Emeryville council reappoints two planning commissioners; appointments to advisory committees draw public criticism over subcommittee process

Emeryville’s council reappointed two incumbent planning commissioners and approved staff-recommended candidates to multiple advisory bodies during a June 16 meeting, but those routine actions sparked an extended public critique of how council subcommittees screen applicants.

At a 6:15 p.m. special meeting, Acting Mayor Vice Mayor Solomon opened interviews for two vacant Planning Commission seats. Applicant Zoe Cheif, who identified herself as an incumbent planning commissioner, told the council she has "served on the Planning Commission for two terms now" and described a professional background in energy, resources and public health, saying her work "translat[es] science into policy" for planning decisions.

After the interview period, Council member Mora moved to reappoint "Commissioner Chait and Commissioner Gould" to the Planning Commission; Member Welch seconded the motion. The council approved the reappointments in roll-call vote: Mora Aye; Council member Praiforce recused; Welsh Aye; Vice Mayor Solomon Aye; Mayor Carr absent.

The reappointments and a broader set of advisory committee appointments later on the agenda prompted extended public comment and debate. A speaker identified in the record as Member Firestine delivered a lengthy critique of the council’s subcommittee screening process, saying interviews held in a small conference room at 3:00 p.m. "with no Zoom link, no live stream, no recording" left the public uninformed and questioning whether the process had favored incumbents and higher-income applicants over long-term, lower-income residents. The speaker cited the Brown Act, saying in part, "The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them," and warned she plans to pursue a ballot initiative to create an independent public ethics commission if the council does not address the concerns.

Councilmembers responded that subcommittee meetings were public and that agendas, minutes and recordings are posted to the city website. Member Moore said the subcommittee interviews had been "one of the most deliberative, open processes" the member had seen and emphasized that the full council can substitute appointments at the regular meeting. Member Walsh noted that agendas, minutes and audio recordings are available on emeryville.org and encouraged residents to review the materials.

After discussion and public comment, the council voted to appoint the candidates recommended in the staff report for the various advisory bodies (motion moved by Member Mora and seconded). The roll call on item 9.5 recorded four Ayes and one absence; the motion passed.

The council and staff also discussed recent changes in state law and implementation. Several speakers referenced Senate Bill 707, noting that as of July 1 cities above 30,000 residents must provide two-way Zoom access and live webcasting for open meetings. Councilmembers and staff said Emeryville (roughly 13,000 residents) currently limits full video/Zoom broadcasting to the City Council and the Planning Commission but that staff would evaluate audiovisual capabilities and costs for other rooms if the council requested.

The meeting record shows the city approved the appointments and left open the question of whether the subcommittee process should change. Council members encouraged residents to submit written comment and to attend advisory-body meetings in person; one councilmember said she will bring a future agenda item requiring that council committee meetings that consider advisory appointments be recorded, posted publicly within 48 hours and offered on Zoom.

The council adjourned the regular meeting at 8:05 p.m. and did not take further action on procedural changes at this session.