City Council - March 22, 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 6:01 p.m.
1.1 INVOCATION - MAYOR ARAPOSTATHIS
Public Comments:
1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Public Comments:
2. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Public Comments:
There were no comments.
3. 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.
4. PRESENTATIONS
Public Comments:
4.1 PROCLAIMING APRIL 29, 2022 AS ARBOR DAY
Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis read the proclamation proclaiming April 29, 2022 as Arbor Day.
4.2 REPORT FROM THE LIBRARY TASK FORCE ON RECOMMENDATIONS TO EXPAND THE LA MESA BRANCH OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY LIBRARY Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 2022.03.22 P_Library Task Force Recommendations.pdf
2. PowerPoint_Library Task Force Recommendations Presentation.pdf John C Schmitz
On behalf of the Friends of the La Mesa Library, I wish to thank the City Council for appointing the Library Task Force to formally examine how our library is suited to the needs of our community. The Task Force soon realized that there were no easy and quick solutions to providing an adequate level of space to provide library service to La Mesa. Hence the Task Force recommendation before you. Hopefully, the Council will direct staff to move forward with the kind of design and feasibility study that was done for MacArthur Park, including public workshops to provide community input.
As a follow up to said study, I would also strongly recommend that a General Plan Amendment be initiated to the Public Services & Facilities Element. The current General Plan ignores the inadequate situation regarding the La Mesa Library. It merely acknowledges that we have a library with services provided by the County of San Diego. Once the library study is completed, there should be adequate justification to amend the document to incorporate a new vision for our library going forward.
Library Task Force ("Task Force") Chair David Harris provided a PowerPoint presentation on the recommendations of the Task Force to expand the La Mesa Branch of the San Diego County Library, highlighting the efforts of the Task Force, the discussion of ideas, and the benefits and goals of a Library Needs Assessment and Feasibility Study. Chair Harris stated the Task Force recommended the Council allocate $30,000 in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget to hire a qualified firm to prepare a Library Facility Needs Assessment and Feasibility Study.
John Schmitz, Friends of the La Mesa Library, submitted a comment in support of the Task Force's recommendation.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Moved by
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded by
Vice Mayor Shu
Allocate $30,000 in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget to hire a qualified consulting firm to prepare a Library Facility Needs Assessment and Feasibility Study and direct staff to begin the process prior to Fiscal Year 2023 if possible.
Yes (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Shu, Councilmember Baber, Councilmember Parent, and Councilmember Lothian Approved (5 to 0)
4.3 PURE WATER SAN DIEGO PRESENTATION
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. PowerPoint_Pure Water La Mesa.pdf
Councilmember Baber provided a brief overview of the Pure Water Program.
Dexter Wilson, Dexter Wilson Engineering, provided a PowerPoint presentation on the Pure Water Program ("Program"), highlighting the purpose, two phases, and facilities of the Program, the participating agencies, and the financial impact of the Program on the City of La Mesa.
Following Council questions and comments, no action was taken.
5. ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
Public Comments:
There were no additions or deletions to the agenda.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis explained the public comment procedures.
Gene Carpenter spoke regarding the appointment of Councilmembers to outside Boards and Commissions and Vice Mayor Shu's efforts in addressing climate change.
Ursula Koenig spoke regarding the process for opening a business in La Mesa and attracting new and unique businesses to west La Mesa.
7. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
Public Comments:
Councilmember Baber announced he would recuse himself from Item 11.1 because he had a potential conflict of interest under Government Code Section 87100 due to the proximity of his home to Collier Park.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
(Items 8.1 through 8.8)
Moved by
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded by
Vice Mayor Shu
Approve Consent Calendar Items 8.1 through 8.8.
Yes (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Shu, Councilmember Baber, Councilmember Parent, and Councilmember Lothian Approved (5 to 0)
8.1 APPROVAL OF MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF THE TEXT OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS AT THIS MEETING Public Comments:
Approve.
8.2 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 2022.03.22 CC_Council Minutes 22-02-08.special.pdf
Approve.
8.3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING HELD TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 2022.03.22 CC_Council Minutes 22-02-08.pdf
Approve.
