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Home My WebLink About2025 10-21 CC MIN4 CALIFORNIA ,o. ,-� 3,:31~`, INCORPORATF-O REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL October 21, 2025, 6:00 p.m. City Council Chamber - 1243 National City Boulevard National City, CA Present: Vice -Mayor Bush Councilmember Rodriguez (via Zoom) Mayor Morrison Councilmember Molina Councilmember Yamane Others Present: Scott Huth, Interim City Manager Barry J. Schultz, City Attorney Shelley Chapel, City Clerk Christopher Sullivan, Police Captain Alicia Hicks, Director of Human Resources Tonya Hussain, Deputy City Clerk Martha Juarez, Assistant 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 6:16 p.m. via teleconference and in the Council Chamber, located in City Hall, 1243 National City Boulevard, National City, California. AB 2449 Request: Councilmember Rodriguez requested to attend the meeting virtually due to "Just Cause." City Clerk Chapel confirmed that at least a quorum of the legislative body was present at the location of the meeting in City Council Chamber as identified on the agenda. This was the first virtual City Council Meeting Councilmember Rodriguez had attended in 2025 under the AB 2449 provision. Councilmember Rodriguez stated that no one over the age of 18 was in the same location as he. 2. 4. 5. ACTION: Motion by Vice -Mayor Bush, seconded by Councilmember Yamane, to approve Councilmember Rodriguez's request to participate remotely due to "Just Cause," pursuant to AB 2449. Motion passed by roll call vote. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present: Molina, Rodriguez (via Zoom), Yamane, Bush, Morrison Interpretation in Spanish provided by Carlos Diaz, Ruth Monroy and Luisa Diaz de Leon. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Vice -Mayor Bush led the Pledge of Allegiance. INVOCATION Invocation delivered by Pastor Xose y Ofelia Escamilla, Casa de Oracion, National City. Councilmember Rodriguez left the dais at 6:28 p.m. and returned at 7:02 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Morrison summarized the process for acceptance of live public comment allowing two (2) minutes per comment and introduced City Clerk Chapel. In -person comment: Paul Wapnowski Yareli Cruz Jon Alva Brian Clapper Larry Emerson Ted Godshalk Daniel Kim MPV - Micaela Polanco MLM - Luisa McCarthy Alisha Morrison Doyle Morrison Carina Geoffrey Schrock Liliana Armenta Virtual comment: Becky Rapp Judi Strang Madison Rapp Written comment: David Garcia - Unregulated Car Cruising David Garcia - Resident Leaving Cat Food in Public Areas Ted Godshalk - Meetings Michael Aguirre on Behalf of Micaela Polanco and Luisa McCarthy Councilmember Molina left the dais at 6:55 p.m. and returned at 6:57 p.m. TECHNICAL NOTE: Interpreters were experiencing technical difficulties during the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Comments may be heard on the video of the meeting, however, not all interpretations were provided due to loss of connection with services. 6. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITION 6.1 Proclamation - Filipino American History Month Mayor Morrison presented the Proclamation to Councilmember Yamane on behalf of the Filipino American Community recognizing Filipino American History Month. 7. REGIONAL BOARDS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS (Limited to Five (5) Minutes each) Councilmember Rodriguez shared discussions that were had at the MTS Public Safety Committee Meeting regarding fares and making the transit system safer. Councilmember Yamane had nothing to report. Councilmember Molina discussed an upcoming Board of Directors Meeting for SANDAG, reporting that herself as well as the two alternates for the City would not be in attendance due to a scheduled Special Meeting for interviews for the City Manager. Vice -Mayor Bush reported attendance at an MTS Board Meeting, where Operations Plans, routes, fare increases, and the 12th and Imperial Avenue Terminal and affordable units were discussed. Mayor Morrison provided an update on the Regional Solid Waste Association Meeting. 8. CONSENT CALENDAR ACTION: Motion by Vice -Mayor Bush, seconded by Councilmember Molina to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of Items 8.3, 8.5, 8.7, 8.9, 8.10, 8.11, and 8.12. Motion carried by unanimous roll -call vote with the exception of Item 8.6 where Councilmember Yamane voted No. Councilmember Rodriguez left the dais at 7.12 p.m. - 7:27 p.m. 8.1 Approval of Reading by Title Only and Waiver of Reading in Full of Ordinance on this Agenda Motion carried by unanimous roll -call vote. 8.2 Approval of the City Council Meeting Minutes. Approve and file. Motion carried by unanimous roll -call vote. Item pulled for public comment. 