HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-06-23; Growth Management Citizens Committee; Minutes
Minutes
June 23, 2022
CALL TO ORDER: 5 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present:
Primary – Jeff Segall, Mike Howes, Mary Ryan, Harry Peacock, Annika Jimenez, Fred Briggs, Steve Linke,
Stephen “Hap” L’Heureux, John Nguyen-Cleary, William Sheffler, Joseph Stine
Alternate – Ron Withall, Patrick Goyarts, Jan Neff-Sinclair, Casey Carstairs, Don Christiansen, Thierry Ibri,
Angela O’Hara, Lisa Stark, Allen Manzano, Art Larson, William Fowler, Marissa Steketee, Nora Jimenez
George, Patricia Mehan, Jamie Latiano Jacobs, Erin Nell
Absent:
Primary – Eric Larson, Scott White, Frank Caraglio, Frances Schnall, Chad Majer, Gita Nassiri, Amy
Allemann, Nelson Ross
Alternate – Terence Green, Matthew Reese, Kevin Sabellico
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minor modifications were made to the May 26, 2022 meeting minutes. The amended minutes were
approved on a motion by Jeff Segall and seconded by Harry Peacock.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Four public comments were received.
1. Carlsbad growth –
Mercedes Martin encouraged the city to install solar panels to cover energy use and incentivize
others in the city to do the same. They also encouraged the city to take a strong stance with no tax
on installation and use of photovoltaic panels.
2. SDG&E maintenance yard –
Janet Yaz requested the SDG&E maintenance yard be considered as an opportunity to expand open
space within the City of Carlsbad. This could enhance the city’s reputation as a city that prioritizes
open space.
3. Vacant land use –
Lance Schulty requested vacant land be considered for use as additional park space. They also
requested the city re-evaluate unlimited growth in a limited amount of space and sea level rise
impacts to open space.
Carlsbad -v---:
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Growth Management Citizens Committee
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4. Maerkle Reservoir solar power –
Dr. Phil Watts requested the city consider running water facilities in the city on renewable energy
such as solar power. They requested the city consider using solar power on vacant plots of land
throughout the city which could potentially generate more revenue than additional housing.
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS:
Meeting opened with a welcome to attendees from Committee Vice Chair Mike Howes. New Alternate
Committee Member Jamie Jacobs introduced herself, followed by introductions by city staff including
Michelle Hardy (Planning Department), Dave Padilla (Carlsbad Municipal Water District), and Scott Lyle
(Public Works). Principal Planner Eric Lardy then reviewed the committee’s purpose, process, highlighted
the 11 existing performance standards, and shared a committee charter amendment dated June 14, 2022.
Facilitator Susan Harden briefly reviewed meeting ground rules.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
COMMITTEE BUSINESS
• Schools Performance Standard. Principal Planner Eric Lardy provided a presentation on the
existing schools performance standard and how it is implemented in the context of school districts,
growth and the land use planning framework. school planning, funding and the school
performance standard in Carlsbad. Committee members asked questions about how population
and demographics are forecasted, school safety and maximum capacity levels at schools. Group
discussion followed, which centered around the following two questions: Is this standard
important to quality of life in Carlsbad? Should the standard be re-evaluated in any way?
The following key thoughts and considerations regarding the City Schools Performance Standard
were captured:
o We need a greater understanding of the city demographics and demographic projections;
recognize that projections are not always accurate.
o Need to have a better understanding of headcounts and what demographics they
represent. What demographic projection data do schools use?
o Should school safety be included?
o Is this standard useful without city control?
o School sets its own standards – are there other options to explore? Define the term
“capacity” and “temporary” as it relates to schools (for instance, is a trailer acceptable to
meet capacity? How long is temporary?)
▪ Need better understanding of what “relo” (trailer) requirements are for schools.
o Is there a student generation factor that could be developed for each project (used to do
this in the past at Planning Commission)? Perhaps an infill version of this factor?
o Will serve/will not serve letters – this process may be an area to fine-tune as part of the
growth management standard (how the city responds).
o Will all day kindergarten impact school standards?
o What role can the city play in the quality of education?
o How do private schools impact capacity and school planning?
o Should we have a census tract by tract understanding of the population?
o Population projections will never be an exact science.
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o Neighborhoods transition and change over the decades – does this need to be accounted
for?
o Our growth standard recommendations should be actionable.
• Drainage Performance Standard. Public Works Senior Engineer Scott Lyle provided a presentation
on the current drainage performance standard and sources of funding in Carlsbad. Committee
members asked questions regarding beach erosion, water quality and infill impacts to drainage.
Group discussion followed, which centered around the following two questions: Is this standard
important to quality of life in Carlsbad? Should the standard be re-evaluated in any way?
