-based social media playform, uh, such as next door is not kind of um, social media such as um, Facebook and Instagram, because that is international, but if this one is focused on the community base. How come we, we can use the next door to book it. Yeah, that's all, thank you.

[02:39:11] Member Lucas Ramirez: You very much. I am yow yow, you're next.

[02:39:17] Yoyo: Yeah, um, I also think uh, and the priorities thing is probably the, the way to promote our events, because I know uh, that a lot of uh, local people that they are desired for, um, they are looking for the events, but they don't know where to uh, know about the information. So, um, I think we should promote in different kinds of way, including, uh, um, Chinese community, uh, Latino community, all the other races, um, other, all the, all the ages, because, you know, all the people, they probably doesn't use social media a lot, so we should um, try to uh, get connected with them. And let all the people know that we have these, uh, a lot of events going on. Yeah, that's all.

[02:40:10] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you. Uh, Lee, you're next.

[02:40:14] Lee Zhang: I'm wondering, this is possible, uh, we used to call out uh, watch performance in Los Altos, you, youth, theater. So I'm wondering, uh, if Mountain View can have a program, Mountain View, Theater. So we use our performance, uh, have uh, the professional collaborating with the youth and, you know, have the next generation are more interested in performing arts and, uh, create a venue for them. With our theater with like a top notch theater. Um, that is what I think maybe would be something if we can work on in the next couple years. Thank you.

[02:40:52] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you. And uh, we'll return to Veronica.

[02:40:58] Veronica: Yeah, it will be great to um, to make up a call to local artists, community, artists, or local artists in the Bay Area. Invite them to perform, the performing arts. Create like a menu while a nice agenda and bring the community into the, into the performing our 2nd stage versus stage, the patios and everything. And a good connector sources, depending on the agenda or depending on the performers, are the schools. Yeah, depending is we have a jute festival, uh, jute performance, uh, uh, we can connect it directly with, uh, directors, the schools, with the, uh, with the district, the school districts, or the starting hidden mountain view, and bring also the students to the performing arts to, to enjoy art and to enjoy, enjoy what is going on related with art. But it can be a good audience and a good connection is starting with the schools too. Great. Thank you.

[02:41:54] Member Lucas Ramirez: Ruth, you're next. Uh,

[02:41:58] Ruth: yes, um, I agree that we should expand our, uh, population and diversity of programs. But also I understand that the uh, uh, the executive director is looking at the, uh, contract with, um, theater works or the home theater and determining, If that's, Continuing to be the right choice and also, I think, uh, there's an emphasis on developing some kind of humanities in the art festival, you know, to tie in with a national event or a national, um, Um, Emphasis on humanities and arts, and I think it's in October, and so that would be something cool that could draw more people or more groups of people, to acknowledge that the theaters in the community, and we got programming, and I think we need more programs to fill other days during the week. Additionally. Thank you. Uh,

[02:43:09] Member Lucas Ramirez: I believe that concludes uh, the interviews for the performing arts committee. Thank you again for your interest. Uh we uh will. Did you fare well and uh begin the deliberation so thank you again for applying. uh somebody from the city clerk's office will be in touch with you soon. Take care. All Uh, thank you everyone, everyone for, um, making uh, this as smooth a process as possible and it was tricky over Zoom. So we'll move on move on to item 7 discussion uh on recommendations. The committee will discuss recommendations for the board, of library trustees, bicycle pedestrian advisory committee, human relations commission, parks and recreation commission, downtown committee, and performing arts committee. Um, and I'm gonna pull up. I think it's page 6 of the staff report. Um, or the materials, which includes, um, the, the language I believe we would need to use for a formal motion, if I'm not mistaken, um, so maybe we'll just do it. Uh, each one committee at a time and then, once we've come to some consensus, then, um, will wrap everything up in, um, one motion. Uh, and starting with the board of life, library trustees, there are um, 2 turns, 2 openings, and then 4 applications. Would any member of the committee like to start a sauce? Or actually, I probably will need to take public comment. Are there any members of the public who, who would like to provide input on the selection process or any of the applicants? I'm seeing none, so we'll return to the committee for discussions. Committee member committee.

[02:45:19] Member Ellen Kamei: Great thanks chair. So, um, I was just curious um, on attachment 3 that we have, um, some of the applicants submitted after the deadline. So I wasn't sure if we had, like, reopen the deadline, if we want to talk about applicants who just, who applied within the deadline or we wanted to talk about all, even if some of the submissions were late, and I thought that might be a way to help us maybe narrow down some of the candidates. Um, So I just wanted to put that out there for um, committee discussion first. Um, Staff,

[02:46:03] Member Lucas Ramirez: did you want to? Do you have any information about the um? The late applications uh was there? I don't remember. Was there a reopening of the application period or? Uh,

[02:46:17] Unknown Speaker: not as such, um, you know, a lot of people reach out to us after the deadline period has passed and ask if they can still submit an application and, um, we will let them know that it's up to the committee or in the case of EPC the council to decide whether or not they would like to consider those applications, but we'd, um, do our best to not turn anyone down who would like to apply. Um, and, uh, given the, um, recent election, we, we also um, made it available to, um, other members that were on the ballot to see if they would like to, uh, participate.

