HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-13; City Council; Minutes; Joint Session
Council Chamber
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
CALL TO ORDER: 5 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Shin.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONCURRENT MEETINGS: The City Council is serving as the City Council,
Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors and Community Development Commission
on Consent Calendar Item No. 2. The City Council is serving as the Carlsbad Municipal Water
District Board of Directors on Consent Calendar Items No. 4 and No. 5. The City Council is also
serving as the Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors on Departmental Report Item
No. 17.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes of the Regular Meeting held Nov. 4, 2025
Minutes of the Regular Meeting held Nov. 18, 2025
Minutes of the Special Meeting held Dec. 2, 2025
Minutes of the Regular Meeting held Dec. 2, 2025
Minutes of the Regular Meeting held Dec. 9, 2025
Motion by Council Member Bhat-Patel, seconded by Council Member Acosta, to approve the
minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0.
PRESENTATIONS: None.
PUBLIC REPORT OF ANY ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney Cindie McMahon announced that there was no reportable action.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Glenn Bernard expressed his concerns regarding the pedestrian conditions at the El Camino Real
and Chestnut Avenue crossing.
Mike Borrello spoke regarding the health and environmental risk of reclaimed purple pipe water.
Frank Sung asked the City Council to continue protecting the city’s local control over airport
operation and to support residents impacted by aircraft noise and flight paths near Palomar
Airport.
Citizens For a Friendly Airport President Vicky Syage spoke regarding the County’s ongoing
violations related to airline expansion and local control at Palomar Airport.
Jan. 13, 2026, 5 p.m.
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Hope Nelson expressed concerns regarding Palomar Airport’s continued expansion of commercial
flights and the potential long-term impacts on the community.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, seconded by Council Member Acosta, to approve Consent
Calendar Items Nos. 1 through 11. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0.
1. REPORT ON CITY INVESTMENTS AS OF NOV. 30, 2025 – Accept and file Report on City
Investments as of Nov. 30, 2025. (Staff contact: Christian Peacox, City Treasurer and Zach
Korach, Administrative Services)
Glenn Bernard suggested changes to some of the language on the agenda.
2. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE CARLSBAD CITY EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION,
ASSOCIATION’S SALARY SCHEDULE – 1) Adoption of City Council Resolution No. 2026-001
approving a memorandum of understanding between the City of Carlsbad and the Carlsbad
City Employees’ Association, the association’s Salary Schedule and resulting updates to the
Part-Time Employees Salary Schedule, and authorizing an appropriation of funds to fund
proposed adjustments; and
2) Adoption of Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors Resolution No. 1789
authorizing an appropriation of funds for the Memorandum of Understanding between the
City of Carlsbad and the Carlsbad City Employees’ Association; and
3) Adoption of Resolution No. 577 of the Community Development Commission authorizing
an appropriation of funds for the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of
Carlsbad and the Carlsbad City Employees’ Association. (Staff contact: Jessica Dorsey and
Darrin Schwabe, Human Resources)
3. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE CARLSBAD FIREFIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION
AND ASSOCIATION’S SALARY SCHEDULE – Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-002 approving a
memorandum of understanding between the City of Carlsbad and the Carlsbad Firefighters’
Association and the association’s Salary Schedule and authorizing an appropriation of
$385,000 from the city’s General Fund. (Staff contact: Jessica Dorsey and Darrin Schwabe,
Human Resources)
4. AWARD OF CONTRACT TO SIMPSON SANDBLASTING AND SPECIAL COATINGS, INC. FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF THE ELM AND SKYLINE STEEL RESERVOIR COATING PROJECT, AND
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS OF THE PROJECT, CIP PROJECT NOS. 5024-3A AND
5024 – Adoption of Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors Resolution No. 1790
accepting bids and awarding a contract to Simpson Sandblasting and Special Coatings, Inc. for
the Elm and Skyline Steel Reservoir Coating Project, CIP No. 5024-3A, in an amount not to
exceed $2,569,819 and authorizing an additional appropriation of $295,000 from the Water
Replacement Fund, CIP No. 5024. (Staff contact: Daniel Zimny and Keri Martinez, Public
Works)
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5. CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER WITH CREATIVE HOME DBA CHI
CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR THE VALVE REPLACEMENT PHASE III PROJECT, CIP PROJECT NO.
5019-F – Adoption of Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors Resolution No.
