City Council - March 25, 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. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Public Comments:
City Manager Humora announced that Ryan Davila was hired as the Community Cleanup Coordinator, a newly authorized position by the City Council to help make La Mesa beautiful, and that he started on Monday, March 17, 2025.
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 LA MESA ENTREPRENEURSHIP ACCELERATOR PROGRAM (LEAP) PRESENTATION Attachments
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Public Comments
1. PowerPoint_LEAP Update 2025-03-25.pdf
Assistant to the City Manager Dedmon and James Sly, President and CEO of the San Diego East County Economic Development Council, presented a PowerPoint on the LEAP program, which aimed to stimulate local economic growth by reducing commercial vacancies, supporting new business ventures, and creating job opportunities. Funded with $800,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act ("ARPA"), LEAP provided financial grants and structured training to help entrepreneurs establish and sustain brick-and-mortar businesses in La Mesa. The program successfully supported three separate cohorts with modifications being made to keep pace with the changing and often uncertain economic climate. LEAP contributed to the opening of several new small brick-and-mortar businesses and the stability and job retention of a number of existing small brick-and-mortar businesses.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Moved By
Vice Mayor Dillard
Seconded By
Mayor Arapostathis
Direct staff to return to Council within 60 days with a LEAP proposal that is appropriate for today's market conditions, including potential funding sources, cost, and program timeline.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments
Christopher Glenn
Thank you for inviting the Manager of the Helix Water District to discuss "Fire Preparedness" at the March 11th meeting. His presentation provided valuable insights on the necessary measures to prevent the kind of devastation recently witnessed in Los Angeles, affecting 16,000 homes and structures.
My neighbors intend to use their pool water to safeguard their homes, attempting this without training or protective equipment. This approach could result in severe injuries or fatalities. It may be prudent for the City of La Mesa to consider additional measures to prevent such outcomes.
Fire Behavior and Environmental Factors
Climate change is lengthening fire seasons and increasing danger. Effective fuel management can mitigate fire intensity and spread. Brian Olney said more must be done in La Mesa to address the weak links in our defensible open spaces. Where are these high risk areas located and how should they be managed? Response and Suppression
Heartland Fire & Rescue needs agreements and protocols with other agencies for firefighting operations in a disaster, including aerial support from local and State agencies.
Brian Olney said once a home is burning pipes will leak and add to loss of water resources, but did not mention protocols to turn off valves at the structure.
Community Awareness and Action
Public education is vital. Communities need to understand the limitations of fire suppression efforts during extreme events.
Evacuation routes and shelter capacities need to be evaluated and improved to handle large-scale displacements.
Personal evacuation plans and protocols need to be promoted to the community.
Long-term Strategies
Consider fire-resistant construction and retrofitting existing structures as solutions for high-risk areas.
The City of La Mesa can improve its preparedness and prevention measures for disasters by collaborating with other agencies, promoting interagency plans and protocols, and educating the public on the necessary steps to take in preparation for a disaster.
Christopher Glenn submitted a comment on fire preparedness measures.
Jack Shu addressed the importance of the democratic process and the role of public servants.
Gene Carpenter discussed remote public comment procedures when a Councilmember participates via teleconference, the 30-second notification during public comment, and follow-up actions by Councilmembers.
Denise Zellmann shared their positive experience with the La Mesa Police Department during a missing person case.
7. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
Public Comments:
There were no conflicts of interest disclosed.
8. BOARD AND COMMISSION INTERVIEWS
Public Comments:
8.1 INTERVIEW OF APPLICANT FOR THE UNSCHEDULED VACANCY ON THE LA MESA COMMUNITY PARKING COMMISSION Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_Community Parking Commission Interview 2025-03-25.pdf
2. Attachment A_List of Applicant Community Parking Commission_March.pdf City Clerk Wiegelman briefly explained the interview process.
Jacqueline Bougie spoke regarding their qualifications and interest in being appointed to the La Mesa Community Parking Commission.
City Clerk Wiegelman said the appointment would be made at the April 8th City Council meeting.
Following the interview, no action was taken.
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
There were no comments on Consent Calendar items.
10. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
(Items 10.1 through 10.9)
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Cazares
Approve Consent Calendar Items 10.1 through 10.9.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki 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 MEETING HELD TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2025 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - City Council Special Meeting_Mar11_2025.pdf Approve.
