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San Jose Civic Gallery City Hall agenda intelligence

Matter 25-1298

Appeals Hearing Board Interview.

Governance & Elections City Council Agenda Ready Introduced 26 Nov 2025
4 Documents on file 3.6 MB · 4 extracted · 4 AI summaries
File
25-1298
Type
Strategic Support
Status
Agenda Ready
Requester
Unknown
Introduced
26 Nov 2025
Last synced
19 May 2026 · 04:02

The papers

01 108 KB

Memorandum

108 KB Extracted AI Summary
file 360e478a-9353-4da9-8547-35fa5a5edc9f.pdf sha 4cd4e5e02115 source unavailable

Official source link unavailable. The file was imported, but the current source metadata does not include a public document URL.

Generated summary AI-assisted

This memorandum addresses the interview process for appointing three Member-at-Large seats on the Appeals Hearing Board, with terms from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2029. The City Council is set to interview applicants on December 9, 2025, and must appoint members who receive six or more votes. The memorandum outlines the functions of the Appeals Hearing Board and the qualifications of the applicants.

Key points
  • The City Council will interview applicants for three Member-at-Large seats on the Appeals Hearing Board.
  • Terms for the appointed members will begin on January 1, 2026, and end on December 31, 2029.
  • Three applicants have been invited for interviews: Martin Nguyen, Ronald Cabanayan (incumbent), and Genevieve Altwer (incumbent).
  • One member of the Appeals Hearing Board must be an attorney.
  • The appointment process requires six or more votes from the City Council for successful applicants.
Limitations
  • The text indicates specific dates for interviews and terms but does not provide information on the outcomes of the interviews or appointments.
  • There are unresolved placeholders regarding the applications attached to the memorandum.

Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.

Extracted text preview · 4,565 chars
COUNCIL AGENDA: 12/9/2025 FILE: 25-1298 ITEM: 3.8 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: Toni J. Taber, MMC City Clerk SUBJECT: APPEALS HEARING BOARD INTERVIEW DATE: November 25, 2025 RECOMMENDATION (a) Interview applicants and consider appointment to fill three (3) Member-at-Large seats for terms beginning January 1, 2026 and ending December 31, 2029 on the Appeals Hearing Board. (b) If any vacancies remain, direct the City Clerk to continue recruitment efforts and bring forward additional applicants for consideration. OUTCOME Appointment of three applicants will ensure seven seated members on the seven-member Appeals Hearing Board. BACKGROUND Under San José Municipal Code Section 2.08.620, the Appeals Hearing Board has the following functions, powers, and duties: A. Hear all administrative hearings and appeals authorized by this Code or by ordinance. B. Conduct all administrative abatement action hearings authorized by this Code or by ordinance. C. Perform the functions and duties within the jurisdiction of the code enforcement appeals commission and traffic appeals commission as set forth in other titles of this Code. D. Perform such other programs or functions related to...
02 407 KB

Memorandum - Conflicts of Interest

407 KB Extracted AI Summary
file e5b18c9a-e533-47b9-9a08-38d0e1ceb028.pdf sha 5bdd34385958 source unavailable

Official source link unavailable. The file was imported, but the current source metadata does not include a public document URL.

Generated summary AI-assisted

This memorandum reviews potential conflicts of interest for applicants to the Appeals Hearing Board. It outlines the Board's duties, legal conflicts that may preclude participation, and the appearance of bias. The document provides details on ten applicants, including their current employment, potential conflicts, and the need for recusal in certain situations. The memorandum is addressed to the Mayor and City Council and is signed by Wesley Klimczak, Sr. Deputy City Attorney.

Key points
  • The memorandum is a review of potential conflicts of interest for Appeals Hearing Board applicants.
  • The Appeals Hearing Board handles code enforcement appeals and various nuisance abatement matters.
  • Certain financial interests may prevent Board members from participating in discussions or votes.
  • The memorandum lists ten applicants, detailing their backgrounds and potential conflicts.
  • Applicants may need to recuse themselves from matters involving their employers or former employers.
Limitations
  • The document does not specify the complete list of potential conflicts of interest.
  • Some applicant details are incomplete or missing, such as specific organizations they may be associated with.

Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.

Extracted text preview · 11,558 chars
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: Appeals Hearing Board Applicants – Conflict of Interest Review FROM: Wesley Klimczak, Sr. Deputy City Attorney DATE: October 22, 2025 I. Background This Office routinely reviews applications for appointment to City boards and commissions. The applications generally do not provide complete information; however, they do occasionally disclose potential conflicts of interest or incompatible offices. The purpose of this memorandum is to highlight major areas of known potential conflicts that are disclosed by the applications. II. Board Duties The Appeals Hearing Board is a quasi-judicial Board which hears code enforcement appeals of blighted conditions; illegal building activity; unsafe and unsanitary living conditions; abandoned, dismantled, and inoperable vehicles; neglected vacant houses; weed abatement liens; garbage liens; sign removal fees; utility billing and graffiti abatement fees; and traffic control devices. The Board also hears nuisance abatement appeals relating to the Housing Code, the Blight Ordinance, and acts as the relocation appeals board for the City. In addition, the Board hears police permittee denials or...
03 3.05 MB

Applications

3.05 MB Extracted AI Summary
file 9c8b7e98-ebef-4215-a43f-2d11758f9d2d.pdf sha 2d6062b1e2ed source unavailable

Official source link unavailable. The file was imported, but the current source metadata does not include a public document URL.

