City Council - September 22, 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, except for Item 5.1, the proclamation honoring City Attorney Glenn Sabine, which was presented following City Attorney Remarks.
Mayor Arapostathis called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Councilmember Cazares announced that she was participating remotely under the just cause provision of Government Code Section 54953.8.3(c)(4), which allows for remote participation while traveling on official business of the legislative body or another state or local agency. She stated that there were no individuals present in the room with her.
1.1 INVOCATION - VICE MAYOR SUZUKI
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 HONORING CITY ATTORNEY GLENN SABINE UPON HIS RETIREMENT AND RECOGNIZING HIS DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE CITY Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis read a proclamation honoring City Attorney Glenn Sabine upon his retirement and recognizing his dedicated service to the City. The Mayor, Council, and City Manager Humora then presented City Attorney Sabine with a La Mesa street sign and plaque in recognition of his many years of service.
5.2 PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 4 - 10, 2026, AS FIRE PREVENTION WEEK Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis read the proclamation proclaiming the week of October 4 - 10, 2026, as Fire Prevention Week.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments:
Truth commented on the public comment process, freedom of speech, and the appointment of the new City Treasurer.
Becky Rapp spoke on the public health consequences of marijuana and intoxicating hemp products.
Gene Carpenter spoke about license plate reader data sharing and the City’s Flock Safety and Vigilant Solutions data audit logs.
Manny Aceves commented on the appointment of the new City Treasurer.
Andee Aceves commented on the appointment of the new City Treasurer.
Kirsten Ireson spoke on current and upcoming events at the La Mesa Community Library and requested that the City’s website include a link to the library’s website.
Vaughn Rios spoke about Waite Drive Park and flooding and drainage issues in his neighborhood.
Marco Espinosa spoke about his experiences attending City Council meetings throughout the San Diego region.
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 YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo - 2026 Youth Advisory Commission Interviews 2026-09-22.pdf
2. Attachment A - 2026 List of Applicants_YAC.pdf
City Clerk Wiegelman briefly explained the interview process and reported that Camryn Langdon had withdrawn their application from consideration.
The following applicants spoke regarding their qualifications and interest in being appointed to the Youth Advisory Commission:
Bodie Arzt
Anthony Legge
Alanis Lee
Hendrix Lee
Mason Littig
Mikaeyla Matthews
Giovanni Natalia
Jaylyn Surrency
Quinn Suzuki
City Clerk Wiegelman said the appointments would be made at the October 13 Council meeting.
No action was taken following the interviews.
Truth commended all applicants who applied and participated in the interview process.
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 10.6)
Councilmember Cazares asked whether any of the Consent Calendar items had a significant budgetary impact other than Item 10.6.
Mayor Arapostathis responded that none of the other items had a significant budgetary impact.
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Dillard
Approve Consent Calendar Items 10.1 through 10.6.
For (5)
Councilmember Cazares, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Suzuki, 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 RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE BODY AND APPENDIX OF THE CITY’S AMENDED LOCAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo - 2026-2028 Conflict of Interest Code Update 2026-09-22.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_2026-2028 Conflict of Interest.pdf
3. Exhibit A to Resolution_2026-2028 Conflict of Interest Code Appendix.pdf
4. Attachment B - Conflict of Interest Code_2026-2028_DRAFT.pdf Resolution No. 2026-107
Adopt Resolution.
10.3 RESOLUTION WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS PURSUANT TO LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2.40.070(a)(7) AND AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH WESTERN SIGN & AWNING, INC., FOR UTILITY BOX ART WRAP SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $86,050 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Utility Box Agreement_2026-09-22.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Utility Box Agreement_2026-09-22.pdf
3. Attachment B - Agreement_Western Sign and Awning_Utilty Box.pdf Resolution No. 2026-108
Adopt Resolution.
10.4 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID 27-05 AND AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO MIRAMAR GENERAL ENGINEERING FOR THE TOWER STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 8307) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Contract_Bid 27-05_Tower Street Improvement Project_2026-09-22.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Bid 27-05 Tower Street Improvements.pdf
3. Attachment B - Bid Tabulation - Tower Street Improvements.pdf
4. Attachment C - Fiscal Certificate_Tower Street Improvements.pdf Resolution No. 2026-109
Adopt Resolution.
10.5 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 WITH SC VALLEY ENGINEERING, INC., FOR THE PHASE 6 SEWER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, BID 25-12 (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 8103) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - CCO-2 Bid 25-12 Phase 6 Sewer_2026-09-22.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Phase 6 Sewer Change Order 2.pdf
3. Attachment B - Change Order 2_Phase 6 Sewer.pdf
4. Atachment C - Fiscal Certificate_CCO-2 Phase 6 Sewer_2026-09-22.pdf Resolution No. 2026-110
Adopt Resolution.
