Environmental Sustainability Commission

LA MESA ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION AGENDA A Regular Meeting Date: Monday, June 16, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Location: City Manager's Conference Room, 8130 Allison Avenue La Mesa, California Commissioners: Chair Richard Williams Vice Chair Amanda-Dawn Natalia Commissioner Michael Bourton Commissioner Dasmine McFarlin Commissioner Mary Nooristani Commissioner Jack Sellinger Commissioner Barbara Shustek Advisory Commissioner Joe Britton Members: Commissioner Brianna Coston Commissioner Barbara Dagman Commissioner Mark Gracyk Commissioner Jen Lebron Commissioner Christina Potter Commissioner Fabian Rodriguez The public may view the meeting in-person or live using the following remote options: Teleconference Meeting Webinar https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84322400342 Telephone (Audio only) (669) 900-6833 or (253) 215-8782 Webinar ID: 843 2240 0342 Copy and paste the webinar link into your internet browser if the webinar link does not work directly from the agenda. PUBLIC COMMENTS • In-Person comments during the meeting: Join us for the Commission meeting at the time and location specified on this agenda to make your comments. Comments will be limited to three (3) minutes. • How to submit eComments: eComments are available once an agenda is published. Locate the meeting in "upcoming meetings" and click the comment bubble icon. Click on the item you wish to comment on. eComments can be submitted when the agenda is published and until 24 hours prior to the meeting. eComments are limited to 3700 characters (approximately 500 words). eComments may be viewed by the Commission and members of the public following the close of the eComment submission period (24 hours prior to the meeting). Email your comment to hego@cityoflamesa.us if you have difficulty submitting an eComment. eComments will not be read aloud as a regular meeting item; however any member of the Commission or member of the public may do so during their respective comment time. PLEASE NOTE: Public Comment will be limited to 3 minutes per item. The timer begins when the participant begins speaking. Time cannot by combined or yielded to another speaker. Citizens who wish to make an audio/visual presentation pertaining to an item on the agenda, or during Public Comments, should contact the City Manager's Office at 619.667.1105, no later than 12:00 p.m., the business day prior to the meeting day. Advance notification will ensure compatibility with City equipment and allow Commission meeting presentations to progress smoothly and in a consistent and equitable manner. Please note that all presentations/digital materials are considered part of the maximum time limit provided to speakers. Agenda reports for items on this agenda are available for public review at the City Manager's Office, 8130 Allison Avenue, during normal business hours. Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Commission after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at the City Manager's Office, 8130 Allison Avenue, during normal business hours. ACCESSIBILITY: The City of La Mesa encourages the participation of disabled individuals in the services, activities and programs provided by the City. Individuals with disabilities, who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the Commission meetings, should contact the Administrative Services Department 48 hours prior to the meeting at 619.667.1175, fax 619.667.1163, or GSpaniol@cityoflamesa.us. Hearing assisted devices are available for the hearing impaired. A City staff member is available to provide these devices upon entry to City Council meetings, commission/board meetings or public hearings held in the City Council Chambers. A photo i.d. or signature will be required to secure a device for the meeting. Page 2 of 8  Pages 1. CALL TO ORDER 1.1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA 3. PRESENTATION 3.1 2024-2025 CIVICSPARK AND COLLEGE CORPS FELLOWS END-OF- YEAR PRESENTATIONS 3.2 2024 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ANNUAL REPORT PRESENTATION 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES) NOTE: In accordance with state law, an item not scheduled on the agenda may be brought forward by the general public for comment; however, the Environmental Sustainability Commission will not be able to discuss or take any action on the item at this meeting. If appropriate, the item will be referred to Staff or placed on a future agenda. 5. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES 6. CURRENT BUSINESS 6.1 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE MAY 12, 2025 SPECIAL 4 MEETING 6.2 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE 6.3 DISCUSSION OF THE EQUITY FRAMEWORK AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE 6.4 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY EDUCATION AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE 6.5 DISCUSSION OF THE CAP IMPLEMENTATION WORK PLAN AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE 7. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS 8. ADJOURNMENT Page 3 of 8  La Mesa Environmental Sustainability Commission Minutes of a Regular Meeting Date: May 12, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Location: City Manager's Conference Room, 8130 Allison Avenue La Mesa, California Present: Chair Richard Williams Vice Chair Amanda-Dawn Natalia Commissioner Michael Bourton Commissioner Mary Nooristani Commissioner Jack Sellinger Commissioner Mark Gracyk Commissioner Jen Lebron Commissioner Christina Potter Staff: Environmental Sustainability Manager Hilary Ego _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ricky Williams called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM. 1.1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA 3. PRESENTATION 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES) NOTE: In accordance with state law, an item not scheduled on the agenda may be brought forward by the general public for comment; however, the Environmental Sustainability Commission will not be able to discuss or take any action on the item at this meeting. If appropriate, the item will be referred to Staff or placed on a future agenda. 5. