La Mesa City Council

Minutes of a Regular Meeting

Meeting #:

Date:

Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 6:00 P.m. - 7:00 P.m.

Location:

City Council Chambers, 8130 Allison Avenue

La Mesa, California

Present:

• Mayor Arapostathis
• Vice Mayor Lothian
• Councilmember Dillard
• Councilmember Parent
• Councilmember Shu

Staff:

• City Manager Humora
• Assistant City Manager Lee
• City Attorney Sabine
• City Clerk Wiegelman

---

1.

CALL TO ORDER

The City Council minutes are prepared and ordered to correspond to the City Council Agenda. Agenda Items can be taken out of order during the meeting.

The Agenda Items were considered in the order presented.

Mayor Arapostathis called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

1.1

INVOCATION - COUNCILMEMBER DILLARD

1.2

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

2.

CITY MANAGER COMMENTS

There were no comments.

3.

COMMUNITY BULLETIN REPORTS

The Mayor, Council and staff made announcements and reported on various events taking place in the City. No action was taken.

4.

ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA

There were no additions or deletions to the agenda.

5.

PRESENTATIONS

5.1

MAYOR'S STATE OF THE CITY REPORT

The Mayor presented the State of the City Video which highlighted the City's many achievements in 2023 and the completed, ongoing and future projects and initiatives the City undertook.

5.2

BUDGET MONITORING REPORT

Finance Director Royales reported on the national, state and local economic outlook, main sources of tax revenue, sales tax revenues, and the performance of the City’s General Fund for quarter ending December 31, 2023.

Following Council questions and comments, no action was taken.

5.3

CITY TREASURER'S QUARTERLY REPORT

City Treasurer Strabone made a presentation regarding the investment earnings for the quarter ending December 31, 2023.

Following Council questions and comments, no action was taken.

5.4

BOARD AND COMMISSION WORK PLANS

• ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION
• COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
• PLANNING COMMISSION
• YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION

Arts and Culture Commission Chair Karen Childress-Evans presented the Commission's 2024 Work Plan.

Community Services Commission Chair Parker Ross presented the Commission's 2024 Work Plan.

Planning Commission Chair Jerry Jones presented the Commission's 2024 Work Plan.

Youth Advisory Commission Chair Zaida Donnelly presented the Commission's 2024 Work Plan.

6.

PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)

John Schmitz spoke on the third grade class tours of the La Mesa Library, Police Department, Fire Department, and City Hall during the months of February and March.

Brenda Hammond spoke about people getting along with each other.

Noel Bray-Hoagland spoke on his concerns with the abandoned property at 4951-4953 Clearview Way. 

City Attorney Sabine provided an update on the abandoned property at 4951-4953 Clearview Way.

Andrea Beth Damsky spoke regarding Council's actions and words during official City proceedings and on ethnic relations.

Dianne Osterling spoke about her concerns with septic systems.

Annalise Frankfort spoke on ethnic relations.

Julie White spoke on ethnic relations.

Jim Adkisson spoke on ethnic relations.

Gabe Stutman spoke on ethnic relations.

Travis Rockwell spoke on ethnic relations.

Gene Carpenter spoke on ethnic relations and the acceptance of others.

Bill Shaner spoke on ethnic relations.

Jim Conley spoke on ethnic relations.

Johnny Rebel spoke on ethnic relations. 

7.

CONFLICT DISCLOSURES

There were no conflict of interest disclosures.

8.

BOARD AND COMMISSION INTERVIEWS

8.1

ANNUAL INTERVIEW OF APPLICANTS FOR OPENINGS ON THE CITY’S COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD

City Clerk Wiegelman briefly explained the interview process and stated Leroy Johnson was not able to attend the City Council meeting due to a prior commitment but expressed their interest in being considered for reappointment to the Community Police Oversight Board (CPOB). City Clerk Wiegelman informed the Council that Ana Gonzalez Seda had withdrawn their application.

The following applicants spoke regarding their qualifications and interest in being appointed or reappointed to the CPOB:

Manuel Gomez

Frank Harris III

Aaron Landau

Peggy Lewis

Jeffrey Scott McIllwain

Rebekah Winfree

City Clerk Wiegelman said the appointments would be made at a future City Council meeting.

Council questions and comments ensued.

ACTION: Following discussion, it was the consensus of the Council to create an ad hoc subcommittee comprised of Mayor Arapostathis and Councilmember Dillard for the purpose of nominating members for appointment or reappointment to the CPOB.

9.

BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS

9.1

RESOLUTION APPOINTING A MEMBER TO FILL THE UNSCHEDULED VACANCY ON THE ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION

Mayor Arapostathis nominated Sherida Bonton for appointment to the Arts and Culture Commission.

