LA MESA CITY COUNCIL AND LA MESA PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
AGENDA

A Regular Meeting of the City Council and a Special Meeting of the La Mesa Public Financing Authority

Meeting #:

Date:

Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 6:00 P.m. - 10:00 P.m.

Location:

City Council Chambers, 8130 Allison Avenue

La Mesa, California

Elected Officials:

• Mayor Mark Arapostathis
• Vice Mayor Patricia N. Dillard
• Councilmember Lauren Cazares
• Councilmember Laura Lothian
• Councilmember Genevieve Suzuki
• City Treasurer Matthew Strabone

Staff:

• City Manager Greg Humora
• City Attorney Glenn Sabine
• City Clerk Megan Wiegelman

The City Council meeting may be viewed in-person or live on Cox Cable Channel 24 (within La Mesa City limits), AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 (in the San Diego Region),the City’s website (www.cityoflamesa.us), Facebook Live (www.facebook.com/lamesaca) or using the following Zoom Webinar options:

 

The public may view the meeting live using the following remote options:

 

Teleconference Meeting Webinar

 

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84472650722

 

Telephone (Audio only)

 

[phone] or [phone]  Webinar ID: 844 7265 0722

 

Copy and paste the webinar link into your internet browser if the webinar link does not work directly from the agenda.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

• In-Person comments during the meeting: Join us for the City Council meeting at the time and location specified on this agenda to make your comments. Please complete a “Request to Speak” card and submit it to the Council Hostess. When the Mayor calls your name, step to the podium and state your name for the record. Comments will be limited to three (3) minutes.

 

• How to submit eComments: eComments are available once an agenda is published. Locate the meeting in "upcoming meetings" and click the comment bubble icon. Click on the item you wish to comment on. eComments can be submitted when the agenda is published and until 24 hours prior to the meeting. eComments are limited to 3700 characters (approximately 500 words). eComments may be viewed by the City Council and members of the public following the close of the eComment submission period (24 hours prior to the meeting). Email your comment to if you have difficulty submitting an eComment. eComments will not be read aloud as a regular meeting item; however any member of the Council or member of the public may do so during their respective comment time.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Public Comment will be limited to 3 minutes per item. The timer begins when the participant begins speaking. Time cannot be combined or yielded to another speaker.

 

*Live Remote Public Comment ONLY permitted during Councilmember teleconferencing pursuant to California Government Code Section 54953 (AB 2449).

 

• *Zoom Audio Comments: To provide oral public comments during the meeting, join the Zoom meeting by computer, mobile phone, or dial in number. On Zoom video conference by computer or mobile phone, use the “Raise Hand” feature. This will notify the moderator that you wish to speak during a specific item on the agenda or during non-agenda Public Comment. Members of the public will not be shown on video but will be able to speak when called upon. If joining the meeting using the Zoom dial-in number, you may raise your hand by pressing *9. Comments will be limited to three (3) minutes. No further comments will be entertained after the Mayor closes public comment.

 

Citizens who wish to make an audio/visual presentation pertaining to an item on the agenda, or during Public Comments, should contact the City Clerk’s office at 619.667.1120, no later than 12:00 p.m., the Monday prior to the meeting day. Advance notification will ensure compatibility with City equipment and allow Council meeting presentations to progress smoothly and in a consistent and equitable manner. Please note that all presentations/digital materials are considered part of the maximum time limit provided to speakers.

 

Agenda reports for items on this agenda are available for public review at the City Clerk's Office, 8130 Allison Avenue, during normal business hours.

 

Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Council after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the City Clerk’s Office, 8130 Allison Avenue, during normal business hours.

 

ACCESSIBILITY: The City of La Mesa encourages the participation of disabled individuals in the services, activities and programs provided by the City. Individuals with disabilities, who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the City Council meetings, should contact the Administrative Services Department  48 hours prior to the meeting at 619.667.1175, fax [phone], or .

 

Hearing assisted devices are available for the hearing impaired. A City staff member is available to provide these devices upon entry to City Council meetings, commission meetings or public hearings held in the City Council Chambers. A photo i.d. or signature will be required to secure a device for the meeting.

---

1.

CALL TO ORDER

1.1

INVOCATION - COUNCILMEMBER CAZARES

1.2

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

2.

CITY MANAGER COMMENTS

3.

COMMUNITY BULLETIN REPORTS

4.

ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA

5.

PRESENTATIONS

5.1

2025 CITY OF LA MESA COMMUNITY OPINION SURVEY

5.2

PRESENTATION ON THE PLANNING PHASE OF THE LA MESA BIKE AND SIDEWALK CONNECTIONS PROJECT

5.3

PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF APRIL AS VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION MONTH

5.4

PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MAY AS WATER SAFETY MONTH

5.5

PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MAY AS BIKE MONTH

5.6

PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MAY 2025 AS JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

6.

PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)

NOTE: In accordance with state law, an item not scheduled on the agenda may be brought forward by the general public for comment; however, the City Council will not be able to discuss or take any action on the item at this meeting. If appropriate, the item will be referred to Staff or placed on a future agenda.

7.

CONFLICT DISCLOSURES

8.

BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS

8.1

RESOLUTION APPOINTING A MEMBER TO FILL THE VACANCY ON THE MOBILITY COMMISSION

Staff Reference: Ms. Wiegelman

• Recommended Motion:

  The Mayor make the appointment to fill the vacancy, with the approval of the Council, and adopt the Resolution confirming the appointment.

9.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR

This is the time in which members of the Council or audience may pull items from the CONSENT CALENDAR for discussion. Public Comments are also invited on Consent Calendar items.

10.

CONSENT CALENDAR

(Items 10.1 through 10.7)

The Consent Calendar includes items considered to be routine. Unless discussion is requested by members of the Council or audience, all Consent Calendar items may be approved by one motion.

*If a public hearing item is part of the Consent Calendar, the public hearing shall be deemed held if the item is not removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion and possible action (Items 10.6 and 10.7).

• Recommended Motion:

  Approve Consent Calendar Items 10.1 through 10.7.

10.1

APPROVAL OF MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF THE TEXT OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS AT THIS MEETING

• Recommended Motion:

  Approve.

10.2

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025

• Recommended Motion:

  Approve.

10.3

SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS ("SANDAG") SMART GROWTH INCENTIVE PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE SANDAG SMART GROWTH INCENTIVE PROGRAM TO FUND PHASE 2 OF THE DOWNTOWN VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN UPDATE, AND IF AWARDED, ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE PROJECT

Staff Reference: Ms. Santos

• Recommended Motion:

  Adopt Resolution.

10.4

RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FIRST AMENDEMENT TO THE 2023 PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT (“PLA”) BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA MESA AND THE SAN DIEGO BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL AND SIGNATORY CRAFT UNIONS (“TRADES COUNCIL AND UNIONS”)

Staff Reference: Mr. Throne

• Recommended Motion:

  Adopt Resolution.

10.5

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 5 FOR THE BOULEVARD DRIVE STORM DRAIN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT BID NO. 24-16, TO SC VALLEY ENGINEERING, INC.

Staff Reference: Mr. Throne

• Recommended Motion:

  Adopt Resolution.

10.6

*QUIMBY ACT PARKLAND DEDICATION IN-LIEU FEE AND PARK ACQUISITION AND IMPROVEMENT IMPACT FEE

Susan Richardson

I am in support of appropriating $205,338 for park improvement projects, but respectfully urge Council to update the existing Park Impact Fees. In 2021, Council directed staff to initiate a study of the City's park development impact fees. On April 26, 2022, staff presented item 13.1 CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION REVISING THE QUIMBY ACT PARKLAND DEDICATION IN-LIEU FEE AND PARK ACQUISITION AND IMPROVEMENT IMPACT FEE BASED ON THE FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS OF THE PARK DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE UPDATE STUDY (2022 STUDY). https://pub-lamesa.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=5c644bc9-7980-4b5f-b096-47363bb340ed&Agenda=PostMinutes&lang=English&Item=64&Tab=attachments The Study showed that the park development impact fees had not been updated since their adoption in 2005 and never included an annual escalator for inflation. At that time, La Mesa had the third lowest park fees in the County. The Study noted that even at 2.2 acres/1,000 population (City standard is 3 acres/1,000) the City was deficient over 11.9 acres of park land equating to over $10 million dollars in new park development for the estimated population growth to 66,499 in 2035. The Study recommended a phased-in implementation of new fees over a 5-year period, which would at that time have put the City in a 4-year catch up mode to get to the desired 2022 rates by 2026. Based on feedback from the Community Services Commission (April 13, 2022 meeting), Council directed staff to return with an adjusted fee based on square footage in consideration of small units being built instead of a flat per unit fee for single and multi-family developments and to exempt deed restricted affordable units. On June 14, 2022, staff presented item 13.1 RESOLUTION REVISING THE QUIMBY ACT PARKLAND DEDICATION IN-LIEU FEE AND PARK ACQUISITION AND IMPROVEMENT IMPACT FEE BASED ON THE FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS OF THE PARK DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE UPDATE STUDY (2022 STUDY) with updated fees. The item was rejected in a 3-2 vote and the 2005 fees have remained, resulting in park fees 20-years behind the cost of living and construction costs. https://pub-lamesa.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=f471d2ca-6f11-4b13-bc08-a8cb49c0603f&Agenda=PostMinutes&lang=English&Item=39&Tab=attachments With State and Federal grants becoming more competitive and private fundraising an ongoing challenge, it is imperative to raise the Park Improvement Impact Fee/and Quimby Act Parkland Dedication In-Lieu Fee to include an annual Construction Cost Index to keep up with inflation as necessary make a dent in the amount of park needs for the growing La Mesa community. $205,000, doesn’t go very far to meet the goals for park acquisition in areas that are under served, make improvements to existing parks such as the renovation of La Mesita Skate Park, or develop projects in the Recreation and Park Master Plan, MacArthur Park Master Plan or the park at Waite Drive. I urge Council to direct staff to update the Park Development Impact Fee Study and implement an updated fee schedule for your approval.

RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FINDINGS FOR THE QUIMBY ACT PARKLAND DEDICATION IN-LIEU FEE AND PARK ACQUISITION AND IMPROVEMENT IMPACT FEE AS REQUIRED BY CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 66000 ET SEQ. AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR PROJECTS AS OUTLINED IN THE PARKS MASTER PLAN

Staff Reference: Mr. Dedmon

• Recommended Motion:

  Adopt Resolution.

10.7

*SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS ("SANDAG") ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT TO THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION CONGESTION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM ("RTCIP") DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE

RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE SANDAG ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT TO THE RTCIP DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF SANDAG COMMISSION ORDINANCE 04-01 AND TRANSNET EXTENSION ORDINANCE AND EXPENDITURE PLAN

Staff Reference: Mr. Throne

• Recommended Motion:

  Adopt Resolution.

11.

CONSENT CALENDAR - CITY COUNCIL AND PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY

(Items 11.1 through 11.2)

• Recommended Motion:

  Approve Consent Calendar Items 11.1 through 11.2.

11.1

ACCEPTANCE OF THE SINGLE AUDIT OF FEDERALLY ASSISTED GRANT PROGRAMS FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2023

Staff Reference: Mr. Herrera

• Recommended Motion:

  Approve.

11.2

ACCEPTANCE OF BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT FOR THE CITY OF LA MESA FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2023

Staff Reference: Mr. Herrera

• Recommended Motion:

  Approve.

12.

ORDINANCE: FIRST READING

12.1

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA ADOPTING A FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES MAP AS REQUIRED BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Christopher R Glenn

What can be learned by the recent fire disasters in California and how can a similar disaster be avoided in our community? The key elements of the Fire Hazard Severity Zone Model consider wildland interface with developed space and terrain. Embers spread fire in high winds to ignite vegetation, roofs, attics and decks. What appears to be overlooked in the updated fire map is the ability of firefighters to access areas restricted by narrow roadways and the number of residents living along them attempting to escape. Should we not recognize the challenges that firefighters will have in La Mesa and nearby during a high wind event, like the one in Berkley or Los Angeles? It seems prudent for the City of La Mesa to consider additional measures needed to prevent a similar disaster. Effective fuel management can mitigate fire intensity and spread. More must be done in La Mesa to address the weak links in our defensible open spaces. Where are these high risk areas located and how should they be managed? The hillsides and canyons in and around La Mesa present risks but are not mentioned in the FHSZ maps. Heartland Fire & Rescue also needs agreements and protocols with other agencies for firefighting operations in a disaster, including aerial support from local and State agencies. These agencies also need written protocols to turn off water valves at burning structures beyond rescue. Absent these protocols water pressure and availability will diminish rapidly. Public education is vital. Communities need to understand the limitations of fire suppression efforts during extreme events. Evacuation warnings and escape routes need refinement. Personal evacuation plans and protocols need to be promoted to the community. The City of La Mesa can improve its preparedness and prevention measures for disasters by collaborating with other government agencies, promoting interagency plans/protocols, and educating the public on the necessary steps to take in preparation for a disaster.

Staff Reference: Chief Koch

• Recommended Motion:

  Approve the introduction and first reading of the Ordinance.

13.

STAFF REPORT

13.1

REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO INITIATE THE NOTIFICATION PROCESS REQUIRED BY PROPOSITION 218 AND SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING FOR A PROPOSED INCREASE IN EDCO WASTE RATES TO BE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025

Staff Reference: Mr. Throne

• Recommended Motion:

  Authorize staff to initiate the notification process required by Proposition 218 and schedule a public hearing for a proposed increase in EDCO waste rates to be effective July 1, 2025.

14.

COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (3 MINUTE LIMIT)

15.

AB 1234 REPORTS (GC 53232.3 (d))

16.

CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS

17.

ADJOURNMENT