MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LEMON GROVE CITY COUNCIL
Lemon Grove Community Center
3146 School Lane, Lemon Grove, CA 9194:
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 6:00 P.M.
Call to Order
Mayor Vasquez called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 6:06 p.m.
Roll Call
Mayor Racquel Vasquez, Mayor Pro-Tem Jennifer Mendoza, Councilmember Liana LeBaron, Councilmember George Gastil (arrived at 7:22 p.m.) and Councilmember Alysson Snow (arrived at 6:16 p.m.)
Absent: None
City Manager Lydia Romero mentioned Councilmember Gastil is en-route to the meeting and will be arriving at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Staff Members Present:
City Manager Lydia Romero, City Attorney Kristen Steinke, City Clerk Joel G. Pablo, Public Works Director Izzy Murguia, Human Resources Manager Roberto Hidalgo, Fire Chief Bent Koch, Heartland Fire and Rescue, Executive Assistant Shaun Dershem, Associate Accountant Bella Casares and Sergeant Ken Seel, San Diego County Sheriff's Department.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Pro-Tem Jennifer Mendoza led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Changes to the Agenda
Mayor Vasquez mentioned a request was received from Councilmember Mendoza to pull Item No. 1.E from the Consent Calendar and that the matter will be heard following Reports to Council.
City Clerk Pablo stated there are no further changes to the agenda.
Presentations
Certificates of Recognition - Mount Vernon Elementary School Mayor Vasquez and Alyssa Navapinch, 4* Grade Teacher provided introductory remarks and presented the Certificates to:
Mrs. Gomez's 4th Grade Class: Aaliyah C., Olivia M., Elijah P., Camryn T., Clarissa M., Levi C. and Elena M.
Mrs. Buonassini's 4th Grade Class: Isaiah P., Evan V., Joy M., Justice L., Yaretzi L. P., Aubry Ann M., Kaylee L., Gilberto B., Neaveah B., Eliel R., Derek B. and Aaron O.
Public Comment
Mayor Vasquez opened the public comment period.
In Person: John L. Wood
Adnan Syed
June 4, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Regular Meeting Page | 2 Brenda Hammond
Dan Daneri
David Well
Jason Sundberg
Written: Barbara Gordon
David Welland
In-Person: John L. Wood
Mayor Vasquez closed the public comment period.
In response to John L. Wood's comments, City Manager Lydia Romero indicated staff is working on a solution regarding Edding Drive.
general direction.
In response to Mayor Vasquez, City Attorney Steinke mentioned procedurally the direction provided can move forward as the matter has the support of two (2) Councilmembers.
Consent Calendar
Action: Motion by Mayor Pro-Tem Mendoza, second by Councilmember Snow to approve the Consent Calendar Absent 1.E.
The motion passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Snow, LeBaron, Mendoza, Vasquez
Noes: None
Absent: Gastil
1.A Waive the Full Text Reading of All Ordinances on the Agenda Action: Waived the full text reading of all ordinances included on the agenda.
Ordinances shall be introduced and adopted by title only.
1.B City of Lemon Grove Payment Demands
Action: Ratified Demands covering April 24, 2024 through May 7, 2024.
1.C Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes
Action: Approved the minutes of the Lemon Grove City Council meetings held on March 26, 2024 and May 22, 2024.
1.D Noted and File Approved Planning Commission Minutes Action: Noted and Filed Approved Planning Commission Minutes for April 22, 2024.
1.E Fiscal Year 2024-25 City Calendar
Action: Item Pulled from the Consent Calendar.
1.F Approve the Engineer's Report Detailing Sewer Service Charges for Fiscal Year 2024-25 Action: 1. Adopted Resolution No. 2024-322 approving the engineer's report June 4, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Regular Meeting Page | 3 detailing sewer service charges for Fiscal Year 2024-25; and 2. Directed the District Clerk to cause notice of the filing of the engineer's report and schedule a public hearin or considering adoption of the report and authorizing submittal of sewer service charge:
to the San Diego County Auditor and Controller for inclusion on the Fiscal Year 2024-25 property tax statements.
