HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 09-16 CC MIN11- CALIFORNIA —
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INCORPORATED
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
September 16, 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: Scott W. Huth, Interim City Manager
Barry J. Schultz, City Attorney
Shelley Chapel, City Clerk (via Zoom)
Derek Aydelotte, Police Captain
Bruce Foltz, Director of Finance
Danielle Ghio, City Librarian
Alicia Hicks, Director of Human Resources
Tonya Hussain, Deputy City Clerk
Martha Juarez, Assistant Director of Engineering/Public Works
Sergio Mora, Fire Chief
Martin Reeder, Acting Director of Community Development
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of National City was called to order at
6:10 p.m. via teleconference and in the Council Chamber, located in City Hall, 1243
National City Boulevard, National City, California.
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
Vice -Mayor Bush led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. INVOCATION
Invocation delivered by Word of Life Worship Center of National City Pastor Benny
Madrid.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Morrison summarized the process for acceptance of live public comment allowing
two (2) minutes per comment.
In -person comment:
Ted Godshalk
Ed Nieto
Geoffrey Schrock
Wendy Egan
Virtual comment:
Judi Strang
Megan Stuart
Madison Rapp
Written comment was received Les Johnson.
6. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITION
Item to be heard at a future meeting.
6.1 Employee of the Quarter - Maria Marmolejo, Library Circulation Supervisor
7. PRESENTATION (Limited to Five (5) Minutes each)
7.1 City -Wide Service Projects with the Sierra Service Project - Accept Proclamation
and Provide Presentation
PowerPoint Presentation provided by Community Development Manager Angelita
Palma and Sierra Service Project, Executive Director Megan Taylor.
Mayor Morrison presented the Proclamation, which was accepted by Megan
Taylor.
Vice -Mayor Bush left the dais at 6:34 p.m. and returned at 6:36 p.m.
Councilmember Rodriguez left the dais at 6:36 p.m. and returned at 6:38 p.m.
7.2 Technical Assistance Panel Report for the Green Corridors Project
PowerPoint presentation provided by San Diego State University Executive
Director of Center for Regional Sustainability Jessica Barlow; San Diego State
University Associate Professor Madison Swayne; Urban Land Institute Executive
Director Chris Clark; Keyser Marston Associates Manager Michael Tactay; Chen
Ryan & Associates Senior Transportation Engineer Jonathan Sanchez; MIG
Heritage Conservationist Allison Lee; and Urban Land Institute Senior Associate
Tatiana Perez.
Public comment was received from Janice Reynoso and Randy Torres -Van
Vleck.
Recommendation: File the Report
8. REGIONAL BOARDS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS (Limited to Five (5) Minutes
each
Councilmember Molina provided a SANDAG Board of Directors meeting update.
Vice -Mayor Bush reported on the MTS Board meeting and the potential increase of fares
and also provided an update from the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District
meeting.
Mayor Morrison announced a joint SANDAG meeting with the Transportation and
Regional Planning Committee.
9. INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS
9.1 Appointments: City Boards, Commissions, and Committees — City Council
Interview and Appointment for the Civil Service Commission and Planning
Commission.
Recommendation: City Council to Conduct Interviews and Appoint.
Civil Service Commission Applicant Robert Werner was not present to be
interviewed.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Vice -Mayor Bush to
Appoint Robert Werner to the Civil Service Commission with a term ending
September 30, 2029.
Interviews were conducted for the following Planning Commission applicants:
Sherry Gogue
Cynthia Fuller Quinonez
Applicants Brandon Bueoy and Priyank Patel withdrew their applications prior to
the meeting.
City Council votes for Planning Commissioner were as follows:
Mayor Morrison — Sherry Gogue
Councilmember Rodriguez — Cynthia Fuller Quinonez
Councilmember Yamane — Sherry Gogue
Councilmember Molina — Sherry Gogue
Vice -Mayor Bush — Sherry Gogue
Applicant Sherry Gogue received the majority of the votes and was appointed to
the Planning Commission with a term ending March 31, 2028.
9.2 Appointments: City Boards, Commissions, and Committees — Mayoral
Appointments to the Board of Library Trustees; Parks, Recreation & Senior
Citizens Advisory Committee; Public Art Committee; and, Traffic Safety
Committee.
Recommendation: Mayoral Appointment with the City Councilmembers'
Confirmation.
