HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-10-12; Growth Management Citizens Committee; Minutes
Minutes
October 12, 2022
CALL TO ORDER: 5 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present:
Primary – Jeff Segall, Scott White, Eric Larson, Stephen “Hap” L’Heureux, Mike Howes, Mary Ryan, Frank
Caraglio, Frances Schnall, Harry Peacock, Annika Jimenez, Gita Nassiri, Fred Briggs, William Sheffler, Joe
Stine, Patricia Mehan, Steve Linke
Alternate – Ron Withall, Patrick Goyarts, Casey Carstairs, Don Christiansen, Terence Green, Erin Nell, Nora
Jimenez George, Lisa Stark, Jamie Jacobs, Allen Manzano, Jan Neff-Sinclair, Art Larson, William Fowler
Absent:
Primary – Chad Majer, John Nguyen-Cleary, Amy Allemann
Alternate – Thierry Ibri, Matthew Reese, Angela O’Hara, Marissa Steketee, Kevin Sabellico
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion by William Sheffler, seconded by Allen Manzano, to approve the Sept. 12, 2022 minutes as
amended. Jeff Segall abstained from the vote as he wasn’t present at the meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Three public comments were received.
1. Land Use and Zoning –
Diane Lech – is concerned SB9 has eliminated single family home zoning throughout the state. Ms.
Lech asks the committee to support the Our Neighborhood Voices initiative. The initiative doesn’t
take away SB9, but it puts decisions regarding land use and zoning back into the hands of local
government and the people they represent, rather than having the state mandate a one size fits all
plan.
2. Cellular Service and Wi-Fi Access –
Jim Niswander states the quality of life and growth management subject of concern for him is
cellular service and wi-fi access. Mr. Niswander states that we live in a world where mobile
communications and internet access are critical to our lives, and that while we are dependent on
service provided by vendors, there should be ability to measure whether their service meets a
minimum acceptable standard. Mr. Niswander wants Carlsbad to receive the benefits of emergency
applications that depend on cellular and wi-fi service, and states that establishing a minimum level
service of cellular service and wi-fi access will maintain quality of life in Carlsbad for all residents.
3. Parks –
Lance Schulte is concerned about children playing in residential streets and the railroad right of way.
Mr. Schulte stated he has run a cost benefits analysis of the benefits of constructing a park at Ponto
and the cost savings to taxpayers of a park at Ponto versus the other city options. He believes 10s
of millions of dollars can be saved by buying property for a park at Ponto. He states that if the
committee cares about “Carlsbad Tomorrow”, Carlsbad’s children who are the “tomorrow”, the
park issues at Ponto have to be addressed.
Carlsbad -v-~
TOMORR W
Growth Management Citizens Committee
Carlsbad Tomorrow Growth Management Citizens Committee October 12, 2022 Page 2
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS:
Meeting opened with a welcome to attendees from Committee Chair Eric Larson. City Planner Eric Lardy
then briefly reviewed the committee’s purpose and charter, the 11 existing performance standards, and
the step-by-step process for the overall Growth Management Plan update. Facilitator Susan Harden
reviewed the meeting agenda. Eric Lardy discussed that the meeting at hand will review topics outside of
the 11 existing performance standards, many of which were placed on the “Bike Rack” or otherwise
brought up during the course of previous discussions. The committee will decide what action to take with
each of the topics, such as removing it from consideration as a standard, bringing it back for additional
discussion around becoming a new standard or addressing it in a separate quality –of life memo to the
City Council.
COMMITTEE BUSINESS:
• Walkability. Discussion took place about what constitutes “walkability” and the definition of
walkability. It was noted that topography plays a part in the walkability of a community. Some
members questioned whether the existing circulation standard does enough to promote
walkability given its importance in the city’s community vision while others felt it was adequate.
The committee also discussed the city’s existing plans that incorporate mobility and if they’re
actionable or being implemented.
o Action: By consensus, the committee moved to bring the topic of walkability back to the
committee when the existing circulation performance standard is discussed further,
with additional detail and a definition of walkability requested.
• Arts and culture. It was noted that other cities have a measurable standard and or public/
private funding stream for arts and culture.
o Action: By consensus, the committee moved to further consider arts and culture as a
future performance standard at a future meeting.
• Physical health. The committee discussed how the city doesn’t have direct oversight on
citizens’ physical health, outside of programming and services offered by Parks & Recreation.
o Action: By consensus, the committee moved to remove physical health from performance
standard consideration.
• Behavioral health. The committee discussed how behavioral health, mental health and
homelessness are intertwined. Should discuss further in relation to homelessness. Concern was
expressed about the aging population of Carlsbad and if the facilities currently in place can
handle the growth of that demographic. Additional discussion was had surrounding population
projections given the new zoning laws and how census data may no longer be an accurate
predictor.
o Action: By consensus, the committee moved to remove behavioral health and mental
health from performance standard consideration but consider how both affect other
potential performance standards.
