La Mesa City Council

Minutes of a Regular Meeting

Meeting #:

Date:

Tuesday, February 27, 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

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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, except for Item 10.4 which was considered prior to the presentations. 

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

POLICE CHIEF’S QUARTERLY OPERATIONS REPORT

Chief Sweeney presented the crime statistics for the quarter ending December 31, 2023, 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.

5.2

BOARD AND COMMISSION WORK PLANS

• COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND VETERANS COMMISSION
• ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
• HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
• LA MESA COMMUNITY PARKING COMMISSION
• MOBILITY COMMISSION

Community Relations and Veterans Chair Rich Gann presented the Commission's 2024 Work Plan.

Environmental Sustainability Commission Chair Ricky Williams presented the Commission's 2024 Work Plan.

Historic Preservation Commission Chair Carmen Pauli presented the Commission's 2024 Work Plan.

La Mesa Community Parking Commission Vice Chair Bill Walton presented the Commission's 2024 Work Plan.

Mobility Commission Chair Mike Calandra presented the Commission's 2024 Work Plan.

Following Council questions and comments, no action was taken.

6.

PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)

Brenda Hammond spoke about people being kind to one another.

Mitch Wagner spoke regarding ethnic relations.

7.

CONFLICT DISCLOSURES

There were no conflict of interest disclosures.

8.

BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS

8.1

RESOLUTION APPOINTING AND/OR REAPPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE CITY’S COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD

Mayor Arapostathis nominated the following individuals for appointment to the City's Community Police Oversight Board:

Dr. Jeffrey Scott McIllwain, Police Beat 1 Resident representative

Leroy Johnson, Police Beat 2 Resident representative

Aaron Landau, Advocate for People Experiencing Homelessness, Substance Abuse, Mental Health, or Other Social Issues representative

• Resolution No. 2024-012
  Moved By Mayor Arapostathis
  Seconded By Councilmember Parent

  Approve the appointment of Dr. Jeffrey Scott McIllwain and Aaron Landau and the reappointment of Leroy Johnson to the Community Police Oversight Board and adopt the Resolution confirming the appointments and reappointment.

  For (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)

9.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR

Janet Castanos spoke on Item 10.8.

Leong Song spoke on Item 10.8.

10.

CONSENT CALENDAR

(Items 10.1 through 10.9)

Mayor Arapostathis pulled Item 10.4 for separate consideration.

• Moved By Councilmember Parent
  Seconded By Councilmember Shu

  Approve Consent Calendar Items 10.1 through 10.9, except for Item 10.4.

  For (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)

10.1

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

• Approve.

10.2

APPROVAL OF THE 2024 COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD WORK PLAN

• Approve.

10.3

RESOLUTION APPOINTING THE GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION

• Resolution No. 2024-013

  Adopt Resolution.

10.5

RESOLUTIONS FOR THE 2023 STREET RESURFACING PROJECT

• Adopt Resolutions.

a.

RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE LOW BID FOR BID 24-05 AND AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE 2023 ANNUAL STREET RESURFACING PROJECT TO QUALITY CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING, INC.

• Resolution No. 2024-014

  Adopt Resolution.

b.

RESOLUTION APPROVING A TASK ORDER TO ARDURRA GROUP, INC. TO PROVIDE CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE 2023 STREET RESURFACING PROJECT

• Resolution No. 2024-015

  Adopt Resolution.

10.6

RESOLUTION AMENDING SECTION 12.44.130 OF THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE INSTALLING A DISABLED PERSONS PARKING SPACE AT 7943 PASADENA AVENUE

• Resolution No. 2024-016

  Adopt Resolution.

10.7

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A SIXTH AMENDMENT TO AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA MESA AND SAN DIEGO METROPOLITAN TRANSIT SYSTEM (MTS) FOR ADMINISTRATION OF TAXICAB AND OTHER FOR-HIRE VEHICLE REGULATIONS

• Resolution No. 2024-017

  Adopt Resolution.

10.8

RESOLUTION APPROVING A MILITARY USE POLICY AND THE CONTINUED USE OF MILITARY EQUIPMENT FOR POLICE SERVICES PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 481 (GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 7071 ET SEQ)

• Resolution No. 2024-018

  Adopt Resolution.