[02:46:56] Member Lucas Ramirez: Got it. Thank you. And then, um, For my benefits, I can't recall. Is there anything in the policy that would ordinarily? Uh so that there's nothing that prohibits us from considering a late application. Okay, thank you. Uh, uh, comm- anything else committee member committee member committee? A committee member hits.

[02:47:21] Member Alison Hicks: Well, so you basically ask, uh, between the 2 of you ask the questions I was just gonna ask. I just don't have, I don't have it in front of me now. For this particular, for the uh, board library trustees, Uh, was there an application that came in past the deadline? I know that's somewhere in all these papers, 2 of them, and which were the 2 names?

[02:47:47] Unknown Speaker: Um, The 2 names were Harold Donahue and Sandra Gifford. I said.

[02:48:00] Member Alison Hicks: Okay, so so I'm thinking that, and correct me if I'm wrong, that this has been used, but this is the 1st time I'm on this committee, that this has been used as criteria in the past, as one piece of criteria in the past, but not the sole criteria is what I seem to be hearing. So tell me if I'm wrong. Otherwise, I'll assume that I'm right on that.

[02:48:25] Member Lucas Ramirez: It, it, so it appears to be one of of several criteria to consider. Um, like, uh, I know the, uh, the staff report also includes, uh, the, um, absences, or the attendance record, so that's something that we could consider in the appointment process as well.

[02:48:49] Member Alison Hicks: Although in this case, uh, none of them are incumbents, so that's not. That's not criteria here. Right. Uh,

[02:49:07] Member Lucas Ramirez: do you still have your hand up committee member Hicks? Do you have anything else?

[02:49:10] Member Alison Hicks: Well, I put it back up because uh, are we moving on, if we're moving on to comments, if there are no more questions? Yeah,

[02:49:18] Member Lucas Ramirez: comments are welcome.

[02:49:20] Member Alison Hicks: So I actually thought these were strong candidates. Um, you know, I, I found them all to have, um, you know, a good concept of, of the library and priorities and so forth. So I would be willing to kind of go along with, um, what seems to be Ellen's recommendation of going with who, I think there should be some way on who turned the application in on time. Um, if they're all strong candidates. So, um, that's that's, uh, the direction I'm moving in. Thank you.

[02:50:06] Member Lucas Ramirez: Committee member to me. Great,

[02:50:08] Member Ellen Kamei: thank you. So, um, I know that also in the past year, we have, um, added somebody as a potential alternate, you know, should there be a vacancy and sometimes we, that's another good way for like interest, oh, go, I see the city clerk raising her hand. I just wasn't sure if that was still something we'd do or not. I,

[02:50:33] Member Lucas Ramirez: I wish we had that option available, but I have a recollection that there was a, is it a change in state law or something, some, uh, maybe city clerk you can share with us what happened?

[02:50:44] Unknown Speaker: Yeah, if I may, uh, the government code actually prohibits you from doing that. So, um, when there is a vacancy, we will notice it, the government code requires the notice to be up for a certain amount of time before the legislative body can make an appointment. So of course, um, anyone who is not recommended this evening is welcome to uh, apply if a future vacancy does happen, but there's no mechanism in the government code for you to pre-appoint someone. Okay,

[02:51:15] Member Lucas Ramirez: so it's always been hard, but now it's even harder because they don't have that option. Thank you, a committee member can may?

[02:51:21] Member Ellen Kamei: How did we do that for EPC then? Is that a question for another time? I will ask that at another time. Okay. So I'm glad that I asked that as a clarifier. And so, um, I, I'm comfortable, um, with the recommending the 2 applicants, um, who submitted in time, I believe, for the board of library trustees, which I believe is, uh, Kristen and Eric.

[02:51:51] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you, uh, and committee member Hicks. So

[02:51:55] Member Alison Hicks: I realize that I have come up with another question. I'm, I would be ready to, to 2nd that motion, but I do have a, another question because I haven't been on this committee before and, um, some people have, have applied. As you all know, for multiple committees or commissions. And so if we pick someone for this, uh, for the board of library trustees who's also applied for others, are we, uh, essentially saying that we will not put them on the other? Okay? That's one thing to keep in mind. I'll 2nd anyway. Thank you. Um, I'm

[02:52:39] Member Lucas Ramirez: I'm comfortable with this, um, with these recommendations. Um, I agree. Uh, it's very difficult when we have more strong and compelling applicants than we have seats open. Um, I wish we did have um, the, uh, option to select um, alternates and um, it's unfortunate that we don't have that option available to us anymore. Um, but I think um, you know. We we do have uh a procedure that we've established and um I think in the interest of fairness we have to try to adhere to that procedure as best as as we're able to and I think this is um this is something that we should consider. Um, the the timeliness of the application. Um so I I'm comfortable with with doing individual motions for each advisory committee or we could wrap it all up in one. Um since there is a motion on the floor we can why don't we go ahead and and just do motions for each individual committee is that is that acceptable to everybody? Oh, committee member committee? So, um,

[02:53:50] Member Ellen Kamei: thanks, chair. So my understanding is that we would need to read, um, I think we need to read. I don't know what page is this? Uh, Six. Yeah, appoint their name too, and then include the 4 year term. Do we need to read that into the record? I believe so, right? Or is that? No, okay. No,

[02:54:14] Unknown Speaker: no, no, no. These are the only 2 that are available. So, um, you can make reference to the to the recommendation? But yeah, no, that we know what you're trying to do. Okay. Okay.

