City Council - April 28, 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.
Vice Mayor Cazares called the meeting to order at 6:01 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 Vice 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 MAY 15, 2026 AS PEACE OFFICERS’ MEMORIAL DAY Public Comments:
Vice Mayor Cazares read and presented the proclamation proclaiming May 15, 2026, as Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial Day to the La Mesa Police Department.
5.2 PROCLAIMING MAY AS WATER SAFETY MONTH
Public Comments:
Vice Mayor Cazares read the proclamation proclaiming the month of May as Water Safety Month.
5.3 SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY POWER PRESENTATION ON 2026 RATES, POWER PROCUREMENT, AND PROGRAM OFFERINGS Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 5.3 PowerPoint - SDCP Presentation 2026-04-28.pdf
Karen Burns, Chief Executive Officer, San Diego Community Power ("SDCP"), provided an overview of SDCP’s role in delivering cleaner, competitively priced energy and outlined its renewable energy goals, customer program options, and high participation rates in La Mesa. She highlighted local impacts, including renewable energy adoption, incentives, community partnerships, and infrastructure investments supporting sustainability efforts. She also discussed future initiatives focused on local energy development, affordability, and expanded clean energy programs.
Council questions and comments ensued.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments:
Debbie Eyler raised concerns regarding street maintenance and traffic conditions on Glen Street.
7. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
Public Comments:
There were no conflicts of interest disclosed.
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
There were no public comments on Consent Calendar items.
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
(Items 9.1 through 9.4)
*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).
Moved By
Councilmember Suzuki
Seconded By
Councilmember Lothian
Approve Consent Calendar Items 9.1 through 9.4.
For (3)
Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Absent (2)
Mayor Arapostathis, and Councilmember Dillard
Approved (3 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, APRIL 14, 2026 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Apr14_2026.pdf
Approve.
9.3 RESOLUTION AWARDING AGREEMENTS TO A DEBT FINANCING TEAM CONSISTING OF URBAN FUTURES, INC., BEST BEST & KRIEGER LLP, AND OPPENHEIMER & CO. INC. FOR POTENTIAL PROPOSITION D BOND REFINANCING AND PROPERTY TAX SAVINGS Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Debt Financing Team_2026-04-28.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Debt Financing Team.pdf
3. Attachment B - RFP Scoring Summaries_Debt Financing Team.pdf Resolution No. 2026-045
Adopt Resolution.
9.4 *SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SANDAG) ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT TO THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION CONGESTION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (RTCIP) DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - SANDAG Fiscal Year 2027 Adjustment to the RTCIP Fee_2026-4-28.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Fiscal Year 2027 RTCIP Fee.pdf RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE SANDAG ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT TO THE RTCIP DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF SANDAG COMMISSION ORDINANCE 04-01 AND TRANSNET EXTENSION ORDINANCE AND EXPENDITURE PLAN Resolution No. 2026-046
Adopt Resolution.
10. ORDINANCES: FIRST READING
Public Comments:
10.1 CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA AMENDING SECTION 6.11.200(M)(3) OF THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE TO CLARIFY THE INTENT AND AUTHORITY FOR CANNABIS DISPENSARIES TO USE THE PHRASE "DISPENSARY" IN SIGNAGE CONTENT Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Ordinance Amending 6.11.200 (M)(3)_Dispensary in Signage Content_2026-04-28.pdf
2. Attachment A - Ordinance_Section 6.11.200(M)(3).pdf
City Attorney Sabine read the title of the Ordinance.
Director of Community Development Santos presented the proposed ordinance amending Section 6.11.200(M)(3) of the La Mesa Municipal Code to clarify that cannabis dispensaries may use the phrase “dispensary” in signage content. She explained the amendment was intended to reduce confusion about the nature of cannabis businesses and noted there would be no direct fiscal impact associated with the item.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Moved By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Seconded By
Councilmember Suzuki
Approve the introduction and first reading of the Ordinance.
For (3)
Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Absent (2)
Mayor Arapostathis, and Councilmember Dillard
Approved (3 to 0)
11. ORDINANCES: SECOND READING
Public Comments:
11.1 ELECTRICAL BICYCLE SAFETY PILOT PROGRAM ORDINANCE
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo - Ordinance 2nd Reading_E-Bike Safety Pilot Program 2026-04-28.pdf
2. Attachment A - Draft Ordinance_Electric Bicycle Safety Pilot Program.pdf Joseph Cryer
On the surface, the intent of this is noble: protecting our children. But this ban is a blunt-force instrument that misdiagnoses the problem.
If we want to protect our kids, we shouldn't take away their bikes—we should make our streets safer.
The primary driver of this ban is a misunderstanding of technology. People often conflate regulated Class 1 and 2 e-bikes—which provide a boost to the rider and have limited power for kids’ models—with high-powered, unregulated e-motos.
Instead of addressing e-motos, we are prohibiting 10-year-olds from riding more age-appropriate e-bikes that allow them to climb hills and travel distances that would otherwise require a car.
The frustration with e-motos is valid. We have all seen reckless riding at some point. But here is the reality: reckless riding is already illegal. Our laws already mandate helmet use, yielding to pedestrians, and adherence to the rules of the road. This ban shows that we have failed to enforce the laws we already have.
Every child matures at a different rate. Some 11-year-olds are more responsible and road-aware than some 15-year-olds with permits to drive SUVs. This ban strips parents of the right to determine their own child’s readiness.
