City Council - July 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.
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 PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION AND HONOR OF DOLORES BULLER'S MORE THAN FOUR DECADES OF COMMUNITY IMPACT Public Comments:
Councilmember Dillard read and presented a proclamation honoring Dolores Buller in recognition of her significant contributions and lasting impact on the community.
5.2 PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS FROM THE DOWNTOWN LA MESA TROLLEY PRIORITIZATION STUDY Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 5.2 PowerPoint_Trolley Prioritization Study.pdf
Engineering Project Manager Cubberley introduced Cecily Taylor, Senior Regional Planner with SANDAG, who presented the findings of the Downtown La Mesa Trolley Prioritization Study, including the alternatives evaluated, community feedback, and project costs. The presentation concluded with the recommended next steps, including pursuing funding opportunities, refining project designs, and conducting environmental studies.
Following Council questions and comments, no action was taken.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments:
Peggy Walker spoke about the negative impacts of cannabis use.
Madison spoke about the negative impacts of youth nicotine use.
Eric Skraby spoke about speeding concerns on Laird Street.
Alan Sands spoke about speeding concerns on Laird Street.
William Exeter expressed interest in the upcoming City Treasurer vacancy.
Aaron Artiaga submitted a comment regarding parking congestion in the Downtown Village and concerns about speeding on Fourth Street.
David Davies submitted a comment regarding parking congestion and speeding on Fourth Street.
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 CITY OF LA MESA BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo - Annual Board and Commission Appointments_2026-07-28.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Annual Board and Commission Appointments 2026.pdf
3. Attachment B - Board and Commission Applicant List_July.pdf Mayor Arapostathis nominated the following individuals for appointment or reappointment to the various City Boards and Commissions:
Arts and Culture Commission
Brett Wagner as the musical arts representative;
Heidi Frampton as a general population representative; and Jo Ann Bray as the visual arts representative.
Community Relations and Veterans Commission
Glenna Bloemen as the older adult population representative; Andrea Britland as the disabled community representative; and Ana Gonzalez Seda as the general population representative.
Design Review Board
Christopher Langdon.
Environmental Sustainability Commission
Jeanne Stronach as the older adult population representative.
Historic Preservation Commission
David Cline as the La Mesa Historical Society representative; and Curt Sherman as a design professional representative.
La Mesa Community Parking Commission
Scott Favero as a CD/D Downtown Commercial Zone representative; and Ryan Umbenhaur as a CD/D Downtown Commercial Zone representative.
Mission Trails Regional Park Citizens' Advisory Committee Nancy Clement Hillman as the primary representative;
Kevin Kitchen as the alternate representative; and
David Harris as the second alternate representative.
Mobility Commission
Ryan Kelley as a general population representative.
Personnel Appeals Board
Prerna Slattery; and
Cesar Tornel.
City Clerk Wiegelman explained the nomination process for the Parks and Recreation Commission.
The Council began the open nomination process for two positions on the Parks and Recreation Commission.
City Clerk Wiegelman announced the nominations as follows:
Round 1
:
Mayor Arapostathis nominated Alysia Spivey and Jessie Brown; Vice Mayor Cazares nominated Alysia Spivey and Dallin Young; Councilmember Suzuki nominated Alysia Spivey and Dallin Young; Councilmember Lothian nominated Alysia Spivey and Jessie Brown; and Councilmember Dillard nominated Alysia Spivey and Dallin Young.
City Clerk Wiegelman announced that Alysia Spivey and Dallin Young had received a majority nomination.
Resolution No. 2026-087
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Suzuki
(1) Approve the appointments of Heidi Frampton as a general population representative, Brett Wagner as the musical arts representative and Jo Ann Bray as the visual arts representative on the Arts and Culture Commission; (2) approve the reappointments of Glenna Bloemen as the older adult population representative and Andrea Britland as the disabled community representative, and the appointment of Ana Gonzalez Seda as a general population representative on the Community Relations and Veterans Commission; (3) approve the reappointment of Christopher Langdon to the Design Review Board; (4) approve the appointment of Jeanne Stronach as the older adult population representative on the Environmental Sustainability Commission; (5) approve the reappointments of David Cline as a La Mesa Historical Society representative and Curt Sherman as a design professional representative on the Historic Preservation Commission; (6) approve the reappointment of Scott Favero as a CD/D Downtown Commercial Zone representative and appointment of Ryan Umbenhaur as a CD/D Downtown Commercial Zone representative on the La Mesa Community Parking Commission; (7) approve the appointments of Nancy Clement Hillman as the primary representative, Kevin Kitchen as the first alternate representative, and David Harris as the second alternate representative on the Mission Trails Regional Park Citizens' Advisory Committee; (8) approve the appointment of Ryan Kelley as a general population representative on the Mobility Commission; (9) approve the appointments of Prerna Slattery and Cesar Tornel to the Personnel Appeals Board; and (10) adopt the Resolution confirming the reappointments and appointments.
