City Council Special Meeting - June 10, 2023
1. CALL TO ORDER
Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis called the meeting to order at 12:04 p.m.
1.1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Public Comments:
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public Comments:
There were no public comments.
3. SPECIAL MEETING - STRATEGIC PLANNING INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP Public Comments:
3.1 AN INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP TO DISCUSS THE STATUS OF THE CITY'S STRATEGIC GOALS Attachments
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Public Comments
1. La Mesa Strategic Planning Workshop_Program Schedule Handout.pdf
2. La Mesa Strategic Plan_Briefing Book.pdf
3. La Mesa Strategic Plan Workshop_PowerPoint.pdf
4. La Mesa Strategic Planning - 2023 Updated Environmental Scan_PowerPoint.pdf City Manager Humora provided opening remarks and stated the purpose of the Strategic Planning Workshop ("Workshop") was to create a road map for the City with a clear path to the desired destination.
The Baker Tilly US, LLP ("Baker Tilly") consulting team presented the objectives, process overview, and feedback tool for the Workshop.
City Manager Humora presented the City's environmental scan which included information on La Mesa's demographics, fiscal stability, housing, economic climate, the 2023 community survey, communications, and accomplishments.
The Baker Tilly consulting team led the discussion on stakeholder input which included strengths, challenges, opportunities, and threats.
Council questions and comments ensued.
The Baker Tilly consulting team led the discussion on the City's Mission and Vision Statements.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Lee Sandvick spoke regarding public safety, neighborhood revitalization, housing, and the adult enrichment center.
Don Wood spoke regarding transit-oriented development.
Kathleen Brand spoke on homelessness and affordable housing.
Dawn-Marie Tol spoke on inclusivity and affordable housing.
Lauren Cooper spoke on creating a public square and urban trails, the walkability of La Mesa, and connecting the north and south side of La Mesa.
John Schmitz spoke regarding the format of the Workshop and updating City documents such as the General Plan, Downtown Specific Plan, and Civic Center Master Plan.
Dianne Osterling spoke regarding the City's Mission Statement, affordable housing, and design standards.
Eileen Schmitz spoke regarding the livability of La Mesa, open space, and parking.
Brenda Leek spoke regarding outside dining, homelessness, special events, and the community-oriented spirit of La Mesa.
Mary England spoke regarding the City's Vision Statement.
Joseph Cryer spoke regarding the beautification of La Mesa, inclusivity, the City's Mission and Vision Statements, and increasing awareness of the various City resources available to residents.
The Baker Tilly consulting team led the discussion on the proposed strategic goals and strategies:
1.) Safe Community - maintain a community where residents and visitors feel safe:
Strategy 1: Maintain a low crime rate;
Strategy 2: Implement the Vision Zero Plan and traffic calming measures to increase safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists; Strategy 3: Improve residents' capacity to prepare and respond to a major emergency or natural disaster; and Strategy 4: Increase public safety presence in neighborhoods.
2.) Financial Sustainability - ensure a strong financial outlook through careful planning, sustainable service levels, and fiscal responsibility:
Strategy 1: Evaluate City services for efficiencies to establish sustainable service levels and practices; Strategy 2: Evaluate staffing levels and the allocation of limited resources; Strategy 3: Prepare for sunset of Measure L in 2028 (sales tax measure to maintain essential City services); Strategy 4: Increase reliable revenue sources that will grow with expenditure trends; and Strategy 5: Mitigate impacts of development on City infrastructure and services.
3.) Livability - promote a high quality of life for current and future generations:
Strategy 1: Maintain a system of services, regional shelters and housing for La Mesa's homeless population; Strategy 2: Implement the City's Climate Action Plan;
Strategy 3: Ensure the City is visibly clean, to allow residents, business owners, and visitors to enjoy attractive community spaces; Strategy 4: Enhance the Downtown Village as a thriving destination for residents and visitors; Strategy 5: Ensure an adequate supply of housing that is affordable and accessible to current and future generations; and Strategy 6: Ensure all residents have equitable access to City services and spaces.
4.) Infrastructure and Amenities - Invest in infrastructure to serve the needs of the community:
Strategy 1: Ensure City streets and facilities are repaired and well maintained; Strategy 2: Develop a roadmap to enhance technology resources citywide; Strategy 3: Develop and enhance parks, trails and recreational facilities to better serve residents; Strategy 4: Implement the Civic Center Master Plan; and Strategy 5: Pursue capital resources to fund public facilities.
5.) High-Performing Organization - nurture an organizational culture where employees are recognized for the delivery of high-quality services to the community:
Strategy 1: Increase the efficiency and effectiveness of City services; Strategy 2: Increase employee engagement and opportunities for professional growth; Strategy 3: Leverage a data-driven approach to ensure City activities are strategic; Strategy 4: Strengthen public trust in City government by focusing on accountability and transparent engagement with the community; Strategy 5: Cultivate an organizational culture that demonstrates teamwork and customer service; and Strategy 6: Address concerns about staffing capacity and succession planning, to improve service delivery and morale.
Following Council questions and comments, no action was taken.
4. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis adjourned the meeting at 3:30 p.m.