City Council - February 27, 2024
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, except for Item 10.4 which was considered prior to the presentations.
Mayor Arapostathis called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
1.1 INVOCATION - COUNCILMEMBER DILLARD
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 POLICE CHIEF’S QUARTERLY OPERATIONS REPORT
Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Memo_LMPD Quarterly Report Q4.pdf
2. Attachment A - La Mesa Police Department 4th Quarter Report 2023.pdf
3. PD Quarterly Operations Report Q4 2023_PowerPointl.pdf Chief Sweeney presented the crime statistics for the quarter ending December 31, 2023, explained the statistics in the various crime categories and highlighted recently solved cases. Chief Sweeney briefly discussed the Department’s proactive operations and strategic enforcement to help reduce crime and also reviewed various community outreach activities that took place. Chief Sweeney announced the recent graduations and recognitions of service of Police Department team members and reviewed the staff vacancies in the Police Department.
Following Council questions and comments, no action was taken.
5.2 BOARD AND COMMISSION WORK PLANS
Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Memo_2024 Board and Commission Work Plans 2024-02-27.pdf
2. Attachment A - 2024 Community Relations and Veterans Commission Work Plan.pdf
3. Attachment B - 2024 Environmental Sustainability Commission Work Plan.pdf
4. Attachment C - 2024 Historic Preservation Commission Work Plan.pdf
5. Attachment D - 2024 La Mesa Community Parking Commission Work Plan.pdf
6. Attachment E - 2024 Mobility Commission Work Plan.pdf
COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND VETERANS COMMISSION
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
LA MESA COMMUNITY PARKING COMMISSION
MOBILITY COMMISSION
Community Relations and Veterans Chair Rich Gann presented the Commission's 2024 Work Plan.
Environmental Sustainability Commission Chair Ricky Williams presented the Commission's 2024 Work Plan.
Historic Preservation Commission Chair Carmen Pauli presented the Commission's 2024 Work Plan.
La Mesa Community Parking Commission Vice Chair Bill Walton presented the Commission's 2024 Work Plan.
Mobility Commission Chair Mike Calandra presented the Commission's 2024 Work Plan.
Following Council questions and comments, no action was taken.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments:
Brenda Hammond spoke about people being kind to one another.
Mitch Wagner spoke regarding ethnic relations.
7. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
Public Comments:
There were no conflict of interest disclosures.
8. BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Public Comments:
8.1 RESOLUTION APPOINTING AND/OR REAPPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE CITY’S COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Memo_CPOB Annual Appointments 2024-02-27.pdf
2. Attachment A - 2024 Applicant Matrix_CPOB.pdf
3. Attachment B - Resolution CPOB Annual Appointments_February.pdf Mayor Arapostathis nominated the following individuals for appointment to the City's Community Police Oversight Board:
Dr. Jeffrey Scott McIllwain, Police Beat 1 Resident representative Leroy Johnson, Police Beat 2 Resident representative
Aaron Landau, Advocate for People Experiencing Homelessness, Substance Abuse, Mental Health, or Other Social Issues representative Resolution No. 2024-012
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Parent
Approve the appointment of Dr. Jeffrey Scott McIllwain and Aaron Landau and the reappointment of Leroy Johnson to the Community Police Oversight Board and adopt the Resolution confirming the appointments and reappointment.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Vice Mayor Lothian Approved (5 to 0)
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
Janet Castanos spoke on Item 10.8.
Leong Song spoke on Item 10.8.
10. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
(Items 10.1 through 10.9)
Mayor Arapostathis pulled Item 10.4 for separate consideration.
Moved By
Councilmember Parent
Seconded By
Councilmember Shu
Approve Consent Calendar Items 10.1 through 10.9, except for Item 10.4.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Vice Mayor Lothian Approved (5 to 0)
10.1 APPROVAL OF MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF THE TEXT OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS AT THIS MEETING Public Comments:
Approve.
10.2 APPROVAL OF THE 2024 COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD WORK PLAN Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Memo_2024 CPOB Work Plan 2024-02-27.pdf
2. Attachment A - 2024 Community Police Oversight Board Work Plan.pdf Approve.
10.3 RESOLUTION APPOINTING THE GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Memo_Community Services Appointment GUHSD Representative 2024-02-27.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution.CS Appointment_GUHSD Rep.pdf
3. Attachment B - Nomination Letter_CS Commission GUHSD Representative - McCoole.pdf Resolution No. 2024-013
Adopt Resolution.