The following key thoughts, questions and considerations regarding the City Drainage Performance
Standard were captured:
o What about water quality considerations? Consider integrating this into a standard.
▪ Percentage of graywater captured + other environmental conservation measures
o Consider a feasibility study and quantifying the percent of graywater captured for reuse.
o How are water quality measures currently funded? Is there an impact fee (this is managed
by the city’s Environmental Management Department)?
o Consider updating the impact fee timeline more frequently, potentially every five to 10
years rather than 15.
o Consider control of stormwater important for nearby beaches; how to retrofit existing
facilities to accommodate stormwater flow?
o Impact of climate change? Discussion that existing drainage standards do account for 100-
year flood events and sea level rise based on FEMA numbers.
o What about differences with infill? Discussion that different drainage standards are not
necessary for infill.
• Wastewater Treatment Performance Standard. Dave Padilla, Carlsbad Municipal Water District
Utilities Engineering Manager, provided a presentation on the current wastewater treatment
performance standard and sources of funding in the City of Carlsbad. Committee members asked
questions regarding water storage and availability. Group discussion followed, which centered
around the following two questions: Is this standard important to quality of life in Carlsbad?
Should the standard be re-evaluated in any way?
The following discussion and key considerations regarding the City Wastewater Treatment
Performance Standard were captured:
o Are these performance standards the same as the Leucadia District and other water
districts? How does that process work?
o Consider effects of housing growth on sewage – what happens when we are at capacity?
o How does growth outside of Carlsbad affect plant capacity?
o Is there a connection to recycled water facilities and the water performance standards?
Do we need to consider a new recycled water performance standard or other
conservation activities? Make standard more than just capacity.
o Is there potential for the city to sell extra capacity with facilities to nearby cities?
o Is there a potable reuse opportunity - turning tertiary treated recycled water into potable
drinking water? Discussed expense of this option.
• Sewer Collection Performance Standard. Dave Padilla, Carlsbad Municipal Water District Utilities
Engineering Manager, provided a presentation on the current sewer collection performance
standard and sources of funding in the City of Carlsbad. Committee members asked questions
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regarding infrastructure limits and the implication of accessory dwelling units. Group discussion
followed, which centered around the following two questions: Is this standard important to quality
of life in Carlsbad? Should the standard be re-evaluated in any way? The following key thoughts
and considerations regarding the City Sewer Collection Performance Standard were captured:
o Consider how the influx in ADU units impacts pipes, the water treatment plant and water
usage; need to be sure these units are captured
o Consider adding ADUs into future land use master plans and overall city projections.
o Consider effective ways to estimate how much capacity we need and the type of
infrastructure future facilities will need; how to best estimate peak capacity in future?
o Are there any legal ramifications if the city cannot keep up sewer performance with
housing demands imposed by the state? Are we still legally required to grow?
o Will climate change be a threat to any city assets or infrastructure? Discussion around
climate change being bigger threat to water supply.
o Re-evaluate the fee structure for infill and sewer connections.
• Water Distribution Performance Standard. Dave Padilla, Carlsbad Municipal Water District
Utilities Engineering Manager, provided a presentation on the current water distribution
performance standards and sources of funding in the City of Carlsbad. Committee members asked
questions regarding infrastructure limits, water storage and water sources. Group discussion
followed, which centered around the following two questions: Is this standard important to quality
of life in Carlsbad? Should the standard be re-evaluated in any way?
The following key thoughts and considerations regarding the City Water Distribution Performance
Standard were captured:
o Consider the cost of storing water versus treating additional water; discussion around size
of reservoir; not large enough for recycled water activity?
o Consider what the maximum water consumption the city would be able to accommodate.
o Does the performance standard assume water will always be available?
o What is the city’s water sourcing criteria? Discussion that Carlsbad is importer of water.
o Consider a standard that maximizes use of recycled water, graywater, etc. the city can use
while still conserving water.
o Consider cost impacts of conservation-related standards.
o This standard seeks to understand purveyance of water, not the availability of water.
o Provide standards and/or impacts of the other two water districts that serve Carlsbad.
COMMITTEE MEMBER REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Future agenda items requested for consideration by the committee included the following:
o Clarify for the next performance standard open space performance standard if we are
discussing “usable open space” or “protected open space.”
o Consider adding additional meetings to ensure all existing and potential future
performance standards are adequately discussed.
Committee suggestions identified for future possible discussion or consideration:
o Request for a short summary regarding the other two water districts in Carlsbad
o Provide a hard copy of the Carlsbad Community Vision for committee members
o Consider how we can ensure all topics are discussed before the deadline
o Committee agreement on what number to assume for population growth projections
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PUBLIC COMMENT:
None
ADJOURNMENT:
Vice Chair Mike Howes adjourned the duly noticed meeting at 8:20 p.m.
Justine Garner - Minutes Clerk