City Council - September 09, 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 - COUNCILMEMBER SUZUKI
Public Comments:
1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Public Comments:
2. ANNUAL ROTATION OF THE VICE MAYOR
Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Memo_Annual Rotation of the Vice Mayor 2025-09-09.pdf Mayor Arapostathis thanked Councilmember Dillard for her service as Vice Mayor and announced that Councilmember Cazares would serve as the next Vice Mayor.
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 PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER AS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis read the proclamation proclaiming September as National Preparedness Month.
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments:
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.
Andrea Beth Damsky spoke regarding the implementation of repurposed parking meters to allow donations for homeless families and individuals, as well as traffic concerns in the Baltimore Drive/Lake Park Way area.
Martha Bakkedahl spoke regarding improvements to loitering issues at Harry Griffen Regional Park, vandalism at the Jericho Road townhome development site, and concerns related to the increase in rental properties.
Janet Farala, Field Representative for California Assembly District 79, discussed the efforts of Assemblymember Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins.
8. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
Public Comments:
There were no conflicts of interest disclosed.
9. BOARD AND COMMISSION INTERVIEWS
Public Comments:
9.1 ANNUAL INTERVIEW OF APPLICANTS FOR OPENINGS ON THE YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Memo_2025 Youth Advisory Commission Interviews.pdf
2. Attachment A - 2025 List of Applicants_YAC.pdf
City Clerk Wiegelman briefly explained the interview process and reported that Lucille Alvey had withdrawn their application from consideration.
The following applicants spoke regarding their qualifications and interest in being appointed to the Youth Advisory Commission:
Myriam Garcia
Xochitl Willow Gomez
Maya Sapp
Hailey West
City Clerk Wiegelman said the appointments would be made at the September 23 Council meeting.
No action was taken following the interviews.
10. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
There were no public comments on Consent Calendar items.
11. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
(Items 11.1 through 11.13)
Councilmember Lothian requested Item 11.9 be pulled for separate consideration.
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Approve Consent Calendar Items 11.1 through 11.13, except for Item 11.9.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor 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 SPECIAL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2025 Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - City Council Special Meeting_Aug12_2025.pdf Approve.
11.3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING HELD TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2025 Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Aug12_2025.pdf
Approve.
11.4 RESOLUTION APPOINTING THE LA MESA-SPRING VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Memo_PRC Appointment_LMSV Representative 2025-09-09.pdf
2. Attachment A _Resolution.PRC Appointment_LMSV Representative.pdf
3. Attachment B_LMSV Nomination Letter_Casey.pdf
Resolution No. 2025-107
Adopt Resolution.
11.5 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE VISUAL PUBLIC ART SELECTION POLICY AND REPEALING THE EXISTING PUBLIC ARTS POLICY Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Memo_Update to Art Policy 2025-09-09.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Update to Art Policy.pdf
3. Attachment B - Visual Public Art Selection Process Policy.pdf Resolution No. 2025-108
Adopt Resolution.
11.6 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 WITH PORTILLO CONCRETE, INC., FOR BID 23-04, SECOND RENEWAL 2024 ANNUAL CONCRETE MAINTENANCE PROJECT (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 8302) Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Contract Change Order 2_Annual Concrete Maintenance Project 2025-09-09.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Contract Change Order 2_Annual Concrete Maintenance Project.pdf
3. Attachment B - Contract Change Order 2_Annual Concrete Maintenance Project.pdf
4. Fiscal Certificate - Annual Concrete Maintenance Project.pdf Resolution No. 2025-109
Adopt Resolution.
11.7 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 WITH AMERICAN ASPHALT SOUTH, INC., FOR BID 25-16, 2025 ANNUAL SLURRY SEAL PROJECT (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 8305) Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Contract Change Order 2_2025 Slurry Seal Project 2025-09-09.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Contract Change Order 2_2025 Slurry Seal Project.pdf
3. Attachment B - Contract Change Order 2_2025 Slurry Seal Project.pdf
4. Fiscal Certificate - 2025 Annual Slurry Seal Project.pdf Resolution No. 2025-110
Adopt Resolution.
