La Mesa City Council
October 13, 2026

2. Phase 1 - HSIP Evaluation Data Package
Phase 1 begins at notice to proceed and runs on an aggressive schedule to the October delivery. It establishes the project and quality framework, confirms what the adopted plan contributes, rebuilds the citywide crash database, and produces the Caltrans evaluation data.

Task 1: Manage the Project and the Quality Program
• Manage scope, schedule, and budget; coordinate with City staff; and hold two working meetings with the City, at kickoff in Phase 1 and at the screened-locations review in Phase 2. • Walter Musial, PE, RSP, of C2 Consulting Collective provides independent technical review at defined project milestones.

Task 2: Confirm What the Adopted Plan Contributes
• Review the adopted 2024 plan to establish what carries forward into this update, including its report structure, its priority locations, and its countermeasure toolbox, and what is rebuilt from current data and current guidance.
• Confirm the analysis framework against the current Local Roadway Safety Manual (2026, version

1.8), FHWA guidance, the Safe System Approach, and the 2025-2029 California Strategic Highway Safety Plan.

Task 3: Assemble and Refresh the Crash Data
• Pull the available Crossroads record, cross-reference against SWITRS and TIMS, reconcile the two sources with a per-record disposition where differences exist, and rebuild the citywide summary statistics. Screening and ranking use the five most recent complete years, 2021 through 2025; earlier years are retained in the database to support the evaluation windows in Task 4 and the trend comparison.
• Restore geolocation across the collision database: recover coordinates for ungeocoded records through the SWITRS match and by linear referencing from the reported intersection, distance, and direction, recovering coordinates for every record the source data supports. • Report property-damage-only records where they exist, flagged as incomplete, with a sensitivity test showing whether their treatment changes the rankings. • Structure the database so any compliant analysis window, single or split period, is extractable per location for later grant applications.
• Report the 2015 through 2019 period as a citywide trend comparison, the window the adopted plan analyzed.

Task 4: HSIP Before/After Evaluation Data Package
Caltrans District 11 has requested before and after crash data for the City's five constructed HSIP projects, listed in Table 1, in support of FHWA's evaluation of the program.

Table 1: HSIP Projects Requiring Evaluation Data
Federal project Project Countermeasure implemented
5207(043) Citywide fiber optic interconnect Traffic signal interconnect upgrades on multiple corridors
5207(045) Citywide signs, phase 2 Regulatory, warning, and school sign upgrades 5207(046) Citywide signal upgrades Pedestrian countdown signal heads at signalized intersections
5207(048) Citywide pedestrian crossing
enhancements
Rectangular rapid flashing beacons at crossings
citywide
5207(050) El Cajon Boulevard at Jessie Avenue Pedestrian hybrid beacon and curb extensions • Compile the implemented-countermeasure location roster for each project from City CIP records, and establish construction start and end dates.
• Tabulate crashes by severity for the three years before construction and the three years after implementation at those locations, from the reconciled database, in the Caltrans survey format. • Deliver the completed survey workbook to the City for transmittal to Caltrans.

3. Phase 2 - Core LRSP Update
Phase 2 is the core of the update: citywide volumes and prevailing speeds, the contextual screening layers, systemic benchmarking, the citywide re-screening, priority locations and countermeasures, and the updated plan through Council adoption.

Task 5: Develop Citywide Traffic Volumes and Prevailing Speeds • Assemble annual average daily traffic and prevailing speeds for the city network from Urban SDK and calibrate the volumes against the City's counts per FHWA-PL-21-031. The City's counts govern where the two disagree. Calibration is documented in the analysis appendix. Prevailing speeds are the platform's observed speeds and are not separately calibrated. • Develop intersection entering volumes for the intersection crash rate calculations.

Task 6: Map Schools, Senior-Care, Resident-Complaint, and Equity Priority Areas • Map locations within a defined distance of schools and senior-care facilities, and map areas of recurring resident complaints from the City's Cartegraph records. • Tag each screened location with its census tract and carry the CalEnviroScreen percentile as an attribute of the location. Segments spanning more than one tract take the higher percentile and are flagged.
• Join each layer into the master screening table the City keeps.

Task 7: Systemic Risk Factor Benchmarking
• Conduct a focused review of national, statewide, regional, and selected local-agency safety studies to identify roadway and intersection characteristics that demonstrate strong and recurring associations with crash occurrence or crash severity.
• Cross-compare findings to identify high-confidence risk factors supported by multiple independent sources, distinguishing broadly supported factors from jurisdiction-specific findings. • Include recommended screening definitions or thresholds, where sufficiently supported by the evidence, suitable for incorporation into the LRSP methodology.

Task 8: Compute Crash Rates and Update the Screening
• Compute crash rates for every screened intersection and segment per the Local Roadway Safety Manual, review the EPDO severity weights against current crash costs and recompute EPDO scores, and evaluate fatal and serious injury frequency as a supplemental measure. • Present crash frequency, crash rates, EPDO scores, and KSI frequency side by side in the adopted plan's quintile format, with statewide context: segment rates compared against Caltrans statewide averages for the corresponding facility classification, and intersection rates grouped by control type.
• Overlay the crash-based results with the vulnerable-user and equity priority areas, speedexposure areas, and systemic risk benchmarks. • Flag systemic look-alike locations and document the methodology so results are reproducible.

Task 9: Update Priority Locations, Countermeasures, and Candidate Projects • Re-rank priority locations from the updated screening, intersections first, and verify conditions in the field at up to 10 locations in two passes, selected from the ranked results. • Review crash patterns, roadway characteristics, and other relevant conditions at priority locations to identify contributing factors and safety needs.
• Develop countermeasures from the current LRSM countermeasure list, FHWA Proven Safety Countermeasures, and Safe System principles, carrying forward the adopted plan's measures where they remain valid.
• Develop candidate safety projects consisting of individual or grouped countermeasures appropriate to the identified crash patterns, roadway characteristics, systemic risk factors, and vulnerable road user needs.
• Identify and rank AB 43 speed-reduction candidate segments beyond the school zones the City is pursuing first, using the prevailing-speed and crash-rate layers, and provide recommendations and a suggested implementation sequence. Each candidate remains subject to the qualifying conditions its engineering and traffic survey must document.

Task 10: Data Support for Future Grant Applications
• Build the crash reconciliation, screening, and risk-factor analysis so they can be re-run with refreshed crash data, and document the method, weights, and screening definitions sufficiently for a later application to cite them.
• Furnish the reconciled database, collision diagrams, and screening results to the City, and at the City's direction to a consultant preparing an application, in the formats produced under Tasks 3, 8, and 9. Up to four requests are included during the term. • A future application requires crash data current to its own cycle. Refreshing the data and rerunning the screening is not included and is covered by the add-on in Table 2.

Task 11: Prepare and Deliver the LRSP Update Report
• Prepare the Draft LRSP Update Report following the adopted plan's structure where applicable, share draft priority lists with the City for comment, include a Safe Streets and Roads for All readiness section, and address two consolidated rounds of City review. • Support Council adoption with technical input to one staff report, one presentation deck, and up to two Council or committee appearances, and deliver the GIS layers, master screening table, and analysis workbooks packaged for City reuse.

4. Base Program Assumptions and Exclusions
The base program's fee and schedule rest on the following. • The City furnishes the Crossroads extract, GIS layers, count records, CIP project records for the five HSIP projects, and records of completed or programmed safety improvements. The City has already provided the CIP records and the core data, so Phase 1 begins without a data-transfer delay.
• Where a project's three-year post-implementation period is not complete at the time of the survey, the evaluation reports the period available and states the elapsed duration. • The full city network means the roadway network as represented in the Urban SDK platform, which the City licenses and which is available for the project duration. • No new traffic count collection is included, and no new counts are required by the analysis. HSIP applications report existing volumes for federal reporting only; volumes are not an input to application scoring.
• Preliminary engineering, design, plans, specifications, engineer's estimates, and construction support are not included. Those services are performed by the City's design consultants. • Engineering and traffic surveys supporting speed limit changes are not included. Those are performed by the City's speed survey consultant.
• Signal warrant analyses are not included.
• Preparation and submittal of grant applications, Analyzer files, and benefit-cost analyses are not included in the base program. Cycle 13 applications are being prepared by the City's application consultant under separate contract.

• Candidate projects are developed at a planning level. • Two working meetings with City staff and up to two Council or committee appearances are included.
• Public engagement beyond the safety-partner comment period and one Mobility Commission presentation is not included.

5. Optional Add-On Services
The following services are outside the base program and individually priced. Each may be authorized separately by the City at its election, before or during the work, by purchase order amendment. None is required for the base program to deliver. Pricing holds for three years from the City's authorization of the base program, escalating thereafter by the published San Diego consumer price index.

Table 2: Optional Add-On Services
Service Description Unit Fee
Pedestrian and bicycle activity data
Acquisition and integration of Strava Metro
crowdsourced active-transportation volumes
as an added screening layer; data license at
cost
lump sum $3,800
Grant application support
Complete HSIP or comparable application in
the benefit-cost category, covering one
intersection, segment, or corridor analyzed as
a single project: Analyzer preparation,
benefit-cost analysis, crash data refreshed to
the cycle, narrative responses, collision
diagrams and lists, and the concept-level
design and cost estimate the calculation
requires
per
application $9,500
Add-on services carry the base program's assumptions and exclusions, with the following additions for grant application support.
• The fee covers one application, including the single benefit-cost calculation it contains and concept-level design at up to two locations within the project. Applications requiring concept design and cost estimates at more locations are priced individually. • The City furnishes project concepts, any available cost data, and letters of support it wishes to include.
• Concept-level design is prepared for benefit-cost purposes only. It is not preliminary engineering, a construction document, or a substitute for design by the City's design consultants. • No new traffic counts, field survey, environmental review, or public outreach is included. • One resubmittal or revision round in response to Caltrans comments is included. Post-award grant administration, including request-for-authorization packages, is not included.

6. Deliverables
The base program produces the deliverables in Table 3. Working materials, including the reconciled crash database, GIS layers, and the master screening table, are delivered in usable form and remain with the City.

Table 3: Deliverables
Deliverabl
e
Contents
HSIP
evaluation
data
package
Completed Caltrans District 11 survey workbook covering the five constructed HSIP projects at locations across the city
Reconcile
d crash
database
Crossroads reconciled against SWITRS with a per-record disposition, covering 2021 through 2025 as the analysis period with geolocation restored within that period where the source data supports recovery, and earlier years retained in tabular form for the evaluation windows and trend comparison
Citywide
screening
results
Updated intersection and segment rankings with crash rates, EPDO, KSI frequency, and the contextual layers, in the master screening table
Draft and
Final LRSP
Update
Report
The updated plan, addressing two consolidated rounds of City review, through Council adoption support
Working
data
package
GIS layers, master screening table, and analysis workbooks packaged for City reuse

7. Schedule
Figure 1 presents the schedule, anchored to notice to proceed (NTP). The evaluation data package is prepared in parallel with the citywide data tasks rather than after them, which is what places it in October; the remaining work follows in sequence from the citywide screening. The October delivery is the one fixed commitment. The two City review windows are shown at assumed durations, since their timing is the City's.

Figure 1: Anticipated Schedule

8. Fee and Invoicing
The base program is proposed as a fixed fee by phase, inclusive of all labor, subconsultant effort, software, data, and expenses. Optional add-on services in Table 2 are priced separately and authorized only at the City's election.

Table 4: Fee
Item Fee
Phase 1: HSIP Evaluation Data Package (Tasks 1 through 4) $21,800 Phase 2: Core LRSP Update (Tasks 5 through 11) $48,000
Total, base program $69,800
Invoices are submitted at the three milestones in Table 5, each payable on completion of the work it covers. Phase 1 is invoiced in full on delivery of the evaluation data package; Phase 2 is invoiced in two parts, $28,000 at the draft report and $20,000 at completion. The work is scheduled so that all invoicing falls within the City's 2027 fiscal year, subject to the City's own review and Council scheduling.

Table 5: Invoice Schedule
Invoice Milestone Amount
Phase 1 Evaluation data package delivered to the City $21,800 Phase 2 Draft LRSP Update Report submitted $28,000
Phase 2 Final report delivered and adoption support complete $20,000 Total, base program $69,800

9. Authorization
Work proceeds on written notice to proceed from the City. The October 2026 delivery of the evaluation data package requires authorization at the City Council meeting of September 22, 2026. Authorization later than September 2026 does not support delivery ahead of the November 2 application deadline, and a revised delivery date would be set with the City. This proposal is valid for 90 days from the date above.

Additional services outside this proposal are performed only on prior written authorization.

Prepared by:

Brian Damiani, PE, TE
Founder and President, Strada Traffic Engineering (A Wisherwill LLC venture) [email protected] | stradatraffic.com
Proposal accepted by:

Signature:

Name:

Title:

Date:

Fund:
101

CERTIFICATE OF CITY/DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Certification of Unappropriated Reserves
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the money required for the appropriation of funds for the purpose as docketed is available in the Treasury, or is anticipated to come into the Treasury, and is otherwise unappropriated.

Amount$
Purpose:

Date
Director of Finance
City of La Mesa
By:

Unappropriated Reserves Available Balance
Certification of Unencumbered Balance
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the indebtedness and obligation as docketed can be incurred; that sufficient monies to meet the obligations are actually in the Treasury or are anticipated to come into the Treasury to the credit of the appropriation from which the same are to be drawn; and that said monies now actually in the treasury, together with the monies anticipated to come into the Treasury, to the credit of said appropriation are otherwise unencumbered.

