HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-14; City Council; 10; District 2 and District 4 Appointments of Two Members to the Planning CommissionCA Review CKM
Meeting Date: Jan. 14, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Geoff Patnoe, City Manager
Staff Contact: Tammy McMinn, Senior Deputy City Clerk
tammy.mcminn@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2953
Subject: District 2 and District 4 Appointments of Two Members to the Planning
Commission
Districts: All
Recommended Action
Adopt resolutions appointing two members to the Planning Commission.
Executive Summary
The City Council is being asked to appoint two members to the Planning Commission.
The Planning Commission holds regularly scheduled public hearings to consider land use
matters, such as the General Plan, Local Coastal Program, Growth Management Program,
specific plans, master plans, amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, zoning changes, special
studies and discretionary development permits for public and private projects.
The Planning Commission consists of seven members appointed by district Council Members
and the Mayor. In this case, the Council Member representing District 2 and the Council
Member representing District 4 shall nominate one individual each to serve on the commission.
Members must be residents of Carlsbad and normally serve four-year terms, unless appointed
to fill an unexpired term.
Explanation & Analysis
Commissioner Bill Kamenjarin was appointed to the Planning Commission in January 2021 to fill
the expired term of Commissioner Linda Geldner with a term ending in December 2024.
Commissioner Kamenjarin is eligible for and is seeking reappointment for a term ending in
December 2028.
Commissioner Esteban Danna was appointed to the Planning Commission in June 2024 to fill
the unexpired term of Commissioner Kevin Sabellico with a term ending in December 2024.
Commissioner Danna is eligible for but is not seeking reappointment for a term ending in
December 2028.
The City Clerk’s Office received 23 applications from residents wishing to serve on the Planning
Commission. In keeping with City Council Policy No. 88, the representative Council Members
Jan. 14, 2025 Item #10 Page 1 of 16
from District 2 and District 4 have chosen the following four applicants to advance in the
process and interview with the full City Council:
District 2 Representative Finalists
• Nicholas Foster – District 2
• Chris Woolsey – District 2
District 4 Representative Finalists
• Spencer Burrows – District 1
• Jarrett Ramaiya – District 4
Exhibit 3 contains the applications of the applicants moving forward in the interview process.
The Maddy Act (California Government Code Sections 54970-54974) requires that on or before
December 31 of each year the legislative body must prepare a Local Appointments List, which
contains the appointive terms of Board and Commission members that will expire in the next
calendar year. The name of the incumbent appointee, the date of appointment and the term
expiration date is also included on the list. Based on the prepared list, the City Clerk’s Office
accepts applications (available on the city’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office) for any
upcoming vacancies.
The current members of the Planning Commission are:
Commissioner District
Dave Hubinger 4
Alicia Lafferty 1
Roy Meenes 3
Peter Merz 4
Joseph Stine 4
Members of the Planning Commission are subject to the provisions of California’s Political
Reform Act of 1974 and must file statements of economic interest each year and complete
ethics training and workplace harassment prevention training every two years.
Fiscal Analysis
This action has no financial impact.
Next Steps
Following the appointment of two members to the Planning Commission, the City Clerk’s Office
will update the commission’s roster and coordinate the oaths of office and the filing of the
appointees’ statements of economic interest, ethics training certificate and workplace
harassment prevention training.
Environmental Evaluation
This action does not require environmental review because it does not constitute a project
within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under California Public
Resources Code Section 21065 in that it has no potential to cause either a direct physical
change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the
environment.
Jan. 14, 2025 Item #10 Page 2 of 16
Exhibits
1. City Council resolution appointing one member to the Planning Commission
2. City Council resolution appointing one member to the Planning Commission
3. Applications received from residents advancing to the interview process
Jan. 14, 2025 Item #10 Page 3 of 16
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-011
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
WHEREAS, Commissioner Bill Kamenjarin was appointed to the Planning Commission in January
2021 to fill the expired term of Commissioner Linda Geidner with a term ending in December 2024; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Kamenjarin is eligible for and is seeking reappointment for a term
ending in December 2028; and
WHEREAS, a scheduled vacancy on the Planning Commission exists with a term ending in
December 2028.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. That the following Carlsbad resident is appointed to serve on the Planning Commission,
for a term ending in December 2028, or until a replacement is appointed:
Nicholas Foster
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad on the 14th of January 2025, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
BLACKBURN, BHAT-PATEL, ACOSTA, BURKHOLDER, SHIN.
