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LEGISLATIVE SUBCOMMITTEE
Staff Report
Nov. 14,2023
Legislative Subcommittee
Jason Haber, Intergovernmental Affairs Director
Jason Haber, Intergovernmental Affairs Director
jason.haber@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2958
Palomar Airport Advisory Committee Nomination Procedure
All
Recommended Action
Receive an update regarding the San Diego County Board of Supervisors' Nov. 7, 2023, decision to
establish new nomination procedures for the Pa lomar Airport Advisory Committee (PAAC) due to
redistricting and provide feedback.
Discussion
On Nov. 7, 2023, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved Agenda Item 15 on the
Board's Consent Calendar to establish new nomination procedures for the Palomar Airport
Advisory Committee (PAAC) due to redistricting (Exhibit 1). This action directed County staff to
return to the Board within 90 days with proposed amendments to the San Diego County
Administrative Code establishing a new PAAC appointment procedure.
On the recommendation of District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond, the Board approved the following
action:
1. Find that the proposed action is exempt.from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Section 15061 (b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines.
2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to return to the Board within 90 days with
proposed amendments to the San Diego County Administrative Code establishing a new PAA C
appointment procedure, as follows:
a. Renumber all nine seats for sake of clarity, ensuring four seats each are nominated by
both District 3 and 5, and one seat is nominated by the CAO:
i. District 5
1. Seat 1 is for a City of Oceanside member.
2. Seat 2 is for a City of San Marcos member.
3. Seat 3 is for a City of Vista member.
4. Seat 4 is an "at large" member.
ii. District 3
1. Seat 5 is for a City of Carlsbad first member.
2. Seat 6 is for a City of Carlsbad second member.
3. Seat 7 is an "at large" member.
Nov. 14,2023 4. Seat 8 is an "at large" member. Item #5 Page 1 of 8
iii. CAO
1. Seat 9 is designated as an "industry" member as defined in subsection 'e.'
b. The PAAC shall consist of these nine members.
c. Two members must reside in the city of Carlsbad and one each must reside in the cities
of Oceanside, San Marcos and Vista. Each city may identify a resident(s) residing in their
respective jurisdiction as a candidate to be considered for nomination to the designated
District Supervisor for the PAAC seat. If any city fails to identify a resident as a candidate
for consideration or the candidate is determined by their respective Supervisor as
unacceptable, each Supervisor may nominate a member of its own choice from that city.
d. Three members shall be from the general public ("at large'') -two residing within
District 3 and one residing within District 5.
e. The PAAC's 9111seat shall be recommended by the CAO as an "industry" member. The
"industry" member must have expertise and experience at Palomar Airport in aviation
and/or aeronautical airport business operations within fields such as, but not limited to a
pilot, mechanic, airplane owner, airport property business owner who is a lessee or sub-
lessee or other related fields and have a demonstrated interest in the economic viability of
the airport."
City staff have contacted District 3 Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer's office to inquire about when
the new procedures are expected to be presented for the Supervisors' consideration, when they
would take effect, and whether they have a clear process for the city to follow in recommending
appointees to fill the City of Carlsbad seats. Furthermore, it is unclear which seat the City of
Carlsbad's recently appointed PAAC nominee Shirley Anderson would occupy under the newly
proposed framework, and city staff have requested clarification on that point, as well. Staff are
currently awaiting clarification from the County regarding these matters.
The Legislative Subcommittee may provide feedback to staff, and/or a recommendation to the City
Council -to be presented when this matter, or a future PAAC nomination(s) is brought forward for
City Counci l consideration.
Next Steps
Staff will continue to engage with County staff and will maintain awareness of County Board
agendas to identify future items related to this matter. Once the County adopts and implements its
new PAAC nomination procedures, an item will be brought forward for the City Council to discuss
next steps in identifying a Carlsbad resident(s) as a candidate(s) to fill the City of Carlsbad seat(s).
Exhibit
1. Nov. 7, 2023, San Diego County Board of Supervisors Agenda Item 15 Board Letter
Nov. 14,2023 Item #5 Page 2 of 8
Exhibit 1
JIM DESMOND
SUPERVISOR, FIFTH DISTRICT
SA DIEGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
AGENDA ITEM
DATE: November 7, 2023 15
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
ESTABLISH NEW NOMINATION PROCEDURES FOR THE PALO MAR AIRPORT
ADVISORY COMMITTEE (P AAC) DUE TO REDISTRICTING (DISTRICTS: 3 AND 5)
OVERVIEW
McClellan-Palomar Airport (Palomar Airport) is located in the City of Carlsbad (Carlsbad) and is
one of eight airports owned by the County of San Diego (County) and operated by the County
Department of Public Works (DPW). Palomar Airport was constructed on County-owned
property, and when it opened in 1959, the surrounding area consisted mainly of agricultural uses
and a closed landfill. Today, the airport serves the region as a vital air transportation hub, an
emergency services faci lity, and an economic engine that supports 2,590 local jobs and generates
$72 million in tax revenues and $461 million in economic activity annually.