[02:54:26] Member Ellen Kamei: I'm happy to continue or we can do it commission by commission, whatever you want, sure. Uh,

[02:54:33] Member Lucas Ramirez: but just, just because we have, there, there was a motion made, let's, let's go ahead and do it, um, commission by commission. And so this would uh, I think it was a motion. Uh correct me if I'm wrong. Um, uh, made by committee member to May 2nded by committee member Hicks to a point um, Kristen. Uh, he got and then Eric uh, Nehrlich uh, to the board of library trustees. Are there any questions or comments? And then I believe we will, because it's a formal motion, we will need to do a roll call vote. Okay.

[02:55:12] Unknown Speaker: How many member hicks?

[02:55:14] Member Alison Hicks: Yes.

[02:55:16] Unknown Speaker: How many member come may?

[02:55:17] Member Ellen Kamei: Yes.

[02:55:18] Unknown Speaker: Chair Ramirez?

[02:55:20] Member Lucas Ramirez: Yes.

[02:55:23] Unknown Speaker: Great.

[02:55:23] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you. That passes unanimously. So we'll proceed now to, um, the human relations commission. Um, which has 5 openings. Uh, and of those 5 4 are full terms and one is one unexpired term, ending sooner on, uh, December 31st 2024. So we will need to, um, determine, who get, which uh applicants get the 4 full, uh, terms and then who would fill the balance, the unexpired term. Um. And I'm trying to see I don't think there were there were any. Applicants who, um, were part of the board of library trustees, uh committee member committee? Sure,

[02:56:16] Member Ellen Kamei: um, I don't know if the vice mayor wants to do her motion. I was just trying to.

[02:56:20] Member Alison Hicks: Is it okay if I could go? Mine was just a question.

[02:56:25] Member Lucas Ramirez: Oh, okay, you want to ask yours first? Maybe

[02:56:27] Member Alison Hicks: you know the answer too. I'm sorry, I'm shuffling a lot of paper here. I thought I had the right paper in front of me, but, um, so were any of these late applications? Yes. Yes.

[02:56:41] Member Alison Hicks: Which ones were those?

[02:56:43] Unknown Speaker: Sandra Gifford and Lee Zang.

[02:56:46] Member Alison Hicks: Okay. And, and I imagine. And then, so my 2nd question would be, uh, traditionally on this committee, uh, when someone has run for office and then not, uh, not been elected. Do you give them a different consideration if they apply late because they didn't know whether they were going to win or in the blues or is that not us a situation that has been talked about in the past. Sorry Um,

[02:57:21] Unknown Speaker: since she, Um, didn't win an election. She was given the opportunity to apply for any of the vacancies on account survise your body. Yeah,

[02:57:34] Member Alison Hicks: so I'm wondering, does that make a, is, is that considered a different situation if you're late or nobody's talked about that before?

[02:57:44] Member Alison Hicks: Hasn't really been a part of the discussion.

[02:57:47] Member Alison Hicks: Okay. I thought I would um, find out if there's a tradition around that. Um. Okay, and I don't see overlaps with other, um, committed. So those were my questions and comments.

[02:58:04] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you. I, I, um, I wonder if, uh, I, I, maybe a question for staff, it, has the application period, always been around the time it was for this cycle, because I, I, uh, I ran for office in 2016 and lost, and applied for the planning commission. I think on the last day possible. Um but but it was within the application period so I'm wondering if the application period may have shifted um city clerk. I

[02:58:38] Unknown Speaker: was just gonna note that the application period is established in the policy that you, you will have and that policy, um, makes the application period not work with the timing of an election, especially, um, you know, given that it's in November and and typically we're holding these meetings in October. Um, so we pushed the meeting dates. To after the election results would have been, um, semifinal. And so that you all would have an opportunity to consider anyone that um, appeared to not have been elected. So I think historically going back to, um, Committee member Hicks comment question, I think historically, Those have been weighted a little differently because the timeline doesn't match up, at least according to the way the policy is currently written, with, um, when elections happen. Okay, thank you.

[02:59:44] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you. And, um, it also, um, may have been that, when I lost a sitting planning commissioner has been elected, so, I may have been. I can't recall, I filled the balance of an unexpired term, but that may also explain my situation. I don't mean to complicate things. Um, but so that, that does provide a pathway if, if we apply the same criteria. Um, there are, uh, 5 applicants who submitted applications. Um within the applications period. And if we use those 5 then we would simply need to determine who would receive the balance of the unex- unexpended term. And if, um, if, oh, a committee member can I? Sure.