Amount Not to Exceed $69,800.00
Date: 10/13/2026
Dept. Account:
3106-6430
Purpose:

Activity:

Director of Finance
City of La Mesa
By: Michael Throne
$69,800.00 from Account 3106-6430 (Available Balance $126,000.00) Resolution Awarding a Task Order to Strada Traffic Engineering for Updating the Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP).

CERTIFICATE NO. 1998

REPORT to the MAYOR and MEMBERS of the CITY COUNCIL
From the CITY MANAGER
DATE: October 13, 2026
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACT CHANGE
ORDER NO. 1 TO NV5, INC., TO PROVIDE

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE
TOWER STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, BID 27-
05 (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 8307)
ISSUING DEPARTMENT: Public Works
Recommendation:

That the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing Contract Change Order No. 1 with NV5, Inc. in the amount of $119,596 to provide construction management services for the Tower Street Improvements Project, Bid 27-05.

Fiscal Impact:

Funding for the $119,596 change order is available in Capital Improvement Project (CIP) No. 8307 through State Park Grant and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.

City’s Strategic Goals:
 Maintain a community where residents and visitors feel safe.  Invest in infrastructure to serve the needs of the community.

Climate Action Plan Reduction Strategy:
 T-1: Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure Development BACKGROUND:

Tower Street, between 70th Street and the westerly City limit, serves Rolando Elementary School and Sunshine Park and lacks a continuous sidewalk along the north side of the street.

Report to Mayor and Councilmembers
Date: October 13, 2026
Page: 2 of 3
The City received a $500,000 State Park Grant to support the design and construction of pedestrian improvements along Tower Street. The project is also programmed to receive Fiscal Year 2027 Community Development Block Grant funds to supplement remaining construction costs after State Park Grant funds are exhausted.

The work includes approximately 1,200 linear feet of new sidewalk, curb ramps, curb and gutter, cross gutters, driveway reconstruction, and pavement maintenance. On September 22, 2026, the City Council awarded a construction contract to Miramar General Engineering for the Tower Street Improvements Project.

In May 2024, the City issued Request for Qualifications No. 25-01 for professional construction management and related services. NV5, Inc. was selected through the competitive qualifications process, and a master agreement was executed on August 29, 2024, allowing the City to issue task orders for specific services on an as-needed basis.

DISCUSSION:

On June 24, 2026, the City issued a $10,604 task order to NV5, Inc. for preconstruction and plan review services for the Tower Street Improvements Project.

With construction now scheduled to proceed, additional construction management services are required to support project administration, inspection, coordination, documentation, and oversight during the construction phase. Contract Change Order No. 1 will increase NV5’s authorization by $119,596 to provide these services through project completion.

The construction contract provides 90 working days for completion. Work is anticipated to begin in November 2026 and conclude by March 2027.

CONCLUSION:

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing Contract Change Order No. 1 with NV5, Inc. in the amount of $119,596 for construction management services for the Tower Street Improvements Project, Bid 27-05, CIP No. 8307.

Report to Mayor and Councilmembers
Date: October 13, 2026
Page: 3 of 3
Reviewed by: Respectfully submitted by:
____________________ ____________________________
Greg Humora Michael Throne, PE
City Manager Director of Public Works
___________________
Carly Cubberley, PE
Engineering Project Manager
Attachments: A – Resolution
B – Contract Change Order

ATTACHMENT A
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA
AUTHORIZING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO NV5, INC., TO

PROVIDE CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE
TOWER STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, BID 27-05 (CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 8307)
WHEREAS, the City of La Mesa has a strategic goal to invest in infrastructure to serve the needs of the community;
WHEREAS, in May 2024, the City conducted a qualifications-based selection process for professional construction management and related services, and NV5, Inc. was selected as one of the qualified firms;
WHEREAS, on August 29, 2024, the City entered into a master agreement with NV5, Inc. allowing the issuance of task orders for specific services on an as-needed basis;
WHEREAS, on June 24, 2026, the City issued a task order to NV5, Inc. in the amount of $10,604 for preconstruction and plan review services for the Tower Street Improvements Project, Bid 27-05;
WHEREAS, additional construction management services are required during the construction phase to provide project administration, inspection, coordination, documentation, and oversight through project completion; WHEREAS, Contract Change Order No.1 will increase NV5, Inc. authorization by $119,596, resulting in a total authorization of $130,200 for the project; WHEREAS, funding for Contract Change Order No. 1 is available in Capital Improvement Project No. 8307 through State Park Grant and Community Development Block Grant funds; and
WHEREAS, Administrative Instruction F-13 mandates approval from the City Council for change orders when the cumulative contract value exceeds $50,000.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT AND IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of La Mesa, California, that Contract Change Order No. 1 with NV5, Inc. in the amount of $119,596 is hereby approved for construction management services for the Tower Street Improvements Project, Bid 27-05.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor is authorized to execute Contract Change Order No.1 on behalf of the City.

ATTACHMENT A
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of La Mesa, California, held the 13th day of October 2026, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

CERTIFICATE OF CITY CLERK
I, MEGAN WIEGELMAN, City Clerk of the City of La Mesa, California, do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and exact copy of Resolution No. 2026- , duly passed and adopted by the City Council of said City on the date and by the vote therein recited.

MEGAN WIEGELMAN, CMC, City Clerk
(SEAL OF CITY)

15092 Avenue of Science, Suite 200 | San Diego, CA 92128 | www.NV5.com | Office 858.385.0500 | Fax 858.385.0400 September 28 2026
Carly Cubberley, PE
Engineering Project Manager
City of La Mesa
8152 Commercial Street
La Mesa, CA 91942
Subject: Tower Street Improvements - Task Order No. CM-100363225-2 – Change Order #1 Dear Ms. Cubberley:

We are pleased to provide NV5’s proposal to the City of La Mesa (City) for Construction Management Services for the Tower Street Improvements as part of the original Task Order CM-100363225-2.

Section 1: SCOPE OF SERVICES

SCOPE OF SERVICES
NV5’s scope of services will consist of the following tasks:

Construction Management Services

1. Conduct and document the pre-construction meeting with the contractor, City staff and other key personnel. Review the PS&E with the contractor and have the contractor initial the PS&E with the date of the review and his concurrence with the design. This process will prevent frivolous change order requests from the contractor.

2. Provide general contract administration for the construction of the Project including RFIs, submittals and project correspondence.

3. Coordinate and direct testing of materials for conformance with design concepts and the construction contract plans, specifications, and documents.

4. Coordinate and assist in the verification of intermediate and final acceptance.

5. Provide a Construction Manager on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week during construction.

6. Meet or conference as needed with City to update project status and schedule.

7. Review, approve, and submit the Contractor's progress payment requests to the City for approval after review for conformance with the contract documents.

8. Negotiate, prepare, and process change order(s) and/or extra work order(s).

9. Review the Contractor's baseline schedule, monthly schedule updates, and three-week look-ahead schedules for conformance with the Specifications. Inform the City of the Contractor’s scheduling goals.

10. Record up-to-date construction information during construction for later use in preparing the construction record drawings.

11. Other duties as required during construction.

Labor Compliance Services
NV5 will provide quality assurance review of certified payrolls from the start of construction through the

September 28 2026

completion of construction. The review of the payrolls will consist of a thorough accounting of all required forms from the prime and subcontractors. Once the required forms have been determined, we can begin with the review of the individual hours and rates. The following services will be provided:

1. Provide applicable prevailing wage rate(s) to the client and contractors, upon request, and post at project location as required under the Davis-Bacon requirements.

2. Verify all subcontractors are eligible to work on the project by checking contracting status with both California and Federal Lists, including the California Department of Industrial Relations and the Federal Excluded Parties List.

3. Perform a license check with the California Contractor’s License Board for current and active license status, as well as worker’s compensation coverage of all contractors and all listed subcontractors.

4. Review and compare work classification with the California prevailing wage classification and/or Davis-Bacon requirements.

5. Monitoring of all weekly certified payroll, including, but not limited to: correct classification of workers’ proper wages paid; proper calculations and payment of fringe benefits and training contributions; review of overtime, shift pay, weekend and holiday work/pay, assuring only permissible deductions are allowed; cross referencing of onsite interviews with certified payroll to verify all workers are listed; and reviewing that the “certification” or “statement of compliance” is complete and signed by an individual of knowledge and authority.

6. Interview at least one worker per craft on site.

7. Monitoring of all apprenticeship requirements. Collection and review of DAS-140 and DAS-142 forms. Review of applicable ratios, correct wages paid, and training contributions (CAC Forms).

Verification that all apprentices also have an active Division of Apprentice Standards and/or BAT (US Dept. of Labor Bureau of Apprenticeship Training) registration.

8. Once work on the project is completed, send out a final letter to the contractor and any subcontractor who might still have outstanding items. Provide a 10-day window of time during which the contractor/subcontractor can submit additional documentation or make corrections.

Once the time expires, the CM closes out the project relating to issues or outstanding wages, apprenticeship issues, and any restitution or penalties due.

Construction Inspection Services

1. Provide a part-time inspector to observe the contractor's construction progress, attend projectrelated meetings with the contractor and other entities if required.

2. Preparation and submittal of a daily diary of construction activities (using City-provided software VPM), including equipment and labor usage, description of work, location, progress, and current issues.

3. Preparation and submitting the weekly statement of working days.

4. Photo documentation of the project site and construction activities prior to, during, and after completion of all work. Images from digital cameras shall be submitted to the City on a recordable CD bi-weekly or as directed by the City.

5. Interpretation of contract specifications and plans as required.

6. Coordination of City or consultant-supplied surveying and testing services.

7. Calculation of quantities and preparation of payment estimates.

8. Analysis of and preparation of contract change orders and necessary supporting documents

9. Reviewing, investigating, and recommending action on submittals and RFIs.

September 28 2026

10. Coordination with utilities, local agencies, and the public.

11. Analyzing, investigating, and recommending action on potential claims, contract disputes, and claims.

12. Preparation of final reports and as-built drawings for the project.

Section 2: CLIENT-FURNISHED SERVICES
It is our understanding that the City will provide the following information and services:
• Project plans (received via email), project special provisions, and any other pertinent information for a review, including soils reports or property agreements; access to Virtual Project Manager; and construction surveying and materials testing as applicable.

Section 3: ASSUMPTIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
A. This proposal is for contract staff augmentation services. Specific tasks and associated deliverables will be identified on an ongoing basis within the scope of this proposal.

B. Additional services not included in this proposal may be agreed to under a separate scope and for additional fee.

C. Staff augmentation is on a part-time basis. Supplemental hours to achieve full-time work is possible but is not guaranteed.

FEE PROPOSAL
The services described in Section I: Scope of Services will be provided on a time-and-materials basis, with an estimated total cost not to exceed one hundred twenty-seven thousand two hundred dollars ($127,200) in accordance with our fee schedule for CM Services. The remaining balance for the task order is $7,604.00, therefore, a change order in the amount of one hundred nineteen thousand five hundred ninety-six dollars ($119,596) is hereby requested for Tower Street Improvements. This proposal shall remain valid for a period of 30 days.

Costs are based on the attached breakdown for hours.

We thank you for this opportunity to provide you with our fee proposal, and we look forward to completing this project successfully and building our professional relationship. If you have any questions regarding this proposal, don’t hesitate to contact me at 619.805.5141 or [email protected] Sincerely,
NV5, Inc.

John Volpp, QSD/P, CPESC Jeffrey M. Cooper, PE
CM Group Director Senior Vice President

Total RE Work Days
Ian Nguyen 10 18 22 22 20 8 0 0 100
Rate Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Total Hours
Regular Rate $200.00 80 108 132 132 120 64 636 $127,200.00 OT Rate $200.00 000000 0 $0.00
00000000 0 $0.00
$127,200.00
Assumptions:Start construction around October 25, 2026
5‐10 WD for start up including RFI's, submittals, Pre‐Construction Meeting, project set up.

Field work estimated completion March 10, 2027.

Close Out ‐ Assumed 5‐7 days for close out.

Does not include additional time for landscaping.

Does not account for rain days
Remaining Budget $7,604.00Cost To Complete $127,200.00Task Order Supplement Amount $119,596.00 City of La Mesa
Tower Street Improvements
Cost Estimate for CM Services
Estimated Working Day per Month Based on Caltrans Working Day Calendar Original Budget $10,604.00

RE Contract: Date:

P.O. No.:

NV5, Inc.

CITY OF LA MESA
You are hereby requested to comply with the listed changes in the contract plans and specifications. Furnish to the City of La Mesa as follows:

Item No.

Change in
Contract Price
10/13/2026
272021
Detailed Description of Changes & Quantities or Scope of Work Tower Street Improvements Project
CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 1
Reso. No.:

NV5, Inc.
2026-
TO:

ORIGINAL CONTRACT AMOUNT
$ 119,596.00
$ 10,604.00
1 Construction Management Services $ 119,596.00
TOTAL CCO's (+ or -) $ 119,596.00 % Change 1128%
CCO's PREVIOUSLY APPROVED (+ or -) $ - % Change 0%
$ 119,596.00
Total Change
NET CHANGE THIS CCO (+ or -) % Change 1128%
1128%
APPROVAL RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY:

This document shall become an amendment to the contract and all provisions for the contract will apply hereto. The contractor accepts this change order as full compensation for additional work and delay to the project caused by this change order. This change order was requested by the City/Contractor.

