City Council - July 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 - COUNCILMEMBER LOTHIAN
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 JULY 2026 AS PARKS AND RECREATION MONTH Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis read the proclamation declaring the month of July 2026 as Parks and Recreation Month.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments:
Cindy Maina spoke on the problems arising from the Meritage project on Jericho Road and recommended permit parking be implemented in the area.
MaryAnn spoke on the problems arising from the Meritage project on Jericho Road.
7. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
Public Comments:
There were no conflicts of interest disclosed.
8. BOARD AND COMMISSION INTERVIEWS
Public Comments:
8.1 ANNUAL INTERVIEW OF APPLICANTS FOR OPENINGS ON THE CITY’S BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo - Board and Commission Annual Interviews 2026-07-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - Board and Commission Interviews_July.pdf City Clerk Wiegelman briefly explained the interview process and announced the withdrawal of Damian-Andrew Jackowski's application for appointment to the Mission Trails Regional Park Citizens' Advisory Committee. She also announced that the appointments would be made at the July 28 Council meeting.
The following applicants spoke about their qualifications and interest in being appointed or reappointed to a City board or commission:
Renee Bareno
Jo Ann Bray
Rodney Elliot
Heidi Frampton
Linda Morton
Mickey Mounarath
Andrea Britland
Megan O’Dowd
Ana Gonzalez Seda
Chris Langdon
Jeanne Stronach
Nancy Clement Hillman
Jessi Brown
Aida Silva
Alysia Spivey
Dallin Young
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
There were no public comments on Consent Calendar items.
10. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
(Items 10.1 through 10.11)
Councilmember Lothian commented on Item 10.8.
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Suzuki
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 AND LA MESA PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY SPECIAL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2026 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Jun23_2026.pdf
Approve.
10.3 RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT OF A REPORT BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REGARDING COMPLIANCE WITH ANNUAL INSPECTIONS PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13146.2 AND 13146.3 OF THE CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report – State Mandated Inspections 2026-07-14.pdf
2. Attachment A – Resolution_Health And Safety Code Report Acceptance_2026-07-14.pdf Resolution No. 2026-078
Adopt Resolution.
10.4 RESOLUTION DETERMINING SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES EXIST TO WAIVE COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT, AWARD AN AGREEMENT TO GAMETIME FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AND SHADE STRUCTURE FOR AZTEC PARK, AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR CONSTRUCTION Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Gametime Award_2026-07-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Gametime_Waive Competitive Procurement_2026-07-14.pdf
3. Attachment B - Proposal and Quote_Great Western Recreation.pdf
4. Attachment C - Proposal and Quote_Great Western Recreation_CPRS Discount.pdf
5. Attachment D - Fiscal Certificate.pdf
Resolution No. 2026-079
Adopt Resolution.
10.5 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF THE DOWNTOWN LA MESA DISTRICT SIGN, ANY UNEXPENDED FUNDS FOR THE PROJECT AND DESIGNATING THE FUNDS FOR FUTURE DISTRICT SIGN MAINTENANCE Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Acceptance of District Sign Donation_2026-07-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Acceptance of District Sign Donation_2026-07-14.pdf Resolution No. 2026-080
Adopt Resolution.
10.6 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF THE NEW SHADE STRUCTURE AND SURFACING FROM THE LA MESA PARK & RECREATION FOUNDATION FOR THE MACARTHUR PARK TOT LOT Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Accepting the Donation of a New Shade Structure and Surfacing_2026-07-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Accepting Donation of a New Shade Structure and Surfacing_2026-07-14.pdf Resolution No. 2026-081
Adopt Resolution.
10.7 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 2026-2027 BUDGET Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - CHP Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Appropriation_2026-07-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_CHP Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Appropriation_FY26-27.pdf
3. Attachment B - CTFGP Grant Agreement_La Mesa PD_FY26-27.pdf Resolution No. 2026-082
Adopt Resolution.
10.8 ADOPT THE 2025 NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT AND THE 2026 WORK PLAN Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - 2025 Annual NTMP and 2026 Work Plan_2026-07-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - 2026 NTMP Matrix.pdf
Approve.
10.9 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 WITH ARDURRA GROUP, INC., FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE GARFIELD AND DAILY SEWER PROJECT (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT 8102) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Change Order 1 Garfield and Daily Sewer Project_2026-07-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_CO1_Garfield and Daily Sewer Project_2026-07-14.pdf
3. Attachment B - Contract Change Order 1_Ardurra.pdf
4. Fiscal Certificate_CO1 Ardurra.pdf
Resolution No. 2026-083
Adopt Resolution.
10.10 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE LOW BIDDER FOR BID 27-02 AND AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE SLURRY SEAL PROJECT WITH PLA (ZONE 2) TO PAVEMENT COATINGS CO. (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT 8305) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Award 2026 Slurry Seal Project _2026-07-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_2026 Slurry Award.pdf
3. Attachment B - Bid Tabulation_2026 Slurry Award.pdf
4. Attachment C - List of Streets_2026 Slurry Award.pdf
5. Attachment D - Maintenance Zone Map Rev 1.pdf
6. Attachment E - Fiscal Certificate_2026 Slurry Seal Award.pdf Resolution No. 2026-084
Adopt Resolution.
