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REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
April 1, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
City Council Chamber - 1243 National City Boulevard
National City, CA
Present: Councilmember Molina
Councilmember Rodriguez
Councilmember Yamane
Vice-Mayor Bush
Mayor Morrison
Others Present: Ben Martinez, City Manager
Barry J. Schultz, City Attorney
Shelley Chapel, City Clerk (via Zoom)
Carlos Aguirre, Director of Community Development
Derek Aydelotte, Police Captain
Bruce Foltz, Director of Finance
Brian Hadley, Deputy City Manager
Lydia Hernandez, Human Services Director
Tonya Hussain, Deputy City Clerk
Steve Manganiello, Director of Engineering & Public Works
Sergio Mora, Fire Chief
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of National City was called to order at
6:27 p.m. via teleconference and in the Council Chamber, located in City Hall, 1243
National City Boulevard, National City, California.
Vice-Mayor Bush left the dais at 6:28 p.m. and returned at 6:29 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present: Molina, Rodriguez, Yamane, Bush, Morrison.
Interpretation in Spanish provided by Carlos Diaz and Luisa Diaz de Leon.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Councilmember Yamane led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. INVOCATION
None.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Morrison summarized the process for acceptance of live public comment allowing
one (1) minute per comment and introduced City Clerk Chapel.
In-person comment:
Luisa McCarthy
Liliana Armenta
Paul Wapnowski
Laura Wilkinson Sinton
Alex Neu
Mike Montoya
Randi Castle-Salgado
Ruth Cuevas
Jeanine Santa Cruz Hernandez
Iso Rios
Doyle Morrison
Alisha Morrison
Ed Nieto
Sandy Scheller
Micaela Polanco
Mayor Morrison left the dais at 6:47 p.m. and returned at 6:48 p.m.
Virtual comment:
Judi Strang
Madison Rapp
Barbara Gordon
Roberto Umana
6. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITION
6.1 Proclamation: Fair Housing Month
Proclamation introduced by Mayor Morrison and accepted by CSA San Diego.
6.2 Introduction of New City Employees
Police Captain Derek Aydelotte and Assistant Director of Community Development
introduced new department staff.
7. PRESENTATION (Limited to Five (5) Minutes each)
Vice-Mayor Bush left the dais at 7:03 p.m. and returned at 7:05 p.m.
7.1 Del Mar Fairgrounds 2050
Del Mar Fairgrounds Chief Executive Officer Chris Wahl provided a PowerPoint
presentation.
7.2 Community and Police Relations Commission Annual Report to Council
Community and Police Relations Commission Chair Daniel Orth presented a
PowerPoint presentation.
7.3 Traffic Safety Committee Annual Report
Traffic Safety Committee Chair Cynthia Fuller Quinonez provided a PowerPoint
presentation.
8. REGIONAL BOARDS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS (Limited to Five (5) Minutes
each)
Councilmember Rodriguez had nothing to report.
Councilmember Yamane reported on her attendance at a SANDAG Board of Director's
meeting.
Councilmember Molina provided an update on the SANDAG Public Safety Committee
Meeting.
Vice-Mayor Bush had nothing to report.
Mayor Morrison had no report.
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Molina, seconded by Vice-Mayor Bush to approve
the Consent Calendar with the exception of items 9.3 through 9.9 pulled by
Councilmember Yamane and for public comment.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
9.1 Approval of Reading by Title Only and Waiver of Reading in Full of Ordinance on
this Agenda
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
9.2 Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes.
Approve and file.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Item pulled for discussion.
9.3 Authorizing the Filing of Seven Applications for Smart Growth Incentive Program
(SGIP) Grant Funds from the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)
and Accepting the Terms of the Grant Agreement.
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-27.
Adopt a Resolution entitled, "Resolution of the City Council of the City of National
City, California, Authorizing the Filing of Seven Applications for Smart Growth
Incentive Program Grant Funds from the San Diego Association of Governments
and Accepting the Terms of the Grant Agreement."
