City Council - July 09, 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.
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:
City Manager Humora thanked the residents who completed the priorities survey and shared their thoughts, opinions, and priorities, which would help shape the City's plans for the future.
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. PRESENTATION
Public Comments:
5.1 PROCLAIMING JULY 2024 AS PARKS AND RECREATION MONTH Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis read the proclamation proclaiming July 2024 as Parks and Recreation Month.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments
Mairs Ryan
July 8, 2024
Mayor Apostathes and Council Member Parent,
I am writing on the topic of your status on the public access zoom ad hoc committee. The citizens of La Mesa are waiting to hear a report from that committee. We are nonplussed as to why the public have not yet heard back from you two.
What is your process for moving forward?
What are your reasons for not being transparent?
Will the ad hoc communicate at this week’s meeting (July 9) the status of your work on this issue? Council member Parent, you will be rotating off the Council in November 2024. Are we the citizens going to be able to hear your decision-along with Mayor Apostathes-before you leave the Council? We look forward to understanding your progress.
Respectfully,
Mairs Ryan
Ruth Weiss spoke on elections.
Ann Matchinske spoke on elections.
Susan Kennedy spoke on elections.
Leza Hutchinson spoke on elections.
Skip Hammann spoke on elections.
Truth spoke on First Amendment rights and remote public comment.
Brenda Hammond spoke on concerts in the park.
Mairs Ryan submitted a comment regarding remote public comment.
7. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
Public Comments:
There were no conflict of interest disclosures.
8. BOARD AND COMMISSION INTERVIEWS
Public Comments:
8.1 ANNUAL INTERVIEW OF APPLICANTS FOR OPENINGS ON THE CITY’S BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS AND INTERVIEW OF APPLICANTS FOR A VACANCY ON THE COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_2024 Board and Commission Interviews 2024-07-09.pdf
2. Attachment A_Board and Commission Interviews.July.pdf City Clerk Wiegelman briefly explained the interview process. City Clerk Wiegelman stated that Helen Weinstein and Denise Carlson were not able to attend the City Council meeting due to prior commitments and provided written statements expressing their interests in being considered for appointment to a Commission or Board.
The following applicants spoke regarding their qualifications and interest in being appointed or reappointed:
Todd Pitman
Melissa Weiss Walter
Andy Trimlett
Alan R. Gann
Michael Gross
Robert Duff
Parker Ross
Truth spoke on the various applicants.
Following the interviews, no action was taken.
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
Truth spoke on Items 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, and 10.6.
10. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
(Items 10.1 through 10.6)
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Shu
Approve Consent Calendar Items 10.1 through 10.6.
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 MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETINGS HELD TUESDAY, MAY 28, AND TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2024 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - City Council Special Meeting (Closed Session)_May28_2024.pdf
2. Post-Meeting Minutes - City Council Special Meeting (Closed Session)_Jun11_2024.pdf Approve.
10.3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETINGS HELD TUESDAY, MAY 28, AND TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2024 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_May28_2024.pdf
2. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Jun25_2024.pdf
Approve.
10.4 APPROVAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, LA MESA PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY SPECIAL MEETING, AND CITY OF LA MESA SUCCESSOR AGENCY SPECIAL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2024 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CC PFA SA_Jun11_2024.pdf
Approve.
10.5 ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS PERTAINING TO THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_2024 Election Resolutions 2024-07-09.pdf
2. Attachment A _Resolution.Calling and Giving Notice of Election.2024.pdf
3. Attachment B_Resolution.Consolidating Election.2024.pdf
4. Attachment C_Resolution.Candidate Regulations.2024.pdf Adopt Resolutions.
a.
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE HOLDING OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024, FOR THE ELECTION OF CERTAIN OFFICERS AS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA RELATING TO GENERAL LAW CITIES Public Comments:
Resolution No. 2024-080
Adopt Resolution.
b.
RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO TO CONSOLIDATE A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024, WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE DATE PURSUANT TO § 10403 OF THE ELECTIONS CODE Public Comments:
Resolution No. 2024-081
Adopt Resolution.
c.
RESOLUTION ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE PERTAINING TO CANDIDATES' STATEMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS AT AN ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024 Public Comments:
Resolution No. 2024-082
Adopt Resolution.
10.6 RATIFICATION OF DESIGN REVIEW FOR PROJECT 2024-0197 (CCRT PROPERTIES) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 2024-0197 (8301 Fletcher Parkway) DRB Ratification.pdf
2. Attachment A_DRB Resolution.pdf
3. Attachment B_Assessor Parcel Map.pdf
4. Attachment C_Site Photographs.pdf
5. Attachment D_PC-2024-05 (2024-0197) signed.pdf
6. Attachment E_PC-2024-06 (2024-0197) signed.pdf
7. Attachment F_Project Plans.pdf
8. Attachment G_Materials Boards.pdf
A PROPOSED TWO-STORY FINANCIAL INSTITUTION BUILDING OF 7,552 SQUARE FEET AT 8301 FLETCHER PARKWAY, APN 490-200-49-00 IN THE C-G-D (GENERAL COMMERCIAL/GROSSMONT OVERLAY/URBAN DESIGN OVERLAY) ZONE Approve.
11. STAFF REPORT
Public Comments:
11.1 CONSIDERATION OF PLACING A MEASURE ON THE NOVEMBER 5, 2024 BALLOT TO ASK THE VOTERS OF THE CITY OF LA MESA IF THEY WISH TO EXTEND THE ¾ CENT LOCAL SALES TAX IN LA MESA (KNOWN AS PROPOSITION L) FOR AN ADDITIONAL 20-YEARS Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Renew Prop L.pdf
2. Attachment A_Resolution.Calling and Giving Notice of Election.Measure.2024.pdf
3. Attachment B_Resolution_Rebuttal Arguments 2024.pdf
4. Attachment C_Resolution_Primary Arguments and Impartial Analysis 2024.pdf
5. Attachment D_Ordinance_Extension of Prop L.pdf
6. PowerPoint_Extension of Prop L.pdf
mairs ryan
July 8, 2024
Mayor and Council Members,
I am in support of Prop L being on the ballot in November 2024.
It is crucial to La Mesa’s continued growth as a strong municipality that the 3/4 cent tax be maintained.
The Council has the power to sell Prop L to its citizens. The number one reason people turn down taxation is lack of control and accountability of the funds accrued. Prop L funds are kept local. It is up to the Council to educate La Mesans of the fact that the funds will be used here. A city cannot grow nor can it be maintained without a stream of revenue. Citizens cannot have amenities without financially contributing to their city. Parks do not build themselves, streets do not pave themselves, public safety officers do not work for free.
The recent survey conducted of La Mesans could be used to convince citizens that a portion of their needs and wants can be met with Prop L.
Thank you
Mairs Ryan
Christopher Glenn
Clearly, a well-planned campaign that addresses local concerns and builds confidence in city leadership is crucial for the success of the City’s sales tax measure.
The City’s report addresses some of the most convincing arguments to voters in support of a local sales tax:
• Highlighting specific local desires that the tax revenue would address, such as infrastructure, public safety, and parks, can persuade voters there is a real need for the tax. • Emphasizing how the tax will directly impact residents' quality of life through these services, infrastructure, and community amenities is effective. • Explaining why a sales tax is preferable to service degradation will help justify the proposal. • Pointing out and framing the measure as bringing the rate in line with neighboring areas is persuasive. • Emphasizing that the funds will be controlled locally can appeal to voters. • Including provisions for oversight and accountability in how the new funds will be managed can address concerns about government trustworthiness.
The City’s report, however, falls short in several areas.
