HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-13; City Council; 14; Mayoral Appointment of One Member to the Senior CommissionCA Review CKM
Meeting Date: Jan. 13, 2026
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 Senior Commission
Districts: All
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution appointing one member to the Senior Commission.
Executive Summary
The City Council is being asked to appoint one member to the Senior Commission. The Senior
Commission advises and makes recommendations to the City Council on the special needs and
concerns of senior citizens, including the creation, operation, maintenance, management and
control of senior citizen programs, activities and facilities.
The Senior Commission consists of five members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the
City Council. Members must be residents of Carlsbad and normally serve four-year terms,
unless appointed to fill an unexpired term.
Explanation & Analysis
Commissioner Bruce Fitz-Patrick was initially appointed to the Senior Commission in March
2023 to fill the unexpired term of Commissioner Shelly Sander. Commissioner Fitz-Patrick was
reappointed to the Senior Commission in September 2025. Commissioner Fitz-Patrick resigned
Oct. 22, 2025, creating an unscheduled vacancy on the Senior Commission with a term ending
in September 2029.
The City Clerk’s Office received 26 applications from residents wishing to serve on the Senior
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:
Mayoral recommendations:
•Eileen Freedland – District 2
•Harsimran Singh – District 1
Exhibit 2 contains the applications of the applicants moving forward in the interview process.
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The current members of the Senior Commission are:
Commissioner District
Cheryl Dillon
Kathryn Rangus
4
3
Nelson Ross 3
Cecilia Schouwe 2
Members of the Senior 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.
The Maddy Act (California Government Code Sections 54970-54974) requires that on or before
December 31 of each year the legislative body shall 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.
Fiscal Analysis
This action has no financial impact.
Next Steps
Following the appointment of one member to the Senior 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 signing of the City of Carlsbad Boards, Commissions and Committees
Code of Ethics & Public Service Values.
Environmental Evaluation
The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by California Environmental Quality Act, 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
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Exhibit 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-013 .
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE SENIOR COMMISSION
WHEREAS, Commissioner Bruce Fitz-Patrick was initially appointed to the Senior Commission in
March 2023 to fill the unexpired term of Commissioner Shelly Sander; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Fitz-Patrick was reappointed to the Senior Commission in September
2025; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Fitz-Patrick resigned on Oct. 22, 2025; and
WHEREAS, an unscheduled vacancy on the Senior Commission exists with a term ending in
September 2029.
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 Act, 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 Senior Commission,
for a term ending in September 2029, or until a replacement is appointed:
Jan. 13, 2026 Item #14 Page 3 of 10
Eileen Freedland
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PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City
of Carlsbad on the 13th day of January, 2026, 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)
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10/23/2025
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 Planning Commission
Senior Commission X Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Investment Review Board
Personal Information
Name
Eileen Freedland
Date of Birth:
Required for Voter Registration Verification
Home Address District No. 2
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
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Interest
I have lived in Carlsbad for nine years and am familiar with the needs of Seniors in our community. I have volunteered with Hospice organizations in Carlsbad and surrounding cities of North County and am familiar with the specials needs of this population. I have volunteered in other capacities in Carlsbad including a docent with the Nature Center of Batiquitos Lagoon. I was a psychotherapist prior to retirement so have a basic understanding of mental health issues.
Please describe your educational background
I have an MSW from the University of Michigan, with a specialty in interpersonal relationship. I was in private practice in Bloomfield Hills Michigan for 27 years.
Please describe relevant experience
I have worked with seniors in Hospice settings and have good organizational and people skills. As a social worker I worked with older adults with many different needs. I have enjoyed being an active resident of Carlsbad for the past nine years.
Please describe your current or past community involvement
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation volunteer at the Nature Center Hospice volunteer with 2 different organizations serving North County Board member of DEMCCO
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Please list all service on boards, commissions or committees, private or public agencies, (including non-profit organizations)
Chair of Special Events on the Board of DEMCCO
Additional information or comments
I applied previously for a position on the Senior Commission and gave a presentation at a Council meeting. Mayor Blackburn stated that I was a runner up for the position and that he hoped I would apply again in the future. I was happy to hear about this opening and would like to be considered.
Submittal Information
Submit Date: October 23, 2025 12:50 PM
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10/28/2025
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 Planning Commission
Senior Commission X Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Investment Review Board
Personal Information
Name
Harsimran Singh
Date of Birth:
Required for Voter Registration Verification
Home Address District No. 1
City ZIP
Primary Phone Secondary Phone
E-mail
Employment Status Employed
Occupation Senior Director, Behavioral Science
Employer Dexcom Inc
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
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Interest
I am interested in serving on the Senior Commission because I am deeply committed to promoting healthy aging, community engagement, and equitable access to wellness resources for older adults in Carlsbad. My professional background is in behavioral and health science, where I focus on how data, education, and community programs can meaningfully improve people’s quality of life. Through my work, I have seen how small, evidence-based changes in environment and access can significantly enhance physical, emotional, and social well-being—especially among seniors. I hope to bring this perspective to the Commission by contributing to initiatives that
strengthen community connections, encourage active lifestyles, and ensure that Carlsbad continues to be an age-friendly city where older adults can thrive. I am also a Carlsbad resident who values civic participation and believes that community policy is most impactful when it reflects the lived experiences and voices of its members.
Please describe your educational background
I hold a Ph.D. in Behavioral Science with a focus on health psychology and diabetes management. Much of my professional work centers on diabetes research, where I study how technology, education, and behavior change can improve health outcomes and quality of life for adults living with or at risk for diabetes. This work has deepened my understanding of how health, aging, and daily habits intersect — particularly the importance of accessible, data-driven tools that help individuals maintain independence and vitality. I have also led teams conducting community-focused studies and developing programs that translate scientific evidence into meaningful health improvements. My educational and professional background have equipped me with skills in public health communication, data interpretation, and behavior change — all of which I hope to bring to the Senior Commission.
Please describe relevant experience
I believe I would be a strong fit for the Senior Commission because my professional background bridges behavioral science, public health, and community well-being. I hold a Ph.D. in Behavioral Science with a focus on health psychology and decision science, and have spent my career leading research focused on diabetes, aging, and lifestyle behavior change. In my current role, I work at the intersection of science and real-world application — designing and evaluating programs that help adults live healthier, more engaged lives through data-driven insights and accessible health tools. This experience has given me a deep understanding of how to translate evidence into practical solutions that promote independence, resilience, and healthy aging.
Please describe your current or past community involvement
I have been an active participant in community initiatives that promote health, education, and inclusion. In my professional capacity, I have led research and programs focused on improving the lives of people with diabetes and supporting healthy aging — work that continually reminds me of the importance of accessibility, empathy, and community-centered design. Locally, I’ve volunteered through school and city programs that encourage youth and family wellness, including mentoring and organizing educational events around health awareness.
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Please list all service on boards, commissions or committees, private or public agencies, (including non-profit organizations)
I currently serve as a Senior Director of Behavioral and Translational Science at Dexcom, where I lead cross-functional teams focused on improving health outcomes and quality of life for people with diabetes.
Additional information or comments
Submittal Information
Submit Date: October 28, 2025 9:24 PM
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