La Mesa City Council

Minutes of a Regular Meeting

Meeting #:

Date:

Tuesday, November 22, 2022 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 Baber
• Councilmember Lothian
• Councilmember Shu

Staff:

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

This meeting was conducted utilizing teleconferencing and electronic means consistent with Government Code Section 54953, as amended by Assembly Bill 361, in relation to the COVID-19 State of Emergency and recommended social distancing measures.

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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 - COUNCILMEMBER SHU

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

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 the quarter ending September 30, 2022.

5.2

POLICE CHIEF'S QUARTERLY OPERATIONS REPORT

Chief Sweeney presented the crime statistics for the quarter ending September 30, 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.

Dianne Osterling spoke on providing crime statistics for the different areas of La Mesa in addition to the City as a whole.

Following Council questions and comments, no action was taken.

5.3

PRESENTATION RECOGNIZING OUTGOING COUNCILMEMBER BILL BABER FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE CITY

On behalf of San Diego Community Power ("SDCP") Lee Friedman, Senior Manager Strategic Partnerships, presented Councilmember Baber with a proclamation and thanked him for his service to SDCP.

On behalf of the League of California Cities ("Cal Cities") Catherine Hills, Regional Public Affairs Manager, thanked Councilmember Baber for his many years of service to Cal Cities.

Councilmember Baber reflected on his time in office and thanked his family, colleagues, and La Mesa staff. 

The Mayor presented Councilmember Baber with a plaque and city street sign in recognition and appreciation for his sixteen years of service.

The Mayor and Council thanked outgoing Councilmember Baber for his dedication and service to the City.

6.

PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)

Wendy Mihalic spoke regarding the update to the Climate Action Plan.

Bonnie Baranoff expressed her appreciation and support of the La Mesa Police Department's Citizens Academy.

7.

CONFLICT DISCLOSURES

There were no conflict of interest disclosures.

8.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR

Dianne Osterling spoke on Consent Calendar Items 9.5 and 9.11.

Mary Davis spoke on Consent Calendar Items 9.3 and 9.4.

Dawn-Marie Tol spoke on Consent Calendar Item 9.3 and in support of Council Initiated Item 12.3.

9.

CONSENT CALENDAR

(Items 9.1 through 9.13)

Councilmember Shu inquired about Consent Calendar Item 9.12.

Chief Sweeny responded to Councilmember Shu's questions.

Councilmember Lothian commented on Consent Calendar Item 9.5.

• Moved By Councilmember Baber
  Seconded By Councilmember Shu

  Approve Consent Calendar Items 9.1 through 9.13.

  For (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)

9.1

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

• Approve.

9.2

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING HELD TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2022

• Approve.

9.3

APPROVAL OF MOTION TO CANCEL THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 27, 2022

• Approve.

9.4

RESOLUTION MAKING FINDINGS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54953, AS AMENDED BY ASSEMBLY BILL 361, AND RE-AUTHORIZING THE CONTINUED USE OF VIRTUAL AND/OR HYBRID MEETINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE BODIES BEGINNING DECEMBER 1, 2022 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2022

• Resolution No. 2022-125

  Adopt Resolution.

9.5

APPROVAL FOR VICE MAYOR PARENT TO ATTEND THE 12TH ANNUAL NEW DEAL LEADERS CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON D.C. FROM NOVEMBER 30 THROUGH DECEMBER 2, 2022

• Approve.

9.6

RESOLUTIONS APPROVING THE AMENDED CITY OF LA MESA COMPENSATION PLANS

• Adopt Resolutions.

a.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CHANGE TO THE APPROVED COMPENSATION PLAN TO REFLECT A CLASSIFICATION WITH AND WITHOUT PARAMEDIC CERTIFICATION INCENTIVE PAY FOR AN 80-HOUR AND 112-HOUR FIRE BATTALION CHIEF

• Resolution No. 2022-126

  Adopt Resolution.

b.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CHANGE TO THE APPROVED COMPENSATION PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2022-2023, FY 2023-2024 AND FY 2024-2025 INCLUDING POSITIONS AFFECTED BY THE CALIFORNIA STATE MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2023

• Resolution No. 2022-127

  Adopt Resolution.

9.7

PROJECT 2022-1748 (BUBY) - A REQUEST TO DESIGNATE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4517 DATE AVENUE, APN 470-640-11-00 IN THE R1 (URBAN RESIDENTIAL) ZONE AS A HISTORIC LANDMARK AND TO ESTABLISH A PROPERTY PRESERVATION (MILLS ACT) AGREEMENT FOR THE SITE

• Adopt Resolutions.

a.

RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE OVID AND HELEN THOMPSON HOUSE LOCATED AT 4517 DATE AVENUE, APN 470-640-11-00 AS A HISTORIC LANDMARK

• Resolution No. 2022-128

  Adopt Resolution.

b.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A HISTORIC LANDMARK PROPERTY PRESERVATION AGREEMENT WITH THE OWNERS OF THE HISTORIC LANDMARK KNOWN AS THE OVID AND HELEN THOMPSON HOUSE LOCATED AT 4517 DATE AVENUE, APN 470-640-11-00

• Resolution No. 2022-129

  Adopt Resolution.

9.8

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A HISTORIC LANDMARK PROPERTY PRESERVATION AGREEMENT WITH THE OWNERS OF THE HISTORIC LANDMARK KNOWN AS THE ROACH-PORTER HOUSE LOCATED AT 4990 PORTER HILL ROAD, APN 494-820-05-00 AND 494-820-06-00

• Resolution No. 2022-130

  Adopt Resolution.

9.9

RESOLUTION APPROVING REVISIONS TO THE UTILITY EASEMENT RESERVATIONS OF THE QUITCLAIM DEED AND RIGHT-OF-WAY VACATION AT 4243 SUMMIT DRIVE

• Resolution No. 2022-131

  Adopt Resolution.

9.10

RESOLUTIONS FOR APPLICATION TO THE STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD FOR A STATE REVOLVING FUND (SRF) LOAN FOR A SEWER INFLOW AND INFILTRATION MITIGATION PROJECT

• Adopt Resolutions.

a.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD FOR A STATE REVOLVING FUND LOAN FOR THE SEWER INFLOW AND INFILTRATION MITIGATION PROJECT PHASE 7 IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $7,000,000

• Resolution No. 2022-132

  Adopt Resolution.

b.

RESOLUTION ADOPTING A CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION

RESOLUTION ADOPTING A CEQA CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION FOR THE SEWER INFLOW AND INFILTRATION MITIGATION PROJECT PHASE 7 AND FORMALLY ADOPTING THE PROJECT FOR PURPOSES OF STATE REVOLVING FUND SUBMITTAL TO THE CALIFORNIA STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD

• Resolution No. 2022-133

  Adopt Resolution.

c.

RESOLUTION PLEDGING REVENUES AND FUNDS TO REPAY THE STATE REVOLVING LOAN FOR THE SEWER INFLOW AND INFILTRATION MITIGATION PROJECT PHASE 7

• Resolution No. 2022-134

  Adopt Resolution.

d.

RESOLUTION APPROVING THE REIMBURSEMENT OF PROJECT EXPENDITURES FOR THE SEWER INFLOW AND INFILTRATION MITIGATION PROJECT PHASE 7 IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $7,000,000

• Resolution No. 2022-135

  Adopt Resolution.

9.11

HOMELESS OUTREACH AND MOBILE ENGAGEMENT (HOME) PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT (JULY 2022 - SEPTEMBER 2022)

• Receive and file.

9.12

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 IN THE AMOUNT OF $279,000

• Resolution No. 2022-136

  Adopt Resolution.

9.13

RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE EMERGENCY PURCHASE OF A REPLACEMENT PIERCE TRIPLE COMBINATION PUMPER FROM SOUTH COAST FIRE EQUIPMENT TO BE USED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ON EMERGENCY RESPONSES

• Resolution No. 2022-137

  Adopt Resolution.

10.

ORDINANCE: FIRST READING

10.1

CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA AMENDING SECTION 2.73.010 OF THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADJUST THE NUMBER OF COMMISSIONERS ON THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND VETERANS COMMISSION

City Attorney Sabine read the title of the Ordinance.

• Approve the introduction and first reading of the Ordinance.

  For (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)

11.

HEARINGS/ORDINANCES: SECOND READING

11.1

2022 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2022 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, TITLE 24 OF THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, INCORPORATING THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE, THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE, THE 2021 UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE, THE 2021 UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE, AND THE 2020 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, AND AMENDING TITLE 14 OF THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE AND ALL OTHER ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT THEREWITH

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 11.1.

City Attorney Sabine read the title of the Ordinance.

• Moved By Mayor Arapostathis
  Seconded By Vice Mayor Parent

  Close the hearing.

  For (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)
• Ordinance No. 2022-2900
  Moved By Mayor Arapostathis
  Seconded By Vice Mayor Parent

  Approve the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance.

  For (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)

11.2

2022 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2022 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, KNOWN AS THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 9 (CCR, T-24, P-9), INCORPORATING THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE, 2021 EDITION PUBLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL, WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS, AND AMENDING TITLE 11 OF THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE AND ALL OTHER ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT THEREWITH

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 11.2.

City Attorney Sabine read the title of the Ordinance.

• Moved By Mayor Arapostathis
  Seconded By Vice Mayor Parent

  Close the hearing.