1791 adopting revised plans and authorizing the execution of a construction contract change
order with Creative Home, dba CHI Construction, Inc. for the Valve Replacement Phase III
Project in an amount not to exceed $348,780. (Staff contact: Timothy Smith, Public Works)
6. ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR THE STREET LIGHTING REPLACEMENT PROGRAM PHASE IV
PROJECT, CIP PROJECT NO. 6062 – Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-003 adopting the plans,
specifications and contract documents and authorizing the City Clerk to advertise for bids for
the Street Lighting Replacement Program Phase IV Project, Capital Improvement Program
Project No. 6062. (Staff contact: Michael O’Brien, Public Works)
7. RATIFYING THE PROCLAMATION OF A STORM-RELATED LOCAL EMERGENCY TO REPAIR
STORM DRAIN INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE COASTAL BLUFFS NEAR CARLSBAD BOULEVARD AND
SOLAMAR DRIVE AND AUTHORIZING PERFORMANCE OR REPAIR WORK USING EMERGENCY
CONSTRUCTION PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES – Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-004
ratifying the proclamation of a storm-related local emergency to repair storm drain
infrastructure in the coastal bluffs near Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive and
authorizing the City Manager to direct the repair work to be performed using emergency
construction procurement procedures. (Staff contact: David Edwards, Public Works)
8. AGREEMENT WITH HERITAGE POOL SUPPLY GROUP, INC. FOR POOL CHEMICAL SUPPLY AND
DELIVERY SERVICES AT CITY FACILITIES – Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-005 authorizing
execution of an agreement for pool chemical supply and delivery services at city aquatic
facilities with Heritage Pool Supply Group, Inc. in an amount not-to-exceed $200,000 for the
initial one-year term. (Staff contact: Ashlee Williams, Community Services)
9. AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH TRUE NORTH
COMPLIANCE SERVICES FOR BUILDING OFFICIAL AND INSPECTION SERVICES – Adoption of
Resolution No. 2026-006 approving Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services
Agreement with True North Consulting Services for Building Official services in an amount not
to exceed $200,000 and amending the operating budget to appropriate $105,000 to the
Community Development Department. (Staff contact: Mike Strong, Community
Development)
10. CALIFORNIA ENCAMPMENT RESOLUTION FUNDING GRANT EXTENSIONS AND RELATED
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS – 1) Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-007 authorizing
the City Manager to execute amendments with the California Department of Housing and
Community Development to extend the terms of the ERF-2-R: Carlsbad Village and ERF-3-R:
Village and Barrio grant agreements and related program documents; and
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2) Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-008 authorizing the City Manager to execute an
amendment to extend the memorandum of agreement with the City of Oceanside for the
ERF-3-R: SR-78 and Buena Vista Creek project; and
3) Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-009 authorizing the City Manager to execute
amendments to the professional services agreements with Community Resource Center,
Whole Person Care Clinic, Interfaith Community Services and Catholic Charities Diocese of
San Diego pertaining to all current Encampment Resolution Funding grants received by the
State of California. (Staff contacts: Mandy Mills and Chris Shilling, Housing and Homeless
Services)
11. DONATION FROM THE JOYCE GAMMON TRUST ESTATE – Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-
010 accepting a $60,810.99 donation distribution from the Joyce Gammon Trust to the City
of Carlsbad Library & Cultural Arts Department and authorizing the City Manager or designee
to accept any remaining donation distributions from the Joyce Gammon Trust. (Staff contact:
Suzanne Smithson, Community Services)
BOARD AND COMMISSION MEMBER APPOINTMENTS:
12. MAYORAL APPOINTMENT OF ONE MEMBER TO THE AGRICULTURAL CONVERSION
MITIGATION FEE CITIZENS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE – Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-011
appointing one member to the Agricultural Conversion Mitigation Fee Citizens’ Advisory
Committee. (Staff contact: Melissa Rhodes, City Clerk)
City Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt the resolution.
Nomination by Mayor Blackburn to adopt Resolution No. 2026-011 appointing Susan Poser
to the Agriculture Conversion Mitigation Fee Citizens’ Advisory Committee. Motion carried
unanimously, 5/0.
13. MAYORAL APPOINTMENT OF ONE MEMBER TO THE HOUSING COMMISSION – MEMBER AT-
LARGE – Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-012 appointing one member to the Housing
Commission – Member At-Large. (Staff contact: Melissa Rhodes, City Clerk)
City Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt the resolution.
