City Council - July 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.
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. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
Public Comments:
City Attorney Sabine announced there were no reportable actions.
3. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Public Comments:
There were no comments.
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. PRESENTATIONS
Public Comments:
6.1 PRESENTATION BY THE 22ND DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION ON THE FAIRGROUNDS 2050 PROJECT Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 6.1 PowerPoint_Del Mar Fairgrounds 2050.pdf
Zachary MacQuarrie, Director of Public Affairs at Southwest Strategies Group, provided a presentation on the Del Mar Fairgrounds 2050 Master Plan. The presentation highlighted key attractions at the fairgrounds, outlined the guiding principles for future development, and included an overview of planned public outreach efforts, which would consist of five regional workshops throughout the county to gather community input. The workshops were scheduled to take place following the 2025 San Diego County Fair.
Council questions and comments ensued.
6.2 2024 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ANNUAL REPORT
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_2024 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ANNUAL REPORT.pdf
2. Attachment A - 2024 Climate Action Plan Annual Report.pdf
3. Attachment B - 2024 Climate Action Plan Annual Report Appendix.pdf
4. 6.2 PowerPoint_2024 Climate Action Plan Annual Report.pdf Environmental Sustainability Manager Ego, Environmental Program Coordinator Lee, and CivicSpark Fellow Logan Kelly presented the 2024 Climate Action Plan ("CAP") Annual Report, detailing the City’s progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions since the CAP’s adoption in 2018. The report showcased significant achievements across key focus areas, including energy efficiency, clean and efficient transportation, waste reduction, and green infrastructure. Notable highlights included the rollout of organics recycling at La Mesa schools, completion of Collier Park improvements, and robust staff and youth engagement through community events and outreach. The presentation also emphasized continued efforts in water conservation, sustainable development, and the City’s ongoing commitment to its climate action goals.
Council questions and comments ensued.
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments:
Craig Hunnewell spoke in support of allowing dogs off-leash throughout MacArthur Park and addressed the San Diego Humane Society’s enforcement of leash laws outside the gated dog park area.
Antonia Lopez expressed concerns about parking impacts on Date Avenue and Allison Avenue, and noted that drivers frequently fail to stop at the stop sign at Date Avenue and La Mesa Boulevard, in front of the Farmer’s Table restaurant.
8. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
Public Comments:
There were no conflicts of interest disclosed.
9. BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Public Comments:
9.1 RESOLUTION APPOINTING AND/OR REAPPOINTING MEMBERS TO CITY OF LA MESA BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_Board and Commission Annual Appointments 2025-07-22.pdf
2. Attachment A - Board and Commission Interviews.July.pdf
3. Attachment B - Resolution _Annual Board and Commission Appointments 2025.pdf Mayor Arapostathis nominated the following individuals for appointment or reappointment to the various City Boards and Commissions:
Arts and Culture Commission
Alison Lindsay as the art educator (Kindergarten through 8th grade) representative Brittany Morrow as a general population representative
Design Review Board
Patrick R. de la Torre
Environmental Sustainability Commission
Michael Bourton as a professional representative
La Mesa Community Parking Commission
Stacey A. Turner as a general population representative Mobility Commission
Mike Calandra as a general population representative
Emma McClees as a general population representative
Personnel Appeals Board
Jocelyn Watkins
City Clerk Wiegelman explained the nomination process for the Community Services Commission and Planning Commission.
The Council began the open nomination process for two positions on the Community Services Commission.
City Clerk Wiegelman announced the nominations as follows:
Round 1
:
Mayor Arapostathis nominated Cassandra Neel and Marc Regier Vice Mayor Dillard nominated Cassandra Neel and Robin Ellam Councilmember Cazares nominated Cassandra Neel and Robin Ellam Councilmember Lothian nominated Cassandra Neel and Marc Regier Councilmember Suzuki nominated Cassandra Neel and Robin Ellam City Clerk Wiegelman announced that Cassandra Neel and Robin Ellam had received a majority nomination.
The Council began the open nomination process for two positions on the Planning Commission.
City Clerk Wiegelman announced the nominations as follows:
Round 1
:
Mayor Arapostathis nominated David Harris and Tristan Reed Vice Mayor Dillard nominated David Harris and Tristan Reed Councilmember Cazares nominated David Harris and Marc Regier Councilmember Lothian nominated Tristan Reed and Marc Regier Councilmember Suzuki nominated David Harris and Tristan Reed City Clerk Wiegelman announced that David Harris and Tristan Reed had received a majority nomination.
