Minutes, closed session — La Mesa City Council, January 24, 2023

City Council - January 24, 2023

1. CALL TO ORDER
Public Comments:

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

The Agenda Items were considered in the order presented.

Mayor Arapostathis called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

1.1 INVOCATION - COUNCILMEMBER LOTHIAN
Public Comments:

1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Public Comments:

2. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
Public Comments:

City Clerk Wiegelman on behalf of City Attorney Sabine, announced there were no reportable actions.

3. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Public Comments:

There were no comments.

4. COMMUNITY BULLETIN REPORTS
Public Comments:

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

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

There were no additions or deletions to the agenda.

6. PRESENTATION
Public Comments:

6.1 CITY OF LA MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN PROGRESS REPORT PRESENTATION Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo - CAP Progress Report Presentation.pdf
Environmental Program Manager Ego provided a PowerPoint presentation on the progress of the City's Climate Action Plan ("CAP"), highlighting the CAP resolutions and implementation, projects in the areas of energy, transportation, solid waste, green infrastructure, and water, and the 2023 priority projects.

Council questions and comments ensued.

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

Dianne Osterling spoke regarding solar energy and affordable housing.

Aaron Amerling spoke regarding the appointment to fill the unscheduled vacancy on the Planning Commission.

8. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
Public Comments:

There were no conflict of interest disclosures.

9. BOARD AND COMMISSION INTERVIEWS
Public Comments:

9.1 INTERVIEW OF APPLICANTS FOR UNSCHEDULED VACANCIES ON THE YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_YAC Interviews for Unscheduled Vacancy 2023-01-24.pdf

2. Attachment A - List of Applicants YAC_January.pdf
City Clerk Wiegelman briefly explained the interview process.

The following applicants spoke regarding their qualifications and interest in being appointed to the Youth Advisory Commission:

Jackson Banthrum
Adriana Flores
City Clerk Wiegelman said the appointments would be made at the next City Council meeting.

Following the interviews, no action was taken.

10. BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Public Comments:

10.1 RESOLUTION APPOINTING A MEMBER TO FILL THE UNSCHEDULED VACANCY ON THE ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_Arts and Culture Commission Appointment.January 2023.pdf

2. Attachment A_Applicants.Arts and Culture Commission.January.pdf

3. Attachment B_Resolution.Arts and Culture Commission Appointment_January.pdf Mayor Arapostathis nominated Renee Bareno for appointment to the Arts and Culture Commission.

Resolution No. 2023-005
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Parent
Approve the appointment of Renee Bareno to the Arts and Culture Commission and adopt Resolution confirming the appointment.

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

10.2 RESOLUTION APPOINTING AND/OR REAPPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_2023 CPOB Annual Appointments.January.pdf

2. Attachment A - Applicant Matrix CPOB_January.pdf

3. Attachment B - Resolution CPOB Appointments_January.pdf Mayor Arapostathis nominated the following individuals for appointment and/or reappointment to the City’s Community Police Oversight Board:

Gregg Ward, Police Beat 1 Resident representative
Janet Castanos, Helix Charter High School representative Caitlin Tiffany, La Mesa-Spring Valley School District representative Christian DeMent, La Mesa Faith Based Community representative Lauren M. Cazares, Young Adult representative
Robert Duff, Older Adult representative
Resolution No. 2023-006
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Parent
Approve the appointment of Gregg Ward and Lauren Cazares and the reappointment of Janet Castanos, Christian DeMent, Caitlin Tiffany, and Robert Duff to the Community Police Oversight Board and adopt the Resolution confirming the appointments and reappointments.

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

10.3 RESOLUTION APPOINTING A MEMBER TO FILL THE UNSCHEDULED VACANCY ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_Planning Commission Appointments_January 2023.pdf

2. Attachment A - List of Applicants PC_January.pdf

3. Attachment B - Resolution Planning Commission Appointment_January.pdf City Clerk Wiegelman explained the nomination process for the Planning Commission.

The Council began the open nomination process for the unscheduled vacancy on the Planning Commission.

