Minutes — La Mesa City Council, August 13, 2024

City Council - August 13, 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 - MAYOR ARAPOSTATHIS
Public Comments:

1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Public Comments:

2. ANNUAL ROTATION OF VICE MAYOR
Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_2024 Vice Mayor Rotation 2024-08-13.pdf
Mayor Arapostathis thanked Councilmember Lothian for her service as Vice Mayor and announced Councilmember Dillard would be the next Vice Mayor.

3. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Public Comments:

City Manager Humora announced that street resurfacing would be taking place throughout the city, with daily updates on social media platforms to inform residents about which streets were scheduled for work next, including the major project on Jackson Drive between Murray Drive and La Mesa Boulevard, which was scheduled for August 28th.

4. 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.

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

There were no additions or deletions to the agenda.

6. PRESENTATIONS
Public Comments:

6.1 BUDGET MONITORING REPORT
Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_BMR June 2024.pdf

2. 2023-2024 Q4 BMR.pdf

3. PowerPoint Presentation_2023-2024 Q4 Budget Monitoring Report.pdf Finance Director Royales reported on the national, state and local economic outlook, sales tax revenues, and the performance of the City’s General Fund for the quarter ending June 30, 2024.

Following Council questions and comments, no action was taken.

6.2 CITY TREASURER'S QUARTERLY REPORT
Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Staff Report_City Treasurer's Report for the Quarter Ending June 30, 2024.pdf

2. Attachment A - Treasurer’s Report 06-30-24.pdf

3. Attachment B - Treasurer’s Report 06-30-24 .pdf

4. PowerPoint Presentation_Treasurer's Quarterly Report 2024.pdf City Treasurer Strabone made a presentation regarding the investment earnings and the status of the investment portfolio for the quarter ending June 30, 2024.

6.3 POLICE CHIEF'S QUARTERLY OPERATIONS REPORT
Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_PD Quarterly Report_2nd Quarter 2024.pdf

2. Attachment A - La Mesa Police Department 2nd Quarter Report 2024.pdf

3. PowerPoint Presentation_PD Quarterly Operations Report Q2 2024.pdf Captain Runge presented the crime statistics for the quarter ending June 30, 2024, explained the statistics in the various crime categories and highlighted recently solved cases. Captain Runge briefly discussed the Department’s proactive operations and strategic enforcement to help reduce crime and also reviewed various community outreach activities that took place. Captain Runge announced the recent graduations and recognitions of service of Police Department team members and provided an update on the Police Department's staffing vacancies.

Following Council questions and comments, no action was taken.

7. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments
Dianne Osterling
How ironic La Mesa City's website homepage includes a headline, "Your Voice Matters". Does it only matter when we show up in person to meetings? Does it also matter when a bond, taxes, or raises for elected officials are being requested? Colin Parent's friend/associate, San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera recently ended his effort to eliminate public comment access for San Diego City Council meetings. Rivera complained about longer/delayed meetings and increase of offensive language compared to in person attendees voicing concerns. Instead Rivera chose to listen to district constituents and other stakeholders upset by his plan. Those in favor of virtual comment periods argued it brought more public participation, therefore more transparency & accountability. Why is the benefit of increased transparency & accountability not considered valuable to La Mesa City Officials? It seems more about not wanting to hear constituent voices who have difficulty attending meetings. Is there a desire to keep silent those whose needs aren’t being addressed? Is there a desire to keep constituents from interfering in: profits of elected official’s financial backers, or those with more influence than residents suffering from some development policy changes? We may never know, because minimizing the voice of residents is the order of current leadership- transparency and accountability are undesirable. Perhaps when Colin Parent no longer steps on the voice of La Mesa residents, transparency & accountability will be valued, and remote public comment access will return. We can only hope Colin doesn’t step on the constituent’s voice of the entire 79th assembly district he wants to run. His action to silence residents is not a one-off event. Parent is a repeat offender. It would be lovely if Council chose to follow the path of Elo Rivera on remote public comment access- listen to constituents, show the public you value transparency, accountability, and their voices.

Mairs Ryan
Mayor and Council
I’m traveling and cannot make an in-person comment.

You won’t be surprised to know that I am writing to ask that access to public Zoom comment be reinstated.

Mayor and Mr Parent, you do not have immunity from responding to your constituents.