10.5 RESOLUTIONS FOR THE 2023 STREET RESURFACING PROJECT Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Award Bid 24-05 2023 Streets Resurfacing Project 2-27-2024.pdf
2. Attachment A - Reso Bid 24-05 Award.pdf
3. Attachment B - Reso Ardurra CM Award.pdf
4. Attachment C - Ardurra Group, Inc. Proposal.pdf
5. Attachment D - Bid Tabulation.pdf
6. Attachment E - Street Map and List.pdf
7. Attachment F - Fiscal Cert Bid 24-05 Quality Const Award.pdf
8. Attachment G - Fiscal Cert Bid 24-05 Ardurra CM.pdf
Adopt Resolutions.
a.
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE LOW BID FOR BID 24-05 AND AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE 2023 ANNUAL STREET RESURFACING PROJECT TO QUALITY CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING, INC.
Public Comments:
Resolution No. 2024-014
Adopt Resolution.
b.
RESOLUTION APPROVING A TASK ORDER TO ARDURRA GROUP, INC. TO PROVIDE CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE 2023 STREET RESURFACING PROJECT Public Comments:
Resolution No. 2024-015
Adopt Resolution.
10.6 RESOLUTION AMENDING SECTION 12.44.130 OF THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE INSTALLING A DISABLED PERSONS PARKING SPACE AT 7943 PASADENA AVENUE Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Accessible Space at 7943 Pasadena Avenue 2-27-2024.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution Adding Accessible Space.pdf
3. Attachment B - Location Photo 7943 Pasadena Ave.pdf
Resolution No. 2024-016
Adopt Resolution.
10.7 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A SIXTH AMENDMENT TO AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA MESA AND SAN DIEGO METROPOLITAN TRANSIT SYSTEM (MTS) FOR ADMINISTRATION OF TAXICAB AND OTHER FOR-HIRE VEHICLE REGULATIONS Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Resolution Authorizing the Sixth Amendment to an Agreement with SDMTS.pdf
2. Attachment A - Sixth Amendment to Agreement.pdf
3. Attachment B - Resolution_Sixth Amendment to Agreement.pdf Resolution No. 2024-017
Adopt Resolution.
10.8 RESOLUTION APPROVING A MILITARY USE POLICY AND THE CONTINUED USE OF MILITARY EQUIPMENT FOR POLICE SERVICES PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 481 (GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 7071 ET SEQ) Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Military Equipment Use Policy AB 481 Resolution 2024-02-27.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution AB 481 Ordinance Renewal 2024.pdf
3. Attachment B - Annual AB 481 Report 2023.pdf
4. Attachment C - Military Equipment Inventory.pdf
5. Attachment D - Ordinance 2022-2896.pdf
6. Attachment E - LMPD Policy 706.pdf
Resolution No. 2024-018
Adopt Resolution.
10.9 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE AND APPROPRIATION OF A GRANT FROM THE URBAN AREA SECURITY INITIATIVE (UASI) BY APPROVING THE ADDITION OF THE GRANT FUNDS TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 BUDGET CONTINGENT UPON ACCEPTANCE OF THE GRANT Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report_UASI Grant Acceptance 2024-02-27.pdf
2. Attachment A - UASI UAS Resolution.pdf
3. Attachment B - Prior Approved FY21 MOU and Standard Assurances - LA MESA.pdf
4. Attachment C - IB 426_controlled_equipment_rescission__11-1-17.pdf
5. Attachment D - FY21 UASI Award Amendment 2 La Mesa.pdf Resolution No. 2024-019
Adopt Resolution.
10.4 UPDATE TO ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY A-4: PUBLIC COMMENT FOR CITY COUNCIL AND BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETINGS Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Memo_Public Comment Policy Update 2024-02-27.pdf
2. Attachment A - Draft Revised Public Comment Policy and Procedure 2024-02-27 REDLINE.pdf
3. Attachment B - Draft Revised Public Comment Policy and Procedure 2024-02-27.pdf mairs ryan
A band of irreverent hooligans took advantage of our City last meeting. Hiding behind the mask of zoom they spoke rubbish and profanities. It is not clear who their audience was. It is possible they call into any public forum that is available. They are bullies. As a middle school teacher, I have seen my share of bullies. It never worked to give in to them. They only take more.