  For (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)
• Ordinance No. 2022-2901
  Moved By Mayor Arapostathis
  Seconded By Vice Mayor Parent

  Approve the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance.

  For (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)

12.

COUNCIL INITIATED

12.1

CONSIDERATION OF DIRECTING STAFF TO DRAFT POLICIES REQUIRING PUBLIC NOTIFICATION OF ALL SIGNIFICANT OR IMPACTIVE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS UNDER CONSIDERATION - COUNCILMEMBER LOTHIAN

Christopher Glenn

Thank you for the informative "Active Development Projects" list on the City's Web Site. Sharing it with my neighbors has enabled us to stay informed about the size and status of projects in our community. Knowing when details regarding these Development Projects across the City have become available can be challanging for many to discover, along with when these Projects will be open for public comments. https://www.cityoflamesa.us/DocumentCenter/View/18331/2022-02-02-Active-Development-Projects-List

Councilmember Lothian explained the purpose for requesting Council to direct staff to draft a policy to require public notification of all significant or impactive development projects under consideration.

Council questions and comments ensued.

Dianne Osterling spoke in support of directing staff to draft a policy requiring public notification of all significant or impactive development projects under consideration.

Christopher Glenn submitted a comment regarding the list of Active Developments Projects available on the City's website.

Council questions and comments continued.

• Moved By Vice Mayor Parent
  Seconded By Councilmember Baber

  End the discussion and move to the next item on the agenda.

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

  Approved (4 to 1)

12.2

CONSIDERATION OF AMENDING THE WORK PLANS FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION, LA MESA COMMUNITY PARKING COMMISSION, MOBILITY COMMISSION, AND THE PLANNING COMMISSION

TO INCLUDE PROPOSED ACTIONS FOR THE CITY TO TAKE WHICH WOULD REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND POLLUTIONS AND BE CONSISTENT WITH THE CURRENT CLIMATE ACTION PLAN AS WELL AS THE ANTICIPATED CHANGES TO THE NEXT UPDATED CLIMATE ACTION PLAN - COUNCILMEMBER BABER AND COUNCILMEMBER SHU

Councilmember Shu and Councilmember Baber explained the purpose for amending the work plans for the Environmental Sustainability Commission, La Mesa Community Parking Commission, Mobility Commission, and Planning Commission to include proposed actions for the City to take which would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollutions and be consistent with the current Climate Action Plan ("CAP") as well as the anticipated changes to the next updated CAP.

Council questions and comments ensued.

• Moved By Vice Mayor Parent
  Seconded By Councilmember Baber

  Direct staff to provide the City's Climate Action Plan ("CAP") to the Environmental Sustainability Commission, La Mesa Community Parking Commission, Mobility Commission, and Planning Commission for review; have the four Commissions update their work plans to include proposed actions for the City to take which would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollutions and be consistent with the current CAP as well as the anticipated changes to the next updated CAP; and bring the work plans to the City Council for consideration and approval in February 2023.

   

  For (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)

12.3

SPRING STREET AND TROLLEY LINE GRADE SEPARATION FEASIBILITY STUDY

Christopher Glenn

Identifying enhancements of rail operations through La Mesa appears to be a goal we should each embrace. Grade seperation between the rail and roadway would undoubtedly reduce congestion along Spring Street and mitigate the vehicle exhaust that we each now breath. Undoubtedly MTS and the City's Traffic Engineers have considered other means to achieve this goal, including how and when rail operators engage crossing guards. Sitting beside a crossing guard blocking the roadway, while passengers exit and board the train seems unnecessary but is a frequent event.

CONSIDERATION OF DIRECTING STAFF TO SEEK FUNDING POSSIBILITIES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PARTNERING WITH THE SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SANDAG) TO SUBMIT A CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CALTRANS) PLANNING GRANT, TO ASSESS THE FEASIBILITY OF GRADE SEPARATION FOR SPRING STREET AND THE TROLLEY LINE THROUGH THE CITY OF LA MESA  - COUNCILMEMBER BABER AND COUNCILMEMBER SHU

Councilmember Baber and Councilmember Shu explained the purpose for requesting Council to direct staff to research funding possibilities to assess the feasibility of grade separation for Spring Street and the trolley line.

Council questions and comments ensued.

Christopher Glenn submitted a comment in support of grade separation for Spring Street and the trolley line.

• Moved By Councilmember Baber
  Seconded By Councilmember Shu

  Direct staff to seek funding possibilities including, but not limited to, partnering with the San Diego Association of Governments to submit a California Department of Transportation planning grant, to assess the feasibility of grade separation for Spring Street and the trolley line through the City of La Mesa.

  For (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)

13.

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.

14.

AB 1234 REPORTS (GC 53232.3 (d))

There were no reports.

15.

CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS

There were no remarks.

16.

ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Arapostathis adjourned the meeting at 7:39 p.m.