10.9

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE AND APPROPRIATION OF A GRANT FROM THE URBAN AREA SECURITY INITIATIVE (UASI) BY APPROVING THE ADDITION OF THE GRANT FUNDS TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 BUDGET CONTINGENT UPON ACCEPTANCE OF THE GRANT

• Resolution No. 2024-019

  Adopt Resolution.

10.4

UPDATE TO ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY A-4: PUBLIC COMMENT FOR CITY COUNCIL AND BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETINGS

mairs ryan

A band of irreverent hooligans took advantage of our City last meeting. Hiding behind the mask of zoom they spoke rubbish and profanities. It is not clear who their audience was. It is possible they call into any public forum that is available. They are bullies. As a middle school teacher, I have seen my share of bullies. It never worked to give in to them. They only take more. It is powerful to hear other community members speak their minds and hearts on zoom, knowing that they care enough to show up the best they can. It seems there are desperately few opportunities for discourse or self-expression. Please put a pause on this resolution. We cannot react this quickly; we must allow time for more input and creative solutions. As an example, San Diego has an amazing resource with the San Diego Mediation Center. Their work covers all and any kind of conflict. They hold a prestigious Peacemaker’s Award event each year, showcasing bravery in the face of racism and other obstacles. Steve Dinkin, the president of SDMC, writes a weekly column in the Union-Tribune. Perhaps that organization, or others doing similar work could be resources for advice. As another solution, what if the requirement is changed and comments can only be made over zoom if a written comment has been submitted on line?. With a required email address, perhaps that would be a way towards checks and balances on the speaker. And what is the worst that can happen if we keep the mic open and similar hooligans jump on? Can’t we all mute and let them go on ranting and railing? Please, we can’t let the zoom mic go dead. Otherwise, the bullies have won.

Rebecca Littlejohn

I was appalled at the abuse of the Public Comments time at the last City Council meeting. However, I do not think that eliminating the Zoom call-in option is the best way to combat such hate speech. We combat hate speech by speaking out with love and courage, about what justice and peace really look like. Taking away the Zoom option reduces access to participation from many different valuable members of our communities, like families with kids, folks who can't drive at night, mobility-impaired people, those who are ill, and many others. To reduce participation because of a few bad actors is to let them win this round without even putting up a fight. Please don't pass these revisions.

Christopher R Glenn

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our municipality continued operation with the adoption of virtual meetings. For many this practice continues as a daily business practice and means to engage civically while maintaining a busy lifestyle. Removing this option for addressing the Council, Boards and Committees will come at a cost. The average American family, in many ways, is restricted by the one commodity that we never have enough of—time. Between work, parenting responsibilities, hobbies, and day-to-day responsibilities, many citizens, even those who care greatly about their community and want to have a voice in its progress, cannot prioritize attending every public meeting in person. However, virtual meetings remove the barrier of time conflicts and open opportunities for citizens to participate in meetings remotely. Keeping meetings open to virtual attendees allows the City to broaden their attendance to citizens who are not necessarily championing a specific agenda or platform, but rather, want to become more educated and informed members of the community.

City Clerk Wiegelman explained the purpose for the update to Administrative Policy A-4: Public Comment for City Council and Board and Commission Meetings and summarized the update.

The following members of the public spoke or submitted a comment in opposition to the update to Administrative Policy A-4: Public Comment for City Council and Board and Commission Meetings:

Christopher R. Glenn

Rebecca Littlejohn

Mairs Ryan

Mejgan Afshan 

Janet Castanos

Giovanni Allison 

Sami Ortelove

Aaryn Belfor

Wendy Mihalic

Andy Trimlett

Joseph Cryer

Dawn Marie-Tol spoke in support of the update to Administrative Policy A-4: Public Comment for City Council and Board and Commission Meetings.

Dem spoke on ethnic relations.

Council questions and comments ensued.

• Moved By Councilmember Parent
  Seconded By Mayor Arapostathis

  Approve the update to Administrative Policy A-4: Public Comments for City Council and Board and Commission Meetings, and reinvoke the Public Comment Policy Ad Hoc Subcommittee comprised of Mayor Arapostathis and Councilmember Parent to evaluate guidelines and regulations for the potential reinstatement of remote public comment. The update to Administrative Policy A-4: Public Comments for City Council and Board and Commission Meetings, which removed remote public comment, was to go into effect immediately following its approval.

