City Council - April 14, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER
Public Comments:
The City Council minutes are prepared and ordered to correspond to the City Council Agenda. Agenda Items may 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 - VICE MAYOR CAZARES
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 CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FOR MS. SENIOR CALIFORNIA 2026, MAGGIE ESPINOSA Public Comments:
Vice Mayor Cazares presented the Certificate of Recognition to Maggie Espinosa, Ms. Senior California 2026.
5.2 PROCLAIMING APRIL 18, 2026 AS ARBOR DAY
Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis read the proclamation designating April 18, 2026, as Arbor Day.
5.3 PROCLAIMING APRIL AS ART, CULTURE, & CREATIVITY MONTH Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis read the proclamation declaring April as Art, Culture, and Creativity Month.
5.4 PROCLAIMING APRIL AS VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION MONTH AND APRIL 21, 2026 AS VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DAY Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis read the proclamation declaring the month of April as Volunteer Appreciation Month and April 21, 2026, as Volunteer Appreciation Day.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments:
Barbie Wheeler spoke regarding ongoing issues related to a house on Bellflower Drive.
7. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
Public Comments:
There were no conflicts of interest disclosed.
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
Tom Ritz spoke on Item 9.9.
Neil Berger submitted a comment on Item 9.9.
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
(Items 9.1 through 9.11)
*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 (Item 9.4).
Councilmember Dillard spoke on Item 9.7.
Councilmember Lothian spoke on Items 9.5 and 9.9.
Moved By
Councilmember Dillard
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Approve Consent Calendar Items 9.1 through 9.11.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
9.1 APPROVAL OF MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF THE TEXT OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS AT THIS MEETING Public Comments:
Approve.
9.2 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING HELD TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Mar24_2026.pdf
Approve.
9.3 RESOLUTION DIRECTING REVIEW OF THE CITY OF LA MESA CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo - Conflict of Interest Code Review_2026-04-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Conflict of Interest Code Initial Review 2026.pdf Resolution No. 2026-036
Adopt Resolution.
9.4 *QUIMBY ACT PARKLAND DEDICATION IN-LIU FEE AND PARK ACQUISITION AND IMPROVEMENT IMPACT FEE Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Quimby Act and Park Impact Fees_2026-04-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Approving Park Impact Fees_2026-04-14.pdf RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FINDINGS FOR THE QUIMBY ACT PARKLAND DEDICATION IN-LIEU FEE AND PARK ACQUISITION AND IMPROVEMENT IMPACT FEE AS REQUIRED BY CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 66000 ET SEQ. AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR PROJECTS AS OUTLINED IN THE PARKS MASTER PLAN Resolution No. 2026-037
Adopt Resolution.
9.5 RATIFICATION OF DESIGN REVIEW BOARD'S APPROVAL OF PROJECT 2025-1903 (WARM HEARTH INC.) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Project 2025-1903_Warm Hearth Inc._2026-04-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Project 2025-1903_Warm Hearth Inc.pdf
3. Attachment B - Certificate of Action 2025-1903.pdf
4. Attachment C - Color Elevations and Materials Board_Warm Hearth.pdf RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD'S APPROVAL OF PROJECT 2025-1903 (WARM HEARTH INC.) – A FACADE REMODEL AT 8740-8748 LA MESA BOULEVARD (APNs 494-213-13-00, 494-213-14-00 AND 494-213-15-00) IN THE C-D-MU (GENERAL COMMMERCIAL/URBAN DESIGN OVERLAY/MIXED USE OVERLAY) ZONE Resolution No. 2026-038
Adopt Resolution.
9.6 RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH ROGERS, ANDERSON, MALODY AND SCOTT, LLP FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 AUDIT SERVICES Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Fiscal Year 2026 Audit Services_2026-04-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Fiscal Year 2026 Audit Services (rev).pdf
3. Attachment B - Proposal_Fiscal Year 2026 Audit Services_RAMS.pdf Resolution No. 2026-039
Adopt Resolution.
9.7 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF A COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING REQUEST THROUGH CONGRESSWOMAN SARA JACOBS' OFFICE FOR THE LA MESA DRONE AS FIRST RESPONDER PROJECT AND, IF AWARDED, AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE AND APPROPRIATION OF THE FUNDS Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Federal Community Project Funding Grant_2026-04-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Grant Application_2026-04-14.pdf
3. Attachment B - CPF Application.pdf
Resolution No. 2026-040
Adopt Resolution.
9.8 APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Board of State and Community Corrections Prop 64 Grant Application_2026-04-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Grant Application 2026-04-14.pdf
3. Attachment B - Grant Application 2026-04-14.pdf
4. Attachment C - Project Budget and Narrative.pdf
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE BOARD OF STATE AND COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS PROPOSITION 64 PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY GRANT PROGRAM, COHORT 4, AND IF AWARDED, AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE AND APPROPRIATION OF THE FUNDS FOR THE PROJECT Resolution No. 2026-041
Adopt Resolution.
9.9 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID 26-06, JOHNSON DRIVE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO MJC CONSTRUCTION, AND AUTHORIZING A BUDGET TRANSFER AND APPROPRIATION OF TRANSNET FUNDS TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 8503 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Bid 26-06_Johnson Dr. Drainage CIP No. 8503_2026-04-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_BID 26-06_Johnson Drive drainage improvement project.pdf
3. Attachment B - Bid Tabulation.pdf
4. Attachment C - Fiscal Certificate_Project No. 8503.pdf Neil Berger
Is this project related to transportation? TransNet funds are intended for transportation improvements. The staff report describes improvements to a private property. Using TransNet funds for purposes unrelated to transportation goes against the TransNet ordinance and could lead to audit findings.
Resolution No. 2026-042
Adopt Resolution.
9.10 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 WITH HAZARD CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING, INC. FOR BID 25-17, 2025 PAVING PROJECT, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT 8304 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Change Order to Hazard Construction for the 2025 Paving Project_2026-04-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Change Order to Hazard Construction for the 2025 Paving Project.pdf
3. Attachment B - Contract Change Order No.1_2025 Paving Project.pdf
4. Attachment C - Fiscal Certificate_Bid 25-17_2025 Paving Project.pdf Resolution No. 2026-043
Adopt Resolution.
9.11 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID 26-04 AND AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE 2026 SIDEWALK INFILL PROJECT TO MIRAMAR GENERAL ENGINEERING, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 8323 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Construction Contract with Miramar General Engineering for the 2026 Sidewalk Infill Project_2026-04-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Bid 26-04 Award.pdf
3. Attachment B - 2026 Sidewalk Infill Locations.pdf
4. Attachment C - Bid Tabulation.pdf
5. Attachment D - Fiscal Certificate - Sidewalk Infill Project.pdf Resolution No. 2026-044
Adopt Resolution.
10. ORDINANCES: FIRST READING
Public Comments:
10.1 ELECTRIC BICYCLE SAFETY PILOT PROGRAM ORDINANCE
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Electric Bicycle Safety Pilot Program Ordinance_2026-04-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - Draft Ordinance_Electric Bicycle Safety Pilot Program.pdf
3. Attachment B - Assembly Bill No. 2234.pdf
4. 10.1 PowerPoint - 1 Electric Bicycle Ordinance 2026-04-14.pdf Anonymous
Why is the city spending time and resources criminalizing cycling while doing nothing to address the way more prevalent deaths and injuries caused by car crashes and vehicle pollution? CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA ADDING CHAPTER 12.38 TO THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH THE LA MESA ELECTRIC BICYCLE SAFETY PILOT PROGRAM PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE SECTIONS 21214.7, 312.5, AND 22651.08 Assistant City Manager Lee provided an overview of the proposed Electric Bicycle Safety Pilot Program ordinance, including background information, key provisions of the draft ordinance, enforcement measures, e-bike seizure and release procedures, and data collection requirements.
Joseph Cryer expressed his concerns with the proposed ordinance.
