CA Review CKM
Meeting Date: Oct. 6, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Geoff Patnoe, City Manager
Staff Contact: Jason Haber, Intergovernmental Affairs Director [email protected], 442-339-2958
Subject: Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Carlsbad, the San Diego Association of Governments and the North County Transit District regarding the Carlsbad Village Railroad Trench Project
Districts: All
Rec
ommended Action
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a memorandum of understanding between the San Diego Association of Governments, the City of Carlsbad and the North County Transit District regarding the Carlsbad Village Railroad Trench Project in an amount not to exceed $5,220,000.
Executive Summary
The Carlsbad Strategic Plan includes a strategic objective to work with the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and the North County Transit District (NCTD) to prioritize, determine costs and work with state and federal representatives to seek funding for preliminary design and technical studies for lowering the railroad tracks in the Village.
The city, SANDAG and NCTD executed a prior memorandum of understanding in 2024, which provided a framework for collaboration in pursuing grant funding for the Carlsbad Village Railroad Trench Project and memorialized the city’s commitment to provide up to $5.22 million as a local match for state and federal grants.
The fiscal year 2023-24 city budget appropriated $5.22 million from the General Fund Reserve for this effort, and the budget has been carried forward across fiscal years since then. In addition, the fiscal year 2025-26 federal Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill includes $1 million for the project, which is expected to offset $1 million of the city’s contribution from the General Fund Reserve.
In the SANDAG fiscal year 2026-27 Program Budget, $20.8 million has been appropriated to advance the Carlsbad Village Railroad Trench Project. With city, federal and SANDAG funding secured, the preliminary engineering and environmental clearance phase of the project is now fully funded.
Oct. 6, 2026
Item #8 Page 1 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: D0F441A1-AE7E-8F81-80F5-C2E8C8CE960D This memorandum of understanding will establish a framework for the city, SANDAG and NCTD to fund and work collaboratively to complete preliminary (30%) design, technical studies and environmental clearance for the Carlsbad Village Railroad Trench Project.
SANDAG is responsible for planning, programming and implementing regional transportation infrastructure projects in San Diego County. NCTD owns and operates the railroad segment that passes through Carlsbad Village and the Barrio neighborhoods of Carlsbad. The city, SANDAG and NCTD all support lowering the railroad tracks through this segment, and SANDAG and NCTD are prepared to execute the proposed memorandum of understanding, subject to final negotiations concerning the schedule for disbursement of city funds and approval by the SANDAG Board of Directors.
The memorandum of understanding provides that:
• SANDAG will engage the consultants necessary to complete the project’s 30% design and environmental clearance.
• The City of Carlsbad will reimburse SANDAG for project costs in an amount not to exceed $1,740,000 per fiscal year, or a total of $5,220,000. • NCTD will support SANDAG in advancing the design and environmental phases of the project, among other provisions.
Explanation & Analysis
The Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo rail corridor, which runs through Carlsbad, is the second busiest intercity rail corridor in the nation, playing a critical role in the movement of people and goods in Southern California. The rail corridor currently operates at or near its design capacity, resulting in rail congestion. Improvements to the corridor are needed to accommodate regional transportation capacity needs. Adding a second track has been identified as the primary means of increasing capacity throughout the corridor.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration approved the rail corridor improvements program proposed by the California Department of Transportation in 2009, at the initial programmatic phase of environmental review.
One component of the approved corridor improvements program, the Carlsbad Village Railroad Trench Project, encompasses the rail segment between Oceanside, just south of Eaton Street, over the Buena Vista Lagoon and through Carlsbad Village and the Barrio. The project consists of installing double tracks in this segment, along with improvements to the Carlsbad Village Coaster Station necessary to accommodate the second track and the building of a new bridge over the Buena Vista lagoon.
The Federal Railroad Administration’s decision identified two potential alignment options for this segment, including double-tracking the current tracks (street-level option) or lowering them below the street level in a trench (lowered tracks option). The decision stated that all alignment options should be carried forward for project-level analysis before any final alignment decisions are made.
Thirty percent of the design for the street-level option has been completed, and the Federal Railroad Administration completed environmental review for that alignment in 2019.
Oct. 6, 2026
Item #8 Page 2 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: D0F441A1-AE7E-8F81-80F5-C2E8C8CE960D Ten percent of the design for the lowered tracks option, the long trench alternative, has been completed. Additional work is needed to complete the recommended project-level analysis, including continuing the project’s design to 30% complete and completing the environmental review phase.
