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Home My WebLink About2025-10-23; Senior Commission; Minutes; Regular SessionSENIOR COMMISSION Council Chamber 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 Oct.23, 2025, 3:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: 3:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Rangus, Schouwe, Dillon. Absent: Ross, Fitz-Patrick PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Vice Chair Schouwe led the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on Aug. 28, 2025. Motion by Vice Chair Schouwe, second by Commissioner Dillon, to approve the Minutes as presented. Motion carried, 3/2 (Ross - Absent, Fitz-Patrick - Absent) PRESENTATIONS: None. PUBLIC COMMENT: None. CONSENT CALENDAR: None. PUBLIC HEARING: None. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: 1. CITY COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATE – City Council Member and Legislative subcommittee Member Melanie Burkholder and Intergovernmental Affairs Director Jason Haber will provide an update on the city’s recent and ongoing efforts related to the needs and concerns of seniors, including an overview of the city’s process for evaluating and pursuing grant opportunities, and the city’s current funding priorities. (Staff Contact: Jason Haber, City Manager’s Office) Recommendation: Receive the presentation and provide feedback as appropriate. City Council Member Melanie Burkholder and Intergovernmental Affairs Director Jason Haber presented a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk) regarding the City Council Legislative Subcommittee. Council Member Burkholder provided an overview of the subcommittee’s purpose and structure and explained how legislative priorities are developed in alignment with the City Council’s adopted goals and strategic plan, including initiatives that support older adults and age-friendly community planning. She described the evaluation process used to determine whether the city supports, opposes or monitors proposed state and federal legislation and emphasized proactive advocacy to protect local control and secure funding for programs that benefit seniors, such as transportation, housing stability and community services. Mr. Haber provided an operational overview of how legislation is tracked and analyzed through the city’s intergovernmental affairs program and contract lobbying services. He explained the process for preparing legislative position letters, coordinating testimony and communicating official city positions to policymakers, particularly when legislation may impact senior services, accessibility standards or public health funding. Mr. Haber also outlined grant and funding opportunities that could support senior center programming, nutrition services and age-friendly infrastructure improvements. The presentation concluded with a summary of ongoing legislative monitoring efforts and continued coordination at the regional, state and federal levels to advance priorities that benefit Carlsbad’s older adult population. The Commission received the presentation. 2. 2026 SENIOR COMMISSION CALENDAR – Eric Biggin, Recreation Area Manager, will present the proposed Senior Commission Meeting Calendar for 2026. The Commission will review and accept the proposed schedule for all calendar year 2026. Meetings are proposed to continue a bi-monthly basis, held on the fourth Thursday of even-numbered months, consistent with the Commission’s meeting calendar for 2025. (Staff contact: Eric Biggin, Parks & Recreation Department) Recommendation: Discuss and accept a 2026 Senior Commission Meeting Calendar. Recreation Area Manager Eric Biggin presented a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk) regarding the proposed 2026 Senior Commission Meeting Calendar. Mr. Biggin recommended continuation of a bi-monthly meeting schedule to provide consistent oversight of senior-focused initiatives and commission work plan objectives. The proposed calendar schedules meetings on the fourth Thursdays of even-numbered months, excluding Dec. 24, 2026, due to the holiday. He explained that maintaining a predictable meeting cadence supports timely review of senior programming, policy updates and Age-Friendly Carlsbad efforts. Mr. Biggin clarified that the bi-monthly structure does not preclude the scheduling of special meetings should urgent or time- sensitive matters affecting older adults arise. Motion By Chair Rangus, second by Commissioner Dillon, to adopt a calendar of bi-monthly meetings on the fourth Thursday of even numbered months. Motion carried 3/2 (Ross – Absent, Fitz-Patrick – Absent). 3. BIANNUAL UPDATE ON THE 2025 SENIOR COMMISSION WORK PLAN – Receive the second of the biannual reports on the status of the Parks & Recreation Department Master Plan – Strategic Action Plan support references to the 2025 Senior Commission Work Plan. (Staff Contact: Eric Biggin, Parks & Recreation Department) Recommendation: Receive the report. Mr. Biggin presented a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk) providing the biannual update on the 2025 Senior Commission Work Plan. The update summarized progress on objectives aligned with the Parks & Recreation Department Master Plan and the Age-Friendly Carlsbad Action Plan initiatives. Mr. Biggin highlighted accessibility and ADA improvements at senior- serving facilities, as well as capital projects that enhance participation opportunities for older adults. Programmatic updates included expanded wellness, educational and social offerings tailored to seniors. Partnerships supporting transportation awareness and resource accessibility were also noted. The presentation concluded with remaining 2025 priorities and continued efforts to strengthen services for Carlsbad’s older adult community. 4. 2026 SENIOR COMMISION WORK PLAN – Review, edit as needed, and accept the 2026 Senior Commission Work Plan and recommend its approval by the City Council. (Staff contact: Eric Biggin, Parks& Recreation Department) Recommendation: Review, edit as needed, and accept the 2026 Senior Commission Work Plan and recommend its approval by the City Council. Motion by Vice Chair Schouwe, second by Commissioner Dillon to adopt the 2026 Senior Commission Work Plan. Motion carried 3/2 (Ross – Absent, Fitz-Patrick - Absent) 5. DEPARTMENT REPORT ON SENIOR ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS – Receive a report on recent completed and upcoming Adults 50+ activities, donations, and grants, as well as other topics of interest. (Staff Contact: Eric Biggin, Parks & Recreation Department) Recommendation: Receive the report. Mr. Biggin presented a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk) regarding senior programs and activities. The report summarized current senior center programming, participation trends and service utilization among older adults. Mr. Biggin highlighted nutrition services, wellness classes, educational workshops and social engagement opportunities designed to promote healthy aging and reduce isolation. Updates were also provided on community partnerships that support transportation education and resource accessibility for seniors. Upcoming senior- focused initiatives aimed at strengthening engagement and service delivery were also reviewed. The Commission received the report. COMMISSION COMMENTARY AND REQUESTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS: Chair Rangus shared positive feedback regarding a recent lunch experience at the Carlsbad Senior Center, noting that the meal was well presented, appetizing, and reflective of improved quality compared to prior visits. The Chair also commended the professionalism and caring demeanor of staff and volunteers, expressing appreciation for their service and dedication. The Chair confirmed that the next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Feb. 26, 2026. Appreciation was extended to staff for compiling comprehensive reports and statistics, as well as to Commissioners for their volunteer service. The Chair also acknowledged the contributions of support staff, including audiovisual personnel and Parks & Recreation Director Kyle Lancaster, for their preparation efforts. ANNOUNCEMENTS: None. STAFF COMMENTS: Recreation Services Manager Ashlee Benson provided two brief announcements: the Boards and Commissions Appreciation Event will take place on Oct. 30, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The Crossings of Carlsbad, and Commissioner Fitzpatrick has resigned from his position. It was noted that he will receive formal recognition for his service and that the City Clerk’s Office will initiate recruitment to fill the vacancy. The meeting concluded with holiday well wishes to attendees. ADJOURNMENT: 4:00 p.m. Jamie Kennedy Senior Office Specialist