City Council - June 10, 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:
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 PROCLAIMING JUNE 19TH AS JUNETEENTH NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY Public Comments:
Vice Mayor Dillard read the proclamation declaring June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments:
Elliot Gonzalez spoke regarding undocumented immigrants and immigration laws.
Ted Childers spoke about fire hazard concerns and the presence of homeless encampments in the Tungsten Canyon area.
Grant Affleck spoke about the efforts of the Trauma Intervention Program ("TIP") of San Diego County.
Barbie Wheeler spoke about ongoing issues involving a house on Bellflower Drive.
Cassandra Koldewyn announced the La Mesa Library’s summer programs and events.
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 AN UNSCHEDULED VACANCY ON THE COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_CPOB Interview Police Beat 4 Vacancy 2025-06-10.pdf
2. Attachment A_Applicant List CPOB_June.pdf
City Clerk Wiegelman briefly explained the interview process.
Todd McCully spoke regarding their qualifications and interest in being appointed to the Community Police Oversight Board.
City Clerk Wiegelman said the appointment would be made at a future City Council meeting.
Following the interview, no action was taken.
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
Christopher Glenn submitted a comment on Item 10.6.
10. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
(Items 10.1 through 10.13)
Moved by
Councilmember Cazares
Seconded by
Mayor Arapostathis
Approve Consent Calendar Items 10.1 through 10.13.
Yes (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 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2024 STATE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM GRANT OF $30,264 FOR TERRORISM PREPAREDNESS Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_FY 2024 State Homeland Security Grant Program Funds 2025-06-10.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution-FY 2024 State Homeland Security Grant Program.pdf
3. Attachment B - FY24 SHSGP Notification of Award with Attachments.pdf Resolution No. 2025-054
Adopt Resolution.
10.3 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2024 STATE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM - URBAN AREA SECURITY INITIATIVE GRANT OF $36,347 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_FY 2024 State Homeland Security Grant Program-Urban Area Security Initiative Grant.pdf
2. Attachment A -Resolution - FY 2024 UASI.pdf
3. Attachment B - FY 2024 UASI Notification of Award.pdf Resolution No. 2025-055
Adopt Resolution.
10.4 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF ULTRASONIC PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT CLEANER GRANT AWARD FROM THE SAN DIEGO REGIONAL FIRE FOUNDATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,477.58 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Ultrasonic Cleaning System Grant Award 2025-06-10.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution-Fire Foundation Grant.pdf
3. Attachment B - Fire Foundation Award Letter - LM.pdf
4. Attachment C - Ultrasonic PPE Cleaner Quote.pdf
Resolution No. 2025-056
Adopt Resolution.
10.5 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE LEASE AGREEMENT WITH AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE FOR THE USE OF FIRE STATION 11 TO EXTEND THE AGREEMENT AND UPDATE THE RENEWAL DATES AND AMOUNT OF THE ANNUAL INCREASE Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Second Amendment to American Medical Response Lease Agreement - Fire Station 11 .pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_AMR Lease Agreement_2nd Amendment 2025-06-10.pdf
3. Attachment B - AMR_La Mesa Lease Agrmt Sta.11 2nd Amendment.pdf Resolution No. 2025-057
Adopt Resolution.
10.6 RESOLUTION TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO DUDEK FOR CLEARING AND REMOVING OF VEGETATION IN THE EASTRIDGE OPEN SPACE EASEMENT Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Eastridge Open Space Easement Vegetation Removal Contract to Dudek 2025-06-10.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Waive Competitive Bidding_Eastridge Property Clearing with Dudek.pdf
3. Attachment B - 3-26-25_Dudek Proposal for Fuel Mod Services at Eastridge Property.pdf
4. Attachment C - Agreement_Dudek_Vegetation Clearing Removal_Eastridge Property_FINAL.pdf Christopher Glenn
Thank you for prioritizing the safety of our residents following the recent fire disasters in California. The privately owned Eastridge open space easement property poses a significant fire risk to neighboring properties and nearby communities. Clearing debris, invasive vegetation, and homeless encampments from the area will greatly reduce this threat. The recently updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone Model highlights the importance of considering the wildland interface with developed areas and terrain.
We must not overlook the challenges firefighters face in areas with narrow roadways, especially when many residents are attempting to evacuate during a wildfire. A high wind event, like those experienced in Berkeley or Los Angeles, will challenge our community. Embers carried by high winds can ignite vegetation, roofs, attics, and decks. Effective fuel management will mitigate fire intensity and spread.
Heartland Fire & Rescue also requires agreements and protocols with other agencies for firefighting operations during disasters, including aerial support from local and state agencies. These agencies need written protocols to shut off water valves at burning structures that are beyond rescue. Without these protocols, water pressure and availability will rapidly diminish.
Public education is vital; communities must understand the limitations of fire suppression efforts during extreme events. Evacuation warnings and escape routes require refinement. Personal evacuation plans and protocols should be actively promoted within the community.
The City of La Mesa can enhance its disaster preparedness and prevention measures by collaborating with other government agencies, promoting interagency plans and protocols, and educating the public on necessary preparatory steps.