NEW CONTRACT AMOUNT (C + B + A) $ 130,200.00 % Change
I, THE UNDERSIGNED CONTRACTOR/CONSULTANT, have given careful consideration to the changes proposed and hereby agree, if this proposal is approved, that we will provide all equipment, furnish all materials, except as may otherwise be noted above, and perform all services necessary for the work above specified, and will accept as full payment therefore the price shown above.

Michael Throne, Director of Public Works
Greg Humora, City Manager
Mark Arapostathis, Mayor
APPROVED BY:

John Volpp, CM Group Director
ATTESTED BY:

Megan Wiegelman, City Clerk

REPORT to the MAYOR and MEMBERS of the CITY COUNCIL
From the CITY MANAGER
DATE: October 6, 2026
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION AWARDING A COOPERATIVE

PURCHASE CONTRACT TO WEST COAST
ARBORISTS, INC., FOR TREE MAINTENANCE AND
RELATED SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $294,700
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027
ISSUING DEPARTMENT: Public Works
Recommendation:

That the City Council adopt a resolution awarding a cooperative purchase contract to West Coast Arborists Inc. in the amount of $294,700 for Fiscal Year 2027 tree maintenance and related services.

Fiscal Impact: Funding in the amount of $294,700 is budgeted and available in Account Nos. 3108-6430 and 5153-6430, Professional and Specialized Services.

City’s Strategic Goals:
 Maintain a community where residents and visitors feel safe.  Invest in infrastructure to serve the needs of the community.

Climate Action Plan Reduction Strategy:
 U-1: Increase Urban Forest Canopy Cover
BACKGROUND:

The City maintains an extensive urban forest throughout parks, public rights-of-way, medians, streetscapes, and other City-owned properties. Routine tree maintenance is necessary to preserve tree health, maintain appropriate clearances, reduce hazards, and support public safety.

Report to Mayor and Councilmembers
Date: October 13, 2026
Page: 2 of 3
La Mesa has been designated a Tree City USA community since 1980, reflecting its longstanding commitment to responsible urban forestry and preservation of the City’s tree canopy.

West Coast Arborists, Inc. provides municipal tree maintenance and urban forestry services throughout Southern California. The City of Anaheim competitively solicited bids for similar services through Request for Bids No. 9466 and subsequently awarded a contract to West Coast Arborists, Inc.

Pursuant to La Mesa Municipal Code Section 2.40.190, the City may utilize pricing established through a competitively awarded contract issued by another public jurisdiction when procurement substantially complies with the City’s purchasing requirements.

DISCUSSION:

Staff recommends utilizing the City of Anaheim’s competitively awarded contract with West Coast Arborists, Inc. through a cooperative purchasing arrangement. Staff reviewed the available scope of work, pricing, and contract terms and determined that they meet the City’s operational needs and provide a cost-effective means of obtaining tree maintenance services.

The proposed Fiscal Year 2027 contract, in the amount of $294,700, will provide scheduled and as-needed tree maintenance, including tree trimming and removal, stump grinding, tree planting, emergency response, and other urban forestry work.

These services will supplement work performed by City crews and provide access to specialized personnel and equipment for large-scale trimming, removals, emergency response, and other work beyond the capacity of routine City operations.

Approval of the contract will allow the City to continue maintaining its urban forest in a safe, efficient, and proactive manner while supporting the City’s Tree City USA designation and Climate Action Plan.

CONCLUSION:

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution awarding a cooperative purchase contract to West Coast Arborists Inc. in the amount of $294,700 for Fiscal Year 2027 tree maintenance and related services.

Report to Mayor and Councilmembers
Date: October 13, 2026
Page: 3 of 3
Reviewed by: Respectfully submitted by:
____________________ ___________ _________________
Greg Humora Michael Throne, PE
City Manager Public Works Director
____________________________
Jacob Martin
Public Works Operations Manager
Attachments:

A: Resolution
B: Agreement and Exhibit A

ATTACHMENT A
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-__

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA

AWARDING A COOPERATIVE PURCHASE CONTRACT TO WEST
COAST ARBORISTS, INC., FOR TREE MAINTENANCE AND RELATED SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $294,700 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027 WHEREAS, the City of La Mesa has a strategic to invest in infrastructure to serve the needs of the community;
WHEREAS, the City of La Mesa has an ongoing need for tree maintenance services to preserve and maintain the health, safety, appearance, and integrity of the City’s urban forest;
WHEREAS, required services include tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding, tree planting, emergency response, and other related urban forestry services; WHEREAS, the City of Anaheim competitively solicited bids for citywide tree maintenance services through Request for Bids No. 9466 and subsequently awarded West Coast Arborist, Inc.;
WHEREAS, the City has determined that the pricing, terms, conditions, and scope of services available under the City of Anaheim contract meet the City of La Mesa’s operational needs;
WHEREAS, pursuant to La Mesa Municipal Code Section 2.40.190, the City may purchase directly from a vendor at a price established by competitive bidding by another public jurisdiction in substantial compliance with the City’s applicable procurement procedures;
WHEREAS, West Coast Arborists, Inc., possesses the experience, personnel, equipment, and qualifications to perform the required services; and WHEREAS, funding in the amount of $294,700 is available in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget in Account Nos. 3108-6430 and 5153-6430 Professional and Specialized Services.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT AND IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of La Mesa, California, that the City Council hereby awards a cooperative purchase contract to West Coast Arborists, Inc., utilizing the City of Anaheim contract awarded pursuant to Request for Bids No. 9466, in the amount of $294,700 for Fiscal Year 2027 tree maintenance and related services.

ATTACHMENT A
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor is authorized to execute the contract and any related documents necessary to implement the agreement on behalf of the City.

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of La Mesa, California, held the 13th day of October 2026, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

CERTIFICATE OF CITY CLERK
I, MEGAN WIEGELMAN, City Clerk of the City of La Mesa, California, do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and exact copy of Resolution No. 2027-____, duly passed and adopted by the City Council of said City on the date and by the vote therein recited.

MEGAN WIEGELMAN, CMC, City Clerk
(SEAL OF CITY)

City of La Mesa

SERVICES AGREEMENT
FY27 AS-NEEDED TREE MAINTENANCE SERVICES

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. STANDARD AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ...............................

2. ENGAGEMENT OF CONTRACTOR............................................................................

3. SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED BY CONTRACTOR ..............................................

4. LOCATION OF SERVICES...........................................................................................

5. KEY PROJECT PERSONNEL .......................................................................................

6. CITY REPRESENTATION ............................................................................................

7. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CITY .............................................................................

8. PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE......................................................................................

9. ITEMS TO BE DELIVERED TO CITY.........................................................................

10. COMPENSATION TO CONTRACTOR........................................................................

11. NOTICES.........................................................................................................................

12. HOLD HARMLESS ........................................................................................................

13. INSURANCE...................................................................................................................

14. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT FOR CAUSE OR CONVENIENCE...................

15. DISPUTE RESOLUTION...............................................................................................

16. CONTRACTORS ............................................................................................................

17. INTEREST OF MEMBERS OF THE CITY...................................................................

18. INTEREST OF CONTRACTOR AND EMPLOYEES;.................................................

19. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR..................................................................................

20. PERS ELIGIBILITY INDEMNIFICATION .................................................................

21. CONTRACTOR NOT AGENT.......................................................................................

22. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT ..................................................................................

23. RECORDS.......................................................................................................................

24. DESIGN CHANGES OR REVISIONS...........................................................................

25. OWNERSHIP OF WORK...............................................................................................

26. INTEGRATION; AMENDMENTS ................................................................................

27. ADDITIONAL SERVICES OUTSIDE SCOPE .............................................................

28. CHANGES.......................................................................................................................

29. NON-DISCLOSURE.......................................................................................................

30. JOB SITE SAFETY.........................................................................................................

31. BUSINESS LICENSE .....................................................................................................

32. PREVAILING WAGES FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS.......................................

33. CONFLICT BETWEEN AGREEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS ......................

34. OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES ........................................................................................

35. SIGNATURES.................................................................................................................

Attachment: EXHIBIT A – FY27 AS-NEEDED SERVICE RATES & SOW

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1. STANDARD AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Between the City of La Mesa and
West Coast Arborists, Inc.
for FY27 As-Needed Tree Maintenance Services
This Agreement is entered into by City of La Mesa as of ____________, by and between the City of La Mesa, a municipal corporation, hereinafter referred to as "the City", and West Coast Arborists, Inc., hereinafter referred to as "Contractor." WITNESSETH THAT:

WHEREAS, the City has need for professional services to perform FY27 As-needed Tree Maintenance Services and is willing to compensate Contractor for such services; WHEREAS, this Agreement is based on the City of Anaheim Request for Bids #9466; WHEREAS, the City desires to engage Contractor to render certain technical and professional services in the providing of said professional services; and WHEREAS, Contractor is qualified to provide said professional services for FY27 As-Needed Tree Maintenance Services.

NOW THEREFORE, the parties do mutually agree as follows:

2. ENGAGEMENT OF CONTRACTOR
The City hereby agrees to engage Contractor and Contractor hereby agrees to perform the services set forth in this Agreement. This Agreement shall be for a term from the execution date of the Agreement through June 30, 2027, and may be renewed for an additional two one-year terms by mutual written consent of both parties. The City Manager shall have sole and exclusive right to exercise any options contained in this Agreement on behalf of the City.

3. SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED BY CONTRACTOR
Contractor shall commence performance of the Project upon execution of this Agreement by both parties. The term "Project" as used in this Agreement shall include all of the tasks and items listed and described in Exhibit "A", attached hereto and incorporated herein as part of this Agreement.

4. LOCATION OF SERVICES
Contractor agrees to provide the services within the City for the full term of this Agreement. No changes will be made without prior written approval by the City.

5. KEY PROJECT PERSONNEL

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Contractor agrees to provide the services of West Coast Arborists for the full term of this Agreement. No substitutions will be made without prior written approval by the City. The City reserves the right to request specific qualifications for personnel substituted under this section.

6. CITY REPRESENTATION
The City Manager for the City of La Mesa, or their designated representative, shall represent the City in all matters pertaining to the services rendered pursuant to this Agreement and shall administer said Agreement on behalf of the City. This person shall hereinafter be referred to as the "City's Representative."

7. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CITY
N/A

8. PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Both Contractor and the City recognize that time is of the essence in the completion of this work and the following schedule is dependent upon timely actions by the Contractor and the City.

Accordingly, the Contractor shall complete all of the work outlined in Exhibit "A" throughout FY27.

The Contractor shall not be responsible for damages or be in default or deemed to be in default by reason of strikes, lockouts, accidents, or acts of God, or failure of City to furnish timely information or to approve or disapprove Contractor's work promptly, or delay or faulty performance by City, or governmental agencies.

Contractor shall devote such time to the performance of services pursuant to this Agreement as may be reasonably necessary for satisfactory performance of Contractor's obligations pursuant to this Agreement.

9. ITEMS TO BE DELIVERED TO CITY
The following items shall be delivered by Contractor to the City of La Mesa:

A. See Exhibit "A"

10. COMPENSATION TO CONTRACTOR
Progress payments shall be made based upon evidence that the work is progressing satisfactorily as determined by the City's Project Manager and substantiated with detailed invoices. The amount to be billed shall be based on Contractor schedule of fees for professional services and the actual time required for each activity. The schedule of fees is as shown in Exhibit "A", attached hereto and incorporated herein as part of this Agreement.

The total fee for professional services shall be billed with a total annual amount not to exceed $294,700, based on available budget and rates listed on pages 2-3 of Exhibit "A".

Fees for

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additional option years shall not exceed the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of the preceding 12 months for the San Diego Region.

The City shall compensate Contractor for the services performed hereunder within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of Contractor's invoice for the services performed.

The City shall promptly review invoicing and notify Contractor of any objection thereto in writing within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the invoice; absent such objection the invoice shall be deemed proper and acceptable.

In the event that any undisputed invoice is not paid within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of the invoice by the City, it shall commence bearing interest on the date that the invoice was rendered at the rate of 1% per month and the City agrees to pay all accrued interest, together with the charges for services rendered.

11. NOTICES
Notices and requests to the City or Contractor shall be delivered at the following addresses, either served personally on the designated representative or by U.S. Postal Service at the following addresses:

City:
• Director of Public Works
• City of La Mesa
• 8130 Allison Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942
• (619) 667-1388
Contractor:
• Patrick Mahoney, President
• 2200 E Via Burton, Anaheim, CA 92806
• 800.521.3714

12. HOLD HARMLESS
To the furthest extent allowed by law, Contractor shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend City and each of its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers from any and all loss, liability, fines, penalties, forfeitures, costs and damages (whether in contract, tort or strict liability, including but not limited to personal injury, death at any time and property damage), and from any and all claims, demands and actions in law or equity (including reasonable attorney's fees and litigation expenses) that arise out of, pertain to, or relate to the negligence, recklessness or willful misconduct of Contractor, its principals, officers, employees, agents or volunteers in the performance of this Agreement.

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If Contractor should subcontract all or any portion of the services to be performed under this Agreement, Contractor shall require each subcontractor to indemnify, hold harmless and defend City and each of its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers in accordance with the terms of the preceding paragraph.

This section shall survive termination or expiration of this Agreement.

13. INSURANCE
Contractor shall procure and maintain for the duration of the contract insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the work hereunder and the results of that work by the Contractor, his agents, representatives, employees or subcontractors.

