City Council - April 22, 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, with the exception of the proclamation declaring May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month, which was presented before the 2025 City of La Mesa Community Opinion Survey.
Mayor Arapostathis called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
1.1 INVOCATION - COUNCILMEMBER CAZARES
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. PRESENTATIONS
Public Comments:
5.1 2025 CITY OF LA MESA COMMUNITY OPINION SURVEY
Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Memo_2025 City of La Mesa Community Opinion Survey.pdf
2. Attachment A - La Mesa Community Opinion Survey Report.pdf
3. PowerPoint_2025 Community Opinion Survey.pdf
Assistant to the City Manager Dedmon summarized the history of the Community Opinion Survey and introduced Dr. Timothy McLarney, President of True North Research, who presented the findings of the 2025 Community Opinion Survey. The survey utilized a stratified random sample of 1,110 adult residents, with a margin of error of ±2.9%, and reflected demographic alignment with census data. Key findings highlighted high satisfaction with overall quality of life and city services, with significant improvements in 23 performance areas and no declines. Priority areas for improvement include addressing homelessness, affordable housing, street maintenance, walkability, and neighborhood police patrols.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Jack Shu shared his comments and perspectives on the survey results.
5.2 PRESENTATION ON THE PLANNING PHASE OF THE LA MESA BIKE AND SIDEWALK CONNECTIONS PROJECT Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report_La Mesa Bike and Sidewalk Planning Phase 2025-04-22.pdf
2. PowerPoint_La Mesa Bike and Sidewalk Connections Planning Phase 2025-04-22.pdf Engineering Project Manager Cubberley presented an update on the La Mesa Bike and Sidewalk Connections Planning Study. The $180,000 grant-funded project focuses on identifying and planning improvements to close gaps in the city’s bike and pedestrian networks, aligning with the City's Climate Action Plan, Vision Zero, and other strategic goals. Seven project locations were evaluated, with recommended alternatives identified through concept planning and community outreach. Next steps include finalizing a prioritized list of projects and identifying potential grant opportunities for future design and construction phases.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Jack Shu spoke in support of the La Mesa Bike and Sidewalk Connections projects and inquired about potential funding sources to advance the proposed improvements.
Dianne Osterling recommended that the City avoid financial commitments reliant on government subsidies and shared her comments on the Community Opinion Survey results.
5.3 PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF APRIL AS VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION MONTH Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis read and presented the proclamation proclaiming the month of April as Volunteer Appreciation Month to Police Chief Sweeney, and Retired Senior Patrol Volunteers Mike Boatright, Neil Butler, and Paul Hitchcock.
5.4 PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MAY AS WATER SAFETY MONTH
Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis read the proclamation proclaiming the month of May as Water Safety Month.
5.5 PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MAY AS BIKE MONTH
Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis read and presented the proclamation proclaiming the month of May as Bike Month to Environmental Sustainability Manager Ego.
5.6 PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MAY 2025 AS JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH Public Comments:
Councilmember Cazares read and presented the proclamation declaring May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month to Andrea Beth Damsky. Ms. Damsky expressed her gratitude to the City Council for recognizing and honoring Jewish American heritage with the proclamation.
Robert Hicks, Associate Regional Director for the Anti-Defamation League San Diego, thanked the City Council for recognizing and celebrating the Jewish community.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments:
James Hardin expressed interest in replacing invasive plants in a small section of a La Mesa park with native species, offered to submit a proposal detailing the benefits, and stated he had all the necessary resources to complete the project without using City resources and was requesting permission to proceed.
7. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
Public Comments:
There were no conflicts of interest disclosed.
8. BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Public Comments:
8.1 RESOLUTION APPOINTING A MEMBER TO FILL THE VACANCY ON THE MOBILITY COMMISSION Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Memo - Mobility Commission Appointment 2025-04-22.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution Mobility Commission Appointment 2025-04-22.pdf
3. Attachment B_List of Applicants Mobility Commission_April.pdf Mayor Arapostathis nominated Philip Cavallo for appointment to the Mobility Commission.
