La Mesa City Council

Minutes of a Regular Meeting

Meeting #:
Date:	Tuesday, May 10, 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 Shu
• Councilmember Baber
• Councilmember Lothian
• Councilmember Parent

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, except the proclamations were presented in reverse order.

Mayor Arapostathis called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.

1.1

INVOCATION - COUNCILMEMBER 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.

PRESENTATIONS

4.1

PROCLAIMING MAY 2022 AS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

Mayor Arapostathis read the proclamation proclaiming May 2022 as Older Americans Month.

4.2

PROCLAIMING MAY 2022 AS WATER SAFETY MONTH

Mayor Arapostathis read the proclamation proclaiming May 2022 as Water Safety Month.

4.3

PROCLAIMING MAY 15, 2022 AS LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS' MEMORIAL DAY

Mayor Arapostathis read the proclamation proclaiming May 15, 2022 as Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial Day.

4.4

PROCLAIMING MAY 15 - 21, 2022 AS NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK

Mayor Arapostathis read the proclamation proclaiming May 15 - 21, 2022 as National Public Works Week.

4.5

ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION WORK PLAN

Arts and Culture Commission Chair Dr. Childress-Evans presented the Commission's 2022 Work Plan.

Following Council questions and comments, no action was taken.

4.6

CITY TREASURER'S QUARTERLY REPORT

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

Following Council questions and comments, no action was taken.

5.

ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA

There were no additions or deletions to the agenda.

6.

PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)

Dan Altan spoke regarding the responsible party of the land between the sidewalk and street.

Laurie MacDonald, La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation President, invited everyone 21 years of age and older to attend the La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation Art in the Park Fundraiser on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the La Mesa Community Garden from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

7.

CONFLICT DISCLOSURES

There were no conflict of interest disclosures.

8.

BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS

8.1

RESOLUTION APPOINTING MEMBERS TO FILL THE UNSCHEDULED VACANCIES ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION

Mayor Arapostathis nominated Mary Nooristani and Shaelen Taylor for appointment to the Environmental Sustainability Commission.

• Resolution No. 2022-037
  Moved by Mayor Arapostathis
  Seconded by Councilmember Baber

  Approve the appointment of Mary Nooristani and Shaelen Taylor to the Environmental Sustainability Commission and adopt the Resolution confirming the appointments.

  Yes (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)

8.2

RESOLUTION APPOINTING A MEMBER TO FILL THE UNSCHEDULED VACANCY ON THE COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD

Mayor Arapostathis nominated Reverend Christian DeMent for appointment to the Community Police Oversight Board.

• Resolution No. 2022-038
  Moved by Mayor Arapostathis
  Seconded by Councilmember Baber

  Approve the appointment of Reverend Christian DeMent to the Community Police Oversight Board and adopt the Resolution confirming the appointment.

  Yes (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)

9.

CONSENT CALENDAR

(Items 9.1 through 9.5)

• Moved by Mayor Arapostathis
  Seconded by Councilmember Baber

  Approve Consent Calendar Items 9.1 through 9.5.

  Yes (5)

  Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Shu, Councilmember Baber, Councilmember 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 SPECIAL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2022

• Approve.

9.3

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING HELD TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2022

• Approve.

9.4

HOMELESS OUTREACH AND MOBILE ENGAGEMENT (HOME) PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT (JANUARY 2022 - MARCH 2022)

• Receive and file.

9.5

RESOLUTION TEMPORARILY CLOSING A PORTION OF LA MESA CITY STREETS FOR THE LA MESA FLAG DAY PARADE, A CITY SPONSORED EVENT, ON JUNE 4, 2022

• Resolution No. 2022-039

  Adopt Resolution.

10.

ORDINANCE: SECOND READING

10.1

CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA APPROVING THE LA MESA POLICE DEPARTMENT'S MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE POLICY

City Attorney Sabine read the title of the Ordinance.

• Ordinance No. 2022-2896
  Moved by Mayor Arapostathis
  Seconded by Councilmember Parent

  Approve the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance.

  Yes (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)

11.

STAFF REPORT/ORDINANCE: FIRST READING

11.1

CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION AND ORDINANCE REGARDING THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA AND THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM (CALPERS)

 

A.  RESOLUTION OF INTENTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA TO APPROVE A THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA AND THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF CALPERS, TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION OF AN ADDITIONAL .5% OF SALARY AS PROVIDED UNDER GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 20516(a) APPLICABLE TO ALL CLASSIC CALPERS LA MESA CITY EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION (LMCEA) MEMBERS TO BECOME EFFECTIVE JULY 15, 2022 (TOTAL OF 1.5% COST SHARE)

B.  AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA AND THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF CALPERS

Director of Administrative Services Freeman explained the purpose of the CalPERS contract amendment and the amendment process.

