Minutes, closed session — La Mesa City Council, January 25, 2022

City Council - January 25, 2022

1. CALL TO ORDER
Public Comments:

The City Council minutes are prepared and ordered to correspond to the City Council Agenda. Agenda Items can be taken out of order during the meeting.

The Agenda Items were considered in the order presented.

Mayor Arapostathis called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.

1.1 INVOCATION - VICE MAYOR SHU
Public Comments:

1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Public Comments:

2. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
Public Comments:

City Attorney Sabine announced there were no reportable actions.

3. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Public Comments:

There were no comments.

4. COMMUNITY BULLETIN REPORTS
Public Comments:

The Mayor, Council and staff made announcements and reported on various events taking place in the City. No action was taken.

5. PRESENTATIONS
Public Comments:

5.1 LA MESA TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE SPRING STREET AND AMAYA DRIVE TRANSIT STATIONS Attachments
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Public Comments

1. PowerPoint_La Mesa Transit Oriented Development.pdf
Karlene Akers
Good Morning, I’ve been following some of the recent developments concerning the trolley lines. Particularly after they announced the Amaya and Spring St developments. Normally I don’t mind added development as long as its well planned. Development is needed for economic growth afterall. However, I’m a little worried about these developments due to two issues. One is the transit/residential parking, and the second is the lack of research into other building alternatives. For the parking issue, it seems they plan to have residents and transit riders simply park at different times on the same spaces. This whole concept seems like it could potentially lead to a mess. Especially since any kind of overflow is going to directly impact parking for the transit line. I would avoid this kind of system unless they can provide a real world example where scheduled parking for condensed lots can work out for transit. I also believe if they want a high density development too, they should try a better area like the old Toy R US building. Preferably a taller structure with more greenery and parking underneath. For the lack of studied alternatives, I personally believe ideal development around the trolley line should be more geared towards increasing ridership. What if they studied alternatives and it turns out an office/job center or a school would do a better job in increasing transit trips versus housing. The transit system should be studied as a whole when deciding site uses, not just as individual stations. Otherwise the system may end up imbalanced and less attractive to riders. Not to mention it’ll be harder to implement future expansions and improvements such as green technology and added express rails if our stops are too crowded. In either case, I noticed that the City of La Mesa is currently investing a lot of funding into CAP which will be updated next year. Since that is a relatively short amount of time it might be worth it to wait on the development of the two sites until the study is complete. That way CAP can recommend added features to the stations. Another possibility may be to only develop the Amaya site and then use it as a case study for Spring St. I’ll also like to add that having commodities like child care and convenience stores in apartments/condos is great for reducing greenhouse gases. As it is an easy way to reduce unnecessary trips. People are kind of struggling with the lack of affordable child care too. I also liked the suggestion of allowing more housing types so people can have more options. Thank you for taking the time to listen to my concerns.

Community Development Director Kusiak explained that Measure T-4 in the City's Climate Action Plan encourages transit oriented development ("TOD") as a means of greenhouse gas reductions, and the City applied for and was awarded a Caltrans Sustainable Communities grant in 2019 for a feasibility study for potential TOD at the Amaya Drive and Spring Street trolley stations. Community Development Director Kusiak said the City engaged AECOM to conduct the feasibility study which commenced in Spring 2020 and introduced Lorena Cordova of AECOM who presented the findings of the feasibility study.

Lorena Cordova, AECOM, provided a PowerPoint presentation on the La Mesa TOD feasibility study for the Spring Street and Amaya Drive transit stations, highlighting the station locations, the study timeline, the existing conditions of the stations, the site and massing studies for each site, and the public outreach efforts. Lorena Cordova, AECOM, reviewed the key findings of the study and summarized the recommendations for parking and access, regulatory tools, and financial feasibility and funding opportunities.

Karlene Akers submitted a comment regarding concerns with TOD at the Amaya Drive and Spring Street trolley stations.

Following Council questions and comments, no action was taken.

5.2 UPDATE ON SENATE BILL 1383 SHORT-LIVED CLIMATE POLLUTANTS: ORGANIC WASTE RECOVERY Attachments
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Public Comments

1. 2022.01.25 P_SB 1383 Update.pdf

2. PowerPoint_SB 1383 Update.pdf
Environment Program Manager Ego provided a PowerPoint presentation on Senate Bill 1383 ("SB 1383"), highlighting the requirements of SB 1383, the City's responsibility under SB 1383, organics service collection, the Edible Food Recovery Program, the City's efforts to meet the education and outreach requirements of SB 1383, the sustainable procurement target, and how the City will monitor compliance and conduct enforcement.

