Barth Interested in SANDAG Spot

The new City Council gave the public a preview of who would serve on the various regional boards, commissions and committees, when the members discussed the process of how Mayor Teresa Barth would choose the appointees during the Wednesday meeting.

The actual appointments will be made at the December 19 meeting. According to assistant city manager Richard Phillips, the city’s municipal code specifies the process of appointment. With a motion by the mayor and a majority of the City Council, a member is thereby appointed. 

Barth requested the discussion be placed on the agenda because the process was unclear during her six-year tenure. “There was never a public conversation among the council,” she said. Barth said it was important to know who has the desire and availability to serve on particular boards as she decides whom to nominate.

Council member Kristin Gaspar said the process “felt a little like a fill in the blank exercise” when she was appointed to her first boards two years ago. In 2010, Gaspar replaced Barth as alternate representative on the San Diego Association of Governments, or SANDAG and North County Transit District, or NCTD.

Gaspar asked that she remain on the Encina Wastewater Authority, where she was sworn in as chairwoman this morning.  She told the council she did not want to commit to any additional assignments.

Typically the mayor represents the city on the coveted SANDAG board. Barth expressed interest in the position.

Council member Tony Kranz said he was interested in NCTD, as he has long been active in finding solutions to the challenges that face the railroad corridor.

Councilman Mark Muir—a former fire chief and member of the Olivenhain Water District board—showed his interest in related positions.

“I don’t think it’s a surprise to anyone that I’m interested in water and safety,” he said. “Go figure,”

He also declined to continue serving as the city's liason with the Encinitas Union School District. "I get to talk about school enough with my wife," he said. Muir's wife, Maureen, is a trustee on the school board.

While Deputy Mayor Lisa Shaffer expressed interest in serving on the League of California Cities, she said her teaching commitment at UCSD on Tuesdays and Thursdays would bar her from any meetings on those days.

Shaffer also suggested that the council members hold “occasional workshops” with local experts in order to “make sure we’re making the best decisions.”

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