THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
OF
MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2025
AT 10:00 AM
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS – 12TH FLOOR
Table of Contents
CHRONOLOGY OF THE MEETING..........................................................................................2 ATTENDANCE DURING THE MEETING...................................................................................2 ROLL CALL ..........................................................................................................................2 INVOCATION.......................................................................................................................3 LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .................................................................................................3 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE......................................................................................................3 CLOSED SESSION................................................................................................................3 NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT .........................................................................................8 MAYOR, COUNCIL, CITY ATTORNEY, IBA, CITY CLERK COMMENT ........................................10 Item 200: FY 2025 Mid-Year Budget Monitoring Report .......................................................10 Item 201: Adopt Parks and Recreation’s Fiscal Year 2026 User Fee Schedule ........................11 Item 202: Fiscal Year 2026 Comprehensive User Fee Analysis ..............................................12 Item S400: CoSD FY 2026-2030 Five-Year Capital Infrastructure Planning Outlook ................14 Item S401: FY 2025 CIP Mid-Year Appropriation Adjustments for Gen Fund Asset .................14 REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION................................................................................16 ADJOURNMENT .................................................................................................................16 Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 2
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, March 3, 2025
CHRONOLOGY OF THE MEETING
The meeting was called to order by Council President LaCava at 10:01 a.m. Councilmember von Wilpert and Council President Pro Tem Lee arrived to the meeting at 10:03 a.m.
Councilmember Whitburn arrived to the meeting at 10:13 a.m. The meeting was recessed by Council President LaCava at 10:14 a.m. into Closed Session, to be reconvened at 2:00 p.m.
The meeting was reconvened by Council President LaCava at 2:11 p.m. with all Councilmembers present. The meeting was adjourned by Council President LaCava at 7:14 p.m.
ATTENDANCE DURING THE MEETING
PRESENT:
CD-1 Council President Joe LaCava
CD-2 Councilmember Jennifer Campbell
CD-3 Councilmember Stephen Whitburn
CD-4 Councilmember Henry L. Foster III
CD-5 Councilmember Marni von Wilpert
CD-6 Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee
CD-7 Councilmember Raul A. Campillo
CD-8 Councilmember Vivian Moreno
CD-9 Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera
ABSENT:
None.
CITY CLERK:
Fuentes (km)
ROLL CALL
(1) Council President LaCava-present
(2) Councilmember Campbell-present
(3) Councilmember Whitburn-not present
(4) Councilmember Foster-present
(5) Councilmember von Wilpert-not present
(6) Council President Pro Tem Lee-not present
(7) Councilmember Campillo-present
(8) Councilmember Moreno-present
(9) Councilmember Elo-Rivera-present
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 3
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, March 3, 2025
INVOCATION
The invocation was given by City Clerk Diana J.S. Fuentes.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Statement read by Councilmember Campbell.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Campbell.