10.6 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE POLICE STATION COOLING TOWER REPLACEMENT PROJECT Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report- Contract for Police Station HVAC Cooling Tower_2026-09-22.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_ Contract for Police Station HVAC Cooling Tower_2026-09-22.pdf
3. Attachment B - B and B Mechanical_Cooling Tower Assessment.pdf
4. Attachment C - B and B Mechanical_Scope of Work.pdf
5. Attachment D - Fiscal Certificate_Police Station HVAC Cooling Tower.pdf RESOLUTION WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS PURSUANT TO LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2.40.070(a)(5)(7), APPROPRIATING GENERAL FUND RESERVES, AND AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO B&B MECHANICAL, INC., FOR THE POLICE STATION COOLING TOWER REPLACEMENT PROJECT (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 8641) Resolution No. 2026-111
Adopt Resolution.
11. STAFF REPORTS
Public Comments:
11.1 ANALYSIS OF THE FEASIBILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PARKING MODIFICATIONS IN THE DOWNTOWN VILLAGE Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Downtown Village Parking Modifications Feasibility Analysis_2026-09-22.pdf Assistant to the City Manager Dedmon provided an analysis of five proposed parking modifications in the Downtown Village, including adjustments to red curbs and loading zones, relocation of bike racks to create golf cart parking, expansion of the Allison Avenue parking lot by removing a landscaped area, and installation of parking T’s. Staff recommended moving forward with several modifications, while recommending against expanding the Allison Avenue parking lot due to the estimated $50,000 cost and retaining the red curb at Sprouts Market due to sight-distance requirements.
Truth commented on the recommended parking modifications for the Downtown Village.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Mayor Arapostathis announced that he would abstain from the vote because he had a potential conflict of interest due to the proximity of his home to the Downtown Village.
Moved By
Councilmember Lothian
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Suzuki
Direct staff to make the following modifications intended to provide additional parking spaces on the east side of Spring Street in Downtown La Mesa: (1) Reduce the red curb on Allison Avenue, just west of 8361 Allison Avenue, to add one metered parking space; (2) Reduce the passenger loading zone in front of 4719 Palm Avenue to add two metered parking spaces, while maintaining 19 feet of passenger loading zone; (3) Relocate two bike racks on La Mesa Boulevard to create two metered golf cart and motorcycle parking spaces and monitor parking behavior for six months before considering expansion to additional areas. At the conclusion of the six-month period, return to Council with a recommendation to either expand to additional areas or discontinue the program; (4) Mark all trial and future golf cart parking spaces with a painted or stenciled golf cart symbol; (5) Retain the existing trees and landscaped area in the Allison Avenue parking lot; (6) Retain the existing red curb at Sprouts Market; and (7) Begin neighborhood engagement in accordance with the adopted Parking T Marking Policy for residential areas.
For (4)
Councilmember Cazares, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, and Vice Mayor Suzuki Abstain (1)
Mayor Arapostathis
Approved (4 to 0)
12. ORDINANCES: FIRST READING
Public Comments:
12.1 CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA AMENDING SECTIONS 2.30.020, 2.32.030, 2.73.010, 2.85.010, AND 2.87.010 OF THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo - Ordinance 1st Reading_Various Boards and Commissions Membership Updates 2026-09-22.pdf
2. Attachment A - Ordinance_Board and Commission Membership Update.pdf Interim City Attorney Sabine read the title of the Ordinance.
Dave Hardenburger expressed support for updating membership requirements for the Community Police Oversight Board.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Moved By
Councilmember Dillard
Seconded By
Councilmember Lothian
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)
13. ORDINANCES: SECOND 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. Memo - Wastewater Pretreatment Ordinance_2026-09-22.pdf
2. Attachment A - Ordinance_Wastewater Pretreatment.pdf Interim City Attorney Sabine read the title of the Ordinance.
Ordinance No. 2026-2930
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Suzuki
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)
14. COUNCIL INITIATED
Public Comments:
14.1 CONSIDERATION OF SENDING A LETTER OF SUPPORT TO GOVERNOR NEWSOM FOR ASSEMBLY BILL 2518 (SHARP-COLLINS): SAN DIEGO GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY: ENERGIZATION PILOT PROGRAM - MAYOR ARAPOSTATHIS Attachments
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Public Comments
1. CI.Arapostathis.AB 2518 Support Letter.pdf
2. Attachment A - AB 2518 (Sharp-Collins) SDGE Letter to Governor.pdf Mayor Arapostathis presented a request to support Assembly Bill 2518, which would establish a pilot program to improve the predictability and efficiency of the electric energization process for affordable housing and essential community infrastructure projects while maintaining existing safety and reliability requirements.
Truth raised concerns about San Diego Gas & Electric and Assembly Bill 2518.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Moved By
Councilmember Dillard
Seconded By
Mayor Arapostathis
Direct staff to prepare and transmit a letter to Governor Newsom expressing support for Assembly Bill 2518 (Sharp-Collins): San Diego Gas and Electric Company: Energization Pilot Program and requesting his signature.
For (5)
Councilmember Cazares, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Suzuki, and Mayor Arapostathis Approved (5 to 0)
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
Public Comments:
There were no remarks.
18. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis adjourned the meeting at 7:34 p.m.