LA MESA CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
A Regular Meeting
Date: Tuesday, January 24, 2023, 6:00 p.m.
Location: City Council Chambers, 8130 Allison Avenue
La Mesa, California
Elected
Officials:
Mayor Mark Arapostathis
Vice Mayor Colin Parent
Councilmember Patricia N. Dillard
Councilmember Laura Lothian
Councilmember Jack Shu
City Treasurer Matthew Strabone
Staff: City Manager Greg Humora
City Attorney Glenn Sabine
City Clerk Megan Wiegelman
In-Person/Virtual Hybrid City Council Meeting Pursuant to AB 361 (Government Code Section 54953(e)(1)-(2))
The City Council meeting may be viewed in-person or live on Cox Cable Channel 24 (within La Mesa City limits), AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 (in the San Diego Region), the City’s website (www.cityoflamesa.us), Facebook Live (www.facebook.com/lamesaca) or using the following Zoom Webinar options:
The public may view the meeting live using the following remote options:
Teleconference Meeting Webinar
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84472650722
Telephone (Audio only)
(669) 900-6833 or (253) 215-8782 Webinar ID: 844 7265 0722 Copy and paste the webinar link into your internet browser if the webinar link does not work directly from the agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
In-Person comments during the meeting: Join us for the City Council meeting at the time and location specified on this agenda to make your comments. Please complete a “Request to Speak” card and submit it to the Council Hostess. When the Mayor calls your name, step to the podium and state your name for the record. Comments will be limited to three (3) minutes.
•
Zoom Audio Comments: To provide oral public comments during the meeting, join the Zoom meeting by computer, mobile phone, or dial in number. On Zoom video conference by computer or mobile phone, use the “Raise Hand” feature. This will notify the moderator that you wish to speak during a specific item on the agenda or during non-agenda Public Comment. Members of the public will not be shown on video but will be able to speak when called upon. If joining the meeting using the Zoom dial-in number, you may raise your hand by pressing *9. Comments will be limited to three (3) minutes. No further comments will be entertained after the Mayor closes public comment. •
How to submit eComments: eComments are available once an agenda is published.
Locate the meeting in "upcoming meetings" and click the comment bubble icon. Click on the item you wish to comment on. eComments can be submitted when the agenda is published and until 24 hours prior to the meeting. eComments are limited to 500 words. eComments may be viewed by the City Council and members of the public following the close of the eComment submission period (24 hours prior to the meeting). Email your comment to [email protected] if you have difficulty submitting an eComment. eComments will not be read aloud as a regular meeting item; however any member of the Council or member of the public may do so during their respective comment time. •
Citizens who wish to make an audio/visual presentation pertaining to an item on the agenda, or during Public Comments, should contact the City Clerk’s office at 619.667.1120, no later than 5:00 p.m., the Thursday prior to the meeting day. Advance notification will ensure compatibility with City equipment and allow Council meeting presentations to progress smoothly and in a consistent and equitable manner. Please note that all presentations/digital materials are considered part of the maximum time limit provided to speakers.
Agenda reports for items on this agenda are available for public review at the City Clerk's Office, 8130 Allison Avenue, during normal business hours.
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Council after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the City Clerk’s Office, 8130 Allison Avenue, during normal business hours.
ACCESSIBILITY: The City of La Mesa encourages the participation of disabled individuals in the services, activities and programs provided by the City. Individuals with disabilities, who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the City Council meetings, should contact the City’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator, Rida Freeman, Director of Administrative Services, 48 hours prior to the meeting at 619.667.1175, fax 619.667.1163, or [email protected].
Hearing assisted devices are available for the hearing impaired. A City staff member is available to provide these devices upon entry to City Council meetings, commission meetings or public hearings held in the City Council Chambers. A photo i.d. or signature will be required to secure a device for the meeting.
Pages
1. CALL TO ORDER
1.1 INVOCATION - COUNCILMEMBER LOTHIAN
1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
2. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
3. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
4. COMMUNITY BULLETIN REPORTS
5. ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
6. PRESENTATION
6.1 CITY OF LA MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN PROGRESS REPORT
PRESENTATION
1 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
NOTE: In accordance with state law, an item not scheduled on the agenda may be brought forward by the general public for comment; however, the City Council will not be able to discuss or take any action on the item at this meeting.
If appropriate, the item will be referred to Staff or placed on a future agenda.
8. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
9. BOARD AND COMMISSION INTERVIEWS
9.1 INTERVIEW OF APPLICANTS FOR UNSCHEDULED VACANCIES ON
THE YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION
2 Staff Reference: Ms. Wiegelman
10. BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
10.1 RESOLUTION APPOINTING A MEMBER TO FILL THE
UNSCHEDULED VACANCY ON THE ARTS AND CULTURE
COMMISSION
5 Staff Reference: Ms. Wiegleman
Recommended Motion:
Approve the appointment of Renee Bareno to the Arts and Culture Commission and adopt Resolution confirming the appointment.
10.2 RESOLUTION APPOINTING AND/OR REAPPOINTING MEMBERS TO
THE COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD
9 Staff Reference: Ms. Wiegelman
Recommended Motion:
The Mayor appoint members to fill the openings on the City's Community Police Oversight Board, with the approval of the Council, and adopt Resolution confirming the appointments.
10.3 RESOLUTION APPOINTING A MEMBER TO FILL THE
UNSCHEDULED VACANCY ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION
14 Staff Reference: Ms. Wiegelman
Recommended Motion:
The City Council make the appointment to fill the vacancy and adopt Resolution confirming the appointment.
11. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
This is the time in which members of the Council or audience may pull items from the CONSENT CALENDAR for discussion. Public Comments are also invited on Consent Calendar items.
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
(Items 12.1 through 12.7)
The Consent Calendar includes items considered to be routine. Unless discussion is requested by members of the Council or audience, all Consent Calendar items may be approved by one motion.
Recommended Motion:
Approve Consent Calendar Items 12.1 through 12.7.
12.1 APPROVAL OF MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF THE TEXT
OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS AT THIS MEETING
Recommended Motion:
Approve.
12.2 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 FEBRUARY 1, 2023 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 2023
18 Staff Reference: Ms. Wiegelman
Recommended Motion:
Adopt Resolution.
12.3 APPROVAL OF THE POLICY AND CHECKLIST FOR NEW ELECTED
OFFICIALS ORIENTATION AND THE CHECKLIST FOR OUTGOING
ELECTED OFFICIALS
22 Staff Reference: Mr. Humora
Recommended Motion:
Approve.
12.4 APPROVAL OF UPDATING THE BANK CONTRACTING OFFICER
AND DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO THE NEW CITY
TREASURER
28 Staff Reference: Ms. Royales
Recommended Motion:
Approve.
12.5 INDEPENDENT POLICE AUDITOR REPORT FOR THE QUARTER
ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
29 Staff Reference: Mr. Dedmon
Recommended Motion:
Receive and file.
12.6 HOMELESS OUTREACH AND MOBILE ENGAGEMENT (HOME)
PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT (OCTOBER 2022 - DECEMBER
2022)
36 Staff Reference: Chief Sweeney
Recommended Motion:
Receive and file.
12.7 RESOLUTION APPROVING AN ERRATA TO RESOLUTION NO.
2023-004 CORRECTING THE CONTRACT AMOUNT FROM $270,195
TO $362,460 TO CHEN RYAN ASSOCIATES FOR
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING OF LA MESA BOULEVARD
COMPLETE STREET DESIGN SEGMENT 2 PROJECT
45 Staff Reference: Mr. Throne
Recommended Motion:
Adopt Resolution.
13. STAFF REPORT
13.1 WAITE PARK PRESENTATION 49
PRESENTATION OF WAITE PARK DRAFT MASTER PLAN AND
CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING $70,000 FOR
THE WAITE PARK MASTER PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
FROM GENERAL FUND UNALLOCATED RESERVES AND
AWARDING A TASK ORDER TO HELIX ENVIRONMENTAL
PLANNING, INC. TO PREPARE TECHNICAL STUDIES AND
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTATION PURSUANT
TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
Staff Reference: Ms. Richardson
Recommended Motion:
Adopt Resolution.
14. HEARING
14.1 CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION ORDERING THE SUMMARY
VACATION OF AN EASEMENT ON TERRY LANE FOR PUBLIC
UTILITY PURPOSES ENCUMBERING LOTS 68 THROUGH 87 PER
MAP NO. 2608 FOR DENNSTEDT TERRACE
106
Staff Reference: Mr. Throne
Recommended Motion:
Close the hearing.
Recommended Motion:
Adopt Resolution.
15. COUNCIL INITIATED
15.1 CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTING RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF
FREE AND FAIR UNION ELECTIONS FOR SHARP GROSSMONT
EMPLOYEES - VICE MAYOR PARENT AND COUNCILMEMBER SHU
112
15.2 CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSAL TO CANCEL THE REGULAR
MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY
14, 2023 - MAYOR ARAPOSTATHIS AND VICE MAYOR PARENT
115
16. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (3 MINUTE LIMIT)
17. AB 1234 REPORTS (GC 53232.3 (d))
18. CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
19. ADJOURNMENT
DATE: January 24, 2023
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Hilary Ego, Environmental Program Manager
VIA: Greg Humora, City Manager
SUBJECT: CITY OF LA MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN PROGRESS REPORT
PRESENTATION
In March 2018, City Council approved the Climate Action Plan (CAP), which charts a course to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Development of a CAP was identified as a mitigation measure in La Mesa’s 2012 General Plan Update.
La Mesa prepared the CAP and established targets consistent with State goals and guidance. The CAP provides a roadmap by which La Mesa can reduce its contributions of GHG emissions in energy, transportation, solid waste, water, and green infrastructure. A progress report to City Council occurs every six months.
DATE: January 24, 2023
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Megan Wiegelman, CMC, City Clerk
VIA: Greg Humora, City Manager
SUBJECT: INTERVIEW OF APPLICANTS FOR UNSCHEDULED VACANCIES ON
THE YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION
Attached are applications from citizens who wish to be considered for appointment to fill unscheduled vacancies on the Youth Advisory Commission. The applicants have been invited to attend the meeting and make a brief three-minute presentation describing their qualifications and interest in serving on the Commission.
The applicants will be called forward for their interview by the City Clerk. After each presentation you may ask questions of the applicants, if you wish.
The appointments will be made at the City Council meeting on February 14th.
Attachment
Youth Advisory Commission: 3 positions – two-year term
Two appointees will fill the positions vacated by Hudson Lorenz and Sophia Saucedo whose terms expire September 30, 2023; and one appointee will fill the position vacated by Mustafa Dost whose term expires September 30, 2024.
Members must be between the ages of 13 and 20 years and reside within the City of La Mesa or attend school in the City.
First Appointed Number of Terms
Jackson Banthrum – incumbent 10/27/20 1
Adriana Flores
Kennedy Haytasingh
APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE
DATE: January 24, 2023
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Megan Wiegelman, CMC, City Clerk
VIA: Greg Humora, City Manager
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION APPOINTING A MEMBER TO FILL AN UNSCHEDULED
VACANCY ON THE ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION
On January 10th, the City Council interviewed an applicant who was interested in being appointed to fill the unscheduled vacancy on the City of La Mesa Arts and Culture Commission. At the Council meeting on January 24th, the Mayor will make the appointment with the approval of the City Council.
Attached is a brief description of the requirements, the number of openings, and the name of the applicant seeking to be appointed.
Staff recommends the Mayor make the appointment to fill the vacancy, with the approval of the Council, and adopt the attached resolution confirming the appointment.
Attachments
Arts and Culture Commission: 1 position – four-year term One appointee will fill the position vacated by Jenny Bourbiel whose term expires June 30, 2024.
The Members shall be a resident of the City of La Mesa and is subject to the Conflict of Interest Code
First Appointed Number of Terms
Renee Bareno
APPLICATION IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA APPOINTING
A MEMBER TO FILL THE UNSCHEDULED VACANCY ON THE ARTS AND
CULTURE COMMISSION
WHEREAS, a position on the City of La Mesa Arts and Culture Commission has been vacated; and
WHEREAS, the person below has been recommended to the City Council for appointment to said City of La Mesa Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT AND IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of La Mesa, California, that the following is hereby appointed as a member of the City of La Mesa Arts and Culture Commission, with their term to commence after the oath or affirmation of allegiance for public officers or employees is executed as required by Article XX, Section 3 of the Constitution of the State of California, and to expire on the date stated below, or until their successor is appointed and qualified:
Arts and Culture Commission: 1 appointment
Renee Bareno is appointed to fill the unscheduled vacancy created by Jenny Bourbiel whose term expires June 30, 2024.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of La Mesa, California, held the 24th day of January 2023, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
CERTIFICATE OF CITY CLERK
I, MEGAN WIEGELMAN, City Clerk of the City of La Mesa, California, do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and exact copy of Resolution No. 2023- , duly passed and adopted by the City Council of said City on the date and by the vote therein recited.
MEGAN WIEGELMAN, CMC, City Clerk
(SEAL OF CITY)
DATE: January 24, 2023
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Megan Wiegelman, CMC, City Clerk
VIA: Greg Humora, City Manager
SUBJECT: APPOINTMENT OF APPLICANTS FOR OPENINGS ON THE CITY’S
COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD
On January 10th, the City Council interviewed applicants who were interested in being appointed or reappointed to the City’s Community Police Oversight Board. At the Council meeting on January 24th, the Mayor and City Council will nominate and confirm the appointments. The Mayor will make the appointments to the City’s Community Police Oversight Board with the approval of the City Council.
The Community Police Oversight Board (“CPOB”) has six Board Member seats open for appointment or reappointment. The openings are for the following seats:
Helix Charter High School representative;
La Mesa-Spring Valley School District representative; La Mesa Business Community representative;
La Mesa Faith Based Community representative;
Young Adult Community representative; and
Older Adult Community representative.
In addition, the CPOB has two unscheduled vacancies for the following seats:
Police Beat 1 representative; and
Police Beat 3 representative.
The applications from the citizens who wish to be considered for appointment or reappointment to the CPOB are on file in the office of the City Clerk. Attached is a matrix outlining the categories each applicant is eligible to fill.
Staff recommends the Mayor appoint members to fill the openings on the City’s Community Police Oversight Board, with the approval of the Council, and adopt the attached resolution confirming the appointments.
Attachments
APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE
Police Beat 1 Police Beat 3 Helix Charter High
School Representative
La Mesa-Spring Valley
School District
Representative
La Mesa Business
Community
La Mesa Faith Based
Community Young Adult Older Adult
Linda Hitt Lauren M. Cazares Janet Castanos Caitlin Tiffany Lauren M. Cazares Christian DeMent Lauren M. Cazares Robert Duff Gregg Ward Gregg Ward Linda Hitt
Gregg Ward
Susan Wayne
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA APPOINTING
AND/OR REAPPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD
___________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, terms on the City of La Mesa Community Police Oversight Board have either expired or been vacated; and
WHEREAS, the list of persons below has been recommended to the City Council for appointment to said City of La Mesa Board.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT AND IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of La Mesa, California, that the following are hereby appointed and/or reappointed as members of the City of La Mesa Community Police Oversight Board, with their terms to commence after the oath or affirmation of allegiance for public officers or employees is executed as required by Article XX, Section 3 of the Constitution of the State of California, and to expire on the dates stated below, or until their successors are appointed and qualified:
Community Police Oversight Board: 8 appointments
(Name) is reappointed as the Helix Charter High School representative for term ending December 31, 2024
(Name) is appointed as the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District representative for term ending December 31, 2024.
(Name) is appointed as the La Mesa Business Community representative for term ending December 31, 2024
(Name) is reappointed as the La Mesa Faith Based Community representative for term ending December 31, 2024
(Name) is appointed as the Young Adult representative for term ending December 31, 2024
(Name) is appointed as the Older Adult representative for term ending December 31, 2024
(Name) is appointed to fill the unscheduled vacancy of the Police Beat 1 resident representative with term ending December 31, 2023.
(Name) is appointed to fill the unscheduled vacancy of the Police Beat 3 resident representative with term ending December 31, 2023.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of La Mesa, California, held the 24th day of January 2023, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
CERTIFICATE OF CITY CLERK
I, MEGAN WIEGELMAN, City Clerk of the City of La Mesa, California, do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and exact copy of Resolution No. 2023- , duly passed and adopted by the City Council of said City on the date and by the vote therein recited.
MEGAN WIEGELMAN, CMC, City Clerk
(SEAL OF CITY)
DATE: January 24, 2023
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Megan Wiegelman, CMC, City Clerk
VIA: Greg Humora, City Manager
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION APPOINTING A MEMBER TO FILL THE UNSCHEDULED
VACANCY ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION
On January 10th, the City Council interviewed applicants interested in being appointed to fill the unscheduled vacancy on the Planning Commission. At the Council meeting on January 24th, the Mayor and City Council will nominate and confirm the appointment.
Members of the Planning Commission are appointed by the City Council. Nomination forms will be distributed at the meeting; the Mayor and each Councilmember will indicate his or her nomination on the form. The forms will be passed to the City Clerk who will read each nomination aloud. The nomination process will continue until there is a majority nomination by the Council.