NONE.
NONE.
NONE . d1
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-012
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
WHEREAS, Commissioner Esteban Danna was appointed to the Planning Commission in June
2024 to fill the unexpired term of Commissioner Kevin Sabellico with a term ending in December 2024;
and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Danna is eligible for but is not seeking reappointment for a term
ending in December 2028; and
WHEREAS, a scheduled vacancy on the Planning Commission exists with a term ending in
December 2028.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. That the following Carlsbad resident is appointed to serve on the Planning Commission,
for a term ending in December 2028, or until a replacement is appointed:
Spencer Burrows
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad on the 14th day of January 2025, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
BLACKBURN, BHAT-PATEL, ACOSTA, BURKHOLDER, SHIN.
NONE.
NONE.
NONE. ~
a,:,KBURN, Mayor
ba/?m?Jk,:.
Boards, Commissions and Committees
Application for Appointment
Agricultural Mitigation Fee
Committee
Arts Commission Beach Preservation
Commission
Community-Police
Engagement Commission
Historic Preservation
Commission
Housing Commission
Library Board of Trustees Parks & Recreation
Commission
Planning Commission X
Senior Commission Traffic Safety & Mobility
Commission
Personal Information
Name
Nicholas Foster
Date of Birth:
Required for Voter Registration Verification
Home Address District No. 2
City Carlsbad ZIP 92010
Primary Phone Secondary Phone
E-mail
Employment Status Self-Employed
Occupation Small business owner
Employer Haustay Vacation Rentals
Employer Address
Work Phone Mobile
Acknowledgements
Yes No
I am a resident of the City of Carlsbad. X
I am a registered voter in Carlsbad. X
I am willing to file financial disclosure statements. X
I am willing to complete two hours of state mandated ethics training every two years. X
Are you currently an officer of or employed by the City of Carlsbad? X
I am a Citizens Academy graduate. X
I am familiar with the responsibilities of the board/commission/committee(s) on which I wish to
serve.
X
I am willing to be interviewed regarding my qualifications for appointment by the City Council
or at the request of an individual Council member. X
Are you currently or have you ever been under contract with the City of Carlsbad? If yes, please
explain below. X
Exhibit 3
Jan. 14, 2025 Item #10 Page 6 of 16
Interest
I would like to submit my application to volunteer on the planning commission for the City of Carlsbad. I
believe my strong background and knowledge in real estate land use could be served to the benefit of the
community and the City of Carlsbad.
Please describe your educational background
B.S. in International Relations with a concentration in Politics, Frostburg State University, 2004.
Please describe relevant experience
Over 20 years of real estate experience. Filed CUP applications on behalf of AT&T for cell tower development
between 2010-2012. Assisted property owners with cell tower land use agreements between 2010-present.
Manage vacation rental permits 2020-present.
Please describe your current or past community involvement
Previous affiliation with National MS Society (Team Walk Captain), San Diego High School Academy of
Finance (Mentor), Project Mercy Poverty Alleviation in Tijuana (Volunteer)
Jan. 14, 2025 Item #10 Page 7 of 16
Please list all service on boards, commissions or committees, private or public agencies,
(including non-profit organizations)
Current board member of Monterey Gage HOA.
Additional information or comments
Thank you for your time considering my application.
Submittal Information
Submit Date: May 8, 2024 2:12 PM
Jan. 14, 2025 Item #10 Page 8 of 16
Jan. 14, 2025 Item #10 Page 9 of 16
Jan. 14, 2025 Item #10 Page 10 of 16
Boards, Commissions and Committees
Application for Appointment
Agricultural Mitigation Fee
Committee Arts Commission Beach Preservation
Commission
Community-Police
Engagement Commission Historic Preservation
Commission Housing Commission
Library Board of Trustees Parks & Recreation
Commission Planning Commission X
Senior Commission Traffic Safety & Mobility
Commission
Personal Information
Name
Spencer Burrows
Date of Birth:
Required for Voter Registration Verification
Home Address District No. 1
City Carlsbad ZIP 92008
Primary Phone Secondary Phone
E-mail
Employment Status Employed
Occupation Educator
Employer Pacific Ridge School
Employer Address
Work Phone Mobile
Acknowledgements
Yes No
I am a resident of the City of Carlsbad. X
I am a registered voter in Carlsbad. X
I am willing to file financial disclosure statements. X
I am willing to complete two hours of state mandated ethics training every two years. X
Are you currently an officer of or employed by the City of Carlsbad? X
I am a Citizens Academy graduate. X
I am familiar with the responsibilities of the board/commission/committee(s) on which I wish to
serve.
