Minutes — La Mesa City Council, January 10, 2023

City Council - January 10, 2023

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 6:00 p.m.

1.1 INVOCATION - COUNCILMEMBER LOTHIAN
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. ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
Public Comments:

Consent Calendar Item 10.6 was deleted from the agenda.

5. PRESENTATIONS
Public Comments:

5.1 MAYOR'S STATE OF THE CITY REPORT
Attachments
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Public Comments

1. 2022 State of the City Address.pdf

2. 2022 State of the City Video.pdf
The City's first ever State of the City video was played which highlighted the City's many achievements in 2022 and the completed, ongoing and future projects and initiatives the City had undertaken.

5.2 SWEARING IN OF NEW FIRE CHIEF BENT KOCH
Public Comments:

City Clerk Wiegelman administered the Oath of Office to Fire Chief Bent Koch.

6. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments:

Barb Lorenz on behalf of the Legacy Coalition, spoke in opposition to Project 2021-40, a mixed-use development at 4757 Palm Avenue.

Wendy Mihalic spoke regarding the hiring of a Communications Manager and Assistant City Manager.

Dianne Osterling spoke regarding government transparency and the processes of the Community Development Department.

Gary Lorenz spoke in opposition to Project 2021-40, a mixed-use development at 4757 Palm Avenue.

Dana Stevens, Executive Director of Community Action Service Advocacy for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods, spoke on prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco products in the City.

Ray Abbott spoke regarding the letter Councilmember Parent wrote to Sharp Grossmont Hospital in support of workers deciding for themselves whether to join a union.

Mary Davis spoke regarding the letter Councilmember Parent wrote to Sharp Grossmont Hospital in support of workers deciding for themselves whether to join a union, the City's travel reimbursement policy, and the National Sanctity of Life flag.

Bonnie Baranoff spoke regarding the City's annual point in time count scheduled for Thursday, January 26, 2023, from 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

7. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
Public Comments:

Councilmember Lothian recused herself for Item 10.9 because she had a potential conflict of interest under Government Code Section 87100 due to the proximity of her office to 4757 Palm Avenue.

8. BOARD AND COMMISSION INTERVIEWS
Public Comments:

8.1 INTERVIEW OF APPLICANT FOR AN UNSCHEDULED VACANCY ON THE ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_Arts and Culture Commission Interview for Unscheduled Vacancy 2023-01-10.pdf

2. Attachment A_List of Applicants Arts and Culture Commission_Jan.pdf City Clerk Wiegelman briefly explained the interview process.

Renee Bareno spoke regarding their qualifications and interest in being appointed to the Arts and Culture Commission.

City Clerk Wiegelman said the appointment would be made at the January 24th City Council meeting.

Following the interview, no action was taken.

8.2 INTERVIEW OF APPLICANTS FOR AN UNSCHEDULED VACANCY ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_Planning Commission Interviews for Unscheduled Vacancy 2023-01-10.pdf

2. Attachment A - List of Applicants PC_January.pdf
City Clerk Wiegelman briefly explained the interview process. City Clerk Wiegelman stated that Grant Yamada was not able to attend the City Council meeting due to a prior commitment but had provided a written statement expressing their interest in being considered for appointment to the Planning Commission.

The following applicants spoke regarding their qualifications and interest in being appointed:

Blake Baylin
Kathleen Brand
Lauren M. Cazares
Jonathan Frankel
David Harris
David J. Telliard II
City Clerk Wiegelman said the appointment would be made at the January 24th City Council meeting.

Following the interviews, no action was taken.

8.3 ANNUAL INTERVIEW OF APPLICANTS FOR OPENINGS ON THE CITY’S COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_2023 CPOB Annual Interview of Applicants.pdf

2. Attachment A - Applicant Matrix CPOB_January.pdf
City Clerk Wiegelman briefly explained the interview process. City Clerk Wiegelman stated Gregg Ward and Caitlin Tiffany were not able to attend the City Council meeting due to prior commitments but had provided written statements expressing their interests in being considered for appointment or reappointment to the Community Police Oversight Board ("CPOB").

