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Home My WebLink About2025-11-18; City Council; 08; Mayoral Appointment of One Member to the Parks & Recreation CommissionCA Review CKM Meeting Date: Nov. 18, 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: Mayoral Appointment of One Member to the Parks & Recreation Commission Districts: All Recommended Action Adopt a resolution appointing one member to the Parks & Recreation Commission. Executive Summary The City Council is being asked to appoint one member to the Parks & Recreation Commission. The Parks & Recreation Commission performs the following duties: •Makes recommendations to the City Council •Advises the City Council in matters pertaining to the creation, operation, maintenance, management and control of community recreation programs, of playgrounds and indoor and outdoor recreations, activities and facilities •Advises and makes recommendations to the City Council on matters pertaining to planting, trimming, pruning, and care of all trees, shrubs or plants and to the removal of all objectionable trees, shrubs and plants in and upon any park of the city •Reviews tree-related issues and determines the needs of the city with respect to its tree planting, replacement, maintenance and preservation programs •Makes recommendations to the City Council on policies, regulations or ordinances pertaining to the care and protection of public trees and the selection of specific species of trees for designation along city streets, including the development of a community forest management plan for the city •Hears appeals from decisions of the City Manager acting through the Parks & Recreation Director or designee, regarding the planting or removal of street trees The commission consists of seven members appointed by District Council Members and the Mayor. In this case, the Mayor 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. Nov. 18, 2025 Item #8 Page 1 of 11 Docusign Envelope ID: DA67E9FF-9271-4C39-922E-591F32FEC5A0 Explanation & Analysis Commissioner Deborah Rasines was appointed to the Parks & Recreation Commission in January 2023 to fill the expired term of Commissioner Amy Allemann ending in December 2022. Commissioner Rasines resigned on Sept. 15, 2025, creating an unscheduled vacancy on the Parks & Recreation Commission with a term ending in December 2026. The City Clerk’s Office received 14 applications from residents wishing to serve on the Parks & Recreation Commission. In keeping with City Council Policy No. 88, the Mayor has chosen the following two applicants to advance in the process and interview with the full City Council: •Arthur Larson – District 1 •Terry Grove – District 2 Exhibit 2 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 Parks & Recreation Commission are: Commissioner District Amy Allemann 3 Joe Gisbert Julie Knight 1 2 James Revell 3 Shelly Sander 1 Robert Winston 3 Members of the Parks & Recreation Commission are subject to the provisions of California’s Political Reform Act of 1974 and must file statements of economic interest each year, complete two hours of ethics and workplace harassment prevention training every two years and adhere to the City of Carlsbad Boards, Commissions and Committees Code of Ethics & Public Service Values. Fiscal Analysis This action has no financial impact. Next Steps Following the appointment of one member to the Parks & Recreation 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, workplace harassment prevention training and Boards, Commissions and Committees Code of Ethics & Public Service Values. Nov. 18, 2025 Item #8 Page 2 of 11 Docusign Envelope ID: DA67E9FF-9271-4C39-922E-591F32FEC5A0 Environmental Evaluation The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Action, or CEQA, Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5) and does not require environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) because appointing an individual to act as a city representative on a board, commission or committee is an organizational or administrative government activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. The activities or projects undertaken by or that may be considered by a board, commission or committee may require preparation of an environmental document in accordance with CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines. Exhibits 1. City Council resolution 2. Applications received from residents advancing to the interview process Nov. 18, 2025 Item #8 Page 3 of 11 Docusign Envelope ID: DA67E9FF-9271-4C39-922E-591F32FEC5A0 Exhibit 1 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-251 . A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION WHEREAS, Commissioner Deborah Rasines was appointed to the Parks & Recreation Commission in January 2023 to fill the expired term of Commissioner Amy Allemann with a term ending in December 2022; and WHEREAS, Commissioner Rasines resigned on September 15, 2025; and WHEREAS, an unscheduled vacancy on the Parks & Recreation Commission exists 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.The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Action, or CEQA, Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5) and does not require environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) because appointing an individual to act as a city representative on a board, commission or committee is an organizational or administrative government activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. The activities or projects undertaken by or that may be considered by a board, commission or committee may require preparation of an environmental document in accordance with CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines. 3.That the following Carlsbad resident is appointed to serve on the Parks & Recreation Commission, for a term ending in December 2026, or until a replacement is appointed: Nov. 18, 2025 Item #8 Page 4 of 11 Terry Grove Docusign Envelope ID: DA67E9FF-9271-4C39-922E-591F32FEC5A0 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the 18th day of November, 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) Nov. 18, 2025 Item #8 Page 5 of 11 Docusign Envelope ID: DA67E9FF-9271-4C39-922E-591F32FEC5A0 09/17/2025 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 X Planning Commission Senior Commission Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Investment Review Board Personal Information Name Arthur Larson Date of Birth: Required for Voter Registration Verification Home Address District No. 1 City ZIP Primary Phone Secondary Phone E-mail Employment Status Retired Occupation Employer 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 Nov. 18, 2025 Item #8 Page 6 of 11 Docusign Envelope ID: DA67E9FF-9271-4C39-922E-591F32FEC5A0 Interest I feel that my background in journalism, public relations and experience at world class theme parks and attractions would be beneficial to the Parks and Recreation Commission. I've also attended citizens academies and served on the Carlsbad Library Board of Trustees and as an alternate on the Carlsbad Growth Management