• Public Safety. It was noted that the request to discuss “public safety” was not related to the
existing fire standard, rather it was a question of police response time and the Police
Department not being part of any existing performance standard. Both Police and Fire staff are
first responders and if one has a performance standard, perhaps both should. It was noted that
the Police Chief had not presented to the committee but would be willing to make a
presentation on staffing and budgeting. The committee questioned how eliminating the fire
performance standard and/or a public safety standard would affect the ability to secure funding
necessary to expand the departments as needed in the future.
Carlsbad Tomorrow Growth Management Citizens Committee October 12, 2022 Page 3
o Action: By consensus, the committee moved to further consider public safety as a
performance standard at a future meeting.
• Homelessness. The committee discussed the growing numbers of individuals experiencing
homelessness, whether developers could pay a fee for homeless response services, and to what
extent, , the city has control over the homeless population. It was noted that the city does have
developer fees for affordable housing and a homeless response team and plan in place. There
was discussion about how to quantify the issue into a performance standard.
o Action: By consensus, the committee moved to remove homelessness from
performance standard consideration, but to consider including it as part of a quality-of-
life memo for City Council’s review.
• Senior Center operations. The committee discussed how the topic came to be on the list.
o Action: By consensus, the committee moved to remove Senior Center operations from
performance standard consideration.
• Seniors/aging community. It was noted this topic was brought forth for the committee to keep
in mind that Carlsbad has an aging population when considering future performance standards.
Some noted cities go through cycles and the committee may not want to assume the city will
have a significantly larger senior population come 2050. The committee also discussed how
there are programs already in place for seniors and whether they’re sufficient may not be
something under the Growth Management Committee’s purview. There was also discussion
around existing plans, the Age Friendly Action Plan as an example, the redundancies that exist
between many of the plans and how they interact with the Growth Management plan. It was
noted that if a topic is moved to the quality-of-life memo, the recommendations, and how
detailed they will be, is a discussion at another meeting.
o Action: By consensus, the committee moved to remove seniors/aging population from
performance standard consideration, but to consider including it as part of a quality-of-
life memo for City Council’s review.
• Energy/power (local electric power generation; renewable energy; reservoir solar panels). The
committee discussed merging the three topics into one “energy” topic. Some expressed energy
should be a performance standard as there are many aspects that are measurable and can be
tied to development. Discussion took place around whether energy is controlled by the state or
city. Staff noted that this topic is ever evolving, and the committee could receive a presentation
from the Climate Action Plan experts. Many energy requirements are state mandated. The
building code is being updated, effective Jan. 1, 2023. After the presentation, the committee can
decide if aspects need to be included in the Growth Management Plan or if they are adequately
addressed elsewhere. Staff noted the City Council approved a 5-Year Strategic Plan that included
moving forward with solar panel construction at Maerkle Reservoir construction.
o Action: By consensus, the committee moved to further consider energy as a
performance standard after receiving additional information from staff at a future
meeting.
• Water (sources/supply; desalination; water quality; stormwater; recycled). The committee
discussed how the five water topics in front of the committee tie into the existing water
distribution system performance standard.
o Action: By consensus, the committee moved to discuss all water-related topics under
the existing water performance standard at a future meeting.
Carlsbad Tomorrow Growth Management Citizens Committee October 12, 2022 Page 4
• Environmental sustainability: climate change. It was noted that the committee has requested,
under the energy topic, a presentation from city staff on the Climate Action Plan. It was
requested that the Climate Action Plan presentation address transportation and its contribution
to greenhouse gas emissions, including Transportation Demand Management plans to reduce
vehicle miles traveled.
o Action: By consensus, the committee moved to further discuss environmental
sustainability, as it pertains to climate change, at a future meeting with a staff
presentation on the city’s the Climate Action Plan (see energy topic).
• Environmental sustainability: sea level rise. Staff commented that sea level rise is addressed by
the city’s Local Coastal Program. In October 2021 the City Council approved an amendment to
the program that included a sea level rise vulnerability assessment to identify areas that could
be impacted by sea level rise. The assessment is being reviewed by the Coastal Commission. If
the plan is adopted by the Coastal Commission and the City Council, it includes additional
adaptation work related to sea level rise impacts. From the staff’s perspective, that plan and
evaluation is well covered. Some committee members expressed about land lost in South Ponto
Beach from sea level rise. Staff noted that the vulnerability assessment identified bluff erosion,
not lost acreage in South Ponto. Concerns were also expressed about the loss of beaches
occurring now and that this problem needs to be addressed in the short term, rather than the
long term. Discussion took place about whether other committees/commissions are adequately
addressing this topic and whether it meets performance standard criteria. The Beach
Replenishment Plan was brought up and there was a request for more information on that plan.
o Action: Motion by Joe Stine, seconded by Jeff Segall, to remove sea level rise from
performance standard consideration, believing the topic is adequately addressed by the
City of Carlsbad and other agencies, passes by a vote of 15 in favor and 2 opposed.