ACTION: Motion by Vice -Mayor Bush, seconded by Councilmember Yamane to
appoint Jose Lopez to the Board of Library Trustees with a term ending September
30, 2028; and, Cindy Lopez with a term ending September 30, 2027.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Vice -Mayor Bush to
appoint Josephine Nethers to the Parks, Recreation & Seniors Citizen Advisory
Committee with a term ending September 30, 2028.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Molina, seconded by Councilmember
Yamane to reappoint to the Public Art Committee, Ryan Johnson and Jacqueline
Schliapnik-Garcia with terms ending September 30, 2028; and, to appoint qey De
La Rosa to the alternate position with a term ending September 30, 2027.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
ACTION: Motion by Vice -Mayor Bush, seconded by Councilmember Yamane to
reappoint Kelly Piper and Cynthia Fuller Quinonez to the Traffic Safety Committee
with terms ending September 30, 2028; and to appoint Rolly Erum with a term
ending September 30, 2027.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
10. CONSENT CALENDAR
ACTION: Motion by Vice -Mayor Bush, seconded by Councilmember Molina to approve
Consent Calendar Items with the exception of Items 10.3, 10.6, 10.11, 10.14, 10.15, and
10.16.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
10.1 Approval of Reading by Title Only and Waiver of Reading in Full of Ordinance on
this Agenda
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
10.2 Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes
Approve and file.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Item pulled for public comment.
10.3 Approval for Mayor Ron Morrison and Councilmember Ditas Yamane to Attend
the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce 2025 Binational Delegation to
Mexico City on October 12-15, 2025.
Public comment received from Ed Nieto.
Recommendation: Grant Approval for Mayor Ron Morrison and Councilmember
Ditas Yamane to Attend the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce 2025
Binational Delegation to Mexico City on October 12-15, 2025.
ACTION: Motion by Vice -Mayor Bush, seconded by Councilmember Molina to
approve the staff recommendation.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
10.4 Approving Proposed Amendments to the Board of Library Trustees Bylaws.
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-118.
Adopt a Resolution Entitled, "Resolution of the City Council of the City of National
City, California, Approving Proposed Amendments to the Board of Library Trustees
Bylaws."
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
10.5 August 2025 Update of Sewer System Management Plan
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-119.
Adopt a Resolution Entitled, "Resolution of the City Council of the City of National
City, California, Accepting the Updated Sewer System Management Plan."
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Item pulled for public comment.
10.6 Awarding a Contract to Griffith Company for the Bayshore Bikeway Segment 5
and Connections Project, CIP No. 19-24.
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-120.
Public comment was received from Ed Nieto.
Written comment was received from Ted Godshalk.
Recommendation: 1) Awarding a Contract to Griffith Company in the Not -to -
Exceed Amount of $13,076,599.50 for the Bayshore Bikeway Segment 5 and
Connections Project, CIP No. 19-24; 2) Authorizing a 10% Contingency in the
Amount of $1,307,660 for Unforeseen Changes; and 3) Authorizing the Mayor to
Execute the Contract."
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Councilmember
Rodriguez to approve the staff recommendation.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
10.7 Installation of Red Curb "No Parking" at the Intersection of Harbison Avenue and
E. 7th Street to Improve Visibility for Vehicles Exiting E. 7th Street onto Harbison
Avenue.
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-121.
Adopt a Resolution entitled, "Resolution of the City Council of the City of National
City, California, Authorizing the Installation of Red Curb "No Parking" at the
Intersection of Harbison Avenue and E. 7th Street to Improve Visibility."
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
10.8 Installation of Red Curb "No Parking" at the Intersection of Palm Avenue and E.
11 th Street to Improve Visibility at the Intersection.
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-122.
Adopt a Resolution entitled, "Resolution of the City Council of the City of National
City, California, Authorizing the Installation of Red Curb "No Parking" at the
Intersection of Palm Avenue and E. 11th Street to Improve Visibility."
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
10.9 Investment Transactions for the Month Ended April 30, 2025.
Accept and File the Investment Transaction Ledger for the Month Ended April 30,
2025.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
10.10 Investment Transactions for the Month Ended May 31, 2025.
Accept and File the Investment Transaction Ledger for the Month Ended May 31,
2025.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Item pulled for public comment.
10.11 First Amendment to the Agreement with Terra Realty Advisors to Include Phase
II Scope of Services for Digital Billboard Consulting and Increasing the Not -to -
Exceed Amount by $27,000.
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-123.
Public comment was received from Thomas Rike.
Written comment was received from Ted Godshalk.
Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution entitled, "Resolution of the City Council of
the City of National City, California, Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a First
Amendment to the Agreement with Terra Realty Advisors, Inc. to Modify the Scope
of Services and Increase the Not -to -Exceed Amount by $27,000."
ACTION: Motion by Vice -Mayor Bush, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez
to adopt the resolution.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
10.12 Subordination of the HOME Investment Partnerships Program Loan for 138
Norton Avenue to Refinance the Property.
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-124.
Adopt the Resolution Entitled "Resolution of the City Council of the City of National
City, California, Authorizing the City Manager or their Designee to Execute a
Subordination Agreement with T & T Community Properties LLC, a California
Limited Liability Company, and Neighborhood National Bank, Subordinating the
Deed of Trust that Secures the City's HOME Investment Partnerships Loan for
$717,500 on Eight Restricted Rental Units Located at 138 Norton Avenue in
National City."
