[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6554879,"mediaKeyId","3869072-6c8d68c594f6568f1dbb8215abcff494","parentId",3869072,"title","Council declines to advance Neighborhood Voices constitutional amendment without more details after hours of public testimony","audioSeconds",4036,"startMs",10668000,"endMs",14704000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3869072-6c8d68c594f6568f1dbb8215abcff494&start=10668&end=14704","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3869072-6c8d68c594f6568f1dbb8215abcff494/thumbnail_10668000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6554879/Carlsbad/San-Diego-County/California/Council-declines-to-advance-Neighborhood-Voices-constitutional-amendment-without-more-details-after-hours-of-public-testimony","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554879-a1c1f4c48de74af21a44cd82bc88baf1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775196086&Signature=ChEDpXPKP720wpNgWNMFk6T5vowixugqGSOtjPPjZAa9Sr49BnNO-ow34sXlFpUNiqgXg77HvN~JkU~7~7uX9XVZoWA3TVMHx7VJPoqwCdGSoyU69q4tkyK1R4vn1xqVSub~yzjt957~5PkyeWJfsYpvjifCBIta97fivxA4G4jqRPNtZSvf6l0OTtLvTuidInhjGq2YTTlOidJwaTR1VF4n6wzrygv8~j5gjjCM6uZwWbU03m~YB1qKFaiUzyLcnsgrtoAM53jPEoXfm94nubcCLeyuRqfnnsVoNMfEH-8ccHS6FxBgi75IfkZ6zE8W0sJjGFbSEroUs1YGyGnwfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Carlsbad","date","2025-06-17T00:00:00Z","article","Carlsbad City Council heard more than a dozen public speakers both supporting and questioning a proposed constitutional amendment called Our Neighborhood Voices (ONV), which would seek to restore or preserve local control of land‑use decisions in the face of state housing mandates. After debate the council did not adopt a resolution of support and a motion to direct staff to bring back a supportive resolution failed.

Proponents called the initiative a way to prevent state preemption of local planning authority. Martin Danner, president of the Equitable Land Use Alliance, and several other speakers, including former local officials, urged the council to authorize a resolution supporting ONV so the city could be listed among endorsing municipalities. Proponents argued state laws such as SB 9, SB 35 and recent housing mandates impose upzoning and unfunded requirements that local governments did not authorize and said ONV would let cities tailor which state laws to adopt locally.

Opponents and several councilmembers said they want to see final ballot language, nonprofit and funding disclosures, and legal analysis before the city adopts a position. Councilmember Shin urged transparency about the group's financing and organizational structure; other councilmembers said the city already has a legislative platform and prior local‑control resolutions and suggested strengthening existing language rather than endorsing a draft constitutional amendment with unspecified final wording. City Attorney staff explained council could direct staff to draft a resolution for a future meeting, but no final resolution was before the council that night.

Councilmember Burkholder put forward a motion to direct staff to bring back a resolution supporting ONV, with language to align with the city’s legislative platform; the motion was seconded but failed on the floor. Several councilmembers stressed they support local control in principle but were not willing to commit to endorsing a ballot measure without the final attorney‑reviewed language and fuller transparency from the initiative’s proponents.

No formal action in support of ONV was adopted; several councilmembers asked staff to continue legislative advocacy through the city’s legislative subcommittee and the League of California Cities, and proponents were encouraged to return with finalized language and documentation to consider again.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Carlsbad - City Council Meeting - Jun 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After public testimony on a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at restoring local land‑use control, Carlsbad City Council declined to move forward with a city endorsement and voted down a motion to ask staff to return with a supporting resolution.","taxTitle","Carlsbad, San Diego County, California","taxId",2843,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6554885,"Resident objects to June start date for new street‑sweeping contract; council approves consent calendar",265,1369000,1634000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3869072-6c8d68c594f6568f1dbb8215abcff494&start=1369&end=1634","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3869072-6c8d68c594f6568f1dbb8215abcff494/thumbnail_1369000.jpg","/articles/6554885/Carlsbad/San-Diego-County/California/Resident-objects-to-June-start-date-for-new-streetsweeping-contract-council-approves-consent-calendar","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554885-c2f8e1bd2fe1753729f397d2be2d77e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775196086&Signature=IanXioJ8ac4N8tInEzztaxAkfWumRkkuuSErzMkMz3vFz1JFpryDm0wvmAqp7pOQIrwK-IEreVR~6iP-NaypG60x1k6uCZxCTJRz-DGU6jRaldEAsM77qs1yYR~aTuTgQtnXdvtgfYJkXQ1DjY6qd9u4mEsyQyBsJD17ezigtHb13EQ~T0o6Lep6YG-edAV63USC5OumkuKfHx3ndkAKAr1EKIe-hiyGbBF8KdW5fRohU5NxgTC~8vlN1qecZ5J2e84UVGJEqH2kq8h9rlRvvVPsoSh6KzNkW~eKCm83gpICqUg8hOYGJ4vD13gMxErrqSvwaWuJbd1DtJj9Z~2ueQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Carlsbad resident spoke during the consent calendar to oppose the recommended July 1 start date for a new street‑sweeping contract, arguing the city could instead let the current contract run to its October 13, 2025 expiration and that staff had not disclosed potential termination costs.

