City Council - August 12, 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 6:02 p.m.
1.1 INVOCATION - VICE MAYOR DILLARD
Public Comments:
1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Public Comments:
2. ANNUAL ROTATION OF THE VICE MAYOR
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_Annual Rotation of the Vice Mayor 2025-08-12.pdf Mayor Arapostathis announced that the annual Vice Mayor rotation would be postponed until a meeting with all Council members present.
3. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
Public Comments:
City Attorney Sabine reported that there were no reportable actions.
4. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Public Comments:
There were no comments.
5. 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.
6. ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
Public Comments:
Consent Calendar Item 12.11 was deleted from the agenda.
7. PRESENTATIONS
Public Comments:
7.1 CITY TREASURER'S QUARTERLY REPORT
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_City Treasurer's Report for the Quarter Ending June 30, 2025.pdf
2. Attachment A - Schedule of Investments Summary Quarter Ending 06-30-25.pdf
3. Attachment B - Schedule of Investments 06-30-25.pdf
4. 7.1 PowerPoint_City Treasurers Quarterly Report.pdf
City Treasurer Strabone made a presentation regarding the investment earnings and the status of the investment portfolio for the quarter ending June 30, 2025.
Council questions and comments ensued.
7.2 PRESENTATION FROM THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CALTRANS) REGARDING THE STATUS OF THE STATE ROUTE 125/94 AUXILIARY LANE WIDENING PROJECT Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_Presentation from Caltrans regarding SR125 Aux lanes widening.pdf
2. 7.2 PowerPoint_94-125 Project_Design Update.pdf
Karen Jewel, Central Corridors Director, District 11, and Jake Stelten, Project Manager, District 11, Caltrans, provided an update on the State Route 125/94 Auxiliary Lane Widening Project, including Phases 1 and 2, project cost, funding, and schedule.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Mary Davis commented on project cost, funding, and schedule delays, and compared the project to another connector completed in a shorter timeframe, noting inequities between the two projects.
Jack Shu commented on the project’s cost and expressed concerns with proceeding to Phase 2 and expanding the freeway, suggesting alternative approaches to reduce cost, congestion, and pollution.
Truth expressed concerns with the project, questioned how much of the cost is allocated to bike lanes, and stated that the San Diego Association of Governments ("SANDAG") has failed to meet East County’s needs.
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments:
Billy Beltz spoke regarding ongoing issues related to a house on Bellflower Drive and concerns about a proposed youth group home on the same street.
Barbie Wheeler spoke regarding ongoing issues related to a house on Bellflower Drive and concerns about a proposed youth group home on the same street.
Craig Riley made recommendations for improvements to the dog park at MacArthur Park.
Truth spoke on affordable housing, labor unions, San Diego County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre, and the cost of the City’s Climate Action Plan.
9. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
Public Comments:
There were no conflicts of interest disclosed.
10. BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Public Comments:
10.1 RESOLUTION APPOINTING A MEMBER TO FILL AN UNSCHEDULED VACANCY ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_Planning Commission Appointment Unscheduled Vacancy 2025-08-12.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution Planning Commission Appointment 2025-08-12.pdf
3. Attachment B - List of Applicant Planning Commission_August.pdf City Clerk Wiegelman explained the nomination process for the Planning Commission.
The Council began the open nomination process for the unscheduled vacancy on the Planning Commission.
City Clerk Wiegelman announced the nominations as follows:
Round 1
:
Mayor Arapostathis nominated Marc Regier
Councilmember Dillard nominated Marc Regier
Councilmember Lothian nominated Marc Regier
Councilmember Suzuki nominated Marc Regier
Resolution No. 2025-094
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Dillard
Approve the appointment of Marc Regier to the Planning Commission and adopt the Resolution confirming the appointment.
For (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, and Councilmember Suzuki Absent (1)
Councilmember Cazares
Approved (4 to 0)
11. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
Councilmember Lothian asked questions and provided comments on Items 12.5 and 12.7.
Director of Community Development Santos responded to her inquiries regarding permit and development activity for the quarter ending June 30, 2025.
Captain Runge addressed her questions regarding the Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement Program report for the quarter ending June 30, 2025.
Truth spoke on Items 12.7 and 12.12.
