MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LEMON GROVE CITY COUNCIL
Lemon Grove Community Center
3146 School Lane, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Call to Order
Mayor Alysson Snow called the regular City Council meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call
Mayor Alysson Snow, Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Mendoza, Councilmember Steve Faiai, Councilmember Jessyka Heredia
Absent: None
Staff Members Present
City Manager Lydia Romero, City Attorney Kristen Steinke, City Clerk Joel G. Pablo, Public Works Director Izzy Murguia, Public Works Administrative and Operations Manager Thomas Martin, Chief Bent Koch with Heartland Fire and Rescue, Sergeant Ken Seel and Seargeant Travis Price with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.
Pledge of Allegiance
Councilmember Faiai led the Pledge of the Allegiance.
Moment of Silence
Mayor Snow led a moment of silence in remembrance of Nadia Charles and Junior Joseph Juste.
Presentations - None
Changes to the Agenda
City Clerk Pablo stated there are no changes to the agenda.
Public Comment
Mayor Alysson Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person: Robin Todd, Field Representative with Assemblymember Dr. LaShaw Sharp- Collins (79th District Assembly)
Richard Gold
Brenda Hammond
John L. Wood
Teresa Rosiak-Proffit
Nancy Milligan
Mat Kostrinsky, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 127
Bonnie Barknoff
Written: Ken King
Mayor Alysson Snow closed the public comment period.
January 7, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting Page | 2
In response to public comments provided, City Manager Romero reported that the City Council's Strategic Plan includes broadcasting City Council meetings online, with a workshop planned for late January or February 2025. Lastly, Romero stated regarding the county's Troy Street Sleeping Cabins project, a presentation or workshop is expected in late February 2025.
Sergeant Seel from the Sheriff's Department addressed the fireworks issue, encouraging residents to report fireworks or gunshot concerns. Deputies respond promptly on non-holidays, but staffing is limited on holidays, with five deputies on duty until midnight and two afterward. Due to high call volumes, deputies prioritize calls with specific addresses and conduct extra patrols when possible. Citizens can file complaints if they can identify the source and location of fireworks.
Consent Calendar
Action: Motion by Mayor Pro-Tem Mendoza, second by Councilmember Heredia to approve the Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1.A through 1.D.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Faiai, Heredia, Mendoza, Snow
NOES: ( None
ABSENT: None
1.A Waive the Full Text Reading of All Ordinances on the Agenda Action: Waived the full text reading of all ordinances included in this agenda.
Ordinances shall be introduced and adopted by title only.
1.B Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes
Action: Approved the minutes of the Lemon Grove City Council meeting held on December 17, 2024.
1.C Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2024 - 4081 approving the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) for the period of July i1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
1.D Award of Contract (No. 2025-18) for the 7212 Broadway Storm Drain Replacement Project
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2024 - 4082 to award a contract (No. 2025-18) to Bonita Pipeline, Inc., for $72,169 to replace a storm drain near 7212 Broadway and authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary documents.
Reports to Council
2. Consideration of Process to Fill Council Vacancy
Mayor Snow introduced the item by title.
City Manager Lydia Romero and City Attorney Kristen Steinke presented the report.
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
January 7, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting Page | 3
In Person: Thelma Martinez
Mat Kostrinsky, AFSCME Local 127
Written: Ken King
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Round 1: Councilmembers directed questions/comments to staff.
Round 2: Councilmembers directed questions/comments to staff.
Action: Discussed and provide staff with direction.
Summary of Council Direction
1. Hybrid interview process combing Option 1 and Option 3.
2. Option 1 chosen for the voting process.
3. Revise the application to emphasize community engagement, include a 250- word limit, allow applicants to attach a resume or curriculum vitae, and provide space for technical certifications.
