HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-02-12; City Council; ; Appoint One Member to the Beach Preservation Committee@ S��fi R�port
Meeting Date:
To:
From:
Staff Contact:
CA Review��
Subject:
February 12, 2019
Mayor and City Council
Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Tammy McMinn, Deputy City Clerk
Tammy.McMinn@carlsbadca.gov or 760-434-2953
Appoint One Member to the Beach Preservation Committee
Recommended Action
Adopt a Resolution appointing one member to the Beach Preservation Committee.
Executive Summary
Committee Member Greg Lang resigned in November 2018 leaving an unexpired term to be
filled through June 2021. Committee Member Lang was initially appointed in June 2017 to fill
the expired term of Committee Member Barger. The City Clerk's office received applications
from the following residents wishing to serve on the Beach Preservation Committee (Exhibit 2):
•Catherine Prusia
•Kathleen Kooiman
•Melissa Pearson
•Thomas Geidner
•Tim O'Malley
•Vonnie Varner
•Steven Sobieraj
•Roco Nasirpour
•Don Kennard
•James Godsey
•Briana Corso
•Jennifer Bradley
Discussion
Government Code Section §54970-54974, known as the Maddy Act, 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 which will expire in the next
calendar year. The name of the incumbent appointee and 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.
City of Carlsbad Resolution No. 8596 states that the Beach Preservation Committee shall consist
of seven members, appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council.
Feb. 12, 2019 Item #1 Page 1 of 35
Other members of the Beach Preservation Committee are: Fred Briggs, Brian Colby, Sherman
McEachern, Linda Petrucci, John Prietto, and Kathleen Steindlberger. Members of the Beach
Preservation Committee are subject to the provisions of the Political Reform Act, and must file
a Statement of Economic Interests.
Fiscal Analysis
None.
Next Steps
The City Clerk's office will update the Committee roster and coordinate the Oath of Office and
filing of the appointees Statement of Economic Interest.
Environmental Evaluation (CEQA)
Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065, this action does not constitute a "project"
within the meaning of CEQA in that it has no potential to cause either a direct physical change
in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment,
and therefore does not require environmental review.
Public Notification
This item was noticed in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act and was available for public
viewing and review at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting date.
Exhibits
1. City Council Resolution.
2. Applications received from residents wishing to serve on the Beach Preservation Committee.
Feb. 12, 2019 Item #1 Page 2 of 35
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-012
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE BEACH PRESERVATION
COMMITTEE
Exhibit 1
WHEREAS, Committee Member Greg Lang was initially appointed to the Beach Preservation
Committee in June 2017; and
WHEREAS, Committee Member Lang resigned his position in August 2017; and
WHEREAS, an unscheduled vacancy on the Beach Preservation Committee exists to be filled
through June 2021.
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 following Carlsbad resident is hereby appointed to serve on the Beach
Preservation Committee, for a term ending in June 2021.
Tim O'Malley
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad on the 12th day of February 2019, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Schumacher, Hamilton
NOES:
ABSENT:
Hall
None
(SEAL)
Feb. 12, 2019 Item #1 Page 3 of 35
Briana Corso
Please describe relevant experience
I am a career federal public servant. As of August 2018, I am an attorney for the Department of
Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Prior to this, I was a Foreign
Service Officer for the Department of State in Colombia and Poland and a Peace Corps
Volunteer in Ecuador. I have represented the interests of United States government in
situations both friendly and adversarial, under three different presidential administrations,
while always maintaining professionalism and composure. I take my oath of office to heart and
have implemented policy and law impartially and without favoritism throughout my career.
As a Foreign Service Officer and an attorney, I am skilled at gathering information, analyzing it,
and either taking action or advising those who need to. My professional experience gives me a
unique insight into how government work is performed and perceived and I know that the best
governments are always striving to have transparent procedures and constituent engagement.
Please describe your current or past community involvement
I grew up in Carlsbad, having attended public schools from kindergarten all the way through
high school and taking part in many community-based activities -sports, Girls Scouts, church,
student council, junior lifeguards (later even working as a California State Lifeguard). I even
participated in the Sister City program and traveled as a student ambassador to our sister city,
Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic, when I was a sophomore in high school.
After high school, I attended UCLA and engaged in student organizations on campus focusing on
public service and academics. After graduating, I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ecuador,
where I worked with a women and children's organization in an indigenous community for over
two years. After returning from Ecuador, I received a full ride scholarship to attend Loyola Law
School in Los Angeles and I jumped at the opportunity because I knew the scholarship would
allow me to pursue a career in public service.
