HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-05-16; City Council; Minutes Council Chamber
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
CALL TO ORDER: 5 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Luna.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONCURRENT MEETINGS: Mayor Blackburn announced that the City
Council is serving as the Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors on Consent
Calendar Item No. 3.
INVOCATION: None.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes of the Regular Meeting held April 18, 2023
Minutes of the Special Meeting held May 9, 2023
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 Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel read the proclamation. Custodian II Josh Savini accepted the
proclamation and said a few words.
Proclamation in recognition of National Bike Month
Council Member Acosta read the proclamation. Transportation and Mobility Manager Nathan
Schmidt accepted the proclamation and said a few words.
Proclamation in recognition of Food Allergy Awareness Week
Council Member Luna read the proclamation. Stephanie Wells accepted the proclamation and
said a few words.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Treena Priest expressed her support AB 1207.
Don Christianson expressed his support for solar powered energy.
Pierre Cochet Weinandt expressed his support for the city’s Climate Action Plan.
Hope Nelson expressed her support for selecting representation for the Palomar Airport Advisory
Committee.
May 16, 2023, 5 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL
Minutes
May 16, 2023 Carlsbad City Council Regular Meeting Page 2
Teresa Barnes expressed her support for accommodations and awareness for those with hearing
loss.
In response to Hope Nelson’s comments, Intergovernmental Affairs Director Jason Haber provided
an update on the city’s effort to fill the vacancy on the Palomar Airport Advisory Committee.
PUBLIC REPORT OF ANY ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION: None.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, seconded by Council Member Acosta, to approve Consent
Calendar Item Nos. 1 through 4. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0.
1. REPORT ON CITY INVESTMENTS AS OF MARCH 31, 2023 – Accept and file Report on City
Investments as of March 31, 2023. (Staff contact: Craig Lindholm and Laura Rocha, Administrative
Services Department)
2. RIGHT OF ENTRY PERMIT WITH THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION FOR
MAINTENANCE OF THE UPPER PICNIC FACILITIES AT TAMARACK STATE BEACH AND COASTAL
BLUFF AT TAMARACK/FRAZEE STATE BEACH, AND FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR PLAN REVIEWS OF
TWO CITY PROJECTS (CIP PROJECT NOS. 3896 AND 6058) – Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-128
authorizing the execution of a right of entry permit with the State of California Department of
Parks & Recreation to maintain the upper picnic facilities at Tamarack State Beach and the coastal
bluff at Tamarack/Frazee State Beach, and to reimburse the state for plan reviews of two Capital
Improvement Program projects that impact state property: Beach Access Repairs and Upgrades
from Pine to Tamarack Avenues (CIP Project No. 3896), and Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack
Avenue Intersection Improvements (CIP Project No. 6058). (Staff contact: Todd Reese,
Community Services Department)
3. AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO THE MASTER AGREEMENT WITH BROWN AND CALDWELL FOR
SUPERVISORY CONTROL AND DATA ACQUISITION MASTER PLAN FOR SEWER, WATER AND
RECYCLED WATER SYSTEMS (CIP PROJECT NO. 5542) – Adoption of Carlsbad Municipal Water
District Board of Directors Resolution No. 1704 approving Amendment No. 4 to extend the
Master Agreement with Brown and Caldwell for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Master
Plan for Sewer, Water and Recycled Water Systems for an additional three years. (Staff contact:
Stephanie Harrison and Vicki Quiram, Public Works Department)
4. CONTINUATION OF THE DECLARATION OF A STORM-RELATED LOCAL EMERGENCY FOR REPAIR
OF A SINKHOLE ON HAYMAR DRIVE – Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-129 continuing the
declaration of a storm-related local emergency for repair of a sinkhole in the area of Haymar
Drive. (Staff contact: Tom Frank and Vicki Quiram, Public Works Department)
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION: None.
ORDINANCES FOR ADOPTION: None.
May 16, 2023 Carlsbad City Council Regular Meeting Page 3
PUBLIC HEARING:
5. AN APPEAL OF A PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION TO APPROVE A SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
FOR A 164,833 SQUARE-FOOT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BUILDING IN THE CARLSBAD OAKS
NORTH BUSINESS PARK – Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-130 denying an appeal and upholding
a decision of the Planning Commission to approve a site development plan for the development
of a 164,833-square-foot, 48-foot-tall research and development building, a 21-foot-tall, three-
level parking structure and a pedestrian bridge across Whiptail Loop for IONIS Pharmaceuticals,
located on an 8.37-acre vacant site, on the north side of Whiptail Loop, comprising lots 21 and
22 (Assessor Parcel Numbers 209-120-23-00 and 209-120-24-00 and within local Facilities
Management Zone 16) of the Carlsbad Oaks North Specific Plan, SP 211(c). (Staff contact: Eric
Lardy, Community Services Department)
City Manager’s Recommendation: Take public input, close the public hearing, and adopt the
resolution.