  For (4)	Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Parent, Councilmember Dillard, and Vice Mayor Lothian
  Against (1)	Councilmember Shu

  Approved (4 to 1)

11.

STAFF REPORT

11.1

CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION APPROVING PHASE 4 EXPENDITURE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE INCLUDING:

Melissa Weiss

Hi Mayor and Councilmembers, I am Melissa Weiss Walter. One of the commissioners on the Arts and Culture Commission. I want to express my gratitude to Councilmembers Parent and Lothian, and the La Mesa City Staff for including funding for an Artists to Work Public Art Program in the expenditure recommendations in item 11.1 in the agenda for the February 27, 2024 meeting. I want to encourage all members of the council to approve this expenditure. If approved, I look forward to working hard with my fellow Arts and Culture Commissioners to make sure we provide deserving artists with jobs, as well as to make sure we bring high quality art and arts programming to all the residents of La Mesa. Thank you, Melissa

ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC CALMING FOR NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS, SHALLOW SUBSIDY PROGRAM FOR RENT BURDENED SENIORS, EXPANDED PUBLIC ARTS, ADDITIONAL COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANTS, AND STORM DRAIN IMPROVEMENTS

Assistant City Manager Lee provided a PowerPoint presentation on the proposed Phase 4 allocations for the American Rescue Plan Act ("ARPA") funds, highlighting the Phase 1, 2, and 3 expenditures and the proposed ARPA Phase 4 expenditures and programs, which included citywide traffic calming measures, a Shallow Subsidy Housing Program for seniors, an Artists to Work Public Art Program, continuation of the Façade and Property Improvement Grant, and additional funding for the Boulevard Drive and 69th Street Storm Drain Infrastructure Capital Project.

Christina Selder spoke in support of the proposed ARPA expenditure for the Shallow Subsidy Housing Program for rent burdened seniors.

Melissa Weiss submitted a comment in support of the proposed ARPA expenditure for the Artists to Work Public Art Program.

Council questions and comments ensued.

• Resolution No. 2024-020
  Moved By Councilmember Parent
  Seconded By Vice Mayor Lothian

  Adopt Resolution approving the City Council American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Ad Hoc Subcommittee's proposed Phase 4 ARPA expenditures of $2,050,570, to include: (1) Citywide Traffic Calming Measures; (2) Shallow Subsidy Housing Program for Seniors; (3) Artists to Work Public Art Program; (4) Commercial Façade and Property Improvement Grant Program; and (5) Boulevard Drive and 69th Street Storm Drain Infrastructure Capital Project.

  For (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)

12.

HEARING

12.1

CONSIDERATION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2024 – 2025 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) ACTION PLAN AND A REQUEST TO CIRCULATE THE CDBG ACTION PLAN FOR A 30 DAY PUBLIC REVIEW

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 12.1.

Associate Planner Kinnard provided a PowerPoint presentation on the CDBG program, the 2020-2025 Consolidated Planning goals, and the proposed projects and funding levels for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 CDBG Action Plan.

Council questions and comments ensued.

• Moved By Mayor Arapostathis
  Seconded By Councilmember Dillard

  Close the hearing.

  For (4)	Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Shu, Councilmember Dillard, and Vice Mayor Lothian
  Absent (1)	Councilmember Parent

  Approved (4 to 0)
• Moved By Mayor Arapostathis
  Seconded By Councilmember Shu

  Accept the proposed CDBG Action Plan priorities and direct staff to circulate for public review the draft Fiscal Year 2024-2025 CDBG Action Plan and return to Council, for final review and approval after the 30-day public review process.

  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 APPROPRIATE ACTION TO CONSIDER THE COSTS, MECHANICS, AND LOGISTICS FOR PROVIDING PAINTED STREET PARKING LINES IN LA MESA, AKA PARKING T'S - MAYOR ARAPOSTATHIS AND VICE MAYOR LOTHIAN

Vice Mayor Lothian explained the purpose for requesting the Council consider appropriate action to review the costs, mechanics, and logistics for providing painted street parking lines in La Mesa.

Council questions and comments ensued.

• Moved By Vice Mayor Lothian
  Seconded By Mayor Arapostathis

  Direct staff and/or traffic engineers to draft a proposal for Council consideration containing the costs, logistics, and mechanics of implementing a parking T program throughout La Mesa. 

  For (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)

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

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

17.

ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Arapostathis adjourned the meeting at 8:01 p.m.