. Submit interview questions to staff by January 12, 2025 . Market the process via social media and community outreach
6. Interviews set for February 4, 2024 and swearing-in ceremony scheduled for February 18, 2025.
3. Appointment of City Council Members to Committees, Commissions and Boards Mayor Snow presented the report.
Mayor Alysson Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person: Lee Ann Jones-Santos
Peter DeHoff, Councilmember for the City of Poway
Mark Robak
John L. Wood
Written: Jerry Jones
Gary Kendrick, El Cajon City Councilmember
John Duncan, Mayor, City of Coronado
Karyn Keze, Executive Director, Metro Wastewater Joint Powers Authority
Mitchell McKay, Imperial Beach City Councilmember
Peter De Hoff, Poway City Councilmember
Mayor Alysson Snow closed the public comment period.
By Consensus, the Council ratified Mayor Snow's committees, commissions and board's assignments, as amended for City Council Members.
January 7, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting Page | 4
Council Decision Summary (Changes to Attachment A)
• Metro Commission / Metro Wastewater JPA: Council decided to keep Jerry as the primary for one more year and Councilmember Jessyka Heredia as the alternate.
Metropolitan Transit System: Councilmember Mendoza as the primary; and Councilmember Faiai as the alternate.
• Heartland Communications: Councilmember Faiai as the primary; and Councilmember Mendoza as the alternate.
• Heartland Training Facility: Councilmember Faiai as the primary; and Councilmember Mendoza as the alternate.
• Helix Water District: Councilmember Heredia as the primary; and Councilmember Faiai as the alternate.
Jerry Jones confirmed to the Council his desire to continue serving as the primary representative on the Metro Commission / Metro Wastewater JPA.
City Council Reports on Meetings Attended at the Expense of the City Councilmember Steve Faiai
• Participated in Christmas Caroling with Revitalize Broadway alongside Councilmembers Mendoza and Heredia.
• Took part in a Cal-Trans cleanup with Teresa Rosiak-Profit.
Councilmember Heredia
. Joined Revitalize Broadway for Christmas caroling with Councilmembers Faiai and Heredia.
• Took part in a graffiti abatement event with Councilmember Faiai and a volunteer veterans' group.
Mayor Pro-Tem Mendoza
• December 19, 2024: Attended the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Board Meeting.
• December 21, 2024: Assisted with the Lemon Grove Food Distribution. . Participated in Christmas caroling with Revitalize Broadway alongside Councilmembers Heredia and Faiai.
• December 28, 2024: Joined City Manager Romero at the funeral services for Jim Jeebo, Crime Prevention Specialist for the City of Lemon Grove.
Mayor Snow
• December 18, 2024: Attended the East County Economic Development Committee meeting.
• December 20, 2024: Participated in the CA League of California Cities San Diego County Division Planning Session.
• December 21, 2024: Assisted with the Lemon Grove Food Distribution. • January 2, 2024: Attended the Lemon Grove Historical Society event.
January 7, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting Page | 5
City Manager's Report
City Manager Romero turned it over to both the Fire Chief and Sergeant Ken Seel to provide their updates.
Fire Chief Koch updated the council on the ongoing Santa Ana wind event affecting Southern California, with active fires in Los Angeles County and smaller fires east of the city. Residents were urged to secure loose items, prepare for power outages, and stay vigilant for potential fires.
The California Office of Emergency Services has deployed resources, while Lemon Grove's OES rig is still being outfitted. Local resources are heading to Los Angeles, and the Sheriff's Office is on standby. Public Works is ready to handle downed trees. Residents were advised to report issues and download the "Genesis Protect" app for emergency alerts.
Sergeant Willaim Price provided an update on the tragic accident from January 1st. No arrests have been made yet, as investigations take time. Samples from both drivers are being analyzed for Icohol or toxins, and evidence such as surveillance footage and cell phone data are bein xamined. The investigation will continue, and charges may be pursued based on finding including potential alcohol or drug use or negligence.
Closed Session - None
Adjournment
Mayor Snow adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m. and announced that the next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
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Joel G. Pablo, City Clerk