It is powerful to hear other community members speak their minds and hearts on zoom, knowing that they care enough to show up the best they can. It seems there are desperately few opportunities for discourse or self-expression.
Please put a pause on this resolution. We cannot react this quickly; we must allow time for more input and creative solutions. As an example, San Diego has an amazing resource with the San Diego Mediation Center. Their work covers all and any kind of conflict. They hold a prestigious Peacemaker’s Award event each year, showcasing bravery in the face of racism and other obstacles. Steve Dinkin, the president of SDMC, writes a weekly column in the Union-Tribune. Perhaps that organization, or others doing similar work could be resources for advice.
As another solution, what if the requirement is changed and comments can only be made over zoom if a written comment has been submitted on line?. With a required email address, perhaps that would be a way towards checks and balances on the speaker.
And what is the worst that can happen if we keep the mic open and similar hooligans jump on? Can’t we all mute and let them go on ranting and railing? Please, we can’t let the zoom mic go dead. Otherwise, the bullies have won.
Rebecca Littlejohn
I was appalled at the abuse of the Public Comments time at the last City Council meeting. However, I do not think that eliminating the Zoom call-in option is the best way to combat such hate speech. We combat hate speech by speaking out with love and courage, about what justice and peace really look like. Taking away the Zoom option reduces access to participation from many different valuable members of our communities, like families with kids, folks who can't drive at night, mobility-impaired people, those who are ill, and many others. To reduce participation because of a few bad actors is to let them win this round without even putting up a fight. Please don't pass these revisions.
Christopher R Glenn
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our municipality continued operation with the adoption of virtual meetings. For many this practice continues as a daily business practice and means to engage civically while maintaining a busy lifestyle. Removing this option for addressing the Council, Boards and Committees will come at a cost.
The average American family, in many ways, is restricted by the one commodity that we never have enough of—time. Between work, parenting responsibilities, hobbies, and day-to-day responsibilities, many citizens, even those who care greatly about their community and want to have a voice in its progress, cannot prioritize attending every public meeting in person. However, virtual meetings remove the barrier of time conflicts and open opportunities for citizens to participate in meetings remotely.
Keeping meetings open to virtual attendees allows the City to broaden their attendance to citizens who are not necessarily championing a specific agenda or platform, but rather, want to become more educated and informed members of the community.
City Clerk Wiegelman explained the purpose for the update to Administrative Policy A-4: Public Comment for City Council and Board and Commission Meetings and summarized the update.
The following members of the public spoke or submitted a comment in opposition to the update to Administrative Policy A-4: Public Comment for City Council and Board and Commission Meetings:
Christopher R. Glenn
Rebecca Littlejohn
Mairs Ryan
Mejgan Afshan
Janet Castanos
Giovanni Allison
Sami Ortelove
Aaryn Belfor
Wendy Mihalic
Andy Trimlett
Joseph Cryer
Dawn Marie-Tol spoke in support of the update to Administrative Policy A-4: Public Comment for City Council and Board and Commission Meetings.
Dem spoke on ethnic relations.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Moved By
Councilmember Parent
Seconded By
Mayor Arapostathis
Approve the update to Administrative Policy A-4: Public Comments for City Council and Board and Commission Meetings, and reinvoke the Public Comment Policy Ad Hoc Subcommittee comprised of Mayor Arapostathis and Councilmember Parent to evaluate guidelines and regulations for the potential reinstatement of remote public comment. The update to Administrative Policy A-4: Public Comments for City Council and Board and Commission Meetings, which removed remote public comment, was to go into effect immediately following its approval.
For (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Vice Mayor Lothian Against (1)
Councilmember Shu
Approved (4 to 1)
11. STAFF REPORT
Public Comments:
11.1 CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION APPROVING PHASE 4 EXPENDITURE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE INCLUDING:
Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Reso Approving Phase 4 Expenditure Recommendations from the ARPA Ad-hoc Subcommittee.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution.pdf
3. ARPA Subcommittee Funding Recommendations_PowerPoint.pdf Melissa Weiss
Hi Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am Melissa Weiss Walter. One of the commissioners on the Arts and Culture Commission. I want to express my gratitude to Councilmembers Parent and Lothian, and the La Mesa City Staff for including funding for an Artists to Work Public Art Program in the expenditure recommendations in item 11.1 in the agenda for the February 27, 2024 meeting. I want to encourage all members of the council to approve this expenditure. If approved, I look forward to working hard with my fellow Arts and Culture Commissioners to make sure we provide deserving artists with jobs, as well as to make sure we bring high quality art and arts programming to all the residents of La Mesa.