CLOSED SESSION
Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
CS-1 Noe Cordero, et al. v. City of San Diego
United States District Court Case No. 3:23-cv-00365-LAB-JLB Risk Management Department Claim File No. 30294
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2025
DCA Assigned: P. H. James
This case arises from claims for unpaid premium pay by Officers on the San Diego Police Department’s Special Response Team. The City Attorney’s Office will update the Mayor and City Council on the status of the litigation and seek direction.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:05 AM
Public testimony by Cesar Javier and Joy Sunyata.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
Conference with Labor Negotiators, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6:
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 4
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, March 3, 2025
CS-2 City Designated Management Team Representatives:
Timothy Davis, Burke, Williams, & Sorensen LLP, Labor Negotiation Consultant Mark Wilson, Burke, Williams, & Sorensen LLP, Labor Negotiation Consultant Matthew Vespi, Chief Financial Officer
Alia Khouri, Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Kris McFadden, Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Kristina Peralta, Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Casey Smith, Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Matt Yagyagan, Director of Policy, Office of the Mayor
Julie Rasco, Director, Human Resources Department
Abby Jarl-Veltz, Deputy Director, Human Resources Department Jeremy Culuko, Deputy Director, Human Resources Department Jonnabelle Domingo, Supervising Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Erik Hanson, Senior Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Manuel Quintero, Senior Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Abegaile Serafico, Senior Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Jennifer Manos, Senior Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Kawanda McLendon, Senior Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Sophia Williams, Senior Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Linda Chambers, Senior Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Kirsten McGinn, Senior Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Timothy Corcoran, Senior Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Scott Harris, Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Brian Mallard, Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Yvette Davis-Duckett, Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Hannah Filley, Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Kanella Glover, Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Lorene Parker, Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Angela Colton, Director, Risk Management Department
Quennelle Allen, Deputy Director, Risk Management Department Carly Danney, Benefits Manager, Risk Management Department Rolando Charvel, Department of Finance Director and City Comptroller Benjamin Battaglia, Assistant Director, Department of Finance Jeffrey Peelle, Assistant Director, Department of Finance Chris Purcell, Financial Operations Manager, Department of Finance Sally Rubi, Financial Operations Manager, Department of Finance Luis Mateos, Payroll Manager, Department of Finance
Nicholas O’Donnell, Principal Accountant, Department of Finance Virgilio Afan Jr., Program Coordinator, Department of Finance Robert Logan, Fire Chief, Fire-Rescue Department
James Gaboury, Assistant Fire Chief, Fire-Rescue Department Daniel Eddy, Assistant Fire Chief, Fire-Rescue Department James Gartland, Lifeguard Chief, Fire-Rescue Department Scott Wahl, Police Chief, Police Department
Paul Connelly, Deputy Chief, Police Department
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 5
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, March 3, 2025
Rudolph Tai, Assistant Police Chief, Police Department
Kyle Meaux, Assistant Director, Police Department
Jim McNeill, Assistant City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney M. Travis Phelps, Assistant City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney, solely for negotiations with the Deputy City Attorneys Association
Jonathan Ferreras, Program Coordinator, Office of the City Attorney, solely for negotiations with the Deputy City Attorneys Association.
Following Management Team representatives to execute tentative agreements and memoranda of understanding reached in meet and confer, and to present all tentative agreements and memoranda of understanding reached in meet and confer to the Council for final determination and approval by the Council as to policy and the City Attorney as to form or correctness:
Timothy Davis, Burke, Williams, & Sorensen LLP, Labor Negotiation Consultant Mark Wilson, Burke, Williams, & Sorensen LLP, Labor Negotiation Consultant Matthew Vespi, Chief Financial Officer
Alia Khouri, Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Julie Rasco, Director, Human Resources Department
Abby Jarl-Veltz, Assistant Director, Human Resources Department Jonnabelle Domingo, Supervising Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department Designated as representatives within the meaning of California Government Code section 54957.6(a):
Charles Modica, Independent Budget Analyst, Office of the Independent Budget Analyst Jillian Andolina, Deputy Director, Office of the Independent Budget Analyst Lisa Byrne, Fiscal and Policy Analyst, Office of the Independent Budget Analyst Baku Patel, Fiscal and Policy Analyst, Office of the Independent Budget Analyst, solely for negotiations with the San Diego Police Officers Association, San Diego City Firefighters, I.A.F.F.