Resolution No. 2025-058
Adopt Resolution.
10.7 RESOLUTION ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 FUNDED BY SENATE BILL 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Proposed List of Projects for FY 2025-2026 Funded by SB 1.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_List of Projects for FY 2025-2026 SB 1 Road Repair.pdf Resolution No. 2025-059
Adopt Resolution.
10.8 RESOLUTION AWARDING A TASK ORDER TO HARRIS AND ASSOCIATES FOR WASTEWATER UTILITY BILLING, ANNUAL ADMINISTRATION AND RELATED SERVICES Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Task Order To Harris and Associates for Wastewater Utility Billing 2025-06-10.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution Awarding Task Order for Wastewater Utility Billing 2025-06-10.pdf
3. Attachment B - Harris and Associates Proposal 2025-26.pdf
4. Fiscal Certificate_Task Order to Harris and Associates.pdf Resolution No. 2025-060
Adopt Resolution.
10.9 RESOLUTION AWARDING A TASK ORDER TO SNIPES-DYE ASSOCIATES FOR ROADWAY AND SITE DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE EL PASO STREET/HIGHWOOD AVENUE NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAM PROJECT Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Task Order to Snipes-Dye for NTMP Roadway and Site Design Services 2025-06-10.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution Awarding a Task Order to Snipes-Dye for NTMP Roadway and Site Design Services.pdf
3. Attachment B – Snipes-Dye Associates La Mesa Traffic Calming Proposal.pdf
4. Attachment C - City of La Mesa NTMP 2025 - Design Requests.pdf
5. Fiscal Certificate_Snipes-Dye Associates Task Order.pdf Resolution No. 2025-061
Adopt Resolution.
10.10 RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT FOR STREET SWEEPING SERVICES WITH SWEEPING CORPORATION OF AMERICA Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - FY 26 Street Sweeping Services Contract_Sweeping Corporation of America.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_FY 26 Street Sweeping Contract.pdf
3. Attachment B - Proposal_Sweeping Corporation of America .pdf
4. Attachment C - FY 26 Street Sweeping Cost Estimate.pdf
5. Fiscal Certificate_Street Sweeping.pdf
Resolution No. 2025-062
Adopt Resolution.
10.11 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH SOUTHWEST SIGNAL SERVICE, INC. FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAINTENANCE, EMERGENCY REPAIRS AND RELATED CONSTRUCTION SERVICES Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_1st Renewal Option of Annual Contract for Traffic Signal Maintenance 2025-06-10.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution 1st Amendment SWSS FY20-21_Traffic Signal Maintenance.pdf
3. Attachment B - First Amendment SWSS FY20-21_Traffic Signal Maintenance.pdf
4. Fiscal Certificate_Southwest Signal Service Inc - Traffic Signal Maintenance.pdf Resolution No. 2025-063
Adopt Resolution.
10.12 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH SOUTHWEST SIGNAL SERVICE, INC. FOR STREET LIGHT MAINTENANCE AND EMERGENCY REPAIRS Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_2nd Renewal Option of Annual Contract for Street Light Maintenance 2025-06-10.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution 2nd Amendment SWSS_Street Light Maintenance.pdf
3. Attachment B - 2nd Amendment SWSS_Street Light Maintenance.pdf
4. Fiscal Certificate_Southwest Signal Service Inc - Street Light Maintenance.pdf Resolution No. 2025-064
Adopt Resolution.
10.13 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TASK ORDER TO D-MAX ENGINEERING, INC. FOR DRY WEATHER MS4 OUTFALL MONITORING AND PERSISTENT FLOW PROGRAM Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_D-MAX Dry Weather Monitoring Task Order 2025-06-10.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution D-MAX Engineering_Dry Weather Monitoring.pdf
3. Attachment B - D-MAX Engineering Proposal_Dry Weather Monitoring.pdf
4. Fiscal Certificate_D-MAX Engineering_Dry Weather Monitoring.pdf Resolution No. 2025-065
Adopt Resolution.
11. STAFF REPORT - CITY COUNCIL - PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY - SUCCESSOR AGENCY Public Comments:
11.1 CONSIDERATION OF THE PRELIMINARY BIENNIAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEARS 2025-2027 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_FY 2025-2027 Preliminary Budget.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Enabling Preliminary Budget 2025-2027.pdf
3. Attachment A.1. - Line-Item Budget for Resolution Enabling Preliminary Budget.pdf
4. Attachment B - Operating Budget Document FY 2025-2027.pdf
5. Attachment C - Staffing Update FY 2026 and FY 2027.pdf
6. Attachment D - Resolution for Comp Plan Update.pdf
7. Attachment D.1. - Exhibit A For Resolution for Comp Plan.pdf
8. Attachment E - 5-Year CIP Budget_FY26 - FY30 FINAL.pdf
9. PowerPoint_2025-2027 Biennial Budget Presentation June 10, 2025 FINAL.pdf City Manager Humora began the presentation by outlining the preliminary budget priorities, which support La Mesa’s Strategic Plan Workplan through a pragmatic two-year approach. The budget proposed adding 15 new positions across various departments to meet the needs of a growing community, with a particular emphasis on protecting public safety. It also included investments in infrastructure and community programs such as the Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement Program ("HOME"), the recently updated Climate Action Plan ("CAP"), the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program ("NTMP"), and the La Mesa Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program ("LEAP"). City Manager Humora concluded by thanking the community for its strong approval of Proposition L, which will help sustain city services.