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
(Items 12.1 through 12.14)
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Dillard
Approve Consent Calendar Items 12.1 through 12.14, except for Item 12.11.
For (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, and Councilmember Suzuki Absent (1)
Councilmember Cazares
Approved (4 to 0)
12.1 APPROVAL OF MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF THE TEXT OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS AT THIS MEETING Public Comments:
Approve.
12.2 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2025 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - City Council Special Meeting_Jul22_2025.pdf Approve.
12.3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING HELD TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2025 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Jul22_2025.pdf
Approve.
12.4 CONSIDERATION OF A BUY/SELL AGREEMENT TO CONVEY A REMNANT PARCEL (8213 UNIVERSITY AVENUE) TO CARLTON SELL, LLC Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Buy-Sell Agreement to Convey a Remnant Parcel (8213 University Ave.) to Carlton Sell, LLC.pdf
2. Attachment A - Buy_Sell Agreement.pdf
Approve.
12.5 PERMIT AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY QUARTERLY UPDATE (APRIL 2025 - JUNE 2025) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_Permit and Development Quarterly Update 2025-08-12.pdf
2. Attachment A - Applications and Issued Permits by Permit Type.pdf Receive and file.
12.6 RATIFICATION OF DESIGN REVIEW APPROVAL OF PROJECT 2022-1599 QDOBA (CALI QUESO CORP) 8303 PARKWAY DRIVE Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Project 2022-1599 DRB Ratification.pdf
2. Attachment A - Draft Resolution ratifying the DRB Approval.pdf
3. Attachment B - Site Photographs.pdf
4. Attachment C - DRB Certificate of Action.pdf
5. Attachment D - Notice of Decision NOD 2025-05.pdf
6. Attachment E - Resolution No. PC-2025-14.pdf
7. Attachment F - Project Plans.pdf
8. Attachment G - Color and Materials Board.pdf
9. Attachment H - May 12, 2025 DRB Staff Report.pdf
A PROPOSED DRIVE-THRU RESTAURANT AT 8303 PARKWAY DRIVE, APN 490-592-04-00 AND 490-592-02-00 IN THE C-G-D (GENERAL COMMERCIAL/ GROSSMONT OVERLAY/ URBAN DESIGN OVERLAY) ZONE Resolution No. 2025-095
Adopt Resolution.
12.7 HOMELESS OUTREACH AND MOBILE ENGAGEMENT (“HOME”) PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT (APRIL 2025 – JUNE 2025) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_HOME 2nd Quarter Report 2025-08-12.pdf
2. Attachment A - HOME 2025 2nd Quarter Report.pdf
Receive and file.
12.8 RESOLUTIONS APPROVING A SIDE LETTER OF AGREEMENT AND AMENDMENTS TO THE POLICE OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND UNREPRESENTED EMPLOYEES BENEFIT PLAN Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Side Letter POA Police Services Technican POST Cert.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_POA Side letter POST pay PST.pdf
3. Attachment B - Exhibit 1 Side Letter POA POST Pay for PSTs.pdf
4. Attachment C - Resolution_COMP PLAN FIRE and POLICE MGT.pdf Adopt Resolutions.
a.
RESOLUTION APPROVING A SIDE LETTER OF AGREEMENT TO THE 2024-2027 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA MESA AND THE LA MESA POLICE OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION Public Comments:
RESOLUTION APPROVING A SIDE LETTER OF AGREEMENT TO ADD SECTION 1.32.2 PEACE OFFICER STANDARDS AND TRAINING ("POST") INCENTIVE PROGRAM (POLICE SERVICES TECHNICIAN CLASSIFICATIONS) TO THE 2024-2027 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA MESA AND THE LA MESA POLICE OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION Resolution No. 2025-096
Adopt Resolution.
b.
RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE UNREPRESENTED EMPLOYEES BENEFIT COMPENSATION PLAN Public Comments:
RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE UNREPRESENTED EMPLOYEES BENEFIT COMPENSATION PLAN TO INCLUDE A POST INCENTIVE PAY FOR THE POLICE CHIEF CLASSIFICATION AND FOR THE FIRE SAFETY MANAGEMENT CLASSIFICATIONS TO HAVE THE SAME CONVERSION FACTOR FOR LEAVE BANKS AS REPRESENTED FIRE EMPLOYEES Resolution No. 2025-097
Adopt Resolution.
