Buena Vista Lagoon JPA discusses shifting regular meeting time; staff update on restoration permits and studies

The Buena Vista Lagoon Joint Powers Authority opened discussion on changing its regular meeting schedule to reduce travel and traffic between member jurisdictions. Nick Stupin, parks planning manager for the City of Carlsbad, said holding the meeting earlier in the day would lessen commuting conflicts and that virtual meetings are not available at this time.

Council members discussed various options and converged on the idea of moving to a third-Thursday morning meeting, with several members indicating a 9 a.m. start would work for them. Staff said they will check the availability of council chambers and circulate a special notice: the proposed change will require an official vote at a subsequent meeting.

On restoration and project updates, a representative identified as Natalie for the Buena Vista Lagoon Audubon Society said the group "has submitted all the documentation for permitting with the city of Oceanside." Staff confirmed that the proposed crosswalk connecting the wetland reserve to the nature center has been assigned to a capital improvement project engineer and is budgeted, but there are no further updates.

Staff reported no new technical-study updates at the meeting; SANDAG representatives were not present but staff said SANDAG is preparing a rolling grant application (referenced as Prop 1) and is near submission. The Buena Vista Lagoon Cattail Control ad hoc committee likewise had no recent meeting, and therefore provided no update.

The JPA confirmed its next meeting will be hosted by the City of Carlsbad and, barring schedule conflicts, will occur on a third Thursday; a special notice and formal vote will set the permanent schedule.