• Resolution No. 2024-005
  Moved By Mayor Arapostathis
  Seconded By Councilmember Parent

  Approve the appointment of Sherida Bonton to the Arts and Culture Commission and adopt Resolution confirming the appointment.

  For (5)

  Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Vice Mayor Lothian

  Approved (5 to 0)

9.2

RESOLUTION APPOINTING A MEMBER TO FILL THE UNSCHEDULED VACANCY ON THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD

Mayor Arapostathis nominated Alison Morita for appointment to the Design Review Board.

• Resolution No. 2024-006
  Moved By Mayor Arapostathis
  Seconded By Councilmember Parent

  Approve the appointment of Alison Morita to the Design Review Board and adopt Resolution confirming the appointment.

  For (5)

  Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Vice Mayor Lothian

  Approved (5 to 0)

10.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR

Bonnie Baranoff submitted a comment on Item 11.4.

Mairs Ryan submitted a comment on Item 11.7.

11.

CONSENT CALENDAR

(Items 11.1 through 11.7)

*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 (Item 11.7).

Item 11.7 was pulled for a public hearing.

• Moved By Mayor Arapostathis
  Seconded By Councilmember Parent

  Approve Consent Calendar Items 11.1 through 11.6.

  For (5)

  Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Vice Mayor Lothian

  Approved (5 to 0)

11.1

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

• Approve.

11.2

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETINGS HELD TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 AND JANUARY 23, 2024

• Approve.

11.3

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024

• Approve.

11.4

HOMELESS OUTREACH AND MOBILE ENGAGEMENT (HOME) PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT (OCTOBER 2023 - DECEMBER 2023)

Bonnie Baranoff

Thank you, Chief Sweeney, for this enlightening and hopeful report. The HOME Program continues to excel at assisting some of our most vulnerable neighbors, whether unhoused or close to losing their homes. Earl and Mathew are a great team!

• Receive and file.

11.5

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FOR THE OPERATION STONEGARDEN GRANT

• Resolution No. 2024-007

  Adopt Resolution.

11.6

RESOLUTIONS FOR A STATE REVOLVING FUND LOAN  (NO.  8608-110) WITH THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

• Adopt Resolutions.

a.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A LOAN AGREEMENT (NO. 8608-110) WITH THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR A STATE REVOLVING FUND LOAN

• Resolution No. 2024-008

  Adopt Resolution.

b.

RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE FUNDS FROM THE STATE REVOLVING FUND LOAN (NO. 8608-110) AND APPROPRIATING THE EXPENDITURE IN THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROJECT ACCOUNT

• Resolution No. 2024-009

  Adopt Resolution.

11.7

*RESOLUTION ORDERING THE SUMMARY VACATION OF AN EASEMENT FOR PUBLIC SIDEWALK AND UTILITY PURPOSES ENCUMBERING 4757 PALM AVENUE

Mairs Ryan

Mayor and Council members, I am concerned about the vacation of the easement on Palm and Allison. Presently, there is a lovely pocket park that borders a bioswale filled with native plants. My concern is that these established native plants and trees will be destroyed without re-planting them elsewhere. With the city's emphasis on tree-planting and low water plants it would be an environmental faux pas to destroy established native landscaping. Thank you for your consideration.

Notice of the hearing was given in accordance with legal requirements, and the hearing was held on the date and at the time specified in the notice.

Mayor Arapostathis opened the hearing for Item 11.7.

Director of Public Works/City Engineer Throne explained the purpose and process of the summary vacation and described the location of the easement.

Council questions and comments ensued.

City Clerk Wiegelman read aloud the eComment from Mairs Ryan.

• Moved By Mayor Arapostathis
  Seconded By Councilmember Parent

  Close the hearing.

  For (5)

  Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Vice Mayor Lothian

  Approved (5 to 0)
• Resolution No. 2024-010
  Moved By Mayor Arapostathis
  Seconded By Councilmember Parent

  Adopt Resolution.

  For (5)

  Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Vice Mayor Lothian

  Approved (5 to 0)

12.

STAFF REPORT

12.1

RESOLUTION AWARDING RFP 24-06 TO RICK ENGINEERING COMPANY FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE PREPARATION OF PHASE 1 OF THE DOWNTOWN VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN UPDATE

Community Development Director Santos provided a PowerPoint presentation on the award of a professional services contract to RICK Engineering for the Phase 1 Downtown Village Specific Plan Update, highlighting the Request for Proposal, the Downtown Village Specific Plan area, the Downtown Village, the phased approach of the project, and RICK Engineering. 

Council questions and comments ensued.

Dianne Osterling spoke on the condition of the City's infrastructure.

• Resolution No. 2024-011
  Moved By Mayor Arapostathis
  Seconded By Councilmember Parent

  Adopt Resolution awarding a Professional Services Contract to RICK Engineering Company for Phase 1 of the Downtown Village Specific Plan Update.