City Clerk Wiegelman announced the nominations as follows:

Round 1
:

Mayor Arapostathis nominated Kathleen Brand.

Vice Mayor Parent nominated Jonathan Frankel.

Councilmember Dillard nominated Jonathan Frankel.

Councilmember Lothian nominated Blake Baylin.

Councilmember Shu nominated Jonathan Frankel.

City Clerk Wiegelman announced that Jonathan Frankel had received a majority nomination.

Resolution No. 2023-007
Moved By
Vice Mayor Parent
Seconded By
Councilmember Shu
Approve the appointment of Jonathan Frankel to the Planning Commission and adopt the Resolution confirming the appointment.

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

11. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:

Bonnie Baranoff submitted a comment on Item 12.6.

Dianne Osterling spoke on Items 12.2 and 12.7.

City Treasurer Strabone spoke on Item 12.3.

12. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
(Items 12.1 through 12.7)
Vice Mayor Parent requested Item 12.3 be pulled for separate consideration.

Moved By
Vice Mayor Parent
Seconded By
Mayor Arapostathis
Approve Consent Calendar Items 12.1 through 12.7, except for Item 12.3.

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

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

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 Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Hybrid Meeting Continuation_February 2023.pdf

2. Attachment - AB361 Resolution_February.pdf
Resolution No. 2023-008
Adopt Resolution.

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

1. Memo - Update Bank Contracting Officer.pdf
Approve.

12.5 INDEPENDENT POLICE AUDITOR REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo - IPA Report for Quarter Ending September 30, 2022.pdf

2. Attachment A - IPA Quarterly Report.pdf
Receive and file.

12.6 HOMELESS OUTREACH AND MOBILE ENGAGEMENT (HOME) PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT (OCTOBER 2022 - DECEMBER 2022) Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo - HOME 2022 4th Quarter Report.pdf

2. Attachment A - HOME 4th 2022 Quarterly Report.pdf
Bonnie Baranoff
Dear Honorable Mayor, City Councilmembers, Chief Sweeney, and City Staff --

Thank you for sharing the Oct–Dec 2022 Quarterly HOME Program report. Seeing continual service and housing progress for our poor and unhoused neighbors is encouraging. Matthew and Earl continue to do an outstanding job with limited time and resources.

With the HOME Program's success amid a challenging rental market, I look forward to seeing how La Mesa continues to expand the City's ability to connect homeless residents to transitional and permanent housing opportunities, an initiative in the 2021-2026 Homeless Action Plan.

Also, La Mesa lacks emergency or recuperative housing, and the East Region lacks enough shelter beds to fulfill the need. As you may recall, La Mesa City Council approved the MOU for Homelessness Services on May 10, 2022. The MOU brings together all four East County cities and the County to collaboratively address shared emergency and longer-term housing solutions in the East Region.

Let's see some action with the action plan and the MOU.

Thank you.

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 Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Staff Report - Chen Ryan Associates Agreement Correction.pdf

2. Attachment A - Resolution Chen Ryan Associates Errata.pdf

3. Fiscal Impact Certificate_Chen Ryan Associates Contract.pdf Resolution No. 2023-009
Adopt Resolution.

12.3 APPROVAL OF THE POLICY AND CHECKLIST FOR NEW ELECTED OFFICIALS ORIENTATION AND THE CHECKLIST FOR OUTGOING ELECTED OFFICIALS Attachments
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Public Comments

1. A-26 Policy and Procedures - New Elected Officials Orientation.pdf

2. Attachment A - New Elected Officials Checklist 2023.pdf

3. Attachment B - Outgoing Elected Officials Checklist 2023.pdf Vice Mayor Parent requested the following items be added to the La Mesa Newly Elected Official Incoming Office Checklist:

Introduction with vendors, including the brokers with whom the City Treasurer conducts business with; Orientation appointment with appropriate staff, including the City Manager and Director of Finance, to explain the City Treasurer's quarterly report, the City's investment committee and audit committee, and the necessary delegation of authority; An eScribe orientation with the City Clerk; and
Provide a City lapel pin.

