Minutes — La Mesa City Council, March 28, 2023

City Council - March 28, 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.

Vice Mayor Parent called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.

1.1 INVOCATION - COUNCILMEMBER SHU
Public Comments:

1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Public Comments:

2. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Public Comments:

There were no comments.

3. COMMUNITY BULLETIN REPORTS
Public Comments:

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

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

There were no additions or deletions to the agenda.

5. PRESENTATIONS
Public Comments:

5.1 LIFE SAVING MEDAL AWARDS PRESENTATION
Public Comments:

Chief Sweeney presented Officer Danny Sandlin and Officer Shelby Robinson with Life Saving Medals for saving a person's life on November 24, 2022.

The Council expressed their gratitude for the heroic actions of Officers Danny Sandlin and Shelby Robinson.

5.2 2023 BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS WORK PLANS
Attachments
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Public Comments

1. 2023 Boards and Commissions Work Plans - March 28.pdf

2. Attachment A - 2023 Arts and Culture Commission Workplan.pdf

3. Attachment B - 2023 Youth Advisory Commission Work Plan.pdf

4. Attachment C - 2023 Community Relations and Veterans Commission.pdf

ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION

YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION

COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND VETERANS COMMISSION
Arts and Culture Commission Chair Childress-Evans presented the Commission's 2023 Work Plan.

Youth Advisory Commission Chair Donnelly presented the Commission's 2023 Work Plan.

Community Relations and Veterans Commission Chair Gann presented the Commission's 2023 Work Plan.

5.3 CONSIDERATION OF EXISTING BILLBOARD(S) REPLACEMENT WITH DIGITAL BILLBOARD(S) PROGRAM Attachments
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Public Comments

1. La Mesa Billboard Presentation 2023-03-28.pdf
Pamela Wilson
Scenic San Diego
(619) 985-0958
[email protected]
March 27, 2023
Honorable Members of the La Mesa City Council
Re: March 28, 2023 City Council Meeting, Agenda Item 5.3 - Opposition to Plan to Install Four Digital Billboards Adjacent to Interstate 8 Scenic San Diego strongly opposes the proposal of outdoor advertiser Clear Channel to install four digital billboards in La Mesa adjacent to Interstate 8.

Scenic San Diego is a volunteer group affiliated with the key national organization fighting outdoor advertising blight: Scenic America. Scenic San Diego supports the continued beautification of La Mesa and supports the City’s strict off-site outdoor advertising limits which curtail sign pollution. Scenic San Diego urges this Council to reject or, at a minimum, table this proposal pending a robust public airing of it.

Beginning in the 1960s, then First Lady Ladybird Johnson pioneered a nationwide effort to reduce sign pollution along the nation’s highways. Ultimately many jurisdictions, including La Mesa, enacted strict sign laws to abate sign blight and preserve natural and urban vistas by reducing sign pollution, light pollution, and traffic hazards caused by distracting signs.

The reduced sign pollution achieved by these reforms is under continual threat by outdoor advertisers seeking huge profits by replacing less offensive static billboards with garish digital ones. Don’t turn La Mesa into Los Angeles, Phoenix, Las Vegas or other cities where illuminated, flashing signs are ubiquitous. In addition to aesthetic harm, digital billboards are proven to pose a safety threat to drivers. These hazards are much more intense than those of static signs. The La Mesa City Council must not degrade the City’s vistas for speculative financial gain. La Mesa must remain free of digital billboards.

San Diego County considered allowing digital advertising in 2012 and rejected the change. Before deciding, the County held multiple workshops to obtain public feedback. Digital signs were opposed by virtually every community group that commented. The Clear Channel digital billboard proposal should not advance one inch until this Council is fully briefed on its legal implications, and the public is given ample opportunity to weigh in. As of today, allowing digital billboards in La Mesa has not been sufficiently publicized or addressed in news reports.

Conclusion
La Mesa’s sign ordinance has stood the test of time. Scenic San Diego asks you to table this latest effort to weaken it. La Mesa has many priceless attributes that should not be sold for any price, including its strict sign limits. Past elected officials understood La Mesa’s enduring legacy as a city where beautification is valued and defended, and commercial advertising blight abated. Only a careful approach will ensure a result best for of all of La Mesa.

