Hemet council appoints seven to Measure U citizen oversight committee after interviews

The Hemet City Council on March 11 appointed seven members to the Measure U Citizen Oversight Committee, voting 5-0 to confirm the nominees after interviews and a tie-breaking discussion.

Councilmembers nominated and the council approved Jean Amott, Veronica Banuelos, Tammy Chenault, George Clark, Mark Collins, Marcus Kelly and Delia Mraz to two-year terms on the Measure U committee, which advises the council on the city’s proposed and actual expenditures of Measure U funds.

The appointments followed a staff presentation from the City Clerk laying out the committee’s role under Hemet Ordinance No. 19 18 and the candidate pool: 23 qualified applicants, three withdrawals and four applicants who could not attend but submitted written answers. The clerk recommended a process of interviews followed by council members each casting votes for seven nominees.

Why it matters: Measure U funds are earmarked locally for public safety and related services; the oversight committee reviews spending and reports to the council. Councilmembers and several applicants emphasized geographic balance among the five city council districts and the sphere of influence during the selection process.

Council discussion focused on representation: multiple council members said they wanted to preserve a geographic spread of committee members after staff noted a concentration of current members from District 1. Resident commenters and council members urged attention to equitable district representation during selection.

Applicant backgrounds presented to the council ranged from long-term local residence and volunteer public-safety experience to financial and project-management experience. For example, Tammy Chenault, a reapplying committee member from District 1, told the council: “I have learned over the past 4 years about understanding how each dollar is spent with our Measure U,” and said she wants to continue ensuring “transparency, accountability, and effective use of these funds.”

Tie and final motion: After the initial tally the clerk reported six clear top-ranked nominees and a five-way tie for the seventh slot. Councilmembers discussed including a candidate from the city’s sphere of influence to improve geographic balance and then read a consensus list of seven nominees. Councilmember Lodge moved to accept the list; Mayor Pro Tem Kendrick seconded. The council voted by roll call, 5-0, to appoint the seven nominees.

The council also encouraged applicants not selected to consider other boards and commissions; staff noted an opening on the Planning Commission and other volunteer opportunities.

The committee is voluntary; members serve two-year terms and report to the city council. The newly appointed members will be asked to start meeting with staff and the council on oversight procedures and expectations.

Votes at a glance: The council appointed seven Measure U committee members by a 5-0 roll-call vote (motion by Councilmember Lodge; second by Mayor Pro Tem Kendrick).