The Atherton Town Council appointed a candidate to fill a planning-commission vacancy through June 30, 2026, after interviewing two applicants and debating committee workload and conflicts of interest.

One applicant identified in the record as Peter described decades of residency and prior board service; another applicant, identified as Steve in the transcript, outlined long-term town involvement and said he would consider resigning from a transportation-committee seat if asked. Council members pressed the applicants on planning experience, familiarity with building codes and the expected time commitment for the planning commission.

Council discussion emphasized the workload of the planning commission and concerns about dual service on multiple committees. One applicant told the council he would resign from the transportation committee if selected. The mayor asked for a formal motion; a motion ‘‘to appoint Steve Siegel to the planning commission through 06/30/2026’’ was made and seconded, and the council approved the appointment by voice vote. The mayor stated there was a unanimous vote of the four members present.

The newly appointed commissioner is expected to begin serving immediately and staff will follow usual onboarding and meeting-notice procedures. The council noted that other committee openings will be available in approximately six months as some terms expire and encouraged residents to apply.