Commercial properties account for about one-third of the total statewide assessed property values and share in the benefits of Proposition 13. Commercial properties often have higher values than residential properties and receive a larger dollar amount of property tax relief. The City should not discount the benefits received by commercial property owners under Proposition 13 and the inequity created by it.
Your report also concludes that a decline of large retailers and consumers shift to online purchases has had further negative effects on local sales tax revenues. Should efforts be made by the City to support local retail businesses to reverse this decline? Would it encourage a diverse ecosystem of small, locally owned businesses by improving regulatory compliance processes and creating policies that cater to small entrepreneurs? California Legislators have debated for years about where sales tax revenues should go for purchases made online. Should it be the location of the buyer or the seller? Currently, it’s the seller, and sellers have significant discretion about choosing their “point of sale” for tax purposes. This gives companies that promise local jobs and municipal revenue boosts from warehouses, offices or retail centers tremendous bargaining power over local government agreements that funnel sales tax money the cities collect back to those corporations. The City should consider the impact of this arrangement and their ability to mitigate the impact on revenues. https://www.californiacityfinance.com/SalesTaxReformOptions150406.pdf City Council Extension of Prop L Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Mayor Arapostathis and City Manager Humora provided background on the approval of Proposition L by the City of La Mesa voters in 2008. City Manager Humora reviewed the consequences of losing the funding from Proposition L, the General Fund forecast with and without Proposition L funds, and the dual structural financial challenges for the City (low property tax rates and high percentage of pre-Proposition 13 homes). City Manager Humora summarized the justifications for renewing Proposition L and the outreach efforts conducted by the City.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Truth spoke in opposition of placing a measure on the November 5, 2024, ballot to ask the voters of the City of La Mesa if they wish to renew Proposition L for an additional 20-years.
The following members of the public spoke or submitted a comment in support of placing a measure on the November 5, 2024, ballot to ask the voters of the City of La Mesa if they wish to renew Proposition L for an additional 20-years:
William Wilson, La Mesa Police Officers' Association President Aaron Landau
Mairs Ryan
Christopher Glenn submitted a comment regarding the concerns the Proposition L extension report does and does not address.
Council questions and comments continued.
a.
RESOLUTION ORDERING THE SUBMISSION TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY OF A CERTAIN MEASURE RELATING TO THE EXTENSION OF THE TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX (PROPOSITION L) AT THE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024 Public Comments:
Resolution No. 2024-083
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Parent
Adopt Resolution.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Vice Mayor Lothian Approved (5 to 0)
b.
RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE FILING OF REBUTTAL ARGUMENTS FOR CITY MEASURES SUBMITTED AT MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS Public Comments:
Resolution No. 2024-084
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Dillard
Adopt Resolution.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Vice Mayor Lothian Approved (5 to 0)
c.
RESOLUTION SETTING PRIORITIES FOR FILING WRITTEN ARUMENTS REGARDING A CITY MEASURE AND DIRECTING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS Public Comments:
Resolution No. 2024-085
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Shu
Adopt Resolution.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Vice Mayor Lothian Approved (5 to 0)
d.
INTRODUCTION AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Public Comments:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA ADDING A NEW SECTION 5.28.135 TO THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE EXTENDING THE EXISTING TRANSACTION AND USE TAX (ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 5.28) TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE STATE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION [EXTENSION CONTINGENT UPON A MAJORITY VOTE OF THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY VOTING TO APPROVE SAID EXTENSION] City Attorney Sabine read the title of the Ordinance.
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Parent
Approve the introduction and adoption of the Ordinance.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Vice Mayor Lothian Approved (5 to 0)
12. 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.
Truth spoke on the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS).
13. AB 1234 REPORTS (GC 53232.3 (d))
Public Comments:
There were no reports.
14. CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
Public Comments:
There were no remarks.
15. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
At 7:33 p.m., Mayor Arapostathis adjourned the meeting in memory of long-time resident and community volunteer Gwen Pogue.