8.3 Authorize the Purchase of Two (2) Chevrolet Tahoe Vehicles for the National City Police Department Adopted Resolution No. 25-142. Public Comment: Thomas Rike. Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution Entitled, "Resolution of the City Council of the City of National City, California, 1) Waiving the Formal Bid Process Pursuant to National City Municipal Code Section 2.60.260 Regarding Cooperative Purchasing and Authorizing the City to Piggyback onto State of California Contract # 1-22-23-23D with Winner Chevrolet for the Purchase of Two 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles in a Not - To -Exceed Amount of $126,000 for the National City Police Department; and 2) Authorizing the City Manager to Approve Adjustments of up to $12,600 to the Not - To -Exceed Amount for the Purchase as a 10% Contingency for Unforeseen Fluctuations in Pricing." ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Molina, seconded by Councilmember Yamane to adopt the resolution. Motion carried by unanimous roll -call vote. 8.4 Awarding a Contract to Fernando Araiza dba His Construction Company for the National City Police Department Investigations Capacity Expansion Project, CIP No. 25-15. Adopted Resolution No. 2025-143. Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution Entitled, "Resolution of the City Council of the City of National City, California, 1) Awarding a Contract to Fernando Araiza dba His Construction Company in the Not -To -Exceed Amount of $248,169 for the National City Police Department Investigations Capacity Expansion Project, CIP No. 25-15; 2) Authorizing the Establishment of an Appropriation of $200,000 for the Project in the Development Impact Fees Fund (Police); 3) Authorizing a 15% Contingency in the Amount of $37,226 for any Unforeseen Changes; and 4) Authorizing the Mayor to Execute the Contract." Motion carried by unanimous roll -call vote. Item pulled for public comment. 8.5 Increases to Salaries and Benefits for Executive, Management, and Confidential Groups. Adopted Resolution No. 2025-144. Public Comment: Thomas Rike. Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution Entitled, "Resolution of the City Council of the City of National City, California, Approving Salary and Benefit Changes for the Executive, Management, and Confidential Employee Groups and Authorizing a Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Appropriation in the Amount of $1,204,317 to Fund the Stated Salary and Benefit Increases." ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Vice -Mayor Bush to approve only the Confidential Group with the Executive and Management Group portion to return at a future date. Motion carried by unanimous roll -call vote. 8.6 Notice of Decision — Planning Commission Approval of a Zone Variance (ZV) for a Less -Than -Required Street Wall for a Proposed Development at a Property Located at 3040 East 16th Street. Recommendation: Staff Recommends Approval of the Request for a Zone Variance, Subject to the Recommended Conditions in the Attached Planning Commission Resolution No. 2025-09, and a Determination that the Project is Exempt from CEQA. The Granting of a Zone Variance is Allowable with Findings Pursuant to Section 18.12.120 of the Land Use Code. Motion carried by 3-1 roll -call vote with Councilmember Rodriguez absent. Ayes: Molina, Bush, Morrison Nays: Yamane Absent: Rodriguez Item pulled for public comment. 8.7 Regional Cooperative Care Partnership Dissolution Adopted Resolution No. 2025-145. Public Comment: Thomas Rike. Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution Entitled "Resolution of the City Council of the City of National City, California, Amending and Terminating the Regional Cooperative Care Partnership ("RCCP") Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement and Dissolving the RCCP Effective December 31, 2025." ACTION: Motion by Vice -Mayor Bush, seconded by Councilmember Molina to adopt the resolution. Motion carried by unanimous roll -call vote. 8.8 Successor Agency Last and Final Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) Adopted Successor Agency Resolution No. 2025-119. Adopt the Resolution Entitled: "Resolution of the Board of the Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission as the National City Redevelopment Agency Approving the Last and Final Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) for the Seven ROPS Periods Beginning July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2033 with Obligations Totaling $25,074,222, and Approving the Submittal of the Last and Final ROPS to the County of San Diego Countywide Redevelopment Successor Agency Oversight Board." Motion carried by unanimous roll -call vote. Item pulled for public comment. 