HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-28; City Council; 06; Mayoral Appointment of Two Members to the Historic Preservation CommissionCA Review CKM
Meeting Date: April 28, 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 Two Members to the Historic Preservation
Commission
Districts: All
Recommended Action
Adopt resolutions appointing two members to the Historic Preservation Commission.
Executive Summary
The City Council is being asked to appoint two members to the Historic Preservation
Commission, which acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council, Planning Commission and
Housing Commission in all matters relating to the identification, protection, retention and
preservation of historic resources within the city.
The commission consists of five members who must be confirmed by the City Council.
Members must be residents of Carlsbad and normally serve four-year terms.
Explanation & Analysis
Commissioner Chad Majer was initially appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission in
July 2018, to fill the expired term of Commissioner Linda Geldner for a term ending in April
2022. Commissioner Majer was reappointed in April 2022, for a term ending in April 2026.
Commissioner Majer is not eligible for reappointment.
Commissioner John May was appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission in September
2023, to fill the unexpired term of Commissioner Pearl Ly for a term ending in April 2026.
Commissioner May is eligible for and seeking reappointment.
The City Clerk’s Office received five applications from residents wishing to serve on the Historic
Preservation Commission. In keeping with City Council Policy No. 88, the Mayor has chosen the
following applicants to advance in the process and interview with the full City Council:
•John May – District 1
•Robert Smith – District 4
Exhibit 3 contains the applications of the applicants moving forward in the interview process.
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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.
The current members of the Historic Preservation Commission are:
Commission member District
Jamie Jacobs 2
Chad Majer 1
John May 1
Katherine Peterson 2
Patty Schreibman 3
Members of the Historic Preservation Commission are subject to the provisions of California’s
Political Reform Act of 1974 and must file statements of economic interest each year. Every two
years, commissioners must complete two hours of ethics training, workplace harassment
prevention training and fiscal and financial training. They must also adhere to the City of
Carlsbad’s Code of Ethics and Public Service Values for Board and Commission Members.
Fiscal Analysis
This action has no financial impact.
Next Steps
Following the appointment of two members to the Historic Preservation Commission, the City
Clerk’s Office will update the commission’s roster and coordinate the oath of office and the
filing of the appointees’ statements of economic interest, ethics training certificates, workplace
harassment prevention training, fiscal and financial training and acknowledgement 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 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.
Exhibits
1.City Council resolution
2.City Council resolution
3.Applications received from residents advancing to the interview process
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Exhibit 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-082 .
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION
WHEREAS, Commissioner Chad Majer was initially appointed to the Historic Preservation
Commission in July 2018 to fill the expired term of Commissioner Linda Geldner for a term ending in
April 2022; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Majer was reappointed to the Historic Preservation Commission in
April 2022; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Majer is not eligible for reappointment; and
WHEREAS, a scheduled vacancy on the Historic Preservation Commission exists with a term
ending in April 2030.
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 Historic Preservation
Commission, for a term ending in April 2030, or until a replacement is appointed:
April 28, 2026 Item #6 Page 3 of 14
Robert Smith
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PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City
of Carlsbad on the 28th day of April, 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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Exhibit 2
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-083 .
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION
WHEREAS, Commissioner John May was appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission in
September 2023 to fill the unexpired term of Commissioner Pearl Ly for a term ending in April 2026;
and
WHEREAS, Commissioner May is eligible for and seeking reappointment; and
WHEREAS, a scheduled vacancy on the Historic Preservation Commission exists with a term
ending in April 2030.
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 Historic Preservation
Commission, for a term ending in April 2030, or until a replacement is appointed:
April 28, 2026 Item #6 Page 5 of 14
John May
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PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City
of Carlsbad on the 28th day of April, 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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03/17/2026
Boards, Commissions and Committees
Application for Appointment
Agricultural Mitigation Fee
Committee
Arts Commission Beach Preservation
Commission
Community-Police
Engagement Commission
Historic Preservation
Commission X Housing Commission
Library Board of Trustees Parks & Recreation
Commission
Planning Commission
Senior Commission Traffic Safety & Mobility
Commission
Investment Review Board
Personal Information
Name
John May
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 3
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Interest
I am interested in local history and education
Please describe your educational background
B.A. in History, UCSD 1973
Please describe relevant experience
I have served four years on the commission
Please describe your current or past community involvement
Career teacher at Carlsbad High School
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Please list all service on boards, commissions or committees, private or public agencies,
(including non-profit organizations)
Historic Preservation Commission
Additional information or comments
Submittal Information
Submit Date: March 17, 2026 7:59 PM
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03/27/2026
Boards, Commissions and Committees
Application for Appointment
Agricultural Mitigation Fee
Committee Arts Commission Beach Preservation
Commission
Community-Police
Engagement Commission Historic Preservation
Commission X Housing Commission
Library Board of Trustees Parks & Recreation
Commission Planning Commission
Senior Commission Traffic Safety & Mobility
Commission Investment Review Board
Personal Information
Name
Robert Smith
Date of Birth:
Required for Voter Registration Verification
Home Address District No. 4
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
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Interest
I have a real passion for and interest in historical buildings. As a Carlsbad resident for 49 years and an
Architect, I am keenly interested in the preservation of the City’s historic areas and structures. This City has
a unique heritage that deserves to be carefully preserved. Rampant development that threatens or
destroys historic sites and heritage monuments should not be allowed to occur. Preserving and recognizing
historic structures can give residents and visitors a better appreciation and understanding of Carlsbad’s
culture.
Please describe your educational background
Please see attached Resume.
Please describe relevant experience
My education, experience and enthusiasm for historic architecture all coalesce. Again, please refer to the
attached resume. I have been an architectural consultant on some historical building projects, including the
1938 San Diego County Administration Building, and the Yountville Calif. Veterans Home (circa 1880’s). One
of my instructors in college was M. Wayne Donaldson, formerly the State Historic Preservation Officer of
California. He was also chairman of the U.S. Advisory Council on Historic Preservation for 9 years, appointed
by Presidents Obama & Trump. In an interesting coincidence, we worked together as consultants on these
2 projects.
Please describe your current or past community involvement
1. Delivered Meals to Seniors and Shut-ins through the Carlsbad Senior Center Program. 2. Past Assistant
Leader for YMCA Indian Guides and Boy Scouts 3. Church Deacon and Building Committee member for
remodeling, renovation and new structures at Solana Beach Presb. Church (SBPC) 4. Site Leader
for SBPC Community Serve Day for past 9 years 5. Prepared record documents for Frank Lloyd Wright’s
historic Ennis House in Los Angeles for the Historic American Building Survey (HABS), 1971. (College
project).
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Please list all service on boards, commissions or committees, private or public agencies,
(including non-profit organizations)
1. Refer to attached resume under “Professional Associations” 2. Past Member: Save Our
Heritage Organization (SOHO), San Diego. 3. Past Member: San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Historical
Foundation 4. Past Member: American Institute of Architects 5. Past Member: National Trust for
Historic Preservation 6. Past Member: Construction Specifications Institute 7. Gave historical
architectural tours of Balboa Park through the San Diego Architectural Foundation
(www.sdarchitecture.org).
Additional information or comments
I am interested in serving my city by using my skills in this area. As an aside, my adult son holds a
Bachelor’s degree in City and Regional Planning from Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. He has
been a Senior City Planner for Visalia CA for many years. Between the two of us, we have extensive
knowledge of architecture, city planning, and governmental programs & requirements regarding historic
preservation.
Submittal Information
Submit Date: March 27, 2026 2:00 PM
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