Attached is a brief description of the requirements, the number of openings, and the names of each applicant seeking to be appointed.
Staff recommends the City Council make the appointment to fill the vacancy and adopt the attached resolution confirming the appointment.
Attachments
Planning Commission: 1 position – four-year term
One position will fill the unexpired term of Brianna Coston whose term expires June 30, 2023.
Members shall be resident electors of the City of La Mesa and are subject to the Conflict of Interest Code.
First Appointed Terms
Blake Baylin
Kathleen Brand
Lauren M. Cazares
Jonathan Frankel
David Harris
David J. Telliard II
Grant Yamada
THE APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA APPOINTING
A MEMBER TO FILL THE UNSCHEDULED VACANCY ON THE PLANNING
COMMISSION
___________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, a position on the City of La Mesa Planning Commission has been vacated; and WHEREAS, the person below has been elected by the City Council for appointment to said City of La Mesa Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT AND IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of La Mesa, California, that the following is hereby appointed as a member of the City of La Mesa Planning Commission, with their term to commence after the oath or affirmation of allegiance for public officers or employees is executed as required by Article XX, Section 3 of the Constitution of the State of California, and to expire on the date stated below, or until their successor is appointed and qualified:
Planning Commission: 1 appointment
(Name) is appointed to fill the unscheduled vacancy created by Brianna Coston whose term expires June 30, 2023.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of La Mesa, California, held the 24th day of January 2023, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
CERTIFICATE OF CITY CLERK
I, MEGAN WIEGELMAN, City Clerk of the City of La Mesa, California, do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and exact copy of Resolution No. 2023- , duly passed and adopted by the City Council of said City on the date and by the vote therein recited.
MEGAN WIEGELMAN, CMC, City Clerk
(SEAL OF CITY)
DATE: January 24, 2023
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Megan Wiegelman, City Clerk
VIA: Greg Humora, City Manager
SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION MAKING FINDINGS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54953, AS AMENDED BY ASSEMBLY
BILL 361, AND AUTHORIZING THE CONTINUED USE OF VIRTUAL
AND/OR HYBRID MEETINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE BODIES OF THE CITY OF LA MESA FOR THE 30-DAY PERIOD B
The City Council, Board and Commission meetings returned to in-person meetings on April 12, 2022. On February 22, 2022, it was the consensus of the Council to permit hybrid meetings of the legislative bodies of the City of La Mesa. A city may meet remotely or use a combination of in-person/virtual (hybrid) platform under AB 361 during a declared state of emergency by the Governor via Government Code § 54953(e) et seq. The attached Resolution (Attachment A) would need to be adopted by Council to allow for hybrid meetings, in which Councilmembers and/or Board and Commission Members may choose to continue to attend meetings virtually while still allowing the public to attend in-person.
On September 28, 2021, the City Council was apprised of the latest Assembly Bill No. 361 (AB 361) signed by Governor Newsom allowing legislative bodies to continue to utilize remote/virtual platforms for meetings as long as one of the following three criteria was met:
State or local officials have imposed or recommended measures to promote social distancing; or
For the purpose of determining, by majority vote, whether as a result of the state of emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees; or
The City Council has previously determined, by majority vote, that, as a result of the state of emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees.
Based on the above criteria, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2021-115 to allow continued remote teleconference meetings of the legislative bodies of the City of
La Mesa for the month of October 2021 at its September 28, 2021 meeting.
Subsequently, the City Council adopted Resolution Nos. 2021-129, 2021-153, 2022- 006, 2022-018, 2022-020, 2022-028, 2022-042, 2022-063, 2022-083, 2022-087, 2022- 103, 2022-120, 2022-125, and 2022-139 to allow continued remote teleconference meetings of the legislative bodies of the City of La Mesa for the months of November and December 2021, January through December 2022, and January 2023.
To continue meeting based on the parameters set forth in AB 361, the City Council must adopt subsequent resolutions each month prior to the expiration date of the previously adopted resolutions requesting the same. The adoption of the proposed Resolution is required to allow the City’s legislative bodies to hold hybrid meetings in which Councilmembers, Board Members, and Commissioners may choose to continue to participate virtually. Staff recommends adopting the attached draft resolution this evening to allow the hybrid meeting option for the month of February.
Attachment: A. Draft Resolution
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA 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 OF THE CITY OF LA MESA FOR THE 30-DAY PERIOD BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1, 2023 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 2023
WHEREAS, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor issued Executive Order Nos. N-08-21, N-25-20 and N-29-20, which suspended certain provisions of the Ralph M.
Brown Act to allow legislative bodies to conduct public meetings without strict compliance with the teleconferencing provisions of the Brown Act;
WHEREAS, Assembly Bill 361, which was signed into law on September 16, 2021, amended Government Code section 54953, to provide relief from the teleconferencing provisions of the Brown Act under certain circumstances provided the legislative body makes certain findings;
WHEREAS, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor proclaimed a state of emergency on March 4, 2020, in accordance with the section 8625 of the California Emergency Services Act, and the state of emergency remains in effect; and WHEREAS, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the California Department of Health and County of San Diego Public Health Services continue to recommended measures to promote social distancing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT AND IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of La Mesa as follows:
1. That the Council has reconsidered the circumstances of the previously declared and existing state of emergency arising from the COVID-19 pandemic;
2. That the state of emergency continues to directly impact the ability of the members of the Council to meet safely in person, and further that local officials continue to impose or recommend measures to promote social distancing;
3. That the legislative bodies of the City may continue to conduct public meetings in accordance with Government Code section 54953(e); and
4. That the Council will reconsider the above findings within 30-days of this Resolution.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of La Mesa, California, held the 24th day of January 2023, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
CERTIFICATE OF THE CITY CLERK
I, MEGAN WIEGELMAN, City Clerk of the City of La Mesa, California, do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and exact copy of Resolution No. 2023- , duly passed and adopted by the City Council of said City on the date and by the vote therein recited.
MEGAN WIEGELMAN, CMC, City Clerk
(SEAL OF CITY)
Policy & Procedure
NEW ELECTED OFFICIALS ORIENTATION
1.0. Purpose
Welcoming newly elected officials and providing them with appropriate resources is critical to developing an effective, efficient governance team. The purpose of this policy is to provide an outline for a comprehensive orientation to all newly elected officials including the Mayor, Councilmembers, and City Treasurer so that they may begin their service with a broad knowledge base to ensure their best chance for success in serving the community.
2.0. Policy
The City of La Mesa is a general law city governed under the council-manager form of government. In a council-manager government, an elected City Council serves as the city's primary legislative body. It appoints a City Manager to oversee day-to-day municipal operations, develop the budget, and implement and enforce the City Council's policies and direction.
The role of the City Council is to set policy while the role of the City Manager is to implement that policy.
The newly elected official orientation shall:
A. Explain roles and responsibilities;
B. Provide practical information such as access to City Hall, office space, security procedures, meeting calendars and protocols;
C. Review a typical City Council meeting agenda and explain the order of business, consent calendar, business from the floor, and other meeting sections and protocols such as making motions and providing direction to the City Manager and staff during a City Council meeting;
D. Review rules regarding ethics, confidentiality, the Brown Act, and gift reporting; E. Introduce department heads and arrange facility tours.
3.0. Procedure
The city manager’s office is responsible for organizing and implementing the newly elected official orientation. As much of the orientation as possible shall be completed within 3 months of the elected official swearing in date.
A newly elected official check list shall be updated on an annual basis on December 1st and used for the orientation process.
A checklist for elected officials leaving office shall also be updated on an annual basis on Number A-26
Department City Manager’s Office
Issued 1/24/2023
Revised
Pages 2
Signed
Administrative Instruction No. A-26
Newly Elected Officials Orientation
December 1st. A copy of the checklist is attached to this administrative instruction.
4.0 Attachments
A. Newly Elected Official Incoming Office Checklist
B. Elected Official Outgoing Office Checklist
Attachment A to Admin Instruction A-26
Responsible
Department
or Individual
Date
Completed Task (assisting staff)
Appointment for Orientation with HR
Keycard for City Hall and Password - Sheryl Sherman (Management Analyst) Payroll Transmittal to Finance
Set up computer network access and email. Network Access form to be completed by Executive Assistant
Orientation Appointment with City Manager (requests for information, Council meeting agendas, Council inititated items, Council committees) Orientation Appointment with City Attorney (the Brown Act, conflict of interest, clossed sessions)
Bio for website
Boutonnieres/corsages for new officials
Business Cards
Provide Technology Allowance Form
Council Info - send email only to Admin Support Staff
Council Info – send to Senior Mgmt Group: address, phone #s, and email Distribution list - create an Outlook distribution list for the new City Council Register for League of California Cities New Mayors and Council Members Academy (www.calcities.org)
La Mesa Newly Elected Official Incoming Office Checklist Information Tech
Executive Assistant
Human Resources/Risk Management
Attachment A to Admin Instruction A-26
Create Letterhead
Photo – (1) 8x10, (10) 5x7 from photo studio of their choice Photo Update – Mayor’s photo in the Council Chambers
Photo Update – photo in the City Manager’s Office lobby Photo Update – photos displayed at all city buildings: (Some are now digital) City Hall, PD, (3) Fire Stations, Public Works, Adult Enrichment Center, Community Services
Nameplate Council Chambers (blue/black marble 2"x9") – order from Randy at Village Engraving at [email protected]
Plaque for Mayor’s office door
Nameplate inbox in Council Conference Room (med. Woodgrain 2"x8") – order from Village Engraving at [email protected]
Voice Mail Ext 106 update – phone in the Council Conf Room Updated conflict map - Community Development
Website update
Schedule Emergency Operations Center Training (Andy McKellar, Heartland Fire) Schedule City Council Chambers security training (Police Department) Expense and Use of Public Resources for City Business
Ethics Training AB 1234 (City Clerk)
Form 700 Assuming Office(City Clerk)
Updates to delegation of authority for Mayor and City Treasurer (Finance) Appointments with Department Heads (CD, CS, PW, Fin, PD, Fire, CC) Appointments with Utiliy Companies (Cox, EDCO, Helix Water, SDG&E)
Attachment B to Admin Instruction A-26
Responsible
Department or
Individual
Date Completed Task (assisting staff)
Keycard for City Hall - return and remove access code
Payroll Transmittal to HR
Retirement Plaque
Remove computer access and email effective day after last day
Boutonnieres/corsages for outgoing officials
Cell Phone return (provice password or deactivate password) - give to IT to wipe info
Distribution list - update in Outlook
Letterhead - delete
Photo Update – photo in the City Manager’s Office lobby Photo Update – photos displayed at all city buildings: City Hall, PD, (3) Fire Stations, Public Works, Adult Enrichment Center, Community Services
Nameplate Council Chambers – give to Councilmember or
destroy
La Mesa Elected Official Outgoing Office Checklist
HumanResources/Risk Management
Information Technology
Executive Assistant
Attachment B to Admin Instruction A-26
Nameplate inbox in Council Conference Room – give to
Councilmember or destroy
Street Sign for outgoing official (check with City Manager then Public Works Director)
Voice Mail Ext 106 update – phone in the Council Conf Room Updated conflict map - Community Development
Website update
Form 700 Leaving Office(City Clerk)
Updates to delegation of authority for Mayor and City
Treasurer (Finance)
DATE: January 24, 2023
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Tammi Royales, Director of Finance
VIA: Greg Humora, City Manager
SUBJECT: Bank Contracting Officer and Delegation of Authority In accordance to the policy of Union Bank, the Bank Contracting Officer (BCO) shall be the current Director of Finance with the City of La Mesa. The BCO is hereby authorized to open and close accounts, add and remove services and add and remove signers with Union Bank. The Delegation of Authority within Union Bank shall be the current Director of Finance and the current City Treasurer.
Per the La Mesa Investment Policy, the Delegation of Authority for maintaining custody of all public funds and securities shall be the current City Treasurer and the current Director of Finance as the secondary Delegation of Authority.
DATE: January 24, 2023
TO: MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: GREG HUMORA, CITY MANAGER
VIA: LYN DEDMON, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: INDEPENDENT POLICE AUDITOR REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
Pursuant to the Adopted Procedures of the Community Police Oversight Board (CPOB), the CPOB receives reports from the Independent Police Auditor (IPA) regarding the number of complaints filed, the number of open investigations of complaints, the disposition of and any action taken on filed complaints, and the number of concluded investigations by the La Mesa Police Department (LMPD).
The attached Quarterly Report summarizes complaints received by the IPA, the CPOB, and the LMPD for 2022 through the quarter ending September 30, 2022. The CPOB reviewed and discussed the Quarterly Report and at previous meeting.
Attachments:
A: Independent Police Auditor Quarterly Report through September 30, 2022
INSIDE
THIS
ISSUE
PG. 1
A brief discussion on the terms and
findings used in this report.
PG. 2
A summary of complaints and
findings covered in this report.
PG. 4
Recommendations set forth by the
Independent Police Auditor based
upon reviews and audits of La Mesa
Police Department complaints and
personnel investigations
BUILDING COMMUNITY TRUST
THROUGH TRANSPARENCY
COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD
The CPOB shall function as a means of community participation and oversight by directing and reviewing audits, and by reviewing and recommending policies, practices and programs designed to bring about community policing that is sensitive, effective, and responsive to the needs of the City and its residents. The CPOB shall promote and encourage open communication and cooperation between the La Mesa Police Department and residents of the City.
INDEPENDENT POLICEAUDITOR2022 THIRD QUARTER
2 Purpose
The City of La Mesa City Council adopted Ordinance (?) 2020-2881, which established the Community Police Oversight Board (CPOB) and defined the scope of its powers and duties under La Mesa Municipal Code (LMMC) Section 2.30.100. The CPOB is tasked with, among other duties pursuant to LMMC Section 2.30.100(b), to initiate and review audits prepared by the Independent Police Auditor of all incidents of use of force involving; accidental discharge of weapons, officer-involved shootings, officer-involved deaths, or officer-involved interactions resulting in serious bodily injury.
In addition, the CPOB may, pursuant to LMMC Section 2.30.100(c) initiate and review audits prepared by the Independent Police Auditor of Internal Affairs investigations and disposition of any complaints of misconduct by the La Mesa Police Department or its officers. The CPOB is further tasked with issuing public semi-annual public reports to the City Council and City Manager on the number and types of complaints reviewed and the CPOB’s responses, investigative findings, analysis of police data, police progress on CPOB recommendations and other updates relevant to the mission of the CPOB.
The purpose of this quarterly report is to provide the community with updates regarding the review of complaints, apprise the CPOB of these incidents, and offer recommendations to the La Mesa Police Department. This report is intended to satisfy certain reporting requirements outlined in LMMC Section 2.30.110.
Explanation of findings
The following is a list of the potential findings for investigated allegations of misconduct by sworn members of the La Mesa Police Department (LMPD). When the LMPD concludes the internal affairs process, they will have reached a finding for all allegations of misconduct in each case. In those cases where an allegation(s) is still being investigated, the summary will reflect the nature of the allegation and note the investigation is pending conclusion. It is important to not draw conclusions about any pending cases until the internal affairs investigation is completed.
Sustained: The allegation was confirmed and is a LMPD policy violation Exonerated: The actions of the officer did occur and were within policy Unfounded: The allegation cannot be proven to have occurred, or was proven to not have occurred
Not Sustained: The allegation cannot be proven or disproven Not Yet Referred: The matter has not been sent to the Independent Police Auditor (IPA) Administratively Declined: This matter does not meet IPA investigative guidelines.
Informational Documentation Only: A complaint was received by the PD, but no further investigation needed. For example, an anonymous complaint with insufficient
3 information for, follow up. Or the reporting party refuses contact with investigators and insufficient information exits for follow up. The original complaint information is still kept maintaining a record of all complaints.
Administratively Handled: A complaint was received by the PD, but determined not to need investigation. For example, a complaint is initiated against LMPD officers, but it is subsequently determined no LMPD officers were involved in the matter, but officers/deputies from another agency. The original complaint information is still kept maintaining a record of all complaints.
This report is for the third quarter of 2022. It will include information for cases from the first and second quarter and will reflect their updated status as of the end of the third quarter.
Complaints & I/A’s initiated in the 1st quarter of 2022:
LMPD Complaint No. 2022-01
Date Filed: 01-07-2022
Synopsis: The complainant said between the years of 2017 and 2019 he contacted the LMPD two dozen times for various crimes and incidents at his residence. He said the officers who responded refused him police services, were rude, and were unprofessional towards him. He added officers also improperly impounded his property, gave inaccurate courtroom testimony, and threatened people at his residence with arrest. He believes there was a department directive to deny police services to him.
Allegation: Complainant is alleging discourtesy, discrimination, false arrest, poor service, search/seizure, and racial and identity profiling.
LMPD Finding: Informational Documentation Only – Referred to the IPA IPA Finding: IPA has met with Complainant to resolve his concerns LMPD Complaint No. 2022-02
Date Filed: 01-21-2022
Synopsis: According to the complainant, she was placed in protective custody for a mental health evaluation, 5150. During this incident the complainant, who was at home at the time, was patted down and handcuffed. She questioned the need for this given her stable employment history and that she was agreeing to going in for an evaluation. She was placed in the back of a patrol car for close to three hours while officers completed paperwork. She says during this time she lost feeling in her left thumb, which became swollen and bruised.