The certificate holder should be stated as:

City of La Mesa
Attn: Risk Management
8130 Allison Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942

MINIMUM SCOPE AND LIMIT OF INSURANCE
Coverage shall be at least as broad as:

A. Commercial General Liability (CGL): Insurance Services Office Form CG 00 01 covering CGL on an “occurrence” basis, including products and completed operations, property damage, bodily injury and personal & advertising injury with limits no less than $2,000,000 per occurrence. If a general aggregate limit applies, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to this project/location (ISO CG 25 03 or 25 04) or the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required occurrence limit.

B. Automobile Liability: ISO Form Number CA 00 01 covering any auto (Code 1), or if Contractor has no owned autos, hired, (Code 8) and non-owned autos (Code 9), with limit no less than $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage.

C. Workers’ Compensation: as required by the State of California, with Statutory Limits, and Employer’s Liability Insurance with limit of no less than $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or disease.

D. If the Contractor maintains broader coverage and/or higher limits than the minimums shown above, the City requires and shall be entitled to the broader coverage and/or the higher limits maintained by the contractor. Any available insurance proceeds in excess of the specified minimum limits of insurance and coverage shall be available to the City.

OTHER INSURANCE PROVISIONS
The insurance policies are to contain, or be endorsed to contain, the following provisions:

Additional Insured Status

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The City, its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers are to be covered as additional insureds on the CGL policy with respect to liability arising out of work or operations performed by or on behalf of the Contractor including materials, parts, or equipment furnished in connection with such work or operations. Coverage can be provided in the form of an endorsement to the Contractor’s insurance (at least as broad as ISO Form CG 20 10 11 85 or the addition of both CG 20 10, CG 20 26, CG 20 33, or CG 20 38; and CG 20 37 if a later edition is used).

Primary Coverage
For any claims related to this contract, the Contractor’s insurance coverage shall be primary and non-contributory and at least as broad as ISO CG 20 01 12 19 as respects the Entity, its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City, its officers, officials, employees, or volunteers shall be excess of the Contractor’s insurance and shall not contribute with it. This requirement shall also apply to any Excess or Umbrella liability policies.

Umbrella or Excess Policy
The Contractor may use Umbrella or Excess Policies to provide the liability limits as required in this agreement. The Umbrella or Excess policies shall be provided on a true “following form” or broader coverage basis, with coverage at least as broad as provided on the underlying Commercial General Liability insurance.

Notice of Cancellation
Each insurance policy required above shall provide that coverage shall not be canceled, nonrenewed, reduced in coverage or in limits except after 30 calendar day written notice has been given to City. Upon issuance by the insurer, broker, or agent of a notice of cancellation, nonrenewal, or reduction in coverage or in limits, Contractor shall furnish City with a new certificate and applicable endorsements for such policy(ies). In the event any policy is due to expire during the work to be performed for City, Contractor shall provide a new certificate, and applicable endorsements, evidencing renewal of such policy not less than 15 calendar days prior to the expiration date of the expiring policy.

Waiver of Subrogation
Contractor hereby grants to City a waiver of any right to subrogation which any insurer of said Contractor may acquire against the City by virtue of the payment of any loss under such insurance.

Contractor agrees to obtain any endorsement that may be necessary to affect this waiver of subrogation, but this provision applies regardless of whether or not the City has received a waiver of subrogation endorsement from the insurer.

Self-Insured Retentions
Self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the City. The City may require the Contractor to purchase coverage with a lower retention or provide proof of ability to pay losses and related expenses within the retention. The policy language shall provide, or be endorsed to provide, that the self-insured retention may be satisfied by either the named insured or City.

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Acceptability of Insurers
Insurance is to be placed with insurers authorized to conduct business in the state with a current A.M. Best’s rating of no less than A:VII, unless otherwise acceptable to the City.

Claims Made Policies (applicable only to professional liability, see below) If any of the required policies provide claims-made coverage:

1. The Retroactive Date must be shown and must be before the date of the contract or the beginning of contract work.

2. Insurance must be maintained, and evidence of insurance must be provided for at least five (5) years after completion of the contract of work.

3. If coverage is canceled or non-renewed, and not replaced with another claims-made policy form with a Retroactive Date prior to the contract effective date, the Contractor must purchase “extended reporting” coverage for a minimum of five (5) years after completion of work.

Verification of Coverage
Contractor shall furnish the City with original certificates and amendatory endorsements or copies of the applicable policy language effecting coverage required by this clause All documents are to be received and approved by the City before work commences. However, failure to obtain the required documents prior to the work beginning shall not waive the Contractor’s obligation to provide them. The City reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, including endorsements required by these specifications, at any time. These requirements shall survive expiration or termination of the Agreement.

Special Risks or Circumstances
City reserves the right to modify these requirements, including limits, based on the nature of the risk, prior experience, insurer, coverage, or other special circumstances.

If at any time during the life of this Agreement or any extension, Contractor or any of its subcontractors fail to maintain any required insurance in full force and effect, all work under this Agreement shall be discontinued immediately, and all payments due or that become due to Contractor shall be withheld until notice is received by City that the required insurance has been restored to full force and effect and that the premiums therefore have been paid for a period satisfactory to City. Any failure to maintain the required insurance shall be sufficient cause for City to terminate this Agreement. No action taken by City hereunder shall in any way relieve Contractor of its responsibilities under this Agreement.

The fact that insurance is obtained by Contractor shall not be deemed to release or diminish the liability of Contractor, including, without limitation, liability under the indemnity provisions of this Agreement. The duty to indemnify City and its elected officials, officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers shall apply to all claims and liability regardless of whether any insurance policies are applicable. The policy limits do not act as a limitation upon the amount of

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indemnification to be provided by Contractor. Approval or purchase of any insurance contracts or policies shall in no way relieve from liability nor limit the liability of Contractor, its principals, officers, employees, agents, persons under the supervision of Contractor, vendors, suppliers, invitees, Contractors, subcontractors, or anyone employed directly or indirectly by any of them.

If Contractor should subcontract all or any portion of the services to be performed under this Agreement, Contractor shall require each subcontractor to provide insurance protection in favor of City, its elected officials, officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers in accordance with the terms of each of the preceding paragraphs, except that the subcontractors' certificates and endorsements shall be on file with Contractor and City prior to the commencement of any work by the subcontractor.

14. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT FOR CAUSE OR CONVENIENCE
If, through any cause, the Contractor shall fail to fulfill in timely and proper manner their obligations under this Agreement, or if the Contractor shall violate any of the covenants, agreements, or stipulations of this Agreement, the City shall thereupon have the right to terminate this Agreement immediately by giving written notice to the Contractor of such termination and specifying the effective date thereof. In such event, all finished or unfinished documents, data, studies, surveys, drawings, maps, models, photographs and reports prepared by the Contractor under this Agreement shall, at the option of the City, become its property and the Contractor shall be entitled to receive just and equitable compensation for any work satisfactorily completed hereunder.

In addition to termination for cause, the City may terminate this Agreement for City’s convenience upon not less than fifteen (15) days written notice to Contractor. Upon receipt of said notice, the Contractor shall immediately cease all work under this Agreement unless said notice provides otherwise. If this Agreement is terminated as provided in this paragraph for City’s convenience, the Contractor shall be required to provide to City all finished or unfinished documents, data, studies, services, etc., prepared by the Contractor as may be requested by City and such work shall become City’s property upon payment to Contractor for the value of the work performed, less payments of compensation previously made.

Notwithstanding the above, the Contractor shall not be relieved of liability to the City for damages sustained by the City by virtue of any breach of the Agreement by the Contractor, and the City may withhold any payments to the Contractor for the purpose of set-off until such time as the exact amount of damages due the City from the Contractor is determined.

15. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
The City shall require that all Contractors agree to submit any unresolved claims, counterclaims, disputes, controversies and other matters between them and the City or the Contractor and/or any subcontractors of any tier arising out of or relating to their agreement with the City or the breach thereof (“disputes”) first to mediation and then if not resolved, to non-binding arbitration prior to initiating suit or judicial proceeding.

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If applicable – As provided in Public Contract Code section 9204, any claim filed by the Contractor on a public works project shall be reviewed by the City with 45 days and a written statement will be provided to the Contractor identifying what portion of the claim is disputed and what portion is undisputed. Upon receipt of a claim, the City and the Contractor may, by mutual agreement, extend the time period or it may be extended to allow City Council approval. The Contractor shall include reasonable documentation to support the claim. Any payment due on an undisputed portion of the claim shall be processed and made within 60 days after the City issues its written statement.

16. CONTRACTORS
Contractor will utilize the services of the following subcontractors during the course of this study:

None.

Payment for such services shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. No substitution of proposed subcontractors shall be made without prior written approval by the City.

None of the services covered by the Agreement shall be subcontracted without the prior consent of the City. The Contractor shall be as fully responsible to the City for the acts and omissions of their subcontractors, and of persons either directly or indirectly employed by them, as they are for the acts and omissions of persons directly employed by them. The Contractor shall insert in each subcontract appropriate provisions requiring compliance with the labor standards provisions of this Agreement.

Contractor shall not assign, delegate, or transfer this Agreement or any work hereunder, nor assign any monies due or to become due hereunder, except as expressly stated herein. In no event shall any contractual relation be created between any third party and the City without prior written consent of the City. A consent to one assignment shall not be deemed to be consent to any subsequent assignment.

17. INTEREST OF MEMBERS OF THE CITY
No member of the governing body of the City and no other officer, employee, or agent of the City who exercises any functions or responsibilities in connection with the planning and carrying out of the program, shall have any personal financial interest, direct or indirect, in this Agreement; and the Contractor shall take appropriate steps to assure compliance.

18. INTEREST OF CONTRACTOR AND EMPLOYEES;

STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTERESTS
The Contractor covenants that they presently have no interest and shall not acquire interest, direct or indirect, in the study area or any parcels therein or any other interest which would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of their services hereunder. The Contractor further covenants that in the performance of this Agreement, no person having any such interest shall be employed. City may require Contractor to complete and submit a Form 700, Statement of Economic Interests, in accordance with applicable law, to City Clerk.

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19. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
At all times during the term of this Agreement, Contractor shall be an independent contractor and shall not be an employee of City. City shall have the right to control Contractor only insofar as the results of Contractor's services rendered pursuant to this Agreement; however, City shall not have the right to control the means by which Contractor accomplishes services rendered pursuant to this Agreement.

20. PERS ELIGIBILITY INDEMNIFICATION
In the event that Contractor’s employee and/or agent providing services under this Agreement claims or is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) to be eligible for enrollment in PERS of the City, Contractor shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless City for the payment of any employer and employee contributions for PERS benefits on behalf of the employee as well as for payment of any penalties and interest on such contributions which would otherwise be the responsibility of the City.

Notwithstanding any other agency, state or federal policy, rule, regulation, law or ordinance to the contrary, Contractor’s employees providing service under this Agreement shall not qualify for or become entitled to, and hereby agree to waive any claims to, any compensation and benefit including but not limited to eligibility to enroll in PERS as an employee of City and entitlement to any contributions to be paid by City for employer contributions and/or employee contributions for PERS benefits.

21. CONTRACTOR NOT AGENT
Except as City may specify in writing, Contractor shall have no authority, express or implied, to act on behalf of City in any capacity whatsoever as an agent. Contractor shall have no authority, express or implied, pursuant to this Agreement to bind City to any obligation whatsoever.

22. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
Contractor shall, at its sole cost and expense, furnish all facilities and equipment which may be required for furnishing services pursuant to this Agreement.

23. RECORDS
Contractor shall maintain adequate records to permit inspection audit of Contractor's time-andmaterial charges under this Agreement. Contractor shall make such records available to the City and to other public agencies responsible for approval, funding or auditing the project, during normal business hours upon reasonable notice. Nothing herein shall convert such records into public records and they will be available only to the City or to public agencies involved with approval, funding or audit functions. Such records shall be maintained by the Contractor for three (3) years following completion of the work under this Agreement.

24. DESIGN CHANGES OR REVISIONS

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No design changes or revisions will be required and no payment therefor will be made except pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement. No extra compensation shall be paid the Contractor for revisions required by reason of omissions or errors by the Contractor in the preparation of the original document, plans, working drawings, or specifications. Changes to the scope of this Agreement shall be negotiated prior to commencement of extra work.

25. OWNERSHIP OF WORK
All finished or unfinished documents, studies, reports, computer files and materials prepared by Contractor and subcontractors under this Agreement shall be considered the property of the City and will be turned over to the City upon demand, but in any event, upon completion of the Project.

The Contractor shall be allowed to retain copies of documents for his permanent records, if desired.

26. INTEGRATION; AMENDMENTS
This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter herein. There are no other agreements, expressed or implied, oral or written, except as set forth herein. This Agreement may be amended upon written mutual consent of both parties hereto.

Amendment requiring changes in compensation shall be subject to the City's change order procedures.

27. ADDITIONAL SERVICES OUTSIDE SCOPE
Only after written authorization from the City, additional services that Contractor could provide, or cause to be provided, include the following:

A. Additional work related to the Project but not included in the Scope of Work.

B. Additional work caused by changes unrelated to the Scope of Work described herein.

Contractor will be compensated for Contractor time and direct personnel expenses as approved by the City.

28. CHANGES
The City may, from time to time, request changes in the Scope of Services of the Contract to be performed hereunder. Such changes, including any increase or decrease in the amount of the Contractor's compensation, which are mutually agreed upon by and between the City and the Contractor shall be incorporated to this Contract.

