CITY OF IMPERIAL BEACH
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
September 3, 2025, 6: 00 p. m.
Council Chambers
825 Imperial Beach Boulevard
Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Present: Mayor McKay, Mayor Pro Tern Seabury, Councilmember Fisher, Councilmember Leyba- Gonzalez
Absent: City Manager Foltz, Chief Administrative Officer Cortez- Martinez, City Attorney Lyon, City Clerk Kelly, Finance Director Flyte, Planner Edwards, Building Official Huddleston, Fire Marshal Santos The City Council also sits as the Imperial Beach Planning Commission, Public Financing Authority, and Imperial Beach Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor McKay called the Regular Meeting to order at 6: 00 pm.
2. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Kelly took roll.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chief French led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. REIMBURSEMENT DISCLOSURES/ REPORTS ON ASSIGNMENTS AND COMMITTEES Councilmember Leyba- Gonzalez
IB Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony for Mangini' s Fleet Reserve 3rd Annual Honor Flight Chili Cook- off
Councilmember Fisher
IB Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony for Mangini' s San Diego Community Power Board Meeting
Mayor Pro Tern Seabury
IB Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony for Mangini' s Music in the Park hosted by Imperial Beach Parks and Recreation 1 Fleet Reserve 3rd Annual Honor Flight Chili Cook- off Suncoast Co- op Market Tour
IB Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Meeting
Announced - Imperial Beach Chamber of Commerce Expo on October 9 National City Lighthouse Mission 1 year Anniversary
Flag Raising Ceremony for the US Air Force
Mayor McKay
IB Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony for Mangini' s Music in the Park hosted by Imperial Beach Parks and Recreation Fleet Reserve 3rd Annual Honor Flight Chili Cook- off
South County Mayors and City Manager' s Luncheon
San Diego Regional County Water Quality Board Meeting
IB Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Meeting
Flag Raising Ceremony for the US Air Force
5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY STAFF
CAO Cortez- Martinez announced the following
Forum for District 3 Candidates, Thursday, September 4, 2025, 6: 00 p. m. at the Community Room - City Hall 825 Imperial Beach Blvd.
Bark in the Park, Saturday, September 6, 2025, 9: 00 a. m. - 12: 00 p. m. at Veterans Park Ribbon Cutting for Steve' s Park, Saturday, September 13, 2025, 11: 30 a. m. at 10th & Iris Park
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Written Comments were submitted by Norman Kabrick and Sandra Brillhart.
Erika Lowery requested the forum be placed on the City' s Website Calendar and thanked staff for fixing a glitch with the application.
Martin Mattes thanked the community for the excellent showing at the Mangini' s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. He provided an update on Chamber of Commerce activities.
Truth commented on the bus stops and criticized poor administrative decisions made by SANDAG leaders. She offered suggestions to increase tourism, prevent overdevelopment, and questioned standard practice for records requests.
7. PRESENTATIONS
7. a PRESENTATION ON THE JUNIOR LIFEGUARD PROGRAM. ( 0220- 40) Marine Safety Sergeant Wraight gave a PowerPoint presentation on the item.
No public comments.
Councilmember Leyba- Gonzalez expressed gratitude for this program.
Councilmember Fisher commented on how the kids will have memories of a lifetime and are learning life lessons. He suggested reserving two to three spots for a grant for the 2026 program.
2 Mayor Pro Tem Seabury suggested reminding kids to include the program on their college applications. She proposed strategies for fundraising.
Mayor McKay recognized the Navy for making the beach available for the program.
7. b PRESENTATION ON NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH AND THE COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM PROGRAM. ( 0210- 11 & 0210- 12) Fire Chief French gave a PowerPoint presentation on the item.
No public comments.
In response to questions by Mayor Pro Tern Seabury, Chief French stated that the training took place over six Saturdays, and each day it was four to six hours of training. Upon completion of the training the students are sworn in and issued a certificate. Drills are held monthly with the City as well as the County.
In response to questions by Councilmember Fisher, Chief French stated at this time they do not speak on emergency preparedness with the second- grade classes they visit, but that it is a good idea and something they can incorporate.
Fire Chief French provided details on the $ 10,000 grant the program receives and how it can be spent.
7. c PRESENTATION ON THE MAR VISTA HIGH SCHOOL NAVY JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS TRAINING CORPS. ( 1010- 20)
Eric Collins, Senior Naval Science Instructor at Mar Vista High School, gave a PowerPoint presentation on the item along with Lieutenant Commander Allyson Bell and Executive Officer Mardie Pimentel who are both members of the JR ROTC program.
