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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-23; City Council; 09; Mayoral Appointment of One Member to the Library Board of TrusteesCA Review CKM Meeting Date: To: From: Staff Contact: morgen.fry@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2808 Subject: Districts: Recommended Action Adopt a resolution appointing one member to the Library Board of Trustees. Executive Summary The City Council is being asked to appoint one member to the Library Board of Trustees. The Library Board of Trustees may make recommendations to and advise the City Council in matters pertaining to the duties and powers of the librarian and other library employees, the number of employees, the purchase of equipment, real estate and buildings, the advisability and desirability of facilities of the city library, the amounts of moneys required to operate the library, and policies related to the administration of the city library. The Library Board of Trustees consists of five members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. Members must be residents of Carlsbad and normally serve four-year terms, unless appointed to fill an unexpired term. Explanation & Analysis Trustee Laurel Moran was appointed to the Library Board of Trustees in June 2022 to fill the expired term of Trustee Art Larson for a term ending June 2026. Trustee Moran is eligible for but not seeking reappointment. The City Clerk’s Office received 11 applications from residents wishing to serve on the Library Board of Trustees. 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: •Hilary Holley – District 1 •Lalitha Nataraj – District 3 Exhibit 2 contains the applications of the applicants moving forward in the interview process. June 23, 2026 Item #9 Page 1 of 12 Docusign Envelope ID: A478981C-7736-801D-816D-AB7E0F9AC0E0 The Maddy Act (California Government Code Sections 54970-54974) requires that on or before December 31 of each year the legislative body must 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 Library Board of Trustees are: Commissioner District Members of the Library Board of Trustees 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, they 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 one member to the Library Board of Trustees, the City Clerk’s Office will update the board’s roster and coordinate the oath of office and the filing of the appointee’s statements of economic interest, ethics training, 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 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.Applications received from residents advancing to the interview process June 23, 2026 Item #9 Page 2 of 12 Docusign Envelope ID: A478981C-7736-801D-816D-AB7E0F9AC0E0 Exhibit 1 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-136 . A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES WHEREAS, Commissioner Laurel Moran was appointed to the Library Board of Trustees in June 2022 to fill the expired term of Trustee Art Larson for a term ending in June 2026; and WHEREAS, Trustee Moran is eligible for but not seeking reappointment; and WHEREAS, a scheduled vacancy on the Library Board of Trustees exists with a term ending in June 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. That the proposed action is not a “project” as defined by 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. 3.That the following Carlsbad resident is appointed to serve on the Library Board of Trustees, for a term ending in June 2030, or until a replacement is appointed. June 23, 2026 Item #9 Page 3 of 12 Lalitha Nataraj Docusign Envelope ID: A478981C-7736-801D-816D-AB7E0F9AC0E0 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the 23rd day of June, 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) June 23, 2026 Item #9 Page 4 of 12 Docusign Envelope ID: A478981C-7736-801D-816D-AB7E0F9AC0E0 05/29/2026 Boards, Commissions and Committees Application for Appointment Agricultural Mitigation Fee Committee Arts Commission Environmental Sustainability Commission Community-Police Engagement Commission Historic Preservation Commission Housing Commission Library Board of Trustees X Parks & Recreation Commission Planning Commission Senior Commission Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Investment Review Board Personal Information Name Hilary Holley Date of Birth: Required for Voter Registration Verification Home Address District No. 1 City ZIP Primary Phone Secondary Phone E-mail Employment Status Employed Occupation Business Development and Proposal Coordinator Employer Value Management Strategies, Inc. 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 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 2 June 23, 2026 Item #9 Page 5 of 12 Docusign Envelope ID: A478981C-7736-801D-816D-AB7E0F9AC0E0 Interest I am interested in serving on the Library Board of Trustees because libraries have played an important role throughout my personal and professional life. As a longtime library user, former public librarian, parent, and Carlsbad resident, I value the role libraries serve in creating accessible, welcoming spaces for education, connection, and civic engagement. I hold an MLIS from UCLA and previously worked as a librarian for Oceanside Public Library. That experience gave me a strong appreciation for the ways libraries support their communities through literacy, digital access, lifelong learning, and inclusive programming. Currently, I work with public-sector agencies on projects involving strategic planning, organizational improvement, and stakeholder engagement, work I believe would be valuable in a board setting. Our local libraries contribute so much to the quality of life in Carlsbad, and it would be a privilege to support and advocate for them. Please describe your educational background I hold a Master of Library and Information Science from UCLA and a bachelor’s degree in English and Art History from Pitzer College. My academic background strengthened my skills in research, writing, communication, and critical analysis while deepening my interest in public service, literacy, and community engagement. During graduate school, I studied public librarianship, information