29. NON-DISCLOSURE
The designs, plans, reports, investigations, materials and documents prepared or acquired by the Contractor pursuant to this Agreement (including any duplicate copies kept by the Contractor) shall not be shown to any other public or private person or entity, except as authorized by the City.

The Contractor shall not disclose to any other public or private person or entity any information regarding the activities of the City except as authorized by the City.

30. JOB SITE SAFETY

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The general or prime Contractor who is responsible for means, methods and procedures of the project shall be responsible for job site safety.

The prime contractor and all subcontractors of all tiers shall:

A. Be responsible for the safety of their respective employees as required by law.

B. Come under the jurisdiction and supervision of the general or prime contractor’s job site safety program.

C. Exercise reasonable care to avoid risk of injury to others as required by the professional standard of care.

31. BUSINESS LICENSE
The Contractor, including all subcontractors, shall obtain a business license for work within the City of La Mesa pursuant to La Mesa Municipal Code Sections 6.08.010 through 6.08.240.

No payments shall be made to any Contractor until such business license has been obtained, and all fees paid therefor, by the Contractor and all subcontractors. Business license applications and information may be obtained from the Finance Department, City Hall, 8130 Allison Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942-5502, (619) 667-1118 or online at cityoflamesa.us/buslic.

32. PREVAILING WAGES FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS

IF APPLICABLE
A. No professional Contractor or subcontractor subject to the requirements of State of California’s prevailing wages may be awarded a contract, or contracted with, for a public works project (submitted on or after April 1, 2015) unless registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5 [with limited exceptions from this requirement for bid purposes only under Labor Code section 1771.1(a)].

B. This Project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations.

33. CONFLICT BETWEEN AGREEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS
In the event of a conflict between this Agreement and any documents incorporated by reference in this Agreement, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall supersede those contained in any such document incorporated by reference.

34. OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES
N/A

35. SIGNATURES
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, City and Contractor have executed the Agreement.

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WEST COAST ABORISTS
By: _________________________________ Date: _____________ Patrick Mahoney, President

CITY OF LA MESA,
A Municipal Corporation
By: _________________________________ Date: _____________ Dr. Mark Arapostathis, Mayor
By: _________________________________ Date: _____________ Greg Humora, City Manager

APPROVED AS TO FORM
By: _________________________________

CITY ATTORNEY

Victor M. Gonzalez
Vice President, Business Development
We understand the importance of maintaining fiscal responsibility and have ensured that the requested adjustment is fair and reasonable, given the current market conditions. We look forward to another successful year ahead. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to email me at  [email protected] or call me at  (800) 521-3714.

Sincerely,
Tree Care Professionals Serving Communities Who Care About Trees www.WCAINC.com July 15, 2026

CITY OF LA MESA
ATTN: JACOB MARTIN
8130 ALLISON AVENUE
LA MESA, CA 91942
RE: Tree Maintenance Services performed by WCA, Inc.

Dear Mr. Martin,
As we approach the end of the current contract year, West Coast Arborists, Inc. would like to extend our gratitude to you and your team for your continued partnership. Throughout our partnership, we have worked together to safeguard the health and integrity of your community's urban forest. We look forward to continuing our contributions toward your urban forest goals.

We are writing to express our interest in extending our current piggyback agreement for an additional year.

The proposed rate schedule includes a slight adjustment which was accepted by the City of Anaheim in January 2026. This adjustment is driven by changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the region, as well as increases in labor and operating costs, both of which have had an impact on our operational expenses.

West Coast Arborists, Inc.
2200 E. Via Burton · Anaheim, California 92806 · 714.991.1900 · 800.521.3714 · Fax 714.956.3745

1 Grid Prune Each $96.39
2 Crown Clean Each $161.37
3 Crown Raise Each $96.39
4 Crown Reduction Each $312.99
5 Crown Restoration Each $237.17
6 Clearance Prune - Street Light Each $63.89
7 Clearance Prune - Traffic Light Each $63.89
8 Clearance Prune - Traffic Sign Each $63.89
9 Clearance Prune - Street Sign Each $63.89
10 Clearance Prune - Truck/Sweeper Each $63.89
11 Palm Prune - Washingtonia fil/rob Each $76.94
12 Palm Prune - Phoenix dact/can Each $223.45
13 Palm Prune - Syagrus/Archonto Each $67.46
14 Palm Prune - Trach/Chamae/Roebelini Each $37.94
15 Palm Skin - Washingtonia Foot $16.24
16 Palm Skin - Phoenix Foot $20.57
17 Tree & Stump Removal 0-6 DBH Each $161.37
18 Tree & Stump Removal 7-12 DBH Each $377.97
19 Tree & Stump Removal 13-18 DBH Each $529.59
20 Tree & Stump Removal 19-24 DBH Each $746.19
21 Tree & Stump Removal 25-30 DBH Each $973.61
22 Tree & Stump Removal 31-36 DBH Each $1,190.21
23 Tree & Stump Removal 37+ DBH Each $1,352.66
24 Tree Only Removal 0-6 DBH Each $134.29
25 Tree Only Removal 7-12 DBH Each $323.81
26 Tree Only Removal 13-18 DBH Each $486.27
27 Tree Only Removal 19-24 DBH Each $702.87
28 Tree Only Removal 25-30 DBH Each $919.47
29 Tree Only Removal 31-36 DBH Each $1,081.91
30 Tree Only Removal 37+ DBH Each $1,244.36
31 Stump Only Removal 0-6 DBH Each $96.39
32 Stump Only Removal 7-12 DBH Each $172.19
33 Stump Only Removal 13-18 DBH Each $269.67
34 Stump Only Removal 18-24 DBH Each $367.13

CITY OF LA MESA
Item
Schedule of Compensation for Year 2026 - 2027
Tree Maintenance Services performed by WCA, Inc.

Description Unit Proposed Prices
Printed on: 7/15/2026 8:24:24 AM Page 188 of 218 Page 2 of 3 35 Stump Only Removal 25-30 DBH Each $421.29
36 Stump Only Removal 31+ DBH Each $453.77
37 Plant 15 Gallon Tree Each $421.27
38 Plant 24" Box Tree Each $529.56
39 Plant 36" Box Tree Each $1,287.62
40 Young Tree Watering Each $22.18
41 Young Tree Care 0-7 DBH Each $98.70
42 Root Prune - Palm Each $99.14
43 Root Prune - along sw/curb Linear Foot $20.57
44 Root Prune w/RB Installation Linear Foot $31.41
45 Consulting Arborist Man Hour $164.25
46 GPS Tree Inventory Each $5.17
47 PHC - Foliar Treatment Man Hour $97.15
48 PHC - Trunk Injection Man Hour $97.15
49 PHC - Soil Application Man Hour $97.15
50 PHC - Herbicide Post Emergent Man Hour $97.15
51 PHC - Herbicide Pre-Emergent Man Hour $97.15
52 Materials - cost + 15% Each $1.00
53 Crew Rental - per crew member Man Hour $100.04
54 Emergency Response - per crew member Man Hour $165.25 The proposed rates reflect the same rates from the City of Anaheim's formal competitive bid which WCA was successfully awarded. We would be glad to offer these same rates effective 07/01/2026. The rates will remain valid for 12 months.

CITY OF LA MESA
Item
Schedule of Compensation for Year 2026 - 2027
Tree Maintenance Services performed by WCA, Inc.

Description Unit Proposed Prices
Printed on: 7/15/2026 8:24:24 AM Page 189 of 218 Page 3 of 3

PROJECT SCOPE OF WORK
It shall be understood that the Contractor will be required to perform and complete the proposed landscape and/or tree work in a thorough and professional manner, and to provide labor, tools, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to complete all the work in a timely manner that will meet the City’s requirements. Contractor may be required to perform the following tree care activities at various sites throughout the City;

1. Tree pruning

2. Tree removal

3. Tree planting

4. Crew rental

5. Emergency response

6. Line clearance pruning

7. Clearance pruning

8. Grid pruning program (Ex. 3-year pruning cycle)

9. Tree watering

10. Small tree care

11. Palm trunk skinning

12. Root pruning

13. Specialty equipment

14. Arborist services/inspection

15. Foliar and pesticide treatments

16. Data entry

17. GPS Tree inventory

18. Online maintenance access*
* Online maintenance is defined as Internet access to an Urban Forestry Management tool for GPS tree inventories that includes work order tracking, ability to send work requests including but not limited to tree conditions, pruning, planting, and removal, access to reports for tree inventory, value of the urban forest, recycling reports, live job balance, contractor equipment GPS location monitoring.

A. ANNUAL PRUNING PROGRAM
At the direction of the City, the tree pruning will be done per pre-designed districts along street segments, grids, or prune routes on a set cycle to include all trees large and small. Pruning will include structural pruning, crown raising, and crown cleaning in accordance with the standards set forth by the International Society of Arboriculture Pruning Standards (Best Management Practices), the ANSI A300 Standards and City Policies and Ordinances. Contractor shall be required to furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, and materials necessary to accomplish the work in accordance with the Contract. The intent of this Contract is to have all trees pruned a minimum of one time by the end of the initial contract period. Special projects that are difficult to access will require the need for specialty equipment (i.e., 95-foot tower). Service request pruning or pruning to reduce and/or pruning to restore will fall under Crew Rental.

B. INSPECTION OF HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS

The Contractor is not to inspect, monitor or maintain trees unless given clear direction from City administrator. Upon authorization by the City, the inspection provided will be a Level 1 limited visual risk assessment, unless otherwise requested for a higher level of inspection. This assessment requires a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification through the ISA. Tree problems that are clearly visible during the pruning activities, but not considered hazardous, will be reported to the City for direction and/or further evaluation. These hazards may be discovered through both routine pruning work and/or through other forms of inspection. The City shall direct contractor or city staff to correct hazards in a timely manner. All work history should be recorded within cities tree inventory management program when directed by the City.

B. RISK ASSESSMENTS/INSPECTIONS/ARBORIST REPORT. A tree inspection program should be determined independent of a pruning schedule and performed by a certified arborist with experience. Such service shall be requested and authorized by the Agency. Issues to identify and notify the Agency of include, but are not necessarily limited to, sidewalks, root intrusion, non-urgent but significant structural issues, urgent structural issues, wildlife.

Pre-inspection is recommended prior to pruning for tree worker safety. Pruning services should be identified by pruning type, per the standards, e.g., crown reduction prune to reduce end weight on severely co-dominant branch over sidewalk.

Inspections should be performed for the safety of crews and the public in the work zone(s) and should be identified accordingly. Inspections are recommended before, during, and after the work performed.

D. TREE INVENTORY
At the City’s direction, the Contractor will provide to the City access to a record keeping system consisting of an Internet-based software program that allows the City to maintain information about its tree population, including the description of each tree by species, height, diameter, work history, and tree and planting site location. Additionally, program should generate the estimated monetary value of the urban forest, recycling reports, live job balance, contractor equipment GPS location monitoring. The tree inventory software program shall be an Internetdriven tracking program. The program shall have the capability to produce detailed listings of tree and site information, work histories, service requests, summary reports and pictures of City tree species. The Contractor shall provide software support to the City for the entire term of the contract.

At the City’s direction, the Contractor shall provide the City with recommendations for tree care, recommended planting locations, and recommended removals. Attributes to be collected by field personnel may include Address, Street, Facility, Species, Diameter, Condition, Height, recommended tree care, overhead utilities and parkway size and type.

1. GPS Tree Inventory

At the City’s direction, contractor will provide the City with a Global Positioning System (GPS) tree inventory collected by an ISA Certified Arborist including coordinates for all trees in public spaces. This includes, but is not limited to, all publicly owned trees on street rights-of-way, parks, City facilities and open spaces such as medians, greenscapes, etc. The address information contained in inventory should be linked directly to a Geographical Information System (GIS) program, such as ArcView. The inventory collector will identify the trees by their global coordinates of longitude and latitude. By collecting the data using the GPS system, the City can consolidate the tree data with other various GPS coded programs in the City. At the end of the project, the City will receive a complete listing of all sites inventoried, both in hard copy and in the software, which will enable you to connect the inventory to the City’s GIS program and create various frequency reports.

A GPS tree inventory shall be created with a new database using the City’s standardized addressing system for all parks and open space areas.

Contractor shall be required to create an ESRI ArcView/ArcGIS compatible "shape file". The new inventory shall be capable of showing the location of every existing tree site and vacancies on the City's existing GIS base maps (streets, parcels, addresses, ROW, and hardscape, etc.) The consultant’s tree inventory shall be conducted by visiting each tree site or vacant planting site and plot the position. The data shall be compatible with the latest version of ArcView. Minimum accuracy shall be not more than one (1) submeter.

2. Mobile Application
Tree inventory program must include a mobile application for field use. All data must reflect live data as it exists in the Tree inventory program. The functionality of the mobile application shall include the following minimum requirements.
• Mobile application must be compatible with Android systems. • Mobile application must be usable for precision mobility view as user moves through canopied areas.
• Mobile application must include multiple layering feature including aerial imagery and street names.
• Mobile application must display tree icons based on precise GPS coordinates.
• Mobile application must be able to illustrate live work history records. • Mobile application must allow a function that permits live data updates. • Mobile application must be updated as new work records are modified.

3. Tree Inventory Experience
The Contractor shall have at a minimum seven (7) years of experience in collecting tree inventories for cities and other public agencies and developing inventory databases, including an extensive program that

simplifies the management of the City’s Urban Forest. The Contractor shall have developed a complete and comprehensive computer software program in at least five (5) California cities. The program should have specialized reports designed specifically for City representatives’ needs.