Resolution No. 2025-084
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Cazares
(1) Approve the reappointment of Alison Lindsay as the art educator (kindergarten through 8th grade) representative and the appointment of Brittany Morrow as a general population representative on the Arts and Culture Commission; (2) approve the appointment of Patrick R. de la Torre to the Design Review Board; (3) approve the reappointment of Michael Bourton as a professional representative on the Environmental Sustainability Commission; (4) approve the appointment of Stacey A. Turner as a general population representative on the La Mesa Community Parking Commission; (5) approve the reappointment of Mike Calandra as a general population representative and the appointment of Emma McClees as a general population representative on the Mobility Commission; (6) approve the reappointment of Jocelyn Watkins to the Personnel Appeals Board; and (7) adopt the Resolution confirming the reappointments and appointments.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
Resolution No. 2025-084
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Dillard
Approve the appointments of Robin Ellam and Cassandra Neel to the Community Services Commission and adopt the Resolution confirming the appointments.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
Resolution No. 2025-084
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Cazares
Approve the reappointment of David Harris and the appointment of Tristan Reed to the Planning Commission and adopt the Resolution confirming the reappointment and 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:
There were no comments on Consent Calendar items.
11. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
(Items 11.1 through 11.12)
*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 11.12).
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Dillard
Approve Consent Calendar Items 11.1 through 11.12.
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, JUNE 24, 2025 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Jun24_2025.pdf
Approve.
11.3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING HELD TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2025 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Jul08_2025.pdf
Approve.
11.4 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TASK ORDER WITH RICK ENGINEERING COMPANY TO PROVIDE AS-NEEDED STAFF AUGMENTATION SERVICES FOR THE PLANNING DIVISION Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Task Order for Rick Engineering Staff Augmentation FY26-27.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Task Order for Rick Engineering Staff Augmentation FY26-27.pdf
3. Attachment B - FY26 Scope of Work.pdf
4. Fiscal Impact_Task Order to Rick Engineering Company.pdf Resolution No. 2025-085
Adopt Resolution.
11.5 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 6 WITH S.C. VALLEY ENGINEERING, INC. FOR BID 24-16, BOULEVARD DRIVE STORM DRAIN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 8506) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_CCO-6 for CIP No 8506_Boulevard Drive Storm Drain.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_CCO-6 for CIP No 8506_Boulevard Drive Storm Drain.pdf
3. Attachment B - CCO-6.pdf
4. Fiscal Certificate - CCO6 Boulevard Drive Storm Drain.pdf Resolution No. 2025-086
Adopt Resolution.
11.6 RESOLUTION APPROVING A SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE PER STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD ORDER 2022-0103-DWQ Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Sewer System Management Plan Update.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Sewer System Management Plan Update.pdf
3. Attachment B - Sewer System Management Plan.pdf
Resolution No. 2025-087
Adopt Resolution.
11.7 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TASK ORDER WITH COMPASS ROSE GIS FOR AS-NEEDED MAPPING AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_FY26 GIS Services for Public Works Department .pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_GIS Services for Public Works Department.pdf
3. Attachment B - Proposal_Compass Rose GIS - GIS Services for FY26.pdf
4. Fiscal Certificate_Task Order to Compass Rose GIS.pdf Resolution No. 2025-088
Adopt Resolution.
11.8 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TASK ORDER WITH BWE, INC. FOR DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE NANCY DRIVE STREET DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 8323) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Design Task Order to BWE for CIP No 8323 Sidewalk Improvements - Nancy Drive.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution Task Order for Nancy Drive to BWE.pdf
3. Attachment B - Nancy St Imp BWE Prop Rev 1.pdf
4. Fiscal Certificate_Task Order to BWE, Inc for CIP No. 8323 (Nancy Drive) .pdf Resolution No. 2025-089
Adopt Resolution.
11.9 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TASK ORDER WITH ARDURRA GROUP, INC. FOR ON-CALL ENCROACHMENT PERMIT INSPECTION SERVICES Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Ardurra Task Order for Encroachment Permit Inspection Services .pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Task Order for Encroachment Permit Inspection Services.pdf
3. Attachment B - Proposal_Ardurra Group - Encroachment Permit Inspection Services.pdf
4. Fiscal Certificate - Task Order to Ardurra Group, Inc.pdf Resolution No. 2025-090
Adopt Resolution.