Council questions and comments ensued.

City Attorney Sabine read the title of the Ordinance.

• Resolution No. 2022-040
  Moved by Councilmember Baber
  Seconded by Councilmember Parent

  A. Adopt Resolution.

  Yes (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)
• Moved by Mayor Arapostathis
  Seconded by Councilmember Baber

  B. Approve the introduction and first reading of an Ordinance authorizing a third amendment to the contract between the City Council of the City of La Mesa and the Board of Administration of CalPERS, to provide an employee contribution of an additional .5% of salary as provided under Government Code Section 20516(a) applicable to all Classic CalPERS LMCEA members (total of 1.5% cost share), with the CalPERS contract amendment to be effective July 15, 2022.

  Yes (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)

12.

STAFF REPORT

12.1

CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AMONG THE CITIES OF EL CAJON, LA MESA, LEMON GROVE, SANTEE, AND THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO, FOR HOMELESSNESS SERVICES

Lois Knowlton

I enthusiastically support this initiative to collaborate with the County of San Diego, and the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, and Santee to take a multi-jurisdictional approach to homeless issues. Many non-profit organizations and churches in the east county have been serving the homeless in our cities, but the larger issue of addressing the need for permanent and permanent supportive housing shelter is what is greatly needed. In my church, La Mesa First United Methodist, our church has been involved in a housing ministry and a breakfast/shower program for several years, but an east county transitional housing site or sites are needed. We have been able to feed, clothe, shower, and provide counseling; however, the next step - actual housing - is where we find the same people returning month after month, still living on the streets. The site should be in easy access to public transportation, health care services, shopping and employment, keeping in mind the County's guidelines for smart growth. We will be more able to transform the lives of the homeless when we can work together as individual communities with the support of the County. Please take the first step to making a real difference with those who reside on our streets by providing low-barrier emergency housing and facilities that provide on-site services. Please support the recommendation for this Memorandum of Understanding.

Gene Carpenter

All of La Mesa's residents deserve housing. I urge you to join your peers in El Cajon and unanimously approve the MOU among the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Santee, and the County. Thank you.

Bonnie Baranoff

Dear Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers, This vote is a significant milestone for East County. To date, individualized attempts by each city and the county have not created enough emergency housing to accommodate East County's unhoused residents. This regional framework with multijurisdictional cooperation to solve La Mesa's homeless crisis is of the utmost importance. I thank City Manager Greg Humora and Assistant City Manager Carlo Tomaino for working on the MOU in collaboration with other city managers to identify solutions and commit to a shared approach. I urge you to continue leading the region by example and unanimously approve the MOU for homelessness among the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Santee, and the County because all La Mesa residents deserve housing. Thank you.

Jason

This comprehensive approach should improve efficiencies and prevent duplicative use of limited resources. I urge you to join your peers in El Cajon and unanimously approve the MOU among the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Santee, and the County. Thank you.

Debbie McDaniel-Lindsey

Momentum has been established by cities in East County coming together and working on the growing issue of homelessness services. I encourage La Mesa to join this collaboration in a formal way. We can share in good ideas and resources and create a better safety net for our neighbors in need.

christopher glenn

Mayor Mark Arapostathis Vice Mayor Jack Shu Councilmember Bill Baber Councilmember Laura Lothian Councilmember Colin Parent The City of La Mesa has reached a significant milestone with the proposed cooperative regional framework that would leverage resources to provide non-congregate housing acceptable to the host jurisdiction. This coordinated approach to end homelessness will embrace a community-wide coordinated approach to providing essential services, including housing for this vulnerable segment of our community. Recognizing that the solutions to homelessness cut across federal, state, and local jurisdictions is essential. Together we can build a robust interagency, cross-sector approach to preventing and ending homelessness, rather than remaining in isolated political approaches to a problem that recognizes no boundaries. One of the most effective ways to support individuals as they move out of homelessness and into permanent housing is increasing access to meaningful and sustainable job training and employment. This is not a service traditionally provided by the City of La Mesa and requires the support of both private and public agencies regionally. The proposed MOU establishes the foundation for a working partnership between the County and the East County cities to develop a regional network of housing options that would benefit all parties. It deserves communitywide support. Respectfully, Christopher Glenn La Mesa Resident 1984-2022

City Manager Humora said the East County cities and the County of San Diego have been working on the Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") for homelessness services for some time and continue to communicate and coordinate on the issue of homelessness. 

