HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12-04; Environmental Sustainability Commission; Minutes; Regular Session Council Chamber
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
CALL TO ORDER: 3:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Norall, Ferguson, Corrigan, Rothman, Evans, Nowakowski.
Absent: Woolsey.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chair Norall led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes of the Regular Meeting held Aug. 7, 2025.
Motion by Commissioner Ferguson, seconded by Commissioner Corrigan, approved the minutes
as presented. Motion carried, 6/0/1 (Woolsey – Absent).
PRESENTATIONS: None.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Lance Schulte spoke about the importance of open space and the distribution of parks, the
structure for dialog, and People for Ponto concerned about the future of Carlsbad.
Paige DeCino spoke in support of California’s Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act (SB 684 & AB
1243) and provided a handout (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
Jayme Timberlake with City of Oceanside provided a summary update of the RE:BEACH Oceanside
project, requesting collaboration and input.
Fred Briggs spoke about the intent of the Growth Management Committee’s final report metrics.
CONSENT CALENDAR: None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
Dec. 4, 2025, 3 p.m.
Dec. 4, 2025 Environmental Sustainability Commission Regular Meeting Page 2
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
1. CITY COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATE: Receive a presentation regarding the
work of the City Council Legislative Subcommittee, the City of Carlsbad Intergovernmental
Affairs Program and the city’s recent and ongoing advocacy efforts related to the protection
and long-term sustainability of Carlsbad’s natural environment. (Staff Contact: Jason Haber,
Intergovernmental Affairs Director)
Recommended Action: Receive the presentation.
Item #1 was continued to a date uncertain.
2. FINALIZE THE 2026 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION WORK PLAN:
Participate in a facilitated discussion, provide input and finalize the Environmental
Sustainability Commission Annual Work Plan for 2026. (Staff contact: James Wood,
Environmental Sustainability Director)
Recommended Action: Participate in the discussion and finalize the work plan.
Environmental Sustainability Director James Wood presented a PowerPoint presentation (on file
in the Office of the City Clerk). Community Relations Manager Natalie Reed facilitated the
discussion. Commissioners participated in the discussion and provided input to staff.
Lance Schulte referred to the September email package he provided for People for Ponto (on file
in the Office of the City Clerk) and asked the Commission to address Ponto issues in the work plan.
Michael McMahon spoke about the 2023 Carlsbad Tomorrow Growth Management Citizens
Committee review of growth management standards. He requested the Commission commit to
overseeing and ensuring an update of the open space acquisition list, pursuit available land in all
25 Local Facilities Management Zones, and identify and track future properties for preservation.
Eric Larson encouraged the Commission to move beyond receiving a report in the work plan and
move toward implementation of acquiring additional open space in the city.
Howard Krausz, representing North County Advocates, urged the Commission to prioritize the
open space recommendations to uphold performance standards and recommended against
airport expansion.
Fred Briggs spoke in opposition to Item #2. He mentioned the Carlsbad Tomorrow Growth
Management Committee, referring to the Ponto area and open space in southern Carlsbad. He
requested the Commission read the second part of the report from the Carlsbad Tomorrow
Growth Management Committee.
Diane Nygaard, representing Preserve Calavera, spoke about open space and mentioned five
Rangers to manage natural lands and protect them from impacts.
Dec. 4, 2025 Environmental Sustainability Commission Regular Meeting Page 3
Director James Wood called upon Parks & Recreation Director Kyle Lancaster to address
questions from the Commissioners related to speakers’ comments. Community Relations
Manager Natalie Reed reviewed the Mission Statement, Composition, Work Plan sections, and
facilitated discussion. Staff will capture comments and edits before presenting to City Council for
approval in early 2026.
3. APPROVAL OF THE 2026 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION REGULAR
MEETING CALENDAR: Adopt a resolution approving the 2026 Environmental Sustainability
Commission Regular Meeting Calendar. (Staff contact: James Wood, Environmental
Sustainability Director)
Recommended Action: Adopt the resolution.
Motion by Commissioner Ferguson, seconded by Commissioner Nowakowski, adopted
Resolution No. 2025-003. Motion carried, 6/0/1 (Woolsey – Absent).
COMMISSION COMMENTARY AND REQUESTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS:
Commissioner Ferguson commented on sand dredging reports that the Commission might like to
see.
Chair Norall mentioned the current King Tides and that she attended the premiere of a
documentary highlighting Oceanside RE:BEACH.
Commissioners and staff discussed the Oceanside RE:BEACH project and related updates.
Director Wood clarified that the City of Oceanside’s Coastal Zone Administrator Jayme
Timberlake is scheduled to provide a presentation at the next meeting.
STAFF COMMENTS:
Director Wood encouraged Commissioners to sign up for the city’s Environmental Sustainability
Newsletter for upcoming events and mentioned the next meeting will include more information
on outreach and education, spring events, Earth Month, and annual meetings related to
Environmental Sustainability.
ADJOURNMENT: Chair Norall adjourned the duly noticed meeting at 4:32 p.m.
Serena Schlosser
Senior Office Specialist