I have worked at the Department of Homeland Security as an attorney and at the Department
of State as a Foreign Service Officer for a combined total of just under a decade. While at each
department, I served on committees to train new employees, standardize procedures, and
improve morale.
Feb. 12, 2019 Item #1 Page 10 of 35
APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT-PAGE 2
Education:
Experience:
B.A. Communications, California State University Fullerton
Geidner Group -Co-owner/Principal -2007 to pres.
Marketing, advertising, PR and web development.
California Center for Sustainable Energy -Director of Marketing -2003 to 2007
$75 million non-profit:' Responsible for community outreach, branding, grant/funding solicitation, program
materials, advertising, PR and graphic production.
XOR, LLC -President -1994 -2003
Marketing, advertising, PR, web development and e-commerce company.
Octus Inc. -Director of Corporate Communications -1991-1994
Developer & manufacturer of computer telephony and digital print technologies.
North Coast Beach Volleyball -President -2013 to pres.
100+ player/members. Organize play and maintain beach volleyball courts at South Carlsbad State Beach
(Ponto). Promote free I open access to State beach resources.
Rancho Carrillo Master Association -President -2017 to 2018
Community HOA for 1500+ homes community. Have served on Board of Directors since 2016 and active in community
Activities: since we purchased in 2008.
California Center for Sustainable Energy -Director of Marketing -2003 to 2007
Organized I promoted large community outreach events for energy sustainability. Helped develop over $60
million in new funding sources.
My wife and I love Carlsbad and have been actively involved in the community since moving here in 2008.
As a lifelong Southern California resident, I have a deep appreciation for the unique resource our beaches
represent. I am involved with the local beach volleyball community, beach cleanups, maintaining VB courts
. . and promoting the free, fair and open use of Carlsbad beach resources. I understand the "interesting"
Addit,on~I relationship between the City and California State Parks and have a good personal working relationship with
Information the local State Parks office and its supervisers. I look forward to working on the Beach Preservation
or Committee to further the City's goals for a well-maintained, first-class oceanfront. As the former President of
Comments: a large Carlsbad HOA (Rancho Carrillo), I am also very engaged and knowledgeable about issues that
affect our community at large.
Feb. 12, 2019 Item #1 Page 12 of 35
THOMAS A. GELDNER
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Versatile senior marketing and communications manager with 30+ years of experience. Effectively anticipates,
identifies and solves problems. Delivers programs and projects on-time and on-budget. Excellent media
relations, writing, creative and presentation skills. Quick to ·understand technical concepts and products.
Background includes energy, construction, computer technology (hardware, software), internet (e-commerce,
web development), sporting goods, nonprofit, and public affairs.
SKILLS
Broad range of strategic and tactical business skills including:
• Product research, design, development, marketing and management.
• Public relations, public affairs, crisis communications, and advocacy. Corporate spokesperson.
• Copywriting, business writing, speeches and presentations.
• Strategic business and market planning. Busi_ness development.
• Effective team leadership and mentoring.
• Project and program management including planning and budgeting.
• Advertising design, production & placement for print, direct mail and broadcast.
• Market research, focus groups, surveys, demographics and analysis.
• Internet/web development and marketing. Clicks, CMS, e-commerce.
• Incorporation, trademarks and licensing.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS -MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
• Successful marketing and implementation of existing energy programs helped produce over $12 million in
new public program grants.
• Built new sportswear company from concept through production and sales.
• Increased national sales 50% in one year by reorganizing sales force, adding distributors and opening new
major accounts. 1
• Championed successful acquisition of subsidiary firm for telecom company.
• Developed and marketed several commercial software packages including one that was top seller in
category. Received several national editorial awards.
• Developed new product line from concept through design, production and launch. Generated $1.5 million
in first year sales, $3 million in second year sales, and over 60% gross margins.
• IT Support News (technology magazine) "Top 25 Award" for industry contributions and web _development.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS -COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA RELATIONS
• Publicity efforts generated features in al l major local publications, network affiliates and independents.
Personal appearances on KFMB-8, KNSD-7/39, KPBS and KGTV-10.
• Produced energy efficiency video. Produced and co-wrote nationally syndicated PBS video.
• Developed and marketed "Solar Energy Week" promotion including regional conference, workshops,
homes tour, commercial tour and family solar day.
• Managed corporate communications efforts for successful $12 million IPO.
• Directed major national tournament series with sponsors Anheuser-Busch and Perrier. Finals syndicated
on ESPN.