Resolution No. 2025-033
Moved by
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded by
Councilmember Cazares
Approve the appointment of Philip Cavello to the Mobility Commission, and adopt the Resolution confirming the appointment.
Yes (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Absent (1)
Vice Mayor Dillard
Approved (4 to 0)
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
Jack Shu spoke on Item 10.3 and 10.6.
Dianne Osterling spoke on Items 10.3, 10.6, 10.7, 11.1, and 11.2 AJ Estrada spoke on Item 10.4.
Susan Richardson submitted a comment on Item 10.6.
10. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
(Items 10.1 through 10.7)
*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 (Items 10.6 and 10.7).
Moved by
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded by
Councilmember Suzuki
Approve Consent Calendar Items 10.1 through 10.7.
Yes (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Absent (1)
Vice Mayor Dillard
Approved (4 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, APRIL 8, 2025 Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Apr08_2025.pdf
Approve.
10.3 SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS ("SANDAG") SMART GROWTH INCENTIVE PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Grant Application for Downtown Village Specific Plan Update 2025-04-22.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution Grant Application for Downtown Village Specific Plan Update 2025-04-22 .pdf RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE SANDAG SMART GROWTH INCENTIVE PROGRAM TO FUND PHASE 2 OF THE DOWNTOWN VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN UPDATE, AND IF AWARDED, ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE PROJECT Resolution No. 2025-034
Adopt Resolution.
10.4 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE 2023 PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT (“PLA”) BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA MESA AND THE SAN DIEGO BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL AND SIGNATORY CRAFT UNIONS (“TRADES COUNCIL AND UNIONS”) Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report_First Amendment to PLA 2025-04-22.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_ Amendment 01 to Project Labor Agreement 2025-04-22.pdf
3. Attachment B - Exhibit A La Mesa PLA First Amend Restate 2025-04-22 Draft A.pdf Resolution No. 2025-035
Adopt Resolution.
10.5 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 5 FOR THE BOULEVARD DRIVE STORM DRAIN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT BID NO. 24-16, TO SC VALLEY ENGINEERING, INC.
Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report_CCO5 SC Valley Engineering Boulevard Drive Storm Drain 2025-04-25.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution CCO5 SC Valley Engineering Boulevard Drive 2025-04-22 Storm Drain.pdf
3. Attachment B - CCO 5 to SC Valley Engineering.pdf
4. Fiscal Certificate CCO-5 Bid 24-16.pdf
Resolution No. 2025-036
Adopt Resolution.
10.6 *QUIMBY ACT PARKLAND DEDICATION IN-LIEU FEE AND PARK ACQUISITION AND IMPROVEMENT IMPACT FEE Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Park Impact Fees 2025-04-25.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution Approving Park Impact Fees 2025-04-22.pdf Susan Richardson
I am in support of appropriating $205,338 for park improvement projects, but respectfully urge Council to update the existing Park Impact Fees.
In 2021, Council directed staff to initiate a study of the City's park development impact fees. On April 26, 2022, staff presented item 13.1 CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION REVISING THE QUIMBY ACT PARKLAND DEDICATION IN-LIEU FEE AND PARK ACQUISITION AND IMPROVEMENT IMPACT FEE BASED ON THE FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS OF THE PARK DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE UPDATE STUDY (2022 STUDY). https://pub-lamesa.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=5c644bc9-7980-4b5f-b096-47363bb340ed&Agenda=PostMinutes&lang=English&Item=64&Tab=attachments The Study showed that the park development impact fees had not been updated since their adoption in 2005 and never included an annual escalator for inflation. At that time, La Mesa had the third lowest park fees in the County. The Study noted that even at 2.2 acres/1,000 population (City standard is 3 acres/1,000) the City was deficient over 11.9 acres of park land equating to over $10 million dollars in new park development for the estimated population growth to 66,499 in 2035.
