City Council - September 08, 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 6:01 p.m.
1.1 INVOCATION - COUNCILMEMBER SUZUKI
Public Comments:
1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Public Comments:
2. ANNUAL ROTATION OF THE VICE MAYOR
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo - Annual Rotation of the Vice Mayor 2026-09-08.pdf Mayor Arapostathis thanked Councilmember Cazares for her service as Vice Mayor and announced that Councilmember Suzuki would serve as the next Vice Mayor.
3. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Public Comments:
There were no comments.
4. 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.
5. ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
Public Comments:
There were no additions or deletions to the agenda.
6. PRESENTATIONS
Public Comments:
6.1 PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER AS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis read the proclamation proclaiming September as National Preparedness Month.
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments:
Truth spoke regarding the remote public comment process, the La Mesa Gateway sign, and concerns about potential traffic and parking impacts associated with the development project at the Spring Street Trolley Station.
MaryAnn spoke regarding issues affecting the neighborhood as a result of the Meritage project on Jericho Road.
Cindy Maina spoke regarding issues affecting the neighborhood as a result of the Meritage project on Jericho Road.
Toni Lopez spoke regarding speeding concerns on Date and Orange Avenues and inquired about authorized users of the “Staff Only” EV charging stations near City Hall.
Ian Allen spoke regarding issues affecting the neighborhood as a result of the Meritage project on Jericho Road.
Abigail Scott presented a proposal to transform a vacant lot into a regenerative community garden.
Andrew Lawson introduced himself as a candidate for 79th Assembly District.
8. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
Public Comments:
There were no conflicts of interest disclosed.
9. HEARINGS
Public Comments:
9.1 INTERVIEW OF APPLICANTS FOR CITY TREASURER AND CONSIDERATION OF POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo - City Treasurer Interview and Possible Appointment 2026-09-08.pdf
2. Attachment A - City Treasurer Applications.pdf
3. Attachment B - Resolution_Appointment of Interim City Treasurer.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 9.1.
Andee Aceves spoke regarding the applicants’ qualifications and stated her recommendation for appointment.
City Clerk Wiegelman provided an overview of the City Treasurer vacancy and the appointment process.
The following applicants provided a verbal presentation outlining their qualifications and interest in serving as the City Treasurer:
William Exeter
Emmett Stewart
Council questions and comments ensued.
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Cazares
Close the hearing.
For (5)
Councilmember Cazares, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Suzuki, and Mayor Arapostathis Approved (5 to 0)
Resolution No. 2026-096
Moved By
Councilmember Dillard
Seconded By
Councilmember Cazares
Appoint Emmett Stewart as City Treasurer and adopt Resolution confirming the appointment.
For (4)
Councilmember Cazares, Councilmember Dillard, Vice Mayor Suzuki, and Mayor Arapostathis Against (1)
Councilmember Lothian
Approved (4 to 1)
10. BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Public Comments:
10.1 RESOLUTION APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION, ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION, MOBILITY COMMISSION, AND PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo - Board and Commission Appointments 2026-09-08.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution - Various Board and Commission Appointments 2026.pdf
3. Attachment B - Board and Commission Applicant List_September.pdf
4. Attachment C - LMSV School District Nomination_Eric Nunez.pdf City Clerk Wiegelman provided an overview of the three remaining vacancies on the Arts and Culture Commission, Mobility Commission, and Environmental Sustainability Commission, as well as the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District’s nomination of Eric Nunez to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Mayor Arapostathis nominated the following individuals for appointment or reappointment to the various City Boards and Commissions:
Arts and Culture Commission
Rodney Elliot as the performing arts representative.
Environmental Sustainability Commission
Emily Fisher as a professional representative.
Mobility Commission
Dinah Justice as an at-large representative.
Resolution No. 2026-097
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Cazares
(1) Approve the appointment of Rodney Elliot as the performing arts representative on the Arts and Culture Commission; (2) approve the appointment of Emily Fisher as a professional representative on the Environmental Sustainability Commission; (3) approve the reappointment of Dinah Justice as an at-large representative on the Mobility Commission; (4) appoint Eric Nunez as the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District representative on the Parks and Recreation Commission; and (5) adopt Resolution confirming the appointments and reappointments.
For (5)
Councilmember Cazares, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Suzuki, and Mayor Arapostathis Approved (5 to 0)
11. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
Truth spoke on Item 12.12.
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
(Items 12.1 through 12.13)
*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 12.9).
Councilmember Lothian made comments on Item 12.6.
