Miguel Martinez

This strategic plan outlines the Carlsbad Public Library's commitment to being a strong community partner, fostering creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning, while preserving the rich history of its multicultural community. Guided by core values including welcoming, curiosity, collaboration, literacy, freedom, teamwork, and accountability, the plan establishes four key goals: improving community literacy, supporting local economic vitality, enhancing community building through outreach and partnerships, and promoting intergenerational learning through diverse programs and collections. The overarching vision is to cultivate a library environment where imagination and opportunity thrive, ultimately strengthening the community.

The board discussed the formal name change from North Mesa Senior Recreation Center Advisory Board to Cascades Recreation & Wellness Center Advisory Board. A review of past activities was conducted, highlighting the grand opening celebration and a craft class. Discussions regarding future programming included an upcoming sewing workshop and the preparation for the inaugural Spring Craft Fair, which has already reached vendor capacity.

The meeting included an overview of a new Chapter 2 Ordinance regarding board and committee procedures, such as attendance requirements, meeting frequency, and membership limits. The committee held a nomination and vote for the Chair and Vice-Chair positions. Members reviewed upcoming range reservations for a youth hunter education challenge and discussed range improvements, specifically the condition of target beams. Additionally, the committee reviewed maintenance items, including the installation of sidewalks around a new police building and the potential demolition and replacement of restroom facilities.

The commission reviewed a request for a zoning variance regarding a rear setback requirement for a residential property, ultimately approving a ten-foot setback. Additionally, the commission approved a recommendation to the City Council to rezone a property from commercial to residential to align with its current use as a residence. A previously scheduled item regarding temporary housing was removed from the agenda, and there were no summary review subdivisions to report.

The committee held a discussion regarding the new Chapter 2 Ordinance, which includes updates to meeting logistics, attendance requirements, and the maximum number of voting members. The meeting included the nomination and election of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman. The Beautification Coordinator presented the 2026 action list, covering programs such as Carlos the Coyote, litter-free initiatives, household hazardous waste disposal, Adopt-a-Highway programs, and the status of a completed recycling feasibility study. Additionally, the committee reviewed the Keep America Beautiful grant affiliation and received updates on the status of various mural projects and the recent River Blitz event.