[03:00:43] Member Ellen Kamei: So just to clarify from staff, when was the application due?

[03:00:51] Unknown Speaker: September 29th.

[03:00:54] Member Ellen Kamei: Got it. Okay. Um. Well, um, I'm, I'm comfortable, um, moving forward with the, 5 applicants who, um, submitted by the deadline. I do feel that, um, People can always, it's, it's great that that we invite people to, um, submit late. However, I think that people can always do some contingency planning. And for those who submitted by the deadline, I just, I, particularly since it was in September, I, I, I, feel like, that I'm comfortable, um, recommending, um, Jocelyn, Eric, Molly. Uh, and the 2 incumbents, Ida Rose, and Xavier, for to the HRC, with a recommendation to have, um, Molly serve the, uh, shorter term. Thank you. Uh,

[03:02:16] Member Lucas Ramirez: committee member Hicks. I'm comfortable with that recommendation.

[03:02:25] Member Alison Hicks: Yeah, I'm mulling it over, but I can go with that, yeah.

[03:02:29] Member Lucas Ramirez: Okay. Um, So, uh, if that was a, a motion, uh, committee member command, happy to 2nd it. Um any other questions or comments? If not, so the motion is, uh, to apply, uh, appoint the 5 who has submitted that, an application period, um, and Molly would receive, the, um, the, the balance of the unexpired term. And uh, If that will start the roll call, vote.

[03:03:05] Unknown Speaker: Many member Hicks.

[03:03:06] Member Alison Hicks: Yeah.

[03:03:07] Unknown Speaker: Committee member Kame?

[03:03:09] Member Ellen Kamei: Yes.

[03:03:10] Unknown Speaker: Cher Ramirez.

[03:03:11] Member Lucas Ramirez: Yeah.

[03:03:15] Unknown Speaker: Thank you. Um. Oh, yeah. Chair, did you, after this, did you want to go back and work, um, appointing, did I?

[03:03:26] Member Lucas Ramirez: Yeah, my apologies. I was looking at the um, the city of Mountain View summary of applications and and the order is different. My apology. So, yeah, happy to go back to um, the bicycle pedestrian advisory committee, uh, committee member Hicks.

[03:03:43] Member Alison Hicks: Can we have to read the formal notion?

[03:03:46] Member Lucas Ramirez: No, uh, the city clerk said, um, in this case, we we weren't required to read the language.

[03:03:52] Unknown Speaker: If you would like to to make the record explicit, then that's fine. I feel like it's been alluded to sufficiently, but you're more than welcome to read the list. sleep at the wheel. I didn't hear you say that. No worries.

[03:04:12] Member Alison Hicks: I'm still here. I have to address my cat.

[03:04:15] Member Lucas Ramirez: No worries. Um, okay, so we'll, we'll take a, uh, a step back to bicycle pedestrian advisory committee. Um, we did, already. Uh, well, actually, in this case, we've appointed both Eric and Molly, which would leave only one applicant remaining. Um, Isaac, or I guess his formal name is John Stone, um, committee member to me. I'm

[03:04:43] Member Ellen Kamei: happy to make that recommendation for Isaac to be pack. Thank

[03:04:49] Member Lucas Ramirez: you, and I'll go ahead and 2nd that. Is there any uh, comments or questions? If not, uh we'll go ahead and do the roll call.

[03:05:02] Unknown Speaker: Committee member Hicks?

[03:05:04] Member Alison Hicks: Yes.

[03:05:05] Unknown Speaker: Meeting member Kamet?

[03:05:07] Member Ellen Kamei: Yes.

[03:05:08] Unknown Speaker: Cher Ramirez?

[03:05:09] Member Lucas Ramirez: Yes.

[03:05:11] Unknown Speaker: Thank you.

[03:05:13] Member Lucas Ramirez: And now um, we will move. Oh man, acrobat reader is giving me a really rough time. We'll move on to parks and recreation commission um and there are 3 applicants for one open seat. Oh, committee member hits. So

[03:05:38] Member Alison Hicks: here I'm going to ask for a tradition too. Is it for these committees? Is it normally, do we normally, um, reappoint incumbents unless they have been, um, problematic in some way, such as attendance or, um, or any number of other ways? Uh, but do we have a, you know, somewhat of a preference for somebody who started their term? What in the practice around them? I,

[03:06:13] Member Lucas Ramirez: uh, well, city clerk? Um,

[03:06:16] Unknown Speaker: well, that was, I was wondering if Wanda was going to chime in, um, as the, as the person that would probably have the most experience. The only thing I can speak to is the language in the policy, which, um, kind of gives you guideposts for considering incumbents, um, attendance when you're talking about whether or not you would reappoint them, um, but beyond that does not, you know, give guidance that an incumbent should be preferred over someone else. So it's really up to the discretion of the committee.

