La Mesa City Council

Minutes of a Regular Meeting

Meeting #:

Date:

Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 6:00 P.m. - 10:00 P.m.

Location:

City Council Chambers, 8130 Allison Avenue

La Mesa, California

Present:

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

Staff:

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

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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 - VICE MAYOR PARENT

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

The Mayor announced that staff had discovered earlier in the day that 8135 El Paso Street had been vacated in 1966; therefore, Consent Calendar Item 11.7 was deleted from the agenda.

5.

PRESENTATIONS

5.1

CALTRANS PRESENTATION ON THE STATE ROUTE 94/STATE ROUTE 125 INTERCHANGE PROJECT

Karen Jewel, Caltrans District 11 Central Corridors Project Director, provided a PowerPoint presentation on the State Route-94/State Route-125 Interchange Project (“Project”), highlighting the current scope, progress, issues, Phase 1 and 2, costs, and schedule of the Project. 

The following members of the public spoke on the Presentation:

Mary Davis 

Dianne Osterling

Amy Reichert spoke regarding a proposed project at 8135 El Paso Street. 

Following Council questions and comments, no action was taken.

5.2

2023 BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS WORK PLANS

• COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD
• ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
• MOBILITY COMMISSION
• LA MESA COMMUNITY PARKING COMMISSION

City Manager Humora provided opening comments.

Community Police Oversight Board Chair Leroy Johnson and Vice Chair Janet Castanos presented the Board's 2023 Work Plan.

Environmental Sustainability Commission Chair Richard Williams presented the Commission's 2023 Work Plan.

Mobility Commission Chair Michael Calandra presented the Commission's 2023 Work Plan.

La Mesa Community Parking Commission Chair Jonathon Baron presented the Commission's 2023 Work Plan.

Following Council questions and comments, no action was taken.

5.3

BUDGET MONITORING REPORT

Finance Director Royales reported on the national, state and local economic outlook, sales tax revenues, and the performance of the City’s General Fund for quarter ending December 31, 2022.

Following Council questions and comments, no action was taken.

5.4

CITY TREASURER'S QUARTERLY REPORT

City Treasurer Strabone made a presentation regarding the investment earnings for the quarter ending December 31, 2022.

Following Council questions and comments, no action was taken.

5.5

POLICE CHIEF’S QUARTERLY OPERATIONS REPORT

Chief Sweeney presented the crime statistics for the quarter ending December 31, 2022, explained the statistics in the various crime categories and highlighted recently solved cases. Chief Sweeney briefly discussed the Department’s proactive operations and strategic enforcement to help reduce crime and also reviewed various community outreach activities that took place. Chief Sweeney announced the recent graduations and recognitions of service of Police Department team members and reviewed the staff vacancies in the Police Department.

Following Council questions and comments, no action was taken.

6.

PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)

Dianne Osterling spoke regarding environmental reviews, short term housing, affordable housing, and government transparency.

John Smaydek spoke regarding a proposed project at 8135 El Paso Street. 

Kera spoke regarding a proposed project at 8135 El Paso Street, toxicity, and government collusion.

Consuelo spoke regarding a proposed project at 8135 El Paso Street, toxicity, and government collusion.

Jeff spoke regarding a proposed project at 8135 El Paso Street, toxicity, and government collusion.

Andrew Goria spoke regarding a proposed project at 8135 El Paso Street. 

Gisele AbouChacra spoke regarding a proposed project at 8135 El Paso Street. 

Mary Davis spoke regarding groundwater contamination, transportation projects, and a proposed project at 8135 El Paso Street.

Darel Kennedy spoke on permitting bee keeping in the City.

7.

CONFLICT DISCLOSURES

There were no conflict of interest disclosures.

8.

BOARD AND COMMISSION INTERVIEWS

8.1

INTERVIEW OF APPLICANT FOR AN UNSCHEDULED VACANCY ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION

City Clerk Wiegelman briefly explained the interview process.

David Harris spoke regarding their qualifications and interest in being appointed to the Environmental Sustainability Commission.

City Clerk Wiegelman said the appointment would be made at the March 14th City Council meeting.

Following the interview, no action was taken.

9.

BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS

9.1

RESOLUTION APPOINTING MEMBERS TO FILL THE UNSCHEDULED VACANCIES ON THE YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION

Mayor Arapostathis nominated Jackson Banthrum, Adriana Flores, and Kennedy Haytasingh for appointment to the Youth Advisory Commission.

• Resolution No. 2023-013
  Moved By Mayor Arapostathis
  Seconded By Vice Mayor Parent

  Approve the appointment of Jackson Banthrum, Adriana Flores, and Kennedy Haytasingh to the Youth Advisory Commission and adopt Resolution confirming the appointments.

  For (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)

10.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR

Dianne Osterling spoke on Items 11.6 and 11.7.

11.

CONSENT CALENDAR

(Items 11.1 through 11.8)

*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).

• Moved By Vice Mayor Parent
  Seconded By Councilmember Shu

  Approve Consent Calendar Items 11.1 through 11.8, except for Item 11.7.

  For (5)

  Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Vice Mayor Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Councilmember 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 10 AND JANUARY 24, 2023

• Approve.

11.3

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2023

• Approve.

11.4

RESOLUTION TO AWARD RFP 23-09 FOR CANNABIS TAX AUDIT SERVICES TO THE PUN GROUP, LLP

• Resolution No. 2023-014

  Adopt Resolution.

11.5

RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE UNALLOCATED GENERAL FUND RESERVES FOR THE PURCHASE OF IPADS, ACCESSORIES, AND DATA AND TABLET COMMAND PLANS TO BE USED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

• Resolution No. 2023-015

  Adopt Resolution.

11.6

RESOLUTION APPROVING THE INITIATION OF AN ANNEXATION AND RELATED GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 9365 CARMICHAEL DRIVE (APN 495-335-05-00) (PROJECT 2022-0492)

• Resolution No. 2023-016

  Adopt Resolution.

11.8

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TRANSFER AND APPROPRIATION OF UNALLOCATED FUND RESERVES TO THE PUBLIC WORKS STREET CLEANING ACCOUNT FOR STREET SWEEPING

• Resolution No. 2023-017

  Adopt Resolution.

11.7

*RESOLUTION ORDERING THE SUMMARY VACATION OF AN EASEMENT FOR PUBLIC UTILITY PURPOSES AT 8135 EL PASO STREET ENCUMBERING LOT H PER MAP NO. 4046 LAKE VIEW ESTATES UNIT NO. 1

This item was deleted from the agenda.

12.

STAFF REPORTS

12.1

REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON PERMITTING PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS AND CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING GENERAL FUND RESERVES TO FUND AN ADDITIONAL ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN POSITION AND PERMITTING PROCESS TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENTS

City Manager Humora provided opening comments.

Community Development Director Kusiak stated the role and commitment of the Community Development Department.

Jay Trevino and Susan Healy Keene, Baker Tilly Consultants, provided a PowerPoint presentation on the process for developing recommendations on improving the permitting process, highlighting the evaluation and solution phases, staff and stakeholder interview themes, the customer experience survey, process mapping, the comparison of La Mesa to peer cities, key observations, the GE Work-out Process Improvement Workshop ("Workshop"), the Workshop participants, the goals of the Workshop, and the barriers to achieving the goals.

Brian Philbin, Engineering Technician II, Tejennia Hargrove, Development Services Technician II, Laura Traffenstedt, Assistant Planner, and Stacey Sapp, Building Inspection Supervisor, continued the PowerPoint presentation and spoke on the outcomes of the Workshop, highlighting the new motto, quick wins, and the recommendations in the areas of predictability, timeframes, communication, comprehensive information, and front-loading.

Community Development Director Kusiak finished the PowerPoint presentation by summarizing the critical success factors for implementing the Workshop recommendations and improving the permitting process.

Council questions and comments ensued.

The following members of the public spoke on the Item:

Kristine Alessio  

Dianne Osterling 

William Best

Councilmember Lothian announced the Development Services Council Liaison Subcommittee would be meeting every second Wednesday of the month from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in City Hall beginning April 2023.