The program should be developed based on the needs of the City and allow the City to modify and structure the program specific to our needs.

The user-friendly program should allow customers to generate a variety of reports quickly. List at least five (5) completed tree inventories for California municipalities within the last seven (7) years.

4. Scope of Work
City shall provide the most up-to-date GPS inventory data to Contractor upon award of contract. Contractor will manage the entire inventory project. The project shall include field data collection, data entry, access to the computer software, and training of City employees on the use of the system, and support and as an option, conversion of the existing database. Attributes to be collected by field personnel may include, but is not limited to:
• Tree Number
• City District/Grid/LLDs/Parks/R-Areas/Residential
• Street
• Location by Address
• Location by GIS
• Species by botanical name & common name
• Tree diameter
• Tree height
• Tree condition
• Tree dollar value
• Recommended tree care
• Existing overhead Utilities
• Parkway Size
• Parkway Type

5. Technical Support and Maintenance
The Contractor shall provide routine maintenance, archive, backup, restore and disaster recovery procedures as may be requested by the City. The Contractor shall provide complete support rapidly with experienced staff available to the City during the hours of 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. The Contractor shall be readily available by telephone, e-mail or may respond to the City’s location within a timely manner.

PROJECT SPECIAL PROVISIONS
This project may consist of tree pruning, traffic clearance pruning, and palm pruning as specified in the Project Special Provisions Contract Documents and/or Requests for Bid Proposal. All pruning methods shall comply with the.

A. WORK QUALITY

All tree pruning shall comply with good arboriculture practices for the particular species of trees being trimmed shall be consistent with the Pruning Standards and Best Management Practices as adopted by the International Society of Arboriculture. The Contractor shall also meet the requirements of the current American National Standards, Z133, entitled "Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operation," published by the American National Standard Institute., Inc., 1430 Broadway, New York, New York 10018.

The City’s administrator shall determine if the Contractor has met all pruning requirements and payment shall not be made for pruning that is not in accordance with the above standards. The Contractor shall be deemed in contract default if they consistently fail to comply with the aforementioned standards.

A. STANDARDS
Prior to beginning the work, the Contractor shall review with the City administrator various methods, tools, and work scheduling to be used on the project. Unless otherwise indicated, tree pruning shall include but not be limited to accepted pruning activities.

Daily tree pruning operations shall commence no earlier than 7:00 A.M. and shall be completed each day no later than 5:00 P.M., depending on city ordinances.

All debris resulting from tree pruning operations shall be removed from the work site on a daily basis.

Performance Standards for tree care services are recommended to be developed using the most current version of the ANSI A300 Standard Practices – All Parts.

These standards should be written and administered by an arborist and customized for each agency/jurisdiction based on the health/age/conditions of the tree population and the objectives of the managing agency.

Pruning standards from ANSI A300 part 1 include and will be determined by the agency.
a. Reasons to prune – (1) risk reduction (2) Improve or maintain health (3) develop structure (4) develop desired structure – directional pruning (5) improve appearance (6) reduce conflicts with the built environment and (7) other specific objectives.
b. Pruning system – Natural -conserves characteristic growth patterns. c. Pruning objectives – Develop structure, subordinate branches, stems or leaders, promote or discourage growth, minimize interference with traffic lights, signs, and other infrastructure, restore trees and plants, rejuvenate shrubs
d. Specific Guidelines for Palms and other Similar Plants e. Inspection – Prior, during and after work
f. Monitoring – Check work and inspect for any new issues g. Safety – Include any special requirements for each agency/jurisdiction

C. COMMON PRUNING OBJECTIVES TO BE PERFORMED AT THE DIRECTION

OF THE AGENCY
a. Mitigate risk
b. Manage health (includes soil, water, and integrated pest management) c. Develop or improve tree structure
d. Restoration pruning (after storms, substandard pruning, or vandalism) e. Provide clearance
f. Manage size and/or shape
g. Retrenchment (regenerative pruning)
h. Improve aesthetics
i. Manage production (fruit or timber)
j. Rejuvenation of shrubs
k. Manage wildlife habitat – retain perches, cavities, and nesting sites

1. Grid Tree Pruning
At the direction of City staff, tree pruning per pre-designed districts, grids, or prune routes on a set cycle to include all trees regardless of size.

Pruning will include structural pruning and crown raising, and slight crown cleaning in accordance with the standards set forth by the International Society of Arboriculture Pruning Standards (Best Management Practices) and the ANSI A300 Standards. Prune dead, dying, diseased, and/or crossing limbs. Special projects that are difficult to access by equipment, require the need for specialty equipment (i.e., 95-foot tower), service request pruning, or pruning to reduce and/or pruning to restore would fall under Crew Rental.
(a) Contractor shall comply with Standards of CAL OSHA and the American National Standard Institute, Z133 Safety Requirements.
(b) Contractor shall notify the resident forty-eight (48) hours in advance of scheduled pruning.
(c) Contractor shall provide and post “No Parking” signs twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the work.
(d) Contractor shall endeavor to maintain good public relations at all times.

The work shall be conducted in a manner which will cause the least possible interference and annoyance to the public. Work shall be performed by competent employees and supervised by an experienced, English-speaking supervisor in tree care operations. The Contractor shall be responsible for advance notification to the residents at each work location of the intended tree operations. The Contractor shall be responsible to see that private property and vehicles at work locations are not endangered or damaged during the course of work. (e) Contractor shall exercise precautions as necessary when working adjacent to aerial and subterranean utilities. Contractor must utilize Line Clearance Qualified Tree trimmers if working within 10ft of high voltage

power lines. If aerial utility wires present a hazard to the Contractor’s personnel or others near the work site, work is to immediately cease, and the appropriate utility company notified. Work shall then commence in accordance with instructions from the utility company. If work causes excavation, the City is responsible for properly marking the location and the Contractor is responsible for appropriate notification of Underground Service Alert (USA).
(f) No hooks, gaffs, spurs, or climbers will be used for while climbing trees other than for removals and inaccessible Palms when needed. (g) Final pruning cuts shall be made without leaving stubs. Cuts shall be made in a manner to promote fast callous growth.
(h) The specific techniques employed shall be consistent with industry practice for the size and species of tree being trimmed. All dead, broken, damaged, diseased or insect infested limbs shall be removed at the trunk or main branch. All cuts shall be made sufficiently close, ½ inch, to the parent stem so that healing can readily start under normal conditions. All limbs 2” or greater shall be undercut to prevent splitting. The remaining limbs and branches shall not be split or broken at the cut. All crossed or rubbing limbs shall be removed unless removal will result in large gaps in the general outline of the tree.
(i) Cut laterals to preserve the natural form of the tree, leaving the head open enough for the branching system to show and permitting the dead material to be easily cleaned out and light to show through the head.

Tree foliage shall be reduced by at least fifteen (15%) percent but no more than twenty-five (25%) percent.

2. Block Tree Pruning
Block tree pruning consists of pruning trees along a block segment or “run” as designated by the City. This is different from “Grid Pruning” where all trees are prune (small, medium, and large-sized) within a grid or district.

3. Pruning for Clearance
As directed by city staff, tree pruning shall provide optimum clearance without jeopardizing the health and structure of the tree. Pruning to raise shall be in accordance with standards set forth by the International Society of Arboriculture Pruning Standards (Best Management Practices) and the ANSI A300 Standards under “Pruning to Raise.” Clearance prunes are performed on a grid system or on a street-by-street basis. Clearances for adjacent structures and their connecting utility lines (service drops), shall be determined by the City staff and conform to the following:

a. When pruning the bottom branches, care shall be given to obtain a balanced appearance when viewed from across the street
immediately opposite the tree.
b. Without damaging the trees, cut to laterals to preserve the natural form of the tree. Remove lateral branches at their point of origin or shorten the length of a branch by cutting to a lateral, which is large enough to assume leadership.
c. When cutting back, avoid cutting back to small suckers. Remove smaller limbs and twigs in such a manner as to leave the foliage pattern evenly distributed.
d. Not all trees can be properly raised for clearance without jeopardizing the balance, structure and/or health of the tree. The City will make the final decision on a case-by-case basis.

4. Pruning Palm Trees
Any tree work performed on a City tree must be done according to the City’s specification. The criterion for pruning varies based on the type or purpose of pruning. Palm Pruning consists of maintaining the crowns and trunks of palm trees including the pruning of spent or declining fronds, seedpods and the skinning or shaping of spent petiole bases into a ball or nut as applicable by palm type.
a. The use of climbing spurs or spike shoes for the purpose of climbing palm trees is prohibited, unless specifically approved by the City administrator. The Contractor, when possible, will use an aerial tower with sufficient height to reach the crown for the purpose of pruning City Palm trees.
b. Palm Skinning (additional service & cost) - Dead fronds, and parts thereof, including stubs, can be removed along the entire length of the trunk of each palm, leaving a clean unsheathed appearance slicked from the ground to approximately twenty-four to thirty-six (24” – 36”) inches from the base of the green fronds at the top of the palm. The frond stubs (cut close to trunk) can be left in place within a span of at least eighteen (18”) inches but no greater than thirty-six (36”) inches.

5. Aesthetic and/or Service Request Tree Pruning
At the direction of the City staff, trees that need service prior to their scheduled grid trim for aesthetic purposes shall be trimmed within two weeks of notification by the City to the Contractor. Pruning will include structural pruning, crown raising, crown cleaning and crown reduction in accordance with the standards set forth by the International Society of

Arboriculture Pruning Standards (Best Management Practices) and the ANSI A300 Standards. The trimming shall provide a symmetrical shape and aesthetically pleasing appearance typical of the species. Trees shall also be trimmed to remove any obstruction around traffic control devices, traffic signs and streetlights. Additional trimming shall be performed to mitigate any extreme effect of the clearance trimming and provide an aesthetic appearance.

The specific techniques employed shall be consistent with industry practice for the size and specific of tree being trimmed. Dead, broken, damaged, diseased or insect infested limbs shall be removed at the trunk or main branch. All cuts shall be made sufficiently close, ½ inch to the parent stem so that healing can readily start under normal conditions. All limbs 2” or greater shall be undercut to prevent splitting. The remaining limbs and branches shall not be split or broken at the cut. Crossed or rubbing limbs shall be removed unless removal will result in large gaps in the general outline of the tree. Trees shall be thinned of smaller limbs when necessary to distribute the foliage evenly as needed.

6. Tree Maintenance “Slopes/Open Space/Green Belts”
Tree Maintenance “Slopes/Open Space/Green Belts” is defined by the bid items in the Bid Proposal and is further identified as all the City’s urban forest that is not accessible from the public right of way or trails or pathways in the City’s open space. The trees under this item of work are generally on steep slopes, in ravines and open spaces not accessible by vehicle. All trees maintained shall require manual means, rigging and roping, personnel climbing in trees, and the dragging and removal of all trimmings and debris by manual means to the closest vehicle location.

The Contractor shall NOT drive or park on any City sidewalk to perform this work. City sidewalks ARE NOT designed to accommodate the large weight loads produced by tree maintenance equipment, and may crack, become compromised for pedestrians, or become aesthetically unpleasing. Payment to rig/hand climb and utilize Ground Crews on slopes shall be included in the cost per tree per the proposal.

7. Tree Removals
After the City determines that a tree requires removal, the City will prepare a list of trees to be removed, notifies homeowners, and submits lists to Contractor. The City is responsible for marking trees so that they are easily identifiable by Underground Service Alert and the Contractor.

Contractor calls Underground Service Alert (USA) and prepares internal work order. Crew removes tree and hauls all debris. Crew grinds stumps to a depth of approximately eighteen (18”) inches. All holes will be backfilled with a combination of native soil and stump grindings. Special projects that are difficult to access with equipment or require the need for

a crane or an aerial tower over seventy-five (75’) feet will fall under Crew Rental rates. The City Staff shall make the final determination to remove or provide public noticing for removal at a later date. Removals shall be conducted in good workmanlike manner in accordance with the standards of the arboricultural profession.

No wood shall be left along public right-of-way unless approved by the City staff. All tree parts are to be loaded into transport vehicles or containers. The vehicles or containers must have the front, sides and rear solid and the top shall be tarped, or otherwise tightly enclosed. The transporting of tree parts must be made so that no debris escapes during the transport. Branches, suckers, bark, and other tree parts that are chipped are to be covered while transported and hauled to the disposal site during the workday.

Diseased and/or infested trees that are removed may require disposing of wood debris using special handling or processing for proper disposal.

Additional costs may be discussed with the City.

The Contractor shall be required to call Underground Alert at least 2 days before stumps are to be ground out. All tree stumps must be removed to at least 18 inches below the lowest soil level adjacent to the stump, or until deep roots are no longer encountered. The Contractor shall grind the stump a minimum distance of one and a half (1½’) feet either side of the outer circumference of the stump.

Stumps should be cut low enough to the ground where routing can be done safely. This may be accomplished by cutting the stump at the time of grinding, or at the time of tree removal except for infrastructure conflicts.

Holes created by stump and root grinding must be filled the same day. A combination of native soil and stump grindings will be used to fill the hole to two (2”) inches above normal ground level. All excess routing chips debris will be removed and loaded into transport vehicle for disposal.

8. Tree Planting
Tree planting includes the tree, stakes, ties and complete installation and watering at time of installation as directed by City staff. Planting lists should be compiled by the Inspector and submitted monthly or as needed.