Pamela Wilson
Director, Scenic San Diego
Don Wood
I am opposed to any weakening of La Mesa's existing laws and ordinances limiting billboards in this city. The last thing this city needs is new digital billboards causing light pollution, distracting drivers and causing vehicle accidents here. Please show the digital billboard lobbyists the door.

Layne Lawson, Clear Channel Outdoor, LLC, provided a PowerPoint presentation on the digital billboards project, highlighting the proposed development agreement for the removal, relocation and construction of certain billboard structures, the location and design of the proposed digital billboard structures, and the type of messaging the billboards would display.

Council questions and comments ensued.

The following members of the public submitted a comment in opposition to a digital billboard(s) program:

Don Wood
Pamela Wilson
ACTION
: Following discussion, it was the consensus of the Council to create an ad hoc subcommittee comprised of Councilmember Dillard and Councilmember Shu to assist staff with negotiating a potential development agreement for a digital billboard(s) program.

6. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments
Don Wood
Please move this item up on tonight's council meeting agenda before item 5.3. The public needs to know if any city council members have been bribed or offered other incentives by the digital billboard lobbyists before item 5.3 is discussed.

Mejgan Afshan thanked the Council for recognizing Persian New Year and Ramadan and spoke on inclusivity and equity.

Brianna Coston spoke regarding issues with the building permit process.

Don Wood submitted a comment requesting general public comment be heard prior to Item 5.3.

7. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
Public Comments
Don Wood
Please move agenda item 5.3 so the discussion or council member conflicts of interest comes before any presentations or discussions regarding weakening of existing city billboard laws and ordinances to make room for new digital billboards. The public needs to know if any council members have a conflict of interest caused by billboard lobbyist contributions before the subject is discussed.

There were no conflict of interest disclosures.

8. BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Public Comments:

8.1 RESOLUTION APPOINTING A MEMBER TO FILL A VACANCY ON THE COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_CPOB Appointment 2023-03-28.pdf

2. Attachment A - Applicant List CPOB_March.pdf

3. Attachment B - Resolution.CPOB Appointment_March.pdf John Fonseca was nominated for appointment to the Community Police Oversight Board as the business community representative.

Resolution No. 2023-025
Moved By
Councilmember Shu
Seconded By
Councilmember Dillard
Approve the appointment of John Fonseca to the Community Police Oversight Board as the business community representative and adopt Resolution confirming the appointment.

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

9. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:

There were no public comments on Consent Calendar.

10. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
(Items 10.1 through 10.7)
Moved By
Councilmember Shu
Seconded By
Councilmember Dillard
Approve Consent Calendar Items 10.1 through 10.7.

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

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

Approve.

10.2 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING HELD TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2023 Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Mar14_2023.pdf
Approve.

10.3 RESOLUTION APPOINTING THE LA MESA-SPRING VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Staff Report_ESC Appointment_LMSV Representative .pdf

2. Attachment A_Resolution.ESC Appointment_LMSV Rep.pdf

3. Attachment B_ESC Nomination Letter_Coston.pdf
Resolution No. 2023-026
Adopt Resolution.

10.4 RATIFICATION OF DESIGN REVIEW FOR PROJECT 2021-24 (COSTCO WHOLESALE) Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Staff Report_2021-24 (Costco Wholesale) DRB Ratification.pdf

2. Attachment A - Design Review Board Certification of Action.pdf

3. Attachment B - Assessor Parcel Map Sheet.pdf

4. Attachment C - Site photographs.pdf

5. Attachment D - Notice of Decision No. 2023-01.pdf

6. Attachment E - Development Advisory Board Resolution No. DAB 18-03.pdf

7. Attachment F - Addendum to the Adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration.pdf

8. Attachment G - Project Plans.pdf
A PROPOSED ADDITION TO AN EXISTING WHOLESALE WAREHOUSE FACILITY AT 8125 FLETCHER PARKWAY, APN 464-600-26-00 IN THE CM-F-D (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL SERVICE/FLOODWAY OVERLAY/URBAN DESIGN OVERLAY) ZONE Approve.

