DEPARTMENT: Office of the City Clerk
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Tina J. Flores
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City-Wide
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance reappointing Bob Comeax (Union Representative) and Athalie Malone (Representative of Transportation Disadvantaged) to an unexpired term of office to end December 31, 2021 and appointing Laura Cabanilla, Javier Paredes, and Melanie Tawil to unexpired terms of office to end December 31, 2022.
SUMMARY:
At the direction of Mayor Nirenberg, a Governance Sub-Committee met on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 to review applications submitted for the VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority Board of Trustees. A total of 10 nominees were selected to fill 5 available seats, two appointees will serve terms of office to expire December 31, 2021; one of which must be a representative of the transportation disadvantaged and one must be a union representative. Three of the appointees will serve terms of office to expire December 31, 2022.
On Wednesday, January 6, 2021, the Governance Council Committee met to review and consider nominees to fill the 5 available seats. Seven of the 10 nominees were interviewed as Erika Gonzalez, Jason Rodriguez, and Kristi Villanueva withdrew from consideration. Two of the appointees will serve the remainder of unexpired terms of office ending December 31, 2021. Three appointees will serve terms of office to expire December 31, 2022.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
VIA manages and operates the Metropolitan Transit Authority within Bexar County, Texas. VIA is governed by a Board of Trustees with 11 appointees, five appointed by the San Antonio City Council; three appointed by the Bexar County Commissioners Court; two appointed by Suburban Mayors; and the Chair of the VIA Board which is elected by the VIA Board Members. VIA Board members serve staggered two-year terms and may serve up to four terms. Members must be qualified voters residing within the VIA Metropolitan Transit service area.
ISSUE:
Board Appointments require full City Council approval.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Office of the City Clerk will continue to promote vacancies.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the nominees.