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REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
March 18, 2025, 6: 00 p. m.
City Council Chamber- 1243 National City Boulevard
National City, CA
Present: Councilmember Molina
Councilmember Rodriguez
Councilmember Yamane
Vice- Mayor Bush
Mayor Morrison
Others Present: Ben Martinez, City Manager
Barry J. Schultz, City Attorney
Shelley Chapel, City Clerk ( via Zoom)
Carlos Aguirre, Director of Community Development
Bruce Foltz, Director of Finance
Brian Hadley, Deputy City Manager
Alex Hernandez, Chief of Police
Lydia Hernandez, Director of Human Resources
Tonya Hussain, Deputy City Clerk
Steve Manganiello, Director of Engineering & Public Works Sergio Mora, Fire Chief
Angelita Palmer, Community Development Manager
Martin Reeder, Assistant Director of Community Development
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of National City was called to order at 6: 26 p. m. via teleconference and in the Council Chamber, located in City Hall, 1243 National City Boulevard, National City, California.
2. ROLL CALL
In Councilmembers present: Molina, Rodriguez, Yamane, Bush, Morrison Interpretation in Spanish provided by Carlos Diaz and Jessie.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Councilmember Yamane led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. INVOCATION
Delivered by Pastor Angel Carrasco.
Taken out of order.
6. 1 Proclamation: Carmen Peralta Day
The Mayor introduced Councilmember Molina who introduced the proclamation.
Carmen Peralta accepted the proclamation.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Morrison summarized the process for acceptance of live public comment allowing one ( 1) minute per comment and introduced City Clerk Chapel.
In- person comment:
Yolanda Contreras
Audrey Castillo
McGrady Michael
Eddie Perez
Ted Godshalk
B Ave. Resident
Paul Wapnowski
Gloria Salas
Edward Nieto
Virtual Comment:
Becky Rapp
Madison Rapp
Terri Skelly
6. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITION
6. 2 Proclamation: Women' s History Month
Mayor Morrison introduced the recipients of the proclamation.
The proclamation was accepted by Maribel Aguirre, Randi Castle- Salgado, Karen Azhocar-McManus, Liliana Armenta, Angel Ogapong, Ellen Nobles; and, Lori Anne Peoples and Connie Montiel who were not present.
7. PRESENTATION ( Limited to Five ( 5) Minutes each)
Item was continued to a future meeting.
7. 1 Parks, Recreation, and Senior Citizen' s Advisory Committee Annual Report to City Council
8. REGIONAL BOARDS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS ( Limited to Five ( 5) Minutes each)
Councilmember Rodriguez advised that the SANDAG Shoreline Preservation Working Group meeting was moved to April 3rd
Councilmember Yamane reported on the business of the Sweetwater Authority, San Diego County Water Authority, and San Diego Community Power.
Councilmember Molina provided a report on SANDAG and announced Bike Anywhere Day on May 15tn
Vice- Mayor Bush spoke to the business of Metropolitan Transit System.
Mayor Morrison reported on Sweetwater Authority legislative updates.
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Vice- Mayor Bush to approve Consent Calendar Items with the exception of items 9. 2 thru 9. 6, 9. 11, and 9. 12 pulled for public comment.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Councilmember Molina for reconsideration of approval of the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to approve the consent calendar with the exclusion of Item 9. 8 since the staff recommendation to purchase translation equipment was no longer needed.
9. 1 Approval of Reading by Title Only and Waiver of Reading in Full of Ordinance on this Agenda
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Item pulled for discussion.
9. 2 Approval for Mayor Ron Morrison and Josie Flores- Clark to attend the 2025 Mission to Washington, D. C. on April 6- 9, 2025.
Public comment was received from Thomas Rike and Edward Nieto.
Recommendation: Provide approval for Mayor Ron Morrison and Josie ForesClark to attend the 2025 Mission to Washington, D. C. on April 6- 9, 2025.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to bifurcate the item.
Motion failed by 2- 3 vote.
Ayes: Rodriguez, Yamane
Nays: Molina, Bush, Morrison
ACTION: Motion by Mayor Morrison, seconded by Vice- Mayor Bush to approve the staff recommendation.
Motion carried by 4- 1 vote.
Ayes: Molina, Yamane, Bush, Morrison
Nays: Rodriguez
Item pulled for discussion.
9. 3 Approval for Vice- Mayor Marcus Bush and Daniel Gonzalez to attend the 2025 APTA Mobility Conference on April 6- 9, 2025.
Public comment was received from Thomas Rike and Edward Nieto.