Councilmember Cazares made comments on Item 12.7.
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Suzuki
Approve Consent Calendar Items 12.1 through 12.13.
For (5)
Councilmember Cazares, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Suzuki, and Mayor Arapostathis Approved (5 to 0)
12.1 APPROVAL OF MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF THE TEXT OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS AT THIS MEETING Public Comments:
Approve.
12.2 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING HELD TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2026 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Jul28_2026.pdf
Approve.
12.3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING HELD MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2026 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - City Council Special Meeting_Aug10_2026.pdf Approve.
12.4 CITY TREASURER'S QUARTERLY REPORT (APRIL 2026 - JUNE 2026) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Treasurer's Quarterly Report April 2026 - June 2026.pdf
2. Attachment A - Treasurer’s Quarterly Report April 2026 - June 2026.pdf
3. Attachment B - Treasurer’s Quarterly Report April 2026 - June 2026.pdf Receive and file.
12.5 ACCEPTANCE OF THE CITY OF LA MESA INVESTMENT POLICY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo - Investment Policy for Fiscal Year 2027.pdf
2. Attachment A - Investment Policy 2026-2027.pdf
Approve.
12.6 PERMIT AND DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY UPDATE (APRIL 2026 – JUNE 2026) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo - Permit and Development Quarterly Update_2026-09-08.pdf
2. Attachment A - Graph and Table_Applications and Issued Permits by Quarter and Permit Type V2.pdf
3. Attachment B - Matrix_La Mesa ADU JADU Development Matrix.pdf Receive and file.
12.7 RATIFICATION OF THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL OF PROJECT 2026-0092 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - 2026-0092 Design Review Board Ratification_2026-09-08.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_DRB Ratification_Project 2026-0092.pdf
3. Attachment B - Design Review Board Certificate of Action_Project 2026-0092.pdf
4. Attachment C - Project Plans_Project 2026-0092.pdf
5. Attachment D - Colors and Materials Board_Project 2026-0092.pdf RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL FOR PROJECT 2026-0092, A MAJOR REMODEL AND FAÇADE IMPROVEMENTS TO AN EXISTING COMMERCIAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 8370 LA MESA BOULEVARD, IN THE CD-D (DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL / URBAN DESIGN OVERLAY) ZONE AND DOWNTOWN VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN AREA (APN 470-561-17-00) Resolution No. 2026-098
Adopt Resolution.
12.8 RATIFICATION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF PROJECT 2026-0560 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Project 2026-0560 5575 Lake Park Way Tentative Map Ratification_2026-09-08.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Tentative Tract Map 2026-0560.pdf
3. Attachment B - Photos_5575 Lake Park Way.pdf
4. Attachment C - Planning Commission Resolution No PC-2026-13_Tentative Tract Map 2026-0560.pdf
5. Attachment D - Tentative Tract Map_5575 Lake Park Way.pdf RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF PROJECT 2026-0560 - A ONE-LOT TENTATIVE TRACT MAP TO CONVERT AN EXISTING MULTI-TENANT OFFICE BUILDING TO A COMMERCIAL CONDOMINIUM AT 5575 LAKE PARK WAY IN THE CN-D (NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL / URBAN DESIGN OVERLAY) ZONE Resolution No. 2026-099
Adopt Resolution.
12.9 *FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER) FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - FY 2025-2026 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report_2026-09-08.pdf
2. Attachment A - Report_FY 2025-2026 CAPER_Draft.pdf
3. Attachment B - La Mesa 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan - Final.pdf
4. Attachment C - Resolution_Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report.pdf RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 DRAFT CAPER AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO MAKE ANY NECESSARY CORRECTIONS AND SUBMIT TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT BY SEPTEMBER 28, 2026 Resolution No. 2026-100
Adopt Resolution.
12.10 POLICE CHIEF'S QUARTERLY OPERATIONS REPORT (APRIL 2026 - JUNE 2026) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Police Department 2nd Quarter Report 2026.pdf
2. La Mesa Police Department 2nd Quarter Report 2026.pdf Receive and file.
12.11 RESOLUTION AWARDING CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO LM RASMUSSEN CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR BID 27.09, POLICE DEPARTMENT TENANT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OFFICE EXPANSION (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT 8615) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Resolution Awarding Construction Contract for Bid 27-09 LMPD IT Expansion Project_2026-09-08.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Awarding Bid 27-09 Construction .pdf
3. Attachment B - Bid Tabulation_Bid 27-09.pdf
4. Fiscal Certificate_Bid 27-09 Award.pdf
Resolution No. 2026-101
Adopt Resolution.