The city, SANDAG and NCTD are interested in completing the recommended project-level analysis for the long trench alternative to address safety, traffic, environmental, economic and quality of life concerns throughout the railroad segment.
Fiscal Analysis
The City Council authorized an appropriation of $5.22 million from the General Fund Reserve to be used as a local match to fund the Carlsbad Village Railroad Trench Project on June 13, 2023 (Resolution No. 2023-161), and the budget has been carried forward across fiscal years since then. The proposed memorandum of understanding states that the city agrees to provide up to $5.22 million in funding from the city’s General Fund Reserve to reimburse SANDAG for project costs subject to SANDAG providing documentation adequately supporting the claimed reimbursement amount and provided SANDAG has complied with the requirements of the memorandum of understanding. Carlsbad will retain exclusive control over appropriated funds, until such time as the funding is ready to be spent on approved project costs.
Environmental Evaluation
The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(2) & (5) and does not require environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) as it is a government organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
Next Steps
If the City Council adopts the resolution, the City Manager will finalize negotiations and execute a memorandum of understanding with SANDAG and NCTD regarding the Carlsbad Village Railroad Trench Project. The SANDAG Board of Directors is expected to consider approval of the memorandum of understanding by the end of 2026. Upon receiving Board approval, SANDAG will engage the necessary consultants to complete the project’s preliminary engineering, technical studies and environmental clearance in preparation for future construction.
Exhibit
1. City Council resolution
Oct. 6, 2026
Item #8 Page 3 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: D0F441A1-AE7E-8F81-80F5-C2E8C8CE960D Exhibit 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-193
A R
ESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE SAN
DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS, THE CITY OF CARLSBAD AND THE
NORTH COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT REGARDING THE CARLSBAD VILLAGE RAILROAD TRENCH PROJECT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $5,220,000 WH
EREAS, the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo rail corridor is transitioning to a double- track corridor to address growing congestion and regional transportation capacity needs; and WHEREAS, the Los Angeles To San Diego Proposed Rail Corridor Improvements Program includes constructing 1.1 miles of a second main railroad track in the segment from southern Oceanside through Carlsbad Village and the Barrio neighborhoods of Carlsbad; and WHEREAS, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is responsible for planning, programming, and implementing regional transportation infrastructure projects in San Diego County; and
WHEREAS, the North County Transit District (NCTD) owns and operates the railroad segment that passes through Carlsbad Village and the Barrio neighborhoods of Carlsbad; and WHEREAS, Resolution No. 2014-268, updated the city’s legislative platform to support double- tracking of the rail corridor within city limits in a way that minimizes impacts to the environment and the community, improves coastal access and neighborhood connections and enhances local economic vibrancy by eliminating or reducing at-grade rail crossings within the corridor; and WHEREAS, the Carlsbad Strategic Plan (2023- 2027) includes a strategic objective to work with SANDAG and NCTD to prioritize, determine costs, and work with state and federal representatives to seek funding for preliminary design and technical studies for lowering the railroad tracks in the Village; and
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 2023-161 authorized an appropriation of $5,220,000 from the city’s General Fund Reserve to be utilized as a local match to secure grant s to fund the Carlsbad Village Railroad Trench project: and
WHEREAS, $20.8 million has been appropriated in SANDAG’s FY 2026-27 Program Budget to advance the Carlsbad Village Railroad Trench Project; and WHEREAS, the City of Carlsbad, SANDAG , and NCTD wish to work collaboratively to complete the project’s preliminary (30%) design, technical studies and environmental review.
Oct. 6, 2026
Item #8 Page 4 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: D0F441A1-AE7E-8F81-80F5-C2E8C8CE960D NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as f
ollows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. Tha
t the proposed action is not a “project” as defined by California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(2) & (5) and does not require environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) as it is a government organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
3. That the City Manager is authorized to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the San Diego Association of Governments, the City of Carlsbad, and North County Transit District for the 30% project design and environmental review work for the Carlsbad Village Railroad Trench Project in substantially the form presented in Attachment A.
4. That, subject to review and approval as to form by the City Attorney’s Office, the City Manager is authorized to approve cost -neutral amendments to the MOU necessary to achieve the objectives of completing the 30% project design and environmental review work and ensuring the city’s contribution of $5,220,000 is prudently spent.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the 6th day of October, 2026, 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)
Oct. 6, 2026
Item #8 Page 5 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: D0F441A1-AE7E-8F81-80F5-C2E8C8CE960D
1 ME
MORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS, CITY OF CARLSBAD,
AND NORTH COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT
REGARDING THE CARLSBAD VILLAGE RAILROAD TRENCH PROJECT
SANDAG CONTRACT NO. XXXXXXXX
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is made and entered into effective as of the last signature date below, by and between the San Diego Association of Governments (“SANDAG”) , the City of Carlsbad (“Carlsbad”), and North County Transit District (“NCTD”), collectively referred to as the “Parties.”