City Planner Eric Lardy and Senior Planner Shannon Harker presented the report and reviewed a
PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
Allen Matkins Lawyer Jeff Chine, representing the applicant, expressed his support for denying
the appeal.
Lozeau Drury Lawyer Noah Garrison, representing the appellant Supporters Alliance for
Environmental Responsibility, expressed his support for granting the appeal.
City Planner Lardy continued the presentation.
Mayor Blackburn opened the duly noticed public hearing at 5:54 p.m.
Hearing no one wishing to speak, Mayor Blackburn closed the duly noticed public hearing at 5:54
p.m.
Motion by Council Member Luna, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel to adopt Resolution
No. 2023-130. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0.
DEPARTMENTAL AND CITY MANAGER REPORTS:
Item No. 12 was heard before Departmental and City Manager Reports Item No. 6.
12. BUDGET WORKSHOP DISCUSSION – Consider a request from Council Member Burkholder to
discuss and decide whether to schedule a budget workshop. (Staff contact: Sheila Cobian, City
Manager’s Department)
City Manager’s Recommendation: Consider the request and provide direction to staff.
Council Member Burkholder provided opening remarks.
May 16, 2023 Carlsbad City Council Regular Meeting Page 4
In response to an inquiry from Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, City Manager Scott Chadwick explained
that the city has done a considerable about of outreach regarding the budget in connection with
the city’s strategic plan. Community & Engagement Director Kristina Ray added details about the
outreach process relating to the city budget and the strategic planning process.
In response to an inquiry from Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, City Manager Chadwick explained that
current process allows for residents to provide feedback between the preliminary budget
presentation and the final budget adoption presentation. He added that because the city
transitioned to a Strategic Planning process, it ensures the city can stay focused on the City
Council’s priorities.
In response to an inquiry from Mayor Blackburn, Community & Engagement Director Ray shared
that during the strategic planning process, they had approximately 8,000 comments of input from
the public.
City Council discussion ensued regarding the requested type of workshop.
Jan Neff-Sinclair expressed her support for a budget workshop.
Mark Packard expressed his support for a budget workshop.
City Manager Chadwick declared a recess at 6:15 p.m.
Mayor Blackburn reconvened the meeting at 6:20 p.m.
Motion by Council Member Burkholder, seconded by Bhat-Patel to host a community budget
workshop at the Faraday Administration Center on June 1, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. Motion carried
unanimously, 5/0.
Item No. 6 was heard following Departmental and City Manager Reports Item No. 12.
6. UPDATE ON THE CITY’S RESPONSE TO THE LOCAL TRAFFIC SAFETY EMERGENCY AND OPTION TO
EXTEND THE EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION FOR AN ADDITIONAL 60 DAYS – 1) Receive a report
on actions taken to date relating to a local traffic safety emergency proclaimed Aug. 23, 2022;
2) Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-131 extending the Proclamation of Bicycle, E-Bicycle and
Motorized Mobility Device Safety Local Emergency in the City of Carlsbad until July 15, 2023, at
5 p.m., unless otherwise extended or terminated by the City Council. (Staff contact: Geoff Patnoe,
City Manager’s Department)
City Manager’s Recommendation: Receive the report and adopt the resolution.
Assistant City Manager Geoff Patnoe and City Engineer and Transportation Director Tom Frank
presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City
Clerk).
May 16, 2023 Carlsbad City Council Regular Meeting Page 5
Dave Briggs expressed his appreciation for the Police and Fire Department following a vehicle
accident.
The City Council received the report.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, seconded by Council Member Acosta to adopt Resolution
No. 2023-131. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0.
7. AMBULANCE REVENUE AND BILLING – Receive a report describing ambulance billing
methodology and recent changes in reimbursement and revenue. (Staff contact: Nathan
Pearson, Fire Department)
City Manager’s Recommendation: Receive the report.
Assistant Fire Chief Nick Ordille and Division Fire Chief Nate Pearson presented the report and
reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
The City Council received the report.
8. ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL UPDATE FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 –
Receive a report on the economic and financial update for the third quarter of fiscal year 2022-
23 and provide direction as appropriate. (Staff contact: Zach Korach and Matt Sanford,
Administrative Services Department)
City Manager’s Recommendation: Receive the report and provide direction as appropriate.
Economic Development Manager Matt Sanford and Finance Director Zach Korach presented the
report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
In response to an inquiry from Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, Economic Development Manager
Sanford explained that the average salary of the 12,258 jobs posted in the City of Carlsbad
between January and March was $51,100.
The City Council received the report.