The following applicants spoke regarding their qualifications and interest in being appointed or reappointed to the CPOB:

Janet Castanos
Lauren M. Cazares
Christian DeMent
Robert Duff
Linda Hitt
Susan Wayne
City Clerk Wiegelman said the appointments would be made at the January 24th City Council meeting.

Following the interviews, no action was taken.

9. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:

Dianne Osterling spoke on Consent Calendar Item 10.9.

10. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
(Items 10.1 through 10.9)
Consent Calendar Item 10.6 was deleted from the agenda.

Mayor Arapostathis pulled Consent Calendar Item 10.9 for separate consideration.

Moved By
Vice Mayor Parent
Seconded By
Mayor Arapostathis
Approve Consent Calendar Items 10.1 through 10.8, except for Item 10.6.

For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Vice Mayor Parent, Councilmember Dillard, 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 REGULAR MEETING HELD TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2022 Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Nov22_2022.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 13, 2022 Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CC and SA_Dec13_2022.pdf
Approve.

10.4 APPROVAL OF THE 2023 LIST OF PROCLAMATIONS
Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_2023 List of Proclamations.pdf

2. Attachment A_2023 List of Proclamations.pdf
Approve.

10.5 QUARTERLY COMMUNICATIONS REPORT: OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 2022 Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_Communications Report (October to December 2022).pdf

2. Attachment A - Quarterly Communications Report - Oct to Dec 2022.pdf Receive and file.

10.7 RESOLUTIONS APPROVING THE AMENDED CITY OF LA MESA COMPENSATION PLANS Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Staff Report_Amended Compensation Plans-Fire Chief.pdf

2. Attachment A_Resolution - FY 2022-2023 Amended Comp Plan.pdf

3. Attachment B_Resolution - FY 2023-2024 Amended Comp Plan.pdf

4. Attachment C_Resolution - FY 2024-2025 Amended Comp Plan.pdf

5. Attachment D_FY22-23 Amended Comp Plan - Fire Chief.pdf

6. Attachment E_FY23-24 Amended Comp Plan - Fire Chief.pdf

7. Attachment F_FY24-25 Amended Comp Plan - Fire Chief.pdf Adopt Resolutions.

FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 COMPENSATION PLAN RESOLUTION
Public Comments:

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CHANGE TO THE APPROVED AMENDED CITY OF LA MESA COMPENSATION PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 LISTING POSITIONS, SALARY RANGES/BANDS, AND PAY STEPS, INCLUDING REACTIVATING THE CLASSIFICATION FOR FIRE CHIEF AND ESTABLISHING RELATED SALARY BAND, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 BUDGET Resolution No. 2023-001
Adopt Resolution.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CHANGE TO THE APPROVED AMENDED CITY OF LA MESA COMPENSATION PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 LISTING POSITIONS, SALARY RANGES/BANDS, AND PAY STEPS, INCLUDING THE CLASSIFICATION AND RELATED SALARY BAND FOR FIRE CHIEF Public Comments:

Resolution No. 2023-002
Adopt Resolution.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CHANGE TO THE APPROVED AMENDED CITY OF LA MESA COMPENSATION PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 LISTING POSITIONS, SALARY RANGES/BANDS, AND PAY STEPS, INCLUDING THE CLASSIFICATION AND RELATED SALARY BAND FOR FIRE CHIEF Public Comments:

Resolution No. 2023-003
Adopt Resolution.