The Study recommended a phased-in implementation of new fees over a 5-year period, which would at that time have put the City in a 4-year catch up mode to get to the desired 2022 rates by 2026.
Based on feedback from the Community Services Commission (April 13, 2022 meeting), Council directed staff to return with an adjusted fee based on square footage in consideration of small units being built instead of a flat per unit fee for single and multi-family developments and to exempt deed restricted affordable units.
On June 14, 2022, staff presented item 13.1 RESOLUTION REVISING THE QUIMBY ACT PARKLAND DEDICATION IN-LIEU FEE AND PARK ACQUISITION AND IMPROVEMENT IMPACT FEE BASED ON THE FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS OF THE PARK DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE UPDATE STUDY (2022 STUDY) with updated fees. The item was rejected in a 3-2 vote and the 2005 fees have remained, resulting in park fees 20-years behind the cost of living and construction costs. https://pub-lamesa.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=f471d2ca-6f11-4b13-bc08-a8cb49c0603f&Agenda=PostMinutes&lang=English&Item=39&Tab=attachments With State and Federal grants becoming more competitive and private fundraising an ongoing challenge, it is imperative to raise the Park Improvement Impact Fee/and Quimby Act Parkland Dedication In-Lieu Fee to include an annual Construction Cost Index to keep up with inflation as necessary make a dent in the amount of park needs for the growing La Mesa community. $205,000, doesn’t go very far to meet the goals for park acquisition in areas that are under served, make improvements to existing parks such as the renovation of La Mesita Skate Park, or develop projects in the Recreation and Park Master Plan, MacArthur Park Master Plan or the park at Waite Drive.
I urge Council to direct staff to update the Park Development Impact Fee Study and implement an updated fee schedule for your approval.
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FINDINGS FOR THE QUIMBY ACT PARKLAND DEDICATION IN-LIEU FEE AND PARK ACQUISITION AND IMPROVEMENT IMPACT FEE AS REQUIRED BY CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 66000 ET SEQ. AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR PROJECTS AS OUTLINED IN THE PARKS MASTER PLAN Moved by
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded by
Councilmember Suzuki
Close the hearing.
Yes (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Absent (1)
Vice Mayor Dillard
Approved (4 to 0)
Resolution No. 2025-037
Adopt Resolution.
10.7 *SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS ("SANDAG") ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT TO THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION CONGESTION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM ("RTCIP") DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report - SANDAG Annual adjustment to the RTCIP Fee 2025-04-22.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution FY26 RTCIP Fee 2025-04-22.pdf RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE SANDAG ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT TO THE RTCIP DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF SANDAG COMMISSION ORDINANCE 04-01 AND TRANSNET EXTENSION ORDINANCE AND EXPENDITURE PLAN Resolution No. 2025-038
Adopt Resolution.
11. CONSENT CALENDAR - CITY COUNCIL AND PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY Public Comments:
(Items 11.1 through 11.2)
Moved by
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded by
Councilmember Cazares
Approve Consent Calendar Items 11.1 through 11.2.
Yes (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Absent (1)
Vice Mayor Dillard
Approved (4 to 0)
11.1 ACCEPTANCE OF THE SINGLE AUDIT OF FEDERALLY ASSISTED GRANT PROGRAMS FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2023 Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Memo_FY 2023 Single Audit 2025-04-22.pdf
2. Attachment A - FY 2023 Single Audit 2025-04-22.pdf
Approve.
11.2 ACCEPTANCE OF BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT FOR THE CITY OF LA MESA FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2023 Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Memo_FY 2023 City Audit 2025-04-22.pdf
2. Attachment A - FY 2023 Audit Report 2025-04-22.pdf
Approve.