12.9 RESOLUTION TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH EVIDENT ID, INC. FOR INSURANCE VERIFICATION MANAGED SERVICES Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Evident ID Insurance Verification 2025-08-12.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Piggyback Agreement_Insurance Verification Service.pdf
3. Attachment B - Signed-La Mesa Standard Contractor Agreement with Evident_2025Aug.pdf Resolution No. 2025-098
Adopt Resolution.
12.10 RESOLUTION TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR ORIGAMI RISK, LLC, FOR RISK MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE SERVICES Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Origami Risk LLC 2025-08-12.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Piggyback Agreement_Risk Management System 2025-08-12.pdf
3. Attachment B - City of La Mesa - Standard Contractor Agreement with Cyber 2025 (Origami Signed).pdf Resolution No. 2025-099
Adopt Resolution.
12.12 RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FOR PUBLIC WORKS MUTUAL AID Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Public Works Mutual Aid Agreement.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Public Works Mutual Aid Agreement.pdf
3. Attachment B - Signature_page.pdf
4. Attachment C - Public Works Mutual Aid Agreement.pdf
5. Attachment D - Public Works Mutual Aid_procedures_guide.pdf
6. Attachment E - Membership Map.pdf
Resolution No. 2025-100
Adopt Resolution.
12.13 RESOLUTIONS TO ACCEPT BID NO. 25-12, AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO S.C. VALLEY ENGINEERING, INC., AND CONSIDERATION OF FUNDING ALTERNATIVES RELATED THERETO Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Construction Contract for CIP No. 8103, Phase 6 Sewer - 2025-08-12.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Award Construction Contract to S.C. Valley Engineering, Inc.pdf
3. Attachment B - Resolution to Request Additional Funding.pdf
4. Attachment C - Bid Summary.pdf
5. Attachment D - Project Location Map.pdf
6. Attachment E- State Board Correspondance.pdf
7. Fiscal Certificate - Phase 6 Sewer Improvements Project_S.C. Valley Engineering, Inc.pdf
8. Fiscal Certificate - Bid No. 25-12_S.C. Valley Engineering, Inc.pdf Adopt Resolutions.
a.
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID NO. 25-12, PHASE 6 SEWER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 8103) AND AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO S.C. VALLEY ENGINEERING, INC.
Public Comments:
Resolution No. 2025-101
Adopt Resolution.
b.
STATE REVOLVING FUND LOAN (NO. 8608-110)
Public Comments:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A REQUEST TO THE STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD FOR AN INCREASE IN THE STATE REVOLVING FUND LOAN NO. 8608-110, ACCEPTING FUNDS FROM THE LOAN IF APPROVED, AND APPROPRIATING THE EXPENDITURE IN A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROJECT ACCOUNT Resolution No. 2025-102
Adopt Resolution.
12.14 RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR BONDED INDEBTEDNESS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_2025-2026 Prop D Refunding Bonds Property Tax Levy 2025-08-12.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_2025-2026 Prop D Refunding Bonds Levy Rate.pdf
3. Attachment B - Calculation of GO Bond Property Tax Rate 2025-26 (08-12-25).pdf Resolution No. 2025-103
Adopt Resolution.
12.11 RESOLUTION TO AWARD RFP 25-15 FOR UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS AS A SERVICE (UCAAS) TO ICS, INTELESYS, INC. FOR A NEW CITYWIDE TELEPHONE SYSTEM Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Award RFP 25-15 for Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) to Intelesys.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_RFP 25-15_Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS).pdf
3. Attachment B - Intelesys_UCaaS_Agreement_DRAFT.pdf
4. Fiscal Impact Certificate - RFP 25-15 Unified Communications as a Service (UCAAS).pdf This Item was deleted from the agenda.