Allegation: Complainant is alleging discourtesy and false arrest.
LMPD Finding: Informational Documentation Only
IPA Finding: Administratively Declined
4 LMPD Complaint No. 2022-03
Date Filed: 02-13-2022
Synopsis: The complainant alleges the police refuse to do anything about the crimes she has been the victim of, nor allow her to press charges against the suspects in these crimes.
Allegation: Complainant is alleging discrimination and poor service.
LMPD Finding: Unfounded
IPA Finding: Audit Pending
LMPD Complaint No. 2022-06
Date Filed: 02-23-2022
Synopsis: The complainant alleges discrimination during a mental health detention. Based on the information provided, police management sent multiple emails to the complainant to gather additional information. The complainant has not responded, and police management does not have a record of the incident described.
Allegation: Complainant is alleging discrimination.
LMPD Finding: Unfounded
IPA Finding: Administratively Declined
Complaints & I/A’s initiated in the 2nd quarter of 2022:
LMPD Complaint No. 2022-04
Date Filed: 03-16-2022
Synopsis: The complainant has provided a very limited description of the events leading to his complaint. He reports that his constitutional rights were violated, and officers refused to assist him when his first amendment rights were violated. He has not offered information about being discriminated against, falsely arrested, wrongfully searched, or racially profiled.
Allegation: Complainant is alleging discrimination, false arrest, search/seizure, and racial profiling.
LMPD Finding: Unfounded
IPA Finding: Audit Pending
LMPD Complaint No. 2022-07
Date Filed: 03-22-2022
Synopsis: The complainant wrote a letter from jail wishing to speak about the circumstances related to his interaction with police. After police management spoke to the subject, it was determined it was not a complaint against our officers.
Allegation: Complainant is alleging excessive force.
LMPD Finding: Administratively Handled
5 IPA Finding: Administratively Declined
LMPD Complaint No. 2022-05
Date Filed: 03-24-2022
Synopsis: Internal Affairs investigation involving off duty conduct. This incident involves an investigation of a potential criminal issue by an outside law enforcement agency.
Allegation: Potential criminal act.
LMPD Finding: Pending
IPA Finding Not yet referred
Complaints & I/A’s initiated in the 3rd quarter of 2022:
LMPD Complaint No. 2022-08
Date Filed: 07-12-2022
Synopsis: The complainant alleges he was racially profiled by officers, detained for jaywalking, and forced into a crime scene where he was arrested. The officers used force by putting a knee on his back injuring his rib cage.
Allegation: Complainant is alleging discourtesy, discrimination, excessive force, false arrest, and poor service.
LMPD Finding: Pending
IPA Finding: Pending
LMPD Complaint No. 2022-09
Date Filed: 09-01-2022
Synopsis: Allegation of excessive force and improper search. Complainant was stopped for a registration violation during a grant detail operation. Vehicle was eventually towed for displaying false registration tabs. Complainant alleges illegal search without consent and excessive force when an officer placed their hands on him during a pat down. He was released at the scene on a citation.
Allegation: Complainant is alleging excessive force and an improper search LMPD Finding: Pending
IPA Finding Pending
Trends/Issues Identified and to be relayed to the Police Department The La Mesa Police Department continues to respond to complaints received in the first three quarters of 2022 in a timely manner and has done a good job of processing those complaints in a professional manner.
6 • The auditor recommends the LMPD make ongoing use of its new IA tracking and reporting software, LEFTA, by uploading documents when received, and as completed. While the case may still be under investigation by the LMPD, the auditor has the responsibility to be aware of the progress of the case and to review the initial complaint form(s). LEFTA should serve as the repository of documents, recordings (interviews and body worn camera), complaints and other evidence and information used to complete the investigation, including cases in progress.
DATE: January 24, 2023
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Ray Sweeney, Chief of Police
VIA: Greg Humora, City Manager
SUBJECT: Home Quarterly Report
Please see the attached 4th Quarter Report for the City of La Mesa HOME Program.
City of La Mesa
Homeless Outreach &
Mobile Engagement (HOME) Program
Quarterly Report: October – December 2022
HOME Program Overview
The Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement (HOME) Team is an initiative of the City of La Mesa and the La Mesa Police Department (LMPD). The HOME Team provides a housing-first and traumainformed approach to addressing homelessness in La Mesa. The HOME Team utilizes progressive engagement and harm reduction to assist individuals who are unable to access homeless services on their own. This report breaks down the The HOME Team efforts and successes during the fourth quarter of 2022.
Since the beginning of the quarter, the HOME program outreach specialists have:
Contacted 108 total individuals experiencing homelessness and newly enrolled 50 adults and 15 children. Many of these newly enrolled adults are one-time contacts that were provided shortterm services as they passed through La Mesa. A total of 17 individuals contacted this quarter were connected to a temporary or permanent home.
Responded to 417 service calls routed through LMPD dispatch, HOME hotline or city email, and as follow-ups to previous contacts. Historically, many of these calls would have been handled by city emergency response services and law enforcement. Prioritized the most vulnerable individuals in the City of La Mesa, including individuals living on the street with chronic physical and mental health conditions, households with children, and individuals facing chronic homelessness.
Clients Served
The HOME Team operates out of LMPD headquarters in downtown La Mesa and responds to nonemergency calls for service related to homelessness that are generated through police dispatch, HOME email, and The HOME Hotline. Each of these calls is first attended by a HOME Team outreach specialist; PD or PERT officers are only requested for rare cases involving legal or safety concerns. 65 43
Total Number of Clients Served
New Clients in Quarter Continuing Clients
108
Instances of
Service*
744
Calls for
Service
417
HOME Team Assistance: 16
# of Calls LMPD Officers
requested HOME assistance
# of Calls the HOME team
requested:
Officer Assistance: 3
PERT Assistance: 0
*Instances of service are included in the total calls for service. This number represent interactions with clients that are enrolled in the county’s case management system. More than one client may be present during a single call for service.
Client Demographics and Household Composition
Housing Outcomes
8 households (Seventeen people) people left the HOME program to a temporary or permanent placement during the quarter.
2 households (Two people) exited to temporary housing, defined as an emergency shelter, transitional housing, or other location that provides housing/shelter without tenure.
6 households (Fifteen people) exited to permanent housing, defined as a leased unit meeting United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) occupancy standards with or without supportive services, such as mental health counseling.
6 housing matches were provided through the Coordinated Entry System.
Single Person
Households
79 Adult Couple
Households
4 8
48 60
Female Male
22 6
12 24
15 13
16 0 to 17 18 to 24
25 to 34 35 to 44
45 to 54 55 to 61
62 or Above
Total Clients Served Demographics
Chronically
Homeless 56%
Households
with Children
59
Housing Matches
Housing matches provided through the Coordinated Entry System (CES) are an essential part for people attempting to access permanent housing. In short, a housing match is when a person is connected to a housing provider for assistance in the form of a subsidized room or ongoing rental assistance. Once a person has been matched through CES, the HOME Team does their best to help a client connect with the housing provider and complete the housing process.
Client Services
The HOME Team continues to excel in helping clients navigate and connect with a variety of existing services within the community. Some of these services include ongoing nutritional, medical, and financial support through programs such as Cal-Fresh, Medi-Cal, and General Relief.
The HOME Team was able to connect multiple people with these services by transporting and supporting clients in navigating services at the Family Resource Centers, located in Lemon Grove and El Cajon.
The HOME Team also continues to assist with acquiring identifying documentation. Almost all of the clients who successfully exited the program during this quarter worked with the HOME Team to acquire both State Identification cards and/ or Social Security Cards; attaining these documents was an absolute necessity for their housing placements.
East County Transitional Living Center continues to be a great partner for the HOME Team and individuals experiencing homelessness in East County. HOME has also begun partnering with the Mission Academy, located on Elm Street in San Diego to provide other transitional housing opportunities for La Mesa residents.
The HOME Team having consistent access to a van continues to be an important resource for clients.
During this quarter, the HOME Team utilized the van to view units for rent in El Cajon, Downtown San Diego, and San Diego County. Being able to go to units quickly and with little notice has resulted in clients being able to successfully exit our program into rental assistance programs. The HOME Team has also utilized this van to clear encampments by taking clients and their belongings to storage, housing opportunities, or alternative camping locations. Most importantly, this van is accessible to people that have disabilities or are experiencing mobility issues.
During this quarter, the HOME Team has provided some form of financial and/or basic-needs assistance to all enrolled clients with the dual objectives of moving them toward a housing outcome and keeping them safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. These objectives have not changed throughout this quarter.
All clients received COVID-19-related services, including updates related to local public-health guidelines, vaccine information, hygiene supplies, and personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face masks and hand sanitizer.
All clients received food, water, or other nutrition services, with approximately 60 prioritized for on-going meal support.
HOME program staff distributed $3,411.55 in direct financial assistance, including vehicle repair, and funds used to secure new rental units. 3 households received accommodation in a motel, designed to provide shortterm, bridge shelter for those with a concrete housing plan.
HOME program staff arranged 68 rides to apartment viewings, shelter stays, program intake interviews, and other critical appointments via ridesharing service.
5 clients were connected to ongoing physical, mental, and/or behavioral healthcare.
Ongoing Care
Throughout the life of the program, HOME has noticed that the majority of calls related to someone experiencing homelessness were generated because of another community member’s concern for a person’s mental, physical, or behavioral health. Because of this, the HOME Team has prioritized connecting people to ongoing healthcare through organizations such as Family Health Centers, East County Behavioral Health, and Jane Westin. All of these organizations provide low to no-cost services to people experiencing homelessness. Connecting people to ongoing and preventative care such as what is being offered at these organizations is essential to addressing issues that invariably result in emergent health situations for people experiencing homelessness. These situations result in overburdend emergency rooms, ambulances, and other emergency services. Additionally, due to the limited nature of HOME services provided to a person after they are housed, having connections to ongoing community support is an important part of someone maintaining housing stability.
Calls for Service
The HOME Team responded to 417 calls for service during the quarter. This number includes service calls routed through LMPD dispatch, HOME hotline or city email, and follow-ups to previous contacts.
Of these calls for service, 96 calls were new requests for assistance related to homelessness in the City. Historically, these calls would have been addressed by city emergency response services and law enforcement.
Of these calls, 158 were direct responses to calls to the HOME hotline and email requests made by community members regarding someone experiencing homelessness.
Additionally, 207 calls were service driven appointments with clients or proactive rapport-building contacts, in support of the HOME Team’s mission.
During the entirety of this quarter, the HOME Team was connected to the La Mesa Police Department’s dispatch center via police radio. Starting the 4th quarter of 2021, the HOME Team has been able to realize the benefits of the technology and partnerships with call-takers through decreased response times to current calls for service, improved support to police officers, enhanced understanding of the
program workload and service provision through data tracking, and improved safety of The HOME Team members and the community.
Hotel Utilization
The HOME Team provided bridge housing (in the form of motel stays) to 3 households. The people who accessed this assistance worked with the HOME Team very closely over the course of many months and were able to secure an exit plan before entering the motel. Specifically, The HOME Team was able to utilize a hotel to assist a woman with 3 of her children who was fleeing from a domestic violence situation and had a lease secured that would allow her and her children to move into a new apartment away from their abuser.
Client success stories
During this quarter, The HOME Team
concluded a case that they have been
working on since August of 2021. The HOME
Team worked very closely with a woman that
had been living on the street since she left her
La Mesa apartment to escape a serious
domestic violence situation. Due to a plethora
of factors, the client had been unsuccessful in
a variety of programs that were aimed
towards providing both short and long-term housing. For example, when the client was matched with an Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) in the past, the client was unable to follow through on receiving their voucher due to the complexity and amount of follow-through this type of voucher requires.
However, after working with the HOME Team and being matched to another EHV, The HOME Team was able to support the client in completing all of the steps needed to receive their voucher. After the voucher was received, the HOME Team and this client spent about 2 months searching and applying to apartments that would accept this client with their EHV. During this time, the HOME Team also supported this client in becoming connected to behavioral health treatment through McAlister Inc. Once an apartment was identified and the client’s application was accepted, the HOME Team assisted with facilitating a county inspection of the unit. The client was able to successfully move into their unit on 11/14/22. The EHV allows the client to pay 30% of their income towards rent while San Diego county covers the rest. This voucher is not time limited and will be provided to this client as long as they do not break conditions of the program. This client continues to do well and is still connected to programs outside of HOME that will continue to support this client on a long-term basis.
Another HOME Team success story involves a veteran and their family who had been living on the street since July of 2021. After meeting with the HOME Team, the veteran was quickly matched to a housing program through Veteran’s Village of San Diego (VVSD). VVSD was able to fund an emergency hotel room for this family due to this client’s veteran status and the presence of young children. While in this hotel, the veteran and HOME worked closely on getting this veteran’s driver’s license re-instated. The veteran was also able to start working a second job due to the new-found security of their family provided by the hotel room. This client was able to successfully move into their unit on 11/21/22.
Client’s apartment secured using the County’s Emergency Housing Voucher.
Community Support Partnerships
Journey Community Church continues to provide any and all food items to the HOME Program, allowing HOME staff to feed up to 60 people per week
La Mesa Village Association
La Mesa Thrift Shop
La Mesa First United Methodist Church
Empire Thrift Store of El Cajon
Eagle Scouts
Community Resource Partnerships
Home-Start, Inc.
East County Behavioral Health
Center Star ACT
McAlister Inc.
La Mesa – Spring Valley School District Social Workers East County Homeless Task Force
San Diego County Mental Health
In addition, HOME staff has developed a word-of-mouth network of donors and residents and regularly interface with anyone interested in helping those facing hardship on the streets of La Mesa.
Assisted Replacement Medication Therapy Medical Specialists The Lodge of La Mesa (Transition Age Youth)
Borrego Health-Centro Medico El Cajon
New Found Homes ILF
Mission Academy
HOME Program Historical Statistics
Client Enrollment
Quarter Total Clients
Served New Clients Continuing Clients
Q4 2020 56 n/a n/a
Q1 2021 108 61 47
Q2 2021 75 44 31
Q3 2021 86 44 31
Q4 2021 25 10 15
Q1 2022 69 48 21
Q2 2022 96 62 34
Q3 2022 73 38 35
Q4 2022 108 65 43
Grand Total 696 372 257
Calls for Service
Quarter Instances of
Service1
Calls for Service
Calls Officers
requested HOME
Assistance
Calls HOME
requested Officer
Assistance
Calls HOME
requested PERT
assistance
Q4 2020 191 110 --- 1 1
Q1 2021 397 187 --- 0 1
Q2 2021 349 355 --- 0 0
Q3 2021 393 134 --- 0 0
Q4 2021 237 81 --- 0 0
Q1 2022 373 617 24 10 0
Q2 2022 626 657 11 22 4
Q3 2022 584 549 26 5 1
Q4 2022 744 417 16 3 0
Grand Total 3894 3107 77 41 7
1 Instances of service are included in the total calls for service. This number represent interactions with clients that are enrolled in the county’s case management system.
More than one client may be present during a single call for service.
Services and Housing
Quarter HOME
Rides
Direct Financial
Assistance
Clients who
Received Motel
Vouchers
Clients
Permanently
Housed
Households
Permanently
Housed
Clients
Temporarily
Housed
Households
Temporarily
Housed
Q4 2020 18 $ 3,357.00 7 5 --- 3 ---
Q1 2021 16 $ 10,506.00 7 --- 4 --- 19
Q2 2021 7 $ 4,967.00 9 8 7 --- 5
Q3 2021 144 $ 16,623.42 7 8 3 --- 5
Q4 2021 84 $ 1,071.40 0 12 11 --- 4
Q1 2022 92 $ 6,579.56 5 10 9 6 6
Q2 2022 96 $ 3,727.96 2 16 11 5 3
Q3 2022 68 $ 3,445.75 3 8 6 4 4
Q4 2022 69 $ 3,411.55 3 15 6 2 2
Grand Total 594 $ 53,689.64 43 82 57 20 48
Total People Housed to Date: 102
REPORT to the MAYOR and MEMBERS of the CITY COUNCIL
From the CITY MANAGER
DATE: January 24, 2023
SUBJECT: Approving an Errata to Resolution No. 2023-004 Correcting the Contract Amount from $270,195 to
$362,460 to Chen-Ryan Associates for Transportation
Planning of La Mesa Boulevard Complete Street Design
Segment 2 Project
ISSUING DEPARTMENT: Public Works
SUMMARY:
Issues:
Should the City Council approve an Errata to Resolution No. 2023-004 correcting the contract amount to Chen Ryan Associates from $270,195 to $362,460? Recommendation:
Adopt the attached resolution approving the errata to Resolution No. 2023-004 correcting the contract amount to Chen Ryan Associates.
Fiscal Impact:
The design project cost allocation of $362,460 is available in the Capital Improvement Project La Mesa Boulevard Complete Streets Plan Grant Account 30222DOT-6830 and Highway Users Tax Account (HUTA) 302217FT-6830. No general fund money will be used for this phase of the project.