9. $2.2 MILLION FORGIVABLE LOAN FROM HOUSING FUNDS TO CATHOLIC CHARITIES DIOCESE OF
SAN DIEGO FOR THE EXPANSION OF LA POSADA DE GUADALUPE HOMELESS SHELTER – Adoption
Resolution No. 2023-132 authorizing a commitment of a $2,200,000 forgivable loan ($1,470,621
from the City of Carlsbad Housing Trust Fund and $729,379 from the Permanent Local Housing
Allocation Fund) to Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego for the expansion of La Posada de
Guadalupe homeless shelter. (Staff contact: Mandy Mills, Community Services Department)
City Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt the resolution.
May 16, 2023 Carlsbad City Council Regular Meeting Page 6
Housing Services Manager Christian Gutierrez and Housing & Homeless Services Director Mandy
Mills presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the
City Clerk).
Tracy Carmichael expressed her concerns with the current financial status of Catholic Charities
Diocese of San Diego.
In response to an inquiry from Council Member Burkholder, Housing & Homeless Services
Director Mills explained that the current 100 beds are split under two contracts, 50 of the beds
are required to be allocated to farm worker housing and the other 50 are for general homeless
men. She added that for the general homeless beds, the priority for occupancy is given to the
City of Carlsbad.
In response to an inquiry from Council Member Acosta, Housing & Homeless Services Director
Mills explained that currently without a shelter for homeless women or children in the city, social
workers and Housing & Homeless Services staff work with agencies in other cities to house the
individuals, and often have a month-long waitlist.
In response to an inquiry from Council Member Acosta, Housing & Homeless Services Director
Mills explained that the design for the expansion is in preliminary review and staff anticipate
coming back to the City Council with more updates later this year.
In response to an inquiry from Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, Housing & Homeless Services Director
Mills explained that the allocation of beds for each demographic is representative of the
homeless population in the city.
In response to an inquiry from Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, Catholic Charities Chief Executive
Officer Vino Pajanor explained that due to county regulations, Catholic Charities is not able to
use the farm workers beds for general homeless men when then general wing reached capacity.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, seconded by Council Member Acosta to adopt Resolution
No. 2023-132. Motion carried, 4/1 (Burkholder – No).
10. STATE OF CALIFORNIA LOCAL HOUSING TRUST FUND APPLICATION – Adoption of Resolution No.
2023-133 authorizing the submittal of a Local Housing Trust Fund application to the State of
California Department of Housing and Community Development in the amount of $1,770,000.
(Staff contact: Nicole Piano-Jones, Community Services Department)
City Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt the resolution.
Senior Program Manager Nicole Piano-Jones and Housing & Homeless Services Director Mandy
Mills presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the
City Clerk).
May 16, 2023 Carlsbad City Council Regular Meeting Page 7
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, seconded by Council Member Acosta to adopt Resolution
No. 2023-133. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0.
11. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A CITY COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT – INVOCATION AT CITY COUNCIL
MEETINGS – Adoption of a resolution approving City Council Policy Statement – Invocation at City
Council Meetings. (Staff contact: Sheila Cobian, City Manager’s Department)
City Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt the resolution.
Legislative & Constituent Services Director Sheila Cobian presented the report and reviewed a
PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
Pierre Cochet Weinandt expressed his support for option 2, to remove the invocation from the
Carlsbad Municipal Code.
Jan Neff-Sinclair expressed her support for Option 2, to remove the invocation from the Carlsbad
Municipal Code.
Dave Briggs expressed his support for Option 1, to adopt the Council Policy.
Adolph Singh expressed his support for Option 1, to adopt the Council Policy.
Heidi Willes expressed her support for Option 1, to adopt the Council Policy.
Mark Packard expressed his support for Option 1, to adopt the Council Policy..
In response to an inquiry from Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, Legislative & Constituent Services
Director Cobian explained that the last invocation was done in July of 2018.
In response to an inquiry from Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, Legislative & Constituent Services
Director Cobian explained that in previous years, the Executive Assistant to the City Council would
email a variety of religious organizations inviting them to perform the invocation. She added that
this practice stopped due to guidance from the previous City Attorney and instead, staff wait to
be asked by the religious organization to be placed on the agenda.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, seconded by Council Member Acosta directing staff to
move forward with Option 2, to return to the City Council with an ordinance amending the
Carlsbad Municipal Code and removing the Invocation from the agenda. Motion carried, 4/1
(Burkholder – No).
PUBLIC COMMENT (cont):
Tracy Carmichael asked the City Council to consider allowing all non-agenda public comment
speakers to be heard at the beginning of the meeting and requested new goal setting priorities
with the current City Council.
May 16, 2023 Carlsbad City Council Regular Meeting Page 8
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.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: None.
CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS: City Attorney Cindie McMahon announced she will be attending
the Cal Cities City Attorneys Conference.
CITY CLERK COMMENTS: None.
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Blackburn adjourned the duly noticed meeting at 8:18 p.m.
Kaylin McCauley
Dep uty City Clerk