8.4 RESOLUTION MAKING FINDINGS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54953, AS AMENDED BY ASSEMBLY BILL 361, AND RE-AUTHORIZING THE CONTINUED USE OF VIRTUAL AND/OR HYBRID MEETINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE BODIES BEGINNING APRIL 1, 2022 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2022 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 2022.03.22 CC_AB 361 Resolution.pdf
Resolution No. 2022-020
Adopt Resolution.
8.5 APPROVAL FOR COUNCILMEMBER PARENT TO ATTEND SAN DIEGO REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2022 MISSION TO WASHINGTON D.C. IN WASHINGTON D.C. FROM MARCH 27, 2022 THROUGH MARCH 30, 2022 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 2022.03.22 CC_Council Travel Report.pdf
Approve.
8.6 ACCEPTANCE OF THE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT - IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GENERAL PLAN Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 2022.03.22 CC_2021 Annual Report - General Plan.pdf
Approve.
8.7 JESSIE AVENUE DRAINAGE BASIN STORM DRAIN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 2022.03.22 CC_Jessie Avenue Storm Drain Project.pdf
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR THE JESSIE AVENUE DRAINAGE BASIN STORM DRAIN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE PROJECT, IF AWARDED, AND DELEGATING SIGNATURE AUTHORITY TO THE CITY MANAGER, OR DESIGNEE Resolution No. 2022-021
Adopt Resolution.
8.8 UNIVERSITY AVENUE MEDIANS STORM WATER QUALITY PROJECT PHASE 2 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 2022.03.22 CC_University Ave Medians Project.pdf
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY FOR THE UNIVERSITY AVENUE MEDIANS STORM WATER QUALITY PROJECT PHASE 2, ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE PROJECT, IF AWARDED, AND DELEGATING SIGNATURE AUTHORITY TO THE CITY MANAGER, OR DESIGNEE Resolution No. 2022-022
Adopt Resolution.
9. ORDINANCE: SECOND READING
Public Comments:
9.1 SENATE BILL NO. 1383 SHORT-LIVED CLIMATE POLLUTANTS: ORGANIC WASTE RECOVERY ORDINANCE Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 2022.03.22 ORD_SB 1383 Ordinance.pdf
CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA ADDING A NEW LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 7.30 MANDATORY ORGANICS RECYCLING AND EDIBLE FOOD RECOVERY; AND, AMENDING CHAPTER 7.20 REFUSE COLLECTION AND CHAPTER 7.22 MANDATORY RECYCLING TO COMPLY WITH SENATE BILL NO. 1383 City Attorney Sabine read the title of the Ordinance.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Ordinance No. 2022-2895
Moved by
Councilmember Baber
Seconded by
Mayor Arapostathis
(1) Approve the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance; and (2) direct staff to return to Council following the effective date of the Ordinance with an updated administrative citation structure.
Yes (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Shu, Councilmember Baber, and Councilmember Parent Abstain (1)
Councilmember Lothian
Approved (4 to 0)
10. STAFF REPORTS
Public Comments:
10.1 CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING STAFF TO PROCEED WITH PROPOSITION 218 NOTIFICATION AND PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED ADJUSTMENTS TO SEWER SERVICE CHARGES FOR FISCAL YEARS 2023, 2024 AND 2025 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 2022.03.22 SR_Prop 218 Notification Reso.pdf
2. PowerPoint_Revised Prop 218 Sewer Rates.pdf
Acting City Engineer Hashemian provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Proposition 218 process, the basis for the sewer fund analysis, the actual revenues and expenditures of the sewer fund for Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021, the estimated and projected revenues and expenditures for Fiscal Years 2022 through 2025, the proposed sewer rate adjustments for Fiscal Years 2023, 2024, and 2025, La Mesa's rates compared to other San Diego County cities, and the Proposition 218 Protest Form.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Resolution No. 2022-023
Moved by
Vice Mayor Shu
Seconded by
Councilmember Parent
Adopt Resolution authorizing staff to proceed with the notification and public hearing process required by Proposition 218 for proposed adjustments to sewer service charges for Fiscal Years 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Yes (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Shu, Councilmember Baber, Councilmember Parent, and Councilmember Lothian Approved (5 to 0)
10.2 CONSIDERATION OF THE PROPOSED PHASE 2 ALLOCATIONS FOR AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDS Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 2022.03.22 SR_American Rescue Plan Funds.pdf
2. PowerPoint_American Rescue Plan Act.pdf
Rick Wilson
The East County Homeless Task Force, a San Diego Regional East County Chamber Foundation program, supports staff’s recommendation to allocate $800,000 in ARPA funds for La Mesa’s Homeless Diversion and Support Services.