13. STAFF REPORT
Public Comments:
13.1 CONSIDERATION OF THE BIENNIAL CITY COUNCIL SALARY REVIEW (AS DIRECTED BY COUNCIL) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Biennial City Council Salary Review.pdf
2. 13.1 PowerPoint_Biennial Council Salary Review.pdf
Assistant to the City Manager Dedmon presented the biennial review of City Council salaries as directed by Council. He outlined that, per Government Code § 36516, the maximum allowable increase was 5% per year from the date of the last adjustment in 2023, resulting in a possible $190 monthly increase for the Mayor and Councilmembers, and $110 for the City Treasurer. Assistant to the City Manager Dedmon provided a comparison of compensation within the San Diego region and requested Council direction on whether to adjust salaries. If approved, staff would return with an ordinance to amend the La Mesa Municipal Code accordingly.
Truth spoke in opposition to an increase in compensation for the Mayor, Councilmembers, and City Treasurer.
No action was taken.
14. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Comments:
14.1 CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING ADJUSTMENTS TO THE CONTRACT FOR THE CITY MANAGER Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Consideration and Possible Action Regarding Adjustments to the Contract for the City Manager.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Fifth Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement.pdf Mayor Arapostathis and Vice Mayor Dillard explained what was considered when determining the proposed adjustment to the contract for the City Manager.
In compliance with the Government Code this action specifically does the following:
Authorizes a 5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment ("COLA") increase.
Resolution No. 2025-104
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Lothian
Adopt Resolution to effectuate the amendments to the City Manager contract.
For (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, and Councilmember Suzuki Absent (1)
Councilmember Cazares
Approved (4 to 0)
14.2 CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING ADJUSTMENTS TO THE CONTRACT FOR THE CITY ATTORNEY Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Consideration and Possible Action Regarding Adjustments to the Contract for the City Attorney.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Fifth Amendment to the City Attorney Employment Agreement.pdf Mayor Arapostathis and Vice Mayor Dillard explained what was considered when determining the proposed adjustment to the contract for the City Attorney.
In compliance with the Government Code this action specifically does the following:
Authorizes a 5% COLA increase and 3% market increase in salary; and Authorizes an additional 50 hours of administrative leave to be credited to the City Attorney’s leave bank to be exhausted no later than January 1, 2027.
Resolution No. 2025-105
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Dillard
Adopt Resolution to effectuate the amendments to the City Attorney contract.
For (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, and Councilmember Suzuki Absent (1)
Councilmember Cazares
Approved (4 to 0)
15. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Public Comments:
15.1 LETTER FROM THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES REQUESTING THE DESIGNATION OF A VOTING DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE FOR THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE, OCTOBER 8 THROUGH OCTOBER 10, 2025, IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo _Designation of Voting Delegates League of CA Cities Annual Conference 2025-08-12.pdf
2. Attachment A - 2025 Voting Delegate Information Packet.pdf Truth spoke on transparency, accountability, and hypocrisy.
ACTION
:
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the Council to designate Councilmember Suzuki as the voting delegate for the League of California Cities Annual Conference.
16. COUNCIL INITIATED
Public Comments:
16.1 CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT CALIFORNIA POLLUTERS PAY CLIMATE SUPERFUND ACT (SENATE BILL 684 AND ASSEMBLY BILL 1243) - VICE MAYOR DILLARD Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_CI.Vice Mayor Dillard_Support Climate Superfund SB684 and 1243 2025-08-12.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act (SB 684 and AB 1243)-xxx.pdf Vice Mayor Dillard explained the purpose of the request for Council adoption of a resolution supporting the California Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act (Senate Bill 684 and Assembly Bill 1243).
Council questions and comments ensued.
The following members of the public submitted a comment or spoke in support of adopting a resolution supporting the California Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act:
Sophia Tada
Jack Shu
Mike Rancourt
Steph Cauchon
McGarrah Wilson
Masada Disenhouse
Truth spoke in opposition to adopting a resolution supporting the California Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act.
Resolution No. 2025-106
Moved By
Vice Mayor Dillard
Seconded By
Councilmember Suzuki
Adopt Resolution.
For (3)
Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Dillard, and Councilmember Suzuki Against (1)
Councilmember Lothian
Absent (1)
Councilmember Cazares
Approved (3 to 1)
17. 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.
18. AB 1234 REPORTS (GC 53232.3 (d))
Public Comments:
There were no reports.
19. CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
Public Comments:
There were no remarks.
20. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m.