10.3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING HELD TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2025 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Mar11_2025 .pdf
Approve.
10.4 RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT TO GROUND LEASE PROPERTY BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA MESA AND LA MESA SENIOR LIVING, L.P. FOR A RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY FOR THE ELDERLY AT 9000 MURRAY DRIVE Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Ground Lease for Residential Care Facility 2025-03-25.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution for Residential Care Facility 2025-03-25.pdf
3. Attachment B - Ground Lease_9000 Murray Drive.pdf
Resolution No. 2025-024
Adopt Resolution.
10.5 ACCEPT THE 2024 ANNUAL REPORT – IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GENERAL PLAN AND HOUSING ELEMENT Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_2024 General Plan Annual Report.pdf
2. Attachment A - 2024 Annual Report, Implementation of the General Plan.pdf Approve.
10.6 RATIFICATION OF DESIGN REVIEW FOR PROJECT NO. 2024-0613 (7959 PARKWAY DRIVE) - REMODEL OF AN EXISTING CARWASH FACILITY AT 7959 PARKWAY DRIVE, APN 464-523-14-00 IN THE C-D (GENERAL COMMERCIAL/URBAN DESIGN OVERLAY) ZONE Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_DRB Ratification 2024-0613 Parkway Drive.pdf
2. Attachment A - Design Review Board Certification of Action for Project 2024-0613.pdf
3. Attachment B - Community Development Director Notice of Decision No. 2025-01.pdf
4. Attachment C - Project Plans.pdf
5. Attachment D - Site Photographs.pdf
Approve.
10.7 RESOLUTION TO AMEND AN AGREEMENT WITH RICK ENGINEERING FOR AS-NEEDED STAFF AUGMENTATION SERVICES TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Amendment to Rick Engineering Company Staff Augmentation 2025-03-25.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution - Amendment to RICK Agreement.pdf
3. Attachment B - Scope of Work.pdf
Resolution No. 2025-025
Adopt Resolution.
10.8 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 FOR THE LA MESA BIKE AND SIDEWALK CONNECTIONS PROJECT TO RICK ENGINEERING FOR TRANSPORTATION DESIGN SERVICES Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Change Order 2 La Mesa Bike and Sidewalk Connections Project 2025-03-25.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Change Order 2 La Mesa Bike and Sidewalk Connections Project 2025-03-25.pdf
3. Attachment B - Contract Change Order 2_La Mesa Bike and Sidekwalk Connections Project.pdf
4. Attachment C - Fiscal Certificate_CO2 La Mesa Bike and Sidewalk Connections Project.pdf Resolution No. 2025-026
Adopt Resolution.
10.9 RESOLUTION AMENDING UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 28 BOUNDARIES IN THE CITY OF LA MESA Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Underground District 28 Boundary Change.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution Amending Boundaries of District 28.pdf
3. Attachment B - Exhibit A Amended UGD 28 Boundary Map Update.pdf Resolution No. 2025-027
Adopt Resolution.
11. STAFF REPORTS
Public Comments:
11.1 CONSIDERATION OF THE 2024 NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT AND 2025 WORK PLAN Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Annual NTMP and Work Plan.pdf
2. Attachment A - 2025 NTMP Matrix Ranking Update.pdf
3. PowerPoint_NTMP Annual Report 2025-03-25.pdf
Engineering Project Manager Kinnard presented a PowerPoint on the 2024 Neighborhood Traffic Management Program ("NTMP") Annual Report and the 2025 Work Plan. The annual report highlighted completed and ongoing projects aimed at improving traffic safety and infrastructure in La Mesa. Engineering Project Manager Kinnard reviewed the 2024 Work Plan accomplishments, which included installing traffic calming measures such as edgelines, speed limit signs and legends, speed humps, and establishing the city's first designated safety corridor along Lemon Avenue, as well as conducting outreach to neighborhoods where future traffic calming elements would be implemented. Looking ahead, the 2025 Work Plan built on these efforts by identifying new priority areas, expanding Assembly Bill 43 safety corridors near public schools, and allocating $750,000 in ARPA funds for Phase 3 improvements.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Cassandra Neel expressed support for approving the 2024 NTMP Annual Report and 2025 Work Plan, emphasizing the need for traffic calming measures on Highwood Avenue.
