The Carlsbad City Council met in closed session Tuesday to discuss litigation. In open session, the council held a hearing and approved a plan to demolish three office/commercial buildings and build 33 residential condos on three floors at 800 Grand Ave. A resolution to start the process for by-district council elections was approved 3-2. The council discussed transparency in how it appoints people to the Historic Preservation and the Planning commissions, which differs from the way appointments are made to other boards and commissions. The council agreed to add information explaining the process to applicants.