1.G Award of Contract (No. 2024-17) to Bonita Pipeline, Inc., for the Canton Dr. and Fairfax Dr. Storm Drain Replacement Project
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2024-4031 to award a contract (No. 2024-17) for the Canton Dr. and Fairfax Dr. storm drain replacement project to Bonita Pipeline, Inc., in the amount not-to-exceed $60,000, and authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary documents.
Public Hearing(s):
2. 2025 Regional Transportation Improvement Program
Mayor Vasquez introduced the item by title.
City Clerk Pablo stated all notices as requested by law have been given and all documents and corresponding exhibits have been provided
City Attorney Kristen Steinke requested Councilmembers to disclose any conflicts of interest or ex-parte communications. Steinke indicated that the Council had no conflicts or ex-parte communications to report out on.
Mayor Vasquez opened the Public Hearing. Director of Public Works Izzy Murguia presented the report.
Mayor Vasquez opened the Public Comment period. No comments were directed to the Council. Mayor Vasquez closed the Public Comment period.
Round 1: Councilmembers provided questions/comments to staff.
Round 2: Councilmembers provided questions/comments to staff.
Action: Motion by Councilmember Snow, second by Mayor Pro-Tem Mendoza to close the Public Hearing.
The motion passed by the following vote:
Ayes: LeBaron, Snow, Mendoza, Vasquez
Noes: None
Absent: Gastil
Council provided comments to staff.
Action: Motion by Councilmember Snow, second by Mayor Pro-Tem Mendoza to:
1) Conduct a Public Hearing; 2) Receive Public Comment; and 3) Adopt Resolution No. 2024 - 4032 approving the 2025 Regional Transportation Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2024-25 through Fiscal Year 2028-29.
The motion passed by the following vote:
Ayes: LeBaron, Snow, Mendoza, Vasquez
June 4, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Regular Meeting Page | 4 Noes: None
Absent: Gastil
3. Public Hearing and Resolution Authorizing Annual Charges for the Lemon Grove Roadway Lighting District to be Collected on the San Diego County Property Tax Roll for Fiscal Year 2024-25
Board Clerk Pablo stated all notices as requested by law have been given and all documents and corresponding exhibits have been provided.
District Counsel Kristen Steinke requested Directors to disclose any conflicts of interest or ex-parte communications. Steinke indicated that the Council had no conflicts or ex- parte communications to report out on.
Chair Vasquez opened the Public Hearing.
Director of Public Works Izzy Murguia presented the report.
Director Gastil arrived at 7:22 p.m.
Chair Vasquez opened the Public Comment period.
In-Person: Brenda Hammond
Chair Vasquez closed the Public Comment period.
In response to Brenda Hammond, Public Works Director Izzy Murguia indicated as part of the Connect Main Street project streets lights will be installed in at least three locations.
Round 1: Directors provided questions/comments to staff.
Round 2: Directors provided questions/comments to staff.
Action: Motion by Director Gastil, second by Vice Chair Mendoza to close the Public Hearing.
The motion passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Snow, Gastil, LeBaron, Mendoza, Vasquez
Noes: None
Absent: None
Directors provided comments to staff.
Action: Motion by Director Snow, second by Director Gastil to: 1) Conducted a Public Hearing to receive testimony regarding the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Lemon Grove Roadway Lighting District Annual Engineer's Report; 2) Noted and found that zero (o) protests ere received and 3) Adopted Resolution No. 2024-183 confirming the Fiscal Yea 024-25 Engineer's Report and ordering the transmission of charges to the San Dieg County Auditor and Controller for Collection.
The motion passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Snow, Gastil, LeBaron, Mendoza, Vasquez
June 4, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Regular Meeting Page | 5 Noes: None
Absent: None
4. Resolution Establishing Assessments for the Wildflower Landscape Maintenance Assessment District 97-1 to be Collected on the San Diego County Property Tax Roll for Fiscal Year 2024-25
City Clerk Pablo stated all notices as requested by law have been given and all documents and corresponding exhibits have been provided.
City Attorney Kristen Steinke requested Councilmembers to disclose any conflicts of interest or ex-parte communications. Steinke indicated that the Council had no conflicts or ex-parte communications to report out on.