Interim Finance Director Herrera provided an overview of the 2025–2027 Preliminary Budget, noting the City’s strong fiscal position, with a balanced $76.5 million General Fund and a fully funded $122.8 million citywide budget. He reported that the $49.1 million Capital Improvement Program budget included 90 projects spanning transportation, facilities, storm drains, parks, and other areas. The budget proposed 15 new staff positions and maintained General Fund reserves well above the City’s policy thresholds. Staff noted they would incorporate City Council feedback and return with a final budget for adoption within 90 days.
Director of Human Resources Spaniol provided a staffing update as part of the FY 2026–2027 Budget presentation, reporting that 50 new full-time employees had joined the City in the current fiscal year and 7 internal promotions had occurred, with key hires in Public Works, Police, Fire, and Community Development. She noted that while 17 positions remained vacant, recruitment efforts were actively underway to address service needs. The proposed budget included 15 new positions and 3 reclassifications aimed at strengthening public safety, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing internal capacity across multiple departments.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Councilmember Cazares, with Council consensus, directed staff to include in the final budget funding to replace Fire Engine 13 and approximately $20,000 to equip the Urban Search and Rescue 12 apparatus as a Type 1 unit.
a.
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY BIENNIAL BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR THAT BEGINS JULY 1, 2025, AND ENDS JUNE 30, 2027 Public Comments:
Resolution No. 2025-066
Moved by
Vice Mayor Dillard
Seconded by
Mayor Arapostathis
Adopt Resolution and direct staff to return with any amendments in August with the 2025-2027 Final Budget.
Yes (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
b.
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 COMPENSATION PLAN, LISTING CLASSIFICATION RANGES/BANDS AND PAY STEPS Public Comments:
Resolution No. 2025-067
Moved by
Vice Mayor Dillard
Seconded by
Councilmember Cazares
Adopt Resolution.
Yes (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
11.2 CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION ADOPTING (1) THE APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2026, AND (2) THE ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT FACTORS USED TO CALCULATE THE APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Gann Spending Limit FY 2025-2026.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Schedule 1 - FY 2025-2026 Appropriation Limit .pdf
3. Attachment B - Schedule A.pdf
4. Attachment C - Schedule B .pdf
5. Attachment D - Schedule C.pdf
Resolution No. 2025-068
Moved by
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded by
Councilmember Suzuki
Adopt Resolution pursuant to Propositions 4 and 111, establishing the Gann Spending Limit for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, using the growth factor for new Non-Residential Construction in the City of La Mesa, and the inflation rate in the City of La Mesa, as the annual adjustment factors used to compute the Appropriations Limit.
Yes (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
12. HEARING
Public Comments:
12.1 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) 2025-2029 CONSOLIDATED PLAN Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Consolidated and Annual Action Plan CDBG.pdf
2. Attachment A - Draft 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan.pdf
3. Attachment B - Draft Citizen Participation Plan.pdf
4. Attachment C - Fiscal Year 23-24 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report.pdf
5. Attachment D - Past Performance Summary.pdf
6. Attachment E - Draft July 8th Resolution Adopting Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan CDBG.pdf
7. PowerPoint_La Mesa 2025-29 Consolidated Plan.pdf
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE DRAFT CONSOLIDATED PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PLANNING PERIOD JULY 2025 TO JUNE 2029 AND THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR CDBG FUNDING AND CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN (CPP) FOR THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) FUNDING PROGRAMS Notice of the hearing was given in accordance with legal requirements, and the hearing was held on the date and at the time specified in the notice.
Mayor Arapostathis opened the hearing for Item 12.1.
Senior Management Analyst Pina presented the draft 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan, a federally required document that guides the City’s use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds based on identified housing, economic development, infrastructure, and community service needs. She explained that the plan was developed using data analysis and community outreach and includes a strategic plan, needs assessment, market analysis, and the first annual action plan for FY 2025–2026. For that fiscal year, the City received $456,031 in CDBG funds, which must be used to benefit low- to moderate-income residents, eliminate blight, or address urgent needs. Staff requested Council comments and direction to return on July 8 for final review and approval.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Moved by
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded by
Councilmember Cazares
Close the hearing.
Yes (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
Moved by
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded by
Vice Mayor Dillard
(1) Review and provide input on the draft 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan, and Citizen Participation Plan; and (2) Direct staff to return on July 8, 2025, for final review and approval.
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:
At 7:05 p.m., Mayor Arapostathis adjourned the meeting in honor and memory of former Mayor Art Madrid, recognizing his decades of dedicated public service, leadership, and lasting contributions to the La Mesa community.