Assistant City Manager Tomaino provided a PowerPoint presentation on the proposed Phase 2 allocations for the American Rescue Plan Act ("ARPA") funds, highlighting the allocation dates and amounts, the eligibility categories, and the Ad Hoc Subcommittee's priority categories. Assistant City Manager Tomaino reviewed the proposed ARPA Phase 2 expenditures and programs which included the La Mesa Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program ("LEAP"), additional support for the Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement Program ("HOME"), and support for essential workers.
Council questions and comments ensued.
James Sly, East County Economic Development Council, provided an overview of LEAP.
Rick Wilson, East County Homeless Task Force, submitted a comment in support of allocating $800,000 in ARPA funds for La Mesa's homeless diversion and support services.
Council questions and comments continued.
ACTION
: Motioned by Councilmember Baber to (1) authorize the following Phase 2 allocations of ARPA funds: (a) $200,000 for COVID-related leave and expenditures; (b) $800,000 for economic development (LEAP Program); (c) $800,000, with $226,372 coming from the Community Development Block Grant, to provide additional support for the HOME Program; and (d) $300,000 to support essential workers ($1,000 stipend per employee regardless of vaccination status); and (2) request the ARPA funding Ad Hoc Subcommittee to incorporate in a subsequent allocation of ARPA funds recommendations that support economic development by improving the City's business processes. The motion failed due to a lack of a second.
Moved by
Councilmember Parent
Seconded by
Vice Mayor Shu
(1) Authorize the following Phase 2 allocations of ARPA funds: (a) $200,000 for COVID-related leave and expenditures; (b) $800,000 for economic development (LEAP Program); (c) $800,000, with $226,372 coming from the Community Development Block Grant, to provide additional support for the HOME Program; and (d) $300,000 to support essential workers ($500 stipend per employee and an additional $500 stipend to employees with a fully-vaccinated status as stipulated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention); and (2) request the ARPA Funding Ad Hoc Subcommittee to incorporate in a subsequent allocation of ARPA funds recommendations that support economic development by improving the City’s business processes.
Yes (3)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Shu, and Councilmember Parent No (2)
Councilmember Baber, and Councilmember Lothian
Approved (3 to 2)
11. HEARING
Public Comments:
11.1 CONSIDERATION OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 AND SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENTS TO FISCAL YEARS 2019-20 AND 2021-22 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 2022.03.22 H_CDBG Program.pdf
2. PowerPoint_CDBG Hearing.pdf
Notice of the hearing was given in accordance with legal requirements, and the hearing was held on the date and at the time specified in the notice.
Councilmember Baber left the meeting at 8:01 p.m.
Mayor Arapostathis opened the hearing for Item 11.1.
Associate Planner Kinnard provided a PowerPoint presentation on the CDBG program, the 2020-2025 Consolidated Planning goals, the amendments to Fiscal Years 2019-2020 and 2021-2022 Annual Action Plan, and the proposed funding levels and allocation of CDBG program funds for Fiscal Year 2023-2022.
Moved by
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded by
Councilmember Parent
Close the hearing.
Yes (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Shu, Councilmember Parent, and Councilmember Lothian Absent (1)
Councilmember Baber
Approved (4 to 0)
Resolution No. 2022-024
Moved by
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded by
Councilmember Parent
(1) Adopt Resolution approving a substantial amendment to the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan for the CDBG program to program CDBG Coronavirus (CDBG-CV1 and CDBG-CV3) funds and authorizing submittal to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD"); and (2) reaffirm CDBG program priorities and direct staff to draft and circulate for public review the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 CDBG Action Plan and amended Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Action Plan for HUD-funded activities and return to Council on April 26, 2022, for final review and approval.
Yes (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Shu, Councilmember Parent, and Councilmember Lothian Absent (1)
Councilmember Baber
Approved (4 to 0)
12. 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.
13. AB 1234 REPORTS (GC 53232.3 (d))
Public Comments:
There were no reports.
14. CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
Public Comments:
There were no remarks.
15. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis adjourned the meeting at 8:11 p.m.