Mayor Vasquez opened the Public Hearing.
Izzy Murguia, Director of Public Works, presented the report.
Mayor Vasquez opened the Public Comment period.
In-Person: Brenda Hammond
Written: Adnan Syed
Mayor Vasquez closed the Public Comment period.
Round 1: Councilmembers provided questions/comments to staff.
Round 2: Councilmembers provided questions/comments to staff.
Action: Motion by Mayor Pro-Tem Mendoza, second by Councilmember Gastil to close the Public Hearing.
The motion passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Snow, Gastil, LeBaron, Mendoza, Vasquez
Noes: None
Absent: None
Council provided comments to staff.
Action: Motion by Councilmember Gastil, second Councilmember Snow by to:
1) Conduct a public hearing to receive testimony regarding the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Wildflower Landscape Maintenance Assessment District 97-1; and 2) Noted and found zero (o) protests were received; and 3) Adopted Resolution No. 2024-4030 confirming the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Engineer's Report and ordering the transmission of charges to the San Diego County Auditor and Controller for Collection.
The motion passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Snow, Gastil, Mendoza, Vasquez
Noes: LeBaron
Absent: None
Reports to Council:
June 4, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Regular Meeting Page | 6
5. Opinion Survey Results Presentation
City Manager Lydia Romero introduced Dr. Timothy McLarney of True North Research.
Councilmember Snow and Councilmember Gastil shared the Subcommittee roles and responsibilities were to find alternative sources of revenue and address community priority needs. As part of the Subcommittees efforts, it elected to seek the services of True North Research to solicit community input from Lemon Grove residents.
Dr. McLarney with True North Research presented the report. Jared Boigon with TeamCivX presented the Ballot Measure Planning presentation slide.
Mayor Vasquez opened the public comment period.
In-Person: Brenda Hammond
Mayor Vasquez closed the public comment period.
Round 1: Councilmembers directed comments/questions to staff.
Round 2: Councilmembers directed comments/questions to staff.
The Council provided sta on ie steps distion te in ceto worko ith fran North (3) City Communications: Bring Awareness and Conduct Public Outreach on the Proposal.
The Council recessed the meeting at 9:32 p.m.
The Council reconvened at 9:40 p.m.
City Manager Lydia Romero indicated pursuant to the City Council Policies and Procedures the Closed Session item, and the two pulled items move to a Special Meeting on June 11, 2024.
During the discussion, the Council agreed to hold a Special Meeting on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. to consider the adoption of the City of Lemon Grove's Fiscal Year 2024/2024 Budget.
Action: Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza second by Councilmember Snow to continue the ollowing matters to the regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 6:00 p.M. tem No. 7, Item No. 8, Item No. g. Dulled Item No. 1.G. 1 pulled item from the May 21, 2024 City Council Meeting relating to Payment Demands.
The motion passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Gastil, Snow, LeBaron, Mendoza, Vasquez
Noes: None
Absent: None
June 4, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Regular Meeting Page 17
6. Ordinance No. 34 Establishing the Sewer Service Charges for Fiscal Year 2024-25 Chair Vasquez introduced Public Works Director Izzy Murguia. Murguia presented the Staff Report.
Chair Vasquez opened the public comment period. No comments were directed to the Council. Chair Vasquez closed the public comment period.
Round 1: Directors directed comments/questions to stati.
Round 2: Directors directed comments/questions to staff.