[03:06:56] Member Alison Hicks: So if there's not, um, guidance in the, the policy, has there been sort of a tradition for, I know, Heather, you haven't been here for, for many, many years, but, um, maybe other people, uh, who've been on this committee for more than one year or, or seen it for more than one year can, um, give me some guidance on that.

[03:07:24] Member Lucas Ramirez: I don't have tremendous um, institutional memory. Um, I think, for the, this is my, the 2nd time on, on the, this committee and I, I don't believe we had, uh, very many instances where, uh, we've had a number of, incumbents in committees where there were more, openings, um, sorry, more applicants than there were, open seats. My recollection is all of the incumbents, um, have been moved forward with one exception for, um, parks and recs when, uh, the incumbent had already served 2 consecutive terms. Um, and um, even though there is a pathway or a 3rd term, in that case, because there were more. There were more applicants than open seats, the policy does say, you know, we would, we would prefer to limit the number of consecutive um terms to 2. Committee member here. Well,

[03:08:39] Member Alison Hicks: in that case, um, I think there's some advantage to having an, uh, an incumbent do a 2nd term, but I would agree, not a 3rd term. So I would make a motion for Ronit Bryant to remain.

[03:08:58] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you Committee member committee. Great. Um,

[03:09:02] Member Ellen Kamei: oh, oh, 2nd the motion. Um, this was uh, an interview group that I found really engaging and I wish we had 3 openings so that we could appoint all three. I loved all the ideas. And, um, I just, yeah, I wish there were, there were more openings or we could do an alternate, and I had thought that, an alternate, might be a possibility, but thank you to the city clerk. Um, for, for illuminating that one for me. So, um, I just want to hopefully convey to, um, the other 2 applicants, if they're watching or if we can, to, um, ask them to, to stay interested and involved, and, um, hopefully we can see them back and, and, uh, point it in the future. Thanks, chair. Thank

[03:09:52] Member Lucas Ramirez: you. Um, I'll support the motion as well. I agree. Um, I think this was a challenging one since we, um, a number of, uh, uh, applicants who have been quite active in, in, discussions around Mauna Loma in particular and I don't want to lose that, um, energy or, or, talent. Um, and I, I hope that the applicants I would consider applying um for uh subsequent openings or the other thing I was thinking about is um, we will probably have uh, several robust community input opportunities for a lot of the work happening, both in mona loma specifically and, but the uh, strategic plan generally. Um and I I think we could commit to making sure that the applicants are aware of those opportunities to participate. Um, are there any, so that, that was a, I think a motion from committee member Hicks and 2nded by a committee member to may? Um, uh, to a point through neat Bryant to a 2nd term? Are there any questions or comments? Not um we'll do the roll call.

[03:11:03] Unknown Speaker: Committee member Hicks?

[03:11:04] Member Alison Hicks: Yeah.

[03:11:05] Unknown Speaker: Committee member, I may.

[03:11:08] Member Ellen Kamei: Yes,

[03:11:08] Unknown Speaker: chair Ramirez.

[03:11:10] Member Lucas Ramirez: Yes.

[03:11:12] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you. Uh,

[03:11:14] Member Lucas Ramirez: so we'll move on now, um, to. Uh, it looks like downtown and in this case, uh, there are different cate- categories of seats, or the downtown property or representative of a business. Category. There are 4 open seats and 4 applications, business at large, 2 open seats and only one application. Um, neighborhood association, one open seat and one application. Now that's a special consideration. I think um. I believe Jamil was selected by the neighborhood association. We may have to make formal that appointment, but ordinarily, I think the policy requires us to conduct an interview, but in this case, the neighborhood association has made that selection. Um, so I, I would, suggest that we simply proceed with, the applicants, and for those categories, simply because there are no, uh, there, there are the same number or, um, more applications, uh, as there are open seats, and then the only contested one is the community at large. That's the only one where we would need to pick um one. From the 3 applicants. So if any uh committee member would like to. Us This was another tricky one. I thought we had some pretty compelling candidates here. Uh committee member Hicks.

[03:13:12] Member Alison Hicks: Well, I'm not. I'm not gonna say anything very decisive here. uh, among the 3 I mean, we have the laid application factor again, and among the, um, The remaining 2 candidates, I thought they were, um, were both, you know, fairly compelling. Uh, I thought that, uh, Rick had a lot of interesting things to say about, um, about retail in particular, and, uh, you know, and, uh, Anne had compelling things around her experience with leadership Mountain View, and, um, you know, her, her experience living nearby. Um, so if, so those are kind of what I got from each of them and maybe, um, since I think they were both fairly compelling applicants and since seems like maybe the other 2 committee members thought so too, because nobody made a very quick motion. Um, I don't know if anybody else wants to sum up what what their takeaway was, so that we could, um, you know, share thoughts. We're all looking

[03:14:39] Member Lucas Ramirez: over the applications, see what we can glean from them. Committee member commit.