Contractor will guarantee the quality of the tree stock and the workmanship.
(a) Contractor shall provide all equipment, labor, and materials necessary for the planting of trees throughout the City in accordance with the specifications herein.
(b) The City shall be responsible for marking locations and the Contractor will notify Underground Service Alert (USA) prior to planting.

(c) Planting pit shall be dug at appropriate width and the same depth of the root ball. Before placing the tree in the planting pit Contractor shall examine root ball for injured roots and canopy for broken branches. Damaged roots should be cleanly cut off at a point just in front of the break. Broken branches should be cut out of the canopy making sure that the branch collar is not damaged.
(d) Tree shall be placed in the planting pit with its original growing level (the truck flare) at the same height of the surrounding finish grade. In grasscovered parkways, the top of the root ball shall be level or slightly higher than the surrounding soil. In a concrete tree well, the root ball shall be 3 inches below the level of the finished surface of the concrete. (e) Backfill material should be native soil. Eliminate all air pockets while backfilling the planting pit by watering the soil as it’s put into the hole.
(f) Trees that are planted in parkways shall have a 4”-6” high water retention basin built around the tree capable of holding at least ten (10) gallons of water. In a concrete tree well, soil should be raked against the edge of the concrete to create a sloping basin.

Immediately after planting, the tree shall be watered thoroughly by filling the water retention basin twice.
(g) All trees shall be staked with two wooded lodge poles and two ties per pole. Minimum size of lodge poles shall be ten (10’) feet long, with a one and a half (1½”) inch diameter. Tree ties shall be placed at one third (⅓”) and two-thirds (2/3) of the trunk height. Stakes shall not penetrate the root ball and shall be driven into the ground approximately twenty-four to thirty (24”-30”) inches below grade.
(h) Trunk protectors such as Arbor-Guards or an approved equal shall be placed at the base of the trunk of all new trees immediately after planting.
(i) In some cases, root barriers may be required. The City will make this determination. Should a root barrier be required, the Contractor will install a mechanical barrier that redirects root growth downward, eliminating the surface rooting that damages expensive hardscapes and creates a hazard. The barrier shall be twelve (12”) inches in depth and at a length determined by the City and placed in a circular fashion surrounding the tree’s root system. Root barriers are an additional service and cost.
(j) Clean up all trash and any soil or dirt spilled on any paved surface at the end of each working day.

(k) All trees shall be of good nursery stock that adheres to the American Standard for Nursery Stock as described in the current ANSI Z60.1 Standards. Trees shall be free from pests, disease, and structural defects.

9. Crew Rental
The crew and equipment can be modified to complete any type of miscellaneous tasks including special projects that may consist of extraordinary work. As directed by City staff, trees requiring service prior to their regularly scheduled grid or annual trim to rectify a specific problem such as blocked street lighting or signs, right-of-way clearance for utility lines, or broken limbs may be performed under the Crew Rental rate. The use of crew rental may be warranted due to inaccessibility, in park or slope locations, or non-linear tree pruning.

10. Emergency Response
The Contractor shall be required to provide emergency on call response for damaged trees because of storms or other reasons. Emergency calls may occur at any given time. The Contractor will be provided with locations and the work to be done at each location via telephone from a City authorized representative.

Emergency work shall begin within two (2) hours of the initial telephone call.

Contractor shall be required to provide a twenty-four (24) hour emergency phone number or the names of at least ten (10) contact individuals upon award of contract. Should the contact persons or their phone numbers change during the contract, those changes shall be submitted to the City within two (2) working days.

Contractor shall be required to provide all necessary traffic control during emergency work. Should the work involve any high voltage power lines or any utility lines the Contractor shall be required to notify the responsible utility company.

Work performed under the emergency provision of this contract shall be paid for on a crew hour basis from portal to portal. This shall include all labor, tools equipment, disposal fees and necessary materials. Emergency response charges may also be applied for crew(s) to “stand-by” during storm-type weather elements.

11. Line Clearance Pruning
During this contract the Contractor may be required to perform utility line clearance pruning as directed by City staff in conjunction with routine or nonroutine pruning activities. The Contractor shall be required to furnish all supervision, Qualified line clearance tree trimmers, equipment, and materials necessary to accomplish the work in accordance with the contract. The Contractor has the responsibility for compliance with safety and health standards of the California Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and all applicable rules, regulations, and orders. The manager overseeing the project should be a Certified Utility Specialist and the persons completing the work shall be Line

Clearance Qualified Tree workers. The competency of Contractor's personnel shall be maintained through regular training. All persons performing tree work on City trees in, or around electrical lines shall be trained to do so in accordance the “Electrical Safety Orders” of the State of California.

12. Tree Watering
At the direction of the City, watering is performed by a one-man crew with a water truck who will water various tree routes including landscape median and young trees that are three (3) years old and younger. Watering may also be performed on an as-needed basis.

13. Small Tree Care
The City requires an active approach to the care of its young and newly planted trees. The Contractor shall be required to perform basic tree care that will include but not be limited to tree well adjustments and watering, removal of weeds from tree wells, structural pruning, and re-staking when necessary.

14. Arborist Services
On occasion, the City requires tree evaluations including written reports. The Contractor shall provide an hourly rate for a Certified Arborist that can respond to the City’s request(s) for the preparation of detailed arborist reports, tree risk assessment reports tree evaluations and site inspections. Reporting can be generated on as little as one tree to an entire urban forest population and is handled on a case-by-case basis.

15. Plant Health Care
At the direction of the City, the Contractor will provide plant health care services including but not limited to the following: spraying, injecting, soil drenching as necessary to reduce a potentially harmful pest. This is done to maintain or improve the selected tree’s appearance, vitality, and safety, using the most costeffective and environmentally sensitive practices and treatments available. Plant Health Care involves routine monitoring and preventive treatments. All pesticide recommendations are to be made by an in-house Pest Control Advisor in accordance with the Department of Pesticide Regulations.

16.The Contractor must show, through documentation by records of past performance and references the Proposer’s involvement in Arbor Day events, educational outreach efforts and helping agencies maintain their Tree City USA status.

PESTS AND DISEASES

1. All trees known or suspected to be diseased/infested, Contractor shall disinfect all tools and cut surfaces after each cut and between trees.

2. All trees with known or suspected PHSB, Fusarium, Gold Spotted Oak Borer or other high priority pests/ pathogens as determined by the County. Contractor shall handle all debris in a manner consistent with newest version of all appropriate Best Management Practices (BMP), which minimizes the chance of spreading infection or infestation.

3. Material and debris from trees with known or suspected disease/infestation shall be chipped to 1” or smaller and shall not be left on site or used as much off site.

4. Additional charges apply for disinfection or special handling shall be allowed.

PESTICIDE TREATMENT OF TREES

1. Contractor shall have an “in-house” Qualified Applicator apply chemicals in accordance with the recommendations from the “in-house” Agricultural Pest Control Advisor (PCA) and all applicable product labels and regulations.

2. Applications will be made by drench, spray or injection as conditions warrant.

The primary method of application shall be trunk or soil injection.

3. The following are pesticides that may be used on this Contract for treatment of Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB), Golden Spotted Oak Borer (GSOB), Fusarium dieback and other pests. This list is not all inclusive or exhaustive. a) Propiconazole
b) Tebuconazole
c) Thiabendazole
d) Emamectin benzoate
e) Imidacloprid
f) Dinotefuran
g) Bifenthrin
h) Carbaryl
D. TRAFFIC CONTROL
Contractor shall always conform to all City Traffic Safety requirements and operating rules while this contract is in effect. The Contractor shall employee staff certified as Traffic Control Design Specialist and Traffic Control Technicians in accordance with the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA).

Contractor will be responsible for supplying and using all safety equipment necessary to close or delineate traffic lanes to through traffic. This is to include a high visibility Arrow Board(s) as necessary. The City, prior to use, must approve all traffic safety equipment for use.

Illuminated arrow boards, sign stands, delineators and/or cones shall be used to identify work site for vehicular and pedestrian safety.

E. PUBLIC NOTICING OF TREE PRUNING OPERATIONS

Contractor shall be required to notify residents and/or businesses of scheduled tree pruning operations at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the work being performed. Notifications shall be made in the form of door hangers.

City approved “No Parking” signs shall be posted on individual trees scheduled for pruning twenty-four (24) hours prior to the work being performed.

F. CLEAN UP
Contractor shall clean all job sites when work is completed, including the raking of leaves, twigs, etc. from the lawns and parkways and the sweeping of streets.

Each day’s scheduled work shall be completed and cleaned up and under no circumstances shall any brush, leaves, debris, or equipment be left on the street overnight when feasible. Contractor’s equipment may be stored overnight, with advance approval, in the City yards; however, the City will not be responsible for security of Contractor’s equipment.

Brush and debris shall be removed daily, sidewalks swept, lawns and parkways raked out and gutters cleaned.

The City staff or other authorized representative shall be the sole judge as to the adequacy of the cleanup.

G. DISPOSAL OF DEBRIS
All tree branches produced because of the Contractor’s operations under this contract will be reduced, reused, recycled, and/or transformed. The City will receive access to their Green waste Recycling report detailing the amount of debris recycled and the location. This report to be used for compliance with Assembly Bill 939.

1. Green waste Recycling Report:

Green waste that is transported to an offsite facility for grinding into mulch shall be documented and available to the City monthly.

2. Wood Chips:
a. Chips generated from pruning operations within the City may first be dumped at a City designated site.
b. At the direction of the City, wood waste generated from tree removals shall be chipped into pure wood chips with an even uniform size. These chips shall be dumped in specified
locations in the City.

3. Milling (additional service & cost):

At the direction of the City, large tree trunks, which meet proper specifications may be milled into lumber suitable for use in a variety of applications. Milled lumber shall be returned to the City at a cost to be included in the bid proposal.

H. PARKING

The City will make every attempt to identify a suitable space for parking of vehicles and equipment for the purpose of this contract. The Contractor will hold the City harmless and release the City of liability because of theft or vandalism.

Should a site not be available, then the Contractor may park on City right-of-way near the project area(s).

I. INVOICE
Contractor shall be required to submit invoices on a bi-monthly basis. Invoice format shall include but not be limited to a list of each street that tree care operations took place, the address of each individual tree, the species and its height and trunk diameter of each individual tree. Failure to submit invoices in this format may result in non-payment until these requirements are met.

J. INSPECTIONS
The City or its designated representative, shall, always, have access to the work and shall be furnished with every reasonable facility for ascertaining full knowledge respecting the progress, workmanship, and character of materials and equipment used and employed in the work.

K. WITHHOLDING PAYMENT
The City may withhold payment to such extent as may be necessary to protect the City from loss due to one or more of the following reasons:

1. Defective or inadequate work not corrected.

2. Claims filed, or reasonable evidence indicating probable filing of claims.

3. A reasonable doubt that the contract can be completed for the balance unpaid.

L. MINOR MODIFICATIONS AND/OR ADDITIONAL WORK

1. The City may modify these specifications with the joint approval of the Contractor and the City Purchasing Agent. All modifications shall be in writing.

2. If the City should require additional work beyond the requirements of these specifications, the Contractor shall perform all work at a competitive price.

3. Additional work may be added to the contract work as the need arises.

The Contractor shall perform all specified and approved additional work at the unit prices submitted with this bid proposal.

4. The Contractor must be willing to provide a competitive price for additional work that may be added to the contract. Contractor will be required to demonstrate the ability to properly execute the expanded workload with the necessary increase in labor, materials and equipment needed to complete the additional work in a timely manner.

5. The Contractor must have the ability to receive and respond to emergency situations and must respond to emergency call outs within one hundred twenty (120) minutes of receipt of the call.

M. COOPERATIVE PURCHASING
It is intended that other public agencies (i.e., city, county, school district, special district, public authority, public agency, and other political sub-division of the State of California) and/or other City departments shall have the option to participate in any agreement created because of this Request for Proposal with the same terms and conditions as to the price of the product and/or service. The City shall incur no financial responsibility in connection with a purchase order from another public agency. Any public agency that “piggy-backs” on any negotiated contract between the City and Contractor shall accept sole responsibility for negotiating, placing orders, and making payment to Contractor.

The Contractor may or may not agree to the cooperative purchasing clause. It is understood that not all terms, conditions, or scope of work from one agency contract for tree maintenance may not be fully acceptable to another agency.

Agencies may modify specific items for the purpose of making the agreement acceptable and agreeable.

N. CLARIFICATION OF SPECIFICATIONS
If any bidder, prior to submitting their bid should find any discrepancies and/or omissions from the specifications or other contract documents, or if they should be in doubt as to the true meaning of any part thereof, they shall at once make a written request to the City Purchasing Agent for corrections, clarification, or interpretation of the points in question. The person submitting such request shall be responsible for its prompt delivery.

If the City Purchasing Agent receives a request, and it should be found that certain essential information is not clearly and fully set forth, or if the City discovers errors, omissions, or points requiring clarification in these documents, a written addendum will be mailed to each person to whom a set of bid documents has been delivered. The City will not be responsible for any instructions, explanations, or interpretations of the documents presented to bidders in any manner other than written addendum.

O. LOCAL OPERATIONS YARD REQUIREMENT
Local Yard Requirement: To ensure timely response and efficient service delivery, the Contractor shall maintain a fully operational yard, facility, or equipment staging location within ten (10) miles of the City limits. The yard must be established and operational prior to contract award and shall remain active for the duration of the contract. Bidders shall provide the physical address of the yard and describe the resources (equipment, staffing, materials) maintained at that location. Failure to meet this requirement may render the bid nonresponsive.