Following Council questions and comments, no action was taken.

6. ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
Public Comments:

There were no additions or deletions to the agenda.

7. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments
Susan Wayne
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am appalled by Laura Lothian’s anti-mask position and utter defiance of our San Diego Public Health mandate to NOT wear a mask at the City Council Meeting. People that represent our community should be upholding our public health mandates, no matter their personal beliefs. To be in a leadership position she should model leadership qualities and be thinking about the whole community, including our healthcare workers which are overworked and struggling both physically and mentally. These healthcare workers are caring for, mostly, patients that refused to get the vaccine and are now filling our own local hospital. If Lothian can not wear a mask for a little while during a council meeting, maybe she should not continue as a council member. Healthcare workers in our community wear them continuously while they work. Please watch the January 21st national broadcast of NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt that highlighted our own Sharp Grossmont Hospital (between the 5:03 – 7:48 time marker). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYHQlUaWIhE
Until the mask mandate is lifted, please keep the council meetings virtual and continue to have a virtual platform when meetings return in person.

Respectfully,
Susan Wayne
Dianne Osterling spoke regarding government representation and the shaping of governmental policies.

Constance Lee Sandvick spoke regarding the draft MacArthur Park Master Plan.

Susan Wayne submitted a comment regarding City leadership violating the mask mandate.

8. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
Public Comments:

There were no conflict of interest disclosures.

9. BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Public Comments:

9.1 RESOLUTION APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE CITY'S ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION Attachments
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Public Comments

1. 2022.01.25 BC_Arts and Culture Comm Appointments.pdf Mayor Arapostathis nominated the following individuals for appointment to the City’s Arts and Culture Commission:

Alison Lindsay, Art Educator (Kindergarten through 8th Grade) Representative Stephen Reaves, Art Educator (9th Grade through College) Representative Melissa Walter, Visual Arts Representative
Mickey Mounarath, Performing Arts Representative
Dr. Karen Childress-Evans, Musical Arts Representative
Rodney Elliot, At-Large Representative
Jenny Bourbiel, At-Large Representative
The Mayor and Council expressed their appreciation for all of the residents who submitted an application to serve on the City’s Arts and Culture Commission.

Resolution No. 2022-005
Moved by
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded by
Councilmember Baber
Approve the appointment of Alison Lindsay, Stephen Reaves, Melissa Walter, Mickey Mounarath, Dr. Karen Childress-Evans, Rodney Elliot, and Jenny Bourbiel to the Arts and Culture Commission and adopt the Resolution confirming the appointments.

Yes (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Shu, Councilmember Baber, Councilmember Parent, and Councilmember Lothian Approved (5 to 0)

10. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
(Items 10.1 through 10.8)
Councilmember Lothian requested Item 10.8 be pulled for separate consideration.

Moved by
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded by
Councilmember Parent
Approve Consent Calendar Items 10.1 through 10.7.

Yes (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Shu, Councilmember Baber, Councilmember Parent, and Councilmember Lothian Approved (5 to 0)

10.1 APPROVAL OF MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF THE TEXT OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS AT THIS MEETING Public Comments:

Approve.

10.2 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2021 Attachments
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Public Comments

1. 2022.01.25 CC_Council Special Meeting Minutes 2021-12-14.pdf Approve.

10.3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AND CITY OF LA MESA SUCCESSOR AGENCY SPECIAL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2021 Attachments
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Public Comments

1. 2022.01.25 CC_Council Meeting Minutes 2021-12-14.pdf Approve.

10.4 RESOLUTION MAKING FINDINGS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54953, AS AMENDED BY ASSEMBLY BILL 361, AND RE-AUTHORIZING THE CONTINUED USE OF VIRTUAL MEETINGS FOR THE 30-DAY PERIOD BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1, 2022 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 2022 Attachments
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Public Comments

1. 2022.01.25 CC_Continuation of Virtual Meetings.pdf
Resolution No. 2022-006
Adopt Resolution.