X
I am willing to be interviewed regarding my qualifications for appointment by the City Council
or at the request of an individual Council member. X
Are you currently or have you ever been under contract with the City of Carlsbad? If yes, please
explain below. X
Jan. 14, 2025 Item #10 Page 11 of 16
Interest
My name is Spencer Burrows and I am applying for the position of Planning Commissioner. I currently serve
as 11th Grade Dean and high school Government and Economics teacher at Pacific Ridge School in
Carlsbad, as well as Adjunct Professor of Education at National University and Adjunct Professor of Business
at San Diego University For Integrative Studies.
Please describe your educational background
I earned my B.A. from UCLA with a major in Psychology and minor in Political Science, and my J.D. from UC
Law, San Francisco.
Please describe relevant experience
I recently completed Coro Southern California’s Lead LA Program, where I was selected as a mid-career
professional to analyze issues facing the local business and greater community. In Coro Lead LA, I studied
Los Angeles development, fiscal, housing, and environmental policies in-depth to make recommendations
to the Los Angeles City Council. There, I interacted with local officials and community partners like the
Chamber of Commerce to weigh policy proposals that best serve the community. I mediated a property
dispute with Clear Channel Media as a Board of Directors member at TEACH Public Schools in South Los
Angeles, to achieve resolution on a breach of contract matter. As a law school clerk in the San Francisco City
Attorney’s Office, I prepared litigation casework dealing with city claims, as well as other development
issues.
Please describe your current or past community involvement
I currently serve as Commissioner on the City of Carlsbad Beach Preservation Commission, and I am also a
City of Carlsbad Citizen’s Academy graduate. I am active in the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce as a
Chamber member, Education Committee member, Carlsbad Young Professionals member, and Candidate
Academy participant. Further, I was recently awarded the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40
Award, as well as the UCLA Bruin Excellence in Civic Engagement Award.
Jan. 14, 2025 Item #10 Page 12 of 16
Please list all service on boards, commissions or committees, private or public agencies,
(including non-profit organizations)
Commissioner on the City of Carlsbad Beach Preservation Commission
Additional information or comments
I look forward to the possibility of contributing my experience and skills to the City of Carlsbad in this
important and vital area of policy.
Submittal Information
Submit Date: December 7, 2024 12:28 PM
Jan. 14, 2025 Item #10 Page 13 of 16
Boards, Commissions and Committees
Application for Appointment
Agricultural Mitigation Fee
Committee Arts Commission Beach Preservation
Commission
Community-Police
Engagement Commission Historic Preservation
Commission Housing Commission
Library Board of Trustees Parks & Recreation
Commission Planning Commission X
Senior Commission Traffic Safety & Mobility
Commission
Personal Information
Name
Jarrett Ramaiya
Date of Birth:
Required for Voter Registration Verification
Home Address District No. 4
City Carlsbad ZIP 92011
Primary Phone Secondary Phone
E-mail
Employment Status Employed
Occupation
Employer Deputy Director/ Development Services Department
Employer Address
Work Phone Mobile
Acknowledgements
Yes No
I am a resident of the City of Carlsbad. X
I am a registered voter in Carlsbad. X
I am willing to file financial disclosure statements. X
I am willing to complete two hours of state mandated ethics training every two years. X
Are you currently an officer of or employed by the City of Carlsbad? X
I am a Citizens Academy graduate. X
I am familiar with the responsibilities of the board/commission/committee(s) on which I wish to
serve.
X
I am willing to be interviewed regarding my qualifications for appointment by the City Council
or at the request of an individual Council member. X
Are you currently or have you ever been under contract with the City of Carlsbad? If yes, please
explain below. X
Jan. 14, 2025 Item #10 Page 14 of 16
Interest
Requesting consideration to serve on the Planning Commission on behalf of the City Council. With my land-
use background, I want to volunteer my time toward continued public service. The City faces many
challenges such as continued growth, unfunded mandates from the State Legislature, climate change
adaptation, sea-level rise, etc. I want to serve as a Planning Commissioner to implement the City's General
Plan and zoning code, and leverage my experience for decision-making and recommendations for public
hearing items.