12.12 RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTE FOR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES FOR THE CIVICSPARK PROGRAM 2026-2027 SERVICE YEAR Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Agreement with Public Health Institute for 26-27 CivicSpark Program_2026-09-08.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_PHI CivicSpark Agreement.pdf
3. Attachment B - Agreement_Amendment 26-27 CivicSpark.pdf
4. Fiscal Certificate_CivicSpark Program.pdf
Resolution No. 2026-102
Adopt Resolution.
12.13 RESOLUTION APPROVING MODIFICATIONS TO THE SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED WASTEWATER DISPOSAL AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Resolution Approving Modifications to Regional Wastewater Disposal Agreement_2026-09-08.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Regional Wastewater Disposal Agreement Modifications.pdf
3. Attachment B - 2nd Amended Regional Wastewater Disposal Agreement.pdf Resolution No. 2026-103
Adopt Resolution.
13. ORDINANCES: FIRST READING
Public Comments:
13.1 CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA DELEGATING AUTHORITY TO THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO TO ENFORCE REGULATIONS FOR THE DISCHARGE OF INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER TO SEWERAGE FACILITIES, PRETREATMENT, AND SOURCE CONTROL PROGRAM Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report- Wastewater Pretreatment Ordinance_2026-09-08.pdf
2. Attachment A - Ordinance_Wastewater Pretreatment.pdf
3. Attachment B - Administrative Agreement 1_Wastewater Pretreatment.pdf
4. 13. 1 PowerPoint_Wastewater Ordinance.pdf
City Attorney Sabine read the title of the Ordinance.
Environmental Manager Kuhn provided an overview of the proposed ordinance updating the City’s Municipal Code provisions related to industrial wastewater to align with the Metro Sewer JPA agreement and current requirements. The ordinance would transfer primary enforcement, billing, and cost recovery authority to the City of San Diego and update provisions related to wastewater pretreatment and source control to help protect the regional Pure Water system.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Dillard
Approve the introduction and first reading of the Ordinance.
For (5)
Councilmember Cazares, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Suzuki, and Mayor Arapostathis Approved (5 to 0)
14. ORDINANCES: SECOND READING
Public Comments:
14.1 CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP FOR PROPERTIES LOCATED ON LA PERLA WAY Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo - 2nd Reading Ordinance Zoning Map Amendment-La Perla Way_2026-09-08.pdf
2. Attachment A - Ordinance_Zoning Ordinance Amendment_La Perla Way.pdf 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.
Ordinance No. 2026-2929
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Lothian
Approve the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance.
For (5)
Councilmember Cazares, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Suzuki, and Mayor Arapostathis Approved (5 to 0)
15. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Comments:
15.1 CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION APPOINTING THE CITY ATTORNEY AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH CITY ATTORNEY TARA MAZZANTI Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Appointment and Employment Agreement_City Attorney 2026-09-08.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_City Attorney Appointment_Tara Mazzanti.pdf
3. Exhibit 1 to Attachment A_2026-09-08 MazzantiTara _ Employment Contract.pdf
4. Exhibit 2 to Attachment A_2026-09-08 Compensation Plan.pdf Mayor Arapostathis introduced incoming City Attorney Tara Mazzanti and noted that City Attorney Glenn Sabine would retire on September 12, 2026, after nearly 29 years of service. He stated that Ms. Mazzanti had been selected following a competitive recruitment and interview process and highlighted her more than 15 years of municipal law experience serving California cities, most recently as Senior Assistant City Attorney for the City of Livermore.
City Attorney Tara Mazzanti introduced herself and expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to serve the City.
The Mayor and Council welcomed City Attorney Mazzanti to the City of La Mesa.
In compliance with the Government Code, the Mayor stated the key terms of City Attorney Tara Mazzanti's employment agreement as follows:
The agreement is effective October 13, 2026;
The annual base salary is $292,000; and
The City Attorney shall receive the benefits provided in the Summary of Management Group Benefits, except as herein provided:
The City Attorney shall receive an automobile allowance in the total amount of $6,000 annually; The City shall pay the maximum annually allowed to the City's 457 deferred compensation program on behalf of the City Attorney in equal proportionate amounts each pay period; The City Attorney shall accrue 180 hours of vacation each year and receive an advance of 80 hours of vacation available to her on her start date; and If the City terminates the Employment Agreement early, without cause, the Agreement provides for a severance payment equivalent to six months base salary.