DISCUSSION:
On January 10, 2023, the City Council approved awarding a contract to Chen-Ryan Associates for transportation planning services for the La Mesa Boulevard Complete Street Design Project Segment 2 in the amount of $270,195. Regrettably, an error was made in describing the total contract value by not including the cost of the subconsultants who will be working with Chen-Ryan Associates. The correct contract value is $362,460, which included CRA and their subconsultants. After consulting with the City Attorney, the City Council can correct this error with an errata resolution. Staff therefore recommends approval of the resolution so that work can proceed.
Report to Mayor and Councilmembers
Date: January 24, 2023
Page: 2 of 2
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the errata resolution correcting the contract amount from $270,195 to $362,460.
Reviewed by: Respectfully submitted by:
____________________
Greg Humora Michael Throne
City Manager Director of Public Works
Hamed Hashemian
Engineering Project Manager
Attachments:
A- Resolution
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA
APPROVING AN ERRATA TO RESOLUTION NO. 2023-004 CORRECTING THE CONTRACT AMOUNT FROM $270,195 TO $362,460 TO CHEN RYAN
ASSOCIATES FOR TRANSPORTATION PLANNING OF LA MESA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREET DESIGN SEGMENT 2 PROJECT
________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, on January 10, 2023, the City Council approved Resolution No. 2023-004 awarding a transportation planning contract to Chen-Ryan Associates for La Mesa Boulevard Complete Street Design Segment 2 Project for $270,195;
WHEREAS, said cost of $270,195 is a subset of the total project cost and was erroneously entered into the City Council Report and Resolution No. 2023-004; and WHEREAS, the actual cost for said project is $362,460.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT AND IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of La Mesa, California to approve this errata resolution to correct Chen Ryan Associates Inc. contract value from $270,195 to $362,460.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of La Mesa, California, held the 24th day of January 2023, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
CERTIFICATE OF CITY CLERK
I, MEGAN WIEGELMAN, City Clerk of the City of La Mesa, California, do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and exact copy of Resolution No. 2023- , duly passed and adopted by the City Council of said City on the 24th of January 2023, and by the vote therein recited.
MEGAN WIEGELMAN, CMC, City Clerk
(SEAL OF CITY)
REPORT to the MAYOR and MEMBERS of the CITY COUNCIL
From the CITY MANAGER
DATE: January 24, 2023
SUBJECT: PRESENTATION OF WAITE PARK DRAFT MASTER PLAN
AND RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING $70,000 FOR THE
WAITE PARK MASTER PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
FROM GENERAL FUND UNALLOCATED RESERVES AND
AWARDING A TASK ORDER TO HELIX ENVIRONMENTAL
PLANNING, INC. TO PREPARE TECHNICAL STUDIES AND
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTATION
PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
ISSUING DEPARTMENT: Community Services
SUMMARY:
Issues:
Should the City Council approve a resolution appropriating $70,000 for the Waite Park Draft Master Plan Environmental Review from General Fund Unallocated Reserves and awarding a task order to HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. to prepare technical studies and environmental compliance documentation pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)?
Recommendation:
That the City Council approve a resolution appropriating $70,000 for the Waite Park Draft Master Plan Environmental Review from General Fund Unallocated Reserves and awarding a task order to HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. to prepare technical studies and environmental compliance documentation pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Report to Mayor and Councilmembers
Date: January 24, 2023
Page: 2 of 4
Fiscal Impact:
The cost for the project is $68,056. Staff recommends allocating $70,000, from General Fund Unallocated Reserves into the FY 2022-23 budget.
City’s Strategic Goals:
Continue to improve high quality municipal services
Revitalize neighborhoods and corridors
Enhanced recreation and quality of life opportunities Climate Action Plan Reduction Strategy:
W-1 Waterwise Landscape Design and Irrigation – Promote water conservation through landscaping design and irrigation policies to meet municipal water use reduction targets.
GI-1 Urban Forest Master Plan – Support natural carbon sequestration opportunities through continued development and maintenance of a healthy, vibrant urban forest.
BACKGROUND:
On June 12, 2012, the City Council approved the Parks Master Plan. In Chapter 4 - Potential Future Parks Analysis, it is recommended that the City should add five (5) neighborhood parks (3 - 7 acres) in order to meet future population demands based on the General Plan park standards. The 2012 Parks Master Plan noted that the Waite Drive site would be a valuable option as a park site to partially meet this park deficiency, especially since La Mesa has little vacant land left for park expansion.
On January 8, 2013, the City Council adopted a Resolution approving the Purchase and Sale Agreement of the property at 7410 Waite Drive, a 2.94-acre site, on the northwest corner of Waite Drive and Murray Hill Road in La Mesa. This parcel, the former Lemon Grove Road Station, was surplus property. The City purchased the property, using Park-in-Lieu funds over five-years, from the County of San Diego in March 2013.
On December 14, 2021, the City Council adopted Resolution 2021-158 to prepare a Park Master Plan for the property on Waite Drive using funds from a State of California Department of Parks and Recreation Local Assistance Grant.
The Waite Park Draft Master Plan (Attachment B) is the result of community sensing at varied community outreach events in 2022. Community input included two community workshops, an online survey, on-site pop-up workshop, two presentations to the Community Services Commission and community input periods for design alternatives and the draft plan.
Report to Mayor and Councilmembers
Date: January 24, 2023
Page: 3 of 4
DISCUSSION:
The overall goal of the Waite Park Master Plan is to create a plan for the future park that identifies the desired facilities and amenities for the development of the park to maximize opportunities for recreation, parks, open space, and urban respite areas for La Mesa residents.
Additional goals include:
Engage the community through a public input process
Preserve the historical aspect of the location via design and interpretation Provide opportunities for increased public art
Identify viable sources of funding for park improvements Create a sustainable design in line with the Climate Action Plan The next step of the Waite Park Master Plan development includes the preparation of technical studies and environmental compliance documentation pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
In April 2018, the City advertised a Request for Qualifications for As Needed Specialized Professional Services (RFQ 18-15) and held a formal selection process to select professional, experienced and qualified firms. HELIX Environmental Planning was selected as one of the firms for Environmental Planning. On January 29, 2019 a Master Agreement was executed which allows for the issuance of task orders to authorize specific projects on an as-needed basis to the selected consultant. The cost for the project is $68.056. Staff recommends $70,000 be allocated.
According to the City’s Municipal Code Section 2.40.180 (f), any professional services agreements exceeding $50,000 requires the City Council’s approval.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends that City Council approve a resolution appropriating $70,000 in funding for the Waite Park Environmental Review from the General Fund Unallocated Reserves and awarding a task order to HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. to prepare technical studies and environmental compliance documentation pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Report to Mayor and Councilmembers
Date: January 24, 2023
Page: 4 of 4
Reviewed by: Respectfully submitted by:
____________________ ____________________________
Greg Humora Susan Richardson
City Manager Director of Community Services
Attachments: A. Resolution
B. Waite Park Draft Master Plan
C. HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. Scope of Work
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA
APPROPRIATING $70,000 FOR THE WAITE PARK MASTER PLAN
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FROM GENERAL FUND UNALLOCATED
RESERVES AND AWARDING A TASK ORDER TO HELIX ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING, INC. TO PREPARE TECHNICAL STUDIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL
COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTATION PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
WHEREAS, on January 8, 2013, the City Council adopted a Resolution approving the Purchase and Sale Agreement of a 2.94-acre site at 7410 Waite Drive, on the northwest corner of Waite Drive and Murray Hill Road for the purpose of developing a park; WHEREAS, on December 14, 2021, the City Council adopted Resolution 2021-158 to prepare a Park Master Plan for the property on Waite Drive; WHEREAS, the Waite Park Draft Master Plan is the result of community sensing through varied community outreach efforts in 2022;
WHEREAS, the preparation of technical studies and environmental compliance documentation pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is required to complete the Master Plan;
WHEREAS, the cost of the Master Plan Environmental Review is $68,056, staff recommends allocating $70,000 from the General Fund Unallocated Reserves into the FY 2022- 23 budget; and
WHEREAS, the City of La Mesa selected HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. through a formal Request for Qualifications for As Needed Specialized Professional Services (RFQ 18-15) and has selected this firm to prepare the technical studies and environmental compliance documentation pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for this project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT AND IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of La Mesa, California, as follows:
1. Appropriate $70,000 for the Waite Park Environmental Review from the General Fund Unallocated Reserves
2. Award a task order to HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. to prepare technical studies and environmental compliance documentation pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the Waite Park Master Plan project.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of La Mesa, California, held the 24th day of January 2023, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
CERTIFICATE OF CITY CLERK
I, MEGAN WIEGELMAN, CMC, City Clerk of the City of La Mesa, California, do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and exact copy of Resolution No. 2023- , duly passed and adopted by the City Council of said City on the date and by the vote therein recited.
MEGAN WIEGELMAN, CMC, City Clerk
(SEAL OF CITY)
Future Park at Waite Drive
Master Plan and Progress Report
January 2022 - January 2023
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 1 of 43 Acknowledgments
Sue Richardson, Director of Community Services - City of La Mesa Misty Thompson, Management Analyst - City of La Mesa
Josh Gomez, Recreation Programs and Facilities Supervisor - City of La Mesa Jim Newland, Past President - La Mesa History Center
City of La Mesa
Glen Schmidt, FASLA, Principal
Julian Rosario, Project Manager
Stephen Grosch, Landscape Designer
Scott Cartwright, Civil Engineer - CRA
Neal Alagia, Electrical Engineer - Alagia Engineering
Mickey Aguirre, Project Engineer - Aguirre & Associates Schmidt Design Group - Prime Consultant Team
Consultant Team
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 2 of 43 Table of Contents
History and Background.......................................................................................
Site Context and Analysis.....................................................................................
Method..........................................................................................................................
Community Workshop 1.......................................................................................
Online Survey............................................................................................................
Community Workshop 2.......................................................................................
Master Plan Alternatives......................................................................................
On-Site Pop Up..........................................................................................................
Community Services Commission Presentation.........................................
Vision............................................................................................................................
Final Master Plan......................................................................................................
Master Plan Rendering...........................................................................................
Master Plan Features.............................................................................................
Preliminary Grading Plan and Drainage Study.............................................
Preliminary Electrical and Lighting Plan.........................................................
Rough Order of Magnitude Probable Costs of Construction.................
Potential Funding Sources....................................................................................
Maintenance and Operations..............................................................................
Resources and References.................................................................................... 1 2
3 4
5 Introduction
Outreach &
Design Process
Master Plan Design
Construction &
Operations
Appendices
5 6
8 9
10-11
12 12-13
14 15
16 17
18 20-28
30-32
31-33
34 35
35 36
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 3 of 43 Lists of Figures
Figure 1.1: Key Map of Park Site within San Diego County....................
Figure 1.2: Key Map of Park Site within La Mesa Neighborhood.........
Figure 2.1: Analysis of Survey Question #5.................................................
Figure 2.2: Word Map of Survey Question #5.............................................
Figure 2.3: Section Cut View............................................................................
Figure 2.4: Conceptual Design Alternative 1..............................................
Figure 2.5: Conceptual Design Alternative 2...............................................
Figure 2.6: Section Cut View..............................................................................
Figure 2.7: Draft Master Plan Design..............................................................
Figure 3.1: Illustrative Site Plan.......................................................................
Figure 3.2: Concept Rendering of Design Intent........................................
Figure 3.3: Final Master Plan - Section Cut...................................................
Figure 3.4: Final Master Plan - Section Cut..................................................
Figure 3.5: Preliminary Grading and Drainage Plan..................................
Figure 3.6: Preliminary Drainage Study Cover............................................
Figure 3.7: Hydrology Calculation Results...................................................
Figure 3.8: Web Soil Survey............................................................................
Figure 3.9: Hydrology Map.............................................................................
Figure 3.11: Preliminary Lighting Plan.........................................................
Table 4.1: Summory of Rough Order of Magnitude.................................. 44 10
11 12
12 13
13 15
17 18
19 19
30 31
31 31
32 33
34
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 4 of 43 Figure 1.2: Key map showing park site boundary within neighborhood University Ave.
Helix High School
Waite Dr.
Murray Hill Dr.
1 Introduction
The City of La Mesa
The City of La Mesa is located in San Diego County,
California. It is about nine miles east of Downtown
San Diego. Its civic motto is “the Jewel of the Hills”, which is indicative of the local geography. In fact, la mesa in Spanish means “the table”. The City has a
total area of 9.1-square miles and was incorporated
in 1869.
Demographics
The City currently has a population of about 60,000.
According to the 2010 census, the racial makeup was
about 54.1% White, Hispanic or Latino of any race
was 21.5%, 8.0% African American, 5.8% Asian,
0.8% Native American, 0.6% Pacific Islander, 11.6%
from other races, and 5.8% from two or more races.
The median age was 37.1 years
Park Context
The future park is 2.84-acres and is located at the
corner of Waite Drive and Murray Hill Road. The site
is currently fenced and being used for construction
material lay down. It is highly accessible, just
0.3-miles off the Massachusetts Avenue exit from
the 94 Freeway. Vista La Mesa Academy is 0.4-miles
to the west. Helix High School is half a mile up the hill to the north. The majority of the land surrounding the
park is residential - single and multi-family homes.
Park Context
The Park at Waite Drive Master Plan and Report
documents the design process and framework for
the City to provide a new 2.84-acre neighborhood
park for its residents. Part 1 introduces the site: its existing conditions, constraints, and opportunities.
Part 2 documents the outreach and design process
which included several community workshops and
design iterations. Part 3 provides the final Master
Plan Design along with supporting renderings
and technical drawings. Part 4, Construction and
Operations, provides a rough order of magnitude
estimate of construction costs, and a discussion of
operations and maintenance. Part 5 is appendices.
Project Overview
Entrance to park site with existing pine tree
Figure 1.1: Key map showing park site within San Diego County
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 5 of 43 Waite Drive was named after Jerry W. Waite, a native
of Massachusetts that moved to the area in the
1890’s as an agricultural businessman and pioneer
orchardist. He bought the land that includes the park
site from the Allison family in the 1890’s. He and his
wife, Georgiana (Anna) Berrian, built Waite Ranch
circa 1895 on what is now Jill Lane just west of the
park site.
J.W. and Anna built an orchard and “model nursery”
on the property specializing in rare fruit trees
including grapefruit, pomelo, and lemon trees. The
nursery was extremely popular and well-regarded in
the area. They had three daughters - Myrtle, Anna
Emmeline, and Josephine. Relatives of the Waite
family still live in the surrounding neighborhood.
The park site is located in the neighborhood known
as Vista La Mesa where it remained as County of San
Diego unincorporated Lemon Grove land until it was
annexed into the City of La Mesa effective March 1,
1975.
In the 1930’s, the Lemon Grove Road Station was
constructed on the site as a spot for County road
workers to service vehicles, as well as to stage
trucks and equipment. Remnants of the structures
from that use are still visible throughout the site.
The neighborhood surrounding the park site began
to be developed in the early 1950’s with post-war
tract homes and was known as Lemon Grove Vista.
The neighboring Rolando Park was highly developed
between 1949-1953. The last use of the road station
buildings is estimated to be in the mid-1990s.
In March of 2012, the County of San Diego notified
the City of La Mesa of the availability of the former
Lemon Grove Road Station. The property had
undergone environmental cleanup in April 2000; and
in December 2011 the Department of Environmental
Health (DEH) signed off and closed the case. As
part of its due diligence, the City of La Mesa hired an outside consultant to conduct an Environmental Site
Assessment of the property to confirm there were no
remaining hazardous materials, and there were none.
On July 2012, the site was purchased by the City for
$650,000 over the course of a four-year period using
park impact fees which are designed to mitigate
the impact of new development on municipalities,
existing facilities, and infrastructure for residential developments.
The 2012 City of La Mesa Park Master Plan identified
a future park at Waite Drive and Murray Hill Road as a
valuable parcel to add to the City’s park land inventory which will contribute toward enhancing recreation
opportunities for the surrounding neighborhood.
During the recent history of the site, the property
has been used intermittently by City contractors and
partner agencies for construction material lay down.
In December 2021, the City received funding
through the California State Department of Parks
and Recreation Local Assistance Specified Grant
program to create a master plan for the proposed
park. The San Diego based landscape architecture
firm of Schmidt Design Group (SDG) was selected to
consult and began work in January 2022.
History and Background
Remaining foundations from County Road Station
J.W. Waite fruit packing label
Old lemon grove station site plan
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 6 of 43 Site Context and Analysis
Sun and Wind Direction
The climate in La Mesa is warm and dry in the
summer with daytime highs that can reach above
90 degrees. In the winter, cloud cover is more
typical with daytime highs in the 70’s.
Prevailing winds typically blow from the west.
During Santa Ana conditions, the wind direction
will reverse towards the west.
Slope Condition
The topography of the site slopes steeply from
Murray Hill Road on the east side of the property.
The elevation drops approximately 25’ down from
Murray Hill Road on the northeast corner of the
site before it begins to level out across the rest of
the property.
The rest of the site gently slopes to the west. This
gently sloped area is more usable space for park
amenities and equals approximately 2.24-acres.
Open Space to the North
The property directly to the north of the project site
is owned by the Murray Ridge HOA to the north.
This land is currently open space and is not going
to be used for the park project.
Existing Access
Currently, the only access to the site is a driveway
along Waite Drive approximately 115’ west from
the corner of Waite Dr. and Murray Hill Rd.