• Produced and promoted numerous local media and special events including dedications, presentations,
award ceremonies, dinners and networking events.
Page 1 of 2
Feb. 12, 2019 Item #1 Page 13 of 35
Thomas A. Geidner cont.
EXPERIENCE
GELDNER GROUP 2007 -PRESENT
OWNER / PRINCIPAL
Marketing, communications and business consulting. Clients have included CDM Smith, Black & Veatch, San
Juan Construction, Reyes Construction, TB Pennick, Webcor, Independent Energy Solutions plus several local
nonprofit organizations and music groups.
CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY 2003 -2007
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Nonprofit 501(c)3 energy services, education and planning organization. Company administers over $65
million annually in public energy efficiency, self-generation and education funds. Responsible for marketing,
public relations/affairs, advertising, web development, education and community outreach. Corporate
spokesperson with respected expertise on wide range of energy topics including technologies (distributed
generation, solar, wind, fuel cells, co-gen, efficiency), regional planning, legislation and regulatory. Led
renaming/rebranding efforts. Supervised staff of 4 with total budgets in excess of $1.5 million. Reported to
Executive Director.
XOR, LLC / GELDNER ASSOCIATES
PRINCIPAL / OWNER
1994 -2003
Marketing, communications, planning, web development and e-commerce company. Developed and operated
three commercial websites. Designed, trademarked and marketed sports apparel line. Strategic planning,
analysis, advertising, public relations, financial communjcations, graphic design, packaging and program
development services. Clients included Pacific Bell, OCTuS, Multifunction Peripheral Association (MFPA),
Almeco, MSR Development, OKBridge.com, Browning, Olympian Sports, Adaptra and Bell Atlantic.
OCTUS, INC. 1991 -1994
DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
Developer and manufacturer of computer-telephone integration (CTI) products. Public company. Responsible
for corporate communications including advertising, public relations, technical documentation, trade shows,
sales promotions and collateral materials. Matrix-mc;1naged two software development projects and OEM
integration efforts. Reported to President/CEO.
MJB INDUSTRIES / I DIG 1989 -1991
DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING
Sporting goods and sportswear licensing, manufacturing and wholesaling company. Major brands included I
Dig Volleyball, Carron and Molten. Responsible for national sales management, international distribution,
marketing, trade shows, advertising and public relations. Reported to President/CEO.
OTHER EXPERIENCE
• Senior marketing manager -Ektelon (racquetball/ tennis products).
• Senior product manager -Office Automation Systems/ OASYS (digital print technologies)
• Managing partner/ cofounder -Xpert Software (software development).
• Incorporated two companies. Registered U.S. trademark. Hold Korean design patent.
• Speaker and panelist at conferences and seminars including American Electronics Association, Sporting
Goods Manufacturers Association, National Sporting Goods Association plus various energy/
environmental conferences and events.
• President, Rancho Carrillo Master Association (1500+ homes HOA)
Marketing director, West Coast Country Music Association
President, North Coast Beach Volleyball
EDUCATION
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY FULLERTON B. A. COMMUNICATIONS
Advanced coursework in advertising, broadcasting, retailing, business law and statistics.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
• Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Access, V.isio and MapPoint.
• Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, Dreamweaver, Premiere Pro & others.
• Web design and development. E-commerce and content management.
Page 2 of 2
Feb. 12, 2019 Item #1 Page 14 of 35
Please describe your educational background
California State University graduate degree·s in Microbiology and Chemistry.
Please describe relevant experience
Multiple years of experience as a biotechnology executive at the Vice President and Senior Vice President level with Board of Director
and Operating Committee posts in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device sectors of health care. Trained in Board of
Directors good governance principles. Experienced in drug discovery, development, clinical study, world wide product regulatory
registration, and approval. As a corporate Board and Operating Committee member I will bring the unique e?(perience from those
corporate posts to bear on the future challenges facing Carlsbad as it grows while preserving its small town character, beach culture
and coA-imunity mores. · __ , ·
Please describe your current or past community involvement
*Kiwanis Club San Diego
*Surfrider Foundation Member and Volunteer
*Volunteered in the Surfer Magazine initiated clean up of 'Tin Can Beach', now known as Balsa Chica State Beach
*As a teen ager founded KeDa Surfboards, making and selling surfboards to.high school colleagues and organizing KeDa sponsored surf contests.
*Organized and implemented a plan to work with the planning commission to preserve the zoning, recreational, open space use designation for a 20
acre parcel in the Aviara residential development of Carlsbad.