Assistant City Manager Tomaino provided a PowerPoint presentation on the MOU, highlighting the purpose, roles, responsibilities, benefits and goals of the MOU, the Martin v. Boise court ruling, and La Mesa's Homeless Action Plan.

Council questions and comments ensued.

The following members of the public spoke or submitted a comment in support of approving the MOU:

Janet Castanos

Bonnie Baranoff

Lois Knowlton

Gene Carpenter

Jason

Debbie McDaniel-Lindsey

Christopher Glenn

Council questions and comments continued.

• Resolution No. 2022-041
  Moved by Vice Mayor Shu
  Seconded by Councilmember Parent

  Adopt Resolution and authorize the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding or other instrument substantially in the form as presented, with such changes as may be approved by the City Manager.

  Yes (5)

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

  Approved (5 to 0)

13.

COUNCIL INITIATED

13.1

ALTERNATIVE SHELTER SOLUTIONS FOR LA MESA'S HOMELESS POPULATION

Mairs Ryan

Greetings Mayor, Vice Mayor and Council Members. I am Mairs Ryan, a 10-yr resident of La Mesa. I am addressing item 13.1 on tonight’s agenda. 13.1 is in reference to the recent Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by San Diego’s Board of Supervisors. The MOA has made available a fund of 10 million dollars for San Diego’s 18 incorporated cities. In return, each city would agree to build new shelters for its homeless population. As I understand 13.1, Council member Lothian is asking the council to consider an Expansion of the Board of Supervisors’ agreement. This expansion would direct La Mesa City staff to find funds beyond the monies provided in the MOA. These additional funds would go towards buying and operating homeless shelters in Campo. Since it t is a 2+ hour transit ride for the 50-mile trip from La Mesa to Campo, I can only assume that the homeless would be transported from here to there. Perhaps, then, we should be supporting the expansion of our transit system. I ask the Council to dismiss the suggested expansion of the MOA and work with the funds offered to La Mesa by the Board of Supervisors. My request is founded on opinions of professionals working with homeless populations. One such professional is El Cajon Sgt. George Crysler, Jr., head of the Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART). Sgt. Crysler stated in a recent news report “Most people…don’t want to be moved from familiar territory with known convenience stores and reliable bathrooms.” He also noted that “transporting someone from El Cajon to Fallbrook would not be a good choice.” I believe that moving the homeless to Campo would be expensive. In addition, such a move does not adhere to best practices of those working with this population. Thank you for your time. References: https://pub-lamesa.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=5076 https://www.cityoflamesa.us/1646/HOME-Program https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/chair-fletcher-san-diegos-standard-moa-for-homeless-services/509-91420ae6-3d14-44bf-a226-1e18408d977c

 

CONSIDERATION TO EXPAND UPON SUPERVISOR JOEL ANDERSON'S EAST COUNTY AND CITY'S MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING; DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF ON RESEARCHING POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES AND GOVERNMENT AND/OR PRIVATE AGENCY PARTNERSHIPS RELATED TO THE PURCHASE AND OPERATIONS OF PROPERTY IN CAMPO TO OFFER ALTERNATIVE SHELTER SOLUTIONS FOR LA MESA'S HOMELESS POPULATION, AND ASSESSING THE VIABILITY OF SUCH A PROPOSAL - COUNCILMEMBER LOTHIAN 

Councilmember Lothian explained the purpose for directing staff to research potential funding sources and government and/or private agency partnerships related to the purchase and operations of property in Campo to offer alternative shelter solutions for La Mesa's homeless population and assess the viability of such a proposal. Councilmember Lothian described the proposed site in Campo.

ACTION: Motioned by Councilmember Lothian to direct staff to research potential funding sources and government and/or private agency partnerships related to the purchase and operations of 431 Jeb Stuart, Campo,  California 91906, to offer alternative shelter solutions for La Mesa's homeless population, assess the viability of such a proposal, and return to Council with their findings for Council consideration.  The motion failed due to a lack of a second.

Council questions and comments ensued.

The following members of the public spoke or submitted a comment in opposition to Item 13.1:

Julia Velasco

Jodi Herbert

Janet Castanos

Aralyn Deane

Tina

Daniel Rubio

Angel Rubio

Andy Trimlett

Billie Jo Jannen

Mairs Ryan

Following Council questions and comments, no action was taken.

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))

Councilmember Parent reported on his trip to Sacramento to be a witness at the Assemblymember Local Government Committee hearing at the request of Assembly Laura Friedman.

16.

CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS

There were no remarks.

17.

ADJOURNMENT

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