11.10 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TASK ORDER WITH ARDURRA GROUP, INC. FOR STORMWATER COLLECTION SYSTEMS SERVICES FOR THE LA MESITA PARK DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 8502) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Design Task Order to Ardurra for CIP No 8502 - La Mesita Drainage Improvements.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Task Order to Ardurra for CIP No. 8502 La Mesita Drainage Improvements.pdf
3. Attachment B - Proposal_Ardurra Group - La Mesita Drainage Improvements.pdf
4. Fiscal Certificate - Task Order to Ardurra_La Mesita Drainage Improvements.pdf Resolution No. 2025-091
Adopt Resolution.
11.11 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 WITH AMERICAN ASPHALT SOUTH, INC. FOR BID 25-16, 2025 SLURRY SEAL PROJECT (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 8305) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_CCO-1 CIP No 8305_Bid 25-16_ 2025 Slurry Seal.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution Bid 25-16 CCO-1.pdf
3. Attachment B - CCO-1 American Asphalt South.pdf
4. Fiscal Certificate - CC01 Bid 25-16 2025 Slurry Seal Project.pdf Resolution No. 2025-092
Adopt Resolution.
11.12 *RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE SEWER SERVICE CHARGES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Final Determination of Sewer Service Charges for Fiscal Year 2026.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Final Determination of Sewer Charges for FY 2026.pdf RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE REPORT WITH THE FINAL DETERMINATION OF SEWER SERVICE CHARGES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 TO BE COLLECTED ON THE COUNTY PROPERTY TAX ROLL AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO FORWARD A CERTIFIED COPY OF THE RESOLUTION, TOGETHER WITH A COPY OF THE REPORT TO THE OFFICE OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY AUDITOR Resolution No. 2025-093
Adopt Resolution.
12. ORDINANCES: SECOND READING
Public Comments:
12.1 ORDINANCE RENAMING COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND COMMISSION AND UPDATING SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY OF THE LANDSCAPING AND MAINTENANCE OF PARK AREAS Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo - 2nd Reading Ordinance to Rename Parks and Recreation_2025-07-22.pdf
2. Attachment A - Ordinance to rename Parks and Recreation.pdf CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA AMENDING THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE (INCLUDING CHAPTER 2.32, SECTION 2.16.15(D)(6), CHAPTERS 9.04, 9.05, AND 9.06) TO DO THE FOLLOWING: (1) RENAME (A) "COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT" TO "PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT," (B) "COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION" TO "PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION," AND (C) "DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICES" TO "DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION;" AND, (2) SHIFT THE SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY OF LANDSCAPING AND MAINTENANCE OF PARK AREAS TO THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE City Attorney Sabine read the title of the Ordinance.
Ordinance No. 2025-2919
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Suzuki
Approve the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
12.2 CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA AMENDING CHAPTER 17.12 OF THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADJUST THE SCHEDULE OF SEWER SERVICE CHARGES FOR FISCAL YEARS 2026 AND 2027 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo - 2nd Reading Ordinance FY 2026 and 2027 Sewer Service Charges_2025-07-22.pdf
2. Attachment A - Ordinance Amending Chapter 17.12 of LMMC for Sewer Service Charges.pdf City Attorney Sabine read the title of the Ordinance.
Ordinance No. 2025-2920
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Dillard
Approve the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
13. COUNCIL INITIATED
Public Comments:
13.1 CONSIDERATION OF REINSTATING AND APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE COUNCIL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN UPDATE AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE TO REVIEW AND RECOMMEND UPDATES TO THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN - VICE MAYOR DILLARD AND COUNCILMEMBER CAZARES Attachments
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Public Comments
1. CI.Dillard.Cazares.CAP Update Ad Hoc Subcommittee 2025-07-22.pdf Vice Mayor Dillard and Councilmember Cazares explained their request for the Council to reinstate and appoint members to the Council CAP Update Ad Hoc Subcommittee. The subcommittee would assist staff in identifying and applying for grant funding related to CAP projects and support the Environmental Sustainability Division in advancing the CAP’s implementation.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Suzuki
Reinstate the Council CAP Update Ad Hoc Subcommittee and appoint Vice Mayor Dillard and Councilmember Cazares to serve on the subcommittee for the purpose of assisting staff in identifying and applying for grant funding related to CAP projects and supporting the Environmental Sustainability Division in advancing the CAP’s implementation.
For (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Against (1)
Councilmember Lothian
Approved (4 to 1)
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 7:09 p.m.