Councilmember Leyba- Gonzalez commended the presentation and stated they did a phenomenal job at the chili contest.
In response to questions from Mayor Pro Tern Seabury, Lieutenant Commander Bell explained how cadet retention is achieved, that the Navy provides uniforms, and stated there are ROTC scholarships available and that many of the cadets attend college.
Councilmember Fisher commented on the importance of the program and how peer- topeer leadership is reflected in the success of the program.
Mayor McKay reiterated the importance of the great program, and the longevity of the program is a testament to that.
7. d PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING PATRIOT DAY AND NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBRANCE. ( 0410- 30)
Motion by Councilmember Fisher
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Seabury
To approve the Proclamation.
3 AYES ( 4): Mayor McKay, Mayor Pro Tern Seabury, Councilmember Fisher, and Councilmember Leyba- Gonzalez
Motion Carried ( 4 to 0)
Mayor Pro Tern Seabury read the proclamation.
Truth commented on controversy around the events of 9/ 11. She spoke on the importance of remembering the ordinary heroes who rushed to help despite risks.
Councilmember Fisher commented on the need to back up proclamations with actions; he verified with City Manager Foltz that Palm Ave., will be lined with American Flags.
Mayor McKay presented the proclamation to John Haythe, Chair of the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee and Frank Martin, Vice Chair of the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.
7. e PROCLAMATION CELEBRATING LATINO HERITAGE MONTH. ( 0410- 30) Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Seabury
Seconded by Councilmember Leyba- Gonzalez
To approve the Proclamation.
AYES ( 4): Mayor McKay, Mayor Pro Tern Seabury, Councilmember Fisher, and Councilmember Leyba- Gonzalez
Motion Carried ( 4 to 0)
Councilmember Leyba- Gonzalez read the proclamation.
A Written Comment was submitted by Sandra Brillhart.
Truth shared her experience of being of Latino heritage in America.
Lieutenant Commander Bell provided comments in Spanish.
Mayor McKay presented the proclamation to Principal Teresa Kramer of Mar Vista High School.
Mayor McKay called a recess at 7:31 p. m. and called the meeting to order at 7: 35 p. m. with all Councilmembers present.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Truth commented that Councilmember Fisher should volunteer for more assignments.
Mayor McKay read FPPC regulation 18702. 5, form 806. " In accordance with FPPC Regulation 18702. 5, a Form 806— Agency Report of Public Official Appointments, was posted on the City's website listing all the paid positions to which the City Council will vote to appoint themselves." 4 Motion by Councilmember Fisher
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Seabury
To approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 8. a through 8. c.
AYES ( 4): Mayor McKay, Mayor Pro Tern Seabury, Councilmember Fisher, and Councilmember Leyba- Gonzalez
Motion Carried ( 4 to 0)
8. a RATIFICATION OF WARRANT REGISTER FOR THE PERIOD FROM AUGUST 8, 2025 TO AUGUST 21, 2025. ( 0300- 25)
City Council ratified and filed the Warrant Register Report.
8. b DESIGNATION OF MAYORAL AND CITY COUNCIL ASSIGNMENTS REQUIRING ELECTED OFFICIAL REPRESENTATION FOR 2025 UPDATE. ( 0410- 50) City Council updated the City Council assignments for 2025.
8. c RESOLUTION 2025- 046 APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE CITY OF IMPERIAL BEACH AND SERVICE EMPLOYEES' INTERNATIONAL UNION ( SEIU), LOCAL 221. ( 0540- 20)
Approved Resolution No. 2025- 046, which would approve and adopt a two- year Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU) from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, with the Service Employees' International Union ( SEIU), Local 221.
9. ORDINANCES/ INTRODUCTION & FIRST READING
9. a INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE 2025- 1256 TO ADOPT THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24 PARTS 1 THROUGH 12 WITH APPENDICES, 2025 EDITION
WITH AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS, AND DELETIONS RELATED TO THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE. ( 0250- 95 & 0710- 95) Building Official Huddleston and Fire Marshal Santos gave a PowerPoint presentation on the item.
In response to Mayor Pro Tern Seabury' s question, Fire Marshal Santos provided clarification that one portion of the fire code has been developed to address the storage, use, and handling of lithium- ion batteries.