  For (5)

  Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Vice Mayor Lothian

  Approved (5 to 0)

13.

COUNCIL INITIATED

13.1

CONSIDERATION OF DIRECTING STAFF TO DRAFT AN ORDINANCE OR ORDINANCES LIMITING THE USE OF SINGLE USE PLASTICS AND OTHER PRODUCTS WHICH ARE MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS TO TRASH AND POLLUTION 

Nadine Scott

I completely support items 13.1 and 13.2 that restrict the use of plastics. Those substances are choking out our rivers, streams and wildlife. Thank you for accepting my comments. Nadine Scott, A proud Surfrider Member

William L. Hohnhorst

As a longtime La Mesa resident, my wife and totally agree with this proposed ordinance and would like to see it passed and implemented as soon as possible.

Wendy Mihalic

Mayor and Council Members I applaud Council members Dillard and Shu for bringing this action to forward and I urge Council to direct staff to draft a single use plastic reduction ordinance and implementation plan for adoption as soon as practical. The need to stop plastics from entering our environment is undisputed. According to the UN Environment Program, the world is drowning under the weight of plastic pollution, with more than 430 million tonnes of plastic produced annually. Two-thirds are short-lived products that soon become waste, filling the ocean and, often, working their way into the human food chain. Those of us who have volunteered at La Mesa clean-up events know all too well that most of the liter we collect is single use plastics. Half of the cities in San Diego County have adopted plastic reduction ordinances. Each of them did so while recognizing the need for follow-up outreach and education to both residents and businesses. Many have used the business community to help spread the word. In addition to the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, MainStreet Oceanside, the association that oversees their downtown businesses has been tapped with educating businesses and addressing any confusion on the ordinance. Vista adopted their ordinance with a specific implementation plan. There too, the Vista Chamber of Commerce has shown interest in engaging with the city for a public awareness campaign. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel. There are blueprints from nine cities in the County that La Mesa can use to inform our ordinance. Those cities have experience from enacting these bans that La Mesa can benefit from. One place to look is our own back yard. Amanda Lee, our Assistant City Manager, held the same position in Vista when their ordnance was adopted. We don’t need to wait to draft an ordinance. We can do that now. I urge Council to direct staff to draft a single use plastic reduction ordinance and implementation plan for adoption as soon as practical. Respectfully, Wendy Mihalic La Mesa Resident

Mairs Ryan

I support Agenda items 13.1 and 13.2 and look forward to this Council approving the direction to staff to draft an ordinance, or ordinances, limiting the use of single-use plastics and other products in La Mesa, including at public events. We have become accustomed to seeing the plastic trash on the by-ways everywhere and certainly, many of us have picked up our share of it. However, now we know–thanks to Oceana–that there are plastics we cannot see; plastics that have broken down into nano, that is, microscopic, particles. The National Library of Medicine has conducted studies on the far-reaching effects of these nano plastics on the human body. Their findings tell me that my one-month old grandson was very likely born with plastic particles in his system.* And as I hold him, I am aware that the real fight with plastics is the battle against our overarching reliance on crude oil and coal from which the plastic is made.** Our Climate Action Plan is a road map to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. And the CAP implementation map– that we have been waiting and waiting for–will lead us to addressing the plastic problem more accurately. There has been discussion about public events that hand out water bottles for hydration-an important health safeguard for sure. Let’s invest instead in large containers with paper cups as other large groups are already doing. In closing, a huge thank you to the city for the revamp of Collier Park. May plastic trash never touch those grounds! *https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9611505/ **https://www.bpf.co.uk/plastipedia/how-is-plastic-made.aspx

Ron Askeland

Dear Mayor and City Council, I support a single-use plastic reduction ordinance that will phase-out unnecessary single-use plastics in La Mesa. Please direct staff to draft a single-use plastic reduction ordinance that will phase-out single-use plastic foodware and polystyrene foam for restaurant service and retail sales and will eliminate single-use plastic bags for retail and restaurants. I also support phasing out single-use plastic water bottles for City facilities and City-sponsored events. In addition, the release of helium-filled balloons should be banned in La Mesa.

Christina Potter

Thank you for your consideration of this important issue. Single-use plastics contribute to both environmental and health hazards, as well as to significant neighborhood debris, and I hope that you will demonstrate leadership when it comes to eliminating the proliferation of single-use plastics in our community. I especially appreciate the consideration of phasing out single-use foodware, Styrofoam, and beverage bottles...as well as the use of *any* plastic bags in retail and restaurants (which I hope will include the "thicker" plastic bags that continue to contribute to plastic waste). While plastic is convenient and cheap, there are alternatives, and I hope that La Mesa will make the commitment to the kind of long-term sustainability our community deserves.

