City Council - January 14, 2025
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 LOTHIAN
Public Comments:
1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Public Comments:
2. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Public Comments:
City Manager Humora introduced Deputy Fire Chief Nelson who provided an update on the weather, wildfire risk, and emergency preparedness.
Following Council questions and comments, no action was taken.
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. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments:
Gene Carpenter shared his positive experience with a City staff member and discussed the importance of regulations.
Barbie Wheeler spoke on her concerns about a house on Bellflower Drive.
Brenda Hammond emphasized the importance of staying focused while driving and highlighted the problem of vandalism.
Dianne Osterling expressed her support for the Fire Department.
Janet Farala, Field Representative for California Assembly District 79, discussed the efforts of Assemblymember Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins.
6. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
Public Comments:
There were no conflicts of interest disclosed.
7. BOARD AND COMMISSION INTERVIEWS
Public Comments:
7.1 ANNUAL INTERVIEW OF APPLICANTS FOR OPENINGS ON THE CITY’S COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_2025 CPOB Annual Interview.pdf
2. Attachment A - 2025 Applicant Matrix_CPOB.pdf
City Clerk Wiegelman briefly explained the interview process and noted that Christian DeMent, John Fonseca, and Brianna Coston were unable to attend the meeting due to prior commitments but wished to be considered for reappointment to the Community Police Oversight Board ("CPOB").
The following applicants spoke regarding their qualifications and interest in being appointed or reappointed to the CPOB:
Janet Castanos
Susan Wayne
Clifton Ewbank
City Clerk Wiegelman said the appointments would be made at a future City Council meeting.
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
Bonnie Baranoff submitted a comment on Item 9.6.
Dianne Osterling spoke on Items 9.3, 9.5, and 9.7.
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
(Items 9.1 through 9.8)
Councilmember Lothian made comments and asked questions about Item 9.6.
Chief Sweeney responded to Councilmember Lothian's questions regarding Item 9.6.
Councilmember Dillard made comments on Item 9.6.
Councilmember Cazares made comments on Item 9.4.
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Dillard
Approve Consent Calendar Items 9.1 through 9.8.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 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 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING HELD TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2024 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CC and SA_Dec10_2024.pdf
Approve.
9.3 APPROVAL OF THE 2025 LIST OF PROCLAMATIONS
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_2025 List of Proclamations.pdf
2. Attachment A_2024 List of Proclamations.pdf
Approve.
9.4 RESOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTING EXTENSION OF LOCAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX (MEASURE L) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_Resolutions Implementing Extension of Measure L 2025-01-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution to Execute Agreements.pdf
3. Attachment B - Resolution For Examination of Confidential Records.pdf Adopt Resolutions.
a.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, OR DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS WITH THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TAX AND FEE ADMINISTRATION FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A LOCAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX Public Comments:
Resolution No. 2025-001
Adopt Resolution.
b.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXAMINATION OF SALES OR TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAXES RECORDS Public Comments:
Resolution No. 2025-002
Adopt Resolution.
9.5 RESOLUTIONS AMENDING FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 COMPENSATION PLAN TO REFLECT THE NEW STATE MINIMUM WAGE AND THE ADDITION OF A FIRE RECRUIT CLASSIFICATION Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Compensation Plan Update_Minimum Wage and Fire Recruit Classification.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution Compensation Plan_Fire Recruit Classification.pdf
3. Exhibit A to Attachment A_01-14-25 Fire Recruit Classification_FY 24-25 Compensation Plan.pdf
4. Attachment B - Resolution Compensation Plan_Minimum Wage.pdf
5. Exhibit A to Attachment B _ 01-14-25 Minimum Wage_FY 24-25 Compensation Plan.pdf Adopt Resolutions.
a.
RESOLUTION APPROVING SALARY ADJUSTMENTS TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 COMPENSATION PLAN TO REFLECT THE CREATION OF A FIRE RECRUIT CLASSIFICATION Public Comments:
Resolution No. 2025-003
Adopt Resolution.
b.
RESOLUTION APPROVING SALARY ADJUSTMENTS TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 COMPENSATION PLAN TO REFLECT THE NEW MINIMUM WAGE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2025 Public Comments:
Resolution No. 2025-004
Adopt Resolution.
9.6 HOMELESS OUTREACH AND MOBILE ENGAGEMENT ("HOME") PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT (JULY 2024 - SEPTEMBER 2024) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. HOME 3rd Quarter 2024.pdf
2. HOME 2024 3rd Quarter Report (FINAL).pdf
Bonnie Baranoff
Thank you for your service, and the positive impact you make in our community! The HOME Team is doing great work.
Approve.
9.7 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 4 FOR THE BOULEVARD DRIVE STORM DRAIN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, BID 24-16, TO SC VALLEY ENGINEERING, INC.
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Contract Change Order 4 Boulevard Drive Storm Drain 2025-1-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution Contract Change Order 4 Bid 24-16 .pdf
3. Attachment B - Contract Change Order 4 Bid 24-16.pdf
4. Fiscal Certificate - CCO-4 Bid 24-16.pdf
Resolution No. 2025-005
Adopt Resolution.
9.8 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 FOR THE 2023 ANNUAL RESURFACING PROJECT, BID 24-05, TO QUALITY CONSTRUCTION, INC.
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report _Contract Change Order No.2_2023 Annual Resurfacing Project 2025-01-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution Bid 24-05 Contract Change Order 2.pdf
3. Attachment B - Contract Change Order 2 Bid 24-05.pdf
4. Attachment C - Street Map and List.pdf
5. Fiscal Certificate - CCO-2 Bid 24-05.pdf
Resolution No. 2025-006
Adopt Resolution.