[03:14:51] Member Ellen Kamei: Great, thanks. So, um, I was just trying to look back at the community at large members that currently are on downtown to see kind of maybe what neighborhoods were represented to see if maybe we can choose a community member at large who's from a different neighborhood, um, just to have the different variety of perspectives, since it is a, an at large position. Um, I know that one of the community, a large members already lives in Questa Park. Um, in that area. I can't remember where the other, um, committee member lives. I don't know if either of you knows, but maybe that could be a way too to get, um, a variety of community mountain view perspectives, um, thinking about kind of geographical distribution, um, as being representative on the downtown committee.

[03:15:49] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you. I pulled up. I found, um, the 2 applications and it looks like Anne, live in the downtown area. Um, so that I think that is an important consideration. I'm also noting um that, uh, maybe in her favor and has attended meetings. Um of the downtown committee and it looks like um Rick may not have had the opportunity to yet at least as of the submitting of the application. Um so that's another consideration both have lived in Mountain View for a very long time. Um. Let's see and as she had mentioned was active or uh as a recent graduate of the leadership Mountain View uh program class of 2022. Uh uh committee member Hicks.

[03:16:47] Member Alison Hicks: Yeah, I'm glad you reminded me of that because I took notes on that one I was reading the applications who had, who had taken the time to attend a meeting. I think that really makes a difference. And I think that would nudge me in that direction. Um, I think there are multiple reasons that it's good to attend a meeting. One is to see whether, like, how, how the meetings progress and what, you know, it may be something that it wants you, uh, Being on the performing arts or the downtown committee may sound good, but when you actually attend it, it may not be as attractive. So I like that somebody has previewed it and still uh, still bothered to apply. So that does, so I will, um, make a motion that Anne Kavanaugh, uh, be the downtown committee, uh, community at large representative.

[03:17:42] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you I'll also note that and also has applied for the planning commission, according to her application, another consideration too. Um. I like both applicants a lot. I'm happy to 2nd that motion. Think, you know, there, there is something to be said, uh, or an applicant who has, uh, been able to participate in meetings, of the committee that, uh, the applicant is applying for, do find that valuable, and I also appreciate that Anne has, has had some, um, recent, uh, engagement in downtown as part of leadership Mountain View. I think that's that's also to me a committee member to me.

[03:18:34] Member Ellen Kamei: Great, thank you. Um, I can 2nd it if you didn't already chair. I wasn't sure. Um. I'm

[03:18:41] Member Lucas Ramirez: I'm happy to, yeah, happy to give you the 2nd.

[03:18:45] Member Ellen Kamei: And then, um, but I really hope too that, um, Rick stays engaged, maybe reapplies. I really thought his perspective and the um, ideas that he had were, um, great ones. So, kind of similar to Parks and Rec, hopefully, will continue to stay engaged. Thanks. completely agree. Thank

[03:19:06] Member Lucas Ramirez: you. And I actually, that you said that reminded me. I hope we have a robust, um, community engagement, um, uh, opportunity for the economic vitality strategy, because I thought some of the things he mentioned would be very valuable in that context too. Um, are there any? Comments or questions? Not we'll go ahead and do the roll call.

[03:19:37] Unknown Speaker: Oh, Wanda, you're muted? Okay, regarding the downtown committee, downtown property and a representative of business in downtown area. There are 3 seats for a 3 year term and there's also one unexpired term ending December 31st, 2024.

[03:19:58] Member Lucas Ramirez: Oh, my apologies. I missed that.

[03:20:01] Unknown Speaker: We, we can go back to that. Do you want to do the roll call for this one that we're on? Yes, Wanda? Yeah, I could do that.

[03:20:07] Unknown Speaker: We can go back. Okay, exactly. Thank you. Committee member Hicks?

[03:20:12] Member Alison Hicks: Yes.

[03:20:13] Unknown Speaker: Committee member Kameh?

[03:20:14] Member Ellen Kamei: Yes.

[03:20:16] Unknown Speaker: Cher Ramirez?

[03:20:18] Member Lucas Ramirez: Yes.

[03:20:19] Unknown Speaker: Thank

[03:20:20] Member Lucas Ramirez: you. Um, so uh, that was for the community at large seat. I guess we can do the remaining seats in one motion, but I, uh, I appreciate the clarification for downtown property. And or representative of of a business, we will need to determine who, um, will fill the unexpired term ending December 31st 2024. And the remaining 3 seats are full term. Um. I'm happy to start. It looks like there are 3 incumbent. Um. I'm having difficulty with the, um, acrobat reader. Uh, it looks like um, Marina, David and Kira are incumbents and um, Monet Singh is uh, not an incumbent, so that could be one, one set of considerations committee member today.

[03:21:28] Member Ellen Kamei: I'm I'm comfortable with that mayor. If we have the incumbents to the uh, full term and then the other do the um, partial or an expired term,

[03:21:42] Member Lucas Ramirez: I think. Okay. Thank you. I mean do you remember Hicks?

[03:21:48] Member Alison Hicks: Second.