REPORT to the MAYOR and MEMBERS of the CITY COUNCIL
From the CITY MANAGER
DATE: October 13, 2026
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
SECTION 6.10.060(B)(3) OF THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL

CODE TO INCREASE THE RETAIL CANNABIS
BUSINESS TAX RATE FROM FOUR PERCENT (4%) TO
FIVE PERCENT (5%) OF GROSS RECEIPTS
ISSUING DEPARTMENT: City Manager’s Office
Recommendation:

Introduce and conduct a first reading of an ordinance amending La Mesa Municipal Code (LMMC) Section 6.10.060(b)(3) to increase the retail cannabis business tax rate from four percent (4%) to five percent (5%) of gross receipts.

Fiscal Impact:

Increasing the adult-use retail cannabis business tax rate from four percent to five percent is estimated to generate approximately $600,000 in additional General Fund revenue annually. Actual revenues will vary based on taxable gross receipts.

City’s Strategic Goals:
 Ensure a strong financial outlook through careful planning, sustainable service levels, and fiscal sustainability.

BACKGROUND:

In November 2018, La Mesa voters approved Measure V, establishing a cannabis business tax on commercial cannabis operating within the City. LMMC Chapter 6.10 establishes cannabis business tax rates and authorizes the City Council to adjust the rates by resolution or ordinance within the voter-approved parameters.

On July 28, 2026, the City Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance to modify the

Report to Mayor and Councilmembers
Date: October 13,2026
Page: 2 of 2
City’s cannabis business tax rate and return with a proposed ordinance for City Council consideration.

DISCUSSION:

Staff reviewed adult-use retail cannabis business tax rates throughout San Diego County.

The proposed five percent rate is consistent with the rates imposed by Lemon Grove, National City, and Oceanside and remains lower than those in Chula Vista, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, San Diego, Santee and Vista.

LMMC Section 6.10.060(b)(3) currently establishes the retail cannabis business tax rate at four percent of gross receipts. Four percent is currently the lowest cannabis business tax rate in San Diego County. The draft ordinance, depicted as Attachment A, would increase the rate to five percent, which remains below the six percent maximum authorized by LMMC Chapter 6.10.

On October 6, 2026, City staff hand delivered notices to all retail cannabis businesses advising them of the proposed rate increase, the October 13, 2026 City Council meeting, and the proposed implementation date of January 1, 2027. A copy of the notice is included as Attachment B.

If adopted, the five percent rate will apply to retail cannabis gross receipts beginning January 1, 2027. This implementation date provides affected businesses advance notice of the change and aligns the new rate with the beginning of a quarterly reporting period.

CONCLUSION:

Staff recommends the City Council introduce the first reading of an ordinance amending LMMC Code Section 6.10.060(b)(3) to increase the retail cannabis business tax rate from four percent (4%) to five percent (5%) of gross receipts.

Reviewed by: Respectfully submitted by:
____________________ ____________________________
Greg Humora Amanda Lee
City Manager Assistant City Manager
Attachments: A – Ordinance Amending LMMC Section 6.10.060(b)(3) B – October 6, 2026, Retail Cannabis Business Notice

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-__

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA AMENDING SECTION 6.10.060(B)(3) OF THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL

CODE TO INCREASE THE RETAIL CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX RATE
FROM FOUR PERCENT (4%) TO FIVE PERCENT (5%) OF GROSS

RECEIPTS
WHEREAS, the City of La Mesa has a strategic goal to ensure a strong financial outlook through careful planning, sustainable service levels, and fiscal sustainability; WHEREAS, in November 2018, La Mesa voters approved Measure V, establishing a cannabis business tax for general municipal purposes; WHEREAS, La Mesa Municipal Code Section 6.10.060 authorizes the City Council, by resolution or ordinance, to adjust cannabis business tax rates within the voterapproved parameters; WHEREAS, on July 28, 2026, the City Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance to modify the City’s cannabis business tax rate and bring the ordinance back for City Council consideration;
WHEREAS, pursuant to California Government Code Section 36937(d), ordinances related to taxation for the usual and current expenses of the City shall take effect immediately upon final passage; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to increase the retail cannabis business tax rate from four percent (4%) to five percent (5%) of gross receipts effective January 1, 2027.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT AND IT IS HEREBY ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of La Mesa, California as follows:

SECTION 1: La Mesa Municipal Code Section 6.10.060(b)(3) is hereby amended to read as follows:

3. For every person who engages in the adult-use retail sales of cannabis as a retailer (dispensary or non-store front retailer (delivery) or microbusiness (retail sales) shall be subject to five percent (5%) of gross receipts.

SECTION 2: The five percent (5%) retail cannabis business tax rate established by this Ordinance shall apply to gross receipts generated on or after January 1, 2027.

SECTION 3: Pursuant to California Government Code Section 36937(d), ordinances related to taxation for the usual and current expenses of the City shall take effect immediately upon final passage.

SECTION 3. Except as expressly amended by this Ordinance, all other provisions of La Mesa Municipal Code shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.

SECTION 4: This Ordinance shall be effective upon its adoption, and the City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance. The City Clerk is hereby authorized to use summary publication procedures pursuant to applicable laws.

INTRODUCED AND READ at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of La Mesa, California, held the 13th day of October 2026, and thereafter PASSED AND ADOPTED at a Regular meeting of said City Council held the 27th day of October 2026, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

APPROVED:
__________________________
MARK ARAPOSTATHIS, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
MEGAN WIEGELMAN, CMC, City Clerk

CERTIFICATE OF CITY CLERK
I, MEGAN WIEGELMAN, City Clerk of the City of La Mesa, California, do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and correct copy of Ordinance No. 2026- , duly passed and adopted by the City Council of said City on the date and by the vote therein recited and that the same has been duly published according to law.

MEGAN WIEGELMAN, CMC, City Clerk
(SEAL OF CITY)

October 6, 2026
RE: Proposed Retail Cannabis Business Tax Rate Increase Dear Cannabis Retailer:

This letter is to inform you that the City Council will consider an increase to the retail cannabis business tax rate from 4% to 5% of gross receipts at its meeting on October 13, 2026.

If approved, the new 5% rate will take effect January 1, 2027.

The agenda and related materials for the October 13, 2026 City Council meeting will be available on the City’s website prior to the meeting.

If you have questions regarding the proposed rate change, please contact Amanda Lee, Assistant City Manager at [email protected].

Sincerely,
Shannon Esenwein
Finance Director

DATE: October 13, 2026
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Megan Wiegelman, City Clerk
VIA: Greg Humora, City Manager
SUBJECT: 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
At the September 22, 2026 Council meeting, the City Council voted 5–0 to introduce and approve the first reading of an ordinance amending Sections 2.30.020, 2.32.030,

2.73.010, 2.85.010, and 2.87.010 of the La Mesa Municipal Code. The amendments update membership requirements for the Arts and Culture Commission, Community Police Oversight Board, Community Relations and Veterans Commission, Environmental Sustainability Commission, and Parks and Recreation Commission to expand eligibility, enhance consistency, and reduce vacancies that may delay or cancel meetings.

Staff recommends the Council approve the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance.

Attachment: A. Draft Ordinance

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-

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
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1: Section 2.30.020 of the La Mesa Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
“The CPOB shall consist of eleven (11) voting members appointed by the Mayor in consultation with one other City Council member and confirmed by the City Council.

The CPOB voting members shall include:
 one (1) representative from each of the four (4) beat areas of the City,  one (1) representative of a La Mesa faith-based community,  one (1) representative of the La Mesa business community,  one (1) adult (at least 18 years of age) employee or designee of Helix Charter High School,
 one (1) adult (at least 18 years of age) employee or designee of the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District,
 one (1) adult between the ages of 18 to 30,
 one (1) advocate for people experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, mental health or other social issues, and
 one (1) adult aged 62 or older.

All eleven (11) members shall be resident electors of the City or be employed at a place of business in the City with a direct relationship, as determined by the City Council, to the board membership categories listed above, or serve in a volunteer capacity at a non-profit organization in the City with a direct relationship, as determined by the City Council, to the board membership categories listed above. (b) The CPOB shall create an internship program for La Mesa residents currently enrolled in high school or college and between the ages 16 and 22, inclusive, through which students may serve as temporary, non-voting CPOB members. (c) The Mayor and City Council shall strive to appoint CPOB members who reflect a diverse representation of the community and include individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, economic status, interactions with law enforcement, and beliefs. A criminal record shall not cause exclusion.

(d) No current public safety officers or members of their immediate families, and no individuals who served as a public safety officers in the past five (5) years or members of their immediate families, may be appointed to serve on the CPOB, but the CPOB shall regularly include participation from the Chief of Police or his or her designees in CPOB meetings as described in section 2.30.050, subdivision (b). For purposes of this subdivision, “public safety officer” is defined in Government Code section 3301.” SECTION 2: Section 2.32.030 of the La Mesa Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
“The board of parks and recreation commissioners shall consist of seven members. All members shall be paid an allowance as compensation for expenses incurred in their attendance at authorized meetings within the City as the Council may from time to time fix by resolution. All members shall be resident electors of the City, except for representatives of the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District and Grossmont Union High School District, who may either be employed at a school located within the City or serve on the governing board of the respective school district. The term of office for each member shall be four years, which term shall commence on July 1 and terminate on June 30, four years thereafter. Members' terms shall be maintained so that not more than two terms shall expire in any given year and appointments may be made for less than a four-year term in order to accomplish that purpose.” SECTION 3: Section 2.73.010 of the La Mesa Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
“There is hereby created the Community Relations and Veterans Commission of the City of La Mesa. The Commission shall consist of seven appointed members. One member shall represent senior adults and shall not be less than fifty-five years of age at the time of appointment. One member shall be disabled or represent the disabled members of the community, three members shall be at large and two members shall represent veterans. These two members must meet one of the following criteria: 1) be an honorably discharged veteran of the United States armed forces; 2) be an active duty armed forces member serving in a civilian capacity; or 3) be a member of a veterans service organization based within the City limits which is federally chartered and/or recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs for claim representation. If these particular appointments cannot be made and consequently vacancies occur, the remaining vacancies may be appointed at large. Each member is entitled to vote on matters before the Commission.

All seven members shall be resident electors of the City or be employed at a place of business in the City with a direct relationship, as determined by the City Council, to the commission membership categories listed above, or serve in a volunteer capacity at a non-profit organization in the City with a direct relationship, as determined by the City Council, to the commission membership categories listed above.”

SECTION 4: Section 2.85.010 of the La Mesa Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
“There is hereby created the Environmental Sustainability Commission (Commission) of the City of La Mesa. The Commission shall consist of thirteen (13) members. Six members shall be residents of the City with voting privileges, one member shall be a resident of the City or attend school in the City, and six members shall be advisory members from the business community without voting privileges. The six members that are residents of the City shall be comprised as follows: two members from the general populous; three members with professional experience related to environmental sustainability; one member representing the senior adult population (at the time of appointment shall be not less than fifty-five years of age); and one member representing the youth population (at the time of appointment or reappointment shall not be less than thirteen years nor more than twenty-one years of age and live or attend school in the City). Each of the seven members shall be entitled to one vote on matters before the commission. If these particular appointments cannot be made and consequently vacancies occur, the remaining vacancies may be appointed at large.

The six members from the business community shall be representatives from the City's water utility, franchise waste and recycling hauler, electricity and gas utility, San Diego Community Power, high school, and elementary/middle school district. These six members shall not be required to be residents of the City, but shall act as advisory members on the Commission and shall not be entitled to vote. For purposes of this section, the phrase 'attending school' shall mean either public or private school, general or special education program (K-12th grade), or college or university. It does not mean an independent special interest program (such as karate or ballet instruction).” SECTION 5: Section 2.87.010 of the La Mesa Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
“There is hereby created the Arts and Culture Commission ("Commission") of the City of La Mesa. The Commission shall consist of seven appointed members as follows:
two members to be art educators (one kindergarten through 8th grade, one 9th grade through college); one member to represent the visual arts; one member to represent the performing arts; one member to represent the musical arts; and two members to be at large.

If these particular appointments cannot be made and consequently vacancies occur, the remaining vacancies may be appointed at large. All seven members shall be resident electors of the City or be employed at a place of business in the City with a direct relationship, as determined by the City Council, to the Commission membership categories listed above, or serve in a volunteer capacity at a non-profit organization in the City with a direct relationship, as determined by the City Council, to the Commission membership categories listed above. Each member is entitled to vote on matters before the Commission.”

SECTION 6: This Ordinance shall be effective 30 days after its adoption and the City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and cause the same to be published at least once in the Daily Transcript within 15 days of its adoption.

INTRODUCED AND FIRST READ at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of La Mesa, California, held the 22nd day of September 2026, and thereafter PASSED AND ADOPTED at a Regular meeting of said City Council held the 13th day of October 2026, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

APPROVED:
__________________________
MARK ARAPOSTATHIS, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
MEGAN WIEGELMAN, CMC, City Clerk

CERTIFICATE OF CITY CLERK
I, MEGAN WIEGELMAN, City Clerk of the City of La Mesa, California, do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and correct copy of Ordinance No. 2026- , duly passed and adopted by the City Council of said City on the date and by the vote therein recited and that the same has been duly published according to law.

MEGAN WIEGELMAN, CMC, City Clerk
(SEAL OF CITY)