For (5)
Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Suzuki, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Mayor Arapostathis Approved (5 to 0)
Resolution No. 2026-087
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Approve the appointments of Alysia Spivey as the Grossmont Union High School District representative and Dallin Young as a general population representative on the Parks and Recreation Commission and adopt the Resolution confirming the appointments.
For (5)
Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Suzuki, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Mayor Arapostathis Approved (5 to 0)
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 10.9)
*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 10.9) Councilmember Lothian spoke on Items 10.4 and 10.7.
Councilmember Lothian requested that Item 10.6 be pulled for separate consideration.
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Approve Consent Calendar Items 10.1 through 10.9, except for Item 10.6.
For (5)
Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Suzuki, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Mayor Arapostathis 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, JULY 14, 2026 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Jul14_2026.pdf
Approve.
10.3 RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR BONDED INDEBTEDNESS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo - Property Tax Levy for 2026 General Obligation Bonds_2026-07-28.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_FY2027PropDRefundingBondsLevyRate.pdf
3. Attachment B - Calculation of GO Bond Property Tax Rate 2026-27.pdf Resolution No. 2026-088
Adopt Resolution.
10.4 RATIFICATION OF THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL OF PROJECT 2025-0404 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Project 2025-0404 Design Review Board Ratification_2026-07-28.pdf
2. Attachment A - Draft Resolution_Design Review Ratification.pdf
3. Attachment B - Site Photographs.pdf
4. Attachment C - Design Review Board Certificate of Action_Project 2025-0404.pdf
5. Attachment D - Notice of Decision NOD 2026-03_Project 2025-0404.pdf
6. Attachment E - Project Plans.pdf
7. Attachment F - Color and Material Board.pdf
RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL OF PROJECT 2026-0404; A NEW 114 UNIT MIXED-USE BUILDING ON A VACANT LOT AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF PALM AVENUE AND ALLISON AVENUE IN THE CD-D (DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL/URBAN DESIGN OVERLAY) ZONE AND DOWNTOWN VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN AREA (APN 494-402-23-00) Resolution No. 2026-089
Adopt Resolution.
10.5 HOMELESS OUTREACH AND MOBILE ENGAGEMENT (“HOME”) PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT (APRIL 2026 – JUNE 2026) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo - HOME Quarterly Report_2nd Quarter 2026-07-28.pdf
2. Attachment A - HOME Quarterly 2nd Quarter 2026.pdf
Receive and file.
10.6 RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CITY OF LA MESA ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION MASTER PLAN Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Electric Vehicle Charging Station Master Plan_2026-07-28.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Electric Vehicle Charging Station Master Plan_2026-07-28.pdf
3. Attachment B - City of La Mesa Electric Vehicle Charging Station Master Plan 2026.pdf
4. Attachment C - Public Input.pdf
Councilmember Lothian explained why postponing adoption of the City of La Mesa Electric Vehicle Charging Station Master Plan may be in the City’s best interest.
Moved By
Councilmember Lothian
Postpone consideration of the Resolution adopting the City of La Mesa Electric Vehicle Charging Station Master Plan until the two transit-oriented apartment developments are completed and occupied, and staff has had an opportunity to evaluate the impact of the additional residents on parking demand.
Failed
The motion failed due to a lack of a second.
Resolution No. 2026-092
Moved By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Seconded By
Councilmember Suzuki
Adopt Resolution.
For (5)
Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Suzuki, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Mayor Arapostathis Approved (5 to 0)
10.7 2025 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ANNUAL REPORT
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - 2025 Climate Action Plan Annual Report_2026-07-28.pdf
2. Appendix A - 2025 Annual Report.pdf
3. Appendix B - 2025 Annual Report Appendix.pdf
Receive and file.
