The Signal Hill City Council reviewed and appointed several residents to the Civil Service, Parks and Recreation and Planning Commissions on April 22.
Commissions are made up of residents who act as advisors to the City Council and City staff. They meet monthly and are paid only for the meetings they attend. Nine commissioners were selected across the three commissions. Residents will serve four-year terms on their appointed commissions from June 1 to May 31, 2029.
Parks and Recreation Commission
The Parks and Recreation Commission’s duties are to program leisurely activities, facilities and services for Signal Hill residents. The commission also recommends policies concerning all parks and recreation properties, facilities, plans, programs and activities and can recommend programs for the improvement, acquisition and development of parks and recreation facilities.
The commission meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at City Hall. Commissioners receive $75 per meeting.
The Parks and Recreation Commission was the most applied to throughout the evening, with six residents applying. The three chosen commissioners were all incumbents, with some serving for several months and some for years.
Re-appointed Parks and Recreation Commissioners:
- Timothy Anhorn
- Pam Dutch Hughes
- Linda Edwards
The two additional existing commissioners are Kiran Gidwani and Caroline Kiss-Lee.
Civil Service Commission
The duties of the Civil Service Commission is to approve eligibility lists of those determined to be qualified for classified service in the City. They also hear appeals of classified employees involving suspensions, demotions or dismissals.
The Civil Service Commission meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall. Commissioners receive $75 for every meeting they attend. Four residents applied for the Civil Service Commission, with only one incumbent returning.
Newly appointed Civil Service Commissioners:
- Maria Gengenbacher
- Diana Phillips
- Jennifer Arzate
Phillips is the only returning member. Gengenbacher and Arzate both applied for the Parks and Recreation Commission, but were appointed to the Civil Service Commission.
Planning Commission
Duties of the Planning Commission include holding hearings and decisions on land use matters including environmental review, subdivisions, site plans, design reviews and variances. The commission also conducts studies concerning land use issues and makes recommendations to the City Council concerning conditional use permits, zoning ordinances and general plan amendments.
The Planning Commission meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at City Hall. Commissioners earn $125 for every meeting they attend. All three members appointed are incumbents on the commission.
The new Planning Commissioners:
- Georgette (Gege) Lopez
- Sonia Savoulian
- Victor Parker
Two additional members already on the commission are Perica Bell and Saeida Miller.
Councilmember Tina Hansen told the newly appointed commissioners their positions are not necessarily “locked in,” and they can step down and apply for another commission if a spot opens up.
“We always remind everyone that there’s lots of opportunities to serve in Signal Hill,” Mayor Keir Jones said. “In fact, most of our new commissioners have been serving on committees and have gotten involved with our leadership academy and other things like that […] there are great ways to get connected to the residents and serve the community and do more.”
