City Council - December 10, 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. 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. PRESENTATION
Public Comments:
5.1 PRESENTATION RECOGNIZING OUTGOING COUNCILMEMBERS COLIN PARENT AND JACK SHU, FOR THEIR SERVICE TO THE CITY Public Comments
mairs ryan
Mayor and Council Members,
I have been unable to voice comments on zoom or in public because of an illness. Regardless, I submit this comment of recognition for Jack Shu's outstanding work on the LMCC.
Shu's guidance and recommendations on preserving what we can of the environment will be perhaps his most lasting legacy for La Mesa.
His transparency should be a guiding light for all present a as well as incoming City Council members. He consistently spoke from the foundation of knowledge based decision making.
Shu's unwavering defense of the vulnerable and disenfranchised in this city serves as a resounding example that morality can spur fair legislation. They are not mutually exclusive.
The Council is better for having had him on the dais. I will miss Jack Shu's humanity and wisdom on the Council. I envy those in his life who will continue to be benefactors of those traits.
Sincerely,
Mairs Ryan
The Mayor presented Councilmember Shu with a plaque and city street sign in recognition and appreciation for his years of service.
The Mayor and Council thanked outgoing Councilmember Shu for his dedication and service to the City.
Councilmember Shu reflected on his time in office and thanked his family, colleagues, and La Mesa staff.
The Mayor presented Councilmember Parent with a plaque and city street sign in recognition and appreciation for his years of service.
The Mayor and Council thanked outgoing Councilmember Parent for his dedication and service to the City.
Councilmember Parent reflected on his time in office and thanked his family, colleagues, and La Mesa staff.
Mairs Ryan submitted a comment recognizing former Councilmember Shu's contributions and legacy on the La Mesa City Council.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments
Dianne Osterling
Sometimes peacemakers must resist the status quo. Standing against issues that inhibit real peace may not be welcome, but it’s important to bring things to light. The Sierra Club supported Colin’s opponent for the 79th Assembly District. Environmental attorneys aren’t all environmentalists. Some environmental attorneys work to advance the economic interests of their financial backers through policy development, policy implementation, and political influence. Colin’s experiences garnering influence working at CA State Department of Housing, San Diego City Housing Board, and La Mesa City Council (while accepting what appear some quid pro quo donations from developers & other donors to his salary paying non-profit & his political campaigns while he interfered La Mesa resident’s public voice access in city issues) suggest his interests may be closely tied to his donors.
If he’s interested in developing policies & encouraging practices minimizing society’s carbon footprint, consider focusing on protecting natural resources & minimizing waste. Here's a book suggestion- The Climate Diet- 50 Simple Ways to Trim Your Carbon Footprint. It discusses actions like creating carbon sinks- protecting land where trees & other plants grow (other than lawns), encourage telecommuting, educate the public, drink from the tap, diet choice impacts. Chapter 47, my favorite, is about politicians- Pay Attention to What They Do, Not What They Say. Actions speak much louder than words, and past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior. With Colin’s financial & political connections, he won’t hurt for money or influence in his future endeavors. Hopefully, La Mesa’s new city council will improve our campaign finance requirements & the ethical standards & expectations required of our elected officials. Continuing with a D grade in San Diego County keeps La Mesa a big target for outside commercial interests whose focus in La Mesa is profit, not community. Hopefully, our new council will fix the problems that currently exist in our campaign finance rules.
Jack Shu is a juxtaposition to Colin. Jack a long-time La Mesa resident, and retired California State Parks employee has consistently shown himself to be public serving, community centric, and concerned about La Mesa residents. Jack’s career with the State Parks is an indicator of the depth of his respect for the public, preserving natural resources for public access to enjoy nature as well as for the critical role these natural resources play in the health & well-being of our planet & human survival. Jack, thank you for your consistency & perseverance in standing up for what you believe in- community, conservation, environmental concerns, the public, and especially La Mesans. Your experiences & local knowledge as a long-term resident, your huge heart, and your love of La Mesa are huge losses to the City Council and all La Mesa residents. I wish you the best in your future ventures. My book recommendation for you is- The Overstory by Richard Powers. It’s a Pulitzer Prize winning novel, a story of people’s relationships, professionally researched facts, which develops an understanding of the critical nature of trees, mycelium, the intricate web of interconnectivity of all forms of life. It brings forth consideration of how dependent human life is on things people often take for granted, like plants on open land. Conservation is key to human survival.
Jack, thanks for the care you took & your commitment to La Mesa, without any interest in personal gains. Your sacrifices are deeply appreciated. Hopefully, we will continue to have council members like Jack whose primary concern is their voting constituents.