10.8 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO MIRAMAR GENERAL ENGINEERING FOR THE 2026 SIDEWALK INFILL PROJECT BID NO. 26-04 (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 8323) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - CCO1 2026 Sidewalk Infill Project_2026-07-28.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_CCO1 Sidewalk Infill_2026-07-28.pdf
3. Attachment B - CCO 1 - 2026 Sidewalk Infill - Miramar General.pdf
4. Attachment C - Sidewalk Infill Project Sheets V2.pdf
5. Attachment D - Fiscal Certificate_Bid 26-04_CCO-1.pdf Resolution No. 2026-090
Adopt Resolution.
10.9 *RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE SEWER SERVICE CHARGES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - FY27 Final Determination of Sewer Charges_2026-07-28.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_FY27 Final Determination of Sewer Charges_2026-07-28.pdf RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE REPORT WITH THE FINAL DETERMINATION OF SEWER SERVICE CHARGES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027 TO BE COLLECTED ON THE COUNTY PROPERTY TAX ROLL AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO FORWARD A CERTIFIED COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION, TOGETHER WITH A COPY OF THE REPORT TO THE OFFICE OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY AUDITOR Resolution No. 2026-091
Adopt Resolution.
11. STAFF REPORTS
Public Comments:
11.1 CONSIDERATION OF A GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SANDAG) FLEXIBLE FLEETS PILOT GRANT PROGRAM Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - SANDAG Flexible Fleet Grant_2026-07-28.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_SANDAG Flexible Fleet Grant_2026-07-28.pdf
3. Attachment B - Draft Grant Application_SANDAG Flexible Fleet Grant_2026-07-28.pdf
4. 11.1 PowerPoint_SANDAG Flexible Fleets Grant.pdf
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE SANDAG FLEXIBLE FLEETS PILOT GRANT PROGRAM, COMMITTING A LOCAL MATCH OF $111,343, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO APPLY FOR THE GRANT Assistant City Manager Lee presented a proposed application for the SANDAG Flexible Fleets Pilot Grant Program to fund a two-year pilot providing flexible, on-demand transportation services using three electric vehicles, including one ADA-accessible vehicle. She explained that the program would improve access to essential destinations and strengthen first- and last-mile transit connections, with approximately 88 percent of the project funded through a regional grant.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Resolution No. 2026-093
Moved By
Councilmember Dillard
Seconded By
Councilmember Suzuki
Adopt Resolution.
For (5)
Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Suzuki, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Mayor Arapostathis Approved (5 to 0)
11.2 DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION TO: A.) DETERMINE THE PROCESS OF FILLING A VACANCY THAT WILL EXIST IN THE OFFICE OF CITY TREASURER; AND B.) AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY TREASURER DURING THE VACANCY PERIOD Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo - City Treasurer Resignation 2026-07-28.pdf
2. Attachment A - LMMC Chapter 2.13_Filling Vacancies in Elective Offices.pdf City Clerk Wiegelman presented options for filling the upcoming City Treasurer vacancy following the Treasurer's resignation effective August 12, 2026. She outlined the procedures and timeline for filling the vacancy by appointment or special election and recommended authorizing the City Manager to execute documents on behalf of the City Treasurer during the vacancy period.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Moved By
Councilmember Dillard
Seconded By
Councilmember Lothian
Direct staff to implement the appointment process to fill the City Treasurer vacancy and authorize the City Manager to execute documents on behalf of the City Treasurer during the vacancy period.
For (5)
Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Suzuki, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Mayor Arapostathis Approved (5 to 0)
12. HEARINGS
Public Comments:
12.1 CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS AND AN ORDINANCE TO ANNEX THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 4821, 4831, AND 4841 LA PERLA WAY, INTO THE CITY OF LA MESA, SUBJECT TO LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION (LAFCO) APPROVAL OF THE ANNEXATION Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Project 2025-0497 4821-4841 La Perla Way Annexation_2026-07-28.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Request LAFCO Initiate Annexation.pdf
3. Attachment B - Resolution_General Plan Amendment.pdf
4. Attachment C - Ordinance_Zoning Ordinance Amendment.pdf
5. Attachment D - Council Resolution No. 2025-114.pdf
6. Attachment E - Resolution No. PC-2026-07.pdf
7. Attachment F - Project Site Plan.pdf
8. Attachment G - Letter from County Dept of Environmental Health and Quality.pdf
9. Attachment H - LAFCO Application for Change of Organization.pdf
10. 12.1 PowerPoint_La Perla Annexation.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.