10.8 RESOLUTION AWARDING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO CHEN RYAN ASSOCIATES INC., DBA CR ASSOCIATES FOR TRANSPORTATION PLANNING SERVICES FOR THE LA MESA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS PLAN, SEGMENT 2 Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Staff Report - Awarding a Consultant Agreement to CRA for La Mesa Blvd Seg. 2.pdf

2. Attachment A - Resolution CRA Consultant Agreement.pdf

3. Attachment B - La Mesa Boulevard Complete Street Design.pdf

4. Fiscal Impact Certificate_La Mesa Boulevard Complete Streets Plan.pdf Resolution No. 2023-004
Adopt Resolution.

10.6 APPROVAL OF UPDATING THE BANK CONTRACTING OFFICER AND DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO THE NEW CITY TREASURER Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_Bank Contracting Officer Update.pdf
This item was deleted from the agenda.

10.9 CONTINUANCE OF THE RATIFICATION OF THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD'S APPROVAL OF PROJECT 2021-40 (PALM STREET VENTURES LLC) Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Staff Report_2021-40 (Palm Street Ventures LLC) Reconsideration of DRB ratification.pdf

2. Exhibit A - DRB Ratification Staff Report 10-11-22.pdf

3. Exhibit B - Correspondence from Applicant.pdf

4. Exhibit C - Revised Color Elevations.pdf
Sandy Cajigas
The current plan for the building is not in keeping with the historic charming La Mesa, one of the main reasons I bought my home here. Please change the architecture to something more "historic" more charming and in keeping with our downtown and nearby buildings. This current plan is an eyesore. Jarring and ugly.

Karlene Akers
Hello City Council Representatives,
I wanted to voice a few of my concerns with this project.

First concerning the revised color scheme.This new one stands out way too much with the large amount of white. I also disagree with the original color scheme being an issue. I believe the problem was mostly the modern architecture combined with its tall height. Not so much the color scheme.

As a side note, their submittal also gave the impression that rather than just the color changing, certain parts of the outer building were redesigned. The most notable being on the North side since the dark columns along the edge of the balcony were removed. If the façade or materials change it might need to be reviewed by Design again.

Also as pointed out in the last meeting for Palm, I agree that all the waivers shouldn’t have been granted without any kind of negotiation. At the very least, the developer should provided some actual low income units instead of getting to disregard the Downtown Village Specific Plan for free. It may get harder to deny others the same perks in the future as well if the people who granted them keep doing so.

The parking waiver was also poorly planned. If the final amount was 19-26 spaces for 64 units and if you have 2 people per unit that’s 102-109 people who supposedly won’t have a car. The public parking you might be able to enforce but I get the feeling the residential homes are going to have a lot of trouble. It was the same way over in LA where people from apartments kept moving their cars around neighborhoods. And the parking for the farmers market is already crowded.

Out of curiosity was the traffic accident prone intersection Bill mentioned ever discussed in a planning or design meeting? I didn’t really see any meeting for it in the agenda unless I missed it. The report said there was a traffic analysis but there wasn’t much else mentioned. I’m mostly interested since I work as a Civil Engineer. I was thinking it might help visibility to remove that one corner parking spot, but I would need to know more about the accidents to be sure.

In either case, I appreciate the hard work you guys do. City management can be fairly tricky with all its regulations and disciplines. Hope you get good support and Good Luck! Thank you,
Karlene Akers
A PROPOSED MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT AT 4757 PALM AVENUE, APN 494-410-24-00 IN THE CD-D (DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL / URBAN DESIGN OVERLAY ZONE) Councilmember Lothian left the dais at 7:09 p.m.

Mary Davis spoke in opposition to the ratification of the Design Review Board's approval of Project 2021-40 (Palm Street Ventures LLC).

Lauren Cazares spoke in support of the ratification of the Design Review Board's approval of Project 2021-40 (Palm Street Ventures LLC).

Sandy Cajigas submitted a comment in opposition to the ratification of the Design Review Board's approval of Project 2021-40 (Palm Street Ventures LLC).

Karlene Akers submitted a comment stating their concerns with Project 2021-40 (Palm Street Ventures LLC).

City Attorney Sabine explained that the Council would only be voting on the design of the project, and the other components of the project, such as the entitlement, were already approved by the Planning Commission with no appeal filed during the appeal period.