Nomination by Mayor Blackburn to adopt Resolution No. 2026-012 appointing Jan Neff-
Sinclair to the Housing Commission – Member At-Large. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0.
14. MAYORAL APPOINTMENT OF ONE MEMBER TO THE SENIOR COMMISSION – Adoption of
Resolution No. 2026-013 appointing one member to the Senior Commission. (Staff contact:
Melissa Rhodes, City Clerk)
City Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt the resolution.
Eileen Freedland spoke to her qualifications for appointment to the Senior Commission.
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Sim Singh spoke to her qualifications for appointment to the Senior Commission.
Mayor Blackburn called for a recess at 5:29 p.m.
Mayor Blackburn reconvened the duly noticed meeting at 5:33 p.m.
Nomination by Mayor Blackburn to adopt Resolution No. 2026-013 appointing Eileen
Freedland to the Senior Commission. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0.
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION:
15. ANNUAL ELECTED OFFICIALS’ COMPENSATION REVIEW – 1) Conduct the annual review of
elected officials’ compensation; and
2) Introduce an ordinance titled either:
A. “Introduction of Ordinance No. CS-504, amending Title 2, Chapter 2.04, Section
2.04.010(A), to adjust City Council members’ compensation by the percentage
increase in the San Diego Regional Consumer Price Index for 2025”
(Exhibit 1); or
B. “An ordinance of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, permanently
waiving City Council compensation adjustments for 2026” (Exhibit 2); or
C. Provide other direction as desired.
3) Introduce an ordinance titled either:
A. “Introduction of Ordinance No. CS-505, amending Title 2, Chapter 2.04, Section
2.04.020(A), to adjust City Clerk and City Treasurer compensation by the percentage
increase in the San Diego Regional Consumer Price Index for 2025” (Exhibit 3); or
B. “An ordinance of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, declining City Clerk
and City Treasurer compensation adjustments for 2026” (Exhibit 4); or
C. Provide other direction as desired. (Staff contact: Jessica Dorsey and Darrin Schwabe,
Human Resources)
City Manager’s Recommendation: Conduct the review, introduce the ordinances or
provide other direction as desired.
Human Resources Director Darrin Schwabe and Human Resources Manager Jessica Dorsey
reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, seconded by Council Member Acosta, to introduce
Ordinance No. CS-504, amending Title 2, Chapter 2.04, Section 2.04.010(A), to adjust City
Council members’ compensation by the percentage increase in the San Diego Regional
Consumer Price Index for 2025. Motion carried, 4/1 (Burkholder – No).
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, seconded by Council Member Acosta, to introduce
Ordinance No. CS-505, amending Title 2, Chapter 2.04, Section 2.04.020(A), to adjust City
Clerk and City Treasurer compensation by the percentage increase in the San Diego Regional
Consumer Price Index for 2025. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0.
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ORDINANCES FOR ADOPTION:
16. ORDINANCE NO. CS-503 - ESTABLISH ALL-WAY STOP CONTROL AT THE INTERSECTION OF
STATE STREET AND LAGUNA DRIVE – Adoption of Ordinance No. CS-503 amending Section
10.28.190 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code to establish all-way stop control at the intersection
of State Street and Laguna Drive. (Staff contact: Morgen Fry, City Clerk)
City Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt Ordinance No. CS-503.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, seconded by Council Member Acosta, to adopt
Ordinance No. CS-503. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
DEPARTMENTAL AND CITY MANAGER REPORTS:
17. REORGANIZATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT
BOARD, ELECTION OF MAYOR PRO TEMPORE AND BOARD PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT,
REGIONAL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS AND SUBCOMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS – 1) Adoption of
Resolution No. 2026-014 appointing one member of the City Council to serve as Mayor Pro
Tempore for a term ending in December 2026, or until a replacement is appointed; and
2) Adoption of Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors Resolution No. 1792
appointing one member of the Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors to serve
as President of the Board and one member to serve as Vice President of the Board for a term
ending in December 2026, or until a replacement is appointed; and
3) Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-015 appointing members of the City Council to the San
Diego Association of Governments Board of Directors for a term ending in December 2026,
or until a replacement is appointed; and
4) Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-016 appointing members of the City Council to the San
Diego Association of Governments Shoreline Preservation Working Group for a term ending
in December 2026, or until a replacement is appointed; and
5) Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-017 appointing members of the City Council to the North
County Transit District Board of Directors for a term ending in December 2026, or until a
replacement is appointed; and