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) rail corridor has served the region for over 130 years as a single-track corridor; and WHEREAS, the LOSSAN rail corridor is transitioning to a double-track corridor to address growing congestion and regional transportation capacity needs; and WHEREAS, the preferred alternative evaluated in the Los Angeles To San Diego Proposed Rail Corridor Improvements Program Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Impact Statement (PEIR/EIS, 2009) includes two rail improvement and alignment options for constructing 1.1 miles of a second main railroad track in the segment from southern Oceanside through Carlsbad Village and the Barrio neighborhood of Carlsbad; and
WHEREAS, the two options include double-tracking through Carlsbad in the existing rail alignment either at-grade or grade-separated in a trench; and WHEREAS, the Record of Decision regarding the PEIR/EIS states that all the projects and alignment options listed in the Summary of Final Rail Improvements Options should be carried forward for project-level analysis prior to making alignment option decisions; and WHEREAS, SANDAG and Carlsbad completed the Carlsbad Village Double Track – Railroad Trench Alternative Economic Analysis and Feasibility Study in January 2017, which considered two design alternatives for the grade-separated alignment option, referred to as the Short Trench Alternative and Long Trench Alternative; and
WHEREAS, SANDAG and Carlsbad completed the Final Alternative Analysis Report in April 2020, which compared the two grade-separated design alternatives and concluded that the Long Trench Alternative scored highest because it provided the most benefit based on the analysis criteria developed by the project team, which included the Parties’ representatives; and WHEREAS, the design for the segment’s at-grade alignment option has been completed to 30% and federal environmental review for that alignment has been completed through the issuance of a Finding of No Significant Impact by the Federal Railroad Administration in May 2019; and WHEREAS, the design for the Long Trench Alternative - grade-separated alignment option for the railroad segment that passes through Carlsbad Village and the Barrio neighborhoods of Carlsbad - Attachment A
Oct. 6, 2026
Item #8 Page 6 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: D0F441A1-AE7E-8F81-80F5-C2E8C8CE960D 2 (“Project”) has been completed to 10%, and federal environmental review of the Project has not been completed; and
WHEREAS, the final Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 SANDAG Program Budget includes $20,800,000 in State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funding, and Carlsbad’s FY 2027 city budget includes $5,220,000 to complete the recommended project-level analysis, including the Project’s 30% design and environmental review phase; and
WHEREAS, these allocations are expected to provide sufficient funding to complete the recommended project-level analysis; and
WHEREAS, the Parties are interested in completing the recommended project-level analysis for the Project, including continuing the Project’s design to 30% and completing the environmental review phase of the Project to address safety, traffic, environmental, economic, and quality of life concerns throughout the railroad segment; and
WHEREAS, the Project is located in the NCTD-owned and operated railroad right-of-way; and WHEREAS, Carlsbad’s current strategic plan identifies Carlsbad’s intent to work with SANDAG and NCTD to prioritize, determine costs, and work with state and federal representatives to seek funding for preliminary design and technical studies for the Project as a strategic objective; and WHEREAS, the Parties wish to memorialize their agreement in this MOU to carry out the purposes set forth above.
AGREEMENT
N OW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises set forth herein, the Parties agree as follows:
SANDAG AGREES:
1. To coordinate with NCTD and Carlsbad on the project-level analysis of the Project and to pursue env
ironmental clearance for the Project consistent with local, state and federal environmental laws, as
applicable.
2. To engage the consultants necessary to complete the Project’s 30% design and environmental clearance. SANDAG will maintain management and control of the consultants retained to prepare t
he design documents, technical studies, and environmental documentation required under CEQA and/or NEPA (collectively, working documents).
3. SANDAG shall ensure that the Parties are afforded a reasonable period of time to provide comments or suggestions on all working documents and final reports (which shall be no less t han
f
orty (40) calendar days of receiving access to said documents) unless a longer period of time is requested in writing by a party and such longer time period can be accommodated in the project schedule as determined by SANDAG. SANDAG will review and consider the Parties’ timely - submitted comments. SANDAG is not obligated to incorporate comments into the worki ng doc
uments, however, should SANDAG reject a substantive comment it will provide a reason for t he r
ejection.