Resolution No. 2026-104
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Suzuki
Adopt Resolution.
For (5)
Councilmember Cazares, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Suzuki, and Mayor Arapostathis Approved (5 to 0)
16. STAFF REPORTS
Public Comments:
16.1 CONSIDERATION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH GLENN SABINE FOR INTERIM CITY ATTORNEY SERVICES; AND Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Hire of Retired Annuitant_Sabine_2026-09-08.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Sabine_Retired Annuitant.pdf
3. Exhibit 1 to Attachment A_City Attorney Retired Annuitant Agreement_SabineGlenn.pdf
4. Exhibit 2 to Attachment A_Compensation Plan_Retired Annuitant 2026-09-08.pdf ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION APPROVING AN EXCEPTION TO THE 180-DAY WAITING PERIOD TO HIRE A CALPERS RETIRED ANNUITANT IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 7522.56, 2122(H), AND 21224 Director of Human Resources Spaniol explained that the proposed contract and resolution would authorize retiring City Attorney Sabine to serve as Interim City Attorney as a retired annuitant through October 12, 2026, with transition support through October 31, 2026. She noted that the City was required to waive the 180-day waiting period under CalPERS rules and stated that the appointment would ensure continuity of legal services and a smooth transition to the incoming City Attorney.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Truth thanked City Attorney Sabine for his service to the City.
Resolution No. 2026-105
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Dillard
Approve the Agreement and adopt Resolution.
For (5)
Councilmember Cazares, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Suzuki, and Mayor Arapostathis Approved (5 to 0)
16.2 CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF THE LA MESA COMMUNITY PARKING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION FOR THE LA MESA VILLAGE ENHANCEMENT FUND PROGRAM, AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING FUNDS Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Parking Commission Recommendation_Village Enhancement Fund Program_2026-09-08.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution - VEF Program FY27 Award.pdf
3. Attachment B_VEF Applications_Fiscal Year 2027(2).pdf
4. 16.2 PowerPoint_VEF Community Parking Commission Recommendation.pdf Assistant to the City Manager Dedmon provided an overview of the La Mesa Village Enhancement Fund program and the Community Parking Commission’s funding recommendations. The Commission recommended $20,000 for La Mesa Village Association/Acru Health’s Wellness Fair and $15,000 for Diversionary Theater’s La Mesa Pride, for a total of $35,000 in recommended funding.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Truth expressed concerns regarding the proposed allocations and use of the Downtown Parking Fund.
Resolution No. 2026-106
Moved By
Vice Mayor Suzuki
Seconded By
Councilmember Dillard
(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 $35,000, with the following allocations: $20,000 for the La Mesa Village Association/Acru Health 2027 Annual Wellness Fair and $15,000 for the Diversionary Theater La Mesa Pride event; and (2) adopt Resolution appropriating $35,000 from the Downtown Parking Fund to the Fiscal Year 2027 Downtown Village Enhancement Fund budget.
For (5)
Councilmember Cazares, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Suzuki, and Mayor Arapostathis Approved (5 to 0)
17. COUNCIL INITIATED
Public Comments:
17.1 CONSIDERATION OF DIRECTING STAFF TO REVIEW TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY CONDITIONS IN THE AREA OF LEE AVENUE, SUNSET STREET, AND MAPLE AVENUE - VICE MAYOR CAZARES Attachments
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Public Comments
1. CI.Cazares_Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Concerns 2026-09-08.pdf Councilmember Cazares presented concerns raised by residents regarding traffic and pedestrian safety along Lee Avenue, Sunset Drive, and Maple Avenue, including roadway width, on-street parking, visibility, and pedestrian conditions.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Moved By
Councilmember Cazares
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Suzuki
Direct staff to review traffic and pedestrian safety conditions in the area of Lee Avenue, Sunset Street, and Maple Avenue.
For (5)
Councilmember Cazares, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Suzuki, and Mayor Arapostathis Approved (5 to 0)
18. 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.
19. AB 1234 REPORTS (GC 53232.3(d))
Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis and Vice Mayor Suzuki announced they would be attending the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo in Anaheim, California, from September 23 through September 25, 2026.
20. CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
Public Comments:
There were no remarks.
21. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis adjourned the meeting at 7:38 p.m. in honor of Bob Kuhne, a longtime local educator and founder of Peter Pan Junior Theater. Mayor Arapostathis recognized Mr. Kuhne’s contributions to the community and his lasting impact on generations of local students through education and the performing arts.