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
10.13 Support for the State's proposed Utility Affordability & Accountability Legislative
Package
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-125.
Adopt the Resolution entitled, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of
National City, California, Supporting the State's Utility Affordability and
Accountability Legislative Package for the 2025-2026 California Legislature
Regular Session."
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Item pulled for public comment.
10.14 Warrant Register No. 1 for the Period of 6/27/25 through 7/03/25 in the Amount
of $3,570,896.28
Public comment was received from Thomas Rike.
Recommendation: Ratify Warrants Totaling $3,570,896.28.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Mayor Morrison to
ratify the warrants for Agenda Items 10.14, ,10.15, and 10.16.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Item pulled for public comment.
10.15 Warrant Register No. 2 for the Period of 7/4/25 through 7/10/25 in the Amount of
$3,916,320.12
Public comment was received from Thomas Rike.
Recommendation: Ratify Warrants Totaling $3,916,320.12.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Mayor Morrison to
ratify the warrants for Agenda Items 10.14, ,10.15, and 10.16.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Item pulled for public comment.
10.16 Warrant Register No. 3 for the Period of 7/11/25 through 7/17/25 in the Amount
of $9,673,071.64
Public comment was received from Thomas Rike.
Recommendation: Ratify Warrants Totaling $9,673,071.64.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Mayor Morrison to
ratify the warrants for Agenda Items 10.14, ,10.15, and 10.16.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
11. PUBLIC HEARING
11.1 Public Hearing — Re -Introduction of an Amendment of NCMC 9.38 Establishing a
Tobacco Retail License Program
Adopted Ordinance No. 2025-2547.
Acting Community Development Director Martin Reeder introduced the item.
Mayor Morrison opened the public hearing at 7:57 p.m.
In -person comment:
Jack Bazzi
Salwan Nafsu
Ed Nieto
Lance Hermiz
Haitham Bidi
Irma Hernandez
Wameed Tepo
Melad
Mike
Jeff Mansour
Arkan Somo
Tony Konja
Kouma K.
Rami Tobiya
Nadia Hermiz
Zoom comment:
Peggy Walker
Megan Stuart
Leigh Martin
Becky Rapp
Blythe Young
Madison Rapp
Judi Strang
Laina Delgado Flores
Manuel Andrade
Emily Miller
Written comment:
Ted Godshalk
Liz Murphy
Leigh Martin
Vice -Mayor Bush left the dais at 8:41 p.m. and returned at 8:42 p.m.
Gloria Salas registered a position in favor, but did not wish to speak.
Hadil Shamoon and Brian Maty registered a position in opposition, but did not wish to speak.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember
Molina to close the Public Hearing.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Public Hearing closed at 8:48 p.m.
Recommendation: Re -Introduce the Ordinance Entitled, "An Ordinance of the City
Council of the City of National City, California, Amending Title 9 of the National
City Municipal Code by Amending Chapter 9.38 Pertaining to Tobacco Retailer
Licensing and Restricting the Sale, Display and Promotion of Tobacco to Youth."
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember
Yamane to adopt the Ordinance.
Substitute motion by Mayor Morrison, seconded by Councilmember Molina that
tonight's meeting serve as a re -introduction of the item with a second reading and
adoption to occur at the next City Council meeting; to implement the program with
an amendment to remove language prohibiting the license to be transferred with
the caveat that the business must remain at the same location; and, to cap the
retail licenses at 60.
Motion failed by 2-3 vote.
Ayes: Molina, Morrison
Nays: Rodriguez, Yamane, Bush
Original motion:
Motion carried by 3-2 vote.
Ayes: Rodriguez, Yamane, Bush
Nays: Molina, Morrison
Mayor Morrison called for a recess at 9:39 p.m.
Members reconvened at 9:51 p.m. with Vice -Mayor Bush absent.
Vice -Mayor returned to the dais at 9:54 p.m.
At 9:54 p.m., Mayor Morrison released the translator.
11.2 Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Table 18.24.040 A and
Table 18.24.040 D of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Municipal Code Related to Maximum
Height and Number of Stories in the MXC-1 and MXD-1 Zones.
Acting Director of Community Development Martin Reader introduced the item.
Public Hearing opened at 9:56 p.m.
Public comment was received from Thomas Rike.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Molina, seconded by Mayor Morrison to close
the Public Hearing.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Public Hearing closed at 9:57 p.m.
Recommendation: Hold the Public Hearing and Introduce the Ordinance Entitled:
An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of National City, California, Amending
Table 18.24.040A and Table 18.24.040D of Title 18 (Zoning) of the National City
Municipal Code Related to Maximum Height and Number of Stories in the MXC-1
and MXD-1 Zones."
