Boards and Commissions

The City of Whittier has nine Boards and Commissions which were established by Charter, ordinance, or resolution of the City Council. Within a specific area of responsibility, each Board and Commission has a primary role of advising the City Council on policy matters or reviewing specific issues and carrying out assignments as requested by the City Council or prescribed by law. This is to be done within the parameters, guidelines and priorities periodically established by the Council. Boards and Commissions meet at regular intervals, usually once a month or as required. They act on matters in a public meeting according to a published agenda. Board and Commission action is in the form of a resolution or report to the City Council. The City Council reviews these actions and approves or rejects recommendations or tables them for further study.

APPLICATIONS

Applications for City Boards & Commissions may be submitted at any time. Under Council policy, each year the applications on file by March 31st are considered in making appointments for terms beginning July 1st. To obtain information about current board & commission openings, contact the City Clerk-Treasurer Department at (562)464-3330. Click here to view/print information and application for Board & Commission vacancies.

ROLE OF THE BOARD OR COMMISSION MEMBER

Each Board Member or Commissioner is appointed by the City Council for a term of four years. A Board or Commission member is a qualified resident and elector of the City who possesses desirable attributes or experience that may benefit the operation of the City government. Once he/she has accepted the appointment and received the oath of office, the member is a representative of the City government and expected to abide by all rules and prescribed conduct for the appointee of a City Board or Commission. He/she is also expected to work for the well being of the City. Each Board or Commission member is responsible for attending meetings. Non attendance of three consecutive meetings or non attendance of five meetings may result in replacement of a Board or Commission member by the City Council. All Board and Commission members serve without compensation. The citizen participation which results from the creation of Boards and Commissions is an important asset to the function of City government. Board and Commission members are encouraged by the City Council to present ideas as well as concerns. This valuable input can have an important impact on the development of City policies and procedures.

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF &
BOARD AND COMMISSION RELATIONSHIP

Each Board or Commission is assigned a member of City staff to act as secretary. This staff member is versed on all policies, procedures and laws relating to City government and specifically the area for which the Board or Commission operates. The staff secretary is custodian of all records resulting from Board or Commission action. The staff member is responsible to the City Manager who serves as ad hoc member to all Boards and Commissions. The City Manager reviews all Board and Commission actions and recommendations before placement on the next most convenient agenda. Any work resulting from Board and Commission action beyond the role as secretary must be approved by the City Manager before the staff can act on it. All communications are transmitted on City letterhead over the staff secretary's signature or Chairman of the Commission or Board with consent of the majority of the Board or Commission.

ADVISORY BOARDS & COMMISSIONS

Members are appointed by the City Council to serve four years and must be citizens and qualified electors of the City of Whittier. The members of Boards and Commissions serve without compensation.

Board of Appeals

The Board of Appeals consists of five members who consider problems concerning the building code and advise the Director of Community Development. Secretary - Brian Lee, Building Services Manager/Buiding Official. Meets upon request of Secretary. The Design Review Board has been designated to serve as the Board of Appeals.

 

Board of Library Trustees

The Board of Library Trustees consists of five members who give advice on all matters concerning City libraries, consider and recommend the annual budget for library purposes to the City Council, establish policies regarding the acquisition of books and periodicals, and assist in planning Library facilities to meet the needs of the City and school population. Secretary - Paymaneh Maghsoudi - Director. Meets the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Whittier History Room, Main Library.

  • Eileen Bigelow, Chair
  • Dr. Rob Settlage, Vice Chair
  • Gail Chabran, Board Member
  • Mandy Lynn Jepsen, Board Member
  • Rubin Johnson, Board Member

Cultural Arts Commission

The Cultural Arts Commission consists of seven members who study and advise the City Council regarding cultural art needs in the community. Cultural Arts are defined as those elements of the arts and humanities which add aesthetic enrichment to the lives of Whittier citizens and the life of the community. Secretary - Fran Shields, Director of Community Services. Meets the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber in City Hall.