Dianne Osterling spoke and submitted a comment on the contrast between former Councilmembers Parent and Shu's approaches to public service and community values.
Dena Maldonado requested the installation of a stop sign at 4th Street and Finley Avenue.
Barbie Wheeler spoke on her concerns about a house on Bellflower Drive.
Brenda Hammond spoke about everyone getting along.
7. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
Public Comments:
There were no conflict of interest disclosures.
8. ELECTION RESULTS
Public Comments:
8.1 DECLARING THE RESULTS OF THE NOVEMBER 5, 2024, GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_2024 Election Results 2024-12-10.pdf
2. Attachment A - 2024 Clerk's Statement of Vote.pdf
3. Attachment B - Resolution 2024 Election Results.pdf
4. Exhibit A to Resolution - 2024 Municipal Election_City of La Mesa Official Results.pdf
a.
CITY CLERK'S STATEMENT OF VOTE FOR THE NOVEMBER 5, 2024, GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION Public Comments:
City Clerk Wiegelman read the following Statement of the Vote into the minutes:
I, Megan Wiegelman, City Clerk of the City of La Mesa, County of San Diego, State of California, do hereby state as follows:
1. The number of ballots cast in the City was 30,251.
2. The names of the persons voted for and the office for which each person was voted for are as follows:
Member of the City Council
:
Shawn Townsend
Kristine C. Alessio
Lauren Cazares
Genevieve Suzuki
3. The measure voted upon is as follows:
Measure L,
Measure Protecting La Mesa Essential Services Without Increasing Tax Rates.
To continue funding for La Mesa city services, such as keeping parks/ recreation/ community facilities safe, clean and well maintained; fixing potholes/ maintaining streets; and providing rapid 9-1-1 emergency response/ fire protection/ paramedics/ crime prevention, shall the ordinance renewing City of La Mesa's existing ¾% sales tax be adopted at the current rate (no increase), continuing $12,000,000 annually for 20 years, with independent oversight, audits, and all funds locally controlled?
4. The number of votes given at each precinct to each person is on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
5. The number of votes given in the City to each person is as follows:
Member of the City Council
Total Votes
Lauren Cazares 12,587 Genevieve Suzuki 11,984 Kristine C. Alessio 11,238 Shawn Townsend 3,253
6. The number of votes given to Measure L is as follows:
Measure L
Total Votes
Yes 23,073 No 5,284
b.
ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA, CALIFORNIA, RECITING THE FACT OF THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024, DECLARING THE RESULTS AND SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS PROVIDED BY LAW Public Comments:
Resolution No. 2024-153
Moved by
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded by
Vice Mayor Dillard
Adopt Resolution.
Yes (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Vice Mayor Dillard, and Councilmember Lothian Approved (5 to 0)
c.
FIVE MINUTE RECESS FOR THE TRANSITION OF THE OUTGOING AND INCOMING COUNCILMEMBERS Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis called a recess at 6:33 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 6:37 p.m.
d.
INSTALLATION OF COUNCILMEMBERS
Public Comments:
City Clerk Wiegelman administered the Oath of Office to Councilmember-elect Lauren Cazares and presented her with a Certificate of Election. Following brief comments, Councilmember Cazares took her seat.
Derek Suzuki administered the Oath of Office to Councilmember-elect Genevieve Suzuki. City Clerk Wiegelman presented her with a Certificate of Election. Following brief comments, Councilmember Suzuki took her seat.
SECOND ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Arapostathis
Vice Mayor Dillard
Councilmember Cazares
Councilmember Lothian
Councilmember Suzuki
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
Brenda Hammond spoke on Item 10.4.
10. CONSENT CALENDAR - CITY COUNCIL
Public Comments:
(Items 10.1 through 10.7)
Councilmember Lothian commented on Items 10.5 and 10.6.
Moved by
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded by
Vice Mayor Dillard
Approve Consent Calendar Items 10.1 through 10.7.
Yes (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki (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 REGULAR MEETING HELD TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2024 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Nov26_2024.pdf
Approve.
10.3 RESOLUTION TO AWARD RFP 25-11 FOR EMPLOYEE BENEFITS INSURANCE BROKER SERVICES TO HUB INTERNATIONAL Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Award RFP 25-11 For Employee Benefits Insurance Broker Services .pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_RFP 25-11_Employee benefit broker services.pdf
3. Attachment B - Employee Benefits Insurance Broker Services Agreement with HUB International.pdf Resolution No. 2024-154
Adopt Resolution.