• Resolution No. 2023-018
  Moved By Vice Mayor Parent
  Seconded By Councilmember Dillard

  (1) Receive the report and recommendations on permitting process improvements regarding the Community Development Department and Public Works Engineering Division; and (2) Adopt Resolution appropriating General Fund Reserves to fund an additional Engineering Technician position and permitting process technology improvements.

  For (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)

12.2

REPORT ON ASSEMBLY BILL 2449 (AB 2449) - TELECONFERENCE MEETINGS PURSUANT TO THE BROWN ACT AFTER TERMINATION OF CALIFORNIA EMERGENCY DECLARATION

City Clerk Wiegelman provided a PowerPoint presentation on the requirements of the three teleconferencing methods pursuant to the Brown Act: the traditional pre-pandemic method, AB 361, and AB 2449.

• Moved By Mayor Arapostathis
  Seconded By Vice Mayor Parent

  Receive a report on changes to state law regarding teleconference meetings and establish an ad hoc subcommittee comprising of Vice Mayor Parent and Councilmember Shu for the purpose of reviewing AB 2449 and recommending teleconferencing policies and procedures for City Council and the City’s Boards and Commissions following the termination of California’s Emergency Declaration.

  For (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)

13.

HEARING/ORDINANCES: FIRST READING

13.1

CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS

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 13.1.

Community Development Director Kusiak provided opening comments and introduced Stephanie Tomaino, City Advisors, who provided a PowerPoint presentation on the amendments to Title 24 (Zoning) of the La Mesa Municipal Code to update existing regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU).

Community Development Director Kusiak reviewed the recommended ADU height limits.

Council questions and comments ensued.

Dianne Osterling spoke on the Item.

Council questions and comments continued.

a.

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS ORDINANCE 

Don Wood

I read the agenda for the council's February 28 meeting. I have question regarding Agenda items 13 a and 13 b regarding staff recommendations for the council to adopt new ordinances related to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units. Why are their no attachments to these two agenda items including the proposed language of said ordinance amendments? How can I get copies of the staff reports that should be attached to these agenda items for public review?

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 24 (ZONING) OF THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADUs) IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 65852.2, 65852.23, AND 65852.26 AND HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 17980.12

• Moved By Vice Mayor Parent
  Seconded By Mayor Arapostathis

  Close the hearing.

  For (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)
• Moved By Councilmember Shu
  Seconded By Vice Mayor Parent

  Approve the introduction and first reading of the Ordinance.

  For (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)

b.

JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS ORDINANCE

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 24 (ZONING) OF THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (JADUs) IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 65852.2 AND 65852.22 AND HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 17980.12

• Moved By Vice Mayor Parent
  Seconded By Mayor Arapostathis

  Close the hearing.

  For (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)
• Moved By Councilmember Shu
  Seconded By Vice Mayor Parent

  Approve the introduction and first reading of the Ordinance.

  For (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)

14.

COUNCIL INITIATED

14.1

CONSIDERATION OF REQUESTING STAFF TO CONDUCT A REVIEW OF THE SALARIES OF THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND CITY TREASURER FOR POSSIBLE ADJUSTMENTS WITHIN CITY POLICIES AND BY AN INDEPENDENT GROUP - COUNCILMEMBER DILLARD AND COUNCILMEMBER SHU

Councilmember Dillard and Councilmember Shu explained the purpose for requesting staff to conduct a review of the salaries of the Mayor, City Council and City Treasurer for possible adjustments within City policies and by an independent group.

Council questions and comments ensued.

Dianne Osterling spoke on the Item.

• Moved By Councilmember Shu
  Seconded By Vice Mayor Parent

  Create an ad hoc subcommittee comprised of Councilmember Dillard and Councilmember Shu for the purpose of working with staff to determine the appropriate process for reviewing the salaries of the Mayor, City Council, and City Treasurer for possible adjustments.

  For (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)

15.

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.

16.

AB 1234 REPORTS (GC 53232.3 (d))

Vice Mayor Parent reported on his trip to Sacramento on February 27, 2023, to speak at the joint session of the Senate and Assembly on the future of transit funding in California.

17.

CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS

There were no remarks.

18.

ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Arapostathis adjourned the meeting at 9:39 p.m.