However, if it is a lack of solutions that has you stymied, consider contacting Elo-Rivera from SDCityCouncil who has withdrawn a proposal to end virtual comment. He has partnered with community connections to forge a solution. If a bigger municipality can outsource brainstorming, we little guys can as well.

Thank you
Mairs Ryan
Billy Beltz voiced his concerns about a house on Bellflower Drive and discussed implementing traffic calming measures on the street.

Janet Castanos spoke on remote public comment.

William Pruitt addressed the issue of nonworking street lights.

Barbie Wheeler voiced her concerns about a house on Bellflower Drive and discussed implementing traffic calming measures on the street.

Brenda Hammond emphasized the importance of the "see something, say something" approach.

Alice Wang spoke on the enforcement of parking and lot size standards.

Dianne Osterling spoke and submitted a comment regarding remote public comment.

Mairs Ryan submitted a comment regarding remote public comment.

8. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
Public Comments:

There were no conflict of interest disclosures.

9. BOARD AND COMMISSION INTERVIEWS
Public Comments:

9.1 INTERVIEW OF APPLICANT FOR A VACANCY ON THE MOBILITY COMMISSION Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_Mobility Commission Interview 2024-08-13.pdf

2. Attachment A_List of Applicant Mobility Commission_August.pdf City Clerk Wiegelman stated Alex Mueller was not able to attend the City Council meeting due to a prior commitment. City Clerk Wiegelman said the appointment would be made at the September 10, 2024, City Council meeting.

10. BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Public Comments:

10.1 RESOLUTION APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE CITY'S COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_CPOB Vacancy Appointment 2024-08-13.pdf

2. Attachment A - Resolution CPOB Appointments_August.pdf

3. Attachment B_CPOB Appointment.August.pdf
Mayor Arapostathis nominated Denise Carlson as the Police Beat 4 representative on the Community Police Oversight Board.

Council questions and comments ensued.

Councilmember Shu stated he would be voting no on the motion because an effective Community Police Oversight Board should be made up of individuals with differing opinions and backgrounds and not only those that support the police department.

Resolution No. 2024-095
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Dillard
Appoint Denise Carlson as the Police Beat 4 representative on the Community Police Oversight Board and adopt the Resolution.

For (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Parent, Vice Mayor Dillard, and Councilmember Lothian Against (1)
Councilmember Shu
Approved (4 to 1)

11. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments
Mairs Ryan
Mayor and Council
In response to 15.1 there would be no need for increased funding for litter personnel if the food businesses in La Mesa subscribed to sustainable food packaging.

I walk Palm- Spring - Allison - Fresno daily. The majority of the litter is plastic. The majority of the plastic is from food businesses.

The other item is cigarette butts which according to Oceana and I love a Clean San Diego make up the largest components of ocean litter. Butts end up on the streets first with the ocean as their final resting place. La Mesa should invest in butt cans which can be installed with the support of I Love a Clean San Diego.

Another paid litter personnel will only enable the food businesses to continue their plastic handouts, residents and visitors to leave the trash for someone else and smokers to continue to trash their butts on our streets Thank you
Mairs Ryan
Dianne Osterling spoke on Items 12.11, 12.14, and 12.16.

Dianne Osterling submitted a comment on 12.11.

12. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
(Items 12.1 through 12.17)
*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 12.11).

Moved By
Councilmember Parent
Seconded By
Councilmember Shu
Approve Consent Calendar Items 12.1 through 12.17.

For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Vice Mayor Dillard, and Councilmember Lothian Approved (5 to 0)

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

Approve.

12.2 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETINGS HELD TUESDAY, JULY 9, AND TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2024 Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Jul09_2024.pdf

2. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Jul23_2024.pdf
Approve.

12.3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2024 Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Post-Meeting Minutes - City Council Special Meeting (Closed Session)_Jul23_2024.pdf Approve.

12.4 INTRODUCTION AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA CORRECTING SCRIVENER’S ERROR IN AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO EXTENDING THE EXISTING TRANSACTION AND USE TAX (LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 5.28: PROPOSITION “L”) ADOPTED ON Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_Extension of Prop L Ordinance Revision 2024-08-13.pdf

2. Attachment A_Ordinance_Extension of Prop L.pdf
JULY 9, 2024 (THE "ORDINANCE")
Ordinance No. 2024-2910
Approve the introduction and adoption of the Ordinance.

