Clem Brown

The Shores Park Master Plan outlines design alternatives for the redevelopment and improvement of Shores Park, aiming to create a beautiful, inclusive, and peaceful neighborhood environment. Key focuses include providing diverse recreational opportunities for all ages and pets, integrating the needs of the Winston School, preserving ocean views, and ensuring environmental and economic sustainability. The plan also prioritizes reflecting Del Mar's rich history and culture, developing new or renovated community facilities, and incorporating amenities such as off-leash dog areas, sports fields, and accessible gardens.

This document outlines the City of Del Mar's annual goals and priorities setting workshop, which serves as the foundation for its yearly work plan and resource allocation. The workshop focuses on reviewing the current fiscal year's work plan (FY 2025-26) and establishing new priorities for the upcoming fiscal year (FY 2026-27). Key focus areas include essential services, community development (e.g., housing, planning), infrastructure improvements (e.g., utility undergrounding, bridge replacement, pavement management), financial management, legislative compliance, and environmental initiatives. The primary aim is to define strategic direction and align resources for successful implementation.

The regular meeting included several key actions and discussions. The City Council reviewed and acted upon the Consent Calendar, approving items such as the ratification of the List of Demands and the waiver of ordinance readings. Item pulled for discussion involved awarding the construction contract and related task orders for the Jimmy Durante Boulevard Pavement Rehabilitation Project, capitalizing on favorable market conditions. The Council also authorized an application for State Grant Funds to support the San Dieguito Lagoon Levee, Habitat Enhancement, and Trail Project and approved a task order amendment for Phase 2 design updates for the San Dieguito Drive Improvement Project. Furthermore, an ordinance regulating the digging of hazardous holes on the public beach was adopted, and amendments were made to the Cost Sharing Agreement with the City of Solana Beach for Interim Fire Prevention Staffing. During a public hearing, the Council adopted a resolution declaring the City-owned 10th Street vacant lot as exempt surplus land for lower-income housing development. The Council also adopted resolutions approving the Short-Term Rental Permit Fee structure. Other business included updates on the Undergrounding Program and subcommittee presentations, focusing on cost efficiency and contractor consistency, followed by a discussion and consensus regarding the 2026 City Council Regional and Local Appointments.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting of the City Council included several items for consideration. Key discussion topics involved the approval of contract planning services via an agreement with Civic Solutions, Inc. for the period February 4, 2026, through February 4, 2027. Other significant items included approval of an as-needed housing legal services agreement with Goldfarb & Lipman, LLP for a three-year period; appointments to the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Undergrounding Program Advisory Committee; adoption of a Resolution approving an updated Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP); and authorizing the execution of an Affordable Housing Regulatory Agreement for the Watermark Del Mar project restricting 10 units as long-term affordable housing. Furthermore, the Council was set to interview and appoint a new member to the Design Review Board, authorize the submittal of the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report, review the FY24-25 Final Financial Report and FY25-26 Mid-Year Financial Report, and discuss the updated long-term cash flow analysis for the Undergrounding Program.

Key discussions during the meeting included the discontinuation of the legal services solicitation process, resulting in the continuation of the contract with attorney firm Devaney Pate Morris & Cameron. Community communications addressed topics such as SANDAG representation and a request for a streetlight. Council announcements clarified the schedule for the next Undergrounding Program update. The Consent Calendar involved approvals for numerous items, including the adoption of an ordinance processing administrative corrections to the Municipal Code regarding the 2025 California Green Building Code, approval of the 2026 Legislative Policy Guidelines, adoption of a resolution amending the State Lands Commission Lease No. 8181 for the Camino Del Mar Bridge Replacement Project, authorization to add a Management Analyst position to the Finance Division, receiving the Treasurer's Investment Report for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, and approving compensation adjustments and the second amendment to the City Manager's Employment Agreement. A separate resolution was adopted to authorize the City Manager to set the timing for the Short-Term Rentals (STR) permit process following Coastal Commission certification. The meeting also included the introduction of an ordinance regulating the digging of hazardous holes on the public beach and a discussion regarding preparations and standardization for the 2026 City Council Goals & Priorities Workshop.