Leon Valley P&Z recommends alternate Abraham Diaz to fill permanent vacancy

The Leon Valley Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously on March 25, 2025, to recommend alternate Abraham Diaz to fill the permanent vacancy left by Commissioner Hilda Gomez.

The recommendation follows the succession process in the city code for boards with alternates. City planning staff read the relevant provision aloud to the commission during the meeting, noting that the chair may ask the first alternate if he or she wishes to become a regular member and that the council must make the final appointment. "The council always has to vote," staff member Susanna Huerta told the commission.

Commissioners first confirmed that Diaz would sit in for Gomez at the meeting; Diaz said he would accept the permanent appointment. A motion to recommend Diaz to the City Council was made and seconded and passed by unanimous voice/roll call; the clerk noted the commission's support would be forwarded along with Diaz's consent.

The commission recorded the recommendation and asked staff to reflect the action in the meeting minutes; staff said the record will show Diaz was asked and accepted. The appointment still requires formal confirmation by Leon Valley City Council under the city code section covering board appointments and succession.

What happens next: the commission's recommendation and the alternate's written consent will be transmitted to City Council, which must vote to complete the appointment.