Christopher Glenn

Thank you for your consideration of measures limiting single-use plastic foodware, bags, and beverage bottles, as well as, intentional balloon releases. Government best practices to reduce single-use plastic include implementing sustainable procurement plans, educating the public, and enacting policies to reduce plastic waste. These practices aim to shift public behavior and reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastic products. Specific measures include sourcing locally, avoiding air-freight transported goods, and promoting the reuse of single-use plastic items when possible. Local governments have a significant role by amending internal procurement policies and enacting bans on single-use plastics in public places and events. Working together we can effectively reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastics.

Mustafa Dost

The responsibility of authority is to restrict a populace into peace and prosperity. Either cannot exist without the consideration of a city's waste and its management. Unless La Mesa's agenda is to emulate the waste systems of past European structures which polluted rivers into open sewers. A vote towards preserving the single-use plastics issue violates the Council's responsibility to their constituents. But, forming a policy without input from professionals would pervert the role as well. The La Mesa City Council must agree to curb single-use plastics based on educated policy. Vote yes with the strength of a purpose fulfilled.

COUNCILMEMBER DILLARD AND COUNCILMEMBER SHU

Councilmember Dillard and Councilmember Shu explained the purpose for requesting Council direct staff to draft an ordinance or ordinances limiting the use of single use plastics and other products that are major contributors to trash and pollution.

Council questions and comments ensued.

The following members of the public spoke or submitted a comment in support of directing staff to draft an ordinance or ordinances limiting the use of single use plastics and other products that are major contributors to trash and pollution:

Nadine Scott

William Hohnhorst

Wendy Mihalic

Mairs Ryan

Ron Askeland

Christina Potter

Christopher Glenn

Mustafa Dost

Janis Jones

Mitch Silverstein

Leann Littleton

The following members of the public spoke in opposition of directing staff to draft an ordinance or ordinances limiting the use of single use plastics and other products that are major contributors to trash and pollution:

Ned Swanson

Brenda Leek

Michelle Huey

Council questions and comments continued.

• Moved By Councilmember Shu
  Seconded By Councilmember Dillard

  Create a Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee comprised of Councilmember Dillard and Councilmember Shu for the purpose of working with staff to research, review the feasibility, and iron out the details for a draft ordinance(s) for Council consideration that would address the following areas: (a) reduction of plastic bags and containers from retailing establishments and restaurants; (b) prohibition on the use of polystyrene and styrofoam for packaging materials, drink and food service ware, cookware, and storage for cooked and uncooked food; (c) service items such as flatware and utensils, including straws and stirrers, would be provided only upon request and would be made of compostable materials; and (d) the ban of the intentional release of all lighter than air balloons into the sky. The Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee would meet with stakeholders to address concerns and receive feedback when drafting the ordinance(s).

  For (5)

  Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Vice Mayor Lothian

  Approved (5 to 0)

13.2

CONSIDERATION OF DIRECTING STAFF TO DRAFT A CITY POLICY PROHIBITING SPONSORED EVENTS FROM PROVIDING, USING, OR ALLOWING THE SALE OF PLASTIC BOTTLED WATER - COUNCILMEMBER DILLARD AND COUNCILMEMBER SHU

Councilmember Dillard and Councilmember Shu explained the purpose for requesting Council direct staff to draft a City policy prohibiting sponsored events from providing, using, or allowing the sale of plastic bottled water.

The following members of the public spoke in opposition to directing staff to draft a City policy prohibiting sponsored events from providing, using, or allowing the sale of plastic bottled water:

Bruce Chase

Michelle Huey

Mitch Silverstein spoke in support of directing staff to draft a City policy prohibiting sponsored events from providing, using, or allowing the sale of plastic bottled water.

Council questions and comments ensued.

• Moved By Councilmember Shu
  Seconded By Councilmember Dillard

  Direct the Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee created and approved in Item 13.1 to work with staff to draft a City policy for Council consideration prohibiting sponsored events from providing, using, or allowing the sale of plastic bottled water. The policy would give the City Manager authority to grant exceptions in special circumstances and would go into effect one year after its adoption. The Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee would meet with stakeholders to address concerns and receive feedback when drafting the policy. 

  For (2)	Councilmember Shu, and Councilmember Dillard
  Against (3)	Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Parent, and Vice Mayor Lothian

  Failed (2 to 3)

14.

COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (3 MINUTE LIMIT)

The Mayor and Council reported on various outside boards, commissions and committee meetings they attended. No action was taken.

15.

AB 1234 REPORTS (GC 53232.3 (d))

There were no reports.

16.

CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS

There were no remarks.

17.

ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Arapostathis adjourned the meeting at 9:17 p.m.