10.5 APPROVAL OF THE 2022 ANNUAL REPORT – IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GENERAL PLAN Attachments
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Public Comments

1. 2022 General Plan Implementation Annual Report.pdf

2. Attachment A - 2022 GP Annual Report with APR.pdf
Approve.

10.6 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2022 STATE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM (SHSGP) GRANT FOR TERRORISM PREPAREDNESS Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Staff Report_State Homeland Security Grant Program Funds FY22.pdf

2. Attachment A_FY 2022 SHSGP Grant Resolution.pdf

3. Attachment B_Federal Funding Award Letter.pdf

4. Attachment C_FY22 SHSP Final Allocation-LM.pdf

5. Attachment D_Standard-Assurances Non-Disaster Grant Programs.pdf Resolution No. 2023-027
Adopt Resolution.

10.7 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA MESA AND THE FOOTHILLS ART ASSOCIATION FOR USE OF THE BUILDING KNOWN AS PORTER HALL AT 4910 MEMORIAL DRIVE Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Staff Report_Foothills Art Association (Porter Hall) Lease Agreement .pdf

2. Attachment A - Porter Hall-Foothills Art Association Lease Agreement.pdf

3. Attachment B - Resolution Foothills Art Association 2023.pdf Resolution No. 2023-028
Adopt Resolution.

11. STAFF REPORT
Public Comments:

11.1 CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION REGARDING: A) RESOLUTION ADOPTING A POLICY FOR PUBLIC ARTS; B) FEE STRUCTURE TO FUND PUBLIC ART; AND C) AUTHORIZATION OF MURALS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Staff Report_Resolution to Adopt a Policy for Public Arts_Fee Structure_Authorization of Murals.pdf

2. Attachment A - Public Arts Policy Resolution.pdf

3. Attachment B_Public Arts Policy Draft 03.21.23.pdf
Community Services Director Richardson provided a PowerPoint presentation on the Public Arts Policy, highlighting the Arts and Culture Commission's efforts in creating the policy, the proposed Public Art Development Impact Fee, and murals on private property.

Melissa Weiss, Arts and Culture Commission Member, spoke in support of the Public Arts Policy, a Public Art Development Impact Fee, and an ordinance permitting murals on private property.

Council questions and comments ensued.

Resolution No. 2023-029
Moved By
Councilmember Shu
Seconded By
Councilmember Dillard
Adopt Resolution adopting the Policy for Public Arts with the following amendments to the Policy for Public Arts: (1) remove Section IV.1A regarding the Public Art Development Impact Fee; and (2) add the term gender to Sections V.2G and VI.3F.

For (4)
Councilmember Shu, Vice Mayor Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Councilmember Lothian Approved (4 to 0)
Moved By
Vice Mayor Parent
Seconded By
Councilmember Dillard
Decline the Public Art Development Impact Fee proposal and direct staff to return to Council with a resolution affirming the Council's desire to not have future proposals from staff about new residential development impact fees unless otherwise directed by Council.

For (3)
Councilmember Dillard, Vice Mayor Parent, and Councilmember Lothian Against (1)
Councilmember Shu
Approved (3 to 1)
Moved By
Councilmember Shu
Seconded By
Councilmember Lothian
Create an ad hoc subcommittee comprising of Councilmember Lothian and Councilmember Dillard to assist staff with drafting an ordinance for murals on private property.

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

12. COUNCIL INITIATED
Public Comments:

12.1 CONSIDERATION OF DIRECTING STAFF TO PROPOSE A DRAFT POLICY THAT REQUIRES NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS TO DECOUPLE PARKING FOR NEW MULTI-FAMILY DEVELOPMENTS SEEKING ENTITLEMENT - VICE MAYOR PARENT AND COUNCILMEMBER SHU Attachments
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Public Comments