Council questions and comments ensued.

ACTION
: Motioned by Councilmember Shu to ratify the Design Review Board's approval of Project 2021-40 with the lighter color palette for the building. The motion failed due to a lack of a second.

Moved By
Councilmember Dillard
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Parent
To ratify the Design Review Board's approval of Project 2021-40 with the original darker color palette for the building.

For (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Vice Mayor Parent, and Councilmember Dillard Abstain (1)
Councilmember Lothian
Approved (4 to 0)

11. STAFF REPORT
Public Comments:

11.1 CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTING AND/OR REAPPOINTING COUNCILMEMBERS TO OUTSIDE BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES, AND TO THE COUNCIL AD HOC AND STANDING SUBCOMMITTEES Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_Appointments to Outside Boards and Commissions 2023-01-10.pdf

2. Attachment A_Council Appointments to Outside Boards.2022.pdf

3. Attachment B_Council Appointments to Standing and Ad Hoc Committees.2022.pdf Councilmember Lothian returned to the dais at 7:26 p.m.

Mayor Arapostathis explained the appointment process for the outside boards, commissions, and committees, and the Council ad hoc and standing subcommittees.

Carol Kim, Business Manager of the San Diego Building and Construction Trades Council, spoke in support of the appointment of Mayor Arapostathis as the primary representative, Councilmember Shu as the alternate representative and Councilmember Dillard as the second alternate representative on the San Diego Association of Governments Board of Directors.

Gretchen Newsom on behalf of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers ("IBEW") Local 569, spoke on ensuring the City's appointments to regional agencies be representatives with values that do right by La Mesa and the entire region.

Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Dillard
Appoint Mayor Arapostathis as the primary representative, Councilmember Shu as the first alternate representative, and Councilmember Dillard as the second alternate representative on the San Diego Association of Governments Board of Directors.

For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Vice Mayor Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Councilmember Lothian Approved (5 to 0)
Moved By
Councilmember Dillard
Seconded By
Councilmember Shu
Appoint Councilmember Dillard as the primary representative and Mayor Arapostathis as the alternate representative on the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Board of Directors.

For (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Vice Mayor Parent, and Councilmember Dillard Against (1)
Councilmember Lothian
Approved (4 to 1)
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Shu
Appoint: (1) Councilmember Lothian as the primary representative on the East County Economic Development Council; (2) Councilmember Shu as the primary representative and Mayor Arapostathis as the alternate representative on the Harry Griffen Park JPA; (3) Vice Mayor Parent as the primary representative and Councilmember Shu as the alternate representative on the Heartland Communications Facility Authority; (4) Vice Mayor Parent as the primary representative and Councilmember Shu as the alternate representative on the Heartland Fire Training Facility Authority; (5) Mayor Arapostathis as the primary representative and Councilmember Lothian as the alternate representative on the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District/City of La Mesa Joint Steering Committee; (6) Councilmember Lothian as the primary representative on the League of California Cities San Diego County Division; (7) William Baber as the primary representative and Councilmember Shu as the alternate representative on the Metro Wastewater Joint Powers Authority; (8) Vice Mayor Parent as the primary representative on the Mission Trails Regional Task Force; (9) Councilmember Parent as the primary representative and Councilmember Shu as the alternate representative on the San Diego Community Power Board of Directors; and (10) Councilmember Dillard as the primary representative on the Sweetwater River Watershed Advisory Panel.