• Technology: cell service/Wi-Fi access. A committee member proposed the City Council
encourage cell service vendors to provide more ubiquitous coverage. It was noted that Wi-Fi
calling would alleviate some of the cell service coverage issues. The Wi-Fi topic was referring to
providing free Wi-Fi access in various parts of the city. It was noted that the FCC has control over
cell service, not the carriers. It was suggested that David Graham (Chief Innovation Officer, City
of Carlsbad) come present to the committee with more information on Wi-Fi in the city.
o Action: By consensus, the committee moved to remove cell service and Wi-Fi access
from performance standard consideration, but to consider including it as part of a
quality-of-life memo for City Council’s review after an informational presentation from
city staff.
• Technology. Discussion on what’s included under the broad topic of “technology”. Laying fiber
optic cable, undergrounding utility lines mentioned. Question on if David Graham could address
these topics in his presentation. Technology should allow us to do more with less.
o Action: By consensus, the committee moved to remove technology from performance
standard consideration, but to consider including it as part of a quality-of-life memo for
City Council’s review after an informational presentation from David Graham.
• Village development. Discussion took place about the parking situation in the Village, and how
there are existing specific plans addressing development in the area. It was noted that parking
should be addressed in the Village & Barrio Master Plan. Some expressed concern over height
limits in the Village and Barrio neighborhoods. It was noted that there’s a citizens’ committee
working to develop design standards for the Village and Barrio, therefore the topic is redundant
for the Growth Management Committee to be considering. Discussion on existing the Village
Barrio Parking Management Plan. Double tracking and lowering the tracks discussed. Staff noted
it’s a funding issue as the city doesn’t own and operate the tracks, SANDAG and NCTD (North
Carlsbad Tomorrow Growth Management Citizens Committee October 12, 2022 Page 5
County Transit District) are owners. It’s a priority for the City Council and they are working with
those agencies on how they plan to move forward.
Specific to parking, discussion on the state mandating seven-stories in the Village with no parking
requirements based on the proximity to the transit center and how the city can’t control that.
Additional discussion centered on there being plenty of parking in the Village within walking
distance, which goes back to the walkability discussion.
o Action: By consensus, the committee moved to remove village development from
performance standard consideration.
• Update Proposition H and C. The committee discussed that the Proposition H requirement for
voters to approve any capital improvement projects that cost more than $1 million may need to
be increased especially when it hasn’t been adjusted for inflation and developer fees are
minimal at this time. There is a need to revisit the Proposition H limit and add some language
similar to Proposition C that specifies certain types of projects don’t require voter approval. It
was noted that changing the existing legislation would mean putting a new proposition on the
ballot for voter approval.
o Action: By consensus, the committee moved to add Proposition H and C to
consideration for a quality-of-life memo for City Council’s review.
• Public request for a park at Ponto. Some did not think the committee should make
recommendations on specific projects, i.e., a park at Ponto, noting that the committee’s charge
is citywide and making such recommendations would be outside of the committee’s charter. A
potential 10-minute walkability standard was discussed, and some noted that the specific Ponto
Park discussion did not preclude discussing a 10-minute walk standard under the existing park
performance standard. Further comments were shared about making general park
recommendations that could address the Ponto situation, as well as any other park deficiencies
that exist or could exist with future growth. There were some concerns that the Ponto area will
be developed and “lost” to the community if it isn’t preserved through the open space
performance standard, or a park constructed. It was noted that the City Council has voted on
the topic and the Growth Management Committee does not have the authority to override City
Council decisions. The committee further discussed how changes to the existing park and open
space performance standards could result in a park in the Ponto area being required. One
member commented that a park at Ponto would be an asset for all of Carlsbad and therefore
should be considered under the Growth Management Plan.
o Action: By consensus, the committee moved to not name Ponto Park as a specific city
facility in the Growth Management Plan, but the committee will discuss the lack of parks
in the Ponto quadrant when making recommendations for modifications within the
existing park performance standard.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
• City Planner Eric Lardy noted the City Council approved a 5-Year Strategic Plan on Oct. 11, 2022,
which touches on many of the issues the committee has been discussing. A link to the plan will be
distributed to the committee.
• Committee meeting schedule and topics.
The committee was provided an example and explanation of the one-page summary handouts
being created for the 11 existing performance standards that will be discussed starting at the Nov.
30 meeting. Requested additions to the documents included:
o Staff recommendation on the standard to use as a discussion starting point.
o Related plans and studies to the standard.
o How the city could create a nexus for the standard to development.
Carlsbad Tomorrow Growth Management Citizens Committee October 12, 2022 Page 6
COMMITTEE MEMBER REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
• Committee members requested tourist loading data and a report on Transit Occupancy Tax
dollars.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
ADJOURNMENT:
Chair Eric Larson adjourned the duly noticed meeting at 7:46 p.m.
Eric Lardy – Minutes Clerk