Generated summary AI-assisted

The document contains applications for the Appeals Hearing Board from multiple candidates, detailing their educational backgrounds, professional experiences, and motivations for serving on the board. Martin Nguyen emphasizes his legal background and objectives focused on fairness, transparency, and community standards. Genevieve Altwer highlights her experience as a police officer and her commitment to historic preservation in San José. Ronald Cabanayan lists his ongoing role on the Appeals Hearing Board since 2013.

Key points
  • Martin Nguyen has a Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University and experience as Chair of the China IP group for the American Bar Association.
  • Nguyen's objectives for the Appeals Hearing Board include promoting fairness, streamlining processes, upholding community standards, and fostering collaboration.
  • Genevieve Altwer holds multiple degrees in counseling and criminal justice, and has experience as a police officer.
  • Altwer's application emphasizes her commitment to historic preservation and community engagement.
  • Ronald Cabanayan has a background in marketing and law, and has served on the Appeals Hearing Board since 2013.
Limitations
  • Some sections contain unresolved placeholders, such as specific addresses and job titles for spouses.
  • The text does not provide specific dates for certain experiences or positions beyond what is mentioned.

Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.

Extracted text preview · 7,297 chars
Interests & Experiences High School, College, Professional, Vocational, or Other Schools Attended. Please include Major or Field of Study, Dates Attended, Degree and Date of Degree. Santa Clara University, School of Law (Juris Doctor/Law); 2000 to 2003 UCLA, (BS/Physiology); 1995 to 1998 List any position or office held in any governmental agency, civic, or charitable organization including the dates. American Bar Association, Intellectual Property Section, Chair of China IP group, August 2021 to July 2023 Languages Spoken English Special Awards or Recognitions Received BT Collins Public Interest Fellowship Please state why you want to become a member of this Board or Commission including specific objectives which you would work toward as a member. I am eager to apply to serve as a board member on the Appeals Hearing Board, to further my deep committed to supporting my community by ensuring fair, equitable, and efficient resolution of disputes that impact the quality of life in San Jose. My legal background, combined with my experience in managing complex legal and regulatory matters, positions me to contribute meaningfully to the Board's quasi-judicial role. I am particularly...
04 44.5 KB

Letter from Applicant

44.5 KB Extracted AI Summary
file af5e8871-36eb-4084-95b4-1ff0e3938cad.pdf sha d44dd9eb3e58 source unavailable

Official source link unavailable. The file was imported, but the current source metadata does not include a public document URL.

Generated summary AI-assisted

Ronald A. Cabanayan is requesting reappointment to the Appeals Hearing Board, where he currently serves as Vice Chair. He is unable to attend the scheduled interview due to a surgical procedure but expresses his commitment to the Board and his dedication to fair decision-making in municipal processes. He has been a resident of San José for over 30 years and a Commissioner since 2013. He offers to provide additional documentation to assist the Council in their deliberations.

Key points
  • Ronald A. Cabanayan is requesting reappointment to the Appeals Hearing Board.
  • He currently serves as Vice Chair.
  • He cannot attend the scheduled interview due to a surgical procedure.
  • He has been a resident of San José for over 30 years.
  • He has served on the Appeals Hearing Board since 2013.
  • He expresses commitment to fair and transparent decision-making.

Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.

Extracted text preview · 1,800 chars
Ronald A. Cabanayan December 5, 2025 San José City Council 200 East Santa Clara Street San José, CA 95113 Re: Request for Reappointment to the Appeals Hearing Board San Jose City Council Meeting, December 9, 2025, Agenda Item 3.8 Dear Honorable Mayor and Members of the San José City Council, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to respectfully request consideration for reappointment to the Appeals Hearing Board. I am currently serving as the Vice Chair and would be honored to continue contributing for another term. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend the scheduled interview due to a necessary and previously planned surgical procedure. I regret the timing of this conflict, as I value the interview process and the opportunity to speak with the Council directly. However, I remain fully committed to my service on the Board and wish to express my continued dedication to this important role. I have been a resident of the City of San José for my entire life and have lived in District 5 for more than 30 years. I have been a Commissioner on the Appeals Hearing Board since 2013. Serving the community that has shaped me has been a privilege, and my time on the Appeals Hearing...