10.5 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDING FOR ALL CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES RECYCLING AND RECOVERY (CALRECYCLE) GRANT AND PAYMENT PROGRAMS FOR WHICH THE CITY OF LA MESA IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS Attachments
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Public Comments

1. 2022.01.25 CC_CalRecycle Grant Application.pdf
Resolution No. 2022-007
Adopt Resolution.

10.6 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TASK ORDER TO NV5 FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND ENGINEERING DESIGN OF WASTEWATER INFLOW AND INFILTRATION MITIGATION PROJECT, PHASE 7 Attachments
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Public Comments

1. 2022.01.25 CC_NV5 Task Order.pdf
Resolution No. 2022-008
Adopt Resolution.

10.7 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO CALTRANS Attachments
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Public Comments

1. 2022.01.25 CC_Caltrans Grant Application.pdf
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR A PROPOSED CHANNEL RESTORATION AND PARKLET PROJECT AT 69TH STREET AND BOULEVARD DRIVE, ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE PROJECT, IF AWARDED, AND DELEGATING SIGNATURE AUTHORITY TO THE CITY MANAGER, OR DESIGNEE Resolution No. 2022-009
Adopt Resolution.

10.8 HOMELESS OUTREACH AND MOBILE ENGAGEMENT (HOME) PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT (OCTOBER 2021 – DECEMBER 2021) Attachments
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Public Comments

1. 2022.01.25 CC_HOME Program Quartly Upate.pdf
Bonnie Baranoff
Dear Honorable Mayor, City Councilmembers, Chief Sweeney, and City Staff -- Thank you for sharing the October - December 2021 HOME Program report. It's encouraging to see continual service progress for our unhoused neighbors, especially regarding housing. Fifteen clients connected to a temporary or permanent home. Wow! Matthew and Earl are doing a great job.

Thank you for responding to La Mesa's homelessness and collaborating with your colleagues in El Cajon, Lemon Grove, Santee, and the County to address this regional concern. I look forward to seeing how the East Region will respond after the County's Department of Homeless Solutions reports to the Board of Supervisors, anticipated to take place on February 8, 2022.

I encourage concerned La Mesans to contact the HOME Team directly when you know someone is experiencing homelessness or on the brink of losing their home. You can help make a difference in someone's life and your community.

Bonnie Baranoff
Councilmember Lothian inquired about the HOME program follow-up process, the services provided to the different types of homeless populations, and the data collected.

Chief Sweeney explained the efforts of the HOME program.

Bonnie Baranoff submitted a comment regarding the progress in services for the homeless and encouraging community members to contact the HOME team directly when they know someone is experiencing homelessness or on the brink of losing their home.

Council questions and comments ensued.

Moved by
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded by
Councilmember Parent
Receive and file.

11. STAFF REPORT
Public Comments:

11.1 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN UPDATE Attachments
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Public Comments

1. 2022.01.25 SR_CAP Subcommittee Recommendations.pdf

2. PowerPoint_Council CAP Subcommittee Recomendations.pdf Assistant City Manager Tomaino provided opening comments.

Environment Program Manager Ego provided a PowerPoint presentation on the Climate Action Plan ("CAP") Subcommittee's recommendations regarding the 2023 CAP update, highlighting the 2018 CAP, the CAP implementation and progress, the efforts of the CAP Subcommittee, the CAP Subcommittee's recommendations, and the timeline for the implementation of the proposed CAP updates. Environment Program Manager Ego stated the CAP Subcommittee recommended the Council, (1) utilize the adopted 2018 CAP to update the 2023 CAP; (2) request proposals from qualified firms with the necessary technical and professional background to assist in the preparation of a comprehensive amendment to the existing CAP; and (3) appropriate an additional $50,000 from the General Fund for the CAP update.

Council questions and comments ensued.

Dianne Osterling spoke regarding solar power.

Joe Britton, San Diego Gas & Electric ("SDG&E"), spoke regarding SDG&E's clean energy efforts.

Councilmember Lothian said she would be voting no on Items 11.1 and 11.1.a as a protest. Councilmember Lothian stated she opposed the extreme language of Item 11.1.a's proposed Resolution and felt the City should not be spending as much time, money, and resources on the CAP since the City has limited staffing, does not have the power to effect the climate, and should focus on local issues rather than global issues.

