City Council - June 25, 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.
Vice Mayor Lothian 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:
City Manager Humora announced that the Council was considering placing a measure on the November 5, 2024, ballot to renew Proposition L and that a mailer had gone out to the community soliciting input.
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 CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION PRESENTED TO DR. PAUL GOTHOLD FOR HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION AFTER 32 YEARS OF SERVICE Public Comments:
Vice Mayor Lothian presented a Certificate of Recognition to Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins on behalf of Dr. Paul Gothold, recognizing his retirement from the San Diego County Office of Education after 32 years of service.
Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins read a statement from Dr. Paul Gothold thanking the City Council for the recognition.
Joann Fields expressed gratitude for Dr. Paul Gothold's efforts in raising awareness about the Asian Pacific Islander community.
5.2 PROCLAIMING MAY 2024 AS ASIAN AMERICAN, NATIVE HAWAIIAN, AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH Public Comments:
Vice Mayor Lothian presented the proclamation proclaiming May 2024 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to Moana Alo, President of the Hawaiian Civic Club of San Diego.
Moana Alo thanked the City Council for recognizing the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community.
Joann Fields thanked the City Council for recognizing the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community.
Councilmember Shu highlighted the contributions of Filipino nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed gratitude for their service.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments
Dianne Osterling
When people feel heard, their trust grows. When they feel shut out their distrust grows. Unfortunately, council continues to support processes limiting residents’ voices, limiting 2-way communications, focusing on goal accomplishment over development & respect for residents’/constituents’ trust. •In one-day remote public comment access was removed. The only public discussion heard were those in person the 1 day the plan to remove was agendized. Their promise “they’re looking into it, and plan to address it soon”, doesn’t ring true after months of silence from committee who’ve returned calls to some constituents, but not others who want to discuss the matter. The silence to everyone else is deafening. How ironic for council who wants to discourage people from driving to remove the primary method they can participate without getting in a vehicle. Not everyone can afford an electric car, to rideshare, a babysitter, a caregiver back up. Some people can’t ride a bike, can’t walk. Some lives are too full to make the time schedule commitment to come in person. •Last council meeting, my heart went out to North La Mesa residents expressing concern & frustration with the approval of a commercial grade battery storage in close proximity to their: homes, elementary school & local businesses; with what they felt was minimal consideration of potential negative impacts to their neighborhood’s safety, the value of their homes, potential insurance increase costs, and no public reach out. How terrifying to think the Chula Vista ion battery crisis could happen next-door. I don’t know a lot about ion batteries. I know there’s a difference between Lithium ion & lithium iron batteries. I don’t know what’s slated for their neighborhood, but there in lies a big problem. The project approval didn’t consider informing residents/local business owners about what’s to be installed. It didn’t offer opportunity for neighbors to ask questions, information wasn’t offered. Allaying potential fear with two-way communications & information to those closest to the installation wasn’t considered. •All La Mesans aren’t opposed to all development. However, many La Mesans are opposed to running over their voices over with efforts to rush projects to completion before resident’s have a chance to be heard Mairs Ryan
It is a puzzle as to why the members of the ad hoc committee-Council Member Parent and Mayor Apostathes-will not provide a report on their work thus far on the topic.
If I did not give committee updates at my employment for which I am responsible, I would be penalized.
The lack of accountability regarding the public zoom issue certainly has created an atmosphere of mistrust. The public is left to its own imagination as to what other issues are left in the dark to die.
I attend a zoom meeting with over 300 participants. The administrators have created safeguards. In the infrequent times when someone has bombed in, they have not been given a chance to go further than a few words. I am nonplussed that a City organization with a robust budget (this, according to the presentation in May).
If I were to read the transcript from the zoom bomber call, would you make me leave the City Council meeting? Wendy Mihalic
Honorable Mayor and Council Members
The Murry Project battery storage facility is a local example of battery storage that is taking off across our country. Over the past three years, battery storage capacity on the nation’s grids has grown tenfold, to 16,000 megawatts. This year, it is expected to nearly double again, with the biggest growth in Texas, California and Arizona. The reasons for this growth and why it is projected to continue are simple:
• Batteries soak up excess solar/ wind energy during the day and deliver it after dark • Batteries eliminate the costly and inefficiency of keeping dirty gas peaker plants in reserve. • Batteries help prevent black-outs during (now) not so uncommon heat waves • And they can stabilize the grid during the normal energy fluctuations that occur minute by minute throughout each day.
Battery storage increases the reliability of our electricity here in La Mesa, but across the nation it maximizes American-made energy which ultimately lowers consumer costs, eliminates American dependence on foreign energy, and re-establishes an era of American energy dominance. CA State regulators plan to nearly triple battery capacity by 2035.** The facility in La Mesa is small by most standards. The Otay Mesa Gateway facility, in the news due to a dramatic days long fire, was the largest in the country when it came on-line in 2020. Its 250 MW capability is almost 14 times larger than the proposed Murry Project. Further, the composition of the batteries is different.