Local 145, and California Teamsters Local 911
Designated as representatives within the meaning of California Government Code section 54957.6(a):
Jim McNeill, Assistant City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney Jean Jordan, Assistant City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney Leslie FitzGerald, Assistant City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney Kristin Zlotnik, Senior Chief Deputy City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney Joan Dawson, Senior Deputy City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney Alison Adema, Senior Deputy City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney Thomas Brady, Senior Deputy City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney Miguel Merrell, Deputy City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney Elena Min, Deputy City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney Employee organizations:
San Diego Police Officers Association (SDPOA)
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for the Regular Meeting of Monday, March 3, 2025
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2025
ACA Assigned: J. McNeill
The purpose of this closed session matter is to review the City of San Diego’s position and instruct the City’s labor negotiators regarding negotiations with the San Diego Police Officers Association on special assignment pay for members of the San Diego Police Department’s Special Response Team.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:05 AM
Public testimony by Cesar Javier and Joy Sunyata.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
Conference with Real Property Negotiator, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.8:
CS-3 Property: 3220, 3240, 3250, and 3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, San Diego, California Agency Negotiator: Christina Bibler, Economic Development Director Casey Smith, Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Negotiating Parties: City of San Diego and Midway Rising, LLC Under Negotiation: Price and payment terms for potential long-term ground leases with Midway Rising, LLC, to redevelop the City-owned real property located at 3220, 3240, 3250, and 3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, San Diego, CA
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2025
SDCA Assigned: D. Williams
SDCA Assigned: K. Reisch
The Council will meet with its negotiator regarding the price and payment terms for potential long-term ground leases with Midway Rising, LLC, to redevelop the City-owned real property located at 3220, 3240, 3250, and 3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, San Diego.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:05 AM
Public testimony by Cesar Javier and Joy Sunyata.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 7
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, March 3, 2025
CS-4 Save Our Access v. City of San Diego
San Diego Superior Court Case No. 37-2022-00035094-CU-TT-CTL Risk Management Department Claim File No. 30716
REFERRED TO CLOSED SESSION OF MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2025
SDCA Assigned: B. P. Syz
This case arises from City Council’s approval of an ordinance to put a measure on the 2022 ballot to exclude the Midway Pacific Highway Community Plan area from the 30-foot height limit in the Coastal Zone. Save Our Access filed a lawsuit alleging the approval violated the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). City Attorney’s Office will update the Mayor and City Council on the status of the litigation.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 10:05 AM
Public testimony by Cesar Javier and Joy Sunyata.
Council President LaCava closed the hearing.
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT-1:
Samuel Cottrell commented on All Peoples Church Project No. 63644.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:53 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-2:
Purita A. Javier commented on ceramics kiln toxicity and other issues in R-1 zone.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:55 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-3:
Cesar B. Javier commented on ceramics toxicity in R-1 zone.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:57 PM
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for the Regular Meeting of Monday, March 3, 2025
PUBLIC COMMENT-4 (virtual):
Blair Beekman commented on budget and tech accountability.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:00 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-5 (virtual):
Barbara Gordon commented on increasing tax on tobacco and marijuana and smoke free housing.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:02 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-6 (virtual):
Madison commented on hemp derived THC and synthetic cannabinoids.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:04 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-7 (virtual):
Kathleen Lippitt commented on substance use disorders and treatment and recovery.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:06 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-8 (virtual):
Megan Stuart commented on marijuana addiction and dangers of permitted marijuana products.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:08 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-9 (virtual):
Becky Rapp commented on marijuana impaired driving.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:10 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT-10 (virtual):
Joy Sunyata commented on Cost of Living Committee and gas and electric.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 9
for the Regular Meeting of Monday, March 3, 2025
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:12 PM
MAYOR, COUNCIL, CITY ATTORNEY, INDEPENDENT BUDGET ANALYST, CITY CLERK
COMMENT
None.
Item 200: Fiscal Year 2025 Mid-Year Budget Monitoring Report.
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
See Fiscal Year 2025 Mid-Year Budget Monitoring Report.
Council District(s) Affected: Citywide.
Proposed Actions:
(R-2025-360) ADOPTED AS RESOLUTION R-316065
Resolution amending appropriations in the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget in accordance with recommendations in the Fiscal Year 2025 Mid-Year Budget Monitoring Report.
Committee Actions Taken:
This item was heard at the Budget and Government Efficiency Committee meeting on February 5, 2025.