Please describe your educational background
Masters of Arts: Environmental Policy Bachelor of Arts: Urban Sociology
Please describe relevant experience
j 20 years working in land use for city and county jurisdictions. As Deputy Director in the Development
Services Department for the City of Murrieta, our planning teams work with the General Plan, Municipal
Code, Development Code, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), etc. We process discretionary
applications and also work on advance planning for changes to the General Plan and elements.
Please describe your current or past community involvement
Have been a resident in Carlsbad since 3/01/2003, and participate in on-going clean-ups of Agua Hedionda
Lagoon and coastline. Our daughter attends Aviara Oaks Middle School and we are active in volunteering in
the City's outstanding school district.
Jan. 14, 2025 Item #10 Page 15 of 16
Please list all service on boards, commissions or committees, private or public agencies,
(including non-profit organizations)
Member of American Planning Association (APA), member of Association of Environmental Professionals
(AEP), and member of Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) Planning Director's monthly
meeting. Attendance at trainings and conferences with 1he League of California Cities in support of our
Planning Commissioners (City of Murrieta Planning Commission).
Additional information or comments
Over the last twenty years, I have presented to Planning Commissions, City Councils, Board of Supervisors,
Land Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), and other hearing bodies. I am familiar with the duties and
responsibilities required and would be humbled to serve in the community that I live in.
Submittal Information
Submit Date: January 29, 2024 12:00 PM
Jan. 14, 2025 Item #10 Page 16 of 16
Tammy Cloud-McMinn
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Dear Teresa and Kevin,
Joseph Stine <josephlstine@gmail.com>
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 7:17 AM
Teresa Acosta; Kevin Shin
All Receive -Agenda Item # 1fJ
For the Information of the:
CITY COUNCIL
Date ,ht/a5CA _lC. cc L
CM L ACM .r ocM(3)~
Keith Blackburn; Priya Bhat-Patel; melanie.burholder@carlsbadca.gov; City Clerk
1/14/25 City Council Agenda Item 10 -Appointments to the Planning Commission
I am emailing to express my STRONG support for the re-appointment of Bill Kamenjarin to the Planning
Commission. This email is addressed to you as the councilpersons making nominations to fill two open
seats on the Commission.
This is my seventh year on the Commission, having been appointed in 2019 and re-appointed in 2023. I
have served with Bill on the Commission during the last four years, including in 2024 when Bill did a
stellar job as Commission chair.
His re-appointment to another four year term would be consistent with the City Council's LONG
STANDING PRACTICE OF RE-APPOINTING CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS TO SECOND TERMS. I am
one of four current members who were re-appointed at the end of their initial term. Each of us reached
out individually to councilpersons to request reappointment. Bill also has done so.
As commissioners, we conduct quasi-judicial hearings as judges without robes. We apply the controlling
law to the evidence before us. It typically tal<es MONTHS for a new commissioner to "get up to speed" on
CEQA, density bonuses, affordable housing requirements, permit approval findings, and other
sophisticated land use laws guiding Commission decisions on permit applications. Prior experience as a
commissioner is invaluable when it comes to mal<ing smart, legally defensible land use decisions in
the City's best interests Bill has four years of experience as a commissioner that will be a
significant, immediate, and continuing asset to the City in a second four-year term. He l<nows "the
ropes" while new commissioners must learn them.
Moreover, Bill is well-deserving of re-appointment based on past performance on the Commission. He
attended ALL Commission meetings during the last four years except for two meetings when he suffered
from a potentially contagious illness. He has attended three League of California Cities Planning
Commission conferences, including setting aside his law practice to attend a three-day 2024
conference in Long Beach. Most important, he diligently spends hours preparing for Commission
hearings and provides thoughtful decisions based on the evidence before us at the hearing. He carefully
listens to public input during Commission hearings. He has earned the respect of his Commission
colleagues regardless of whether they vote with or against him on a particular permit application.
For these reasons, I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend Bill's re-appointment to another
four-year term on the Planning Commission. He deserves it and the City would benefit from his
continued Commission service. It is NOT too late to reconsider your finalists to fill Commission
vacancies and, consistent with sound Council precedent, re-appoint an outstanding commissioner to
another four-year term.
1
Though unable to attend the Council meeting tonight, I would be happy to discuss Bill's re-appointment
with you prior to the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Joseph L. Stine
Planning Commissioner
District 4 Resident
760-688-9224
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