Additional information or comments
I am a California native with the bulk of my history in LA and Orange County. Inspired by the Bruce Brown film '"Endless Summer" I caught the surf bug and
fell in love ·with the beach and the sea, Started a surfboard company as a teenager, made enough money to buy a car, discovered girls, and the surfboard
company closed as priorities-shifted. Started coming to Carlsbad to surf on the weekends in the ?O's, My wife, also a surfer, and I were married at the Beach
Terrace Inn. Continued to come to Carlsbad to surf Tamarack, Terra-Mar and Turnarounds on weekends and vacations, That continued with our son and
and his friends, W,e always stayed at Beach Terrace Inn and continue to stay-cation at the Inn each summer, Moved to Aviara 15 years ago and while we
are no longer active surfers we find ourselves walking the beach and seawall from Tamarack, we park near the Mayor's house, to downtown for breakfast or
lunch and back to the car at le·ast 4 days a week. Because I spend so much time at the beach I am in a unique position to personally monitor conditions. We
love Carlsbad and wish to help preserve it's beach culture, small town feel and it's brand of paradise,
Submittal Information
Please select the submit button below to electronically submit application. If you prefer to print, please select "print
form" button, sign and mail to: ·
City of Carlsbad
City Clerk's Office
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008.
Signature -,----V.-6._n,-_~_~ ________ Date 12/20/2018
* Only required to sign if submitting paper form; if submitting electronically your submittal via e-mail is considered
acknowledgement.
Clear form Print form Submit form
Feb. 12, 2019 Item #1 Page 18 of 35
APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT -PAGE 2
Education:
Experience:
Community
Activities:
Over 120 college credits earned from the following institutions:
Skidmore College, West Los Angeles College, Irvine Valley College, Coastline
Community College, Santa Ana College, and Liberty University
~reas of study include: Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy, Accounting, Sociology,
Psychology, as well as required general education courses.
I have been the Chief Executive Officer for Friends of Cardiff and Carlsbad State
Beaches. I spearheaded a landfill diversion project that resulted in 474 tons of recyclable
materials being diverted from the landfill in the North Coastal District of California State
Beaches and Parks. 18.6 metric tons of Carbon Dioxide did not get released into the
atmosphere. My organization is responsible for installing all the recyle trash bins at
Tamarack, North and South Ponto, South Carlsbad State Campground, San Elijo State
Park Campground and Cardiff Seaside. I organize regular beach clean ups with the
community and local businesses, and non profits. I am currently wrapping up another 2
yr landfill diversion project for the Southern Coastal District. I serve on the Board or
California League of Park Associations, a statewide non-profit organization that supports
non profits dedicated to serving parks and beaches in California.
Local Beach Clean Ups with community members, local businesses and non-profits.
I have served on many boards through the years and am very conscious of building
consensus with respect for those I serve alongside. I also have a passion for the
beaches and the environment. I would very much like to give back by serving and
Additional working with others towards mutually shared visions and goals for our beaches.
Information
or
Comments:
Feb. 12, 2019 Item #1 Page 20 of 35
Please describe your educational background
Industrial & Systems Engineering degree from USC
MBA from University of Toronto
Please describe relevant experience
Own a construction company as well as home furnishing store
Previously owned a new car dealership
between the 3 positions am well versed in all aspects of public relations and business
Coached various sports for past 17 years as a volunteer
Help with various charitable organizations currently
Please describe your current or past community involvement
Currently president and CFO of La Costa Greens Home owner association for past 6 years which has over 3000
residents and deals with all sorts of community life. We have made vast improvements to our HOA including water
saving measures that saved us $300k a year and constantly upgrading our neighborhood to serve all.
My wife is the president of Library foundation in Carlsbad and I assist her with all kinds of fund raising etc ...
Very involved with the Galaxy San Diego soccer team as a team manager and looking to add more fields for them
t.._ •• __________________________ _
Additional information or comments
Very enthusiastic and passionate to help keep Carlsbad as a beautiful and well kept city that would be the envy of all
coastal cities specially when it comes to our parks and planning the city for the future of our children.
Mr. Matt Hall, Blackburn and Cori are familiar with my role in La Costa Greens and around town.
Submittal Information
Please select the submit button below to electronically submit application. If you prefer to print, please select "print
form" button, sign and mail to:
City of Carlsbad
City Clerk's Office
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008.
Signature /.~ .Date 11 /6/2018
* Only required to sign if submitting paper form; if submitting electronically your submittal via e-mail is considered
acknowledgement
Clearform I
f
Pi int form .