For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Vice Mayor Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Councilmember Lothian Approved (5 to 0)
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Parent
(1) Establish a standing subcommittee comprising of Councilmember Dillard and Councilmember Lothian for the purpose of acting as a liaison between residents and businesses applying for permits and the department that issues permits; (2) Establish an ad hoc subcommittee comprising of Mayor Arapostathis and Vice Mayor Parent for the purpose of reviewing the Accessory Dwelling Unit policies and process; (3) Establish an ad hoc subcommittee comprising of Vice Mayor Parent and Councilmember Shu for the purpose of reviewing parking related legislation and policies; (4) Appoint: (a) Mayor Arapostathis and Councilmember Shu to the Citizen Emergency Preparedness Ad Hoc Subcommittee; (b) Vice Mayor Parent and Councilmember Shu to the Civic Center Master Plan Ad Hoc Subcommittee; (c) Vice Mayor Parent and Councilmember Lothian to the Review of the Design Review Board Ad Hoc Subcommittee; (d) Vice Mayor Parent and Councilmember Shu to the Housing Affordability Ad Hoc Subcommittee; (e) Vice Mayor Parent and Councilmember Dillard to the Extension of Proposition L Ad Hoc Subcommittee; (f) Mayor Arapostathis and Vice Mayor Parent to the Review of City Streets for Greater Pedestrian Access Ad Hoc Subcommittee; (g) Vice Mayor Parent and Councilmember Lothian to the Business Rebound Ad Hoc Subcommittee; (h) Councilmember Dillard and Councilmember Shu to the Climate Action Plan Updates Ad Hoc Subcommittee; (i) Councilmember Dillard and Councilmember Shu to the Animal Welfare Standing Subcommittee; (j) Mayor Arapostathis and Councilmember Shu to the Audit Standing Subcommittee; (k) Councilmember Dillard and Councilmember Shu to the Future of MacArthur Park Standing Subcommittee; and (l) Councilmember Dillard and Councilmember Lothian to the Downtown Events Standing Subcommittee.

For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Vice Mayor Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Councilmember Lothian Approved (5 to 0)

12. COUNCIL INITIATED
Public Comments:

12.1 CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING A CITY DONATION OF A TREE IN MEMORY OF DEXTER LEVY - MAYOR ARAPOSTATHIS AND VICE MAYOR PARENT Attachments
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Public Comments

1. CI.Arapostathis.Parent.City Donation of a Tree.pdf
Mayor Arapostathis and Vice Mayor Parent explained the purpose for requesting a City donation of a tree in memory of Dexter Levy and shared their memories and expressed their gratitude and respect for Dexter Levy.

Anthony McIvor spoke in support of a City donation of a tree in memory of Dexter Levy.

Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Shu
Approve a City donation of a tree in memory of Dexter Levy.

For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Vice Mayor Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Councilmember Lothian Approved (5 to 0)

12.2 CONSIDERATION OF DIRECTING STAFF TO PREPARE OR REVISE A COMPREHENSIVE POLICY, SCHEDULE, AND CHECKLIST FOR WHAT ACTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN BY WHICH STAFF TO ONBOARD NEW ELECTED OFFICIALS MOVING FORWARD – VICE MAYOR PARENT AND COUNCILMEMBER DILLARD Attachments
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Public Comments

1. CI.Parent.Dillard.Onboarding of New Elected Officials.pdf Christopher Glenn
Wonderful to see this initiative regarding officials orientation. You may also find the information available at the California Institute for Local Government beneficial. https://www.ca-ilg.org/newly-elected-officials-orientation-materials They suggest orientation include:

Specific City Council Policies
Rules of Order (Robert’s)
Fiscal Year Budget Preparation Calendar
Council Meeting Calendar
Committee Assignments
Brown Act and Ethics Law Resources
City’s General Plan
City’s Adopted Budget
City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
Emergency contacts Information
Media Communications
Vice Mayor Parent and Councilmember Dillard explained the purpose for directing staff to prepare or revise a comprehensive policy, schedule, and checklist for what actions should be taken by which staff to onboard new elected officials moving forward.

Christopher Glenn submitted a comment in support of the item.

Moved By
Vice Mayor Parent
Seconded By
Councilmember Dillard
To direct staff to prepare or revise a comprehensive policy, schedule, and checklist for what actions should be take by which staff to onboard new elected officials moving forward.

For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Vice Mayor Parent, Councilmember Dillard, 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 10, 2023

La Mesa City Council
January 10, 2023