Scott Gundert told the council the staff report justified a July 1, 2025 start because the city intended to piggyback on an El Cajon contract, but he said examples from other cities demonstrate piggybacking does not require identical start dates. He presented per‑curb‑mile cost comparisons and said the proposed contract would more than double Carlsbad’s residential curb‑mile cost, increasing annual costs by about $163,000 based on his calculation.

Councilmember Burkholder acknowledged resident complaints that streets are sometimes missed and said staff should improve enforcement and public contact avenues with the contractor. The council moved, seconded and approved the consent calendar — including the street‑sweeping contract — unanimously.

No further details about early termination costs for the current contract were provided during the meeting; staff did not present an itemized cancellation cost on the record during the public comment exchange.","A resident asked the City Council to delay a new street‑sweeping contract start date until the current contract's October expiration; council approved the consent calendar, including the staff‑recommended contract start date, unanimously.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6554889,"Carlsbad establishes Environmental Sustainability Commission, rolling in Beach Preservation duties",588,1648000,2236000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3869072-6c8d68c594f6568f1dbb8215abcff494&start=1648&end=2236","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3869072-6c8d68c594f6568f1dbb8215abcff494/thumbnail_1648000.jpg","/articles/6554889/Carlsbad/San-Diego-County/California/Carlsbad-establishes-Environmental-Sustainability-Commission-rolling-in-Beach-Preservation-duties","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554889-bd2e37743bd58750c8b420d5f11870a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775196086&Signature=KYwS6eihW6uI8HwhHPUXcHYBoy-gN-tpaKg2rwW1uUORJ3zn9qkDAMYV8kxD9ku3WtFL-tIiymqVfdGlXD4v3b7xOEDF6vIvVUg5m4S7VfjzW0qbTVWaFez1UxWt3ZgmMBrsqVu2jiHNWhwj7Gqe6Dy1xoPpFYbM3mjhebJknpWhV7lqMYFpOXEXWKcxjR5ASp~B~vficFDHT-ozJTOeYGU4U9GxGOmG6QjoEDuoIiXDWFZwd9Mmt13z8CUhYw9vlmuTsQzJGfVkzhg9O9VMp-dtSWPBiHURvPa6CIjiej2EbDke4L9GpS1LjUYvGPbHRCfeOBJ0dve01tMbmvP4Dw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Carlsbad City Council introduced and adopted an ordinance amending municipal code chapters to establish the Environmental Sustainability Commission, a body that will absorb the duties of the former Beach Preservation Commission and expand its purview to include climate action, open space preservation and other sustainability matters.

Jamie Wood, the city’s Environmental Sustainability Director, said the ordinance codifies a commission the council previously discussed in April and that the new body will take over beach preservation responsibilities while also providing oversight and advice on the city’s broader Climate Action Plan and habitat management issues. Staff indicated the commission’s initial schedule would mirror the Beach Preservation Commission for the remainder of the year, with the first meeting scheduled for August 7; commissioners will develop a work plan at their first meetings and can request adjustments to meeting frequency with city management based on workload.

Speakers from environmental organizations supported the move but urged the council and staff to consider meeting frequency and expertise. Vanessa Forsyth of the Carlsbad Sierra Club said the expanded scope “aligns with what environmental sustainability is,” while Kathleen Steindelberger, a former Beach Preservation Commissioner, urged monthly meetings rather than the current every‑other‑month schedule to avoid long gaps without commission attention.

Councilmembers praised staff and past councilmembers who advanced the commission concept. The council voted unanimously to introduce and adopt the ordinance establishing the commission.