Thank you,
Melissa
ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC CALMING FOR NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS, SHALLOW SUBSIDY PROGRAM FOR RENT BURDENED SENIORS, EXPANDED PUBLIC ARTS, ADDITIONAL COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANTS, AND STORM DRAIN IMPROVEMENTS Assistant City Manager Lee provided a PowerPoint presentation on the proposed Phase 4 allocations for the American Rescue Plan Act ("ARPA") funds, highlighting the Phase 1, 2, and 3 expenditures and the proposed ARPA Phase 4 expenditures and programs, which included citywide traffic calming measures, a Shallow Subsidy Housing Program for seniors, an Artists to Work Public Art Program, continuation of the Façade and Property Improvement Grant, and additional funding for the Boulevard Drive and 69th Street Storm Drain Infrastructure Capital Project.
Christina Selder spoke in support of the proposed ARPA expenditure for the Shallow Subsidy Housing Program for rent burdened seniors.
Melissa Weiss submitted a comment in support of the proposed ARPA expenditure for the Artists to Work Public Art Program.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Resolution No. 2024-020
Moved By
Councilmember Parent
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Lothian
Adopt Resolution approving the City Council American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Ad Hoc Subcommittee's proposed Phase 4 ARPA expenditures of $2,050,570, to include: (1) Citywide Traffic Calming Measures; (2) Shallow Subsidy Housing Program for Seniors; (3) Artists to Work Public Art Program; (4) Commercial Façade and Property Improvement Grant Program; and (5) Boulevard Drive and 69th Street Storm Drain Infrastructure Capital Project.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Vice Mayor Lothian Approved (5 to 0)
12. HEARING
Public Comments:
12.1 CONSIDERATION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2024 – 2025 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) ACTION PLAN AND A REQUEST TO CIRCULATE THE CDBG ACTION PLAN FOR A 30 DAY PUBLIC REVIEW Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report_CDBG Action Plan for FY 2024-25.pdf
2. Attachment A - Draft 2024-25 Annual Action Plan for HUD Funding Programs.pdf
3. Attachment B - FY 2020-25 Consolidated Plan for HUD Funding Programs.pdf
4. 12.1 CDBG Hearing PowerPoint Presentation.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 12.1.
Associate Planner Kinnard provided a PowerPoint presentation on the CDBG program, the 2020-2025 Consolidated Planning goals, and the proposed projects and funding levels for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 CDBG Action Plan.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Dillard
Close the hearing.
For (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Dillard, and Vice Mayor Lothian Absent (1)
Councilmember Parent
Approved (4 to 0)
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Shu
Accept the proposed CDBG Action Plan priorities and direct staff to circulate for public review the draft Fiscal Year 2024-2025 CDBG Action Plan and return to Council, for final review and approval after the 30-day public review process.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Vice Mayor Lothian Approved (5 to 0)
13. COUNCIL INITIATED
Public Comments:
13.1 CONSIDERATION OF APPROPRIATE ACTION TO CONSIDER THE COSTS, MECHANICS, AND LOGISTICS FOR PROVIDING PAINTED STREET PARKING LINES IN LA MESA, AKA PARKING T'S - MAYOR ARAPOSTATHIS AND VICE MAYOR LOTHIAN Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. CI.Arapostathis.Lothian_Parking 2024-02-27.pdf
Vice Mayor Lothian explained the purpose for requesting the Council consider appropriate action to review the costs, mechanics, and logistics for providing painted street parking lines in La Mesa.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Moved By
Vice Mayor Lothian
Seconded By
Mayor Arapostathis
Direct staff and/or traffic engineers to draft a proposal for Council consideration containing the costs, logistics, and mechanics of implementing a parking T program throughout La Mesa.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Vice Mayor Lothian Approved (5 to 0)
14. 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.
15. AB 1234 REPORTS (GC 53232.3 (d))
Public Comments:
There were no reports.
16. CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
Public Comments:
City Attorney Sabine provided an update on the abandoned property at 4951-4953 Clearview Way.
17. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis adjourned the meeting at 8:01 p.m.