From: Nathan M
To: Public Comment
Subject: Expressing my concern about the increasing homelessness problem in National City Date: Friday, August 4, 2023 3:33:58 PM
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To the Honorable Members of the City Council,
I am writing to express my concern about the increasing homelessness problem in National City. As a resident and member of the community, I believe it is crucial that we address this issue collaboratively and promptly. Our city's reputation is already at risk as we have been rated the lowest in San Diego County.
The rising number of individuals experiencing homelessness has had a severe impact that cannot be ignored. It has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, economic crisis, and health crisis. This has led to negative impacts on small businesses and home prices, increased human waste, trash litter, and the destruction of private property. Homelessness also increases the risk of infectious diseases and mental health issues, which poses a threat to the public's well-being. The presence of homelessness can also discourage visitors, potential investors, and businesses from investing in our city, leading to a strain on resources and our local police and fire resources.
I urge the City Council to take immediate action and work towards practical solutions. Some steps that could be considered include increasing funding to support people experiencing homelessness to get off the streets and out of canyon areas like La Jolla and Coronado. Collaborative initiatives with nonprofit organizations, community groups, other police agencies, and businesses can also be created to provide holistic solutions for homelessness prevention and assistance.
By taking measures now, we can work together to build a stronger and more inclusive National City building a better place to live and work. As a united community, we can make a positive difference in the lives of our fellow residents facing homelessness.
Its time for the Mayor to contribute in any way to support these initiatives and contribute to a brighter future for our city. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Nathan Maycott
General Comment
From: Ted Godshalk
To: Public Comment
Cc: Luz Molina; Ron Morrison
Subject: Comment for item 8.5 on the Consent Calendar of the meeting of August 15, 2023 from Mr. Ted Godshalk Date: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 11:36:06 AM
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Comment for item 8.5 on the Consent Calendar of the meeting of August 15, 2023 from Mr.
Ted Godshalk.
Please pull the item 8.5 of the Consent Calendar to discuss the item.
Once again, you should not chase a grant opportunity to meet a project that is not clearly planned. Go ahead and accept this grant but the sites identified in the staff report should be carefully thought about before acting. Just because all of the properties in the report are cityowned and zoned residential, not all are appropriate for housing.
The city-owned property identified as Site 4 in the Housing Strategic Plan and in this agenda item is unsuitable for sale and use as housing. Let’s look at the facts. You, and previous City Councils, have endorsed the idea of Transit Oriented Development. You have plans to change the density in single family neighborhoods. The property along Plaza Bonita Center Way is rural in nature and is very near the county line. If you approve housing in this area you would be encouraging Suburban Sprawl.
There are additional constraints to consider. The property has an unsuitable topography for housing. Housing in this location would encourage more automobile trips along already congested streets and freeways. Building in this location is contrary to the Climate Action that we have demanded the City of National City take. You can help the housing shortage in our region by taking other, less economically expedient steps like planning housing for the Trailer Park/ Drive-in location along National City Blvd.
If you tell us that you believe in Inner City high density and Suburban Sprawl, then we have to really consider whether you honestly care about either one. To summarize, to encourage housing at Site 4 in this report would be irresponsible and hypocritical.
I recommend that you reserve this parcel for a mitigation of environmental effects somewhere in the city or county. The property has value in this form. Of course, the use as a park would be beneficial, as well. The open space value here is very important.
Ted Godshalk
Item 8.5 - Ted Godshalk
From: Ted Godshalk
To: Public Comment
Cc: Luz Molina
Subject: Public Comment for City Council Meeting item 8.9 on August 15, 2023 from Mr. Ted Godshalk.
Date: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 11:09:36 AM
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Public Comment for City Council Meeting item 8.9 on August 15, 2023 from Mr. Ted Godshalk.
Please pull the Consent Calendar item 8.9 for discussion. My comments are included below.
First some questions: The staff report states that a review was done in 2021 and that ten policies required minor clean-up. Why did it take two years to get to this update action? According to City Council policy, an update is to be done in October of each year. Why has this set of updates been scheduled now? Will there be more updates in October? Why have some current policy "clean-up" items been missed?
While most of the staff’s changes are clerical or related to punctuation, there are several new changes I suggest here, since you’re updating policies now.
Policy 104 II E. #1- Responsibilities of the City Manager ADD- The City Manager shall provide a written report at each City Council meeting. The report will become part of the approved minutes.
Policy 104. VI. C. 2. Combine points a. and b. with new languageIf the number of speakers for any item, including "Public Comments” and other Agenda Items is ten or less, then each is allowed 3 minutes. "In-person" speakers will go first, followed by ‘Call-In” speakers, followed by “Written” speakers (submitted by paper copy, email, or eScribe). Written comments will be read into the record for three minutes if there are a total of ten or fewer speakers.
If the number of commenters is more than ten, then no written comments are read into the record. “In-person” speakers go first, with “Call-in” speakers following, all with a two minutes time limit. Any written comments that are similar in content, or appear as a “form letter” may be summarized by topic and name of the sender.
At 30 minutes elapsed time on any one agenda item, the mayor may decide that all remaining speakers will be held over to the end of the meeting and the item is then moved on the agenda to the point after all "Staff Reports" items are concluded.
The City Clerk will declare and record any request to remove an item from the consent calendar. All procedures for speakers will be the same as above.
