City Council - March 11, 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 SUZUKI
Public Comments:
1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Public Comments:
2. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
Public Comments:
City Attorney Sabine announced that the Council unanimously authorized the City Manager to proceed with negotiations for the potential sale of the property at 8213 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942.
3. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Public Comments:
Assistant City Manager Lee announced that the La Mesa Bronze Tree sculpture, created in 1983 by local artist Rod Lingren, had been selected for the art exchange with the City of Bar in Montenegro.
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. PRESENTATION
Public Comments:
6.1 PRESENTATION ON EMERGENCY WATER PLANNING BY HELIX WATER DISTRICT Attachments
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Public Comments
1. PowerPoint_Emergency Water Planning 2025-03-11.pdf
Mark Gracyk, Helix Water District Division 3 Director, introduced Brian Olney, General Manager of Helix Water District, who gave a PowerPoint presentation on emergency water planning for extreme fire events, focusing on the district's ability to maintain water supply during wildfires. He explained that fire hydrants might run out of water due to high demand, broken pipes, excessive irrigation, and limited pumping capacity. Mr. Olney stated that the district is prepared with 25 storage tanks, 25 pump stations, and a 75-day water supply in Lake Jennings, as well as access to regional emergency supplies. He highlighted preparedness measures such as backup power for pumping, shared resource agreements with other utilities, interconnections to redistribute water, coordination with local fire protection districts, and rigorous maintenance of valves and hydrants.
Council questions and comments ensued.
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments
mairs ryan
Mayor Arapostathes and Council,
Zoom bombers came online a year ago in February and said bad words during a La Mesa City Council meeting. Absolutely, the words were harsh and unsavory. But the words were provoked. They were clearly in reaction to two invocations delivered by two different members in successive City Council meetings.
The first invocation by Laura Lothian was a nationalist request for support of Israel in the war that started in October of 2023. The second was in support of Palestine delivered by Jack Shu.
So of course the public was going to react! And that came in the form of the zoom bombers who said bad words which scared the council and the public was penalized.
The public has been bringing this issue to the Council for over a year. The public want their right to public zoom comments returned to them.
Meeting after meeting La Mesa constituents have asked for an update on public zoom. And this council has not yet been able to solve the conundrum and I wonder if the city attorney could be/should working on this? What I really wonder is why this council did not seek outside legal help.
Seriously, is this the way this Council solves problems? Silence? Avoidance? More silence? I hope bigger problems don’t come across this Council’s path.
Bring back Public Zoom!
Sincerely,
Mairs Ryan
Wendy Mihalic
Honorable Mayor and Council Members,
I am writing to encourage La Mesa to adopt meaningful campaign finance reforms, including contribution limits, enhanced reporting requirements, and more.
Big money currently holds outsized influence over our politics. Today, public policy is often shaped by the priorities of wealthy donors and special interest groups, not necessarily by the will of the majority of voters.
Because municipal campaigns cost less than state or federal races, the influence of large contributions is even more pronounced at the local level. Recognizing this issue, the state took action several years ago by enacting default campaign contribution limits for local candidates in cities or counties that had not yet established their own. Many municipalities have since gone beyond the state’s minimal limits, tailoring reforms to fit their specific needs.
Recently, Citizens Take Action published a report titled A Report Card on Campaign Finance Laws and Transparency for Cities in San Diego County*. This report evaluates cities based on their contribution limits and transparency in reporting.
According to the report, four out of 18 cities in our county received a grade of D, and La Mesa was one of them. Here's why:
1. La Mesa has not enacted any limits on campaign contributions from individuals or Political Action Committees (PACs).
2. There are no restrictions on campaign contributions from prospective city contractors or developers seeking approval from local officials.
3. There is no designated fundraising window that limits the time during which candidates can raise money. The absence of such limits makes local elections and government more vulnerable to undue influence from large donors.
Their RECOMMENDATIONS include
• Enact campaign contribution limits of $1,000 or less on individuals and $2,000 or less on Political Action Committees (“PACs”). • Enact a prohibition or campaign contribution limits of $500 or less on all city contractors or developers for a minimum of 6 months from the consideration/action by council on the matter. • Enact a fundraising window of one year or less on candidates running for local office. • Post campaign disclosure statements dating back at least four election cycles on the city’s website.
With three seats up for election in 2026, now is the time to enact meaningful campaign finance reforms for La Mesa.
Thank you
*https://citizenstakeaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/San-Diego-Report-Card-100323.pdf Christopher Glenn
The FY2025 House Budget reconciliation process, if enacted, poses a significant threat to vital local safety net programs, potentially destabilizing the well-being of our most vulnerable residents. Specifically, the reconciliation proposes substantial cuts to Medicaid. In La Mesa, this could mean reduced access to healthcare for approximately 200,000 residents in our Congressional District, including children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. For example, the Family Health Centers in our community relies on Medicaid, and the potential impact will diminish their capacity to serve our community. These cuts could force closures of essential facilities and drastically limit critical services.
Furthermore, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) faces stricter eligibility requirements. Based on current data, this could remove an estimated 107,000 residents in our Congressional District from the program, exacerbating food insecurity within our community. This would place an additional burden on local food banks and charitable organizations already stretched thin.
Beyond healthcare and nutrition, cuts to other anti-poverty initiatives threaten the economic stability of low-income families, increasing the risk of homelessness. With state, county, and city budgets already strained, the reduction in federal funding will inevitably shift the responsibility for community care to the City of La Mesa.
