City Council - September 23, 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 SUZUKI
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 PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 5 - 11, 2025, AS FIRE PREVENTION WEEK Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis read the proclamation proclaiming the week of October 5 - 11, 2025, as Fire Prevention Week.
5.2 PRESENTATION ON A NEW BUILDING SPACE NEEDS ANALYSIS FOR CITY HALL AND POST OFFICE RELOCATION TO ALLOW FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE LIBRARY Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_City Hall Space Needs Analysis Presentation 2025-09-23.pdf
2. 5.2 PowerPoint - La Mesa City Hall_Space Needs Analysis.pdf Kirsten Iversen
Good evening Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Cazares, Council members, City Manager Greg Humora and City Staff, My name is Kirsten Iversen, and I serve as President of the Friends of the La Mesa Library.
On behalf of our members, volunteers, and the thousands of residents who use and love our library, I want to thank you for your leadership in prioritizing the expansion of the La Mesa Branch Library. The Council’s decision to approve the horizontal expansion into the Post Office space was an important milestone.
Now, we need your continued support in finding a new home for the Post Office so this project can move forward. The expansion cannot happen until a suitable location is secured, and we ask the City Council to continue to partner with us in making this a reality.
The library is more than a building. Every day, it provides children with a safe place to learn, teens with resources for growth, adults with access to information and technology, and seniors with a space to connect. But the current facility is too small to meet the needs of a city our size. Expansion will allow for more programming, quiet study space, community rooms, and technology access that residents are asking for. We are turning down opportunities for our community due to space constraints. With your help we will give our community the Library it needs to flourish! The Friends of the La Mesa Library have organized our work around three strategic pillars that reflect what this expansion makes possible:
• Fuel Growth
• Ignite Learning
• Build Belonging
We believe these pillars align with the City’s goals to invest in infrastructure, nurture community pride, and create a civic center that reflects the best of La Mesa.
This project is not only about library services, it is about creating a space that supports education, community engagement, and quality of life for decades to come. We recognize that relocating the Post Office is complex, but we are confident that with City leadership and collaboration, a solution can be found.
On behalf of the Friends of the La Mesa Library, I respectfully urge the Council to continue to make the Post Office relocation and library expansion a priority. Together, we can ensure that La Mesa has a library that reflects the vibrancy and growth of our community.
Thank you for your time and for your partnership in building a stronger future for La Mesa.
Respectfully,
Kirsten Iversen
President, Friends of the La Mesa Library
City Manager Humora provided opening remarks outlining the history of the City’s efforts to expand the library, the direction previously given by the Council, and the current status of discussions with the Post Office regarding their willingness to relocate to accommodate future plans.
Kyle Peterson, Principal at HMC Architects, presented the City Hall Space Needs Analysis prepared by the firm. The study identified guiding principles for a new facility, emphasizing accessibility, safety, functionality, civic pride, and inviting public spaces. The analysis reviewed existing square footage, projected future needs, and recommended an expansion from 20,850 to 26,008 square feet to meet modern standards and future staff growth. Site configuration options and cost estimates of approximately $35.7 million were also discussed, with the project designed to integrate the Post Office and provide opportunities for a significant future expansion of the library.
Council questions and comments ensued.
The following members of the public provided comments on the proposed relocation of City Hall and the Post Office to facilitate the library’s expansion:
John Schmitz
Michelle Huey
David Harris
Kirsten Iversen
6. 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.
Cindy Maina provided an update on the problems arising from the Meritage project on Jericho Road.
Martha Bertles spoke on expanding the off-leash area at McArthur Park.
James Mulligan spoke on expanding the off-leash area at McArthur Park.
Brenda Leek spoke on outdoor dining and the Downtown Village Specific Plan.
7. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
Public Comments:
There were no conflicts of interest disclosed.
8. BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Public Comments:
8.1 RESOLUTION APPOINTING AND/OR REAPPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_2025 Annual YAC Appointments.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution.September.YAC.pdf
3. Attachment B - 2025 List of Applicants_YAC.pdf
Mayor Arapostathis nominated Grace Reagan and Kallan Rossiter for reappointment and Alexandra Arapostathis, Laycie Ann Campania, Loretta Carota, Myriam Garcia, Xochitl Willow Gomez, Aliyah Lee, Nate Madrid, Maya Sapp, and Hailey West for appointment to the Youth Advisory Commission.
Resolution No. 2025-117
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Approve the reappointments of Grace Reagan and Kallan Rossiter and the appointments of Alexandra Arapostathis, Laycie Ann Campania, Loretta Carota, Myriam Garcia, Xochitl Willow Gomez, Aliyah Lee, Nate Madrid, Maya Sapp, and Hailey West to the Youth Advisory Commission, and adopt a resolution confirming the reappointments and appointments.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
There were no comments on Consent Calendar items.
10. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
(Items 10.1 through 10.11)
*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 10.4 and 10.5).
Councilmember Lothian provided comments on Item 10.11, the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Quarterly Status Report.
Engineering Project Manager Kinnard presented the report’s key highlights.
Vice Mayor Cazares commented on Item 10.8, the Alcohol Policing Partnership Program Grant, and summarized how the grant funds would be used.
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Dillard
Approve Consent Calendar Items 10.1 through 10.11.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor 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 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING HELD TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Sep09_2025.pdf
Approve.
10.3 RATIFICATION OF DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL OF PROJECT 2025-0657 (8703 MURRAY DRIVE) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Project 2025-0657_Ratification of Design Review of New Soapy Joes Car Wash Facility.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Project 2025-0657 Ratification_Soapy Joes Car Wash.pdf
3. Attachment B - Project 2025-0657 Plans_Soap Joes Car Wash Facility.pdf
4. Attachment C - DRB Certificate of Action_Project 2025-0657.pdf RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL OF PROJECT 2025-0657 (MURRAY) - A NEW SOAPY JOE'S CAR WASH FACILITY AT 8703 MURRAY DRIVE, APN 490-261-06-00 IN THE C-G-D (GENERAL COMMERCIAL / GROSSMONT OVERLAY / URBAN DESIGN OVERLAY) ZONE Resolution No. 2025-118
Adopt Resolution.
10.4 *FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT ("CAPER") FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report 2025-09-23.pdf
2. Attachment A - Draft FY2024-2025 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report .pdf CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE DRAFT CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT FOR THE PLANNING PERIOD FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2024 TO JUNE 30, 2025, FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING FOR THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ("HUD") FUNDING PROGRAMS Approve the draft Fiscal Year 2024–2025 CAPER and authorize staff to make any necessary corrections and submit it to HUD by September 28, 2025.
10.5 *TAX EQUITY AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 1982 (“TEFRA”) HEARING FOR THE LEARNING CHOICE ACADEMY – EAST COUNTY LOCATED AT 4215 SPRING STREET Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_TEFRA Hearing_The Learning Choice Academy 2025-09-23.pdf
2. Attachment A - TEFRA Resolution_CMFA Charter School Revenue Bonds_The Learning Choice Academy.pdf
3. Attachment B - Email Requesting TEFRA Hearing for The Learning Choice Academy.pdf RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ISSUANCE BY THE CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FINANCE AUTHORITY OF ITS CHARTER SCHOOL REVENUE BONDS (THE LEARNING CHOICE ACADEMY PROJECT) SERIES 2025 IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $25,000,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING AND/OR REFINANCING THE ACQUISITION, IMPROVEMENT, RENOVATION, CONSTRUCTION, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF CERTAIN PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL FACILITIES AND CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO Resolution No. 2025-119
Adopt Resolution.
10.6 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH ROGERS, ANDERSON, MALODY & SCOTT, LLP FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2025 AUDIT Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Agreement with RAMS LLP for FY25 Audit Services 2025-09-23.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Audit Services FY25.pdf
3. Attachment B - RAMS_Agreement_FY25 Audit Services.pdf Resolution No. 2025-120
Adopt Resolution.
10.7 RESOLUTION AWARDING THE PURCHASE OF A FORD 350 HR CARGO VAN ELECTRIC VEHICLE FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO SEDANO FORD Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Award the Purchase of Ford Cargo Van Electric Vehicle to Sedano Ford 2025-09-23.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Ford 350 HR Cargo EV Van_09.23.2025.pdf
3. Attachment B - Pricing Summary.pdf
Resolution No. 2025-121
Adopt Resolution.
10.8 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL FOR THE ALCOHOL POLICING PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM GRANT Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of Alcoholic Beverage Control Grant 2025-09-23.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Alcoholic Beverage Control Grant.pdf
3. Attachment B - Standard Agreement_Alcohol Beverage Control Department.pdf
4. Exhibit A - Scope_of_Work.pdf
5. Exhibit B - Budget Detail and Payment Provison.pdf
6. Exhibit C - General Terms and Conditions.pdf
7. Exhibit D - Special Terms and Conditions.pdf
Resolution No. 2025-122
Adopt Resolution.
10.9 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TASK ORDER TO GEOCON, INC., FOR GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES FOR THE CITYWIDE STREETS REHABILITATION PROJECT (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 8308) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_ Agreement with Geocon Inc_Streets Rehab Project 2025-09-23.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Streets Rehab Project.pdf
3. Attachment B - Geocon Inc Proposal_Streets Rehab Project.pdf
4. Attachment C - Maintenance Zones.pdf
5. Fiscal Certificate_Street Rehab Project.pdf
Resolution No. 2025-123
Adopt Resolution.