[03:21:51] Member Lucas Ramirez: Great, thank you. I'm happy to support that motion as well. Any other comments or questions? If not, we'll do the roll call, and that's for the balance of the seats, we're appointing everyone who applied and then, um, modest thing would be the, uh, who would fill the unexpired term for that category.

[03:22:14] Unknown Speaker: Midi member Hicks?

[03:22:15] Member Alison Hicks: Yes.

[03:22:16] Unknown Speaker: Midi member Kamei?

[03:22:18] Member Ellen Kamei: Yes,

[03:22:18] Unknown Speaker: Cher Ramirez?

[03:22:20] Member Lucas Ramirez: Yes.

[03:22:22] Unknown Speaker: Great,

[03:22:22] Member Lucas Ramirez: thank you. And then the last one, uh, performing arts committee, 8 application. I'm sorry Um,

[03:22:30] Unknown Speaker: Business at large. Did you want to point someone to business at large?

[03:22:36] Member Lucas Ramirez: Business at large? Oh, I, I, I think, I think we, we did include my understanding that the motion must be included everyone who had applied for all of the categories. Thank you very. And since Mike was the only applicant and there are 2 open seats, I think we're comfortable with reappointing him and the same with Jamil. Thank you. For the clarification. Um, so the 3 open seats for the performing arts committee are all full terms. There is one incumbent. Uh, yow yow. And um, let's see here. I'm looking for, um, so unfortunate, so it's, uh, Sandra Gifford withdrew her application. Unfortunately, while Anjali was able to attend the interview. Um, I think there were technical difficulties that precluded her from participating, and the policy does require that we conduct an interview. Um so that's the consideration. And then um Lee had submitted an application after the deadline. A committee member committee.

[03:23:54] Member Ellen Kamei: Great, thank you. Another really engaging. and exciting group, I thought. Um, I really appreciated a lot of the ideas and loved uh, that it was all women. So, um, I have, um, 2 I was able, I know there's only 3 openings. There were 2 people who really stood out to me that I like to put forward. Um, and would love to hear from the rest of the committee members. Um, so the 2 people who stood up to me were uh, Yow Yow and Veronica.

[03:24:33] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you. I'm inclined to agree. Committee member Hicks, did you want to weigh in? And then I'll give some thoughts on the possible third. Um,

[03:24:44] Member Alison Hicks: no, I would agree with that. I I was gonna say something about a pot, possible 3rd but you go 1st. Uh,

[03:24:53] Member Lucas Ramirez: sure, if, uh, we hopefully we'll agree. I thought, um, that Heather potentially brings some subject matter expertise that may be valuable. Um, I thought she was, she, they, they were all good. Um, I thought she was strong just by virtue of having had some previous um, involvement in, in, work related to the subject matter that she'd be engaged in,

[03:25:17] Member Ellen Kamei: committee member committee. Great, thank you. Um, well, I'm happy to, um, 2nd Heather as well. Um, I know she's been really engaged with, um, the city in particular and trying to, to work, um, to let us know about different things going on. So, I'm happy to do that, but really enjoyed meeting everybody. So, um,

[03:25:46] Member Lucas Ramirez: which is which is great. Thank you. Committee member Hicks.

[03:25:53] Member Alison Hicks: Well, that was what I was going to say, what you said, Lucas. So, I go, so I guess it's, the motion is made and 2nded, but I, I, I will go along. Okay,

[03:26:03] Member Lucas Ramirez: thank you. So that would be a motion for, um, reappointing yow yow and then appointing, uh, Veronica and Heather. Are there any questions or comments? If not, then we will take the roll call. Committee member Hicks? Yes.

[03:26:23] Unknown Speaker: Committee member come may?

[03:26:25] Member Alison Hicks: Yes.

[03:26:27] Unknown Speaker: Sure Ramirez?

[03:26:28] Member Lucas Ramirez: Yes.

[03:26:31] Member Lucas Ramirez: Okay,

[03:26:32] Member Lucas Ramirez: thank you. So that concludes, um, the interviews and recommendations, those will all go to the city council, um, and we'll move on now to item 8 committee staff, comments, questions, committee reports. Are there any comments, questions or committee reports? Committee member hits.

[03:26:53] Member Alison Hicks: Well, again, I have a question never having been on this committee before. What happens with the, um, The seats like, uh, let's see, a business at large in the downtown committee where there was, there are 2 openings and we only appointed one person because that's all the applicants we had. Um, what happens next with those?

[03:27:17] Unknown Speaker: We will re-advertise those vacancies. Okay.