Councilmember Dillard requested the following item be added to the La Mesa Newly Elected Official Incoming Office Checklist:

Provide written instructions on how to set up the voicemail on the City provided cell phone.

Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Parent
Approve, as amended, to add the following items to the La Mesa Newly Elected Official Incoming Office Checklist: (1) introduction with vendors, including the brokers with whom the City Treasurer conducts business with; (2) orientation appointment with appropriate staff, including the City Manager and Director of Finance, to explain the City Treasurer's quarterly report, the City's investment committee and audit committee, and the necessary delegation of authority; (3) an eScribe orientation with the City Clerk; (4) provide a City lapel pin; (5) provide written instructions on how to set up the voicemail on the City provided cell phone.

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

13. STAFF REPORT
Public Comments:

13.1 WAITE PARK PRESENTATION
Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Staff Report - Waite Park Draft Master Plan Presentation and Resolution.pdf

2. Attachment A - Resolution Waite Park Environmental Impact Review .pdf

3. Attachment B - Waite Park Master Plan and Progress Report 2023-01-24.pdf

4. Attachment C - Helix Environmental Planning Scope of Work.pdf 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) Director of Community Services Richardson gave a brief background on Waite Park and introduced Glen Schmidt, Principal at Schmidt Design Group, who provided a PowerPoint presentation on the Waite Park Draft Master Plan, highlighting the site and its history, the community outreach efforts, the community feedback, and the Master Plan design features.

Council questions and comments ensued.

Matt Bohan, Chair of the Community Services Commission, spoke in support of the item.

Parker Ross, Vice Chair Community Services Commission, spoke in support of the item.

Resolution No. 2023-010
Moved By
Councilmember Shu
Seconded By
Mayor Arapostathis
Adopt Resolution.

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

14. HEARING
Public Comments:

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 Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Staff Report_Summary Vacation of Public Utility Easement at 4579 Terry Lane.pdf

2. Attachment A - Resolution Summary Vac. PU Esmt. - Vella.pdf

3. Attachment B - Vacation Exhibit.pdf
Notice of the hearing was given in accordance with legal requirements, and the hearing was held on the date and at the time specified in the notice.

Mayor Arapostathis opened the hearing for Item 14.1.

Director of Public Works/City Engineer Throne explained the purpose and process of the vacation and described the location of the property.

Council questions and comments ensued.

Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Parent
Close the hearing.

For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Vice Mayor Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Councilmember Lothian Approved (5 to 0)
Resolution No. 2023-011
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Parent
Adopt Resolution.

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

15. COUNCIL INITIATED
Public Comments:

15.1 CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTING RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF FREE AND FAIR UNION ELECTIONS FOR SHARP GROSSMONT EMPLOYEES - VICE MAYOR PARENT AND COUNCILMEMBER SHU Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Council Initiated - Resolution Supporting Union Elections 2023-01-24.pdf Vice Mayor Parent and Councilmember Shu explained the intent and purpose for adopting a resolution in support of free and fair union elections for Sharp Grossmont employees.

The following members of the public spoke in support of adopting a resolution in support of free and fair union elections for Sharp Grossmont employees:

Kellen Latimer
Teresa Mariano
Joni Vargas
Fatima
Habacuc Serrano
Robert Yeider
Dianne Osterling spoke in opposition of adopting a resolution in support of free and fair union elections for Sharp Grossmont employees.

Council questions and comments ensued.

Resolution No. 2023-012
Moved By
Councilmember Shu
Seconded By
Councilmember Dillard
Adopt Resolution in support of free and fair union elections for Sharp Grossmont employees.

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

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 Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Council Initiated - Valentines Day Meeting Cancellation 2023-01-24.pdf Mayor Arapostathis and Vice Mayor Parent explained the purpose for cancelling the Regular meeting of the City Council scheduled for February 14, 2023 (Valentine's Day).

Council questions and comments ensued.

Moved By
Vice Mayor Parent
Seconded By
Councilmember Shu
Approve the cancellation of the Regular meeting of the City Council scheduled for February 14, 2023.

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

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

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

La Mesa City CouncilJanuary 24, 2023

La Mesa City Council
January 24, 2023