An unidentified person submitted a comment regarding concerns about City priorities related to cycling regulations versus vehicle-related safety and pollution impacts.
Council questions and comments ensued.
City Attorney Sabine read the title of the ordinance.
Moved By
Councilmember Suzuki
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)
11. COUNCIL INITIATED
Public Comments:
11.1 CONSIDERATION OF ALLOCATING $20,000 TO UPDATE THE 2022 PARK DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE STUDY TO EVALUATE POTENTIAL INCREASES TO THE QUIMBY ACT PARKLAND DEDICATION IN-LIEU FEE AND PARK ACQUISITION AND IMPROVEMENT FEE - MAYOR ARAPOSTATHIS Attachments
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Public Comments
1. CI.Arapostathis_Approve $20,000 to update the 2022 Park Development Impact Fee Study_2026-04-14.pdf Mayor Arapostathis provided background on the history of the Park Development Impact Fee Study, noting that the City established the Quimby Act Parkland Dedication In-Lieu Fee and the Park Acquisition and Improvement Fee in 2005 to ensure new development contributes to park improvements. He explained that, although these fees have generated funding for park projects, they have not been updated since their adoption despite significant increases in development costs. Mayor Arapostathis further explained that the purpose of the request was to approve the allocation of $20,000 to update the 2022 study and return to the City Council with updated findings for consideration, including potential adjustments to both fees.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Dillard
Approve the allocation of $20,000 to update the 2022 Park Development Impact Fee Study to evaluate potential increases to the Quimby Act Parkland Dedication In-Lieu Fee and the Park Acquisition and Improvement Fee.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
11.2 CANNABIS DISPENSARIES SIGNAGE CONTENT
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. CI.Cazares_Cannabis Business Signage Content_2026-04-14.pdf CONSIDERATION OF REQUESTING STAFF TO PREPARE A DRAFT ORDINANCE (FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ADOPTION) CLARIFYING THE INTENT AND AUTHORITY FOR CANNABIS DISPENSARIES TO IDENTIFY THEMSELVES AS “DISPENSARIES” IN SIGNAGE CONTENT - VICE MAYOR CAZARES Vice Mayor Cazares explained the purpose of the request to direct staff to prepare a draft ordinance, for Council consideration and possible adoption, clarifying the intent and authority for cannabis dispensaries to identify themselves as “dispensaries” in signage content, noting that dispensaries may be mistaken for other types of businesses due to their names and advertising, and that such clarification would help avoid confusion, particularly for minors.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Moved By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Seconded By
Mayor Arapostathis
Direct staff to prepare a draft ordinance, for Council consideration and possible adoption, clarifying the intent and authority for cannabis dispensaries to identify themselves as "dispensaries" in signage content.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
11.3 CONSIDERATION OF ADDING A “BILL WALTON WAY” SIGN TO THE SIGNPOST AT THE INTERSECTION OF LOWELL STREET AND NORMAL AVENUE - COUNCILMEMBER DILLARD Attachments
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Public Comments
1. CI.Dillard_Bill Walton Way Sign 2026-04-14.pdf
Councilmember Dillard explained the purpose of installing a “Bill Walton Way” sign at the intersection of Lowell Street and Normal Avenue, in recognition of Bill Walton (1952–2024), a Hall of Fame basketball player, broadcaster, and proud La Mesa native. She noted that Bill Walton
was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993, won two NBA championships in 1977 and 1986, and earned the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 1978. Councilmember Dillard further highlighted that he was a two-time NCAA champion with UCLA and was born and raised in La Mesa.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Marla Phelps expressed her appreciation and admiration for Bill Walton.
Council questions and comments continued.
Moved By
Councilmember Dillard
Seconded By
Mayor Arapostathis
Approve adding a "Bill Walton Way" sign to the signpost at the intersection of Lowell Street and Normal Avenue.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
12. 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.
13. AB 1234 REPORTS (GC 53232.3(d))
Public Comments:
There were no reports.
14. CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
Public Comments:
There were no remarks.
15. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis adjourned the meeting at 7:16 p.m.