10.11 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE LOW BIDDER FOR BID 27-04 AND AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE 2026 ANNUAL CONCRETE MAINTENANCE PROJECT TO MIRAMAR GENERAL ENGINEERING (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT 8302) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Award 2026 Annual Concrete Maintenance Project_2026-07-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_2026 Concrete.pdf
3. Attachment B - Maintenance Zone Map Rev 1.pdf
4. Attachment C - Bid Tabulation - 2026 Annual Concrete Maint.pdf
5. Attachment D - Fiscal Certificate_2026 Concrete Award.pdf Resolution No. 2026-085
Adopt Resolution.
11. STAFF REPORTS
Public Comments:
11.1 CONSIDERATION OF ISSUANCE OF 2026 GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS TO REFINANCE THE OUTSTANDING PROPOSITION D 2016 GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS AND RELATED ACTIONS Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Issuance of 2026 General Obligation Refunding Bonds_2026-07-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_2026 General Obligation Refunding Bonds.pdf
3. Attachment B - Contract_2026 General Obligation Refunding Bonds_Paying Agent Agreement.pdf
4. Attachment C - Contract_2026 General Obligation Refunding Bonds_Escrow Deposit and Trust Agreement.pdf
5. Attachment D - Preliminary Official Statement.pdf
6. Attachment E - Contract_2026 General Obligation Refunding Bonds_Bond Purchase Agreement.pdf
7. 11.1 PowerPoint Presentation_2026 General Obligation Bonds.pdf Director of Finance Esenwein provided an overview of the proposed 2026 General Obligation Refunding Bonds, explaining that refunding the 2016 bonds would shorten the final maturity by four years and generate an estimated $2.07 million in cash flow savings. Director of Finance Esenwein reviewed the proposed financing terms, estimated savings, and financing schedule, and summarized the documents and not-to-exceed parameters included in the resolution.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Resolution No. 2026-086
Moved By
Councilmember Suzuki
Seconded By
Councilmember Dillard
Adopt Resolution authorizing the issuance of its 2026 General Obligation Refunding Bonds, authorizing and directing the execution of a Paying Agent Agreement, and certain other related documents, and authorizing actions related thereto.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
12. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Public Comments:
12.1 LETTER FROM THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES REQUESTING THE DESIGNATION OF A VOTING DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE FOR THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 23 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 25, 2026, IN ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo_Designation of Voting Delegate League of CA Cities Annual Conference 2026-07-14.pdf
2. Attachment A - 2026 Voting Delegate Information Packet.pdf Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Suzuki
To designate Mayor Arapostathis as the voting delegate and Councilmember Suzuki as the alternate for the League of California Cities Annual Conference.
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 DIRECTING STAFF TO STUDY SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTALS, DEVELOP POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS, AND RETURN TO THE COUNCIL WITH A PROPOSED REGULATORY POLICY - MAYOR ARAPOSTATHIS AND VICE MAYOR CAZARES Attachments
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Public Comments
1. CI.Arapostathis.Cazares_Short Term Vacation Rentals 2026-07-14.pdf Vice Mayor Cazares presented a request to direct staff to evaluate the development of a regulatory framework for short-term vacation rentals. She explained that the evaluation would assess the local market, best practices, fiscal impacts, and potential operational standards, including opportunities for Transient Occupancy Tax collection and cost recovery, to help inform future Council policy decisions.
Brittney Simensky spoke on the impacts of short-term vacation rentals.
Anne Knox spoke on the impacts of short-term vacation rentals.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Moved By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Seconded By
Mayor Arapostathis
Direct staff to evaluate short-term vacation rentals, develop policy recommendations, and return to the City Council within six (6) months with a proposed regulatory policy for Council consideration.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
13.2 NEIGHBORHOOD COMPATIBILITY REVIEW
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. CI.Arapostathis.Cazares_Neighborhood Compatibility Regulations 2026-07-14.pdf CONSIDERATION OF DIRECTING STAFF TO REVIEW EXISTING NEIGHBORHOOD COMPATIBILITY REGULATIONS FOR SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTALS AND MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL COMPLEXES AND EVALUATE POTENTIAL ENHANCEMENTS TO PROTECT QUALITY OF LIFE - MAYOR ARAPOSTATHIS AND VICE MAYOR CAZARES Vice Mayor Cazares presented a request to direct staff to review existing neighborhood compatibility regulations and evaluate potential enhancements to protect quality of life and reduce nuisance impacts, including the feasibility of a voluntary Good Neighbor Program.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Moved By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Seconded By
Mayor Arapostathis
Direct staff to review existing neighborhood compatibility regulations applicable to short-term vacation rentals and multi-unit residential complexes, and evaluate potential enhancements to protect neighborhood quality of life and reduce nuisance impacts, including the feasibility of a voluntary Good Neighbor Program.
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:
Councilmember Dillard reported that she attended the American Public Transportation Association Rail Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, from June 28 through July 1, 2026, as the City of La Mesa's representative on the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Board of Directors.
16. CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
Public Comments:
There were no remarks.
17. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis adjourned the meeting at 7:34 p.m.