10. STAFF REPORT
Public Comments:
10.1 CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTING AND/OR REAPPOINTING COUNCILMEMBERS TO OUTSIDE BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES, AND TO THE COUNCIL AD HOC AND STANDING SUBCOMMITTEES Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_2025 Appointments to Outside Boards and Committees.pdf
2. Attachment A - Council Appointments to Outside Boards.2024.pdf
3. Attachment B - Council Appointments to Standing and Ad Hoc Committees.2024.pdf Mayor Arapostathis explained the appointment process for the outside boards, commissions, and committees, and the Council Ad Hoc and Standing Subcommittees.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Dianne Osterling commented on the City's representative on the Metro Wastewater Joint Powers Authority and the status of the City Council Public Comment Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Cazares
(1) Appoint: (a) Vice Mayor Dillard and Councilmember Cazares to the Animal Welfare Standing Subcommittee; (b) Mayor Arapostathis and Councilmember Suzuki to the Audit Standing Subcommittee; (c) Vice Mayor Dillard and Councilmember Lothian to the Development Approvals Council Liaison Standing Subcommittee; (d) Vice Mayor Dillard and Councilmember Lothian to the Downtown Events Standing Subcommittee; (e) Vice Mayor Dillard and Councilmember Suzuki to the Future of MacArthur Park Standing Subcommittee; (f) Mayor Arapostathis and Councilmember Cazares to the Citizen Emergency Preparedness Ad Hoc Subcommittee; (g) Mayor Arapostathis and Councilmember Suzuki to the Civic Center Master Plan Ad Hoc Subcommittee; (h) Councilmember Cazares and Councilmember Lothian to the Review of the Design Review Board Ad Hoc Subcommittee; and (i) Vice Mayor Dillard and Councilmember Lothian to the Single Use Plastics Ordinance Ad Hoc Subcommittee; (2) Appoint: (a) Councilmember Lothian as the primary representative on the East County Economic Development Council; (b) Councilmember Suzuki as the primary representative on the Harry Griffen Park Joint Powers Agreement Governing Board; (c) Vice Mayor Dillard as the primary representative and Councilmember Cazares as the alternate representative on the Heartland Communications Facility Authority; (d) Vice Mayor Dillard as the primary representative and Councilmember Cazares as the alternate representative on the Heartland Fire Training Facility Authority; (e) Mayor Arapostathis as the primary representative and Councilmember Lothian as the alternate representative on the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District/City of La Mesa Joint Steering Committee; (f) Councilmember Lothian as the primary representative on the League of California Cities San Diego County Division; (g) William Baber as the primary representative and Councilmember Cazares as the alternate representative on the Metro Wastewater Joint Powers Authority; (h) Vice Mayor Dillard as the primary representative and Mayor Arapostathis as the alternate representative on the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System ("MTS") Board of Directors; (i) Councilmember Suzuki as the primary representative on the Mission Trails Regional Task Force; (j) Jessi Brown as the primary representative and Parker Ross as the alternate representative on the Mission Trails Regional Park Citizens' Advisory Committee; (k) Mayor Arapostathis as the Council liaison to the Regional Task Force on Homelessness ("RTFH") Continuum of Care ("CoC") Advisory Board; (l) Mayor Arapostathis as the primary representative, Councilmember Cazares as the first alternate representative, and Councilmember Lothian as the second alternate representative on the San Diego Association of Governments ("SANDAG") Board of Directors; (m) Councilmember Suzuki as the primary representative and Councilmember Cazares as the alternate representative on the San Diego Community Power Board of Directors; and (n) Vice Mayor Dillard as the primary representative on the Sweetwater River Watershed Advisory Panel; (3) Establish a Public Art Standing Subcommittee, made up of Vice Mayor Dillard and Councilmember Lothian, to complement and enhance the important work already being done by the Arts and Culture Commission. This subcommittee would serve as a guiding body, providing additional support and direction to the Commission while identifying opportunities for new public art projects and initiatives. It would also develop strategic recommendations for funding, partnerships, and policies to ensure alignment between the Commission's efforts and the Council’s broader goals for public art and cultural enrichment; (4) Establish a Development Permit Process Improvement Standing Subcommittee, made up of Councilmember Cazares and Councilmember Lothian, to review the permit process and identify ways to streamline it; and (5) Establish a Council Initiated Item Policy Ad Hoc Subcommittee, made up of Mayor Arapostathis and Vice Mayor Dillard, to review the process for adding Council initiated items to the Council agenda.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
11. ORDINANCE: FIRST READING
Public Comments:
11.1 CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA ADDING SECTION 14.04.020 TO THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE ("LMMC") TO CLARIFY THE PREEMPTION OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, ADOPTED BY REFERENCE IN CHAPTER 14.04 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_Ordinance Adding LMMC Section 14.04.020 .pdf
2. Attachment A_Draft Ordinance Adding LMMC Section 14.04.020.pdf Dianne Osterling commented on housing policies and environmental laws.
City Attorney Sabine read the title of the Ordinance.
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Dillard
Approve the introduction and first reading of the Ordinance.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki 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.
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:
Mayor Arapostathis adjourned the meeting at 7:10 p.m. in honor of Ricki McBurney, a longtime resident of La Mesa, dedicated volunteer, and the honorary 'Mayor' of Mission Bell Lane.