Oct. 6, 2026
Item #8 Page 7 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: D0F441A1-AE7E-8F81-80F5-C2E8C8CE960D 3 4. The work product created by consultants, or any other entity engaged by SANDAG pursuant to this Agreement, shall be jointly owned by both SANDAG and Carlsbad. While the Parties will work cooperatively and in good faith in reviewing and providing input on the work product created by consultants, SANDAG retains ultimate responsibility and approval authority for all final documents.
5. To lead the preparation and submittal of federal, state, and non-governmental grant applications, if needed, and to serve as lead agency when deemed appropriate by the Parties, for grants to be pursued for the Project.
6. Neither Carlsbad nor NCTD, nor any officer thereof is responsible for any damage or liability occurring by reason of anything done or omitted to be done by SANDAG under or in connecti on w
ith any work, authority or jurisdiction delegated to SANDAG under this MOU. It is understood and agreed that, pursuant to Government Code Section 895.4, SANDAG shall fully defend, indemnify and save harmless Carlsbad and NCTD, all officials (appointed and elected), officers and emp
loyees from all claims, suits, or actions of every name, kind, and description brought for or on ac
count of injury (as that term is defined in Government Code Section 810.8) occurring by reason of
anything done or omitted to be done by SANDAG under or in connection with any work, authority, or jurisdiction delegated to SANDAG under this MOU.
CARLSBAD AGREES:
7. To reimburse SANDAG for Project costs in an amount not to exceed $1,740,000 per fiscal year beginning in fiscal year 2026-2027, or a total of $5,220,000, within 60 days of submittal to Carlsbad of a request for reimbursement and documentation adequately supporting the claimed r
eimbursement amount, provided SANDAG has complied with the requirements of this MOU.
C
arlsbad will retain exclusive control over appropriated funds, until such time as the funding is ready for disbursement to SANDAG for approved Project costs.
8. T
o support SANDAG with the design and environmental phases of the Project.
9. Neither SANDAG nor NCTD, nor any officer thereof is responsible for any damage or liability occurring by reason of anything done or omitted to be done by Carlsbad under or in connection with any work, authority, or jurisdiction delegated to Carlsbad under this MOU. It is understood and agr
eed that, pursuant to Government Code Section 895.4, Carlsbad shall fully defend, indemnify, and save harmless SANDAG and NCTD, all officials (appointed and elected), officers, and emp
loyees from all claims, suits, or actions of every name, kind, and description brought for or on ac
count of injury (as that term is defined in Government Code Section 810.8) occurring by reas on of
anything done or omitted to be done by Carlsbad under or in connection with any work, authority, or jurisdiction delegated to Carlsbad under this MOU.
NCTD AGREES:
10. To support SANDAG with the 30% design and environmental phases of the Project. An exhibit A will be executed between SANDAG and NCTD to outline the work effort and reimbursement costs to NCTD.
11. Neither SANDAG nor Carlsbad, nor any officer thereof is responsible for any damage or liability occurring by reason of anything done or omitted to be done by NCTD under or in connection with any work, authority, or jurisdiction delegated to NCTD under this MOU. It is understood and agree d
t
hat, pursuant to Government Code Section 895.4, NCTD shall fully defend, indemnify, and save Oct. 6, 2026
Item #8 Page 8 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: D0F441A1-AE7E-8F81-80F5-C2E8C8CE960D 4 harmless SANDAG and Carlsbad, all officials (appointed and elected) officers, and employees from all claims, suits, or actions of every name, kind, and description brought for or on account of injury (as that term is defined in Government Code Section 810.8) occurring by reason of anything done or omitted to be done by NCTD under or in connection with any work, authority, or jurisdiction delegated to NCTD under this MOU.
THE PARTIES MUTUALLY AGREE:
12. To work collaboratively to identify potential grant opportunities, if needed, including participation i n meet
ings to discuss identified grants for the Project and designate the appropriate lead agency for the grant application.
13. To provide full access to and opportunity to provide comments, information, and suggestions on all consultant work and grant applications, including working documents and final versions. The final consultant work product, grant application and supporting materials shall be provided by SANDAG to the Parties.
14. That when additional funding for the Project is secured, to develop another agreement that outlines roles and responsibilities between the Parties for the next phase(s) of Project development a nd
how
funding will be utilized.
15. That all obligations of the Parties under the terms of this MOU are subject to the appropriation of the required resources by their respective governing bodies.