On January 5, 1988 (43), the County Board of Supervisors (Board) added Article XL, Section 730
et seq. to the San Diego County Code of Admini strati ve Ordinances (Administrative Code) to
formalize the duties, responsibilities, membershi p, and selection of the Palomar Airport Advisory
Committee (PAAC). The PAAC was originally established to develop a noise control plan for the
airport; however, its duties have expanded to advising the Board and the Chief Administrative
Officer on airport land use, development, master planning, and operational issues. The P AAC has
also grown to provide a forum for neighboring communities to speak on matters involving the
airport.
The criteria for PAAC membership, including the nomination and appointment process, are
defined in Article XL of the Administrative Code. The PAAC is currently comprised of nine
members who have a general interest in aviation, aviation leasing or business and understanding
of the surrounding communities. During the formation of the P AAC in 1988, Palomar Airport was
within the footprint of the Third Supervisorial District and was bordering the Fifth Supervisorial
District. At that time, PAAC membership stood at eleven members nominated by both districts,
with four from the Third Supervisorial District and five from the Fifth Supervisorial District.
Following a subsequent supervisorial boundary redistricting approved by the Board on July 3 1,
200 I (18), Palomar Airport was located entirely w ithin the boundaries of the Fifth Supervisorial
Legistar vl.O 1
Nov. 14, 2023 Item #5 Page 3 of 8
SUBJECT: ESTABLISH NEW NOMINATION PROCEDURES FOR THE PALOMAR
AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PAAC) DUE TO REDISTRICTING
(DISTRICTS: 3 AND 5)
District. As a result, the Board amended Article XL of the Administrative Code to reduce the
membership to nine and to have the Fifth Supervisorial District nominate all nine members. During
the 20 l O redistricting of supervisorial boundaries, the Board approved the continuation of the Fifth
Supervisorial District nominating all nine members.
Discussions with Carlsbad, prompted by the development of the Palomar Airport Master Plan
during 2018, eventually led to the March 28, 2019 Mutual Cooperation and Settlement Agreement
between Carlsbad and the County. As part of those discussions Article XL was amended on
January 9, 2019 (04) to enable the cities of Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, and Oceanside to
recommend PAAC seats to the Board for consideration thorough the Fifth Supervisorial District.
The remaining five at-large seats are also currently nominated by the Fifth Supervisorial District.
On January 15, 2022, the County of San Diego Independent Redistricting Commission completed
redistricting of the supervisorial districts. As a result of redistricting, the footprint of Palomar
Airport now resides entirely within the Third Supervisorial District and aircraft operations impact
surrounding communities in both the Third and Fifth Supervisorial Districts. To better align PAAC
membership with recent redistricting, it is proposed that staff be directed to return to the Board
with amendments to Article XL of the Administrative Code. The recommended changes are to: I)
renumber and redesignate nomination process for all nine P AAC seats; 2) amend District 3 and 5
nominations for each seat; 3) change nomination process for the PAAC's 9th seat to be nominated
by the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and create new qualification criteria for the 9th PAAC
seat. Furthermore, in the spirit of regional cooperation and because the airport itself is located in
Carlsbad, a reasonable approach to restructuring the PAAC appointment process would also
include dividing the eight of the nine seats evenly among District 3 and District 5, with four
nominations assigned to each respective district. The remaining seat would be nominated by the
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) as an "industry" member. The "industry" member must have
expertise and experience at Palomar Airpo1t in aviation and/or aeronautical airport business
operations within fields such as, but not limited to a pilot, mechanic, airplane owner, airport
property business owner who is a lessee or sub-lessee or other related fields and have a
demonstrated interest in the economic viability of the airport. Each of the nine members would
continue to serve terms that run concurrent with the appointing supervisor, with the CAO
appointment's term running concurrent with the District 3 Supervisor.
Today's action provides direction regarding the structure of the PAAC following redistricting and
directs staff to return to the Board within 90 days with proposed amendments to the San Diego
County Administrative Code establishing a new PAAC appointment procedure.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
SUPERVISOR JIM DESMOND
I. Find that the proposed action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(6)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines.
