CA Review CKM
Meeting Date: June 24, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Geoff Patnoe, City Manager
Staff Contact: Morgen Fry, Assistant City Clerk
[email protected], 442-339-2819
Subject: Mayoral Appointment of Two Members to the Beach Preservation Commission
Districts: All
Rec
ommended Action
Adopt resolutions appointing two members to the Beach Preservation Commission.
Executive Summary
The City Council is being asked to appoint two members to the Beach Preservation Commission.
The Beach Preservation Commission may investigate, research and make recommendations to the City Council and the City Manager on general coastal topics, studies, and programs, including, but not limited to protecting and enhancing the shoreline, preventing beach erosion and preserving and maintaining beaches for the safety and optimum enjoyment of the public.
The Beach Preservation Commission consists of seven members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. Members must be residents of Carlsbad and normally serve four- year terms, unless appointed to fill an unexpired term.
Explanation & Analysis
Commissioner Cynthia Norall was appointed to the Beach Preservation Commission in January 2023 to fill the unscheduled vacancy of Commissioner Robert Ingersoll for a term ending June 2025. Commissioner Norall is eligible for reappointment.
Commissioner Lisa Stark was appointed to the Beach Preservation Commission in June 2021 to fill the expired term of Commissioner Tim O’Malley for a term ending June 2025. Commissioner Stark is eligible for reappointment.
On April 22, 2025, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-088, approving the transition of the Beach Preservation Commission to the Environmental Sustainability Commission, effective July 24, 2025. As a part of this transition, the two scheduled vacancies being considered for appointment will have a shortened 18-month term that will expire December 2026 to help transition the positions terms to coincide with the Mayor’s term. According to Carlsbad Municipal Code 2.15.060(A)(1), if a member has been appointed to serve a term of June 24, 2025
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Docusign Envelope ID: 3750AA27-AABE-4CF9-96C1-42951FEAC2A0 less than two years, the member may be reappointed to serve on the same board or commission for up to two full terms.
The City Clerk’s Office received 21 applications from residents wishing to serve on the Beach Preservation Commission. In keeping with City Council Policy No. 88, the Mayor has chosen the following applicants to advance in the process and interview with the full City Council:
• Cynthia Norall – District 1 (seeking reappointment)
• Craig Nowakowski – District 2
E
xhibit 3 contains the applications of the applicants moving forward in the interview process.
The Maddy Act (California Government Code Sections 54970-54974) requires that on or before December 31 of each year the legislative body must prepare a Local Appointments List, which contains the appointive terms of Board and Commission members that will expire in the next calendar year. The name of the incumbent appointee, the date of appointment and the term expiration date is also included on the list. Based on the prepared list, the City Clerk’s Office accepts applications (available on the city’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office) for any upcoming vacancies.
The current members of the Beach Preservation Commission are:
Commissioner District
Michael Corrigan 1
Cynthia Norall 1
Chris Woolsey 2
Bryn Evans 3
Lisa Stark 3
Lawrence Rothman 3
Liam Ferguson 4
Me
mbers of the Beach Preservation Commission are subject to the provisions of California’s Political Reform Act of 1974 and must file statements of economic interest each year, complete ethics training and sexual harassment prevention training every two years.
Fiscal Analysis
This action has no financial impact.
Next Steps
Following the appointment of two members to the Beach Preservation Commission, the City Clerk’s Office will update the commission’s roster and coordinate the oath of office and the filing of the appointees’ statements of economic interest, ethics training certificate and workplace harassment prevention training.
Environmental Evaluation
This action does not require environmental review because it does not constitute a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under California Public Resources Code Section 21065 in that it has no potential to cause either a direct physical June 24, 2025
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change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
Exhibits
1. City Council resolution
2. City Council resolution
3. Applications received from residents advancing to the interview process June 24, 2025
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RESOLUTION NO. 2025-157
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE BEACH PRESERVATION
COMMISSION
WHEREAS, Commissioner Cynthia Norall was appointed to the Beach Preservation Commission in January 2023 to fill the unscheduled vacancy of Commissioner Robert Ingersoll for a term ending June
2025; and
WHEREAS, on April 22, 2025, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025 -088 a pproving the transition of the Beach Preservation Commission to the Environmental Sustainability Commission, effective July 24, 2025; and
WHEREAS, as a part of this transition, the two scheduled vacancies being considered for appointment will have a shortened 18-m onth term that will expire December 2026 to help transi
tion the positions terms to coincide with the Mayor’s term; and WHEREAS, according to Carlsbad Municipal Code 2.15.060(A)(1), if a member has been appointed to serve a term of less than two years, the member may be reappointed to serve on the same bo
ard or commission for up to two full terms; and
WHERE
AS, Commissioner Norall is eligible for reappointment; and WHEREAS, a scheduled vacancy on the Beach Preservation Commission exists.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. That the following Carlsbad resident is appointed to serve on the Beach Preservation Commission, for a term ending in December 2026, to coincide with the Mayor’s term, or until a replacement is appointed:
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Cynthia Norall
Docusign Envelope ID: 3750AA27-AABE-4CF9-96C1-42951FEAC2A0 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular M eeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on t he 24th day of June, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Shin.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None.