Item 8.9 - Ted Godshalk
Policy VII. N. Staff Reports
ADD- The City manager shall provide a written report at each City Council meeting and the report shall be included in the minutes.
Policy 106- Minutes
ADD to second paragraph- The portion of the City Council meeting devoted to staff, Mayor, City Attorney, and City Manager shall consist of a brief written description of the subject matters and actions taken and shall be included in the minutes.
CHANGE the third paragraph to read- Public Comment, Consent Calendar, and Public Hearings will include a list of all people speaking to the time and a summary of their position or comments.
Policy 107-
ADD to the Appointments section- and new “A” section and move all other sections downward.
ADD- A vacancy on the City Council shall be filled with the appointment of a resident from the District which has the vacancy. The applicant must prove current residency of more than two years. The Mayor will conduct the interview process within 60 days of the vacation of the seat. A simple majority of the voting City Council is required to appoint a person to fill the unexpired term. The Vice Mayor will assume the role of Mayor if the Mayor’s seat is vacated and then conduct the interview process. If the Vice Mayor is unavailable to hold the office of Mayor then the City Council shall appoint the Council member with the most years of office.
Policy 108-
ADD- The City Manager shall submit a written report to the City Council and the public at each City Council meeting.
Policy 114
ADD- in the second sentence change , “On a periodic basis…” to - On a quarterly basis, the City Manager will provide a written report of all grants pending, awarded, and acted upon with contracts to the City Council and the public.
Policy 120
ADD- Section 6- - The rotation of Vice Mayor must not include a representative from the same district with the previous two years.
Thank you for your attention,
Ted Godshalk
August 15, 2023
Subject: Support for the Adoption of the Resolution on Sustainable and Affordable Homeownership
Dear Mayor Morrison and Esteemed Members of the City Council, I am writing to express my strong support for the adoption of Agenda Item 10.2, the proposed Resolution entitled "Resolution of the City Council of the City of National City, California, Amending City Council Policy No. 901, Entitled ‘Management of Real Property’, to Require that the City Conduct a Feasibility Analysis to Evaluate Building Residential Units for Homeownership, Identify Supportable Land Values, Determine the Need for Gap Financing, and Assess the Use of Various Development Models, Such as Community Land Trusts, to Create Sustainable and Affordable Homeownership on Any City-Owned Property Zoned for Residential Use.”
The goal of creating sustainable and affordable homeownership opportunities is of paramount importance in our community. As a concerned citizen, I firmly believe that this Resolution represents a crucial step towards addressing the pressing issue of housing affordability and availability.
By conducting a comprehensive feasibility analysis, the City will be better equipped to make informed decisions regarding the development of residential units for homeownership.
Identifying supportable land values will ensure that any development aligns with the economic realities of the region, fostering the creation of a balanced and equitable housing market.
Furthermore, the assessment of various development models, including community land trusts, reflects a forward-thinking approach to sustainable housing solutions. Community land trusts have demonstrated their potential to maintain long-term affordability and prevent speculative practices, thus contributing to the overall stability of our neighborhoods.
National City has always thrived on its diversity and inclusiveness, let’s continue on this positive path by taking the necessary steps to empower residents with homeownership. The adoption of this Resolution would exemplify the City's commitment to ensuring that its residents, irrespective of their income levels, have access to safe, stable, and affordable homeownership opportunities. This not only benefits individual families but also strengthens the fabric of our community as a whole.
I am confident that by implementing the measures outlined in this Resolution, National City will set a positive example for other municipalities facing similar housing challenges. Let’s take pride Item 10.2 - Cynthia Suero-Gabler
in National City's dedication to progress and innovation, and this Resolution aligns perfectly with those values.
In conclusion, I urge you to support the adoption of the Resolution on sustainable and affordable homeownership. By doing so, the City will take a significant step towards securing a brighter future for all its residents. Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.
Cynthia “CK” Suero-Gabler
From: Miriam Escobar
To:
Cc:
Subject: Item 10.2 Own National City...
Date: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 2:06:25 PM
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Honorable National City Mayor:
I am very happy to see so many positive things happening in National City! National City is the first city I lived, when I first emigrated with my family, I love its people and the sense of appreciation for their families.
Today I write you in Support of Item 10.2 Own National City, a plan to study innovative homeownership models on City-Owned property zoned for residential use”.
Housing is highly needed and this study will provide with great opportunities to facilitate housing.
I urge you to support this item 10.2
I appreciate your well known work and dedication for the residents of National City.
Respectfully,
Miriam Aguilar Escobar
State Deputy Director for Women
CA League of United Latin American Citizens
Item 10.2 - Miriam Escobar
From: Ted Godshalk
To: Public Comment
Cc: Luz Molina
Subject: Comment for Item 10.2 of the August 15, 2023 City Council Meeting from Mr. Ted Godshalk.
Date: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 2:55:43 PM
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Comment for Item 10.2 of the August 15, 2023 City Council Meeting from Mr. Ted Godshalk.
This request to change city policy should be done in October, when city staff allots time for this kind of work.
Furthermore, to carry out a set of feasibility analyses costs money and Councilman Rodriguez did not choose to bring up this project during the recent budget workshops. There has been no estimate of staff time and costs of consultants to do the work in this request. Prior to approving this policy change and beginning a plan that has costs to the General Fund , you should know how you are going to pay for the work. Table this item until these details are determined.
Ted Godshalk
Item 10.2 - Ted Godshalk