16. Any notice required or permitted under this MOU may be personally served on the other party, by the party giving notice, or may be served by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the followi ng addr
esses:
For SANDAG For Carlsbad For NCTD
1011 Union Street, Suite
400
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive 810 Mission Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101 Carlsbad, CA 92008 Oceanside, CA 92054 Attn: Tim DeWitt Attn: Jason Haber Attn: Tyler Sepulveda
17. That unless it is amended by the Parties in writing, this MOU shall terminate on June 30, 2031, or on such earlier or later date as the Parties may agree to in writing.
18. In accordance with Public Utilities Code section 132354.1(b)(4), the California Public Records Act , and/
or Carlsbad’s Records Retention Schedule, as is relevant to the local agency, the P arties shall mai
ntain and make available for inspection all books, documents, papers, accounting records, emails and other records pertaining to the performance of the Agreement. All Parties shall make s
uch materials available at their respective offices at all reasonable times during the MOU peri od and f
or three years from the date of final payment under the MOU.
19. The indemnification provisions of this MOU shall survive termination of the MOU.
20. This MOU shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California. If any action is brought to interpret or enforce any term of this MOU, the action shall be brought in a state or federal court situated in the County of San Diego, State of California.
Oct. 6, 2026
Item #8 Page 9 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: D0F441A1-AE7E-8F81-80F5-C2E8C8CE960D 5 21. All terms, conditions, and provisions hereof shall inure to and shall bind each of the P arties hereto, and each of their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns.
22. For purposes of this MOU, the relationship of the Parties is that of independent entities and not as agents of each other or as joint ventures or partners. The Parties shall maintain sole and exclusive control over their personnel, agents, consultants, and operations.
23. No alteration or variation of the terms of this MOU shall be valid unless made in writing and signed by the Parties, and no oral understanding or agreement not incorporated into the MOU shall be binding on any of the Parties.
24. Nothing in the provisions of this MOU is intended to create duties or obligations to or rights in third parties to this MOU or affect the legal liability of the Parties to this MOU.
25. This MOU may be executed in any number of identical counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument when each party has signed one such counterpart.
26. This MOU may be executed and delivered by electronic signature.
[signatures on following page]
Oct. 6, 2026
Item #8 Page 10 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: D0F441A1-AE7E-8F81-80F5-C2E8C8CE960D 6 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this MOU effective as of the last date a party provides an electronic signature below.
SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF
GOVERNMENTS
CITY OF CARLSBAD
DAVID CORTEZ
Director of Engineering and Construction
GEOFF PATNOE
City Manager
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Office of General Counsel City Attorney
NORTH COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT
SHAWN M. DONAGHY
Chief Executive Officer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Lori Winfree
Deputy Chief Executive Officer/Chief General
Counsel
Oct. 6, 2026
Item #8 Page 11 of 11
Docusign Envelope ID: D0F441A1-AE7E-8F81-80F5-C2E8C8CE960D 1 Morgen Fry
From: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Issues
-----Original Message-----
From: Sally Numrich <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, October 3, 2026 2:49 PM
To: Council Internet Email <[email protected]>
Subject: Issues
Sent from my iPad
I have been receiving questions for people on the council and during this election. Concerns in our city….
As usual AIRPORT! I don’t understand why you as our council are not fighting for us. I am so very tired hearing that I am NIMBY. No so. We bought our house in 1997very aware of the airport. And the park and the coming school.
None of the noise, lights and traffic has ever been an issue for us until bigger and bigger planes started using the airport. This airport was never supposed to have jets. It was always a little airport for little single engine planes.
There was never a noise issue when our children were little, thank goodness. Planes leaving as early as they do and as late as they do would have been very disruptive to their sleep. But now it’s disruptive to us seniors now. We didn’t ask for this and this was never in the mix for this airport. We can’t have conversations in our backyard, I can’t hear my walking friends when walking on Palamor Airport Road, I can’t hear the birds in the park with the jet noise all daylong. You as the city council can make this stop. This airport is supposed to under our city control. Please, start doing your job and fighting for us little guys.
And railroad tracks? What are you thinking continuing to spend money on a project, no one wants. Lowering the tracks? Why? For what reason? Shouldn’t every city along the coast be spending money on keeping the tracks usable. The tracks are going to end up in the ocean in multiple places along the line. Shouldn’t we be figuring out how to keep this very important rail line open? Who cares if the crossing gates come down across streets. If this line falls into the ocean anywhere along the coast, all this money we are currently spending will be for nothing.