_______
_______________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
_______
_______________________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
June 24, 2025
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Exhibit 2
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-158
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE BEACH PRESERVATION
COMMISSION
WHEREAS, Commissioner Lisa Stark was ap pointed to the Beach Prese rvation Commission in June 2021 to fill the expired term of Commissioner Tim O’Malley for a term ending June 2025; and WHER
EAS, on April 22, 2025, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025 -088 appr oving the transition of the Beach Preservation Commission to the Environmental Sustainability Commission, effective July 24, 2025; and
WHEREAS, as a part of this transition, the two scheduled vacancies being considered for appointment will have a shortened 18-m onth term that will expire December 2026 to help transition the positions terms to coincide with the Mayor’s term; and WHERE
AS, according to Carlsbad Municipal Code 2.15.060(A)(1), if a member has been appointed to serve a term of less than two years, the member may be reappointed to serve on the same board or commission for up to two full terms; and
WHEREAS,
Commissioner Stark is eligible for reappointment; and
WHEREAS, a scheduled vacancy on the Beach Preservation Commission exists.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. That the following Carlsbad resident is appointed to serve on the Beach Preservation Commission, for a term ending in December 2026, to coincide with the Mayor’s term, or until a replacement is appointed:
June 24, 2025
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Craig Nowakowski
Docusign Envelope ID: 3750AA27-AABE-4CF9-96C1-42951FEAC2A0 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regula r Meeting of the City Council of the City o
f Carlsbad on the 24th day of June, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Shin.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None.
_____________
_________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
____________________
__________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
June 24, 2025
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Boards, Commissions and Committees
Application for Appointment
Agricultural Mitigation Fee
Committee
Arts Commission Beach Preservation
Commission X
Community-Police
Engagement Commission
Historic Preservation
Commission
Housing Commission
Library Board of Trustees Parks & Recreation
Commission
Planning Commission
Senior Commission Traffic Safety & Mobility
Commission
Personal Information
Name
Cynthia Norall
Date of Birth:
Required for Voter Registration Verification
Home Address District No. 1
City ZIP
Primary Phone Secondary Phone
E-mail
Employment Status Retired
Occupation
Employer
Employer Address
Work Phone Mobile
Acknowledgements
Yes No
I am a resident of the City of Carlsbad. X
I am a registered voter in Carlsbad. X
I am willing to file financial disclosure statements. X I am willing to complete two hours of state mandated ethics training every two years. X Are you currently an officer of or employed by the City of Carlsbad? X I am a Citizens Academy graduate. X
I am familiar with the responsibilities of the board/commission/committee(s) on which I wish to serve.
X
I am willing to be interviewed regarding my qualifications for appointment by the City Council or at the request of an individual Council member. X
Are you currently or have you ever been under contract with the City of Carlsbad? If yes, please explain below. X
Exhibit 3
June 24, 2025
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Docusign Envelope ID: 3750AA27-AABE-4CF9-96C1-42951FEAC2A0 Interest
Good morning. I am currently the vice-chair of the Beach Preservation Commission and would like to be reappointed for my second term. I completed another commissioners term and have been on the commission since February, 2023. As a commissioner I have attended our meetings as well as the beach cleanups and SANDAG Shoreline Preservation meetings and have educated myself to issues with sand retention and sand replenishment. I attended the public hearings at Oceanside and am also a member of Scripps Oceanography. Although my profession was as an educational psychologist (with business in the VIllage for 20 years), I am looking to broaden my interests and give back to our beautiful city.
Please describe your educational background
PhD in Educational Psychology, MS in counseling and School Psychology.
Please describe relevant experience
I’m currently the vice chair (see above)
Please describe your current or past community involvement Member of Chamber of Commerce (while I had business in the village), the Carlsbad Village Assn., Volunteered at the Flower Fields and my husband and I donated the scoreboard at the Monroe Street Pool for water polo. Was the co president of the CHS Water Polo booster club. Have had booths at the Carlsbad Street Faire and volunteered for the Carlsbad 5000.
June 24, 2025
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Docusign Envelope ID: 3750AA27-AABE-4CF9-96C1-42951FEAC2A0 Please list all service on boards, commissions or committees, private or public agencies, (including non-profit organizations)
I;ve been on scholarship boards (CA Retired Teachers Assn), and president of the Hoaloha Foundation and Cynthia Norall Foundation
Additional information or comments
Thank you for considering me for reappointment.