10.10 RESOLUTION AMENDING SECTION 12.64.020 OF THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE DECREASING THE SPEED LIMIT ON MURRAY DRIVE FROM GROSSMONT CENTER DRIVE TO SEVERIN DRIVE FROM 40 TO 35 MPH Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Speed Limit Reduction_Murray Drive 2025-09-23.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Speed Limit Reduction Murray Drive.pdf
3. Attachment B - Engineering and Traffic Survey_Murray Drive Speed Limit Reduction .pdf Resolution No. 2025-124
Adopt Resolution.
10.11 NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAM QUARTERLY STATUS REPORT Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_NTMP Quarterly Report 2025-09-23.pdf
2. Attachment A - NTMP Draft Petition.pdf
3. Attachment B - NTMP Draft Matrix Update2.pdf
Receive and file.
11. ORDINANCES: SECOND READING
Public Comments:
11.1 OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS ORDINANCE
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_Objective Design Standards Ordinance Second Reading.pdf
2. Attachment A - Draft Ordinance_Objective Design Standards.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) City Attorney Sabine read the title of the Ordinance.
Ordinance No. 2025-2921
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Approve the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
11.2 COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE ORDINANCE
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_Ordinance Second Reading_Council Meeting Recess LMMC Section 2.08.010.pdf
2. Attachment A - Draft Ordinance Section 2.08.010 Meetings_Council Meeting Recess.pdf CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA, CALIFORNIA, 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 City Attorney Sabine read the title of the Ordinance.
Ordinance No. 2025-2922
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Dillard
Approve the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
12. STAFF REPORTS
Public Comments:
12.1 CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF THE LA MESA COMMUNITY PARKING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION FOR THE LA MESA VILLAGE ENHANCEMENT FUND PROGRAM, AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS APPROPRIATING FUNDS AND MODIFYING PROGRAM GUIDELINES Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report_Community Parking Commission Recommendation for Village Enhancement Fund Program 2025-09-23.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution - VEF Program FY25-26 Award.pdf
3. Attachment B - Resolution - VEF Program Modification.pdf
4. Attachment C - VEF Applications_FY25-26.pdf
5. Attachment D - Fiscal Impact Statement.pdf
6. 12.1 PowerPoint_VEF Community Parking Commission Recommendation.pdf Assistant to the City Manager Dedmon presented the Community Parking Commission’s recommendation regarding the Village Enhancement Fund ("VEF") program. For Fiscal Year 2025–26, $63,369 in funding was available, derived from 50% of annual net parking revenues. The Commission recommended allocating the funds equally across five community events: Holiday in the Village, Classic Car Show, Taste of the Village, Oktoberfest, and San Diego Made Spring Market. Assistant to the City Manager Dedmon also noted proposed program modifications, which included a $50,000 annual funding cap, limiting eligibility to new events, granting the Commission discretion in allocations, and authorizing the City Manager to approve future program guideline updates.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Resolution No. 2025-125 and Resolution No. 2025-126
Moved By
Councilmember Dillard
Seconded By
Councilmember Lothian
(1) Approve the allocation of La Mesa Village Enhancement Fund Program funding, as recommended by the La Mesa Community Parking Commission, in the amount of $12,673.70 each for the following events: 2025 Holiday in the Village, 2026 San Diego Made Spring Market, 2026 Classic Car Show, 2026 Taste of the Village, and 2026 Oktoberfest; (2) Adopt Resolution appropriating $63,369 from the Downtown Parking Fund to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Downtown Village Enhancement Fund budget; and (3) Adopt Resolution approving the La Mesa Community Parking Commission's recommendation to modify the La Mesa Village Enhancement Fund Program.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
13. COUNCIL INITIATED
Public Comments:
13.1 CONSIDERATION OF ESTABLISHING A COUNCIL AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE TO REVIEW EXISTING REGULATIONS GOVERNING GROUP HOMES AND FACILITIES AND TO CONSIDER ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS TO ENHANCE LOCAL CONTROL - VICE MAYOR CAZARES Attachments
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Public Comments
1. CI.Cazares_Regulations Governing Group Homes Subcommittee 2025-09-23.pdf Vice Mayor Cazares explained the purpose of the request for Council approval to establish a Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee tasked with reviewing existing regulations governing group homes and facilities and considering additional regulations to enhance local control.
Council questions and comments ensued.
The following members of the public provided comments on the proposed Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee:
Barbie Wheeler
Carly Robinson
Emily Schneider
Billy Beltz
Ilka Weston
Council questions and comments continued.
Moved By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Seconded By
Councilmember Lothian
Establish a Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee comprised of Vice Mayor Cazares and Councilmember Lothian to review existing regulations governing group homes and facilities and to consider additional regulations to enhance local control.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 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 7:19 p.m.