Recommendation: Provide approval for Vice Mayor Bush and Daniel Gonzalez to attend the 2025 APTA Mobility Conference on April 6-9, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
ACTION: Motion by Vice- Mayor Bush, seconded by Councilmember Molina to approve the staff recommendation.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Vice- Mayor Bush left the dais at 7:22 p.m. and returned at 7:24 p.m.
Item pulled for discussion.
9.4 Acceptance of Annual Grant Funds to Support the Regional Realignment Response Group ( R3G) Operations in the Amount of$ 67, 000.
Adopted Resolution No. 2025- 22.
One public comment received from Thomas Rike.
Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution Entitled: " Resolution of the City Council of the City of National City, California, Authorizing the Acceptance of Annual Grant Funds to Support the Regional Realignment Response Group Operations in the Amount of $ 67,000, and Authorizing the Establishment of an Appropriation and Corresponding Revenue Budget."
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to adopt the resolution.
Absent: Councilmember Bush
Motion carried unanimously by those present.
Item pulled for discussion.
9. 5 Agreement Amendment with Devaney Pate Morris & Cameron, LLP, for Legal Services in the Specialized Area of Land Use and Business Matters Regarding the San Diego Unified Port District.
Adopted Resolution No. 2025- 23.
Public comment received from Thomas Rike and Edward Nieto.
City Attorney Barry Schultz reported on the item.
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution Entitled, " Resolution of the City Council of the City of National City, California, Amending the Agreement between the City of National City and Devaney Pate Morris & Cameron, LLP, for Legal Services in the Specialized Area of Land Use and Business Matters Regarding the San Diego Unified Port District by Increasing the Not-to-Exceed Amount by$ 25,000 for a New Not- to- Exceed Total Amount of$ 100, 000."
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to adopt the resolution.
Ayes: Rodriguez, Yamane, Morrison
Nays: Molina, Bush
Motion carried by 3- 2 vote.
Item pulled for discussion.
9. 6 Second Amendment to the Agreement between the City of National City and Hamrick& Evans, LLP, for a New Not- to- Exceed Amount of$ 250, 000.
Adopted Resolution No. 2025- 24.
Public comment received from Thomas Rike.
Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution Entitled: " Resolution of the City Council of the City of National City, California, Amending the Agreement Between the City of National City and Hamrick & Evans, LLP, to Include Representing the City in Connection with Additional Litigation Matters and to Increase the Not- to- Exceed Amount by $ 200, 000 for a New Not-to- Exceed Amount Of$ 250, 000." ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to adopt the resolution.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
9. 7 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report
Accept and file the 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report Pursuant to California Code Section 65400 to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (" HCD") and Office of Planning and Research (" OPR").
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Item pulled for correction to vote.
9. 8 In- Person Translation/ Interpreter Cost Analysis
Mayor Morrison clarified that staff had located previously purchased equipment for translation services and the recommendation to purchase equipment was no longer needed.
Recommendation: Staff Recommends that the City Council Approve the Purchase of the Retekess T130 Tour Guide System for In- Person Translations Services.
9. 9 Installation of a Blue Curb Disabled Persons Parking Space with Signage in Front of the Residence Located at 3824 Peach Blossom Street.
Adopted Resolution No. 2025- 25.
Adopt a Resolution Entitled, " Resolution of the City Council of the City of National City, California, Authorizing the Installation of a Blue Curb Disabled Persons Parking Space with Signage in Front of the Residence at 3824 Cherry Blossom Street."
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
9. 10 Temporary Use Permit— National Day of Prayer Sponsored by New Covenant Tabernacle at Kimball Park Bowl on Thursday, May 1, 2025, with No Waiver of Fees.
Approve the Application for a Temporary Use Permit Subject to Compliance with all Conditions of Approval with No Waiver of Fees and in Accordance with City Council Policy 802.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Councilmember Rodriguez left the dais at 7:40 p.m. and returned at 7:44 p.m.
Item pulled for discussion.
9. 11 Warrant Register# 29 for the Period of 1/ 10/ 25 through 1/ 16/ 25 in the Amount of 2, 974, 177. 99
Public comment was received from Thomas Rike and Edward Nieto.
Recommendation: Ratify Warrants Totaling $ 2, 974, 177. 99 ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Vice- Mayor Bush to ratify the warrants.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Item pulled for discussion.
9. 12 Warrant Register# 30 for the Period of 1/ 17/ 25 through 1/ 23/ 25 in the Amount of 1, 319, 231. 93
Public comment was received from Thomas Rike.
Recommendation: Ratify Warrants Totaling $ 1, 319, 231. 93.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Mayor Morrison to ratify the warrants.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
10. PUBLIC HEARING
10. 1 Public Hearing - Street Vacation of a Portion of Orange Street Cul- de- Sac West of Euclid Avenue. ( Case File No. 2022- 24 SV)
Adopted Resolution No. 2025- 26.