8.9 Vehicle Purchase for the Fire Department Adopted Resolution No. 2025-146. Public Comment: Thomas Rike Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution Entitled, "Resolution of the City Council of the City of National City, California, 1) Waiving the Formal Bid Process Pursuant to National City Municipal Code Section 2.60.260 Regarding Cooperative Purchasing and Authorizing the City to Piggyback onto Sourcewell Contract #091521-NAF with National Auto Fleet Group for the Purchase and Buildout of a 2026 Ford Super Duty F-250 SRW (W2B) XLT 4WD Crew Cab; 2) Approving the Purchase of a Camper Shell from the Lowest Responsive, Responsible Bidders; and 3) Approving the Establishment of Appropriations and Transfers and a Corresponding Revenue Budget in the General Fund and Vehicle Replacement Fund Based on Funding from the Lower Sweetwater Fire Protection District's Equipment Replacement Fund in a Not -to -Exceed Amount of $81,476.76." ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Molina, seconded by Vice -Mayor Bush to adopt the resolution. Motion carried by unanimous roll -call vote. Item pulled for public comment. 8.10 Warrant Register No. 7 for the Period of 8/08/25 through 8/14/25 in the Amount of $2,681,431.27 Councilmember Rodriguez left the dais at 7:12 p.m. Public Comment received from Thomas Rike on Agenda Items 8.10, 8.11, and 8.12. Recommendation: Ratify Warrants Totaling $2,681,431.27 ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Councilmember Molina to ratify the warrants for Agenda Items 8.10, 8.11, and 8.12. Motion carried by 4-0 roll -call vote with Councilmember Rodriguez absent for agenda Items 8.10, 8.11, and 8.12. Item pulled for public comment. 8.11 Warrant Register No. 8 for the Period of 8/15/25 through 8/21/25 in the Amount of $1,234,278.37 Ratify Warrants Totaling $1,234,278.37 ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Councilmember Molina to ratify the warrants for Agenda Items 8.10, 8.11, and 8.12. Motion carried by 4-0 roll -call vote with Councilmember Rodriguez absent for agenda Items 8.10, 8.11, and 8.12. Item pulled for public comment. 8.12 Warrant Register No. 9 for the Period of 8/22/25 through 8/28/25 in the Amount of $2,696,448.58 Ratify Warrants Totaling $2,696,448.58. ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Councilmember Molina to ratify the warrants for Agenda Items 8.10, 8.11, and 8.12. Motion carried by 4-0 roll -call vote with Councilmember Rodriguez absent for agenda Items 8.10, 8.11, and 8.12. 9. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING 9.1 Public Hearing: Second Reading and Adoption of a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change from (RS-2) to (MXC-1) for Properties Located at 3040, 3042-3046, 3102-3104, & 3106-3108 E. 16th St. and 1540 S. Harbison Ave. Adopted Ordinance No. 2025-2549 Martin Reeder, Acting Director of Community Development did not provide a report as this is the second reading for adoption. Mayor Morrison opened the public hearing at 7:32 p.m. In -person comment: Susmitha Kudari ACTION: Motion by Vice -Mayor Bush, seconded by Councilmember Molina to close the public hearing. Motion carried by unanimous vote, of those present, by a roll call vote to close the public hearing. Councilmember Rodriguez absent. Public Hearing closed at 7:34 p.m. Councilmember Rodriguez returned to the dais at 7:43 p.m. Councilmember Rodriguez left the dais at 8:07 p.m. - 8:18 p.m. Staff Recommendation: Adopt 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 and 1540 South Harbison Avenue, Changing the Zone from Small Lot Residential (RS-2) to Minor Mixed -Use Corridor (MXC-1)." ACTION: Motion by Vice -Mayor Bush, seconded by Councilmember Molina to adopt the Ordinance. Motion carried by 3-1 vote by roll -call vote. Ayes: Molina, Bush, Morrison Nays: Yamane Absent: Rodriguez 10. PUBLIC HEARING 10.1 Public Hearing and Introduction of Multiple Ordinances Amending the National City Municipal Code Chapters 15.08, 15.14, 15.20, 15.24, 15.75, 15.78 and 15.79 related to California Codes for Electrical, Energy, Building, Plumbing, and Mechanical. Recommendation: Continue this Item to the November 4, 2025 City Council Meeting in Order to Introduce the Ordinances for the 2025 California Building Code; the 2025 California Residential Code; the 2025 California Existing Building Code; the 2025 California Electrical Code and 2023 National Electrical Code; the 2025 California Mechanical Code; the 2025 California Plumbing Code; the 2025 California Energy Code; the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code; and all Appendices Related to these Codes; Receive Public Input; and Schedule for the Meeting of November 04, 2025, for Consideration and Adoption. ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Councilmember Molina to approve the staff recommendation. Motion carried by 4-0 roll -call vote with Councilmember Rodriguez absent. 10.2 Public Hearing — Rescission of Ordinance 2025-2547 and Re -Introduction of an Amendment of NCMC 9.38 Establishing a Tobacco Retail License Program Mayor Morrison introduced City Attorney Schultz who gave the following statement: "This agenda item was placed on tonight's agenda as a result of a Cure and Correct Letter received from the Counsel for the Neighborhood Market Association. Their allegation was that the last adoption meeting was not properly noticed, according to the Brown Act it was a technical defect, indicating that Council was actually introducing an ordinance instead of adopting an ordinance. However, the Neighborhood Market Associate did receive notice of the actual ordinance to be considered. They showed up in force, they made their concerns known to the council. In fact, the Council actually considered their objections and made a motion to support those objections. In essence, our review of it is that yes, there was a technical notice defect, but that there is no prejudice caused by that defect and that a different result would not have occurred. However, in order to avoid unnecessary litigation, we have determined that it would be better for us to be here tonight and ask Council to rescind the ordinance that was adoption and to reintroduce the ordinance for introduction." ACTION: Motion by Vice -Mayor Bush, seconded by Councilmember Yamane to rescind the Ordinance. Motion carried by roll -call vote with Councilmember Rodriguez absent. Ayes: Molina, Yamane, Bush, Morrison Absent: Rodriguez Mayor Morrison confirmed with staff that the there were no changes. The Mayor read the title into the record. Councilmember Rodriguez left the dais at 8:34 p.m. - 8:42 p.m. Mayor Morrison left the dais at 8:54 p.m. - 8:57 p.m. Councilmember Rodriguez left the dais at 9:05 p.m. - 9:08 p.m. In -person comment: Robin Madaffer - SD Land Lawyer Wessam Rabbah Emily Miller Ronny Rick Samdel Larry Emerson Leigh Martin Jack Bozzi Janan Moin Jeremy Ogul Alma Kassy Lawrence Heriz Nadia Haitham Bidi Jeff Mansour Cynthia Knapp - Save San Diego Irma Hernandez Toby Salem Karen McManus Ghali Dikho Gloria Salis Bryan Lam Lance Hermes Tony Konja Manuel Andrade Hadil Shamoon Vincent Yanez Margarita Moreno Chris H. Mike Raton Mike Hermes Jim Madaffer Registered position, did not wish to speak: In Favor: Edwin Real Carmen Gaxiola Micaela Polanco Luisa McCarthy Paul Wapnowski Alicia Sanche Carmen Arroyo Monserrat Hernandez In Opposition: Stephen Gaspar Jim Hanna Delon Yosif Alphia Duncan Evan Pheland Jessica Kephart Kamila Pheland Virtual comment: Alex Munoz Peggy Walker Blythe Young Barbara Gordon Megan Stuart Jennifer Gill Laina Delgado Flores Judy Strang Written comment: Robin Madaffer - SD Land Lawyers Kyle Alderman - SD Land Lawyers Alessandra Magnasco - CA Fuels Convenience Alliance Jean Duffy Leslie Johnson Scott Knutson Elizabeth Murphy Gabriela Romero Mirna Sallo Ansam Goro Manveer Sahota ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Yamane, seconded by Councilmember Molina to close the public hearing. Motion carried by unanimous roll -call vote. Public Hearing closed at 9:09 p.m. ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Molina, seconded by Vice -Mayor Bush to introduce the Ordinance to include the following changes: Section 9.38.050 Section(b) to add outside advertising, Section 9.38.110 Section(a) to strike the sentence "Tobacco Retailer License may be transferred from one person to another, or from one location to another." Section 9.38.160 (a) regarding violations, include language provided by San Diego Land Lawyers including higher fines with one change, removing the fifth violation which would be license revocation would apply on the fourth violation. Recommendation: Rescind Ordinance 2025-2547 and 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 carried by unanimous roll -call vote. At 10:39 p.m. Mayor Morrison reminded the City Council of Policy No. 