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Councilmember
Rodriguez to introduce the Ordinance.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
11.3 Public Hearing: Consideration of Certification of a Negative Declaration for a
General Plan Amendment and Zone Change from Small Lot Residential (RS-2)
to Minor Mixed -Use Corridor (MXC-1) for Properties Located at 3040, 3042-3046,
3102-3104, & 3106-3108 E
Acting Director of Community Development Martin Reader introduced the item.
Mayor Morrison opened the Public Hearing at 10:06 p.m.
Mayor Morrison disclosed that his residence was located within 1,000 feet of the
properties listed and recused himself.
Mayor Morrison left the dais at 10:08 p.m.
Public comment was received from Sushmitha Kudari.
Written comment was received from Christopher Gonzalez.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Molina, seconded by Councilmember
Yamane to close the Public Hearing.
Motion carried by unanimous vote of those present.
Mayor Morrison was absent due to recusal.
Public Hearing closed at 10:12 p.m.
Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution Entitled: "Resolution of the City Council
of the City of National City, California, Certifying a Negative Declaration, Pursuant
to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), by Making a Finding of No
Significant Environmental Effect and Approving a General Plan Amendment to
Change the General Plan Land Use Designation from Low -Medium Density
Residential to Low Mixed -Use for Properties Located at 3040, 3042-3046, 3102-
3104, & 3106-3108 East 161h Street and 1540 South Harbison Avenue."
and
Recommendation: Introduce the Ordinance Entitled: "An Ordinance of the City
Council of the City of National City, California, Approving a Zone Change for
Properties Located at 3040, 3042-3046, & 3106-3108 East 16th street and 1540
South Harbison Avenue Changing the Zone from Small Lot Residential (RS-2) to
Minor Mixed -Use Corridor (MXC-1)."
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane to deny the resolution. Motion died
for lack of a second.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Molina, seconded by Councilmember
Yamane to adopt the resolution.
Motion failed due to a tie vote.
Ayes: Molina, Bush
Nays: Rodriguez, Yamane
Absent due to recusal: Mayor Morrison
ACTION: Motion by Vice -Mayor Bush, seconded by Councilmember Molina to
continue the meeting to the October 7th City Council meeting.
Motion carried unanimously by those present.
Mayor Morrison was absent due to recusal.
Mayor Morrison returned to the dais at 10:35 p.m.
At 10:35 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.
ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Molina, seconded by Councilmember Rodriguez to
extend the meeting beyond 10:30 p.m.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
12. STAFF REPORTS
12.1 League of California Cities Annual Conference — Designation on Voting Delegate
and Alternate(s)
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-127.
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution Entitled, Resolution of the City Council of
the City of National City, California, Designating a Voting Delegate and up to Two
Alternates to Represent the City of National City at the 2025 League of California
Cities Annual Conference and Expo."
ACTION: Motion by Vice -Mayor Bush, second by Councilmember Molina to
appoint Vice -Mayor Bush as the voting delegate and assign Pedro Garcia as the
alternate.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
13.1 FY2025-2026 Work Program
Interim City Manager Scott Huth provided a report.
14. ELECTED OFFICIALS REPORT
Closing remarks were provided by members of the City Council.
14.1 POLICY 105 REQUEST - Discussion on Housing in National City - Housing
Summit - Requested by Councilmember Molina
Councilmember Molina introduced the item.
ACTION: Motion by Vice -Mayor Bush, seconded by Councilmember Molina to add
the item to the October 21 st City Council meeting agenda.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Closing remarks were provided by members of the City Council.
15. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
Mayor Morrison introduced City Attorney Schultz who announced no reportable action
on Closed Session Agenda Items 5.1, 5.2, and 5.4.
Item 5.3 - City Council provided negotiators with instructions for continued discussions
with the Police Officers Association.
CLOSED SESSION
5.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant Exposure to Litigation
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Number of Potential Cases: 1
5.2 LIABILITY CLAIM
Government Code Section 54954.5
WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIM NO. 19-143686
ADJ: J12435162
Claimant: Nagle, Daniel v. City of National City
5.3 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 5457.6
Employee Organizations:
Police Officer s Association (POA),
Unrepresented Groups: Executive, Confidential, and Management
Agency Designated Representatives:
Steven Berliner (Labor Negotiator)
Scott Huth (Interim City Manager)
Bruce Foltz (Finance Director)
Alicia Hicks (Human Resources Director)
5.4 PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Government Code Section 54957(b)
Position to be filled: City Manager
16. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Morrison adjourned to the Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of National
City, Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, located in City Hall,
1243 National City Boulevard, National City, California.
The meeting adjourned at 10:58 p.m.
Tony Hussain, CIVIC, Deputy City
Clerk
The foregoing minutes were approved at the ReguIon
of October 7, 2025.
rison, Mayor