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Councilmember
Rodriguez to adopt the resolution.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Item pulled for discussion.
9.4 First Amendment of On Duty Health Agreement
Public comment received from Thomas Rike.
Adopt the Resolution Entitled, "Resolution of the City Council of the City of National
City, California, Ratifying the Expenditure of$49,398 for Services Provided by On
Duty Health, LLC, in Fiscal Year 2024 and Approving and Authorizing the Mayor
to Execute the First Amendment to the Agreement by and Between the City of
National City and On Duty Health, LLC".
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Councilmember
Rodriguez to table the item and have it return at the May 6, 2025 City Council
meeting.
Motion carried by 4-1 vote.
Ayes: Molina, Rodriguez, Yamane, Morrison
Nays: Bush
Item pulled for discussion.
9.5 Installation of a Blue Curb Disabled Persons Parking Space with Signage in
Front of the Residence Located at 1721 Wilson Avenue.
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-29.
Adopt a Resolution entitled, "Resolution of the City Council of the City of National
City, California, Authorizing the Installation of a Blue Curb Disabled Persons
Parking Space with Signage in Front of the Residence at 1721 Wilson Avenue."
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Councilmember
Rodriguez to adopt the resolutions for agenda items 9.5 and 9.6.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Item pulled for discussion.
9.6 Installation of a Blue Curb Disabled Persons Parking Space in Front of the
Residence Located at 2028 Wilson Avenue
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-30.
Adopt a Resolution entitled, "Resolution of the City Council of the City of National
City, California, Authorizing the Installation of a Blue Curb Disabled Persons
Parking Space in Front of the Residence Located at 2028 Wilson Avenue."
Motion carried by unanimous vote with Item 9.5
Item pulled for discussion.
9.7 Warrant Register#31 for the Period of 1/24/25 through 1/30/25 in the Amount of
$2,187,613.06
Public comment was received from Thomas Rike.
Ratify Warrants Totaling $2,187,613.06.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Councilmember
Rodriguez to ratify the warrants.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Item pulled for discussion.
9.8 Warrant Register#32 for the Period of 1/31/25 through 2/06/25 in the Amount of
$4,520,556.17
Public comment was received from Thomas Rike and Ed Nieto.
Ratify Warrants Totaling $4,520,556.17.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Councilmember
Rodriguez to ratify the warrants.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Item pulled for discussion.
9.9 Warrant Register#33 for the Period of 2/07/25 through 2/13/25 in the Amount of
$3,701,370.11
Public comment received from Thomas Rike.
Ratify Warrants Totaling $3,701,370.11.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Councilmember
Rodriguez to ratify the warrants.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
10. PUBLIC HEARING
10.1 Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Streamlined Annual Public Housing Agency Plan, 2025-
2029 Five-Year Public Housing Agency Plan, and Updated Section 8 Housing
Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan.
Adopted Community Development Commission Resolution No. 2025-96
Item introduced by Director of Community Development Carlos Aguirre.
Mayor Morrison opened the Public Hearing at 7:55 p.m.
There was no public comment.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember
Yamane to close the Public Hearing.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Public Hearing closed at 7:55 p.m.
Recommendation: Conduct the Public Hearing and Adopt a Resolution Entitled,
"Resolution of the Community Development Commission-Housing Authority of the
City of National City, California, Approving the Streamlined Annual Public Housing
Agency Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and the 2025-2029 Five-Year Public
Housing Agency Plan for Submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development; and Adopting an Updated Housing Choice Voucher
Administrative Plan."
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember
Yamane to adopt the resolution.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
10.2 Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 15.29 of the
National City Municipal Code Establishing a Fire Inspection Program
Fire Chief Sergio Mora and Deputy Fire Marshall Robert Drew provided a report.
Mayor Morrison opened the Public Hearing at 8:11 p.m.