12.5 ACCEPTANCE OF INVESTMENT POLICY FOR THE CITY OF LA MESA FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Investment Policy 2024-2025.pdf

2. The City of La Mesa Broker-Dealer Questionnaire.pdf
Receive and file.

12.6 RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR BONDED INDEBTEDNESS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_Property Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.pdf

2. Attachment A - Calculation of Property Tax Rate for 2024-25.pdf

3. Attachment B - 24-25 Prop D Refunding Bonds Levy Rate Resolution.pdf Resolution No. 2024-096
Adopt Resolution.

12.7 RESOLUTION APPROVING SALARY ADJUSTMENTS TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 COMPENSATION PLAN FOR FIRE MANAGEMENT STAFF AND THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS UNIT ASSISTANT CLASSIFICATION Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Staff Report_Compensation Plans FY 2025.pdf

2. Attachment A - RESO COMP PLAN FIRE MGT.pdf

3. Attachment B - Exhibit to Reso Revised Comp Plan.pdf Resolution No. 2024-097
Adopt Resolution.

12.8 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY SHERRIF'S DEPARTMENT FOR THE OPERATION STONEGARDEN GRANT Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Staff Report_Operation Stonegarden Grant 2023.pdf

2. Attachment A - Exhibit A _FY 2023 OPSG Budget Worksheet.pdf

3. Attachment B - Exhibit B_FY 2023 OPSG Standard Assurances.pdf

4. Attachment C - Exhibit C_FY 2023 OPSG Required Federal Grant Provisions.pdf

5. Attachment D - Exhibit D_FY 2023 OPSG Byrd Anti-Lobbying Certification Form.pdf

6. Attachment E - Exhibit E_FY 2023 OPSG Operations Order.pdf

7. Attachment F - FY 2023 OPSG_Memorandum Of Agreement.pdf

8. Attachment G - OPSG Resolution FY 2023-2024.pdf
Resolution No. 2024-098
Adopt Resolution.

12.9 HOMELESS OUTREACH AND MOBILE ENGAGEMENT (HOME) PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT (APRIL 2024 - JUNE 2024) Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_HOME 2nd Quarter 2024.pdf

2. Attachment A - HOME Q2 2024 .pdf
Receive and file.

12.10 APPROVAL OF SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA, CALIFORNIA, RELINQUISHING ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY OF THE MOBILEHOME PARKS ACT TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_Mobilehome Parks Relinquishment of Authority Ordinance 2nd Reading 2024-08-13.pdf

2. Attachment A_Mobilehome Parks Relinquishment of Authority Draft Ordinance 2024-08-13.pdf Ordinance No. 2024-2911
Approve the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance.

12.11 *APPROVAL OF SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 24 (ZONING) OF THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_Zoning Amendment Ordinance 2nd Reading 2024-08-13.pdf

2. Attachment A_Title 24-Zoning Amendment Ordinance 2024-07-23.pdf

3. Attachment B_2024-07-23 CC Staff Report - Zoning Amendment Ordinance First Reading .pdf Dianne Osterling
Public Health and Safety are primary responsibilities of government. Certain regulations help us maintain a society that doesn't have sewage running in the streets, protects drinking water, keep properties responsible for their drainage so as not to overwhelm neighboring properties, public streets, and sewers. The City of La Mesa has a number of properties that do not have access to public sewer and therefore must use a San Diego Public Health Department approved Private Sewer System (usually a septic system). The Public Health rules are very specific for good reason. Failure to comply can contaminate ground water, neighbors drinking water lines, and allow improperly treated sewage to be running off into neighbors yards, city streets, storm drains, and even to our ground water springs like the one on Spring Street which feeds into the Sweetwater Reservoir. Atleast one, property on the list to receive minimal review is on this list. It's also on my street. They do not have a sewer hok up, they don't have access, and I believe the lot used to be the septic system for the house next to it. Before you approve this, please ensure all properties on this list have sewer access, and or will ensure they install the required legal public health approved certified system.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA AMENDING THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD A NEW SECTION 24.05.020(A)(6) TO AUTHORIZE BY-RIGHT APPROVAL FOR PROJECTS WITH 20% AFFORDABLE UNITS ON REUSE SITES AS DEFINED PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65583.2 AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE 6TH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT, IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM 8 Ordinance No. 2024-2912
Approve the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance.