11.8 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TASK ORDER WITH AGUIRRE & ASSOCIATES, INC., FOR SURVEYING SERVICES FOR THE SIDEWALK INFILL PROJECT (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 8323) Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Agreement with Aguirre Associates_Sidewalk Infill Project 2025-09-09.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Sidewalk Infill Project 2025-09-09.pdf
3. Attachment B - Aguirre Associates Quote for Survey.pdf
4. Attachment C - Maintenance Zone Map.pdf
5. Fiscal Certificate - Sidewalk Infill Project.pdf
Resolution No. 2025-111
Adopt Resolution.
11.10 POLICE CHIEF’S QUARTERLY OPERATIONS REPORT (APRIL 2025 – JUNE 2025) Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Memo_PD 2nd Quarter Report 2025.pdf
2. La Mesa Police Department 2nd Quarter Report 2025.pdf Receive and file.
11.11 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE AND APPROPRIATION OF A GRANT FROM THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL TO CONDUCT A LOCAL TRAFFIC SAFETY PROGRAM FOR DUI ENFORCEMENT BY APPROVING THE ADDITION OF THE GRANT FUNDS TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 BUDGET Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report_CHP Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Appropriation 2025-09-09.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution CHP Cannabis Grant Fund Appropriation 2025-2026.pdf
3. Attachment B - FY25-26 CTFGP Grant Agreement 1- La Mesa PD.pdf Resolution No. 2025-112
Adopt Resolution.
11.12 RATIFICATION OF DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL OF PROJECT 2025-1181 (REFOU) Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Project 2025-1181 DRB Ratification.pdf
2. Attachment A - Draft Resolution Ratifying the DRB Approval Project 2025-1181.pdf
3. Attachment B - Project 2025-1181 Site Photos.pdf
4. Attachment C - 2024-03-25 DRB Approved Project Plans_Project 2025-1181.pdf
5. Attachment D - 2024-03-25 DRB Approved Colors and Materials Board_Project 2025-1181.pdf
6. Attachment E - 2024-03-25 DRB Certificate of Action_Project 1181.pdf
7. Attachment F - 2025-08-11 DRB Certificate of Action_Project 2025-1181.pdf
8. Attachment G - Proposed Project Plans_Project 2025-1181.pdf
9. Attachment H - Proposed Colors and Materials Board_Project 2025-1181.pdf
10. Attachment I - 2025-08-11 DRB Staff Report_Project 2025-1181.pdf RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL OF PROJECT 2025-1181 (REFOU) - AN EXTERIOR RENOVATION AND A 3,694 SQUARE FOOT THIRD STORY ADDITION TO AN EXISTING TWO-STORY COMMERCIAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 8923 LA MESA BOULEVARD (APN 490-472-31-00 AND 490-472-11-00) IN THE C-D-MU (GENERAL COMMERCIAL / URBAN DESIGN OVERLAY / MIXED USE OVERLAY) AND R3-P-MU (MULTIPLE UNIT RESIDENTIAL / SCENIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY / MIXED USE OVERLAY) ZONES Resolution No. 2025-113
Adopt Resolution.
11.13 RESOLUTION TO REVIEW ANNEXATION REQUEST – LA PERLA WAY PARCELS Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report _Project 2025-0497_Review of La Perla Way Annexation Request 2025-09-09.pdf
2. Attachment A - Draft Resolution_Review of La Perla Way Annexation Request.pdf
3. Attachment B - Vicinity Map.pdf
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING STAFF TO ACCEPT AND REVIEW AN APPLICATION FOR A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, AS REQUIRED TO PROCESS THE PROPERTY OWNER'S REQUEST FOR A PROPOSED ANNEXATION INTO THE CITY OF LA MESA OF FOUR PARCELS LOCATED AT 4821, 4831, AND 4841 LA PERLA WAY (APN 495-423-10, 495-423-05, 495-423-11, AND 495-423-06), IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREA OF THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO Resolution No. 2025-114
Adopt Resolution.
11.9 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTE FOR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES FOR THE CIVICSPARK PROGRAM 2025-2026 SERVICE YEAR Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report_FY26 Service Agreement with Public Health Institute for CivicSpark Program.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Public Health Institute Agreement_CivicSpark Program.pdf
3. Attachment B - Public Health Institute Agreement_CivicSpark Program.pdf
4. Fiscal Certificate - CivicSpark Program.pdf
Councilmember Lothian reviewed the cost of the City’s Climate Action Plan and emphasized that the City should prioritize funding for local issues where it can have a direct impact.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Resolution No. 2025-115
Moved By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Seconded By
Councilmember Suzuki
Adopt Resolution.