Western Edge Condition
The western edge of the property has a mixed
condition of fencing, retaining walls, and existing
building foundations. The property is directly
adjacent to residences to the west.
The current topography of the site is elevated
3’-4’ above the adjacent residential backyards.
The varying conditions along this edge create a
makeshift drainage swale between the topography
and the neighbors fencing.
Existing Trees
Multiple Canary Island pine trees as well as one
California pepper tree are existing on the property
in good condition. These fully mature trees are
low water use and will be saved in the future park
design in accordance with sustainability efforts.
High Traffic Conditions
Murray Hill Road is a thoroughfare that connects
University Avenue with the 94 freeway. Additionally,
Murray Hill Road connects to the Lemon Grove
business district along Broadway. This makes
Murray Hill Road a heavily trafficked corridor.
Waite Drive also has significant traffic as it
connects the neighborhoods of Rolando Park and
Vista La Mesa with Murray Hill Road.
The intersection of Murray Hill Road and Waite
Drive can get congested with multiple cars -
consideration for existing driveway to the site to be
moved further west to avoid this backup.
Existing Tree Trunks
A pile of cut down tree logs is on site at the property.
These mostly eucalyptus timbers vary in size from
a few inches to a few feet in diameter. They are
being stored on site for use in future park designs
including the design at Waite Drive.
Slope along east side facing south towards Waite Drive Western edge condition of the site
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 7 of 43 Figure 1.3 : Site Context and Analysis
SIGNIFICANT SLOPE ON EAST SIDE
HIGH TRAFFIC ON MURRAY HILL RD.
THOROUGHFARE FROM UNIVERSITY AVE. TO
94 FREEWAY
HIGH TRAFFIC ON WAITE DR.
CLOSE PROXIMITY TO NEIGHBORHOODS ON WEST SIDE
EXISTING RETAINING WALLS
290’
400’
OPEN SPACE TO THE NORTH
EXISTING PINE TREES TO REMAIN
EXISTING PEPPER TREE TO REMAIN
EXISTING WOOD LOG PILE
VARYING EDGE CONDITIONS ON WEST SIDE OF PROPERTY
N
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 8 of 43 2 Outreach & Design Process
Method
A major goal of the master plan report is to document the public input process that engages the community over the life of the project. A multi-pronged approach was used to gather the desires and thoughts of the residents and users. City of La Mesa staff was also asked to provide professional input.
Public workshops, a community-wide survey, face-to-face pop-up event at the future park location, use of social media, email correspondence, and a public presentation at the La Mesa Community Services Commission meeting were used as part of the scope of this study. It is important to note that an open community input period was designed to be between major design phases to provide as many opportunities for input as possible.
By actively involving the local neighborhood, design considerations were tailored to meet the needs and wishes of the community. Design of the park master plan is guided by the feedback and engagement of the surrounding community.
• Community Meeting #1: Park Introduction - March 16, 2022 • Community Input Survey: March 16 - April 11, 2022
• Community Meeting #2: Park Design Alternatives - June 15, 2022 • Community Meeting #3: On-site Pop-Up Event - June 18, 2022 • Community Input Period on Design Alternatives: June 15-30, 2022 • Community Meeting #4: Community Services Commission - September 14, 2022 • Community Services Commission: Presentation of Draft Master Plan Report - December 14, 2022 • Community Input Period on Draft Master Plan and Progress Report: December 16, 2022 - January 8, 2023 • City Council Presentation: January 24, 2023
• Environmental Document Release for Public Comment
• Final Council Approval
Timeline
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 9 of 43 Workshop Summary
The first community workshop was hosted on
Zoom by the City of La Mesa on March 16, 2022.
Sue Richardson, Director Community Services
Department, City of La Mesa, welcomed attendees
and gave an introduction to the project. In addition
to City staff, approximately 53 community members
attended to learn about the new park project.
Jim Newland, from the La Mesa Historical Society,
provided a historical context. This context included
background of the J.W. Waite family and the history
of the park site being an unincorporated area for
many years prior to becoming part of La Mesa.
Glen Schmidt, President of Schmidt Design Group,
conducted the community workshop and led the Q
& A at the end of the presentation. Julian Rosario
and Steve Grosch, also with Schmidt Design Group,
recorded community feedback and assisted with
answering questions.
The primary goals of the meeting were:
1. Discuss the following for a new neighborhood
park:
• The history of the space
• Site context and analysis
• Constraints
• Opportunities for improvements/amenities
2. Introduce online survey
3. Gather preliminary feedback
4. Discuss the process for creating a Master Plan
for a future park
The presentation started with an introduction to
the site including a thorough breakdown of existing
conditions and constraints. These included the
slope/topography of the property, proximity to
the 94 freeway and to neighbors on the west, and
weather patterns for the area.
After getting to know the existing site, Glen
Schmidt introduced potential park amenities that
are possible with a park of this nature. The features
included the following:
• Multipurpose turf area
• Off-leash dog run
• Children’s playground
• Multipurpose courts
• Sport courts such as volleyball, pickleball, bocce
ball, or basketball
• Picnic or BBQ facilities
• Community garden
• Public restroom
• Outdoor fitness stations
• Walking/running paths and trails
• Opportunities for community art
• Group shade structure
Next, the discussion transitioned to park character
and visioning. This was an introduction to park
precedent imagery and options for how the park
will “feel” as a visitor. A wide range of options were
presented along with past projects from Schmidt
Design Group, designs including Briercrest Park,
Camino Ruiz Park, Civita Park, and Stylus Park.
A live poll was taken during the online meeting.
Attendees were given the opportunity to vote on
what park character they envisioned most for the
site. Overwhelmingly, “native and natural” became
the leading choice for the park’s character. See the
image below for full poll results.
Community Workshop 1
Open Discussion Forum
During the final portion of the meeting an open
discussion forum was conducted to gain feedback
from the community. The following items are a
synopsis of that discussion. For a full breakdown,
please see Part 5 Appendices.
• Lots of families in the neighborhood - family
friendly playground
• Security concerns and Crime Prevention
Through Environmental Design (CEPTED)
• Sustainable design including the use of native
plants and trees, water retention, and the use of
solar lighting
• Design for multiple activities ranging from
walking paths, exercise equipment, parkour
elements, and rolling-skating area
• Traffic concerns along both Murray Hill Rd. and
Waite Dr., traffic calming opportunities and the
need for off-street parking
• Public art opportunities by local artists
• Discussion about safety, providing public
bathrooms and whether bathrooms can be
locked
• Proximity to Helix High and the need for access
to the park from Murray Hill Rd. for walkers
along that street
• Proximity to neighbors along western edge,
providing privacy from the park and designing
for low noise activity next to western boundary
• The need for shade in the park either through
tree canopies or shade structures
• Possible water feature
Park Character online poll conducted during workshop.
Attendees join the online Zoom workshop.
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 10 of 43 The public online survey was introduced at the
first community workshop on March 16, 2022 and
through a link on the City of La Mesa website until
April 11, 2022. It was created and hosted online using
Microsoft Forms. This was an important tool to gather
feedback in response to questions pertaining to the
character, activities, features, and considerations
that were most important to the local residents who
would most often visit the park.
The first four questions of the survey inquired
about the respondents themselves and how often
they would likely visit this specific park. Of the 295
respondents, the vast majority (265) were in the La
Mesa area with zip codes of 91941 and 91942. Most
of the respondents visited parks often and even lived
within walking distance of the future park site.
Online Survey
Question five was a critical question in determining the priorities for park amenities from survey respondents. A list of possible park amenities was given and respondents were asked to choose whether they were high, medium, or low priority. There were also options for not including the feature or having no opinion on that activity. The chart below depicts the answers with high priority in green, medium in blue, low priority in tan, that it shouldn’t be included in red, and no opinion in gray. The highest priority features based off of answers for high or medium priority by respondents are organized at the top of the graphic. Respondents put a high priority on a tree grove for shade, walking/ jogging path, security lighting, children’s playground, and public restroom. The design alternatives presented at the second community workshop include the features that most respondents put as high or medium importance.
Figure 2.1: Analysis of survey question #5
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 11 of 43 Online Survey
The next question was also open-ended and inquired
about any further thoughts about the park. The above
dot chart indicates how often a topic was mentioned
in the responses. Again, the public felt strongly about safety, undesirable activity by homeless individuals,
a native and natural aesthetic, and providing shaded
gathering spaces.
The final question was geared toward getting a feel
for what the park should be named. Although this
will be chosen at a later time in the design process, it is valuable input to be considered in the future when
the naming of the park is being done. At the top were
names that were indicative of the street names -
either Murray Hill Park or Waite Park.
Questions six and seven of the survey focused on the overall vision of the park. When asked to describe the over-arching vision for the character of the park the resounding choice was for “native and natural”. Additionally, “full of activities” and “peaceful and quiet” were popular choices. The design alternatives presented at the next community workshop both have native plant palettes and elements, multiple options for activities, and areas for quiet reflection.
Question seven was an open-ended write-in question that asked respondents to describe the top considerations for the park. The word map below depicts the most often repeated topics in larger text. The most prominent considerations that were mentioned were playground, shade, safety, dog park, walking trail , and considerations for homeless.
Figure 2.2: Word map of survey question #5
Question 7. Top ten recurring considerations
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 12 of 43 Community Workshop 2
Workshop Summary
The second public park workshop for the
new neighborhood park was held on June
15, 2022 at Helix Charter High School.
In addition to City staff, approximately
fifteen (15) community members
joined in person and twenty-five (25)
community members attended online
to share their thoughts and ideas on the
new park.
The primary goals of the meeting were:
1. Summarize the findings from the first
community workshop and survey
with attendees.
2. Present two (2) park design
alternatives.
3. Receive input in an “open forum”
format.
The meeting started with an introductory
welcome from Matthew Bohan, Chair,
Community Services Commission, City
of La Mesa. Sue Richardson, Director of
Community Services, City of La Mesa,
welcomed the participants and provided
an overview of the project. Glen Schmidt,
President of Schmidt Design Group,
reviewed the site opportunities and
constraints, and reviewed the process
for the evening’s activities.
Following the introductions, Glen
Schmidt summarized the findings from
the first community workshop and
survey, and reviewed the two preliminary
master plan alternatives with attendees.
Design Alternative #1
Park Plan #1 derives inspiration from the
community’s desire for active spaces for
a variety of uses. This plan included the
following amenities:
• Large shaded picnic area
• Children’s playground
• Multi-use lawn
• Walking loop
• Two basketball half-courts
• One centralized fitness area
• Restroom/comfort station
• Fenced synthetic turf dog run
• Shade trees and landscaping
• Off-street parking (14 stalls)
• Bio-retention system
• Connection to Murray Hill Rd.
Community Input Summary: Design Alternative #1
Following the presentation, the floor was open to discuss the two preliminary master plan alternatives. Each attendee was given a chance to comment. Feedback was recorded by Schmidt Design Group on note pads. The responses are summarized below:
The following items pertain to the amenities that were well-liked:
• Connection to Murray Hill Rd.
• Fitness station
• Space to gather
• Shade structure
• Security lighting
The following items pertain to suggestions by attendees:
• Add opportunities for public art - especially on walls • Look at different dog run configurations and add a path around it
• Consider “wow” factor - local art, history, educational activities
• Design sensitivity along residential property line
Figure 2.4: Conceptual Design Alternative 1
Figure 2.3: Section cut view from the west property line, across the playground to the east connection to Murray Hill Rd.
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 13 of 43 Community Workshop 2: Design Alternatives
The following items pertain to the amenities that were well-liked:
• Fenced decomposed granite dog run
• Pollinator garden/sustainable planting selection
• Unique play area/slope play
• Overall preference for alternative 2
The following items pertain to suggestions by attendees:
• Add more activity for adults
• Consider patrols and additional policing of site. City to install cameras
• Provide seating throughout
• Consider relocating the dog run and high activity amenities away from residences
• Design sensitivity along residential property line
DESIGN ALTERNATIVE #2
Park Plan #2 draws inspiration from the
community’s desire for nature and play.
This plan included the following amenities:
• Multiple shaded picnic areas
• Children’s playground
• Three fitness nodes
• Decomposed granite walking paths
• Community performance space
• Exploratory nature play and education
• Bio-retention system
• Restroom/comfort station
• Fenced decomposed granite dog run
• Shade trees and landscaping
• Off-street parallel parking (15 stalls)
• Pollinator garden
Community Input Summary: Design Alternative #2
Following the presentation, the floor was open to discuss the two preliminary master plan alternatives. Each attendee was given a chance to comment. Feedback was recorded by Schmidt Design Group on post-it boards. The responses are summarized below:
Figure 2.5: Conceptual Design Alternative 2
Glen Schmidt presents design alternatives
Comments recorded on note pads - see
appendix for full notes
Figure 2.6: Section cut view from the west property line, across the playground to the east connection to Murray Hill Rd. Page 68 of 115
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 14 of 43 On-site Pop-Up Event at Future Park Location
Site Visit Summary
The site visit for the new neighborhood park was held on June 18, 2022 at the future park location - 7400 Waite Drive.
In addition to City staff, approximately 40 community members attended to share their thoughts and ideas on the new park.
The primary goals of the meeting were:
1. Present two (2) park design alternatives
2. Receive input in an “open house” format with opportunity for one-onone dialogue
3. Walk community through the site
4. Progress towards final preferred park design
The gates to the site were unlocked and open to the public. Sue Richardson, Director of Community Services, City of La Mesa, welcomed the participants and provided an overview of the project. Glen Schmidt, President of Schmidt Design Group, reviewed the Master Plan alternatives and addressed any questions or concerns. Julian Rosario and Steve Grosch, also with Schmidt Design Group greeted the community and engaged in dialogue.
Community Input Summary
Boards with the plans were set up for the community to comment on. A site tour was offered to walk through the space and gather feedback while imagining the future space. Additionally, each attendee was given a comment card and site map to write and draw their feedback on. The responses are summarized below.
Design Alternative #1
The following items pertain to the amenities that were well-liked:
• Connection to Murray Hill Rd.
• Multi-use lawn
• Variety of functional spaces
• Bathroom
The following items pertain to suggestions by attendees:
• Add bike parking with tools
• Smaller dog run/no dog run and whole park off-leash before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
• No synthetic turf
• Add habitat for existing bird species on site
Design Alternative #2
The following items pertain to the amenities that were well-liked:
• Dog run location
• Pollinator garden - could function as a nature walk or interpretive trail • Overall preference for alternative 2
• Off-street parking
The following items pertain to suggestions by attendees:
• Add more activity or sports courts for adults
• Consider a lawn and loop like in alternative 1
• Opportunities for disc golf, musical play, pickleball, rollerskating • Connection to Murray Hill Rd.
• Consider adding more buffer between the dog run and the residences Attendees discuss the two design alternatives while on site Attendees were given a site map to markup with design ideas and suggestions Attendees walk the space of the future park site Community feedback cards were distributed at the event
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 15 of 43 Community Services Commission Presentation
The Community Services Commission presentation of the Park at Waite Drive Master Plan for the new neighborhood park was held on September 14, 2022 at The La Mesa Community Center.
In addition to the City staff and the Community Services Commission Board, approximately twenty (20) community members attended in-person along with another twenty (20) individuals who attended via Zoom to share their thoughts and ideas on the final design.
The primary goals of the meeting were:
1. Review findings from the previous two community workshops along with the in-person tour event and concept survey.
2. Present the draft Master Plan design that was created based on a combination of the previous two alternatives and feedback from the community.
3. Receive input in an “open house” format with opportunity for direct dialogue.
The meeting was held in a hybrid format both in-person and with a Zoom link. Matthew Bohan, Community Services Chair, provided the introduction. Sue Richardson, Director of Community Services, City of La Mesa, welcomed the participants. Glen Schmidt, President of Schmidt Design Group, presented in detail the Draft Master Plan design and then opened up the discussion for comments and questions from those present as well as the on-line participants. Julian Rosario and Steve Grosch, also with Schmidt Design Group recorded community feedback and assisted with answering questions.
Master Plan Design - Suggestions
The following items pertain to suggestions by attendees:
• Smooth concrete joints on walking path for rollerskating • Solid shade structures for maximum protection from the sun • Security features including cameras that focus entirely on the park, a parking lot gate that can be locked at night, increased fencing along Waite Dr., and a site supervisor or community-oriented supervision of the park • Concern over ground water protection. A future geotechnical soils study will determine if the bio-basin proposed will be lined
• Electrical outlets near lawn area for uses such as outdoor movies/concerts • Using wood that has a long lifespan for all of the wood features • Multiple drinking fountains including one near the dog run • Stabilized decomposed granite or mulch layer in dog run to decrease dust Master Plan Design - Well-liked Amenities
The following items pertain to the amenities that were well-liked:
• Connection to Murray Hill Rd.
• Nature-themed playground with wood timber features, tower, and slope play • Variety of functional spaces
• Landscape buffer along western edge for privacy
• Restroom with two (2) family-style units with drinking fountain and bottle filler • Multi-use lawn
• Fitness area
• Elevated decomposed granite dog run
• Walking loop around the park with tables and benches
• Half-court basketball
• Group shade structures and picnic tables
• Shade fabric over several play structures and shade trees throughout the park • Off-street parking lot location and accessibility
• Privacy for neighbors including fence along western and northern sides • Native and Mediterranean plant palette
• Solar powered security lighting • Bike parking
Boards with the plans were set up for the community to review along with the presentation. Community input was recorded on flip chart pads. Additionally, online attendees could ask questions and comment via the Zoom chat.