organization, library ethics, archives, and community-centered library services while also working within the UCLA Library system across multiple departments. My coursework emphasized equitable access to information, public programming, and the evolving role of libraries in serving diverse communities. Those experiences provided hands-on experience supporting a wide range of educational and information needs. All of this has given me an appreciation for the care, collaboration, and long-term thinking required to support strong public institutions and community spaces. Please describe relevant experience My relevant experience includes professional work in public and academic libraries, nonprofit organizations, and public-sector consulting. As a Librarian with Oceanside Public Library, I provided research assistance, planned public programs, supported collection development, and connected patrons with educational and informational resources. I was invited to present at the CLA Conference in 2017 and 2019. My current role involves strategic planning support, technical writing, project coordination, and collaboration with government agencies and consultants. I also previously served on the board of Makara Center for the Arts, a nonprofit arts organization and lending library, which strengthened my understanding of collaborative leadership and community stewardship. Across these roles, I have developed strong communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills that I believe would allow me to contribute thoughtfully and effectively as a member of the Library Board of Trustees. Please describe your current or past community involvement My community involvement has long centered on education, literacy, public service, and community engagement. Over the years, I have volunteered with organizations including Oakland Children’s Hospital and Head Start preschool programs, supporting activities focused on education, outreach, and family services. I have a long history working with and supporting community-focused nonprofit organizations, and as a public librarian, I worked closely with community members through public programming, research support, and educational outreach. Today, as a parent of young children, I remain actively involved in my local community through school participation, volunteering, and family-centered activities. These experiences have strengthened my appreciation for accessible public spaces, inclusive programming, and organizations that support connection, learning, and community well-being. They have also reinforced the importance of supporting services that meet the evolving needs of a community. June 23, 2026 Item #9 Page 6 of 12 Docusign Envelope ID: A478981C-7736-801D-816D-AB7E0F9AC0E0 Please list all service on boards, commissions or committees, private or public agencies, (including non-profit organizations) I previously served as a founding board member of Makara Center for the Arts, a nonprofit arts organization and lending library in Santa Ana, California. In that role, I supported organizational planning, community programming, outreach efforts, and initiatives focused on expanding access to arts and educational resources. I participated in discussions related to programming priorities, fundraising efforts, organizational growth, and community engagement while helping support the organization’s mission and public presence. In my professional work, I have also collaborated extensively with public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and multidisciplinary teams on projects involving strategic planning, communications, stakeholder engagement, and public-facing initiatives. These experiences have strengthened my ability to work through complex discussions, manage competing priorities and perspectives, and contribute thoughtfully in collaborative settings. Additional information or comments Public libraries are one of the few spaces that remain truly open and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance, which I believe is incredibly important. I value being an active and engaged member of the community, and as a parent, it is important to me to model civic involvement and public service for my children by contributing time and energy to organizations that positively impact the community. Throughout my professional and volunteer experiences, I have been drawn to work centered on literacy, public service, and community engagement. I especially value libraries as places where people can gather, explore ideas, and feel connected to their community. Serving on the Library Board of Trustees would be a meaningful opportunity to give back to a profession and public institution that has shaped so much of my personal and professional life. I've included my resume as an attachment for additional information regarding my background and experience. Submittal Information Submit Date: May 29, 2026 2:42 PM June 23, 2026 Item #9 Page 7 of 12 Docusign Envelope ID: A478981C-7736-801D-816D-AB7E0F9AC0E0 HILARY HOLLEY EXPERIENCE 2024-PRESENT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & PROPOSAL COORDINATOR, VALUE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES, INC. •Develops proposals and RFP responses for transportation, infrastructure, and organizational consulting projects for federal, state, and local government agencies •Provides on-site coordination and facilitation support for client workshops and stakeholder meetings •Writes, edits, and formats technical reports, executive summaries, and client deliverables •Performs quality assurance and editorial review for reports, proposals, and presentation materials •Assists with business development efforts, marketing materials, and website content updates 2020-2023 FREELANCE WRITER •Generated web content for a wide range of high-profile clients in nonprofit, academic, and private sectors •Provided copywriting services for social media, blog, and newsletter content 2016-2021 LIBRARIAN, OCEANSIDE PUBLIC LIBRARY •Provided reference services, research assistance, and reader's advisory •Planned and implemented 100+ public programs and events •Facilitated two monthly book clubs •Updated catalog records and patron profiles across various CRM