Moved by
Councilmember Baber
Seconded by
Vice Mayor Shu
(1) Utilize the adopted CAP to update the 2023 CAP; (2) Request proposals from qualified firms with the necessary technical and professional background to assist in the preparation of a comprehensive amendment to the existing CAP; and (3) Appropriate an additional $50,000 from the General Fund for the CAP update.

Yes (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Shu, Councilmember Baber, and Councilmember Parent No (1)
Councilmember Lothian
Approved (4 to 1)

CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION TAKING ACTION IN RESPONSE TO THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY AND DIRECTING THE CITY TO TAKE SPECIFIC AND COMPREHENSIVE ACTION TO ADDRESS THE CLIMATE CRISIS Attachments
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Public Comments

1. 2022.01.25 SR_Climate Emergency Reso.pdf
Climate Action Plan Subcommittee: Vice Mayor Shu and Councilmember Baber Vice Mayor Shu and Councilmember Baber summarized the proposed Resolution and explained why the City needed to take specific and comprehensive action to address the climate crisis.

Council questions and comments ensued.

Resolution No. 2022-010
Moved by
Councilmember Baber
Seconded by
Mayor Arapostathis
Adopt Resolution.

Yes (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Shu, Councilmember Baber, and Councilmember Parent No (1)
Councilmember Lothian
Approved (4 to 1)

12. ORDINANCES: FIRST READING
Public Comments:

12.1 ORDINANCE UPDATING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABLITY COMMISSION Attachments
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Public Comments

1. 2022.01.25 ORD_YAC and ESC Membership Update Ord.pdf CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA AMENDING SECTIONS 2.71.010 AND 2.85.010 OF THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE TO AUTHORIZE NONRESIDENTS TO SERVE ON THE YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION AND AS THE YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION PROVIDED THEY ATTEND SCHOOL IN THE CITY OF LA MESA (SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE RULES) City Attorney Sabine read the title of the Ordinance.

Moved by
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded by
Councilmember Parent
Approve the introduction and first reading of the Ordinance.

Yes (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Shu, Councilmember Baber, Councilmember Parent, and Councilmember Lothian Approved (5 to 0)

12.2 SENATE BILL NO. 9 ORDINANCE
Attachments
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Public Comments

1. 2022.01.25 ORD_Senate Bill 9 Ordinance.pdf

2. PowerPoint_SB 9 draft ordinance.pdf
CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 22 (SUBDIVISIONS) AND TITLE 24 (ZONING) TO ESTABLISH STANDARDS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TWO-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND URBAN LOT SPLIT PROVISIONS OF SENATE BILL NO. 9 Community Development Director Kusiak reviewed the standards for the implementation of two-unit residential development and urban lot split provisions of Senate Bill No. 9 ("SB 9"). Community Development Director Kusiak summarized the proposed amendments to La Mesa Municipal Code ("LMMC") Titles 22 and 24 and explained the policy options available for Council consideration. Community Development Director Kusiak stated the Planning Commission and staff recommended the Council approve the introduction and first reading of the Ordinance adopting amendments to LMMC Title 22 (Subdivisions) and Title 24 (Zoning) to establish standards for the implementation of the two-unit residential development and urban split provisions of SB 9.

Dianne Osterling spoke regarding concerns with the proposed amendments to LMMC Titles 22 and 24.

William Best spoke regarding concerns with the proposed amendments to LMMC Titles 22 and 24.

Council questions and comments ensued.

Mayor Arapostathis read the title of the Ordinance.

Moved by
Councilmember Parent
Seconded by
Councilmember Baber
(1) Approve the introduction and first reading of the Ordinance; (2) Direct staff to submit the proposed Ordinance to the California Department of Housing and Community Development ("HCD") for feedback and bring back any feedback from the HCD to Council for consideration; and (3) Direct staff to submit a letter to the HCD requesting the HCD promulgate more formal guidance in the form of a guidebook.

Yes (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Shu, Councilmember Baber, Councilmember Parent, and Councilmember Lothian Approved (5 to 0)

13. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (3 MINUTE LIMIT)
Public Comments:

The Mayor and Council reported on various outside boards, commissions and committee meetings they attended. No action was taken.

La Mesa City CouncilJanuary 25, 2022

La Mesa City Council
January 25, 2022