For (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Against (1)
Councilmember Lothian
Approved (4 to 1)
12. ORDINANCES: FIRST READING
Public Comments:
12.1 OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS ORDINANCE
Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Objective Design Standards Ordinance _First Reading.pdf
2. Attachment A - Draft Ordinance_Objective Design Standards.pdf
3. Attachment B - Planning Commission Resolution PC-2025-13_Objective Design Standards.pdf
4. 12.1 PowerPoint_Objective Design Standards Ordinance.pdf CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 24 (ZONING) OF THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD CHAPTER 24.054 ENTITLED "OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS" REGARDING HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PURSUANT TO THE HOUSING ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65589.5) Director of Community Development Santos presented an ordinance amending Title 24 of the Municipal Code to add Chapter 24.054, establishing Objective Design Standards required by state law. The standards apply to multi-family projects of three or more units, providing clear, consistent, and measurable criteria for staff-level review. The ordinance also ensures City compliance with the Housing Accountability Act and permits future amendments to the standards to be adopted by Council resolution.
Council questions and comments ensued.
City Attorney Sabine read the title of the Ordinance.
Moved By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Seconded By
Councilmember Dillard
Approve the introduction and first reading of the Ordinance.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
13. STAFF REPORTS
Public Comments:
13.1 CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION ADOPTING OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS AS DEFINED BY THE HOUSING ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65589.5) Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Resolution Adopting Objective Design Standards 2025-09-09.pdf
2. Attachment A - Draft Council Resolution_Objective Design Standards.pdf
3. Attachment B.1 - Objective Standards User Guide.pdf
4. Attachment B.2 - Objective Design Standards Checklist.pdf
5. Attachment C - Planning Commission Resolution PC-2025-10_Objective Design Standards.pdf
6. Attachment D - Community Outreach and Comments.pdf
7. 13.1 PowerPoint_Objective Design Standards.pdf
Director of Community Development Santos presented a resolution adopting Objective Design Standards for multi-family housing projects of three or more units. The standards were developed to advance City design goals, provide measurable criteria, streamline review, and meet state requirements. Review would be conducted through the building permit process as a ministerial action, with up to four exceptions allowed for projects that meet height and step-back standards. Future amendments would require Design Review Board approval and City Council ratification. Community input was gathered through workshops, presentations, and hearings. Staff recommended adoption of the resolution and a one-year progress report to the Planning Commission.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Resolution No. 2025-116
Moved By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Seconded By
Councilmember Suzuki
Adopt Resolution and direct staff to provide the Planning Commission with a progress report one year after adoption.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
14. COUNCIL INITIATED
Public Comments:
14.1 COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE ORDINANCE
Attachments
|
Public Comments
1. CI.Arapostathis.Dillard_Summer and Holiday Recess 2025-09-09.pdf
2. Attachment A - Draft Ordinance Section 2.08.010 Meetings_Council Meeting Recess.pdf CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF THE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA AMENDING SECTION 2.08.010 OF THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH THE FIRST REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING IN AUGUST AND SECOND MEETING IN NOVEMBER AS A SUMMER AND HOLIDAY RECESS RESPECTIVELY - MAYOR ARAPOSTATHIS AND COUNCILMEMBER DILLARD Mayor Arapostathis and Councilmember Dillard introduced a draft ordinance to designate the first regular Council meeting in August and the second meeting in November as the summer and holiday recesses, respectively, noting that the second meeting of August would continue as part of the summer recess. The changes aim to provide Councilmembers and staff greater flexibility for vacations and holiday activities while ensuring the public has certainty regarding Council meeting schedules.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Moved By
Councilmember Dillard
Seconded By
Mayor Arapostathis
Approve the introduction and first reading of the Ordinance.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
15. 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.
16. AB 1234 REPORTS (GC 53232.3 (d))
Public Comments:
Councilmember Dillard announced that she would be attending the American Public Transportation Association TRANSform Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, from September 14–17, 2025.
17. CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
Public Comments:
There were no remarks.
18. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis adjourned the meeting at 7:08 p.m.