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Home My WebLink About2026-04-14; 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: Mayor Blackburn announced that the City Council is serving as the Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors, Public Financing Authority and Community Development Commission for Consent Calendar Item No. 3, and the Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors on Consent Calendar Item No. 4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Burkholder led the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of the Special Meeting held March 10, 2026 Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, seconded by Council Member Acosta, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0. PRESENTATIONS: Proclamation in Recognition of Earth Month Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel read the proclamation and presented it to Steve Sands who said a few words. Proclamation in Recognition of Arbor Week Council Member Shin read the proclamation and presented it to City of Carlsbad Parks Superintendent Roger Havlak, Cal Fire Forestry Technician Marcus Barba and Jason Chibate who said a few words. PUBLIC REPORT OF ANY ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION: None. PUBLIC COMMENT: Glenn Bernard discussed concerns regarding veteran suicides, praised the City of Carlsbad Senior Center, and suggested adopting a tree ordinance. Olivia Lengua expressed that The Shoppes at Carlsbad lacks vitality and urged the City Council to enhance it by promoting community activities. April 14, 2026, 5 p.m. Docusign Envelope ID: 719AF31F-1A49-8AD6-807F-C97B3CFDEC3E April 14, 2026 Carlsbad City Council Regular Meeting Page 2 Ariadne Chavez raised concerns about community safety due to inadequate lighting in certain areas and urged the City Council to install additional lighting. Sophie Wibbenmeyer raised concerns about public safety, traffic safety, property crime, theft, and increased electric bike use, and proposed an educational summer “Safety Camp” program for students. Mary Lucid shared feedback on Senior Center operations and expressed interest in seeing continued improvements. CONSENT CALENDAR: Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, seconded by Council Member Acosta, to approve Consent Calendar Items Nos. 1 through 6. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0. 1. REPORT ON CITY INVESTMENTS AS OF FEB. 28, 2026 – Accept and file Report on City Investments as of Feb. 28, 2026. (Staff contact: Christian Peacox, City Treasurer and Zach Korach, Administrative Services) Glenn Bernard praised the Senior Center as a top city investment, questioned the impact of Carlsbad’s municipal golf course and raised concerns about poorly oriented fencing along roadways. Mary Lucid shared recommendations for improvements to the Senior Center. 2. AGREEMENT WITH ATHENS ADMINISTRATORS FOR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATION SERVICES – Adoption Resolution No. 2026-070 authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Athens Insurance Services, Inc. DBA Athens Administrators for workers’ compensation third-party administration services in an amount not to exceed $2,696,803 for the five-year term. (Staff contact: Kierstyn Yaross and Sarah Reiswig, Administrative Services) 3. SETTLEMENT AUTHORITY FOR LIABILITY CLAIMS AND LITIGATION – 1) Adoption of City Council Resolution No. 2026-071 adjusting the settlement authority delegated to the City Manager and Risk Manager for liability claims and litigation by and against the city and specifying procedures for handling sewer service related liability claims and emergency expenditures; and 2) Adoption of Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors Resolution No. 1801 adjusting the settlement authority delegated to the Executive Manager and the City of Carlsbad’s Risk Manager for liability claims and litigation by and against the district and specifying procedures for handling water service related claims and emergency expenditures; and 3) Adoption of Carlsbad Public Financing Authority Board of Directors Resolution No. 102 delegating settlement authority to the Executive Director and the City of Carlsbad’s Risk Manager for liability claims and litigation by and against the authority; and Docusign Envelope ID: 719AF31F-1A49-8AD6-807F-C97B3CFDEC3E April 14, 2026 Carlsbad City Council Regular Meeting Page 3 4) Adoption of Community Development Commission Resolution No. 580 delegating settlement authority to the Executive Director and the City of Carlsbad’s Risk Manager for liability claims and litigation by and against the commission and the Housing Authority of the City of Carlsbad. (Staff contact: Cindie McMahon, City Attorney and Sarah Reiswig, Administrative Services) 4. QUITCLAIM DEED OF EASEMENT TO PALOMAR AIRPORT PARTNERS LLC AT THE BP/ARCO FACILITY 5792 AT 1991 PALOMAR AIRPORT ROAD – Adoption of Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors Resolution No. 1802 approving a quitclaim deed of easement over Assessor’s Parcel Number 213-092-17-00, located at the BP/ARCO Facility 5792, 1991 Palomar Airport Road, CUP 91-03C. (Staff contact: Dave Padilla and Markus Mohrle, Public Works) 5. LEASE AGREEMENT WITH MIRACOSTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT FOR THE LAS PALMAS PROPERTY, 2075 LAS PALMAS DRIVE – Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-072 authorizing the City Manager to execute a five-year lease agreement with MiraCosta Community College District for the Las Palmas property. (Staff contact: Curtis Jackson, Community Services) 6. AGREEMENT WITH GORDON HUETHER & PARTNERS, INC. FOR PUBLIC ART FABRICATION AND DELIVERY AT VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK, CIP PROJECT NO. 4609 – Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-073 approving an agreement with Gordon Huether & Partners, Inc. for public art fabrication and delivery as part of the Veterans Memorial Park Project, Capital Improvement Program Project No. 4609, for an amount not to exceed $315,000. (Staff contact: Craddock Stropes, Community Services) BOARD AND COMMISSION MEMBER APPOINTMENTS: 7. MAYORAL APPOINTMENT OF ONE MEMBER TO THE SENIOR COMMISSION – Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-074 appointing one member to the Senior Commission. (Staff contact: Melissa Rhodes, City Clerk) City Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt the resolution. Robert Fishman spoke to his qualifications for appointment to the Senior Commission. Mary Lucid urged the City Council to appoint a Senior Commission member with the freedom to present ideas. Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel clarified that commissioners have the ability to make recommendations. Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, seconded by Council Member Acosta, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-074 appointing Robert Fishman to the Senior Commission. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0. Docusign Envelope ID: 719AF31F-1A49-8AD6-807F-C97B3CFDEC3E April 14, 2026 Carlsbad City Council Regular Meeting Page 4 ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION: None. ORDINANCES FOR ADOPTION: 8. ORDINANCE NO. CS-512 ESTABLISHING ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES FOR FIREWORKS VIOLATIONS Adoption of Ordinance No. CS-512 amending Title 8 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code by adding Chapter 8.15 Administrative Penalties for Fireworks Violations. (Staff contact: Morgen Fry, City Clerk) City Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt Ordinance No. CS-512. Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, seconded by Council Member Acosta, to adopt Ordinance No. CS-512. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 9. ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT’S MILITARY EQUIPMENT POLICY – 1) Hold a public hearing; and 2) Receive the Police Department’s Annual Military Equipment Use Report; and 3) Introduce Ordinance CS-513 renewing the Police Department’s Military Equipment Policy. (Staff contact: Bret Cosgrove, Police) City Manager’s Recommendation: Take public input, close the public hearing, receive the report and introduce the ordinance. Police Lieutenant Bret Cosgrove reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk). Mayor Blackburn opened the duly noticed public hearing at 5:52 p.m. Seeing no one wishing to speak, Mayor Blackburn closed the duly noticed public hearing at 5:52 p.m. Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, seconded by Council Member Acosta, to introduce Ordinance No. CS-513. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0. 10. 2026 HAZARD REDUCTION PROGRAM ABATEMENT – 1) Hold a public hearing; and 2) Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-075 authorizing abatement of weeds, rubbish and refuse upon private property in the City of Carlsbad under the terms of the city’s Hazard Reduction Program and scheduling a public hearing on July 21, 2026, to consider the final Hazard Reduction Cost Report. (Staff Contact: Darcy Davidson, Fire) City Manager’s Recommendation: Take public input, close the public hearing and adopt the resolution. Docusign Envelope ID: 719AF31F-1A49-8AD6-807F-C97B3CFDEC3E April 14, 2026 Carlsbad City Council Regular Meeting Page 5 Fire Division Chief Darcy Davidson reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk). Mayor Blackburn opened the duly noticed public hearing at 5:57 p.m. Seeing no one wishing to speak, Mayor Blackburn closed the duly noticed public hearing at 5:57 p.m. Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, seconded by Council Member Acosta, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-075. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0. DEPARTMENTAL AND CITY MANAGER REPORTS: 11. COUNCIL MEMBER REQUEST: ANTI-BULLYING IN CARLSBAD PUBLIC PLACES PROCLAMATION Consider a request from Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel to discuss and consider a proclamation affirming the city’s commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of every child in our community and to declare that bullying behavior has no place in Carlsbad’s public spaces. (Staff contact: Faviola Medina, City Manager) City Manager’s Recommendation: Consider the request. Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel provided background on her request for bringing the item forward for Council consideration. Mary Lucid expressed appreciation for anti-bullying efforts and encouraged the City Council to consider similar protections for seniors. Representative of North County NAACP and North County Equity and Justice Coalition Yusef Miller expressed appreciation for the City Council bringing the item forward. Council Member Burkholder stated she appreciated the discussion but preferred to await input from Carlsbad Unified School District and proceed without a formal proclamation or resolution since the City Council agrees on the issue. Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, seconded by Council Member Acosta, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-076. Motion carried, 4/1 (Burkholder – No). 12. CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ANNUAL REPORT FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025 – Receive the Climate Action Plan Annual Report for Calendar Year 2025. (Staff contact: Katie Hentrich, Public Works) City Manager’s Recommendation: Receive the report. Docusign Envelope ID: 719AF31F-1A49-8AD6-807F-C97B3CFDEC3E April 14, 2026 Carlsbad City Council Regular Meeting Page 6 Senior Program Manager Katie Hentrich reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk). Glenn Bernard read into the record written comments submitted to the City Council by Mike Borrello, objecting to the city manager’s recommendation to receive the report. Preserve Calavera representative Diane Nygard spoke regarding tree canopy coverage, stating it has been reduced, and requested that staff return to the City Council with a corrective action plan for canopy trees. Yusef Miller raised concerns about the declining tree canopy and proposed reduced use of toxic pesticides to protect waterways and wildlife. The City Council received the presentation. Mayor called for a recess at 6:53 p.m. Mayor Blackburn reconvened the duly noticed meeting at 7:03 p.m. 13. CITY OF CARLSBAD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 2026 UPDATE – Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-077 adopting the City of Carlsbad Traffic Management Program 2026 Update. (Staff contact: John Kim, Public Works) City Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt the resolution. City Traffic Engineer John Kim and Senior Engineer Miriam Jim 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 adopt Resolution No. 2026-077. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0. PUBLIC COMMENT: Continuation of Public Comments Diana Ricker expressed concern regarding custodial issues involving her children. 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. Docusign Envelope ID: 719AF31F-1A49-8AD6-807F-C97B3CFDEC3E April 14, 2026 Carlsbad City Council Regular Meeting Page 7 Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 9 a.m. 2026 Earth Day Poster Contest Poinsettia Community Park 6600 Hidden Valley Road Carlsbad, CA 92011 Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 7 a.m. State of Tri-City 2026 Tri-City Medical Center 4002 Vista Way Oceanside, CA 92056 CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: None. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS: None. CITY CLERK COMMENTS: None. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Blackburn adjourned the duly noticed meeting at 7:36 p.m. ______________________________ Melissa Rhodes Deputy City Clerk Docusign Envelope ID: 719AF31F-1A49-8AD6-807F-C97B3CFDEC3E