12.12 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE STANDARD SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA MESA AND SOLANA CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATION FOR EDIBLE FOOD RECOVERY EDUCATION AND COMPLIANCE CONSULTANT SERVICES Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Staff Report - First Amendment to Solana Center Edible Food Recovery Agreement 2024-08-13.pdf

2. Attachment A - First Amendment.pdf

3. Attachment B - First Amendment Attachment 1.pdf

4. Attachment C - Executed Agreement with Solana Center.pdf

5. Attachment D - Resolution.pdf

6. Fiscal Certificate - Solana Ctr 1st Amendment.pdf
Resolution No. 2024-099
Adopt Resolution.

12.13 RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTE FOR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES FOR THE 2024-2025 CIVICSPARK PROGRAM Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Staff Report - Resolution Approving an Agreement for the CivicSpark Program FY 2024-2025 .pdf

2. Attachment A - Resolution CivicSpark Agreement.pdf

3. Attachment B - Agreement.pdf

4. Fiscal Certificate - FY25 CivicSpark.pdf
Resolution No. 2024-100
Adopt Resolution.

12.14 RESOLUTION AWARDING A TASK ORDER TO HARRIS AND ASSOCIATES FOR WASTEWATER UTILITY BILLING, ANNUAL ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED SERVICES Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Staff Report_RESOLUTION AWARDING A TASK ORDER TO HARRIS AND ASSOCIATES FOR WASTEWATER UTILITY BILLING ANNUAL ADMIN.pdf

2. ATTACHMENT A - Resolution.pdf

3. ATTACHMENT B - Proposal.pdf
Resolution No. 2024-101
Adopt Resolution.

12.15 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO.1 FOR THE BOULEVARD DRIVE STORM DRAIN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, BID NO. 24-16, TO SC VALLEY ENGINEERING, INC.

Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Staff Report_Boulevard Drive Storm Drain Project CCO 1.pdf

2. ATTACHMENT A - Resolution(1).pdf

3. ATTACHMENT B - CCO-1 Bid 24-16.pdf

4. Fiscal Certificate - Bid 24-16.pdf
Resolution No. 2024-102
Adopt Resolution.

12.16 RESOLUTION RENEWING THE AGREEMENT FOR PLAN REVIEW SERVICES FOR BUILDING AND FIRE PERMITS TO BPR CONSULTING GROUP, LLC Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Staff Report_Contract Increase and Extension with BPR Consulting Group LLC 2024-08-13.pdf

2. Attachment A - BPR_Consulting_Group_LLC_Plan_Review_Services_Fire Agreement.pdf

3. Attachment B - Resolution for BPR Contract Extension.pdf Resolution No. 2024-103
Adopt Resolution.

12.17 RESOLUTION APPROVING A RIGHT-OF-WAY AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA MESA AND PACIFIC WYYERD LLC FOR THE INSTALLATION, OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE OF FIBER OPTIC COMMUNICATION LINES IN CITY STREETS Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Staff Report_Wyyerd RUA Agreement.pdf

2. Attachment A - PacificWyyerd RUA Resolution.pdf

3. Attachment B - Exhibit A PacificWyyerd RUA Final Draft w Exhibits.pdf Resolution No. 2024-104
Adopt Resolution.

13. STAFF REPORT
Public Comments:

13.1 CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF CONCEPT DESIGNS FOR PUBLIC ART FOR THE WALKWAY OF THE STARS MURAL PROJECT Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Staff Report_PUBLIC ART FOR THE WALKWAY OF The STARS MURAL PROJECT.pdf

2. Attachment A - Walkway of the Stars Mural.pdf

3. PowerPoint Presentation_Walkway of the Stars Mural Project.pdf Director of Community Services Richardson provided a PowerPoint presentation on the five proposed mural designs for the Walkway of the Stars. The presentation covered the proposed mural locations, the City's public art policy, and the design and theme of the murals.

Council questions and comments ensued.

Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Parent
Approve the five concept designs for the Walkway of the Stars public mural project.