10.4 RESOLUTION TO AWARD THE PURCHASE OF ONE FORD F-150 LIGHTNING FOR THE COMMUNITY CLEANUP COORDINATOR TO SEDANO FORD Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Purchase of Ford F-150 Lightning for Community Cleanup Coordinator 2024-12-10.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Community Cleanup Coordinator F-150 .pdf
3. Attachment B - Pricing Summary.pdf
Resolution No. 2024-155
Adopt Resolution.
10.5 PUBLIC WORKS SOLAR PANEL AND BATTERY STORAGE PROJECT FUNDING Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Grant Funds for PW Solar Panel and Battery Storage Project.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Grant Funds for PW Solar Panel and Battery Storage Project.pdf RESOLUTION APPROVING APPLICATIONS FOR GRANT FUNDS THROUGH THE CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD AB102 GRANT PROGRAM FROM THE BUDGET ACT OF 2023/24 TO FUND THE PUBLIC WORKS SOLAR PANEL AND BATTERY STORAGE PROJECT, AND IF AWARDED, ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, OR DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE ALL AGREEMENTS AND ANY AMENDMENTS FOR THE PROJECT Resolution No. 2024-156
Adopt Resolution.
10.6 RESOLUTION AWARDING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT TO BWE, INC. FOR ROADWAY AND SITE DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE TOWER STREET MOBILITY ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Tower Street Mobility Access Improvements Project 2024-12-10.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Tower Street Mobility Access Improvements Project.pdf
3. Attachment B - Fee Schedule_Tower Street Mobility Access Improvements Project.pdf
4. Attachment C - Site Plan_Tower Street Mobility Access Improvements Project.pdf
5. Fiscal Impact Certificate - Tower Street Mobility Access Improvements Project.pdf Resolution No. 2024-157
Adopt Resolution.
10.7 RESOLUTION AWARDING SECOND RENEWAL OPTION OF ANNUAL CONTRACT INCLUDING CPI INCREASE FOR 2024 ANNUAL CONCRETE MAINTENANCE PROJECT, BID 23-04, TO PORTILLO CONCRETE, INC.
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Award of Bid 23-04 2nd Renewal Option to Portillo Concrete Inc. 12-10-24.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Annual Concrete Maintenance Project.pdf
3. Attachment B - Zone 1 Concrete Maintenance Map.pdf
4. Attachment C - Zone 1 Concrete Maintenance Locations.pdf
5. Attachment D - 2024 Bid Tabulation.pdf
6. Fiscal Impact Certificate - Concrete Maintenance Project .pdf Resolution No. 2024-158
Adopt Resolution.
11. CONSENT CALENDAR - SUCCESSOR AGENCY
Public Comments:
(Items 11.1 through 11.2)
Moved by
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded by
Vice Mayor Dillard
Approve Consent Calendar Items 11.1 through 11.2.
Yes (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki (5 to 0)
11.1 APPROVAL OF MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF THE TEXT OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS AT THIS MEETING Public Comments:
Approve.
11.2 RESOLUTIONS OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE LA MESA COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Successor Agency FY25-26 Administrative Budget and ROPS.pdf
2. Attachment A - SA Reso 2024-045_Successor Agency Administrative Budget FY25-26.pdf
3. Attachment B - Successor Agency Administrative Budget FY25-26.pdf
4. Attachment C - SA Reso 2024-046_Successor Agency ROPS 25-26.pdf
5. Attachment D - La Mesa Annual ROPS Submission FY25-26.pdf Adopt Resolutions.
a.
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET FOR THE 12-MONTH FISCAL YEAR PERIOD FROM JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2026 (ROPS 25-26 PERIOD) AND APPROVING RELATED ACTIONS Public Comments:
Resolution No. 2024-045 SA
Adopt Resolution.
b.
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE (ROPS 25-26) FOR THE 12-MONTH FISCAL YEAR PERIOD FROM JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2026 AND APPROVING RELATED ACTIONS Public Comments:
Resolution No. 2024-046 SA
Adopt Resolution.
12. STAFF REPORT - CITY COUNCIL
Public Comments:
12.1 CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTING A COUNCILMEMBER AS THE INTERIM SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY POWER REPRESENTATIVE TO TAKE PART IN THE DECEMBER 12, 2024, SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY POWER BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_San Diego Community Power Interim Appointment 2024-12-10.pdf Moved by
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded by
Vice Mayor Dillard
Appoint Councilmember Cazares as the interim representative on the San Diego Community Power Board of Directors to participate in its December 12, 2024, meeting.
Yes (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
13. 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.
14. AB 1234 REPORTS (GC 53232.3 (d))
Public Comments:
There were no reports.
15. CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
Public Comments:
There were no remarks.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m. in honor of Jim Wieboldt, a longtime resident of La Mesa, dedicated volunteer, and community leader.