  • Dr. Joseph Price, Chair
  • Bruce Wood, Vice Chair
  • Susan Bowers, Commissioner
  • Allen Cagle, Commissioner
  • Julie Gonzales, Commissioner 
  • Richard Legoza, Commissioner
  • Dr. Joan Meister, Commissioner

 

Design Review Board

The Design Review Board consists of five members, at least three of whom have expertise in the fields of architecture or construction. The Board recommends and approves architectural design for new buildings and exterior remodels within the multiple-family and commercial areas of the City. Secretary - Jeff Adams, Planning Services Manager. Meets second and fourth Thursday of each month at 8:00 a.m. in the Council Chamber in City Hall.

  • James Becerra, Chair
  • Michael Delgado, Vice Chair
  • Jeanette Fasone, Board Member
  • Allan Nakken, Board Member
  • Vacant, Board Member

Historic Resources Commission

The Historic Resources Commission consists of five members selected to advise the City Council on matters related to the preservation of historic resources within the City. Responsibilities include recommendations for local historic designations of buildings and sites; recommendations regarding the establishment of local historic districts; the completion of a comprehensive historic survey of potentially historic structures; and the education of the general public in matters relating to historic preservation. The Commission reviews Certificate of Appropriateness applications for proposed remodels, additions or new development in a Historic District and for homes listed on the survey. Secretary - Don Dooley, Planning Services Manager. Meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber in City Hall.

  • Sally Schacht, Chair
  • Austin McCormack, Vice Chair
  • Karen Bennett, Commisioner
  • Steven Castellanos, Commissioner
  • Jane Gothold, Commissioner

Park & Recreation Commission

The Park & Recreation Commission consists of seven members who advise the City Council on matters relating to parks, street trees and community recreation. The Commission helps plan and promote recreation programs for the City. Secretary - Jim Kurkowski, Director of Parks. Meets the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Senior Citizens Center, 13225 Walnut Street.

  • David Lowrey, Chair
  • Theresa Goetz, Vice Chair
  • Richard A. Conforti, Commissioner
  • Todd DeVoe, Commissioner
  • Dean Harako, Commissioner
  • Thomas Hunter, Commissioner
  • Matt Ober, Commissioner

 

Parking & Transportation Commission

The Parking and Transportation Commission consists of five members who make recommendations or give advice to the City Council regarding parking and traffic problems, issue parade permits and establish parking restrictions. The Commission also reviews transportation environmental impact reports, future transportation development plans, and school crossing guard locations. Secretary - David Pelser - , Director of Public Works. Meets first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber in City Hall.

  • James Snedden, Chair
  • Douglas Halliday, Vice Chair
  • Al Martinez, Commissioner
  • John McCandless, Commissioner
  • John Ray Yearian, Commissioner

 

Personnel
Board

The Personnel Board consists of five members none of whom, while a member of the Board, or for one year thereafter, are eligible for appointment to any salaried office of employment in the service of the City. The Board gives advice to the City Council on matters regarding personnel administration, makes recommendations on personnel rules and regulations, and is responsible for certain Civil Service procedures, including hearing grievances and disciplinary appeals. Secretary - Fred Weiner, Director of Human Resources. Meets the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber of City Hall.

  • Petrina K.M. Gooch, Chair
  • John Olvera, Vice Chair
  • Charles Flack, Board Member
  • Rose Marie Garcia, Board Member
  • Ryoji Lloyd Kaneko, Board Member

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission consists of five members who advise the City Council concerning the General Plan; makes recommendations to the City Council on subdivisions, zoning, and land use matters; and hears requests for zone changes, variances, conditional use permits and development review applications. Secretary - Jeff Collier, Director of Community Development. Meets the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber in City Hall.

  • Fernando Dutra, Chair
  • Tomas Duran, Vice Chair
  • R.D. McDonnell, Commissioner
  • Wesley A. Murray, Commissioner
  • Harry Stone, Commissioner

 

Social Services Commission

The Social Services Commission consists of seven members who study and review the social needs of the community and make recommendations to the City Council. Secretary - Fran Shields, Director of Community Services. Meets second Thursday of each month, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber in City Hall.

  • Dorothy Carras, Chair
  • Alexandria Law, Vice Chair
  • Charlene Dimas-Peinado, Commissioner
  • Carole Marin, Commissioner
  • Cathy McClure, Commissioner
  • Carolyn Sigall, Commissioner
  • Rita Torres, Commissioner
 
 

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