Community Input Summary
Figure 2.7: Draft Master Plan Design
Feedback and comments during the Q & A portion of the Community Services Commission meeting. Page 70 of 115
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 16 of 43 + Native, natural, and sustainable design providing visitors the opportunity to connect with nature.
+ Provides multi-generational and multi-cultural experiences. + Is a safe and comfortable environment, full of activities and “eyes on the park”.
+ Promotes health and wellness with opportunities for exercise, unique play experiences, and social connections.
+ Provides opportunities for contemplation and quiet reflection. + Is sensitive to the nearby residences.
3 Master Plan Design
Vision
The original intent of the site is to provide a neighborhood park to the local residents. Guiding principles were formed from the engagement process with the local neighborhood. These principles primarily direct the vision for park.
The final plan combines the best features of the two design alternatives that were presented at the second community workshop. The park provides a multitude of activities for all ages. The primary goals based off of community feedback were to create a “natural feel” throughout the design while also incorporating opportunities for exercise, quiet reflection, and unique play experiences. By providing many uses in the park, there will be a steady flow of park-goers which is intended to make sure there are consistently “eyes on the park”. This feature combined with a site wide fencing, solar security lighting, a lockable vehicular entrance gate, and unobstructed view corridors all curtail undesirable activity.
The site’s main elements reflect the highest priority amenities desired by the community. Each element is analyzed and a description of its improvement to the site is included in the following section.
Guiding Principles
Main site elements
Accessibility & furnishings
Screening & fencing
Nature-themed playground
Tot lot playground area
Fenced dog run with decomposed granite surface
Lawn
Fitness zone
Shade structure with picnic tables
Half-court basketball court
Site-wide 8’ wide accessible concrete walking loop
Family style restroom with accessible outdoor sink and
water station. Maintenance garage and storage
13 parking spaces including 2 accessible parking spaces Elevated wooden ramp and concrete stairs
Park monument signage
Opportunities for public art
Trash enclosure with trellis cover
Benches with backs
Picnic tables
Bike racks
Existing trees to remain
Slope direction
Approximate elevations
123456789
10 11
12 13
14 15
16 17
18 19
20 21
22 23
24 25
26 27
28 29
30 PA
-------------------------------
19 25
23 11
22 16
28 26
18 21
15 18 18 23
29 30
18 13
25 20
24 17
12 14
21 27
1 2
4 6
7 9
3 8
5 PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
Draft Final Master Plan
Landscape buffer and bio-basins
Tree grove buffer along west property edge
3.5’ ht. lodge-pole fence at Waite Dr. and Murray Hill Rd. 5’ ht. decorative black wrought iron fence at dog run
6’ ht. black vinyl chainlink fence at north property line 6’ ht. wood fence along west property line
8’ ht. wood fence along northwest property line
Score joints
Citrus grove with interpretive panel
Parking gate
Planting area: native and low water use shrubs,
groundcover, and trees
Figure 3.1: Illustrative site plan
17 of 43 Page 72 of 115
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 18 of 43 Bird’s-eye Perspective Rendering
Figure 3.2: Concept rendering of design intent
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 19 of 43 The site slopes from the northwest, along Murray Hill Road, down to the southwest, along Waite Drive.
It is immediate and intense at first, then follows a steadier grade moving west. The section cut indicated by the blue line on the map to the right illustrates the varying grade changes of the park. The design incorporates the slope into various elements including the elevated wooden ramp to Murray Hill Road and the slope play at the playground. This line sees about a 30’ decline in elevation moving from east to west.
The slope play area of the playground will connect to the iconic play tower by a bridge suspended over the walking path that goes around the park. The main features of the park including the play area, shade structure, basketball court, fitness station, restroom, and turf area all remain on generally the same elevation level. The dog run sits on the plateau above to the north.
The western boundary along the bio-retention buffer slopes again to be even with the properties to the west. This native and natural wooded grove with a bio-retention basin along the west end creates a privacy buffer along the fence line.
Section Cut
Figure 3.4: Section cut from western property line to Murray Hill Road Figure 3.3: Blue line depicting section cut line
SCALE: 1” = 40’
0’ 20’ 40’
Nature-themed Playground
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 20 of 43 The playground at the center of the park was thoughtfully designed to create a unique experience for children to play and connect with nature. Wood was chosen as the primary building material as it reinforces the native and natural aesthetic desired by the community. It is a flexible, natural, and renewable resource.
A 24’ tall wood tower anchors the site and hopes to be an iconic play structure that draws users from around the neighborhood. It features a distinctive climbing experience up the multiple layers of the structure with an option to go down a slide from the top or cross over a suspended bridge to the hill play section of the playground. This section features a unique slope and climbing play style by incorporating the site’s natural elevation change. This structure is fully transparent, which is important for safety and security.
There will be a children’s play area for 5-12 year olds, as well as a tot playground for younger children. A giant rope and log swing for group play, leaf shaped wooden wobble boards, wood steppers, rope netting, and natural wood timber climbing logs all contribute to the nature-based design of the play area. Earthscape is the recommended playground manufacturer behind many of the play structures selected for the site. They specialize in designing and constructing inclusive, innovative, unique, and challenging wooden structures.
Shade is provided in the area by shade sails over the tot playground and the wooden timber climbing logs. A walking path encircles the playground with bench seating. The playground design is rigorously evaluated to ensure compliance to safety standards; ASTM F1487 in the United States and accessibility compliance requirements.
Nature-themed Playground
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 21 of 43 Precedent imagery depicts design intent: focus on exploration and organic materials
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 22 of 43 SCALE: 1” = 40’
0’ 20’ 40’
Dog Run
A fenced dog run that allows for off-leash play sits at the northern end of the park. It is graded above the playground and lawn to the south. A popular feature for urban areas, dog runs provide an outdoor space for throwing a ball as well as community interaction for pet owners. Based off feedback from the workshops, the community strongly preferred decomposed granite rather than synthetic turf in the dog run. Decomposed granite is easy to repair and maintain, as well as requiring no regular watering.
In addition, a pet drinking fountain can be installed at the entrance.
The dog run acts almost like an elevated plateau - allowing a separation of space between park goers and additionally ensures there will be consistent “eyes on the park” from an elevated vantage point.
Dog owners tend to be a reliable demographic who take ownership and act as stewards of the spaces they frequent.
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 23 of 43 SCALE: 1” = 40’
0’ 20’ 40’
Lawn
In the southwest corner of the site lies an open lawn for neighbors to gather. Wide open grass areas are proven to be some of the most flexible public spaces; they can be used for a wide range of activities such as group gatherings, kicking a ball around, group workouts, or setting up a “bounce house” for a birthday party.
While suitable for these uses, it is approximately 7,700-square-feet and not sized for active sports/league activities. Many options for play, relaxation, and activity are presented to park goers. Locking electrical outlets will be nearby for community events such as movie nights where a small projector would be used.
The centralized, easily accessible location next to the shade structure, fitness, parking, and playground makes this a connecting feature of the design. The walking path of the park extends around the lawn.
Additionally, this space is easily seen from the road and does not offer any hiding spaces.
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 24 of 43 Fitness Zone
The fitness zone of the park is located next to the
playground and turf grass area so that parents can
work out and still be within eyesight of children
playing. The fitness area will contain multiple
pieces of exercise equipment designed in a natural
aesthetic. The fitness area will have resilient
surfacing in multiple natural colors and a shade
structure overhead. This zone is critical for providing programming to older age groups.
Half-court Basketball
An additional exercise feature of the park is the halfcourt basketball located near the playground on the east side of the park. Half-court basketball was
specifically selected as it promotes family-friendly
play and casual games. The fun shape of this space
and the colored striping add to the natural aesthetic
of the park.
SCALE: 1” = 40’
0’ 20’ 40’
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 25 of 43 SCALE: 1” = 40’
0’ 20’ 40’
Group Shade Structure
The shade structure is centrally located and in close proximity to the playground, lawn, parking lot, and restroom. Having the shade structure as the “meeting point” between the features of the park allows for easy transition from one activity to the next and makes it easy to see the entire park from this area.
Additionally, the proximity to the parking lot makes unloading items easy for events such as birthday parties.
The shade structure has an organic custom shape with latticed timber beams adding to the natural aesthetic of the park. Its geometry opens to the site with wide sweeping arcs forming the roof structure. The latticed trellis may be substituted with a solid or opaque roof to provide more shade coverage. Ample space for three picnic tables is provided beneath the shade structure.
A second, scaled down shade structure with similar
characteristics will be provided at the dog run. Space for two picnic tables will be provided underneath. Additional shade structures may be explored throughout the site, such as over play areas, benches by the play area, the fitness plaza, and near the basketball court.
Restrooms provide irreplaceable function to a public
space and works to serve all its users. The restroom
features two family-style units with an accessible
outdoor sink and water station. It is located near
the parking lot, making it highly accessible for users, maintenance, and security. The building also features
a one-car garage and storage for park staff to store
maintenance tools. Along the east face of the building
is where bike racks are located for users who choose
to cycle to the site.
Restroom & Garage Building
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 26 of 43 SCALE: 1” = 40’
0’ 20’ 40’
Elevated Wooden Ramp Connection to Murray Hill Rd.
An elevated wooden ramp provides a vital connection to the park for users coming down Murray Hill Road. Without it, they would have to walk all the way down to Waite Dr. This connection makes the park more accessible and entry to the park safer. The steep incline of the east slope of the site would call for extensive retaining walls if a standard ramp was constructed. An elevated wooden ramp is a more elegant solution with a much smaller footprint.
Along with the central wood tower, the wooden ramp is another iconic structure unique to this park design. The experience walking on the ramp offers users access to one of the sites best natural features - its views. The wooden design ties in with the rest of the site and works with the existing topography. With the ramp raised above grade, the natural slope is preserved. Concrete stairs are also provided as a more direct connection.
This connection was a key desired element repeated in the community workshops. People wanted better access to the park from the north for park-goers, students going to or from Helix High School, or those simply on a neighborhood walk. The ramp connects to the east edge of the walking loop, allowing dog owners direct access to the dog run without going through the entire park.
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 27 of 43 Landscape Buffer and Bio-Basins
The west side of the park borders residential properties. One of the top priorities with the park design is to maintain or increase the existing home owners’ level of privacy and security. The plan calls to replace the existing, irregular, and dilapidated fence with a uniform solid fence that increases from 6’ height to 8’ in height. The fence will follow proposed topography changes and increases in height to provide adequate screening and ensure privacy for the adjacent residences.
The park site naturally drops in grade towards the west which creates an opportunity for a bioretention basin. A bio-retention basin that extends the entire length of the western edge is proposed to provide stormwater storage for the entire site. Currently, the site drains into some of the adjacent properties. This makes regrading this edge even more important. The bio-retention basin will be planted with native plants and trees to provide shade for the park, give a natural creek bed look, and increase screening for the homes.
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 28 of 43 Site-wide Walking Loop
A site-wide 0.2-mile walking loop provides an added fitness opportunity to the park as well as a fun option to ride bikes or tricycles without turning around. The elevation changes are gradual but add a bit of a challenge if using the loop for exercise. The loop is fully ADA compliant, enabling all users the ability to use the entirety of the path. The vantage points along the loop continually change and give different perspectives of the park. Seating nooks and benches are placed throughout the loop as interesting places to rest. Interpretive panels along the loop provide education opportunities to learn about the site history, local flora, and stormwater management.
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 29 of 43 Approved Plant List Botanical Name
Abutilon palmeri
Artemisia californica ‘Canyon Grey’
Baccharis spp.
Calliandra californica
Carpenteria californica
Dendromecon harfordii
Dudleya brittonii
Eriophyllum confertiflorum
Galvezia speciosa
Heteromeles arbutifolia
Iris douglasiana
Iva hayesiana
Juncus textilis
Leymus triticoides
Lomandra longifolia ‘Breeze’
Mahonia spp.
Malosma laurina
Muhlenbergia rigens
Ribes viburnifolium
Rhamnus californica ‘Eve Case’
Rhus integrifolia
Rosa californica
Salvia melifere
Simmondsia chinensis
Verbena lilacina ‘De La Mina’
Viguiera laciniata
Common Name
Indian mallow
California sagebrush
Baccharis
Baja fairy duster
Bush anemone
Island bush poppy
Giant chalk dudleya
Golden yarrow
Island bush snapdragon
Toyon
Douglas iris
San Diego marsh elder
Basket rush
Wild rye
Lomandra breeze
Grape holly
Laurel sumac
California deer grass
Catalina currant
Coffee berry
Lemonade berry
California wildrose
Black sage
Jojoba
Lilac verbena
San Diego County viguiera
Plant List
The plant palette is largely plants and trees that are native to this region along with Mediterranean plants and trees that are well adapted to the Southern California climate.
A variety of sizes, textures, and colors make up the palette to add variety throughout the seasons. Plant qualities such as resiliency, low-water use, pollinator friendly, and drought-tolerance are prioritized.
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 30 of 43 Preliminary Grading and Drainage Plan
The site slopes generally from the northwest, along Murray Hill Road, down to the southwest, along Waite Drive. There is about 45’ of elevation difference from the northeast corner of the site to the southwest. It is immediate and intense at first, then follows a steadier grade moving west.
The grading strategy is to work with the existing topography as much as possible. The natural slope is highlighted in the design. Regrading will be done to create two distinct levels of accessible activity zones. The dog run is the upper level in the north and the playground, lawn, and parking lot form the bottom level to the south.
The proposed drainage design will mimic the existing drainage pattern from the northeast to the southwest. The proposed improvements will result in an increase in run-off, which will be mitigated in the proposed basin along the western edge of the site. The entire site is designed to drain to the bio-retention buffer on the west and Waite Dr. to the south. On-site drainage systems will convey flow from the site to the proposed basin. Underdrains will be provided for the playground and workout areas and will also convey run-off to the basins. Since there is no existing storm drain in Waite Drive along the project frontage, a new storm drain is proposed to convey discharge from the basin to the existing storm drain system approximately 150’ west of the site at Harris Street.
The project will be subject to City stormwater quality requirements for Priority Development Projects (PDP). This will require low impact development (LID) site design, source control, pollutant control (treatment), and flow control (hydromodification management). The sizing and selection of Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be documented in a Water Quality Technical Report (WQTR) that will be prepared during final design. The proposed site improvements include the biofiltration basin located along the western edge of the site. This basin will service both water quality and flood control purposes. The project will also require a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) prior to the start of construction. The project will likely be subject to the newly approved State requirements in the Construction General Permit.
Preliminary Water Quality
Figure 3.5: Preliminary Grading and Drainage Plan
WAITE DRIVE
MURRAY HILL ROAD
CONNECT TO
EXISTING
STORM DRAIN
2:1 MAX
2:1 MAX
2:1
MAX
2:1
MAX
2:1
MAX
2:1
MAX
465
470
475
480
485
465
465
465
470
450455
450
450
450
455
455
455
450
450
450
450
(445)
(450)
(455)
(460)
(465)
(470)
(475)
(480)(485)
LEGEND
PROPOSED CONTOUR
STORM DRAIN
UNDERDRAIN
450
(455)
(460)
(465)
(470)
(475)
(480)(485)
LEGEND
PROPOSED CONTOUR
STORM DRAIN
UNDERDRAIN
450
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 31 of 43 Preliminary Drainage Study
Figure 3.6: Preliminary Drainage Study cover Figure 3.7: Hydrology calculation results Figure 3.8: Web soil survey A preliminary drainage study for the project site was prepared as a stand alone document companion to the master plan report. The proposed improvements result in an increase in peak flow rate. Preliminary sizing calculations are provided for 100-year peak flow attenuation. The Drainage Study also includes sizing calculations for on-site drainage systems.
The study addresses the following objectives:
-Quantify and compare the 100-year peak flow rate in the existing and proposed conditions to assess the project’s impact on existing drainage facilities. -Perform sizing calculations for on-site drainage systems. -Perform preliminary sizing calculations for the multi-purpose basin.
The following figures are exerpts from The Preliminary Drainage Study, which is is attached as a separate document.
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 32 of 43 Preliminary Drainage Study
Figure 3.9: Hydrology map
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 33 of 43
WAITE DRIVE
X
X X
X
X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
PA
Preliminary Electrical and Lighting Plan
The electrical services available for Waite Park from SDG&E, is a single phase 1 20/240 V system with the maximum amperage of 200 Amps. The existing transformer at Waite Dr. will be reused with a new 200 Amp meter pedestal installed. This amperage will be sufficient to power the park along with the planned comfort station building. The planned electrical pedestal will be stainless steel in construction.
Pedestrian and parking lot solar powered lighting will be provided throughout the walkways, and lots on the site enhanced by down lighting at Trellis and some building lighting. All lights will be diecast aluminum for long life and low corrosion. Trellis lights will be wired in a way to conceal all wiring as much as possible.
Solar lights are prioritized to align with the sustainability goals of the City. Fixtures with a wooden aesthetic are an alternative finish available from certain manufacturers. Recommended manufacturers and models are specified in the appendix.
