AGENDA REPORT
City Council
MEETING
DATE:
August 12, 2026
PREPARED
BY:
Pete Weichers, City
Clerk
DEPARTMENT
DIRECTOR:
Pete Weichers, City
Clerk
DEPARTMENT: City Clerk CITY
MANAGER:
Jennifer Campbell
SUBJECT:
Council to hear from applicants and make one appointment to the Commission for the Arts RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Hear from applicants regarding qualifications and interest in serving on the Commission for the Arts;
2) Discuss as needed; and
3) Council to consider approval of the Mayor’s recommendations for one (1) appointment to the Commission for the Arts to fill an unscheduled vacancy with a term ending March 1, 2029.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:
The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a “project” under Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. The action is also exempt from CEQA under Section 15378(b)(5) of the CEQA Guidelines because it involves an organizational or administrative activity of government that will not result in the direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
This item does not relate to the Climate Action Plan.
GENERAL PLAN / CITY COUNCIL FOCUS AREAS
The recommended actions align with 2026-27 City Council Focus Area 2 – Effective & Reliable City Services, Infrastructure, and Communications.
FISCAL CONSIDERATIONS:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
On February 11, 2026, the City Council voted to appoint Chris Cote to the Commission for the Arts to fill a scheduled vacancy with a term ending March 1, 2029.
On June 1, 2026, Commissioner for the Arts Cote informed staff that he was resigning from the Commission for the Arts.
The vacancy was advertised on the City’s website, social media, city newsletter, and posted on the City Hall bulletin board. The deadline for submitting applications was June 18, 2026. A total of four (4) eligible applications were received as follows:
• James Exley
• Heidi Farrow Withdrew on 08-11-2026
• Mel Meagher
• Adriana Santo Tomas Withdrew on 08-12-2026
After agenda posting 2 applicants withdrew from consideration.
Pursuant to Encinitas Municipal Code Section 2.20.020.H, “The Mayor, with approval of the City Council, shall make all appointments to boards, commissions, and committees unless otherwise provided by statute.”
ATTACHMENT:
1. Commission for the Arts Applications