Submittal Information
Submit Date: April 9, 2025 9:20 AM
June 24, 2025
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Boards, Commissions and Committees
Application for Appointment
Agricultural Mitigation Fee
Committee Arts Commission Beach Preservation
Commission X
Community-Police
Engagement Commission Historic Preservation
Commission Housing Commission
Library Board of Trustees Parks & Recreation
Commission Planning Commission
Senior Commission Traffic Safety & Mobility
Commission
Personal Information
Name
Craig Nowakowski
Date of Birth:
Required for Voter Registration Verification
Home Address District No. 2
City ZIP
Primary Phone Secondary Phone
E-mail
Employment Status Employed
Occupation Health Care Compliance Manager
Employer Johnson & Johnson
Employer Address
Work Phone Mobile
Acknowledgements
Yes No
I am a resident of the City of Carlsbad. X
I am a registered voter in Carlsbad. X
I am willing to file financial disclosure statements. X I am willing to complete two hours of state mandated ethics training every two years. X Are you currently an officer of or employed by the City of Carlsbad? X I am a Citizens Academy graduate. X
I am familiar with the responsibilities of the board/commission/committee(s) on which I wish to serve.
X
I am willing to be interviewed regarding my qualifications for appointment by the City Council or at the request of an individual Council member. X
Are you currently or have you ever been under contract with the City of Carlsbad? If yes, please explain below. X
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Docusign Envelope ID: 3750AA27-AABE-4CF9-96C1-42951FEAC2A0 Interest
I am interested in serving on the Beach Preservation Commission in part because of my background in coastal protection and commitment to community service. As a retired U.S. Coast Guard LCDR, I have experience in pollution investigations, hazardous container inspections, and port state control assessments, giving me a deep understanding of coastal regulations. Living in Carlsbad, I value our beaches and want to ensure their preservation. My leadership roles with USDA, VHA, and USCIS have strengthened my ability to navigate regulatory frameworks. I also have experience as an ocean lifeguard and volunteer with Girls Inc. and the SF SPCA. My expertise in regulatory policy and environmental compliance will help support responsible beach preservation efforts.
Please describe your educational background
I hold a Doctorate in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University, focusing on policy analysis and decision-making. My Master of Public Health (MPH) from American Public University provided a strong foundation in environmental health and public policy. I also earned an MBA from San Francisco State University and a BA in Public Administration from San Diego State University, equipping me with skills in governance and sustainability. Additionally, I completed a Data Analytics Bootcamp at UC Berkeley, enhancing my ability to analyze environmental data. My education supports a comprehensive approach to beach preservation through policy, sustainability, and public administration.
Please describe relevant experience
I am a retired Coast Guard LCDR with extensive experience in coastal protection and compliance. I conducted pollution investigations, hazardous material inspections, and port state control assessments, ensuring adherence to environmental regulations. My leadership roles as a director with USDA, Chief Compliance Officer with VHA, and manager with USCIS strengthened my ability to navigate regulatory frameworks. I also have eight years of experience as an ocean lifeguard, providing firsthand insight into beach safety. Living in Carlsbad, I am invested in our coastal environment and volunteer with Girls Inc., the SF SPCA, and veteran and youth mentorship programs. My expertise in compliance, public policy, and community engagement makes me a strong fit for the Beach Preservation Commission.
Please describe your current or past community involvement I am actively involved in community service, focusing on mentorship, education, and animal-assisted therapy. I volunteered with Girls Inc., supporting young women’s empowerment and leadership development. I have also mentor veterans and youth, guiding them in career development and life transitions. My SPCA-certified therapy dog, Walker, and I, along with my partner Carolynn, participate in the SF SPCA’s therapy dog program visiting community assisted living facilities. These experiences have deepened my understanding of community needs, reinforcing my commitment to public service and advocacy. My background in environmental outreach and public policy also drives my dedication to preserving Carlsbad’s coastal environment and enhancing community engagement.
June 24, 2025
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Docusign Envelope ID: 3750AA27-AABE-4CF9-96C1-42951FEAC2A0 Please list all service on boards, commissions or committees, private or public agencies, (including non-profit organizations)
HOA President
Additional information or comments
I am currently a Health Care Compliance Manager with Johnson & Johnson Vision, where I ensure regulatory adherence and ethical business practices. My experience across government, corporate, and community sectors has given me a well-rounded perspective on policy, compliance, and public service. I am passionate about environmental conservation, community engagement, and maintaining the integrity of Carlsbad’s beaches. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to the Beach Preservation Commission to help protect and sustain our coastal resources.
Submittal Information
Submit Date: February 12, 2025 10:28 PM
June 24, 2025
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