platforms •Assisted with federal, state, and private grant applications, programs, and reports •Managed book purchasing orders for adult collection and customer requests •Developed targeted marketing materials (digital and physical) to promote programs and resources •Created instructional guides and led trainings on library databases and e-resources 2013-2015 GRADUATE INTERN & RESEARCH ASSISTANT, UCLA LIBRARY •Contributed to research projects, collection development, and reference services across multiple departments, including special collections, preservation, and graduate research library 2009-2013 PROGRAM MANAGER, PEN AMERICA WEST •Managed annual Literary Awards program and gala •Managed membership of 300+ writers •Prepared and executed grant applications, programs and reports ACTIVITIES •2015-2020: Founding Board Member, Makara Center for the Arts, Santa Ana, CA•2019: Top Pick Judge, Book Buyer's Best contest, Romance Writers of America (Orange County Chapter) •2017, 2019: Presented on library programming at California Library Association conferences 1 June 23, 2026 Item #9 Page 8 of 12 Docusign Envelope ID: A478981C-7736-801D-816D-AB7E0F9AC0E0 June 23, 2026 Item #9 Page 9 of 12 Docusign Envelope ID: A478981C-7736-801D-816D-AB7E0F9AC0E0 06/01/2026 Boards, Commissions and Committees Application for Appointment Agricultural Mitigation Fee Committee Arts Commission Environmental Sustainability Commission Community-Police Engagement Commission Historic Preservation Commission Housing Commission Library Board of Trustees X Parks & Recreation Commission Planning Commission Senior Commission Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Investment Review Board Personal Information Name Lalitha Nataraj Date of Birth: Required for Voter Registration Verification Home Address District No. 3 City ZIP Primary Phone Secondary Phone E-mail Employment Status Employed Occupation Academic librarian Employer Cal State San Marcos 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 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 June 23, 2026 Item #9 Page 10 of 12 Docusign Envelope ID: A478981C-7736-801D-816D-AB7E0F9AC0E0 Interest I am interested in serving on the Library Board of Trustees because I believe strongly in the careful stewardship of one of the community’s most precious resources: the public library. I have worked as a librarian for twenty years with most of that experience cultivated in North County San Diego libraries including Escondido Public Library, San Diego County Library, and Cal State San Marcos - University Library. My professional background along with residing and raising a family within Carlsbad since 2012 has made me deeply attuned to the literacy and lifelong learning needs of our community. As a vital third space in Carlsbad, the public library is more than just a repository for reading materials; through its egalitarian mission, it is also a premier gathering place that offers myriad opportunities for community members to connect with one other through free services and programs. Please describe your educational background I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Women's Studies from UC Berkeley and a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from UCLA. My relevant LIS coursework included library management, collection development, public librarianship, and descriptive cataloging. Please describe relevant experience As a public librarian in adult literacy and youth services departments, I worked closely with volunteer tutors to identify specific teaching and recreational reading materials for aiding adult learners; I also designed early literacy programs, and selected and maintained print and electronic resources for ages 0-18. In my current role as an academic librarian, I teach students critical information literacy skills, not only equipping them with the requisite college research skills, but also the necessary tools they need for productive civic engagement. Within the university’s library, and also the academic senate at Cal State San Marcos, I have worked extensively on policy creation and revision which has given me critical insight into how incremental changes can make significant, long-lasting impacts within public institutions. Such experience will serve me well if I were to be appointed as a library trustee. Please describe your current or past community involvement I currently volunteer as a board member for the Sage Creek Foundation (SCF), a fundraising organization for Sage Creek High School (Carlsbad), where I serve as the academics liaison. In that role, I liaise with the high school’s academic departments and school clubs, helping them with fundraising strategies. I also participate in review and approval of fund requests at SCF board meetings. Through my work with SCF, I am committed to providing students with all vital opportunities to further their educational journey, and ultimately, their development as productive citizens in Carlsbad and beyond. June 23, 2026 Item #9 Page 11 of 12 Docusign Envelope ID: A478981C-7736-801D-816D-AB7E0F9AC0E0 Please list all service on boards, commissions or committees, private or public agencies, (including non-profit organizations) At Cal State San Marcos, I have served on the university library’s Library-Wide Learning Committee coordinating professional development opportunities for library staff; currently, I am one of two Library senators for the Academic Senate helping to revise and approve university-wide policies. In 2018-2019, I served on the American Library Association’s John Newbery Medal Committee. As a Newbery Committee member, I read over 100 books and carefully (and very confidentially) deliberated with colleagues on which title represented the very best in children’s literature. This was one of the most difficult yet satisfying moments in my professional career, not only because of the sheer amount of books I read, but also my involvement in a complex process requiring involved discussions and agreement across diverse viewpoints. Additional information or comments Submittal Information Submit Date: June 1, 2026 10:47 AM June 23, 2026 Item #9 Page 12 of 12 Docusign Envelope ID: A478981C-7736-801D-816D-AB7E0F9AC0E0