HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-09; City Council; 11; District 3 Appointment of One Member to the Planning CommissionCA Review CKM
Meeting Date: Sept. 9, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Geoff Patnoe, City Manager
Staff Contact: Melissa Rhodes, Deputy City Clerk
melissa.rhodes@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2007
Subject: District 3 Appointment of One Member to the Planning Commission
Districts: All
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution appointing one member to the Planning Commission.
Executive Summary
The City Council is being asked to appoint one member 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 3 shall nominate one
individual 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 Joseph Stine was initially appointed to the Planning Commission in February
2019 to fill the unexpired term of Commissioner Jeff Segall with a term ending in December
2022. Commissioner Stine was reappointed to the Planning Commission in January 2023 with a
term ending December 2026. Commissioner Stine resigned on July 17, 2025. Therefore, an
unscheduled vacancy exists on the Planning Commission with a term ending in December 2026.
The City Clerk’s Office received 11 applications from residents wishing to serve on the Planning
Commission. In keeping with City Council Policy No. 88, the representative Council Member
from District 3, Mayor Pro-Tem Bhat-Patel, has chosen the following applicant to advance in the
process and interview with the full City Council:
•Kiley Fitzgerald – District 3
Exhibit 2 contains the application of the applicant moving forward in the interview process.
Sept. 9, 2025 Item #11 Page 1 of 6
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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
Spencer Burrows
Nicholas Foster
Dave Hubinger
Alicia Lafferty
Roy Meenes
Peter Merz
1
2
4
1
3
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 one member to the Planning Commission, the City Clerk’s Office
will update the commission’s roster and coordinate the oath of office and the filing of the
appointee’s 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.
Exhibits
1. City Council resolution
2. Application received from resident advancing to the interview process
Sept. 9, 2025 Item #11 Page 2 of 6
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Exhibit 1 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-203
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
WHEREAS, Commissioner Joseph Stine was initially appointed to the Planning Commission in
February 2019 to fill the unexpired term of Commissioner Jeff Segall with a term ending in December
2022; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Stine was reappointed to the Planning Commission in January 2023
with a term ending December 2026; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Stine resigned on July 17, 2025; and
WHEREAS, an unscheduled vacancy exists on the Planning Commission with a term ending in
December 2026.
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 2026, or until a replacement is appointed:
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the
City of Carlsbad on the 9th day of September, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Shin.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None.
______________________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
______________________________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
Sept. 9, 2025 Item #11 Page 3 of 6
Kiley Fitzgerald
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April 4, 2025 12:59 PM
Boards, Commissions and Committees
Application for Appointment
Agricultural Mitigation Fee
Committee
Arts Commission Beach Preservation
Commission
Community-Police
Engagement Commission
Historic Preservation
Commission X Housing Commission X
Library Board of Trustees Parks & Recreation
Commission
Planning Commission X
Senior Commission Traffic Safety & Mobility
Commission
Investment Review Board
Personal Information
Name
Kiley Fitzgerald
Date of Birth:
Required for Voter Registration Verification
Home Address District No. 3
City ZIP
Primary Phone Secondary Phone
E-mail
Employment Status Employed
Occupation Sustainability Senior Consultant
Employer Guidehouse
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 2
Sept. 9, 2025 Item #11 Page 4 of 6
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Interest
I am deeply interested in serving on the Historic Preservation Commission because of my passion for
preserving Carlsbad's cultural heritage and my extensive experience in project management and
community engagement. My professional background in community disaster recovery and urban planning
has given me a unique perspective on the importance of preserving historical sites and structures. I
fundamentally believe that maintaining our built environment in Carlsbad and its Socal heritage is crucial
for maintaining a sense of community and continuity for all ages. Specifically, my work with federal grants
and large-scale recovery projects has equipped me with the ability to navigate complex regulatory
environments and implement effective preservation strategies. Serving on the Historic Preservation
Commission would allow me to leverage my expertise to protect and enhance our community's historical
assets.
Please describe your educational background
I hold a Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) from the University of Michigan – Ann
Arbor, and a Bachelor's degree in Public Affairs (BSPA) from Indiana University – Bloomington. My academic
background has provided me with a solid foundation in urban planning, public policy, and socio-economic
analysis. During my studies, I focused on integrating interdisciplinary subjects such as transit, housing, and
infrastructure to solve complex urban, rural, and suburban problems. This educational experience has been
instrumental in shaping my approach to community engagement and policy development, enabling me to
apply theoretical knowledge to practical, real-world scenarios. My education has also instilled in me a deep
appreciation for the historical and cultural aspects of urban environments, which I believe is essential for
proactive historic preservation of our built environment.
Please describe relevant experience
I am the best fit to serve on the HPC due to my extensive background in urban planning, grants
management, and community capacity building. As a Snr Consultant at my firm, I have led numerous high-
profile local projects, including negotiating one of the largest Dept. of Energy awards for
transmission/distribution projects in rural areas. My role involved creating regulatory training, technical
assistance, and strategic communication plans to ensure compliance and effective project execution in rural
and tribal communities. I developed program compliance and schedules for infrastructure and housing
programs, reconciled over $100 million in transportation, wastewater, and sewer projects, and led teams
through complex housing rebuild efforts. Additionally, I have designed statewide surveys for residential
energy efficiency, acted as an expert for fiscal recovery funds, won significant grants for local clients, and
ensured cost-effectiveness in housing contractor programs.
Please describe your current or past community involvement
My commitment to community involvement is demonstrated through my participation in various local
planning projects. I have been actively involved in organizing and leading community outreach programs,
particularly in the areas of emergency management and energy efficiency. For instance, I designed and
launched a statewide survey targeting landlords in New York to promote residential energy efficiency
upgrades, prioritizing disadvantaged communities. This initiative not only helped improve energy efficiency
but also fostered stronger community ties to utility networks and increased awareness of sustainable
practices. My involvement in these activities has significantly contributed to my personal growth, enhancing
my understanding of community needs as they connect to program design as well as the importance of
inclusive, straightforward solutions. I am eager to bring this same level of dedication to the Carlsbad
planning scene, its residents, and our neighbors.
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Please list all service on boards, commissions or committees, private or public agencies,
(including non-profit organizations)
N/A
Additional information or comments
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to apply for a commission position. As someone who is committed
to making Carlsbad my long-term home, I am passionate about investing in our community and preserving
the unique charm and character that make this North County community so special. I care about the vibrant
and welcoming vibe of our city and am eager to contribute my skills and experience to ensure that we
continue to thrive and overcome any obstacles. Thank you for considering my application.
Submittal Information
Submit Date: April 4, 2025 12:59 PM
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