Figure 3.11: Preliminary Lighting Plan
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 34 of 43 4 Construction & Operations
Mission Gorge Park
Preliminary Estimate of Probable Construction Cost
BASE BID SUMMARY Extension
Drainage, & Utilities (Not including Building) $543,400.00 Stormwater Treatment Basins $503,600.00
Construction $2,868,475.00
Site Furnishings/Shade Structures $79,191.75
Playground & Fitness Equipment $1,652,252.50
Lighting and Electrical $119,100.00
Irrigation $255,105.00
Planting $298,450.00
Maintenance $29,690.64
SUBTOTAL HARD COSTS $6,349,264.89
Prevailing Wage Factor 10% of Subtotal Hard Costs $634,926.49 SUBTOTAL $6,984,191.38
Design 5% of Subtotal Hard Costs $317,463.24
Construction Contingency Costs 10% of Subtotal Hard Costs $634,926.49 Grand Total $7,936,581.11
Rough Order of Magnitude Probable Costs of Construction A preliminary rough order magnitude (ROM) of probable costs for construction was created for Design Alternative #1, Design Alternative #2, the Draft Master Plan, and the Final Master Plan Design. The site improvements were analyzed and quantified. Using current market factor/supply chain/inflation impacts, an opinion of probable costs was created. It is important to note that construction costs fluctuate with time and large swings in costs were common in the last couple years. Per recent input from one of our cost estimating partners, we have been told prices have increased over 22% in January 2021 through December 2021 with a forecasted
7.9% increase from January 2022 through March 2022. We recommend keeping this inflation/escalation pricing in mind as the City gets closer to bidding the project.
The (ROM) estimate of anticipated construction costs for Design Alternative #1 is $5.9 million to $6.4 million.
The (ROM) estimate of anticipated construction costs for Design Alternative #2 is $5.6 million to $6.1 million.
The (ROM) estimate of anticipated construction costs for the Draft Master Plan is $6.2 million to $6.7 million.
The (ROM) estimate of anticipated construction costs for the Final Master Plan Design is $7.7 million to $8.2 million.
As the design and program of the park became more defined, so did the associated costs. The increase seen over time shows site elements added and the cost estimates becoming more accurate.
1. The costs below are based on current market factor/supply chain/inflation impacts.
2. SDG has been evaluating prevailing wage as a factor of the overall cost of the project as a quick method to forcast the additional labor costs required to fund a project utilizing prevailing wages vs. standard wages. The prevailing wage rate is the basic hourly rate paid on public works projects to a majority of workers engaged in a particular craft, classification or type of work within the locality and in the nearest labor market area. The prevailing wage rate must be used on government projects of this nature.
Figure 4.1: Summary of ROM from Final Master Plan Design Cost Analysis This section provides information and guidance relevant to funding, construction, and operations.
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 35 of 43 Potential Funding Sources Maintenance & Operations
The park at Waite Drive is a typical passive 2.8 acre neighborhood park with amenities to serve the local community like other neighborhood parks in La Mesa. These amenities will require maintenance including landscape maintenance and equipment maintenance costs, cleaning and janitorial services, supplies, trash collection and utility costs.
Maintenance costs for the park at Waite Drive are projected to be $13,440 annually. The city of Mission Viejo who contracts for all park maintenance services was contacted. They receive specific bids on each of their parks from contractors and has established a cost of $400 per acre per month for passive neighborhood parks such as this.
The park at Waite Drive has a number of elements available to serve the community. There is an opportunity for a revenue stream for use of some of the amenities. Day Use/Reservable Site permits can be issued for up to 50 guests at a cost of $40 for residents and $50 for non-residents.
Based on averages at similar parks in La Mesa there could be approximately 32 permits issued generating $1,280 - $1,600 annually. There may also be an opportunity for commercial use for fitness or small operators which have been conducted in similar parks. Eight permits could be issued for a total of $1,040. Further they may be an opportunity to host contracted youth programs in the grassy area generating $2,000 a year. These details have been generated by the City of La Mesa based on similar use in the City.
There are a variety of potential grant funding sources that the City may consider. There are programs that operate on a Federal, State, or local level. Each program has unique criteria, application requirements, implementation requirements, and funding limits. Some require a certain minimum percentage of local funding match in order to qualify. Programs that the City may consider for this project include those administered by the Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) Bonds and Grants, and the Clean California Local Grant Program (Caltrans). Potential funding sources are also available for specific elements of the project, such as the proposed water quality features. Funding from multiple sources can be acquired, but can also present additional challenges and complications for the project if there are conflicting requirements or schedule constraints.
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 36 of 43 5 Appendices
This section is dedicated to the resources used over the course of this process and the documents produced from community research.
Mailers
The following images are the postcards distributed to inform the residents within 500’ of the project.
Social Media
The following are Instagram posts to notify the community of park updates.
Similar images were posted on Facebook, Twitter, and Next Door.
YOU’RE INVITED!
FUTURE PARK
AT WAITE DR.
Virtual Community Workshop
Wednesday
March 16, 2022
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Zoom Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87507108249
By Phone: (669) 900-6833
Meeting ID: 875 0710 8249
Sue Richardson
[email protected]
HELIX CHARTER HS
UNIVERSITY AVE.
ROOM 1300
ENTRANCE
PARKING
YALE AVE.
YOU’RE INVITED!
-in person and onlineFUTURE PARK
AT WAITE DR.
2nd Community Workshop
Wednesday
June 15th, 2022
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Helix Charter High School
Room 1300
7323 University Ave.
La Mesa, CA 91942
Zoom Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83987055011
By Phone: 1 (669) 900-6833
Meeting ID: 839 8705 5011
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 37 of 43 Online Survey: March 16 - April 11, 2022
The following are images of the questions from the public survey conducted online.
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 38 of 43 Community Meeting #2: Park Design Alternatives - June 15, 2022 The following images are notes that were taken on large post-it boards in front of the meeting to document comments from the public.
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 39 of 43 Community Input Period on Design Alternatives: June 15-30, 2022 Some of the emails received to the project email account.
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 40 of 43 Community Meeting #4: Community Services Commission - September 14, 2022 The following images are notes that were taken on large post-it boards in front of the meeting to document comments from the public.
Sign-in sheet and welcome materials. Introduction and presentation. Post presentation discussions. Q & A from in-person and online attendees.
Community Services Commission Meeting: September 14, 2022 The following are pictures taken at the Community Services Commission public meeting presentation of the Master Plan
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 41 of 43 Referenced Websites
Earthscape Play Equipment
The following are equipment pieces that are part of the Children’s Playground and the Adult Fitness Area • City of La Mesa - cityoflamesa.us
• City of La Mesa, New Park at Waite Drive - cityoflamesa.us/1693/New-Park-at-Waite Drive • City of La Mesa Climate Action Plan
• Earthscape - earthscape.com
• CRA - cramobility.com
• ExoFit - exo.fit
• 2-5 Nature Play Structures
• Log Tower 3
• 30’ Play Bridge
• Small Bride to Log Tangle
• Presidio Wood Wall
• Retaining Wall for Climbing Structure
• Giant Rope Swing
• Single Bay Swing
• Log Pile 8.2 with Shade Sail
• Slide Platform 900 with Shade Sail
• Stepper Cluster L3
Earthscape Playground Fitness Area
• Fabric Shade Sail Structure - Fitness
• ExoFit ExoPod
• ExoFit 5113 Sit-Up Apparatus & Sign
• ExoFit 5114 Push-Up Apparatus & Sign
• ExoFit 5118 Beam Walk Apparatus & Sign
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 42 of 43 Lighting Fixtures
The following are recommended manufacturers and models. See Figure 3.11: Preliminary Lighting Plan for layout and location of fixtures. 2’ Sign lighting fixture ‘SC’ 20’ Parking lot light type ‘SA’ 12’ Pedestrian light type ‘SB’
Park at Waite Dr - Master Plan and Progress Report 43 of 43 Lighting Fixtures
The following are recommended manufacturers and models. See Figure 3.11: Preliminary Lighting Plan for layout and location of fixtures.
Basis of Coordinates
The following is basis of coordinates and vertical control used to survey the site.
Preliminary storm water quality assessment checklist
Below is an excerpt from the checklist form.
AGUIRRE & ASSOCIATES
8363 CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 5A • LA MESA, CA 91942 • PH: (619)464-6978 • FAX: (619)464-7203 SURVEYING • MAPPING • RIGHT-OF-WAY ENGINEERING
AGUIRRE & ASSOCIATES
PROJECT: Waite Drive Park
JOB # 178122
BASIS OF COORDINATES: (NAD83) (U.S. FEET)
THE BASIS OF COORDINATES FOR THIS SURVEY IS THE NORTH AMERICAN DATUM OF 1983 (NAD 83) CALIFORNIA STATE PLANE COORDINATE SYSTEM OF 1983 (CCS83) ZONE 6 (EPOCH 1991.35) BASED LOCALLY UPON THE FOLLOWING CONTROL POINTS PER RECORD OF SURVEY 16575.
STATION NORTHING EASTING DESCRIPTION
28 1841557.819 6317148.094 BRASS DISC LS 6000 IN CURB INLET 44 1858060.736 6325340.243 BRASS DISC LS 6000 IN CURB
GRID BEARING BETWEEN STA 28 AND STA 44 = N 26°24'00" E.
VERTICAL CONTROL: (NGVD29) (FEET)
ELEVATIONS SHOWN HEREON ARE IN TERMS OF THE NATIONAL GEODETIC VERTICAL DATUM OF 1929 (NGVD29) BASED LOCALLY UPON THE FOLLOWING CITY OF LA MESA BENCHMARK.
CONTROL POINT ELEVATION DESCRIPTION
3070G05-06 545.95 STANDARD 3 ½” BRASS DISC SET IN COVERED MONUMENT IN CUL-DE-SAC ON CARBO CT, 240’
NORTH OF HIGH ST.
Trellis light ‘SD’
HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc.
7578 El Cajon Boulevard
La Mesa, CA 91942
619.462.1515 tel
619.462.0552 fax
www.helixepi.com
January 9, 2023
Sue Richardson, Director of Community Services
City of La Mesa, Community Services Department
4975 Memorial Drive
La Mesa, CA 91942
[email protected] | 619.667.1308
Subject: Task Order Proposal to Provide Environmental Consulting Services for the La Mesa Waite Park Project
Dear Ms. Richardson:
HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. (HELIX) is submitting this task order proposal to the City of La Mesa (City) to provide environmental consulting services for the La Mesa Waite Park project (project). The project entails a new public park on an approximately three-acre parcel (Assessor Parcel Number 474- 50-015) located at the northwest corner of the Waite Drive/Murray Hill Road intersection in the southwestern portion of the City limits. The project site is currently vacant and disturbed, characterized by a generally level dirt development pad with gently sloping topography on the site's eastern edge. The dirt area is mostly devoid of vegetation interspersed with some trees, and low-lying grasses cover some of the edges. Various debris and other remnants from the previous use are also present. The site was previously used as a County of San Diego road maintenance facility (Lemon Grove Road Station) for more than 50 years until the mid-1970s. Since then, it has been occasionally used as a construction laydown area. The site is zoned for residential land use. Surrounding uses include residential to the west, south, and east and open space to the north. State Route 94 is located approximately 500 feet to the south.
The proposed park would include playground equipment, grass lawns, a half/court basketball court, fitness zone, walking loop, dog run, picnic tables with shade structures, bicycle racks, restroom facilities, a parking lot, fencing, and landscaping. Primary access would be provided from Waite Drive, and a pedestrian ramp/stairs would be constructed from the sidewalk along Murray Hill Road.
Our proposed scope of services and a cost estimate are provided below. Environmental services would be performed in accordance with the Master Agreement between the City and HELIX to provide asneeded environmental planning services, dated January 29, 2019. All terms and conditions per the executed Master Agreement are incorporated herein.
Task Order Proposal to Ms. Sue Richardson Page 2 of 7
January 9, 2023
SCOPE OF SERVICES
The services to be completed by HELIX include the preparation of technical studies and environmental compliance documentation pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Technical reports identified below and the CEQA document will include an analysis of a single version of the project based on plans provided to HELIX. An electronic version of draft technical reports will be provided to the City. HELIX will address one round of comments from City staff on the draft reports. It is assumed that revisions will be minor, not requiring new or substantially revised analysis, re-modeling, or additional field work. HELIX will then provide electronic versions of the final technical reports to the City.
Below is a detailed discussion of each task included in this scope of services for the project.
Task 1: Biological Resources Letter Report
HELIX will conduct a biological resources study to City standards. HELIX will conduct a records search to locate sensitive biological resources known from the project site and the project vicinity and will prepare base maps for use in the field. A HELIX biologist will conduct a general biological survey of the site to map vegetation and conduct a general botanical and zoological survey of the site, including mapping sensitive species observed during the time of this survey, assessing the potential for sensitive species, and identifying potentially jurisdictional features. The scope assumes that no focused species surveys or formal jurisdictional delineation are required.
Based on the information gathered during the site visit, HELIX will prepare a letter report to be submitted to the City. This report will describe the survey methods employed, present the results of the fieldwork, assess the potential for additional sensitive resources to occur on the site, identify regulatory issues related to the resources on the site, calculate project impacts, address City Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) Subarea Plan requirements, and recommend potential mitigation measures per City requirements.
Task 2: Cultural Resources Investigation
HELIX will conduct a cultural resources study to City standards, which will include the following: obtain a records search from the South Coastal Information Center; contact the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) for a Sacred Lands File search and list of Native American contacts; and conduct outreach to the local Native American community, as identified by the NAHC. It is assumed that the City will conduct Native American outreach for compliance with Assembly Bill 52.
HELIX will request an Environmental Database Report to obtain historic maps and aerial photographs of the project area and conduct preliminary historic archival research to assess the potential for historic archaeological resources. A HELIX archaeologist will conduct a field survey of the project site with a Kumeyaay Native American monitor subcontracted to HELIX.
HELIX will prepare a cultural resources technical report detailing the methods and results of the study, as well as providing recommendations for any additional research, as needed. The scope assumes that the records search will be negative for the project site and that foundations present on the property will be documented as an archaeological site but are ineligible for listing on the California Register of Historical Resources. If the survey is positive for additional archaeological resources, they must be recorded and potentially tested to assess significance; the scope and cost of such documentation,
Task Order Proposal to Ms. Sue Richardson Page 3 of 7
January 9, 2023
testing, and additional reporting would depend on the extent and nature of resources identified and would require a contract modification.
Task 3: Updated Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment
As a subconsultant to HELIX, the Bodhi Group, Inc. (Bodhi) will prepare an updated Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard E1527-05 “Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process.” The Phase 1 ESA will update the previous Phase 1 ESA conducted for the site in 2012 and document the presence or likely presence of hazardous substances or petroleum products (Recognized Environmental Conditions [RECs]) that could adversely affect the project site. The ESA will include the following:
• Historical research on the potential presence of hazardous materials conditions and releases as defined in the ASTM standard, which include but are not limited to underground storage tanks, aboveground storage tanks, associated tank, and vent piping, stressed vegetation, stained soil or pavement, and equipment that may contain or have historically contained polychlorinated biphenyls.
• Compilation and review of public agency records of the site and vicinity for hazardous materials conditions and concerns. This activity will include online research on Geotracker, Envirostor, and file review requests to individual agencies if additional information is required. • Historical research of the project site and vicinity using available aerial photographs, topographic maps, fire insurance maps, and city directories. • Information provided by the City with knowledge of the site history will be reviewed for environmental cleanup liens and activity and use limitations, specialized knowledge or commonly known/reasonably obtainable information pertaining to potential adverse site conditions, and/or obvious indicators of contamination at the site and vicinity. City staff will be requested to provide information that may not be readily available in the public domain. • Report of the search of federal, state, and local databases through a third-party vendor. • Reconnaissance/physical inspection of the site and vicinity will be conducted to search for visual conditions indicative of potential hazardous materials releases.
The ESA will identify RECs at the project site, assess their level of significance, and include recommendations. The ESA will include site plans, maps, photographs, and reproductions of historical and regulatory resources. The report will discuss the presence of hazardous conditions from the historical uses of the site and vicinity. Hazardous environmental conditions will be compiled in GIS-based figures depicting the location and the level of significance of each condition. The ESA report will be prepared and certified by qualified professionals consistent with requirements published in the ASTM standard.
Task Order Proposal to Ms. Sue Richardson Page 4 of 7
January 9, 2023
Task 4: Transportation Impact Memorandum
As a subconsultant to HELIX, Linscott, Law & Greenspan Engineers (LLG) will prepare a transportation impact memorandum for the project. This effort will include research traffic studies previously conducted in the area, conduct a site visit to note existing conditions, and research historical traffic counts for the streets near the project site. LLG will calculate the project trip generation and distribute and assign those trips to the street system. LLG will also prepare traffic data for the purposes of air quality, greenhouse gas, and noise analysis. Additionally, LLG will review the proposed access and on-site circulation, and assess potential transportation hazards for vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic. The transportation impact memorandum will address Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and describe why the project would be screened out of needing a full VMT analysis.