For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Vice Mayor Dillard, and Councilmember Lothian Approved (5 to 0)

14. ORDINANCE: SECOND READING
Public Comments:

14.1 CONSIDERATION OF SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA ADDING LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 10.30, REGULATING THE RESIDENTIAL STORAGE OF FIREARMS Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_Firearm Storage Ordinance 2nd Reading 2024-08-13.pdf

2. Draft Ordinance Firearm Storage 2024-07-23.pdf
Ron Marcus
I strongly support the Ordinance Regulating the Residential Storage of Firearms. Here’s why:

Current CA law on firearm access is limited in scope and doesn't protect all households. Therefore, a comprehensive law mandating secure storage for all firearm owners is needed to prevent theft and impulsive violence. CA law lacks specific storage standards. La Mesa can solve this with a more specific local ordinance requiring locked containers or trigger locks to prevent tragedies. By the way, safe storage laws are Second Amendment-compliant and have been upheld by courts.

Annually, about 380,000 guns are stolen from individual owners nationwide. Gun theft from individuals increased by 60% from 2006 to 2016. Most recovered stolen firearms are linked to crimes, including over 1,500 violent acts. These numbers would surely decrease with the safe storage of guns.

Sandy Housley
I am writing in support of the City of La Mesa adopting an ordinance regulating the safe storage of firearms. Safe storage of firearms reduces greatly the possibility of unintentional shootings, suicides, and theft related to guns being stored in the home. My 16-year-old grandson is a junior at Helix High School this year. School shootings are very often perpetrated with unsecured firearms from the home of a family member or a friend. I ask you to take this action also to reduce the possibility of him or his fellow students facing an active shooter possibility. This is a common sense safety measure that will emphasize the Council's support of responsible gun ownership.

Lori Van Orden
I support a firearm safe storage ordinance for La Mesa. Storing firearms securely helps to prevent unintentional shootings, domestic violence, homicide, and suicide by gun. It also helps to prevent gun theft which contributes to violent crime. Thank you.

John White
I support Agenda Item 14.1 - Firearm Storage.

Safe storage laws are consistent with the Second Amendment. They have been upheld by all reviewing courts. That includes San Francisco's safe storage law.

Cindi Phallen
I am in support of agenda item 14.1 The ordinance that regulates the safe storage of residential firearms. Not only does a trigger Lock help prevent accidents and suicides, safe storage also dramatically reduces gun thefts. A large number of guns recovered in crimes have been stolen from law abiding gun owners. Let’s keep the community as safe as possible with these simple regulations! Thank you.

Victoria Koenitzer
I support the Ordinance Regulating the Residential Storage of Firearms. Safe storage laws are crucial to saving lives and are consistent with the Second Amendment. Safe storage laws have been upheld by all reviewing courts, including San Francisco's safe storage law.

Therese Hymer
I write to SUPPORT the Firearm Storage Ordinance, Item 14.1. When this item PASSED on July 23 26 public comments were submitted - 25 in support.

Owning a gun carries great responsibility, including to protect all others in the County from harm from your gun.

State law is currently full of holes, creating an ineffective storage standard in a number of situations. It only requires a subjective "reasonable action" to prevent access to a child. Tragedy can be avoided by instead setting specific storage requirements.

A clear standard can keep a gun owner from making a tragic mistake, such as storing a gun wrapped in towels on top of the water heater, a mistake made by a gun owner in Scripps Ranch, resulting in a child’s death. It can prevent unintentional shootings, like those a few years ago that killed a 12 year old in Chula Vista and injured a 15 year old in National City.

Locked guns also prevent teen suicides. Startlingly, 14.5% of SD County High School students seriously considered suicide in 2021. Suicide rates of youth and young adults ages 10-24 have increased 7% in the County in recent years, with 21 teens dying in 2020. With firearms as the most used means for suicide in SD County, and with more than 70% of our firearm deaths being suicides, we must do all we can to protect those who live in households with guns.

The proposed law fully provides for gun owners’ desired access to their gun to protect themselves in their homes, as the gun need not be locked if it is carried on the body of the authorized user or is within their immediate control. And if a gun IS locked, it can be accessed in seconds from a locked container, which can open using a short code or biometrics.

In fact, defensive gun use is extremely rare. The 2023 SD County Gun Violence Reduction Assessment found that there were only 4 defensive gun uses/year in the entire County.