6) Adoption of Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors Resolution No. 1793
confirming the Board President’s appointment of a Board Member to the San Diego County
Water Authority Board of Directors for a term ending in December 2026, or until a
replacement is appointed; and
7) Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-018 appointing members of the City Council to the Clean
Energy Alliance Joint Powers Authority Board of Directors for a term ending in December
2026, or until a replacement is appointed; and
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8) Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-019 confirming the mayoral appointment of members
of the City Council to the various regional committee assignments for terms ending in
December 2026, or until replacements are appointed; and
9) Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-020 confirming the mayoral appointment of members
of the City Council to the City Council Economic Development Subcommittee for a term
ending in December 2026, or until replacements are appointed. (Staff contact: Morgen Fry,
City Clerk)
City Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt the resolutions.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, seconded by Council Member Acosta, to approve the
following regional assignments and their corresponding resolutions. Motion carried
unanimously, 5/0:
Assignment Appointee
Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel
CMWD President Blackburn
CMWD Vice President Bhat-Patel
SANDAG Shin
SANDAG (Alternate) Bhat-Patel
SANDAG (Alternate) Blackburn
SANDAG Shoreline Preservation Working Group Bhat-Patel
SANDAG Shoreline Preservation Working Group (Alternate) Blackburn
North County Transit District Bhat-Patel
North County Transit District (Alternate) Shin
San Diego County Water Authority Acosta
Clean Energy Alliance JPA Bhat-Patel
Clean Energy Alliance JPA (Alternate) Blackburn
Buena Vista Lagoon JPC Blackburn
Buena Vista Lagoon JPC Shin
Chamber of Commerce Liaison Shin
Chamber of Commerce Liaison (Alternate) Blackburn
City/School Committee Acosta
City/School Committee Bhat-Patel
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Encina Wastewater Authority Board of Directors/Encina
Joint Powers (JAC) Shin
Encina Wastewater Authority Board of Directors/Encina
Joint Powers (JAC) Blackburn
Encina Wastewater Authority Board of Directors/Encina
Joint Powers (JAC) (Alternate) Burkholder
League of California Cities – San Diego Division Acosta
League of California Cities – San Diego Division (Alternate) Bhat-Patel
North County Dispatch Joint Powers Authority Shin
North County Dispatch Joint Powers Authority (Alternate) Burkholder
City Council Economic Development Subcommittee Bhat-Patel
City Council Economic Development Subcommittee Shin
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Diana Ricker spoke regarding her experience as an ongoing crime victim.
Aly Vredenburgh expressed her concerns regarding Carlsbad Police Department practices for
handling non-violent minors who are in a mental health crisis.
Kristen Farina spoke regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity and related
propaganda found in the Village.
Diana Aguirre spoke regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity and asked the City
Council to take proactive steps to protect residents.
Kris Wright expressed her concerns regarding SB79 and SB677.
Christine Davis provided an update on the initiatives taken by the Carlsbad Village Association.
Misty O’Healy spoke regarding the impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities on
local communities and the importance of protecting vulnerable residents regardless of
immigration status.
Michele Cyr spoke regarding the dangers and human rights concerns related to Immigration and
Customs Enforcement activities.
Julann Lodge expressed concern regarding the impact Immigration and Customs Enforcement
(ICE) tactics has on families and the conditions of ICE detention.
Vanessa Forsythe expressed her concern regarding the widespread fear caused by Immigration
and Customs Enforcement activity, noting its impact on youth, families and the local economy.
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Farris Khan thanked the Carlsbad Police Department for their service and urged transparency and
collaboration to protect residents exercising their rights, citing concerns after recent Immigration
and Customs Enforcement related activities.
COUNCIL REPORTS AND COMMENTS: Mayor Blackburn and the City Council Members reported
on activities and meetings of some committees and subcommittees of which they are members.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
This section of the Agenda is designated for announcements to advise the community regarding
events that Members of the City Council have been invited to, and may participate in.
Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
The Great Kindness Challenge Community Kickoff
Viasat
2501 Gateway Road
Carlsbad, CA 92009
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: None.
CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS: None.
CITY CLERK COMMENTS: None.
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Blackburn adjourned the duly noticed meeting at 6:24 p.m.
______________________________
Adriana Trujillo, CMC
Deputy City Clerk
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