For working families, an e-bike is a distance multiplier, allowing a student to get to soccer practice or the library independently while their parents work. Forcing children off their bikes doesn't make them safer, it forces them back into cars, increasing traffic congestion and air pollution.
Pediatric health experts are increasingly worried about the epidemic of isolation among youth. Learning to navigate a community builds executive function, spatial awareness, and confidence. When we tell an otherwise capable youth they aren't allowed to ride a bike with a small electric assist, we are teaching them learned helplessness.
Evidence shows that the greatest threat to a child’s life in an urban environment isn't their own bicycle—it’s cars and trucks.
The city claims that 6 e-bike collisions in 3 years justify a ban for young kids. But none of those collisions involved young children, and at least 4 of the incidents were cars hitting cyclists. Meanwhile, in the same period, La Mesa had over 1,300 traffic injuries and 12 deaths, the vast majority from car crashes.
Chris Jack
I think we have to consider ways to succinctly classify types of e-bikes and requirements for them. We live in a car culture and I want ways for people to be able to use better means of transportation than just a car. It is good to remember that cars are still far more dangerous than e-bikes. If we truly care about safety, we need to consider traffic calming options and things that work well with promoting different types of bike friendly options for the city. We need cars to coexist with children biking and share that space as long and the children meet safety standards. We need to remove barriers for people enjoying the roadways and outdoors and scrutinize the very unsafe normalization of car culture.
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 City Attorney Sabine read the title of the ordinance.
The following members of the public spoke or submitted a comment in opposition to the proposed Electrical Bicycle Safety Pilot Program Ordinance:
Andrea Cryer
Joseph Cryer
Cassi Knight
Chris Jack
Council questions and comments ensued.
Moved By
Councilmember Suzuki
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Cazares
To continue the item to a date certain of May 12, 2026, to allow consideration by the full Council.
For (2)
Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki
Against (1)
Councilmember Lothian
Absent (2)
Mayor Arapostathis, and Councilmember Dillard
Approved (2 to 1)
12. HEARINGS
Public Comments:
12.1 CONSIDERATION OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027 AND A SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO FISCAL YEAR 2025 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - CDBG Fiscal Year 2027 and Amendment to CDBG Fiscal Year 2025_2028-04-28.pdf
2. Attachement A - CDBG FY 2027 Annual Action Plan_Draft.pdf
3. Attachment B - Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Action Plan_Proposed Amendment Language_Draft.pdf
4. Attachment C - Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report_Fiscal Year 2025.pdf
5. 12.1 PowerPoint - FY 27 Annual Action Plan 2026-04-28.pdf Notice of the hearing was given in accordance with legal requirements, and the hearing was held on the date and at the time specified in the notice.
Vice Mayor Cazares opened the hearing for Item 12.1.
Senior Management Analyst Pina presented the CDBG Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Annual Action Plan, outlining proposed funding allocations to support infrastructure improvements, public services, and program administration in alignment with the City’s Consolidated Plan goals. She also described a proposed amendment to the FY 2025 Action Plan to reallocate funds from the Nancy Drive project, which cannot be completed within the program year, to sidewalk improvement projects.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Moved By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Seconded By
Councilmember Lothian
Close the hearing.
For (3)
Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Absent (2)
Mayor Arapostathis, and Councilmember Dillard
Approved (3 to 0)
Moved By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Seconded By
Councilmember Lothian
Direct staff to draft and circulate for public review the CDBG FY 2027 Annual Action Plan and the FY 2025 Annual Action Plan with the proposed amendment and return to Council on May 26, 2026, for final review and approval.
For (3)
Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Absent (2)
Mayor Arapostathis, and Councilmember Dillard
Approved (3 to 0)
13. COUNCIL INITIATED
Public Comments:
13.1 CITY SPONSORSHIP FOR MINI MESA CIVIC LAB
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. CI.Suzuki_Mini Mesa Civic Lab_2026-04-28.pdf
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF CITY SPONSORSHIP FOR MINI MESA: CIVIC LAB, INCLUDING AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF CITY FACILITIES; STAFF SUPPORT FOR PLANNING AND ON-SITE COORDINATION; DEMONSTRATIONS AND EVENT STAFFING BY THE LA MESA POLICE DEPARTMENT AND HEARTLAND FIRE; AND EVENT PROMOTION THROUGH CITY COMMUNICATION CHANNELS AND PARTNER OUTREACH - COUNCILMEMBER SUZUKI Councilmember Suzuki introduced Mini Mesa: Civic Lab, a proposed one-day, City-sponsored civic education event for students in grades 4–8 designed to promote civic literacy through hands-on activities, demonstrations, and career exploration with local agencies. The program would involve partnerships with organizations such as Helix Water District, San Diego Community Power, and the La Mesa Police and Fire Departments, with City staff coordinating logistics and outreach.
Dawn Tol spoke in support of approving City sponsorship of Mini Mesa: Civic Lab.
Moved By
Councilmember Suzuki
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Approve City sponsorship of Mini Mesa: Civic Lab, including authorization for use of City facilities; staff support for planning and on-site coordination; participation by the La Mesa Police Department and Heartland Fire & Rescue for demonstrations and event staffing; and promotion through City communication channels and partner outreach; and direct staff to finalize event logistics, secure partner commitments, and return to Council with a proposed date, location, and budget for consideration and approval.
For (3)
Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Absent (2)
Mayor Arapostathis, and Councilmember Dillard
Approved (3 to 0)
14. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (3 MINUTE LIMIT)
Public Comments:
The Vice 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:
Vice Mayor Cazares adjourned the meeting at 7:18 p.m.