Jack Shu expressed support for approving the 2024 NTMP Annual Report and 2025 Work Plan, highlighting the challenges of improving traffic safety and infrastructure.
Moved By
Councilmember Cazares
Seconded By
Councilmember Suzuki
Accept the 2024 Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Annual Report, including the ranked list of streets requesting traffic calming and the 2025 Work Plan.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
11.2 CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AWARDING REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) 25-10 TO HMC GROUP TO PREPARE A NEW BUILDING SPACE NEEDS ANALYSIS TO HOUSE CITY HALL AND A POST OFFICE TO ALLOW EXPANSION OF THE LIBRARY Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Resolution to Award RFP 25-10 for a City Hall Space Needs Analysis to HMC Group.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_RFP 25-10_City Hall Space Needs Analysis_2025-03-25.pdf
3. Attachment B - HMC Architects_Agreement_City Hall Space Needs Analysis.pdf
4. Fiscal Impact Certificate_City Hall Space Needs Analysis.pdf
5. PowerPoint_City Hall Space Needs Analysis RFP 2025-03-25.pdf Kasey Zahner
I urge the city council to support efforts to create a new space for City Hall and the Post Office. This would also benefit our La Mesa Library. They do an amazing job with books and programming in the space they have, but they could be even more of an asset to our community with more space for books, events, and quiet space to read and study. It is one of the busiest libraries in San Diego County! Christopher Glenn
On Friday, the "Department of Government Efficiency" team visited the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which funds libraries and museums nationwide. Following Trump's executive order to eliminate it, they sent employees home, appointed a new acting director, and canceled contracts and grants.
This executive order listing the Institute of Museum and Library Services as unnecessary will cut essential library funding. While most funding comes from state and local sources, federal dollars support interlibrary loans, research databases, and programs for people with disabilities. They also finance services like professional development, computer labs, and training for librarians. Programs for seniors, veterans, families, and summer reading initiatives may be reduced or eliminated.
The IMLS is the primary federal funding source for libraries and museums, distributing $266.7 million in grants in 2024 alone. Its elimination would diminish the capacity for communities to have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse heritage.
The IMLS, the main federal funding source for libraries and museums, granted $266.7 million in 2024. Eliminating it would reduce communities' access to museums and libraries, limiting opportunities to learn from their trusted information and stories about our diverse heritage.
Bonnie Baranoff
Dear City Council,
I fully support that you adopt a resolution awarding RFP 25-10 to HMC Group to prepare a new building Space Needs Analysis to house City Hall and a Post Office to allow expansion of the library. Library expansion is critical and will fulfill the unresolved promise made to residents almost 20 years ago to build a 20,000 sf facility.
Thank you!
City Manager Humora gave a PowerPoint presentation on the purpose of a space needs analysis for a proposed new building to house City Hall and the Post Office, while allowing for the expansion of the library. He provided background on the Library Task Force's recommendations and the City Council’s prior decision to pursue a horizontal expansion, which was later deemed unfeasible due to space constraints. He explained that the analysis would determine the required square footage for City Hall and the Post Office, and once the size of that building was determined, the remaining Civic Center space could be programmed for other uses such as multi-family housing, office space, and parking. City Manager Humora stated that the proposed scope of work included assessing the existing City Hall space, conducting departmental surveys, developing space programs, creating conceptual site plans, identifying parking and site amenities, estimating costs, and preparing a preliminary schedule. The analysis was expected to take three months to complete, with a report to be presented to the City Council. The Civic Center Master Plan Subcommittee, made up of Mayor Arapostathis and Councilmember Suzuki, reviewed the project and recommended its approval.
The following members of the public spoke or submitted a comment in support of awarding RFP 25-10 to HMC Group to prepare a new building space needs analysis to house City Hall and a post office to allow expansion of the library:
Kasey Zahner
Bonnie Baranoff
Jack Shu
Leslie Stump
Deborah Cooke
John Schmitz
Brenda Hammond mentioned a potential location that could accommodate a two-story library and a performance space.
Gene Carpenter spoke about the history of the La Mesa Library.
Christopher Glenn submitted a comment on the elimination of federal library and museum funding.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Resolution No. 2025-028
Moved By
Councilmember Suzuki
Seconded By
Mayor Arapostathis
Adopt Resolution.
For (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Against (1)
Councilmember Lothian
Approved (4 to 1)
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 7:36 p.m.