I
·. Submit f9rtri
Feb. 12, 2019 Item #1 Page 22 of 35
Please describe your educational oackground
Law Degree, University of San Diego School of Law 1997
Please describe relevant experience
Served on boards in previous residence (Billings, MT) to improve community.
Please describe your current or past community involvement
Served as president of Yellowstone Soccer Association (youth soccer organization) and
Amend Park Development Council in Billings, Montana for several years prior to
moving to Carlsbad in 2012.
Additional information or comments
Interested in Beach Preservation Committee, helping with board involvement aimed at
improving, preserving and maintaining the coastline.
Submittal Information
Please select the submit button below to electronically submit application. If you prefer to print, please select "print
form" button, sign and mail to:
City of Carlsbad
City Clerk's Office
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008.
Signature ____________________ Date ________ _
* Only required to sign if submitting paper form; if submitting electronically your submittal via e-mail is considered
acknowledgement.
Clear form Print form Submit form
Feb. 12, 2019 Item #1 Page 26 of 35
Please describe your educational background
California State University San Marcos B.A. -History
DePaul University College of Law, J.D.
Please describe relevant experience
I am currently an attorney practicing in Real Estate. I also served on the CDBG
Committee in 2018.
Please describe your current or past community involvement
I currently serve as a member of the CDBG committee in 2018.
I formerly interned with the San Diego County Public Defenders.
I volunteer and provide legal services to low income and veteran clients.
Additional information or comments
My skills and expertise as a Real Estate attorney are well suited for the Beach
Preservation Committee. Furthermore, I enjoy surfing and want to help preserve
Carlsbad State Beaches and the surrounding area.
Submittal Information
Please select the submit button below to electronically submit application. If you prefer to print, please select "print
form" button, sign and mail to:
City of Carlsbad
City Clerk's Office
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008.
Signature ____________ Date 11/30/2018
* Only required to sign if submitting paper form; if submitting electronically your submittal via e-mail is considered
acknowledgement.
Clear form f>,rint form SYbmit form
Ii·
Feb. 12, 2019 Item #1 Page 30 of 35
C cicyof
Carlsbad
Memorandum
January 28, 2019
To:
From:
Via
Mayor and City Council Members
Tammy McMinn, Deputy City Clerk ~
Gary Barberio, Assistant City Manager7'
Sheila Cobian, City Clerk Services Mgr.
All Receive -Agenda Item # .:}_
For the Information of the:
CITY COUNCIL
ACj-1_ .:/..-CA V CC v
Date1~ CM ✓ COO · V.
Re: Additional Material/Information Regarding Staff Report Item #9 -Appoint One
Member to the Beach Preservation Committee
The attached application for Jennifer Bradley is being provided to you in an effort to provide a
clearer copy of the application than that provided in your agenda package.
In addition, it has been brought to our attention that although Mr. Thomas Applegate
submitted an application which was included as part of Exhibit 2, his name was inadvertently
left off the list of applicants on page one of the staff report. The list should read as follows:
• -Catherine Prusia
• Kathleen Kooiman
• Melissa Pearson
• Thomas Geidner
• Tim O'Malley
• Vonnie Varner
• Steven Sobieraj
• Roca Nasirpour
• Don Kennard
• James Godsey
• Briana Corso
• Thomas Applegate
• Jennifer Bradley
C: City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk Services Manager
Attachment: Application submitted by Jennifer Bradley
Feb. 12, 2019 Item #1 Page 33 of 35
Sheila Cobian
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Jennifer Bradley <chickensbythesea@yahoo.com>
Wednesday, February 06, 2019 9:31 PM
Sheila Cobian
Kathleen Steindlberger
All Receive -Agenda Item ff .l_
For the Information of the:
& · C& rr . ~coui .L ✓'
ikcM~coo 2
Subject: Re: City of Carlsbad Beach Preservation Committee Appointment
Hello Sheila,
I need to remove my name as an applicant for the Beach Preservation Committee. I have a new job and it will not be
conducive with my new schedule.