Truth stated this is the only City that she has heard the Fire Chief mention lithium batteries; she questioned blank pages and grammar in the document.
City Clerk Kelly read the title of the ordinance.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Seabury
Seconded by Councilmember Fisher
5 To introduce the ordinance by title only, waiving further reading, and set this matter for public hearing on October 1, 2025 at 6: 00 p. m. to allow for adoption of the ordinance.
AYES ( 4): Mayor McKay, Mayor Pro Tem Seabury, Councilmember Fisher, and Councilmember Leyba- Gonzalez
Motion Carried ( 4 to 0)
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
10. a EL TAPATIO ( APPLICANT); REGULAR COASTAL PERMIT/ CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT/ SITE PLAN REVIEW/ DESIGN REVIEW CASE, AND CATEGORICAL
EXEMPTION PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15332 PROPOSING A TWO- STORY ADDITION FOR A Mayor McKay declared the public hearing open.
Planner Edwards gave a PowerPoint presentation on the item.
Written Comments were submitted by Sandra Brillhart and Gary Trieschman.
Martin Mattes spoke in support of the item.
Truth provided remarks on the design, pointed out misspelled words, and spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Leyba- Gonzalez complimented the design and spoke in support of the item.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Seabury' s questions about the design City Manager Foltz stated they could work out how to prevent the mural from being covered by the south facing wall and Senior Planner Edwards provided clarification on parking. Mayor Pro Tem Seabury expressed her support for the project.
Councilmember Fisher supported the project and stated it would be a big improvement for the neighborhood and future businesses.
Mayor McKay expressed support for business expansion, and he closed the public hearing.
Motion by Councilmember Fisher
Seconded by Councilmember Leyba- Gonzalez
To adopt Resolution No. 2025- 045 approving Regular Coastal Permit ( CP- 23- 0001), Conditional Use Permit ( CUP- 25- 0003), Site Plan Review( SPR- 23- 0008), Design Review Case ( DRC- 23- 0008), and categorical exemption pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act ( CEQA) Guidelines Section 15332 Class 32 ( In- Fill Development Projects) to construct a new two-story addition to an existing single story catering kitchen and coffee shop at 667 Silver Strand Boulevard ( APN 625- 024- 12- 00) in the C/ MU- 2 ( Seacoast Commercial & Mixed Use) Zone.
6 AYES ( 4): Mayor McKay, Mayor Pro Tern Seabury, Councilmember Fisher, and Councilmember Leyba- Gonzalez
Motion Carried ( 4 to 0)
11. REPORTS
11. a CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 2025- 047 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF IMPERIAL BEACH AND THE SAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY TO PROVIDE ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES. ( 0200- 10)
CAO Cortez- Martinez gave a PowerPoint presentation on the item.
Truth spoke in opposition of the San Diego County Animal Shelter and supported a contract with the San Diego Humane Society.
Mayor Pro Tern Seabury spoke in support of the San Diego Human Society facility.
Councilmember Fisher expressed concern about the high cost of service being more than half a million dollars a year. He stated he would like robust presentations at least once a year specifically on the services in Imperial Beach, and classes on responsible pet ownership. He commented that it is a needed service but is concerned about price.
Mayor McKay requested clarification if there will be a service van or truck in our area or is it dispatched, and the level of service the City will receive. Senior Director of Government Relations Juliana Tetlow for the San Diego Humane Society provided clarification and details.
In response to Mayor Pro Tern Seabury' s question, Senior Director Tetlow stated that if there is an injured animal they will respond after hours.
Mayor McKay requested a presentation twice a year with euthanasia rates and number of calls answered for Imperial Beach.
CAO Cortez- Martinez stated they are still working through finalizing the agreement, and pointed out there are kennels onsite at the Fire Station which drives down costs.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Seabury
Seconded by Mayor McKay
To adopt Resolution 2025- 47, authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute an agreement with the San Diego Humane Society to provide animal control services for the City of Imperial Beach.
AYES ( 4): Mayor McKay, Mayor Pro Tern Seabury, Councilmember Fisher, and Councilmember Leyba- Gonzalez
Motion Carried ( 4 to 0)
7 12. I. B. REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS None.
13. ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR ( IF ANY)
None.
14. CITY COUNCIL FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS
None.
15. ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING
Mayor McKay adjourned the Regular meeting at 8: 21 p. m.
M. Kelly, MC Mitch I D. McKay
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