Public and commissioners press for transparency; Age-Friendly cover letter tabled and Susie Perry named senior service awardee

Public commenter Rachel Graves told the commission she objected to approving a cover letter related to the Age-Friendly study without the public or commissioners having an accessible copy of the report.

"I highly recommend that you do not approve something that the public doesn't see," Graves said, urging the commission not to finalize a cover letter that many attendees said was not obvious in the posted packet. Staff and several commissioners acknowledged the attachment was available on the agenda packet but said its placement caused confusion; Manager Goodsell said staff could provide copies and that the draft study would be circulated for review.

Commissioner Lord moved to approve the cover letter; several commissioners said they preferred to wait until the full draft study was available and to offer substantive conditions or concurrence before sending materials to City Council. The chair ultimately tabled further action on the cover letter until the May meeting after the commission voted to extend the meeting.

Separately, the ad hoc committee that reviewed 10 nominations recommended Susie Perry for the 2026 Senior Citizen Service Award for sustained volunteer service to Encinitas. Commissioner Caden moved, Commissioner Thunder seconded and the motion passed with six votes in favor and one abstention/recusal by the member of the ad hoc who had a conflict. Staff will notify the recipient and coordinate a City Council presentation, a Rotary luncheon and placement of the winner's name on the senior center plaque.