Staff will return with the commission’s work plan for council review and the city manager said special meetings could be scheduled if workload requires.","Council introduced and adopted code changes to replace the Beach Preservation Commission with a new Environmental Sustainability Commission, expanding scope to include open space, climate action and beach preservation; the council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6554894,"Carlsbad adopts FY 2025–26 budget, opts to prepay CalPERS bill and asks staff for turf and trail analyses",5413,5155000,10568000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3869072-6c8d68c594f6568f1dbb8215abcff494&start=5155&end=10568","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3869072-6c8d68c594f6568f1dbb8215abcff494/thumbnail_5155000.jpg","/articles/6554894/Carlsbad/San-Diego-County/California/Carlsbad-adopts-FY-202526-budget-opts-to-prepay-CalPERS-bill-and-asks-staff-for-turf-and-trail-analyses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554894-254a5de2baa03c7dd66916fa79da8c11/orig.mp4?Expires=1775196086&Signature=VQplCg-wRptIFhE0pBh2bC3Kreduj2h1P~kvyMtFKyeBDrfqa1AnTNJ7Y~bwo3IijPsmK~Im-CCoxIzl7Vp4KyMq1Au0oCA7IkXmHWi0swynwA~pzkD~69E1orB7Ek7zW7bP-nHJaEI9WDOQLui0uBovHS2VRw8BMUrJ-3wZIIYOc27kg2kYRRipnU6Q-juyh8WFOBz4RV0Hpd2X1jwr1C-W0kH8Woxo~aIh1UiIJ0nvfliA2ntPl5DqtG3vcIakUV9LKKggP4gbjS1T0O119LxOmapQfCxZB91hmUXpSA8TNrf4T1x2JklmoD8FNN-AtW9rgaJftPPBaAZN5S8dKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Carlsbad City Council adopted the city’s FY 2025–26 operating budget, strategic digital transformation plan and capital improvement program, and approved a one‑time decision to prepay the city’s CalPERS unfunded actuarial liability (UAL) payment for fiscal year 2026.

Deputy City Manager Laura Rocha and Finance Director Zach Korach presented the budget and a five‑year forecast showing the General Fund reserves projected to increase to about 61% (about $147 million), above the city’s 40% target. The budget package includes a 1.8% general fund increase, $2.6 million for a front‑line ladder fire truck, funding to reclassify EMTs to paramedic firefighters, investments in climate action measures, funds for additional Sunday library hours, and allocations for capital projects including Veterans Memorial Park and the Orion Center.

The council took separate action on how to pay the city’s annual CalPERS contribution. CalPERS offers a 3% discount for an upfront prepayment of the unfunded liability; staff recommended monthly payments because of market volatility. City Treasurer Christian Peacocks urged prepayment, saying it “will save the city over $600,000” and improves long‑term finances by reducing the unfunded liability. After discussion, the council voted to prepay the UAL and reduce budget authority accordingly; staff said the motion will free roughly $600,000 in one‑time budget authority in FY26.

The budget hearing drew an hour and a half of public comment on synthetic turf, park rangers and trail work. Multiple speakers urged the council to reconsider planned synthetic turf replacements in the capital program, citing environmental and health concerns and urging a comparative life‑cycle analysis of synthetic turf versus natural grass options. Speakers included Diane Wilkie (Safe Healthy Playing Fields), Vanessa Forsyth (Carlsbad Sierra Club), Mike McMahon, and others who asked the council to delay synthetic turf replacement contracts until staff completes a study of environmental, health and lifecycle cost impacts. Parks Director Kyle Lancaster told the council staff previously completed a turf cost and health comparison in 2019 and intends to update that analysis and bring plans and specifications back to council in mid‑fall before contracts are awarded.

Several speakers and conservation groups also asked for more park rangers to patrol open space and trails. The police chief confirmed the city’s two current rangers are stretched thin; adding two additional rangers was discussed. The council debated adding one ranger in FY26 and whether to use any prepayment savings for that purpose. A motion to add one ranger at this meeting failed 3–2. Councilmembers acknowledged the need for more ranger staffing but also noted the city recently budgeted for six new sworn personnel in the police department.

Council also heard requests to accelerate work on the Agua Hedionda South Shore trail segments. Staff said the project timeline is tied to approvals from the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the Coastal Commission; PUC approval could take three to five years, so staff recommended phased design, environmental and preliminary work that could be carried out without risking funds on sections that depend on external approvals.