ACTION: Motion by Committee Member Elo-Rivera, second by Committee Member Lee, to recommend Council approval of staff’s proposed actions.
VOTE: 4-0; Foster III-yea, Moreno-yea, Lee-yea, Elo-Rivera-yea.
Department of Finance: Ambar Gutierrez, (619) 533-6297
City Attorney Contact: Bret A. Bartolotta
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 2:12 P.M.
MOTION BY MARNI VON WILPERT TO ADOPT. Second by Stephen Whitburn.
Passed by the following vote:
Yea: Joe LaCava, Jennifer Campbell, Stephen Whitburn, Marni von Wilpert, Kent Lee, Raul A.
Campillo, Vivian Moreno, Sean Elo-Rivera;
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 10 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, March 3, 2025
Nay: Henry L. Foster III;
Recused: (None);
Not Present: (None).
Item 201: Adopt Parks and Recreation’s Fiscal Year 2026 User Fee Schedule.
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
Approximately $977,574 in cost recovery revenue to the General Fund.
Council District(s) Affected: Citywide.
Proposed Actions:
(R-2025-417 Rev) ADOPTED AS AMENDED AS RESOLUTION R-316066 Resolution of the Council of the City of San Diego authorizing Fiscal Year 2026 Parks and Recreation User fee revisions, and all related items.
Committee Actions Taken:
This item was heard at the Budget and Government Efficiency Committee meeting on February 5, 2025.
ACTION: Motion by Committee Member Elo-Rivera to move item 3 to full Council with no recommendation and request staff to work with the Independent Budget Analyst and impacted Recognized Employee Organizations to determine the feasibility of and options for implementing resident and non-resident fees for Parks and Recreation Department services, programming and facilities and to present those findings when the FY 2026 User Fees are presented to the City Council, second by Committee Member Lee.
VOTE: 3-0; Foster III-yea, Lee-yea, Elo-Rivera-yea, Moreno-not present.
Parks & Recreation: Salome Martinez, (619) 613-7448
City Attorney Contact: Jane M. Boardman
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 4:55 PM
MOTION BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS AMENDED TO BRING THE BEACH BARS AND BOAT MOORING FEES TO 100 PERCENT COST-RECOVERABLE PER YEAR; AND RAISE ADULT SPORT LEAGUE FEES TO 90 PERCENT OF FULL COST RECOVERY EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025. Second by Joe LaCava.
Passed by the following vote:
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 11 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, March 3, 2025
Yea: Joe LaCava, Jennifer Campbell, Stephen Whitburn, Henry L. Foster III, Marni von Wilpert, Kent Lee, Raul A. Campillo, Sean Elo-Rivera;
Nay: Vivian Moreno;
Recused: (None);
Not Present: (None).
MOTION BY KENT LEE TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS AMENDED TO ALSO REMOVE FEE INCREASES FOR RECREATION YOUTH SPORT LEAGUES FEES PER SEASON. Second by Sean Elo-Rivera.
Passed by the following vote:
Yea: Joe LaCava, Stephen Whitburn, Henry L. Foster III, Kent Lee, Raul A. Campillo, Vivian Moreno, Sean Elo-Rivera;
Nay: Jennifer Campbell, Marni von Wilpert;
Recused: (None);
Item 202: Fiscal Year 2026 Comprehensive User Fee Analysis.
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
See Staff Report for Fiscal Considerations.
Council District(s) Affected: Citywide.
Proposed Actions:
(R-2025-363 Rev. 2 Cor. Copy) ADOPTED AS AMENDED AS RESOLUTION R-316067 Resolution approving the establishment of new rates and fees and adjustments to existing rates and fees for inclusion in the rate book of City fees and charges.
Committee Actions Taken:
This item was heard at the Budget and Government Efficiency Committee meeting on February 5, 2025.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Elo-Rivera to move item to full Council without recommendation and request that the IBA conduct additional analysis with City Staff, second by Committee Member Lee.