Public comment was received from Thomas Rike.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Vice-Mayor Bush to
close the Public Hearing.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Public Hearing closed at 8:13 p.m.
Recommendation: Introduce the Ordinance by First Reading, Entitled, "An
Ordinance of the City Council of the City of National City, California, Amending
Chapter 15.29 of the National City Municipal Code to Establish an Annual and
Biennial Fire Inspection Program as Well as a Self-Inspection Program for Low-
Risk Commercial Businesses."
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Molina, seconded by Mayor Morrison to
introduce the Ordinance by First Reading.
Motion carried by 4-1 vote.
Ayes: Bush, Molina, Rodriguez, Morrison
Nays: Yamane
10.3 Introduction of Ordinance Amending Chapter 9.60 of the National City Municipal
Code to Expand Operating Hours for Store Front Cannabis Retail Facilities.
Assistant Director of Community Development Martin Reeder introduced the item.
Mayor Morrison opened the Public Hearing at 8:22 p.m.
In-person public comment
Thomas Rike
Alex Ayon
Councilmember Rodriguez left the dais at 8:22 p.m. and returned at 8:25 p.m.
Virtual public comment
Judi Strang
Peggy Walker
Megan Stuart
Madison Rapp
Written comment was received from Ted Godshalk.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember
Yamane to close the Public Hearing.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Public Hearing closed at 8:27 p.m.
Councilmember Yamane disclosed that she had visited Sessions by the Bay and
spoke with the owners.
Mayor Morrison disclosed that he had toured the facility and met with the owners
of Sessions by the Bay.
Vice-Mayor Bush disclosed that he had toured the facility.
Recommendation: Introduce Ordinance Entitled: "An Ordinance of the City Council
of the City of National City, California, Amending Chapter 9.60 `Commercial
Cannabis Activity' of the National City Municipal Code to Modify Operating Hours
for Store Front Retail Facilities."
ACTION: Motion by Vice-Mayor Bush, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to
introduce the Ordinance.
Motion carried by 4-1 vote.
Ayes: Bush, Molina, Rodriguez, Morrison
Nays: Yamane
10.4 Public Hearing and Introduction of an Ordinance Amending National City
Municipal Code Title 11, Section 11.32.140, Pertaining to Stopping and Parking
Prohibitions.
Director of Engineering & Public Works Stephen Manganiello.
Mayor Morrison opened the Public Hearing at 8:36 p.m.
There was no public comment
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Vice-Mayor Bush to
close the Public Hearing.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Public Hearing closed at 8:38 p.m.
Recommendation: Introduce Ordinance by First Reading, entitled, "An Ordinance
of the City Council of the City of National City, California, Amending Chapter 11.32
`Stopping, Standing and Parking' of the National City Municipal Code Pertaining to
Stopping and Parking Prohibitions."
11. STAFF REPORTS
Vice-Mayor Bush left the dais at 8:40 p.m. and returned at 8:42 p.m.
11.1 Discussion of Potential Short-Term Rental Ordinance
Director of Community Development Martin Reeder provided a PowerPoint
presentation.
In-person public comment
Paul Wapnowski
Justine Mariscal
Stacy Amaral
Randi Castle-Salgado
Ed Nieto
Adriana Huerta
Recommendation: Direct Staff to Come Back with a Draft Ordinance Regulating
Short-Term Rentals in the City.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember
Yamane to hold a workshop and bring a draft Ordinance forward at the first City
Council meeting scheduled to occur in June.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
ITEM HEARD EARLIER— RETURNED FOR CORRECTION
10.4 Public Hearing and Introduction of an Ordinance Amending National City
Municipal Code Title 11, Section 11.32.140, Pertaining to Stopping and Parking
Prohibitions.
City Clerk Chapel advised that the vote on the recommendation was not taken.
The item returned for a vote.