There will no tracks. Please get together with everyone and figure that out before we continue to funnel money into a project with no future and no support from residents in the city. Can’t you think of something better to do with all this money for this project that no one wants.
Please, help me understand why these 2 issues are so not important to all of you and it is to oh so many of us.
Sincerely,
Sally Numrich 8
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All Receive - Agenda Item #_____
For the Information of the:
CITY COUNCIL
Date: ___________ CA ____ CC____
CM ____ ACM ____ DCM (3) ____
8 10/06/2026 x x
x x x
1 Morgen Fry
From: Mary Lucid <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 5, 2026 7:21 PM
To: Geoff Patnoe; Council Internet Email; City Clerk; Sheila Cobian Subject: Comment on Item 8 for October 6,2026 City Council meeting Dear Concerned Citizens: please vote no on item number 8 to spend over 5 million on a trench project to lower the train tracks. Most people like seeing the trains and the wait are short usually to get across the tracks. Could this money be better spent on improving the Senior Center or building affordable housing for the community? Seems like a better use of the money to help people in the area. We have waited this long without the trench project so spend the money to help people in the community. Respectfully submitted, Mary Lucid 쎷쎳쎴쎵쎸뤹뤺쎶
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Carlsbad Village Railroad Trench:
Memorandum of Understanding
Jason Haber, Intergovernmental Affairs Director
City Manager’s Office
October 6, 2026
2 PROPOSED ACTION
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to
negotiate and execute a memorandum of
understanding between SANDAG, the City of
Carlsbad and NCTD regarding the Carlsbad Village
Railroad Trench Project in an amount not to
exceed $5,220,000
ITEM No. 8: Railroad Trench MOU
3 LOSSAN CORRIDOR
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
• Caltrans & LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency
• 351-miles / 41 stations
• Increase ridership, revenue, safety, capacity,
reliability and coordination
ITEM No. 8: Railroad Trench MOU
4 PROGRAM EIR/EIS - 2009
ITEM No. 8: Railroad Trench MOU
5 ITEM No. 8: Railroad Trench MOU
6 CARLSBAD LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
Encourage and support double tracking of the rail corridor within the city limits in a manner that:
• Improves public safety access and response times
• Eliminates or reduces at-grade rail crossings
• Improves local, regional, and coastal access for all
travel modes and improves public safety response
• Minimizes impacts to neighborhoods
• Maximizes community and neighborhood connections
• Protects and/or improves the economic vibrancy of
surrounding neighborhoods and the city
• Protects and/or enhances environmental resources
ITEM No. 8: Railroad Trench MOU
7 CARLSBAD STRATEGIC PLAN
Work with SANDAG and NCTD to prioritize,
determine costs and work with state and
federal representatives to seek funding for
preliminary design and technical studies for
lowering the railroad tracks in the Village.
ITEM No. 8: Railroad Trench MOU
8 ITEM No. 8: Railroad Trench MOU
EXISTING: SINGLE TRACK AT-GRADE
9 ITEM No. 8: Railroad Trench MOU
RENDERING: DOUBLE TRACK AT-GRADE
10 ITEM No. 8: Railroad Trench MOU
RENDERING: DOUBLE TRACK TRENCH
11 PROJECT FUNDING
2023
$5.22 M
CITY BUDGET
APPROPRIATION
2024
CITY/SANDAG/NCTD
MOU
GRANT-SEEKING
2026
$1M
FEDERAL GRANT
$20.8M
SANDAG BUDGET
APPROPRIATION
2026-2031
CITY/SANDAG/NCTD
MOU
30% DESIGN &
ENVIRONMENTAL
CLEARANCE
ITEM No. 8: Railroad Trench MOU
12 Proposed Memorandum of Understanding
$20.8 Million
Engage consultants
Manage design &
environmental review
$5.22 Million
Reimbursements to
SANDAG
Up to $1.74 Million per
fiscal year
Staff support
Staff support throughout
design & environmental
review phase
ITEM No. 8: Railroad Trench MOU
13 NEXT STEPS
• Finalize MOU negotiations
• SANDAG Board approval
• Execute MOU
• SANDAG to engage consultants
• Complete 30% design and environmental clearance
• Develop funding strategy for future project construction • Work with decision makers to approve & fund below street level alignment option
ITEM No. 8: Railroad Trench MOU
14 PROPOSED ACTION
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to
negotiate and execute a memorandum of
understanding between SANDAG, the City of
Carlsbad and NCTD regarding the Carlsbad Village
Railroad Trench Project in an amount not to
exceed $5,220,000
ITEM No. 8: Railroad Trench MOU