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES 6. CURRENT BUSINESS 1 Page 4 of 8 6.1 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE APRIL 21, 2025 REGULAR MEETING Motion: To vote on approving the minutes from the May 12, 2025 Special Meeting Moved by Commissioner Bourton Seconded by Vice Chair Natalia Vote: 6-0-1 Ayes: Bourton, Natalia, Nooristani Sellinger, Shustek, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: McFarlin Motion Approved 6.2 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Infrastructure ad hoc subcommittee expires in July 2025 Ricky Williams stated the ad hoc subcommittee met and discussed ideas for a flow chart that will be used by City staff to encourage them to reference the Climate Action Plan (CAP) and other guiding documents. Additionally, to make it more engaging, to add youth drawings in the background. Amanda-Dawn Natalia and Michael Bourton asked how the flow chart would be used by staff. Mary Nooristani responded that when staff begin projects, there is a kick-off meeting to develop the scope of work, and the flowchart could be used at the beginning stages of a project. The focus on the flow chart would be for transportation projects. Jenn Lebron stated that the flow chart can be added to existing processes. Mark Gracyk stated to ask the current planner what would be useful for them. Ricky Williams shared drawing prompts that CivicSpark Fellow, Lainey Bloom, developed and requested youth participation and bring completed drawings to the next meeting. Hilary stated that the drawings will be used for other projects, like the Annual Report. 6.3 DISCUSSION OF THE EQUITY FRAMEWORK AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Equity Framework ad hoc Subcommittee expires July 2025 2 Page 5 of 8  Hilary Ego stated that the ad hoc subcommittee met and discussed ideas for an internal checklist/guide for City staff to use for during the development and implementation of a project or program. Ricky Williams stated the County of San Diego has an outreach plan template that is used to identify the purpose, audience, and message by providing prompting questions. Michael Bourton asked if the commission can work with the Communications Manager. Hilary Ego responded that communications related projects can be funneled through her. 6.4 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY EDUCATION AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Safety Education ad hoc Subcommittee expires May 2025 Ricky Williams stated the ad hoc subcommittee met and discussed ideas on how to engage all community members to participate in bicycle education. For example, focusing on family friendly, social, hidden gems/jewel of the hills, for a La Mesa Loop community ride. Amanda-Dawn Natalia asked how the ESC can promote to the City's events and resources. Hilary Ego responded that she will send email update and ask commissioners to share with their network. Barbara Shustek stated that there is the existing La Mesa Walks program, and brainstormed how to increase participation. Michael Bourton stated that it would be great to have a ride to discover all the parks in La Mesa. Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated that the City will be purchasing a new variable messaging sign (VMS) and to begin thinking of location ideas. Ricky Williams made a motion to extend this subcommittee 3 months to develop a community ride, routes, and branding. Motion: To extend the Alternative Transportation Infrastructure Ad Hoc Subcommittee with Commissioners Natalia, Nooristani, Williams for three months and expire in August Moved by Chair Williams Seconded by Commissioner Sellinger Vote: 6-0-1 Ayes: Bourton, Natalia, Nooristani Sellinger, Shustek, Williams 3 Page 6 of 8  Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: McFarlin Motion Approved 6.5 DISCUSSION OF THE CAP IMPLEMENTATION WORK PLAN AD HOC SUBCOMMITEE Climate Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Work Plan ad hoc Subcommittee expires May 2025 Amanda Dawn Natalia stated the ad hoc subcommittee met and brainstormed ideas for an implementation work plan, and settled on utilizing the existing framework. Also want to make sure the implementation work plan can be a tool that is useful for staff to reference. Mary Nooristani stated that they did look into a metric based framework, but settled on it being too energy intensive. Ricky Williams asked how the commission can assist with identify priorities. Hilary Ego stated the next steps is for the CAP Team to draft the plan and bring back to the commission for review. Ricky Williams made a motion to extend the subcommittee to July. Motion: To extend the CAP Implementation Work Plan Ad Hoc Subcommittee to July 2025 Moved by Chair Williams Seconded by Commissioner Shustek Vote: 6-0-1 Ayes: Bourton, Natalia, Nooristani Sellinger, Shustek, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: McFarlin Motion Approved 7. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS Hilary Ego stated updates for CAP projects and programs including: Bike Anywhere Day will be on Thursday, May 15 from 6:30-9:30 AM, Paper Shredding event on May 31, developing a tree education and giveaway program with Tree 4 Page 7 of 8  San Diego, E-Bike Voucher Program progress, EV Charging Station Master Plan progress, and Litter Free La Mesa next event on June 28. Jenn Lebron stated that San Diego Community Power is working on their budget and the initial budget hearing is May 22, then go for approval on June 19. Invited the commission to have an insight on Community Power's finances and provide a preview of programs that will be funded, such as the solar battery savings program. Mark Gracyk invited the Commission to the next water Talks event at the Treatment Plant on May 17. Michael Bourton thanked staff EDCO for coordinating the tour of the EDCO Lemon Grove facility. Jack Sellinger stated he enjoyed the tour and was impressed and surprised with the recycling statistics. Ricky Williams stated that in his professional role at the County of San Diego, the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Justice is hosting a series of 6 Community Climate Conversations over the next two months and invited the Commission to attend. One close to La Mesa is on June 14 from 10 AM to 2 PM held at the Urban Collaborative Project off the 94 freeway. Christina Potter stated that Helix Charter High School is developing a Sustainability Pathway for biology and chemistry classes with an environmental focus, and to expand it to social science classes in the future. 8. ADJOURNMENT Chair Ricky Williams adjourned the meeting at 7:27 PM. 5 Page 8 of 8