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 Vice -Mayor Bush to extend the meeting beyond 10:30 p.m. Motion carried by unanimous roll -call vote. Councilmember Rodriguez left the meeting at 10:39 p.m. Mayor Morrison called for a break 10:41 p.m. - 10:45 p.m. Mayor Morrison released the interpreters at 10:55 p.m. 10.3 Public Hearing - 2025 Development Impact Fees Schedule Mayor Morrison inquired with staff to the possibility to continue the item to the next meeting due to the written comment received. Councilmember Molina proposed that this item be held over until the November 41h City Council meeting. Written comment: Stephan Gaspar - KIRE Builders Inc. Adrian Luna - BIA Recommendation: Hold a Public Hearing and Adopt the Resolution Entitled, "Resolution of the City of National City, California, Adopting the 2025 Development Impact Fee Schedule." ACTION: Motion by Mayor Morrison, seconded by Councilmember Molina to continue the item to the November 4th City Council Meeting. ACTION: Motion carried by unanimous roll -call vote of those present. Councilmember Rodriguez was absent. Ayes: Molina, Yamane, Bush, Morrison Absent: Rodriguez 11. STAFF REPORTS 11.1 Amending City Council Policy No. 105 — Request by Member of the City Council to Place an Item on a City Council Agenda Adopted Resolution No. 2025-148 Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution Entitled, "Resolution of the City Council of the City of National City, California, Approving Amended City Council Policy No. 105, Request by Member of the City Council to Place an Item on a City Council Agenda." ACTION: Motion by Councilmember Molina, seconded by Councilmember Yamane to adopt the resolution to include an amendment eliminating a partial sentence under 2(a) beginning with "Request may be submitted to be agenized at the initial City Council Meeting in which the matter will be heard." Motion carried by unanimous roll -call vote of those present. Councilmember Rodriguez was absent. Ayes: Molina, Yamane, Bush, Morrison Absent: Rodriguez 11.2 Update on Housing Production in the City Mayor Morrison introduced Martin Reeder, Interim Community Development Director. Recommendation: File the Report. ACTION: Motion by Vice -Mayor Bush, seconded by Councilmember Yamane to file the report. Motion carried by unanimous roll -call vote of those present. Councilmember Rodriguez was absent. Ayes: Molina, Yamane, Bush, Morrison Absent: Rodriguez 11.3 Follow -Up to Policy 105 Request — Activating Cultural Economic (ACE) Opportunities Initiative Presentation Mayor Morrison introduced the ACE group who presented the PowerPoint Presentation: Presenter Karen Azhocar McManus Executive Director National City Chamber of Commerce. Councilmembers provided feedback. Recommendation: That the City Council Receive a Formal Presentation from the National City Chamber of Commerce on the Activating Cultural Economic (ACE) Opportunities Initiative and Provide Council Discussion and Direction on Next Steps. No vote needed. 12. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT No Report. 13. ELECTED OFFICIALS REPORT Closing remarks were provided by members of the City Council. 14. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT Mayor Morrison introduced City Attorney Schultz who reported that there was no reportable action on Closed Session agendas Item 5.1 through 5.4. CLOSED SESSION 5.1 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS Government Code Section 54957.6 Employee Organizations: Municipal Employees' Association (SEIU, Local 221), and Police Officers Association (POA), Unrepresented Groups: Executive, Confidential, and Management Agency Designated Representatives: Steven Berliner (Labor Negotiator) Scott Huth (Interim City Manager) Steve Manganiello (Director Eng/PW Director) Bruce Foltz (Finance Director) Alicia Hicks (Human Resources Director) 5.2 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS Government Code Section 54956.9 Property: 921, 925 and 929 National City Boulevard, CA 91950 (APN's 556-471- 03 and 556-471-04) Agency Negotiation: City of National City Negotiating Parties: Scott Huth (Interim City Manager), Angelita Palma (Community Development Manager) Under Negotiation: Instruction to Negotiate 5.3 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) Number of Potential Cases: 1 5.4 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) Number of Potential Cases: 1 Circumstances: City Council Item #11.1 on September 16, 2025, Demand to Cure Letter from Neighborhood Market Association 15. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Morrison adjourned to the Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of National City, Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, located in City Hall, 1243 National City Boulevard, National City, California. The meeting adjourned at 11:50 p.m. D'1 Shelley6l apel, MMC, City Clerk The foregoing minutes were approved at the R2 ular Meeting of November 18, 2025. 9 9 pP 9 9 Feon Morrison, Mayor