12. ORDINANCE: FIRST READING
Public Comments:
12.1 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA ADOPTING A FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES MAP AS REQUIRED BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report_First Reading of Ordinance for Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map 2022-04-22.pdf
2. Attachment A - Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map_La Mesa 2025 Update.pdf
3. Attachment B - Ordinance-Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map.pdf
4. PowerPoint_La Mesa Fire Hazard Severity Zones 2025-04-22.pdf Christopher R Glenn
What can be learned by the recent fire disasters in California and how can a similar disaster be avoided in our community? The key elements of the Fire Hazard Severity Zone Model consider wildland interface with developed space and terrain. Embers spread fire in high winds to ignite vegetation, roofs, attics and decks. What appears to be overlooked in the updated fire map is the ability of firefighters to access areas restricted by narrow roadways and the number of residents living along them attempting to escape.
Should we not recognize the challenges that firefighters will have in La Mesa and nearby during a high wind event, like the one in Berkley or Los Angeles? It seems prudent for the City of La Mesa to consider additional measures needed to prevent a similar disaster.
Effective fuel management can mitigate fire intensity and spread. 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? The hillsides and canyons in and around La Mesa present risks but are not mentioned in the FHSZ maps.
Heartland Fire & Rescue also needs agreements and protocols with other agencies for firefighting operations in a disaster, including aerial support from local and State agencies. These agencies also need written protocols to turn off water valves at burning structures beyond rescue. Absent these protocols water pressure and availability will diminish rapidly.
Public education is vital. Communities need to understand the limitations of fire suppression efforts during extreme events. Evacuation warnings and escape routes need refinement. Personal evacuation plans and protocols need to be promoted to the community.
The City of La Mesa can improve its preparedness and prevention measures for disasters by collaborating with other government agencies, promoting interagency plans/protocols, and educating the public on the necessary steps to take in preparation for a disaster.
Fire Chief Koch introduced Fire Marshal Ken King who provided a presentation on the updated Fire Hazard Severity Zones ("FHSZ"), a state-mandated effort by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection ("CAL FIRE") to inform the public of wildfire risk areas. The updated maps classify land into three zones—Moderate, High, and Very High—based on factors such as vegetation, terrain, fire history, and weather conditions. These classifications help guide building codes, property development standards, and defensible space requirements in the Wildland-Urban Interface. Fire Marshal King provided an overview of the updated FHSZ maps and their implications for the City of La Mesa.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Dianne Osterling encouraged all residents to take proactive steps to help mitigate fire risks.
Christopher Glenn submitted a comment about wildfire preparedness and urged the City to strengthen fire prevention, emergency access, and evacuation planning.
Moved by
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded by
Councilmember Cazares
Approve the introduction and first reading of the Ordinance.
Yes (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Absent (1)
Vice Mayor Dillard
Approved (4 to 0)
13. STAFF REPORT
Public Comments:
13.1 REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO INITIATE THE NOTIFICATION PROCESS REQUIRED BY PROPOSITION 218 AND SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING FOR A PROPOSED INCREASE IN EDCO WASTE RATES TO BE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025 Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Prop 218 and Schedule a Public Hearing for EDCO Waste Rates 2025-04-22.pdf
2. Attachment A - Prop 218 Notice FY26-27 DRAFT.pdf
3. Attachment B - SD County Rates 2025 DRAFT.pdf
4. PowerPoint_Prop 218 EDCO Waste Rates Notification 2025-04-22.pdf Environmental Sustainability Manager Ego explained the Proposition 218 notification process and timeline and discussed the rate proposal from EDCO.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Aaron Landau highlighted the high quality of EDCO’s services and provided an explanation of the proposed rate increase.
Moved by
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded by
Councilmember Cazares
Authorize staff to initiate the notification process required by Proposition 218 and schedule a public hearing for a proposed increase in EDCO waste rates to be effective July 1, 2025.
Yes (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Absent (1)
Vice Mayor Dillard
Approved (4 to 0)
14. 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.
15. AB 1234 REPORTS (GC 53232.3 (d))
Public Comments:
There were no reports.
16. CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
Public Comments:
There were no remarks.
17. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis adjourned the meeting at 7:48 p.m.