Mayor Arapostathis opened the hearing for Item 12.1.
Director of Community Development Santos presented a request to annex the properties at 4821, 4831, and 4841 La Perla Way into the City of La Mesa, including the associated General Plan Amendment, zoning designation, and LAFCO approval process. She noted that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the proposed actions.
Guy Halgren and Matthew Halgren thanked staff for their assistance throughout the annexation process and the Council for its consideration of the proposed annexation.
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Close the hearing.
For (5)
Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Suzuki, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Mayor Arapostathis Approved (5 to 0)
Resolution Nos. 2026-094 and 2026-095
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Adopt Resolutions.
For (5)
Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Suzuki, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Mayor Arapostathis Approved (5 to 0)
a.
RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION (LAFCO) FOR THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO INITIATE PROCEEDINGS FOR REORGANIZATION OF TERRITORY ADDRESSED AS 4821, 4831, AND 4841 LA PERLA WAY (APNs 495-423-10, 495-423-13, AND 495-423-14) Public Comments:
Resolution No. 2026-094
Adopt Resolution.
b.
RESOLUTION APPROVING A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT FOR PROJECT 2025-0497 ASSIGNING THE PROPERTIES ADDRESSED AS 4821, 4831, AND 4841 LA PERLA WAY (APNs 495-423-10, 495-423-13, AND 495-423-14) A LAND USE DESIGNATION OF RURAL RESIDENTIAL Public Comments:
Resolution No. 2026-095
Adopt Resolution.
c.
ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP FOR PROPERTIES ON LA PERLA WAY Public Comments:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF TITLE 24 OF THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE TO DESIGNATE PROPERTIES ADDRESSED AS 4821, 4831, AND 4841 LA PERLA WAY (APNs 495-423-10, 495-423-13, AND 495-423-14) SEMI-RURAL ESTATE/SCENIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY (R1E-P) City Attorney Sabine read the title of the Ordinance.
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Approve the introduction and first reading of the Ordinance.
For (5)
Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Suzuki, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Mayor Arapostathis Approved (5 to 0)
13. COUNCIL INITIATED
Public Comments:
13.1 CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST TO DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE TO MODIFY THE CITY’S CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX RATE - MAYOR ARAPOSTATHIS AND VICE MAYOR CAZARES Attachments
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Public Comments
1. CI.Arapostathis.Cazares_Cannabis Business Tax Rate 2026-07-28.pdf Vice Mayor Cazares explained that the request to direct staff to prepare an ordinance modifying the City's cannabis business tax rate would increase the rate by 1%, from 4% to 5%. Vice Mayor Cazares noted that, even with the proposed increase, the City's cannabis business tax rate would remain among the lowest and most competitive rates in the county.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Becky Rapp spoke in support of increasing the City's cannabis business tax rate.
Moved By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Seconded By
Mayor Arapostathis
Direct staff to prepare an ordinance to modify the City's cannabis business tax rate and bring the ordinance back to the Council for consideration.
For (5)
Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Suzuki, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Mayor Arapostathis Approved (5 to 0)
13.2 CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST TO DIRECT STAFF TO EVALUATE THE INSTALLATION OF A NO RIGHT TURN ON RED RESTRICTION AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF LAKE MURRAY BOULEVARD AND EL PASO STREET - VICE MAYOR CAZARES Attachments
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Public Comments
1. CI.Cazares_No Right Turn on Red_Lake Murray Blvd and El Paso St. 2026-07-28.pdf Vice Mayor Cazares explained the traffic concerns at the intersection of Lake Murray Boulevard and El Paso Street and provided background on efforts to have the City address the concerns.
Moved By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Seconded By
Councilmember Lothian
Direct staff to evaluate the installation of a no right turn on red restriction at the southwest corner of the intersection of Lake Murray Boulevard and El Paso Street.
For (5)
Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Suzuki, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Mayor Arapostathis 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 7:54 p.m.