Safe storage laws are consistent with the Second Amendment, and have been repeatedly upheld by courts. In 2014, San Francisco’s safe storage ordinance was upheld by the 9th Circuit in the Jackson case. The SF law - which mirrors the proposed ordinance - was found constitutional and included a finding that because locked guns can be accessed in seconds, guns in the home are still available for self-defense. Strong safe storage laws remain constitutional. There is no case law since the Supreme Court’s 2022 Bruen decision to suggest otherwise.

Carol Landale
SUPPORT ITEM 14.1 REGULATING SAFE STORAGE OF FIREARMS. Keeping firearms securely locked will prevent access by a child, a person with suicidal ideology and thieves. This is a common-sense move by La Mesa City and will keep both residents and all who visit La Mesa safer. I urge the council to vote YES on this ordinance.

Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee: Vice Mayor Dillard and Councilmember Shu City Attorney Sabine read the title of the Ordinance.

The following members of the public spoke or submitted a comment in support of the Ordinance regulating the residential storage of firearms:

Dianne Osterling
Ron Marcus
Sandy Housley
Lori Van Orden
John White
Cindi Phallen
Victoria Koenitzer
Therese Hymer
Carol Landale
Ordinance No. 2024-2913
Moved By
Councilmember Shu
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Dillard
Approve the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance.

For (3)
Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, and Vice Mayor Dillard Against (2)
Mayor Arapostathis, and Councilmember Lothian
Approved (3 to 2)

15. COUNCIL INITIATED
Public Comments:

15.1 CONSIDERATION OF DIRECTING STAFF TO ADD A STAFF POSITION DEDICATED TO LITTER COLLECTION THROUGHOUT THE CITY - MAYOR ARAPOSTATHIS AND VICE MAYOR LOTHIAN Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_CI_Litter Collection Position 2024-08-13.pdf
Councilmember Lothian and Mayor Arapostathis explained the purpose for requesting the Council consider directing staff to add a staff position dedicated to litter collection throughout the City.

Council questions and comments ensued.

Mairs Ryan submitted a comment suggesting that businesses adopt sustainable food packaging and that the City invest in butt cans as a solution to the litter problem, instead of creating a new staff position focused on litter collection.

Moved By
Councilmember Lothian
Seconded By
Mayor Arapostathis
Direct staff to create a new position to address litter removal in the city and return to the City Council within 60 days with a detailed report on the fiscal impacts and any necessary resolutions for formal approval.

For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Vice Mayor Dillard, and Councilmember Lothian Approved (5 to 0)

16. 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.

16.1 CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE ADJUSTMENT TO THE RESPECTIVE CONTRACTS FOR THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Memo_8.13.24 Council Memo CM and CM Contract Adjustments.pdf

2. Attachment A - Resolution 4th Amendment CM Agreement.pdf

3. Attachment B - Resolution 4th Amendment CA Agreement.pdf

4. Attachment C_4th Amendment CM.pdf

5. Attachment D_4th Amendment CA.pdf
Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee: Mayor Arapostathis and Vice Mayor Dillard Mayor Arapostathis and Vice Mayor Dillard explained what was considered when determining the proposed adjustments to the contracts for the City Manager and City Attorney.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF THE FOURTH AMENDMENT TO THE CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT Public Comments:

Mayor Arapostathis read the following statement in to the record: "In compliance with the Government Code this action specifically does the following:

Authorizes a 3.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment ("COLA") increase and 5% market increase in salary; and Authorizes a near retirement leave bank conversion up to fifty percent (50%)." Resolution No. 2024-105
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Parent
Adopt Resolution.

For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Vice Mayor Dillard, and Councilmember Lothian Approved (5 to 0)

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF THE FOURTH AMENDMENT TO THE CITY ATTORNEY EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT Public Comments:

Mayor Arapostathis read the following statement into the record: "In compliance with the Government Code this action specifically does the following:

Authorizes a 3.5% COLA increase and 5% market increase in salary; and Authorizes a near retirement leave bank conversion up to fifty percent (50%)." Resolution No. 2024-106
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Dillard
Adopt Resolution.

For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Vice Mayor Dillard, and Councilmember Lothian Approved (5 to 0)

RESOLUTION APPROVING THE AMENDED CITY OF LA MESA COMPENSATION PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 LISTING POSITIONS, SALARY RANGES/BANDS, AND PAY STEPS Public Comments:

La Mesa City CouncilAugust 13, 2024

La Mesa City Council
August 13, 2024