Assistant Director of Community Development Martin Reeder provided a PowerPoint presentation.
Mayor Morrison opened the Public Hearing at 7: 52 p. m.
There was no public comment.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Vice-Mayor Bush to close the Public Hearing.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Public Hearing closed at 7: 52 p. m.
Recommendation: Hold the Public Hearing and Order the Vacation of a Portion of Orange Street Cul- de- Sac West of Euclid Avenue.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to approve the staff recommendation.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
11. STAFF REPORTS
11. 1 California Daylighting Law, AB 413— Parking Restrictions at Intersections to Enhance Pedestrian Safety.
One public comment received from Carissa Carrasquono.
Recommendation: Receive the Staff Report and Presentation on California' s Daylighting Law, AB 413.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Councilmember Molina to receive the staff report and presentation.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
11. 2 City Council Expenditure Report: July 2024 through January 2025 Public comment was received from Edward Nieto.
Two written comments were received from Ted Godshalk and Juan Andrade.
Recommendation: This item was continued from the previous City Council Meeting. Staff is requesting to Receive and File the Expenditure Report for the City Council for the period of July 2024 Through January 2025, or provide additional direction to staff.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Vice- Mayor Bush to pull the item for further review by the City Manager.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
12. CITY MANAGER' S REPORT
12. 1 POLICY 105 REQUEST- Establish an Ad- Hoc Committee to Investigate the Facts and Circumstances of the Sweetwater Road Gas Station Project - Requested by Councilmember Rodriguez
Councilmember Rodriguez introduced the item.
In- person Comment:
Liliana Armenta Patricia Teran
Ray Isabel Pelayo
Edward Nieto Luisa McCarthy
Brian Clapper Frank Rivera
Carissa Carrasquillo Camilla Padilla
Salvador Candio Maria Severson
Jennifer Zuniga Randi Castle Salgado
Michael Aguirre Alisha Morrison
Micaela Polanco Rosaura Marin
Jesse Navaro Doyle Morrison
Jason Delfos Mike Montoya
Michelle Krug Joan Rincon
Virtual Comment:
Jennifer Bustamante
Those who submitted a Speaker' s Slip in favor but did not wish to speak:
Rebeca Cruz Jorge Alberto Rodriguez
Ramon Cruz Pablo Bermodez
Antonio Estrada Rosy Vasquez
Carlos Rodriguez Gabriela Magana
Bianeth Gueman Maria de Jesus Martinez
Cielo Alvarez Graciela Martinez
Samuel Hernandez Mayra Quevedo
Carlos Avenjano Scott Hamilton
Juan Mora Norma Barajas
Karina Flores Sebastian Martinez
Yolanda Contreras McGrady Michael
Audrey Castillo J. Andrade
Helen Chilsom Ernesto Esqueda
Teroy Lawson Karina Hernandez
Irma Hernandez Camila Marin
Those who submitted a Speaker' s Slip in opposition but did not wish to speak:
Jesse Navarro Mike Montoya
Alfredo Calderon Hector Maimoleyo
Written comment was received from Ted Godshalk and Maria Severson.
Vice-Mayor Bush disclosed that he spoke with Luisa McCarthy, Micaela Polanco, and Attorney Michael Aguirre.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Rodriguez to add the item to a future agenda.
Motion died for lack of a second.
ACTION: Motion by Vice- Mayor Bush to conduct a Closed Session Meeting to investigate all potential ethics concerns of the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, City Attorney and the creation of an independent Ethics Committee.
City Attorney Schultz advised that the motion was not proper and would have to return on the agenda as a Policy 105 Request in order to be considered.
12. 2 POLICY 105 REQUEST - Update City Council Policy No. 105 for Efficiency - Requested by Councilmember Molina
Public comment was received from Edward Nieto.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Molina, seconded by Vice- Mayor Bush to place the item on the April 1st City Council meeting.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
13. ELECTED OFFICIALS REPORT
Closing remarks were provided by members of the City Council.
14. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
Mayor Morrison introduced City Attorney Schultz who reported on Closed Session agenda Item 5. 1 and stated that the evaluation had been initiated and will be continued at a future closed session.
CLOSED SESSION
5. 1 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54957. 6
Employee Organizations:
Municipal Employees' Association ( SEIU, Local 221),
National City Firefighters Association ( Local 2744), and Police Officers Association ( POA)
Unrepresented Groups: Executive, Confidential, and Management Agency Designated Representatives:
Steven Berliner( Labor Negotiator)
Benjamin A. Martinez ( City Manager)
Brian Hadley ( Deputy City Manager)
Bruce Foltz ( Finance Director)
Paul Valadez ( Budget Manager- Finance)
Lydia Hernandez ( Human Resources Director)