Much gratitude,
Jennifer Bradley
From: Sheila Cobian <Sheila.Cobian@carlsbadca.gov>
To: City Clerk Dept <City_Clerk_Dept@carlsbadca.gov>
Cc: Tammy McMinn <Tammy.Cloud-McMinn@carlsbadca.gov>; Sherry Freisinger <Sherry.Freisinger@CarlsbadCA.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, February 5, 2019 4: 15 PM
Subject: City of Carlsbad Beach Preservation Committee Appointment
Good Afternoon,
Thank you for submitting an application to serve on the Beach Preservation Committee. The City
Council is scheduled to consider applicants for the position on the Committee at a Special Meeting
scheduled for 4 p.m. on Tuesday, February 12 in the City Council Chamber. You are invited and
encouraged to attend that meeting and speak to your experience and qualifications as it relates to the
position. Please be prepared to answer any questions from members of the City Council.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Thank you,
.. (ci!Jt of
Carlsbad
Sheila Cobian, CMC
City Clerk Services Manager
City of Carlsbad
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008-1949
www.carlsbadca.gov
760-434-2917 I sheila.cobian@carlsbadca.gov
Facebook I Twitter I You Tube I Flickr I Pinterest I Enews
1
To the members of the:
CJn:Y COU~ll _/_
A~¥ ~-CA ✓-~C
Date~CM..Y._cooj/_
Council Memorandum
Feb. 12, 2019
To: Honorable Mayor
From: Gary T. Barberio, P/5!~-PI~~ Manager
Via: Scott Chadwick, Ci
Re: Responses to Questions from Feb. 12 City Council Briefings
{city of
Carlsbad
Special Agenda Item No.'s 1-3-Beach Preservation Committee, Planning Commission, and
Traffic Safety Commission Appointments
Question:
Should an applicant being considered for appointment to a Commission or Committee be
disqualified from consideration based on the fact that he/she has a relationship with certain
organizations in the city?
Answer:
No. The city is not aware of any specific information related to any individual applicant and
organization that would create a conflict of interest such that the applicant could not fulfill the
mandates of serving on a Commission or Committee. Therefore, no current applicant should be
generally disqualified from consideration by the City Council.
That is not to say that, if appointed to a Commission or Committee, an applicant could have a
conflict of interest on specific items and/or issues that may come before the Commission or
Committee. If that were to occur, the selected applicant must recuse themselves from
participating in those items. To help ensure that no conflict of interest issue arises, all members
of Commissions and Committees receive ethics training, are subject to the California Political
Reform Act and must file a Statement of Economic Interests annually.
Because the city and the City Council may not have all relevant information to judge an
applicant's potential conflicts of interest, at the meeting, City Council Members are free to ask
any applicant whether or not he/she is aware of any information that would pose a conflict of
interest if he/she were selected to serve on a Commission or Committee. '
City Manager's Office
City Hall 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive I Carlsbad, CA 92008 I 760-434-2820 t
Tammy McMinn
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Briana Corso <brianacorso@yahoo.com>
Wednesday, February 13, 2019 11:27 AM
Council Internet Email
Attorney; City Clerk; Manager Internet Email
,_j&m # I
(9-/J,:J-/17
Feedback related to the committee and commission selection hearings
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am writing to you today to provide you feedback related to the Committee and Commission selection hearings that
took place yesterday, February 12, 2019. As the elected and paid leaders of a vibrant, healthy community, it is
incumbent upon you to develop transparent methods to select those whom you appoint to committees,
commissions, and boards. I found the application and selection process to be ill conceived and poorly
administered. I put myself in your shoes and I struggle to see how that process gave you the information that you
needed to make an informed decision. I am writing this letter in good faith and in the hope that the selection
process can be improved.
You need to be the protagonists of the selection process. I have served on multiple selection panels related to
government functions and employment and the first step is to determine what you are looking for in applicants and
set out a selection process that will capture them. Create a consistent scoring rubric and share the basics of the
rubric with the applicants.
This is also necessary to avoid impartiality and the appearance of impartiality. If none of the applicants knows on
what they are being judged, there is no way to be assured that the process is fair or that you really are getting the
best candidates. For example, some of the Planning Commission applicants spoke with broad brush strokes about
policy, some spoke of personal experience, some spoke of prior political experience, but nobody spoke to
everything. If the applicants did not cover the same ground, the point of the hearing is lost. You were left
comparing apples to oranges and I was left thinking that I would not want to cast such an important vote for my
community on such low-quality, inconsistent information.
You need to take control of the process and get information from the applicants that you know to be relevant instead
of waiting for applicants to produce information that might be relevant. My suggestion would be that you develop a
blind application and rank the applicants. Then, call in the top applicants for a structured interview (or hearing) that
drills down on the attributes that you think are important and score them accordingly.
I thank you for taking the time to read this letter and I hope you will reflect upon my feedback and consider my
recommendations. I wish you well.
Kind regards,
Briana Corso
1