Task 5: Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Energy Analysis HELIX will evaluate criteria for air pollutant and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as well as energy consumed during the construction and operation of the project. Emissions and energy consumption will be estimated using an approved modeling methodology such as the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod) and project-specific information from the project team or default assumptions. HELIX will coordinate with the project team to obtain data relative to construction methods and timing, and other data relative to emissions and energy consumption. HELIX will quantify criteria for air pollutant and GHG emissions and compare them to applicable significance thresholds as determined in coordination with City staff. The results of this analysis will be described in the CEQA compliance document with supporting data in an appendix. A standalone technical report is not included in this scope.
Task 6: Noise Impact Analysis
HELIX will prepare a noise impact analysis in accordance with City standards. HELIX will perform a field inspection of the site to document and photograph surrounding land uses and measure the current ambient noise conditions on the site. HELIX will identify applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations that pertain to the generation of noise. The analysis will be organized according to topics listed in Appendix G, Section XII, Noise, of the CEQA Guidelines, facilitating the input of the information into the CEQA compliance document.
As part of the analysis, HELIX will evaluate noise levels generated by the project. Traffic noise impacts will be assessed based on the project-specific traffic analysis. Recreational noise sources to be analyzed include human and dog noise from park uses. The analysis assumes no spectator/competitive events, pickleball, or tennis courts are provided. The appropriate noise model will be used to analyze future noise conditions and may include the Computer Aided Noise Analysis (CadnaA) or the Traffic Noise Model (TNM) version 2.5. No analysis of spectator or amplified noise is planned as part of this analysis. A qualitive discussion of parking lot usage, human verbal interaction, and bicycle noise will be provided.
The results of the analysis will be summarized in a noise impact analysis technical letter report.
Task 7: Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration It is assumed that an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) in accordance with CEQA will be prepared. If the City requires the preparation of a different CEQA compliance document, this
Task Order Proposal to Ms. Sue Richardson Page 5 of 7
January 9, 2023
scope and cost would need to be modified accordingly with a contract augment. HELIX will prepare a Draft IS/MND, pursuant to CEQA, for the project. The Draft IS/MND will follow the City’s standard IS/MND format and will include a description of the project, an IS checklist, and supporting exhibits. The Draft IS/MND will summarize the results and conclusions of the technical studies prepared for the project, as well as address each environmental issue in the environmental checklist.
HELIX will provide an electronic copy (Microsoft Word and PDF versions) of a screencheck version of the draft IS/MND (Microsoft Word and PDF versions) for the City’s review. Upon incorporation of appropriate revisions (which are assumed to be minor and not requiring new or substantially revised analysis), HELIX will prepare the public review version of the IS/MND. HELIX will produce up to two printed copies of the public review draft IS/MND, as well as an electronic version (PDF) to be posted on the City’s website. HELIX will prepare the Notice of Intent (NOI) to Adopt an MND, the Notice of Completion (NOC), and the Office of Planning and Research (OPR) Summary Form for City signature and submittal to the State Clearinghouse via their online submittal process. HELIX will also submit the NOI and Environmental Document Transmittal Form to the County Clerk. The City will arrange for the publication of the NOI in a local newspaper. The City will provide HELIX with a distribution list and HELIX will directly mail copies of the NOI to those on the distribution list (up to 50 recipients).
Task 8: Final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration In consultation with the City, HELIX will respond to substantive comments received on the content of the Draft IS/MND during public review of the document. For the purposes of this cost estimate, it is assumed that the preparation of responses will not require more than 16 hours of professional staff time. An introduction, responses, revisions to the Draft IS/MND (as needed), and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program will be incorporated into the final document. HELIX will submit an electronic version (Microsoft Word and PDF versions) of an administrative draft version of the Final IS/MND and revise once per City comments (assumed not to be substantive or alter the analysis). HELIX will provide an electronic version (PDF) of the Final IS/MND. HELIX also will prepare the Notice of Determination (NOD) and file it with the County Clerk within five days after the adoption of the Final IS/MND. The City will be responsible for submitting the NOD to the State Clearinghouse via their online submittal process and applicable County Clerk and California Department of Fish and Wildlife CEQA filing fees.
Task 9: Project Management
HELIX will provide general environmental program management services as the project undergoes environmental processing with the City. Management tasks will consist of formal and informal communication with the City, applicant, and other members of the project team. Communication will take the form of telephone conversations and e-mail. Other management responsibilities will include tracking budgets and reviewing schedule progress. Quality assurance reviews of major deliverables will be completed by senior staff prior to submittal to City. This task includes 24 hours of the HELIX Project Manager’s time and 4 hours of the HELIX Principal Planner’s time for environmental project management.
Task Order Proposal to Ms. Sue Richardson Page 6 of 7
January 9, 2023
Task 10: Meetings
HELIX’s Project Manager will participate in up to two project meetings (assuming each meeting is virtual and one hour in duration) and up to two conference calls (assuming each call is one hour in duration).
No specific presentation graphics are anticipated for any of the meetings. It is assumed that HELIX attendance at public hearings will not be required and are not included.
ASSUMPTIONS AND ADDITIONAL LIMITATIONS ON THE SCOPE OF SERVICES The following assumptions and limitations are an integral component of this proposal. If any of the assumptions listed are not correct, additional work may be required at additional expense. • City will provide HELIX with current available digital baseline data and project plans for producing all maps and graphics, which should be submitted in one of the following formats:
.dxf, .dwg (AutoCAD), .dgn (Microstation), .shp (ArcView shapefiles), .gdb (ArcGIS geodatabase) or .kmz (Google Earth). In some cases, .pdf files will be acceptable. • Once preparation of the draft technical reports has begun, no changes to the project design will occur such that major revisions to the project description or re-analysis of any environmental issue will be required.
• Technical studies, focused surveys, permits, and reports not identified in this scope (“additional work”) are not included within the Scope of Services.
• City will identify all potential off-site components associated with the project prior to HELIX conducting the site assessment.
• The scope assumes that no cultural material or fossils will be recovered during construction monitoring. If cultural material is encountered, it will need to be documented, collected, and curated; additional excavation or other research may be required, which may result in additional costs. Fossil collection; recovery of provenance data; and fossil preparation, curation, and storage would also require additional costs, if required. The scope and cost of additional work would depend on the nature and extent of cultural material and/or fossils encountered. HELIX will notify the City immediately if cultural material and/or fossils are encountered. • City is responsible for ensuring that technical reports that are provided to HELIX for the public record by any party not under subcontract to HELIX are consistent with the document accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and any similar requirements.
• HELIX is committed to meeting accessibility requirements for the ADA and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act for public-facing digital document deliverables. Information presented from third-party sources (e.g., California Emissions Estimator Model outputs) and documents prepared using the strike-out underline feature, a standard for annotation of final CEQA documents, may not achieve the full level of accessibility.
Task Order Proposal to Ms. Sue Richardson Page 7 of 7
January 9, 2023
SCHEDULE
HELIX will work with the City in a timely and professional manner.
COST ESTIMATE AND PAYMENT PROCEDURES
HELIX submits this cost estimate not to exceed $68,056, which is provided below in a breakdown by task. All work shall be invoiced on a time-and-materials basis pursuant to the Schedule of Fees in our Master Agreement between the City and HELIX to provide as-needed environmental planning services, dated January 29, 2019 (as updated for 2023). Payment terms are net 30 days pursuant to the Terms and Conditions referenced in the Master Agreement between HELIX and the City.
Task
No. Task Name Cost ($)
1 Biological Resources Letter Report $9,039
2 Cultural Resources Investigation 7,632
3 Updated Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment 4,963
4 Transportation Impact Memorandum 6,833
5 Air Quality, GHG Emissions, and Energy Analysis 4,213 6 Noise Impact Analysis 4,909
7 Draft IS/MND 17,827
8 Final IS/MND 6,785
9 Project Management 5,169
10 Meetings 686
TOTAL $68,056
CLOSING
This quote is good for 30 days from the date of this letter. This proposal will become a new task order under our 2019 Master Agreement upon HELIX’s receipt of written authorization from the City signed by an authorized representative. We look forward to working with you on this project. If you have any questions concerning this proposal, please call Tim Belzman at (619) 462-1515, or email [email protected].
Sincerely,
Joanne M. Dramko, AICP
Environmental Planning Discipline Leader
REPORT to the MAYOR and MEMBERS of the CITY COUNCIL
From the CITY MANAGER
DATE: January 24, 2023
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF SUMMARY VACATION OF AN
EXISTING PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT LOCATED AT
4579 TERRY LANE AND ENCUMBERING LOTS 68
THROUGH 87 PER MAP NO. 2608 “DENNSTEDT
TERRACE”
ISSUING DEPARTMENT: Public Works
SUMMARY:
Issues:
Should the City of La Mesa vacate an existing Public Utility Easement encumbering Lots 68 through 87 per Map No. 2608, Dennstedt Terrace? Recommendation:
Vacate the City of La Mesa Public Utility Easement encumbering Lots 68 through 87 per Map No. 2608, Dennstedt Terrace.
Fiscal Impact:
None.
City’s Strategic Goals:
Continue to improve high quality municipal services
Environmental Review:
This project is categorically exempt from the environmental review process under Section 15301 Class 1(c) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.
Report to Mayor and Councilmembers
Date: January 24, 2023
Page: 2 of 3
BACKGROUND:
When Map 2608 was originally filed for the Dennstedt Terrace subdivision it reserved an easement for public utilities located at the rear yards of the adjoining parcels. With the formation of the Public Utilities Commission, utility agencies acquired the right to place franchise utilities within the public right of way. The easement dedicated on the map has never been used nor is there any desire by any agency to ever use it for its intended purpose. All public utility agencies have been contacted and none of the agencies has any existing utilities within this easement or any objections with its vacation.
DISCUSSION:
The owner of 4579 Terry Lane (Lot 78), desires to construct a new accessory structure for storage with a deck extension and stairs and a 70’ long, 6’ high retaining wall in order to increase privacy and functionality of her rear yard. The City’s policy prohibits construction within City easements. The owner has researched the easement history and requests that the City vacate that portion across their property citing that vacating that portion of the public utility easement would allow construction to proceed. The City has reviewed the easement and supporting documents from other utility agencies and has determined that the vacation request is reasonable. San Diego Gas & Electric, Helix Water District, Cox Cable and AT&T have been contacted and each agency has submitted a letter indicating they have no objection to the vacation.
California Streets and Highways Code, Section 8330, et seq., provides the criteria for summary vacation of public service easements in any of the following cases:
(a) The easement has not been used for the purpose for which it was dedicated or acquired for five consecutive years immediately preceding the proposed vacation; (b) The date of dedication or acquisition is less than five years, and more than one year, immediately preceding the proposed vacation, and the easement was not used continuously since that date; or
(c) The easement has been superseded by relocation, or determined to be excess by the easement holder, and there are no other public facilities located within the easement.
Conditions a) and c) apply to this request for vacation; therefore the City Council may authorize the vacation.
Report to Mayor and Councilmembers
Date: January 24, 2023
Page: 3 of 3
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends that the City of La Mesa vacate the City of La Mesa Public Utility Easement encumbering Lots 68 through 87 per Map No. 2608, Dennstedt Terrace.
Reviewed by: Respectfully submitted by:
____________________ ____________________________
Greg Humora Michael Throne, PE
City Manager Director of Public Works
____________________________
Dann Marquardt
Associate Engineer
Attachments: A. Resolution
B. Vacation Exhibit
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA ORDERING
THE SUMMARY VACATION OF AN EASEMENT ON TERRY LANE FOR PUBLIC UTILITY PURPOSES ENCUMBERING LOTS 68 THROUGH 87 PER MAP NO. 2608 FOR DENNSTEDT TERRACE
WHEREAS, an easement for public utility purposes was dedicated to the City of La Mesa on Map 2608, Dennstedt Terrace, recorded November 18, 1949; WHEREAS, the property owner of Lot 78, has requested the vacation of said easement to unencumber their property and facilitate the use of the property; WHEREAS, Section 8330, et seq., of the California Streets and Highways Code provides the criteria for summary vacation of public service easements in any of the following cases:
a. The easement has not been used for the purpose for which it was dedicated or acquired for five consecutive years immediately preceding the proposed vacation; b. The date of dedication or acquisition is less than five years, and more than one year, immediately preceding the proposed vacation, and the easement was not used continuously since that date; or
c. The easement has been superseded by relocation, or determined to be excess by the easement holder, and there are no other public facilities located within the easement; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that:
a. The Notice of Public Hearing on said resolution ordering the summary vacation of the easement, was published in the East County Californian on January 9, 2023 and January 16, 2023, in the manner prescribed by law for the publication of resolutions in and for said City;
b. Notices of said hearing were posted conspicuously along the easement proposed to be vacated, at least fourteen days before the date set by this resolution for the hearing.
Said notices were posted not more than three hundred (300) feet apart and at least three (3) such notices were posted;
c. No persons presented evidence that said easement is necessary for present or future public purposes;
d. There is no present or prospective use for the easement for which it was originally acquired or for any other public use of a like nature that can be anticipated; e. The easement for public utility purposes has been superseded by relocation and there are no other public facilities located within the easement considered to be vacated; f. The property owner will benefit from the vacation through improved utilization of the land; and
g. The vacation is consistent with the general plan or an approved community plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT AND IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the Council of the City of La Mesa, as follows:
1. That the easement for public utility purposes dedicated on Map 2608, Dennstedt Terrace, recorded on November 18, 1949 encumbering Lots 68 through 87 and as described in Exhibit A be ordered vacated.
2. That the City Clerk of the City of La Mesa, California shall cause a certified copy of this resolution, attested to under the seal of the City of La Mesa, with exhibits, to be recorded in the office of the County Recorder of San Diego County, State of California.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of La Mesa, California, held the 24th day of January 2023, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
CERTIFICATE OF THE CITY CLERK
I, MEGAN WIEGLEMAN, City Clerk of the City of La Mesa, California, do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and exact copy of Resolution No. 2023- , duly passed and adopted by the City Council of said City on the date and by the vote therein recited.
MEGAN WIEGELMAN, CMC, City Clerk
(SEAL OF CITY)
Yellow Color Indicates Easement Vacation
EXHIBIT “B” – VACATION EXHIBIT
DATE: January 24, 2023
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Councilmember Jack Shu and Vice Mayor Colin Parent SUBJECT: RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF FREE AND FAIR UNION ELECTIONS
FOR SHARP GROSSMONT EMPLOYEES
Sharp Grossmont Hospital is an important provider of healthcare in the City of La Mesa, and throughout East County San Diego. It is also the largest employer in the City of La Mesa.
Workers at Grossmont Hospital will be voting on whether to join the SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West union during an election to be held between February 1st through 3rd.
We are asking our colleagues to consider voting for a resolution to call upon the management of Sharp Grossmont Hospital to follow their obligations under the National Labor Relations Act, and to guarantee a fair election process where employees can make their own decision about forming a union.
The proposed resolution is below:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA IN
SUPPORT OF FREE AND FAIR UNION ELECTIONS FOR SHARP
GROSSMONT EMPLOYEES
WHEREAS the frontline healthcare workers of Sharp Grossmont Hospital are essential to the health and well-being of our community;
WHEAREAS all workers have a fundamental right to organize and freely participate as a group to address working conditions, pay, benefits etc.; WHEREAS healthcare workers at Sharp Grossmont Hospital will vote in a National Labor Relations Board election on whether to join SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West on February 1-3, 2023;
WHEREAS public health is directly impacted at Sharp Grossmont by staffing levels, quality of patient care, employee wages, and respectful interactions between hospital management and healthcare workers;
WHEREAS many healthcare workers have expressed that they are deeply concerned about the aggressive actions of Sharp Grossmont management to discourage employees from joining SEIU-UHW, including acts of intimidation and harassment; WHEREAS Sharp Grossmont management should not be disseminating misinformation to discourage its workers from unionizing;
WHEREAS healthcare workers have a right to dignity and respect on the job, freedom of association, and a living wage; and
WHEREAS any ongoing intimidation of Sharp Grossmont healthcare workers violates these fundamental rights and ultimately undermines patient care.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT AND IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the La Mesa City Council calls upon Sharp Grossmont Hospital Management to immediately:
1. Respect the neutrality set forth by the National Labor Relations Act during this union election;
2. Inform employees, supervisors and managers of their right to a free and fair election;
3. Stop any and all practices intended to pressure workers against unionizing; and
4. Guarantee a fair election process where employees can make their own decision about forming a union.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of La Mesa, California, held the 24th day of January 2023, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
CERTIFICATE OF CITY CLERK
I, MEGAN WIEGELMAN, City Clerk of the City of La Mesa, California, do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and exact copy of Resolution No. 2023- , duly passed and adopted by the City Council of said City on the date and by the vote therein recited.
MEGAN WIEGELMAN, CMC, City Clerk
(SEAL OF CITY)
DATE: January 24, 2023
TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Mark Arapostathis and Vice Mayor Colin Parent SUBJECT: PROPOSAL TO CANCEL THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 14, 2023
The City Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting is scheduled to occur on February 14, which is Valentine’s Day.
For the benefit of the public and staff, we are asking that the City Council cancel that meeting.
We have discussed this matter with the City Manager and he suggested that the agenda items planned for that meeting can be deferred to future meetings without impacting the City’s continued operations.