Action: Motion by Councilmember Gastil, second by Councilmember Snow to:
Introduce and conduct the first reading, by title, only, of Ordinance No. 34 establishing sewer service charges for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
The motion passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Gastil, Snow, LeBaron, Mendoza, Vasquez
Noes:
Absent:
7. Discuss and Advise 2024-2025 City Council Priorities and Work Plan Action: Item Continued to the City Council Meeting on June 18, 2024
8. Budget Workshop for Fiscal Year 2024-25
Action: Item Continued to the City Council Meeting on June 18, 2024 Item Pulled from the Consent Calendar on May 21, 2024
9. City of Lemon Grove Payment Demands
Action: Item Continued to the City Council Meeting on June 18, 2024 Item Pulled from the Consent Calendar
1.E Fiscal Year 2024-25 City Calendar
Action: Item Continued to the City Council Meeting on June 18, 2024 City Council Reports on Meetings Attended at the Expense of the City Councilmember Alysson Snow
May 8, 2024: Attended the Revenue Committee
May 8, 2024: Attended the East County Magazine Dining Club • May 9, 2024: Attended the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) East County Board Briefing
• May 9, 2024: Attended the Lemon Grove Farmer's Market • May 9, 2024: Attended the Asian Business Association - Women's Leadership Council • May 10, 2024: Attended the East County Regional Taskforce on Homelessness • May 11, 2024: Attended Paws in the Park
City Council Meeting Minutes - Regular Meeting Page 1 8 June 4, 2024
• May 13, 2024: Attended and Participated San Diego Gas and Electric 2024 Public Safety Power Shutoff
• May 13, 2024: Attended the League of California Cities - Virtual Event • May 14, 2024: Attended the Lemon Grove Library - Mural Dedication May 17, 2024: Attended the SANDAG Transportation Committee • May 17, 2024: Met with Dreams for Change
• May 18, 2024: Attended the Lemon Grove Food Distribution • May 20, 2024: Attended the Lemon Grove Siroptimist Awards Dinner • May 21, 2024: East County Government Affair's Committee Councilmember Liana LeBaron
• Met with a Lemon Grove resident regarding a storm drain and the builder/owner of 8150 Golden Avenue.
Councilmember George Gastil
• May 2024: Attended the Metropolitan Transit System Board Meeting • Attended the East County Economic Development Council Meeting • Attended the Elected Officials Summit hosted by California Joint Powers Insurance Authority
• May 20, 2024: Attended the Lemon Grove Siroptimist Awards Dinner • May 8, 2024: Attended the Revenue Committee
• May 2024: SANDAG Regional Planning Committee
Mayor Pro-Tem Mendoza
• May 10, 2024: Attended the East County Homeless Taskforce • May 11, 2024: Paws in the Park
• May 14 thorugh 17, 2024: Attended the 2024 Bay-Delta Tour hosted by the Water Education Foundation
• May 18, 2024: Attended and Participated in the Lemon Grove Food Distribution • May 20, 2024: Attended the Lemon Grove Siroptimist Awards Dinner • May 22, 2024: Attended the Helix Water District Board Meeting • May 22, 2024: Attended the City of Lemon Grove - Special City Council (Team Building and Priority Setting for Fiscal Year 2024-25) Meeting
• May 23, 2024: Attended the Heartland Fire Communications Committee Meeting Mayor Racquel Vasquez
For the Period of May 8 through 21, 2024
• Attended the SANDAG Briefings, Executive Committee and Board of Directors Meeting • May 20, 2024: Attended the Lemon Grove Siroptimist Awards Dinner • Attended the Grand Opening of the Alva Beauty Collective • Attended the Lemon Grove Library Mural Dedication
• Attended the Grand Opening of Kelvin Apartments
• Welcomed residents/cyclist for Bike Anywhere Day
• Attended Paws in the Park
• Attended the Lemon Grove Farmers Market and Lemon Grove Food Distribution • Participated in the Kick Off Event for the She Rocks Girls Flag Flag Football Event at Steele Canyon High School
City Council Meeting Minutes - Regular Meeting Page | 9 June 4, 2024
• May 22 through June 4, 2024: SANDAG Briefings, Board of Directors Meeting and Flight to Victory aboard the USS Midway and Lemon Grove Little League Closing Day.
City Manager Report
City Manager Lydia Romero announced the grand reopening of Lemon Grove Park on Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. City Manager Lydia Romero thanked the Council for their work in getting through the agenda.
Closed Session(s):
a. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Government Code §54957(b)) City Attorney (Item Continued from the City Council Meeting on May 21, 2024) Action: Item Continued to the City Council Meeting on June 18, 2024 Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Vasquez adjourned the meeting at 10:20 p.m. Mayor Vasquez announced that the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council will be on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Joel G. Pabid City Clerk
Approved by City Council on June 18, 2024