[03:27:25] Member Alison Hicks: Wondering whether any of the current applicants. Uh, would fit in that position, perhaps not. Perhaps they don't have a business at large, but, um, but it might be worth, for example, contacting Rick Talmudge to see if he has a, a consulting business, just like Mike Paspersact does. Okay, that's my only question. Thank you. Um,

[03:27:56] Member Lucas Ramirez: I think it's a, a good question to, to ask, prospective applicants. Um, I did have a question related to uh, an early public comment, um, and that has to do with, uh, opportunities to weigh in, for the public to weigh in on questions. I know it's tough because we're we're already pressed for time as it is. Um, when we have so many, so many applications and interviews to conduct, but, um, period, so the, the, uh, the example or uh, what do they call? Um the suggested questions are those defined somewhere is that is that in? I can't recall, is that in the council policy? Is that just a set of questions? Um. Uh, is that just a set of questions, um, that, has always been provided, you know, to previous, BARCs?

[03:29:00] Unknown Speaker: That's correct. It's just evolved over the years, those questions. Um,

[03:29:06] Member Lucas Ramirez: okay. I, I, I don't think it's a bad idea to, some, I mean, these are, these are fine questions, but I think, you know, it may be, it may be worthwhile thinking about, um, time and space to, to provide broader input on the, the questions. Um, I don't have a good suggestion right now, but I think that's, uh, something that, a future CARC or CPPC may want to, think about. Are there any other um comments or questions? Any member hicks?

[03:29:41] Member Alison Hicks: No, I'm just gonna uh support, you know, what you just said that there, we should make some space for that wherever appropriate. Whether it be, um, this committee or the CPPC.

[03:29:55] Member Lucas Ramirez: Mini member, can I? Great, thank you. So,

[03:30:00] Member Ellen Kamei: um, I think, Procedurally too, and I, and I can't remember, but public comment can be an opportunity where people can suggest questions as well, because I think that that happens prior to the deliberation that counsel had when I was kind of asking, okay, can we just have our, um, subcommittee huddle and have the, have that discussion before inviting all of the participants in. That was kind of where I was hoping to go with it. Um, I know Zoom makes things a little bit difficult. But perhaps that can also for the public who's interested in weighing in. They could use the 3 minutes to provide either, you know, ahead of time, similar to a council meeting, with email suggestions or the public comment 3 minutes to provide some suggestions they have, and then we have the opportunity in the pre-deliberation before we go into the interview portion to, um, augment or or make any changes, I believe, um, from that suggested question list, it would be my understanding. Um, which I think maybe we're, we don't necessarily do a good job of utilizing and perhaps future carks can give themselves more than 5 minutes to get right into the interview part, you know, um, so that they can have a little bit of that discussion on, on the questions they would like to ask. That would be, I guess, my feedback. Um,

[03:31:27] Member Lucas Ramirez: Oh, I think maybe one suggestion might be, um, if, if we have a, uh, meeting that's pretty light. This is a heavy one, you know, we had so many interviews, um, and we were, you know, way beyond time, which I know is frustrating for the applicants too. Um, and you know, I'll take a lot of blame because it's just hard to manage this, but maybe in a, in a future parks meeting that we know will be light because there are very few applicants. Um, that might be a good opportunity to have an agenda item where there could be a formal opportunity for members of the public. To provide, you know, input on specifically on questions and then, you know, that car can decide whether to, you know, modify the suggestion quest, suggested questions for a few, future cards because it, I agree, it's really tough. Um to to be really thoughtful about all of the questions when we only have a couple of minutes to really establish the procedure before we launch into the interviews. Um, do you, uh, committee member Hicks. You mind if we go to the city clerk first? Uh,

[03:32:37] Unknown Speaker: I was just gonna offer that the committee might consider having a standalone meeting to do this. Um, and the reason why I bring that up is, It is very difficult to draw a line between um, when you can keep people out of a public meeting. And so, um, I would, I would encourage the committee if, if that's the desire that we can have a standalone meeting to just go over, uh, the questions at large and and allow the, the public to weigh in. Um, so that you have a more robust set that you're, you're kind of happy with going into future interviews. Um, that you could then whittle down as you saw it. Thank you.

[03:33:25] Member Lucas Ramirez: Committee member Hicks?

[03:33:27] Member Alison Hicks: Well, I think my comment may be moot at this point now that now that the city clerk has brought that up, but I was just thinking that we should circle back and get comments from the public at some point on which way they would prefer to be like a sort of spontaneous at the beginning of the meeting. I have to say, I'm not a very spontaneous person. So that in short periods of time. Um, So, uh, you know, what, what the members of the public who were wanting to make comment what they would prefer, but maybe since the city clerk made the comment that she just did, maybe that's the way we go.

[03:34:06] Member Lucas Ramirez: Thank you. I'm inclined to agree. I think that's a good suggestion. I don't think we have time this year to do it. Um, I'll leave that to the next chair of the park. So I believe is on this panel, so, um, uh, city clerk if you wouldn't mind working with the next chair of the car to maybe schedule that special meeting and that would be an appropriate time to really do a deep dive into the suggested questions. They're general consensus for, for that process. Okay. We're good to go. Um any other. I'm sorry Is it have fun without me? We, we could schedule it this year, but I'm, I'm, uh, looking at the next few weeks and they're pretty heavy. Um are any remaining comments or questions? If not, then we will adjourn the meeting at 9:07 PM. Thank you everyone for your patience. Take care.

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