This potential shift, coupled with the direct cuts to crucial programs, demands immediate attention. To mitigate these impacts, we urge the City Council to:
#1 Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the potential local impacts of the proposed budget cuts. #2 Explore alternative funding strategies to supplement potential federal losses. #3 Strengthen partnerships with local non-profits and community organizations to address increased needs. #4 Advocate strongly with state and federal representatives to protect vital safety net programs. #5 Gather and publish local data on the number of residents that are affected by programs like Medicaid and SNAP.
While the full effects of the proposed budget reconciliation process remain to be seen, it is clear that La Mesa must prepare for significant challenges. By proactively addressing these potential impacts, we can work together to ensure the well-being of our community's most vulnerable members.
La Mesa Residents:
Christopher Glenn
Wendy Mihalic
Chris Shea
Barbie Wheeler spoke on her concerns about a house on Bellflower Drive.
Brenda Leek spoke about outdoor dining and the Flag Day Parade.
Brenda Hammond shared the history of her hat with pins and emphasized the importance of everyone getting along.
Chris Glenn submitted a comment regarding the impact the Fiscal Year 2025 H ouse Budget reconciliation process would have if enacted.
Wendy Mihalic submitted a comment on campaign finance reform, including campaign finance limits.
Mairs Ryan submitted a comment regarding remote public comment.
8. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
Public Comments:
There were no conflicts of interest disclosed.
9. BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Public Comments:
9.1 RESOLUTION APPOINTING A MEMBER TO FILL A VACANCY ON THE MOBILITY COMMISSION Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_Mobility Commission Appointment 2025-03-11.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution Mobility Commission Appointment 2025-03-11.pdf
3. Attachment B - List of Applicant Mobility Commission_March.pdf Mayor Arapostathis nominated Shaun Sumner for appointment to the Mobility Commission.
Resolution No. 2025-019
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Suzuki
Approve the appointment of Shaun Sumner to the Mobility Commission as the representative with significant experience in climate or environmental issues, and adopt Resolution confirming the appointment.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
10. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
Susan Wayne spoke on Item 11.4.
11. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
(Items 11.1 through 11.9)
*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 11.9).
Councilmember Lothian requested the Director of Community Development give a brief summary of Item 11.6.
Director of Community Development Santos summarized the permit and development activity for the quarter ending December 31, 2024.
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Dillard
Approve Consent Calendar Items 11.1 through 11.9.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (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 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING HELD TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2025 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Feb25_2025.pdf
Approve.
11.3 COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD 2024 ANNUAL REPORT Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Community Police Oversight Board 2024 Annual Report.pdf Receive and file.
11.4 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA MESA AND THE SAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY AND S.P.C.A FOR ANIMAL SHELTER AND FIELD SERVICES Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_3.11.25 Humane Society Amendment.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution approving the first amendment to the agreement with SDHS.pdf
3. Attachment B - First Amendment to the Agreement with SDHS.pdf
4. Attachment C - SDHS FY 2023-2024 Impact Report.pdf
Resolution No. 2025-020
Adopt Resolution.
11.5 2025 BOARD AND COMMISSION WORK PLANS
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_2025 Board and Commission Work Plans 2025-03-11.pdf
2. Attachment A - 2025 Community Relations and Veterans Commission Work Plan.pdf
COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND VETERANS COMMISSION
Approve.
11.6 PERMIT AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY QUARTERLY UPDATE (OCTOBER 2024 - DECEMBER 2024) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo _2024 Fourth Quarter Permit and Development Update.pdf Receive and file.
11.7 RESOLUTION AWARDING RFP 24-06 TO RICK ENGINEERING COMPANY FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE PREPARATION OF PHASE 2 OF THE DOWNTOWN VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN UPDATE Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Rick Engineering Company DVSP Update Phase 2 2025-03-11.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution Rick Engineering Company.pdf
3. Attachment B - CityLaMesa_DowntownVillageSpecificPlan_Scope_PHASE 2_02.07.25.pdf
4. Attachment C - DVSP_Phase 2 Budget_February2025.pdf
Resolution No. 2025-021
Adopt Resolution.
11.8 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO.1 FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE BOULEVARD DRIVE STORM DRAIN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_CCO 1 Construction Management Boulevard Drive Storm Drain 2025-03-11.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution CCO 1 Construction Management Boulevard Drive Storm Drain 2025-03-11.pdf
3. Attachment B - CCO 1 Construction Management Boulevard Drive Storm Drain.pdf
4. Fiscal Certificate - CCO-1 Construction Management Blvd Storm Drain.pdf Resolution No. 2025-022
Adopt Resolution.
11.9 *RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN AMENDMENT TO THE TRANSNET LOCAL STREET IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEARS 2025 THROUGH 2029 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_2025 RTIP Amendment Public Hearing 3-11-2025.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution 2025 RTIP Amendment 2025-03-11.pdf
3. Attachment B - Revised Revenue Forecast.pdf
4. Attachment C - Revised RTIP Program.pdf
Resolution No. 2025-023
Adopt Resolution.
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 invited Councilmember Cazares to adjourn the meeting.
Councilmember Cazares adjourned the meeting at 6:46 p.m. in memory of long-time La Mesa resident Gary Armacost, a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient.