The city of Encinitas faces numerous vacancies on commissions in 2024, and officials have put the word for applicants.
Planning Commission representatives for Old Encinitas and Cardiff are among the seats open for application, according to a city notice.
The 21 vacancies spread among seven commissions are the result of full and partial terms coming to an end. Application deadlines are 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, for incumbents and 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, for new applicants.
Applicants are asked to attend the Feb. 14 City Council meeting to discuss their qualifications and interests. Terms begin March 1.
Commissions and the number of open slots are:
Planning: Two three-year appointments, one for Old Encinitas and one for Cardiff. The Planning Commission has one representative for each community in the city, making it a five-member board — is a five member board with each member representing one of the five communities of Encinitas: Cardiff, Leucadia, New Encinitas, Old Encinitas and Olivenhain. The Planning Commission performs duties as specified by city ordinance, City Council resolution and state law. The panel studies planning codes, policies and other issues and reports to the City Council.
Parks and Recreation: Three, three-year appointments. The Parks and Recreation Commission has seven members, and it holds public hearings and makes recommendations to the City Council on matters involving public parks, recreational facilities and community services.
Mobility and Traffic Safety: Two three-year appointments, one for Olivenhain and one for Cardiff. The Mobility and Traffic Safety Commission is a seven-member board with five members representing each of the city’s five communities in addition to two at-large seats. The panel studies and reports to the City Council on issues involving traffic safety and mobility.
Environmental: Five three-year appointments. Also a seven-member board, the Environmental Commission holds public meetings and sends recommendations to the City Council on issues regarding the environment.
Arts: Three, three-year appointments. The seven-member Commission for the Arts holds public hearings and prepares recommendations to the City Council on matters regarding the visual, performing and literary arts.
Senior Citizen: Three, three-year appointments. The Senior Citizen Commission is made up of seven members who conduct public meetings, gather information and make recommendations to the City Council on issues involving the development and operation of programs and services for senior citizens living in the city.
Urban Forest Advisory: Three, three-year appointments. Although the terms now open for the Urban Forest Advisory Committee date back to 2017, a change to the Encinitas Municipal Code in 2023 now limits the number of terms and sets them to three years. The panel is made up of members with interest and expertise in urban forestry. It advises and works with the city arborist to review and provide comments on City plans and policies related to urban forestry, including updates to the city’s Urban Forest Management Program and Administrative Manual.
The application for and more information can be found on the city’s website at encinitasca.gov/Government/Boards-Commissions.