Legistar vl.O 2
Nov. 14,2023 Item #5 Page 4 of 8
SUBJECT: ESTABLISH NEW NOMINATION PROCEDURES FOR THE PALOMAR
AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PAAC) DUE TO REDISTRICTING
(DISTRICTS: 3 AND 5)
2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to return to the Board within 90 days
with proposed amendments to the San Diego County Administrative Code establishing
a new PAAC appointment procedure, as fo llows:
a. Renumber all nine seats for sake of clarity, ensuring four seats each are
nominated by both District 3 and 5, and one seat is nominated by the CAO:
1. District 5
I. Seat 1 is for a City of Oceanside member.
2. Seat 2 is for a City of San Marcos member.
3. Seat 3 is for a City of Vista member.
4. Seat 4 is an "at large" member.
11. District 3
1. Seat 5 is for a City of Carlsbad first member.
2. Seat 6 is for a City of Carlsbad second member.
3. Seat 7 is an "at large" member.
4. Seat 8 is an "at large" member.
Ill. CAO
I. Seat 9 is designated as an "industry" member as defined m
subsection 'e.'
b. The PAAC shall consist of these nine members.
c. Two members must reside in the city of Carlsbad and one each must reside in
the cities of Oceanside, San Marcos and Vista. Each city may identi fy a
resident(s) residing in their respecti ve jurisdiction as a candidate to be
considered for nomination to the designated District Supervisor for the P AAC
seat. If any city fails to identify a resident as a candidate for consideration or the
candidate is determined by their respective Supervisor as unacceptable, each
Supervisor may nominate a member of its own choice from that city.
d. T hree members shall be from the general public ("at large") -two residing
within District 3 and one residing within District 5.
e. The PAAC's 9th seat shall be recommended by the CAO as an "industry"
member. The "industry" member must have experti se and experience at Palomar
Airport in aviation and/or aeronautical airport bu siness operations within fields
such as, but not limited to a pilot, mechanic, airplane owner, airport property
business owner who is a lessee or sub-lessee or other related fields and have a
demonstrated interest in the economic viabi lity of the airport.
Legist ar vl.O 3
Nov. 14,2023 Item #5 Page 5 of 8
SUBJECT: ESTABLISH NEW NOMfNATION PROCEDURES FOR THE PALOMAR
AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PAAC) DUE TO REDISTRICTING
(DISTRICTS: 3 AND 5)
EQUITY IMP ACT STATEMENT
The Palomar Airport Advisory Committee (PAAC) gathers input from the public, reviews issues
and makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on a range of airport matters. Therefore,
it's important for PAAC membership to represent those who are most affected by Palomar Airport
operations. Distributing members evenly among the affected supervisorial districts (Districts 3 and
5) ensures those most affected by airport operations are given equal representation on the PAAC
and opportunity to provide input.
SUSTAIN ABILITY IMP ACT STATEMENT
Establishing new PAAC appointment procedures will ensure the PAAC continues to serve the
public on making recommendations on a range of matters, including those that impact the fiscal
and environmental sustainability of airport operations.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with today's recommendations. There may be fiscal impacts
associated with future related recommendations for which staff would return to the Board for
consideration and approval. At this time, there will be no change in net General Fund cost and no
additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMP ACT STATEMENT
NIA
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
NIA
BACKGROUND
McClellan-Palomar Airport (Palomar Airport) is located in the City of Carlsbad (Carlsbad) and is
one of eight airports owned by the County of San Diego (County) and operated by the County
Department of Public Works (DPW). Palomar Airport was constructed on County-owned
property, and when it opened in 1959, the surrounding area consisted mainly of agricultural uses
and a closed landfill. Today, the airport serves the region as a vital air transportation hub, an
emergency services faci lity, and an economic engine that supports 2,590 local jobs and generates
$72 million in tax revenues and $461 million in economic activity annually.
On January 5, 1988 (43), the County Board of Supervisors (Board) added Atiicle XL to the San
Diego County Code of Administrative Ordinances (Administrative Code) to formalize the duties,
responsibi lities, membership, and selection of the Palomar Airport Advisory Committee (PAAC).
The PAAC was originally established to develop a noise control plan for the airport; however, its
duties have expanded to advising the Board and the Chief Administrative Officer on airport land
use, development, master planning, and operational issues. The PAAC has also grown to provide
a forum for neighboring communities to speak on matters involving the airport.