After the public hearing and discussion, the council adopted the resolutions to approve the FY 2025–26 budget package. City staff will return with: (1) an updated comparative analysis of synthetic turf and natural grass alternatives when the first turf replacement project (Poinsettia Community Park) is brought forward in mid‑fall; (2) a plan for the Agua Hedionda South Shore trail funding and timing; and (3) clarification of ongoing staffing needs for rangers versus sworn positions.","Carlsbad City Council adopted the FY 2025–26 operating and capital budgets, voted to prepay the annual CalPERS unfunded liability payment for a one‑time savings, and directed staff to return with comparative analyses on synthetic turf replacements and trail projects after extended public comment.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6554899,"Carlsbad Council orders removal of temporary domes, asks staff to design non‑roundabout options for Kelly and Park drives",2869,2270000,5139000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3869072-6c8d68c594f6568f1dbb8215abcff494&start=2270&end=5139","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3869072-6c8d68c594f6568f1dbb8215abcff494/thumbnail_2270000.jpg","/articles/6554899/Carlsbad/San-Diego-County/California/Carlsbad-Council-orders-removal-of-temporary-domes-asks-staff-to-design-nonroundabout-options-for-Kelly-and-Park-drives","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554899-b1c067b51c1887208eb44a6dc8c743f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775196086&Signature=G0430iIiOuZoMLIHaGzIBze0PYJOWcWgabiHj3qhEwCR1E0yjrXpM6VZYnOrF8RI2nsQRb3XgXUbxSQDBEGjXMRUi-a6i4vEHofrOQ2uMt5MPPbyC81-wwZZxkcAvIs3F6-XiEmCg3heN04d-p-7bEItSNKCsz5rLLkI5fsDnxZVY2dn5awepsuvooFekMzA6snhS7BYMkhSOk7RTpyD6h7EOh52w4XEVRhj0cMkWk~UphOj~16hjYICc2NL8ZDSEa3HQURX2EKt9PilM8WAlt2ul5snwGHWDN3nlY481Y-E96QOwm--WQMnVfZMCyXKn18ejoMBWnXUpEya-gr7hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Carlsbad City Council voted unanimously to remove the interim ceramic dome traffic circles on Kelly Drive this summer and asked staff to develop alternate long‑term designs that exclude roundabouts.

The council approved two actions: immediate near‑term changes to remove the ceramic domes, restripe and repave the roadway while school is out of session, and a direction to develop and return with alternate design concepts that do not include roundabouts. The council also indicated support for considering “all‑way” stop control and additional pedestrian crossings as part of near‑term safety improvements.

The issue drew more than a dozen speakers and extended discussion. Tom Frank, the city’s Transportation Director and City Engineer, reviewed the three options before the council: (1) proceed with the currently designed project that includes two roundabouts at Kelly & Hillside and Kelly & Park, buffered bike lanes and pedestrian improvements; (2) direct staff to develop alternate concepts without roundabouts; and (3) a near‑term package to remove the interim traffic circles, restripe, repave and add all‑way stops. Frank said the near‑term work could be completed this summer with a change order and fund transfer.

Residents who live on or near Kelly Drive described daily speeding, blocked driveways during school pickup and concerns about collision risk around the temporary domes. Kevin Fisher, who lives at 4875 Kelly Drive, told the council he watches the intersection for eight hours a day and called the intersection “really dangerous” because drivers coming off El Camino Real often do not slow from 55 to 25 mph. Crossing guard Sheila O’Neil, who said she stood at Hillside and Kelly throughout the school year, said: “it is a mess. It is truly a mess,” and described children and bikes mixing with traffic at pick‑up times.

Not all speakers supported removing roundabouts. Some residents and a few commenters favored roundabouts or other traffic calming features, and several speakers urged more comprehensive bike and trail connections along Park Drive. Steve Linke, a resident who previously served on the Traffic Mobility Commission, said roundabouts present conflicts for pedestrians and cyclists because there is no full stop control and bike lanes often terminate before roundabout entries.

Councilmembers repeatedly cited safety near Kelly Elementary School as a priority. Councilmember Shin moved to adopt the near‑term improvements (removal of domes, restriping and all‑way stops) and also supported staff returning with non‑roundabout alternatives; the motion was seconded and the council voted to approve options 2 and 3. The council’s vote reinstated more conventional traffic control and ordered staff to prepare alternate designs without roundabouts for future council consideration.

City staff said they will perform the near‑term work while school is out of session and will return with design alternatives and recommended crosswalk locations for council review. Tom Frank also said staff will study connectivity beyond the project limits to better link Park Drive trail gaps to the coast.

The council’s action leaves open the longer design question: staff will bring back alternative designs that aim to address resident safety and connectivity concerns without roundabouts, and the council will decide whether to authorize final design and construction funding at a later meeting.

Votes at a glance: the council approved the near‑term change order and directed staff to develop alternate concepts without roundabouts; the motion passed unanimously.","After months of public concern about safety and traffic near Kelly Elementary School, Carlsbad City Council voted to remove the interim ceramic dome traffic circles this summer and directed staff to develop alternate designs that do not include roundabouts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council declines to advance Neighborhood Voices constitutional amendment without more details after hours of public testimony

Resident objects to June start date for new street‑sweeping contract; council approves consent calendar

Carlsbad establishes Environmental Sustainability Commission, rolling in Beach Preservation duties

Carlsbad adopts FY 2025–26 budget, opts to prepay CalPERS bill and asks staff for turf and trail analyses

Carlsbad Council orders removal of temporary domes, asks staff to design non‑roundabout options for Kelly and Park drives