VOTE: 3-0; Foster III-yea, Lee-yea, Elo-Rivera-yea, Moreno-not present.
Department of Finance: Benjamin Battaglia, (619) 533-3717 City Attorney Contact: Bret A. Bartolotta
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 12 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, March 3, 2025
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 3:52 PM
MOTION BY JOE LACAVA TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS AMENDED TO: 1) SET POLICE SPECIAL EVENT FEES FOR COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO-BASED NONPROFITS AT 50 PERCENT COST RECOVERY; 2) SET A 75 PERCENT COST RECOVERY FOR NON-COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO NONPROFITS; 3) SET FIRE-RESCUE SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT FEES FOR COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO-BASED NONPROFITS AT 50 PERCENT COST RECOVERY; 4) SET A 75 PERCENT COST RECOVERY FOR NON-COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO NONPROFITS; 5) REMOVE NONPROFIT/COMMUNITY FEES FOR BRANCH LIBRARY ROOM RENTALS; AND 6) EXCLUDE CITY TREASURER PARKING CITATION FINE INCREASES FOR AN EXPIRED METER. Second by Sean Elo-Rivera.
Passed by the following vote:
Yea: Joe LaCava, Jennifer Campbell, Stephen Whitburn, Henry L. Foster III, Marni von Wilpert, Kent Lee, Raul A. Campillo, Sean Elo-Rivera;
Nay: Vivian Moreno;
Recused: (None);
Not Present: (None).
Item S400: City of San Diego Fiscal Years 2026-2030 Five-Year Capital Infrastructure Planning Outlook.
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
This is an informational item only; there is no cost associated with this item.
Council District(s) Affected: Citywide.
Proposed Actions:
ITEM PRESENTED
This is an informational item only.
Committee Actions Taken: N/A
Engineering & Capital Projects: Nevien Antoun, (619) 533-4852 COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 5:50 PM
Item S401: Fiscal Year 2025 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Mid-Year Appropriation Adjustments for General Fund Asset Types.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 13 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, March 3, 2025
Total Estimated Cost of Proposed Action and Funding Source:
Please see report.
Council District(s) Affected: Citywide.
Proposed Actions:
(R-2025-423 Rev) ADOPTED AS AMENDED AS RESOLUTION R-316068 Resolution authorizing mid-year amendments to the Fiscal Year 2025 Capital Improvements Program Budget for General Fund asset types.
Committee Actions Taken:
This item was heard at the Active Transportation and Infrastructure Committee meeting on February 20, 2025.
ACTION: Motion by Committee Member Foster lll, second by Vice Chair Lee, to recommend Council approval of staff’s proposed actions, with amendment to keep CIP S16022 Market StreetEuclid to Pitta improvements open.
VOTE: 4-0; Whitburn-yea, Lee-yea, Foster III-yea, von Wilpert-yea.
Department of Finance: Michael Pelayo, (619) 236-6763
City Attorney Contact: Bret A. Bartolotta
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 6:28 PM
MOTION BY RAUL A. CAMPILLO TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS AMENDED TO KEEP P24011 SPINDRIFT DRIVE BEACH ACCESS WALKWAY OPEN; AND RD11001 VIA DE LA VALLE UPGRADES OPEN WITH THE FUNDS INTACT. Second by Joe LaCava.
Passed by the following vote:
Yea: Joe LaCava, Jennifer Campbell, Stephen Whitburn, Henry L. Foster III, Marni von Wilpert, Kent Lee, Raul A. Campillo, Sean Elo-Rivera;
Nay: Vivian Moreno;
Recused: (None);
Not Present: (None).
REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
None.
Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego Page 14 for the Regular Meeting of Monday, March 3, 2025
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by Council President LaCava at 7:14 p.m.
COUNCIL ACTION: Start Time: 7:14 PM