Murry project will use Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), which is less prone to overheating and catching fire than Lithium Ion (NMC) batteries, used at the Otay Mesa facility. LFP batteries have other virtues including longer life and more discharge cycles. But for the purposes of the community, the fact that these are far less vulnerable to ‘thermal runaway” events like Otay is reassuring. AES, a global leader in energy storage, provides the AES Fact Sheet for more specifics about safety.
It is clear that a clean energy future will use utility scale battery storage. Local communities like La Mesa can benefit. *https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=61202
** https://www.utilitydive.com/news/california-puc-carbon-preferred-system-plan-irp-caiso/707876/ *** https://www.aes.com/sites/aes.com/files/2024-03/ACP_Energy-Storage-Leading-on-Safety_FactSheet.pdf Wendy Mihalic submitted a comment regarding battery storage facilities.
Mairs Ryan submitted a comment regarding remote public comment.
Dianne Osterling submitted a comment regarding remote public comment and a proposed battery storage facility in La Mesa.
Barbie Wheeler expressed her concerns about a house on Bellflower Drive.
Joann Fields announced the Filipino American Friendship Day event would take place on July 13, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Naval Training Center Park in Liberty Station.
7. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
Public Comments:
There were no conflict of interest disclosures.
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
There were no comments.
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
(Items 9.1 through 9.12)
*If a public hearing item is part of the Consent Calendar, the public hearing shall be deemed held if the item is not removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion and possible action (Item 9.3).
Moved By
Vice Mayor Lothian
Seconded By
Councilmember Dillard
Approve Consent Calendar Items 9.1 through 9.12.
For (4)
Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Vice Mayor Lothian Absent (1)
Mayor Arapostathis
Approved (4 to 0)
9.1 APPROVAL OF MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF THE TEXT OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS AT THIS MEETING Public Comments:
Approve.
9.2 STAFFING UPDATES FROM CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_Staffing Update.pdf
Receive and file.
9.3 RESOLUTION ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 FUNDED BY SB 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - SB1 Proposed List of Projects for FY 2024-25.pdf
2. Attachment A_Resolution SB1 Proposed List of Projects FY 2024-25.pdf Resolution No. 2024-069
Adopt Resolution.
9.4 *RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE SEWER SERVICE CHARGES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Sewer Service Charges for FY 2025.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution Sewer Service Charges FY 2025.pdf RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE REPORT WITH THE FINAL DETERMINATION OF SEWER SERVICE CHARGES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 TO BE COLLECTED ON THE COUNTY PROPERTY TAX ROLL AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO FORWARD A CERTIFIED COPY OF THE RESOLUTION, TOGETHER WITH A COPY OF THE REPORT TO THE OFFICE OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY AUDITOR Resolution No. 2024-070
Adopt Resolution.
9.5 RESOLUTION AMENDING SECTION 12.44.130 OF THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE INSTALLING A DISABLED PERSONS PARKING SPACE AT 8115 PASADENA AVENUE Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Accessible Space at 8115 Pasadena Avenue 2024-06-25.pdf
2. Attachment A_Resolution 8115 Pasadena Avenue Accessible Space.pdf Resolution No. 2024-071
Adopt Resolution.
9.6 RESOLUTION AWARDING A TASK ORDER TO ARDURRA GROUP, INC. TO PROVIDE CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE INFLOW AND INFILTRATION MITIGATION PHASE 6 SEWER PROJECT Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report- RESOLUTION AWARDING A TASK ORDER TO ARDURRA FOR CM SERVICES FOR PHASE 6.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution(1).pdf
3. Attachment B - Project Location Map.pdf
4. Attachment C - Ardurra Group, Inc. Proposal.pdf
5. Fiscal-Phase 6 Sewer Project.pdf
Resolution No. 2024-072
Adopt Resolution.
9.7 RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT FOR STREET SWEEPING SERVICES WITH SWEEPING CORPORATION OF AMERICA Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Awarding Contract for street sweeping services with Sweeping Corporation of America.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution.pdf
3. Attachment B - Proposal.pdf
4. Attachment C - Cost Estimate.pdf
5. Fiscal-Street Sweeping.pdf
Resolution No. 2024-073
Adopt Resolution.
9.8 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 FOR THE 2023 ANNUAL SLURRY PROJECT, BID 24-10, TO AMERICAN ASPHALT SOUTH, INC.