Recommendation: Introduce Ordinance by First Reading, entitled, "An Ordinance
of the City Council of the City of National City, California, Amending Chapter 11.32
`Stopping, Standing and Parking° of the National City Municipal Code Pertaining to
Stopping and Parking Prohibitions."
ACTION: Motion by Vice-Mayor Bush, seconded by Councilmember Yamane to
introduce the Ordinance.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Mayor Morrison called for a recess at 9:29 p.m. Meeting reconvened at 9:38 p.m. with all members
present.
11.2 Staff Report Describing the Discretionary Application Process for the Sweetwater
Gas Station Project.
Director of Community Development Martin Reeder provided a PowerPoint
presentation.
In-person public comment
Michael Aguirre
Frank Rivera
Micaela Polanco
Luisa McCarthy
Maria Severson
Martha Hernandez
Sandra Scheller
Doyle Morrison
Alisha Morrison
Josie Flores Clark
Recommendation: File the Report.
At 10:45 p.m., Councilmember Molina reminded the City Council of Policy#104 that requires the
City Council Meeting to be adjourned no later than 10:30 p.m. unless extended by Council vote.
Mayor Morrison asked the City Council to consider extending the meeting beyond 10.30 p.m.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Vice-Mayor Bush to extend
the meeting to finish the agenda items.
Motion carried by 4-1 vote.
Ayes: Bush, Molina, Yamane, Morrison
Nays: Rodriguez
ACTION: Motion by Vice-Mayor Bush, seconded by Councilmember Yamane for
staff to return with an updated report to include a California Environmental Quality
Act exemption determination, findings of denial, and record of communication
between the Mayor's office and the developer.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
11.3 Discussion on Recommendation to Amend City Council Policy No. 105
Recommendation: Discuss and Provide Direction to Staff.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Molina, seconded by Councilmember
Rodriguez to postpone the item to the April 15, 2025 City Council meeting.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
12. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
None.
13. ELECTED OFFICIALS REPORT
13.1 POLICY 105 REQUEST- Ethics Policy Update - Requested by Vice-Mayor Bush
Item presented by Vice-Mayor Bush.
Public comment
Paul Wapnowski
Alisha Morrison
Ed Nieto
ACTION: Motion by Vice-Mayor Bush, seconded by Councilmember Molina to add
the item on the next City Council agenda.
Motion carried by 3-2 vote.
Ayes: Bush, Molina, Morrison
Nays: Rodriguez, Yamane
Closing remarks were provided by members of the City Council.
14. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
Mayor Morrison introduced City Attorney Schultz who reported on Item 5.1 of the Closed
Session items. Mayor Morrison advised that the City Council would continue to discuss
Item 5.2 after adjournment of the Regular City Council meeting.
City Attorney Schultz reported on Item 5.1 and stated that, "the City of National City
acknowledges the jury's verdict in that case involving Ashley Cummins, wherein Ms.
Cummins was awarded $10 million in damages following claims of harassment and
discrimination. The City is extremely disappointed with the outcome and is currently
reviewing all of the legal options, including a possible appeal. The City remains committed
to ensuring a fair and inclusive workplace for all employees and will continue to uphold
the highest standards of professionalism within the Police Department. Notwithstanding
the City's disappointment, the City and the Police Department will carefully assess the
verdict and determine what lessons can be learned. The City will continue working
diligently to support a workplace culture that values respect and equal opportunity for all."
CLOSED SESSION
5.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL— EXISTING LITIGATION Cummins v.
City of National City. et al
San Diego Superior Court
Case Number: 37-2022-00004671-CU-OE-CTL
5.2 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Government Code Section 54957.6
Position to be Reviewed: City Attorney
15. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Morrison adjourned to the Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of National
City, Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, located in City Hall, 1243
National City Boulevard, National City, California.
The meeting adjourned at 11:21 p.m.
10-91
Tonya u sain, Deputy City Clerk
The foregoing minutes were approved at t - :eg ar Meeting of May 6, 2025.
I
'Tn Morrison,