Citizens Committee. Carlsbad's parks and recreational opportunities are highly valued jewels in our city's crown and I welcome the opportunity to serve as a conduit between our citizens and those who manage and operate the parks and recreational activities we treasure. Please describe your educational background Bachelor of Journalism degree from the world's oldest journalism school, the University of Missouri. Majored in news and editorial journalism. Leader, government and politics reporting team for the school's daily newspaper, the Missourian. Dean's List. Please describe relevant experience Early in my career I helped successfully introduce and act as media spokesperson for the Great America theme parks in the Chicago and San Francisco Bay Areas. I also promoted and publicized Expo 86, the World’s Fair in Vancouver. Worked as a writer and media contact for British Columbia tourism. These experiences underscored the importance of cleanliness, safety, maintenance, accessibility, public input, communications and value that goes into a successful parks experience. Please describe your current or past community involvement I believe my training and experience in journalism and public relations helps raise questions that the public and media may pose about an organization, a company or a service. My service on the Carlsbad Library Board of Trustees and Growth Management Committee underscored to me the high value our citizens place on their libraries, parks and recreational activities. Nov. 18, 2025 Item #8 Page 7 of 11 Docusign Envelope ID: DA67E9FF-9271-4C39-922E-591F32FEC5A0 Please list all service on boards, commissions or committees, private or public agencies, (including non-profit organizations) Carlsbad Library Board of Trustees 2018-2021, Carlsbad Growth Management Citizens Committee (Alternate) 2022-2023, Carlsbad Citizens Police Academy 2025 Additional information or comments I served as chair for the Carlsbad Library Board of Trustees for two of the four years I served. I believe in a "hands on" approach to public service. For Parks and Recreation this would mean informal regular visits and inspections of the parks and recreational facilities to evaluate safety, cleanliness, maintenance and value provided to Carlsbad's citizens. Submittal Information Submit Date: September 17, 2025 1:28 PM Nov. 18, 2025 Item #8 Page 8 of 11 Docusign Envelope ID: DA67E9FF-9271-4C39-922E-591F32FEC5A0 09/16/2025 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 X Planning Commission Senior Commission Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Investment Review Board Personal Information Name Terry Grove Date of Birth: Required for Voter Registration Verification Home Address District No. 2 City ZIP Primary Phone Secondary Phone E-mail Employment Status Employed Occupation Vice President of Sales Employer MASS 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 Nov. 18, 2025 Item #8 Page 9 of 11 Docusign Envelope ID: DA67E9FF-9271-4C39-922E-591F32FEC5A0 Interest I am interested in furthering the options that Carlsbad offers for Parks and Recreation. I am an avid pickleball player and hiker. Having moved from the Bay Area, I'm impressed with the city of Carlsbad and would like to support and improve the offerings of the City. I am currently enrolled in the Citizens Academy and look forward to supporting the city in the Parks and Recreation area. Please describe your educational background High School Graduate 2 years of college Please describe relevant experience I was a founding member of the Morgan Hill Youth Sports Alliance. Our charter was to expand playing fields for youth sports in Morgan Hill. The MHYSA was able to work with the city to manage 11 soccer fields to provide league and tournament play in the city. This was a huge economic benefit to the city to bring people from other cities to stay in the hotels and use the local restaurants. Please describe your current or past community involvement See above as well I was the campaign manager for the Manager of the city. Nov. 18, 2025 Item #8 Page 10 of 11 Docusign Envelope ID: DA67E9FF-9271-4C39-922E-591F32FEC5A0 Please list all service on boards, commissions or committees, private or public agencies, (including non-profit organizations) Vice President and Founding member of the Morgan Hill Youth Sports Alliance Additional information or comments I am very interested in developing the Parks and Recreation options for the city as well to support Seniors involvement in these activities. Submittal Information Submit Date: September 16, 2025 2:18 PM Nov. 18, 2025 Item #8 Page 11 of 11 Docusign Envelope ID: DA67E9FF-9271-4C39-922E-591F32FEC5A0 Adriana Trujillo AU Receive - Agenda Item # A. For the Information of the: CITY COUNCIL Date/OS(45-CA L/CC CM 1.---ACM 1.---DCM (3) 4--- From: Terry Grove <terry.grove@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, November 17, 2025 3:50 PM To: City Clerk Cc: Terry Grove Subject: Parks & Recreation Commission Finalist To the Mayor and Council, Hello my name is Terry Grove and I'm writing as a finalist for the Parks & Recreation Commission position. Unfortunately, I have a prior commitment that prevents me from attending in person, but I want to express my sincere gratitude for being considered a finalist for the Parks & Recreation Commission. I am a recent graduate of the Citizens Academy, and since my wife and I moved to Carlsbad 3.5 years ago, we have enjoyed many of the city's sports fields, trails, and community events—including the Summer Friday night music series. You already have my background and qualifications, but I would like to briefly highlight my experience with the Morgan Hill Youth Sports Alliance. As a founding member of this non-profit, I helped expand youth sports fields in the community and provided valuable insights to the City Council. I would welcome the opportunity to serve on the Commission and am committed to supporting the continued growth and vitality of our city. Thanks, Terry CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 Adriana Trujillo All Receive - Agenda Item # e For the Information of the: cITY COUNCIL Date Ijihig -CA CM "---A-CM L---DCM (3) From: Art Larson <alarson1969@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 10:48 AM To: City Clerk Subject: For Tonight's City Council Meeting Attachments: Parks & Recreation Comment.docx To Melissa Rhodes, Deputy City Clerk: Hi Melissa, Thank you very much for the notification that I'm a finalist for tonight's Parks & Recreation Commission appointment. Thought I'd provide the attached comment for Mayor Blackburn and the City Council prior to the meeting. Thanks again. Best, Art Larson CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 November 18, 2025 To Mayor Keith Blackburn and the Carlsbad City Council: Thank you very much for designating me as a finalist for the Parks & Recreation Commission appointment, I hope the qualifications and experience I have listed in my application meet the requirements you are seeking for the post. Again, many thanks for your serious consideration. Sincerely, Art Larson