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER 1 TO AMERICAN ASPHALT SOUTH, INC. 2024-06-25.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution CCO-1 Bid 24-10.pdf
3. Attachment B - CCO-1 Bid 24-10.pdf
4. Attachment C - Slurry Project Patchwork Locations.pdf
5. Fiscal-Change Order-Slurry Project (2).pdf
Resolution No. 2024-074
Adopt Resolution.
9.9 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2024-2027 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA MESA AND THE LA MESA POLICE OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION AND CORRESPONDING CLASSIFICATION AND SALARY SCHEDULE Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_La Mesa POA 2024-2027 MOU and salary schedules.pdf
2. ATTACHMENT A - POA MOU 2024-2027.pdf
3. ATTACHMENT B - RESO LMPOA MOU.pdf
4. Attachment C - EXHIBITS A -C POA SALARY SCHEDULES PER MOU.pdf RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2024-2027 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA MESA AND THE LA MESA POLICE OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION AND AMENDING THE CITY OF LA MESA COMPENSATION PLANS FOR FISCAL YEARS 2024-25, 2025-26, AND 2026-27 FOR CLASSIFICATIONS IN THE LA MESA POLICE OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION, INCLUDING SALARY RANGES/BANDS AND PAY STEPS Resolution No. 2024-075
Adopt Resolution.
9.10 RESOLUTIONS APPROVING COMPENSATION PLANS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 AND POLICE MANAGEMENT SALARY ADJUSTMENTS Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_APPROVAL OF COMPENSATION PLANS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25.pdf
2. Attachment A - RESO COMP PLAN.pdf
3. Attachment B - RESO Police mgt salary.pdf
4. Attachment C - Exhibit FY 24-25 Amended Comp Plan.pdf Adopt Resolutions.
a.
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 COMPENSATION PLAN, LISTING CLASSIFICATION RANGES/BANDS AND PAY STEPS Public Comments:
Resolution No. 2024-076
Adopt Resolution.
b.
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SALARY ADJUSTMENTS FOR POLICE MANAGEMENT (SWORN) EMPLOYEES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25, 2025-26, AND 2026-27 Public Comments:
Resolution No. 2024-077
Adopt Resolution.
9.11 RESOLUTION AWARDING A TASK ORDER FOR SCHMIDT DESIGN GROUP, INC. TO PREPARE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS FOR THE PARK AT WAITE DRIVE Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_TASK ORDER FOR SCHMIDT DESIGN GROUP TO PREPARE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS FOR PARK AT WAITE DRIVE.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution Waite Drive Park Design 2024-06-25.pdf
3. Attachment B - Park at Waite Drive Scope of Work 2024-06-25.pdf
4. Attachment C - Master Plan Rendering Waite Drive Park 2024-06-25.pdf
5. Fiscal Impact Certificate_Waite Drive Park.pdf
Resolution No. 2024-078
Adopt Resolution.
9.12 RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AN AGREEMENT EXTENDING THE CALIFORNIA IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM/REMOTE ACCESS NETWORK (CAL-ID/RAN) SYSTEM PARTICIPATING AGENCY AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA MESA AND THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO UNTIL JUNE 30, 2029 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_CAL-ID Agreement .pdf
2. Attachment A - Agreement Amendment - La Mesa.pdf
3. Attachment B - Executed Contract - La Mesa.pdf
4. Attachment C - CAL ID RAN agreement resolution.pdf
Resolution No. 2024-079
Adopt Resolution.
10. ORDINANCE: SECOND READING
Public Comments:
10.1 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA ADDING A NEW SECTION 12.64.025 TO THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE TO DESIGNATE A SAFETY CORRIDOR PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 43 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Ordinance Second Reading - Safety Corridor Lemon Avenue.pdf
2. ATTACHMENT A - Ordinance Amendment - Safety Corridor.pdf
3. ATTACHMENT B - ETS for Lemon Avenue.pdf
City Attorney Sabine read the title of the Ordinance.
Ordinance No. 2024-2908
Moved By
Vice Mayor Lothian
Seconded By
Councilmember Dillard
Approve the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance adding a new section 12.64.025 to the La Mesa Municipal Code to designate a safety corridor pursuant to Assembly Bill 43 (AB 43) and designating Lemon Avenue from Garfield Street to Bancroft Drive as an AB 43 Safety Corridor.
For (4)
Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Vice Mayor Lothian Absent (1)
Mayor Arapostathis
Approved (4 to 0)
11. 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.
12. AB 1234 REPORTS (GC 53232.3 (d))
Public Comments:
Councilmember Parent and Councilmember Dillard reported on their trip to Sacramento from June 17, 2024, to June 18, 2024, for the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce 2024 Leadership Delegation.
13. CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
Public Comments:
There were no remarks.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
Vice Mayor Lothian adjourned the meeting at 6:35 p.m.