Legistar vl.O 4
Nov. 14,2023 Item #5 Page 6 of 8
SUBJECT: ESTABLISH NEW NOMINATION PROCEDURES FOR THE PALOMAR
AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PAAC) DUE TO REDISTRICTING
(DISTRICTS: 3 AND 5)
The criteria for PAAC membership, inc luding the nomination and appointment process, are
defined in Article XL of the Administrative Code. The PAAC is currently comprised of nine
members who have a general interest in aviation, aviation leasing or business and understanding
of the surrounding communities. During the formation of the PAAC in 1988, Palomar Airport was
within the footprint of the Third Supervisorial District and was bordering the Fifth Supervisorial
District. At that time, PAAC membership stood at eleven members nominated by both districts,
with four from the Third Supervisorial District and five from the Fifth Supervisorial District.
Following a subsequent supervisorial boundary redistricting approved by the Board on July 3 1,
200 l (18), Palomar Airport was located entirely within the boundaries of the Fifth Supervisorial
District. As a result, the Board amended Article XL of the Administrative Code to reduce the
membership to nine and to have the Fifth Supervisorial District nominate all nine members. During
the 2010 redistricting of supervisorial boundaries, the Board approved the continuation of the Fifth
Supervisorial District nominating all nine members.
Discussions with Carl sbad, prompted by the development of the Palomar Airport Master Plan
during 2018, eventually led to the March 28, 2019 Mutual Cooperation and Settlement Agreement
between Carlsbad and the County. As part of those discussions Article XL was amended on
January 9, 2019 (04) to enable the cities of Carl sbad, Vista, San Marcos, and Oceanside to
recommend PAAC seats to the Board for consideration thorough the Fifth Supervisorial District.
The remaining five at-large seats are also currently nominated by the Fifth Supervisorial District.
On January 15, 2022, the County of San Diego Independent Redistricting Commi ssion completed
redistricting of the supervisorial districts. As a result of redistricting, the footprint of Palomar
Airpott now resides entirely w ithin the Third Supervisorial District and aircraft operations impact
surrounding communities in both the Third and Fifth Supervisorial Districts. To better align PAAC
membership with recent redistricting, it is proposed that staff be directed to return to the Board
with amendments to Article XL. The recommended changes are to: 1) renumber and redesignate
nomination process for all nine PAAC seats, 2) amend District 3 and 5 nominations for each seat,
3) change nomination process for the PAAC's 9th seat to be nomi nated by the Chief
Admini strative Officer (CAO) and create new qualification criteria for the 9th PAAC seat.
Furthermore, in the spirit of regional cooperation and because the airport itself is located in
Carlsbad, a reasonable approach to restructuring the P AAC appointment process would also
include dividing the eight of the nine seats evenly among District 3 and District 5, with four
nominations assigned to each respective district. The remaining seat would be nominated by the
Chief Admini strative Officer (CAO) as an "industry" member. The "industry" member must have
expertise and experience at Palomar Airport in aviation and/or aeronautical airport business
operations within fields such as, but not limited to a pilot, mechanic, airplane owner, airport
property business owner who is a lessee or sub-lessee or other related fields and have a
demonstrated interest in the economic viability of the airport. Each of the nine members would
continue to serve terms that run concurrent with the appointing supervisor, with the CAO
appointment's term running concurrent with the District 3 Supervisor.
Legistar vl.O 5
Nov. 14,2023 Item #5 Page 7 of 8
SUBJECT: ESTABLISH NEW NOMINATION PROCEDURES FOR THE PALOMAR
AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PAAC) DUE TO REDISTRICTING
(DISTRICTS: 3 AND 5)
Today's action provides direction regarding the structure of the PAAC following redistricting and
directs staff to return to the Board within 90 days with proposed amendments to the San Diego
County Administrative Code establishing a new PAAC appointment procedure.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
Today's actions are exempt under Section 15061(b)(3) of the Cali fornia Envi ronmental Quality
Act (CEQA). These actions do not adopt, approve, or fund any project that may have an impact on
the environment. The action implements administrative changes to the structure of an advisory
board; and, as such, it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the action may have a
significant effect on the environment. As a result, today's action is exempt from CEQA review.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
Today's proposed action supports the Community: Engagement and Partnership Strategic
Initiatives in the County of San Diego's 2023-2028 Strategic Plan.
Respectfully submitted,
JIM DESMOND
Supervisor, District 5
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Nov. 14,2023
6
Item #5 Page 8 of 8