1. CI.Parent.Shu_Parking Decoupling 2023-03-28.pdf
Karlene Akers
Good Afternoon,
I wanted to leave a few of my concerns on this policy. First off, I think this might be the same policy which I’ve heard a few complaints about in San Diego, if I remember correctly. While I see this working for developments with 2-3 extra spaces, the issue with new apartments is that there are far fewer parking spots than older developments, and when you have less supply than demand, you end up with a large increase in pricing. Basically, you end up with an auction system. This can get worse depending on whether or not there is a limit to how many spaces a person can buy. You can have rich tenants buying out 3 or more spaces for themselves which, in turn, makes it even more expensive for middle/low income tenants if they need a car for work. Personally, I prefer allowing apartment residents the option to directly sell their spaces as a way to help them with rent, if possible, while not allowing the owner to take the spot and auction it off. It would be nice to see the money going directly to the residents instead of the apartment owner. Then maybe have a set processing fee for the owner as part of the sale. I also doubt owners will willingly offer public transportation incentives unless they’re required too. Most are very business minded, unfortunately.

Thank you for listening to my concerns,
Karlene Akers
Vice Mayor Parent and Councilmember Shu explained the purpose for directing staff to propose a draft policy that requires new residential developments to decouple parking for new multi-family developments seeking entitlement.

Council questions and comments ensued.

Karlene Akers submitted a comment expressing concerns with a policy to decouple parking for new multi-family developments seeking entitlement.

Moved By
Councilmember Dillard
Seconded By
Councilmember Shu
Direct staff to propose a draft policy that requires new residential developments to decouple parking for new multi-family developments seeking entitlement.

For (3)
Councilmember Shu, Vice Mayor Parent, and Councilmember Dillard Against (1)
Councilmember Lothian
Approved (3 to 1)

12.2 CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A STATE $25/HOUR MINIMUM WAGE FOR SPECIFIED HEALTHCARE WORKERS - COUNCILMEMBER DILLARD Attachments
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Public Comments

1. CI.Dillard.Healthcare Workers Minimum Wage Reso 2023-03-28.pdf

2. Attachment A - Resolution_Healthcare Workers Minimum Wage.pdf Councilmember Dillard explained the purpose for requesting the Council adopt the Resolution supporting a State $25/hour minimum wage for specified healthcare workers.

The following members of the public spoke in support of adopting the Resolution:

Leila Khader
Fatima Ghoulam
Myriam Palacin
Joni Vargas
Habacuc Serrano
Alexander Fernandez
Steve Sandoval
Michelle Krug
Council questions and comments ensued.

Resolution No. 2023-030
Moved By
Councilmember Dillard
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Parent
Adopt Resolution supporting a State $25/hour minimum wage for specified healthcare workers.

For (3)
Councilmember Shu, Vice Mayor Parent, and Councilmember Dillard Against (1)
Councilmember Lothian
Approved (3 to 1)

12.3 ACCELERATING THE NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN TO SUPPORT THE CITY'S VISION ZERO PROGRAM Attachments
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Public Comments

1. CI.Shu_ARPA Funds for NTMP 2023-03-28.pdf
CONSIDERATION OF SUPPORTING THE CITY'S VISION ZERO PROGRAM BY ACCELERATING THE NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN, ALLOCATING APPROXIMATELY $1 MILLION OF THE CITY'S ARPA FUNDING. EMPHASIS WILL BE GIVEN TO REDUCING SPEED LIMITS AND TRAFFIC CALMING SYSTEMS ON RESIDENTIAL STREETS ESPECIALLY WHERE LOCAL STREETS HAVE BECOME WELL USED THOROUGHFARES IN THE CITY - COUNCILMEMBER SHU Councilmember Shu explained the purpose for requesting that approximately $1 million of the City's American Rescue Plan Act funding be allocated to the implementation of the Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan.

Council questions and comments ensued.

Moved By
Councilmember Shu
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Parent
Direct the American Rescue Plan Act ("ARPA") Ad Hoc Subcommittee to work with staff to evaluate to what extent ARPA funds may be used for Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan ("NTMP") projects that support the City's Vision Zero Program, and if ARPA funds may be used in such a manner, to evaluate the amount of funds needed to expand the scope of work of the NTMP with an emphasis given to reducing speed limits and traffic calming systems on residential streets especially where local streets have become well used thoroughfares in the City.

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

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

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

La Mesa City CouncilMarch 28, 2023

La Mesa City Council
March 28, 2023