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Volunteers sought for six advisory committees in Del Mar

DEL MAR — Council members at the March 16 meeting appointed one resident to the Sustainability Advisory Board but deferred naming someone to the Planning Commission.

Another 17 volunteers will be needed within the next month to fill vacancies on six of the city’s eight standing committees.

Helen Eckmann was appointed to fill Anthony Corso’s position on the Sustainability Advisory Board, which reviews environmental programs and efforts and examines and evaluates future environmental sustainability initiatives for Del Mar.

Corso recently resigned from the eight-member group. Eckmann will serve the remainder of his term, which expires in May 2017.

The city advertised for candidates for the Planning Commission from Jan. 5 through Feb. 27. to fill a vacancy that was created when Sam Blick stepped down in December.

Mark Baum had a recent application on file. Greg Rothnem and Kevin Kalner submitted interest forms, however, Rothnem withdrew on March. 16.

Because Kalner was the only applicant who was able to attend the March 16 meeting for an interview, council members opted to delay making an appointment.

“Historically the council prefers to have more than one candidate for a position,” Councilman Don Mosier said, adding that he would like to continue to advertise until there are two or three applicants.

Councilman Dwight Worden said he agreed, especially since the Planning Commission will be “a profound experience” this year because several projects are in the works, including replacing City Hall and developing the lot on the corner of San Dieguito Drive and Jimmy Durante Boulevard.

“Not that Kevin doesn’t sound great, but he’s a bit green,” Worden said of Kalner, who has lived in Del Mar since 2013.

With the terms of Lani Curtis and Nancy Sandquist expiring in June, the city will advertise to fill three vacancies on the Planning Commission.

Two representatives, one from a retail establishment and the other a hotel owner or operator, are needed for the Business Support Advisory Committee, which provides advice to City Council on challenges facing Del Mar businesses.

Terms do not expire. Applications will be accepted until both positions are filled.

A commercial retail member is needed to serve on the Traffic and Parking Advisory Committee, which aims to improve the safety of motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists by addressing issues such as speeding, traffic and parking.

The position is currently vacant. Applications will be accepted until it is filled.

The term of Julie Maxey-Allison is expiring in April. The deadline to apply for that position is March 30.

The Design Review Board is charged with preserving and improving the scenic amenities of Del Mar and protecting the city’s natural environment, scenic vistas and overall aesthetic quality.

The review process involves an evaluation of a structure’s placement and size, the materials and colors to be used, and in the case of a new structure, the type and extent of the proposed landscaping.

One resident is being sought to serve on the DRB. Applications are being accepted until April 27.

Nine volunteers are needed for the Sea-Level Rise Stakeholder-Technical Advisory Committee, a newly formed group that will work with city staff and a technical consultant to oversee the preparation of an amendment to Del Mar’s Local Coastal Program to address sea-level rise and coastal flooding impacts to several vulnerable areas.

Interested candidates should have experience in or be affected by sea-level rise and coastal flooding issues. Del Mar residency is preferred but not required.

The application deadline is April 20 at 5:30 p.m.

Anyone interested in serving on any of the commissions must complete a citizen interest form and submit it to the city’s Administrative Services Department.

Forms can be downloaded, completed and submitted either online or at City Hall, 1050 Camino del Mar. Hard copies are available at City Hall.