Environmental Sustainability Commission

La Mesa Environmental Sustainability Commission Minutes of a Regular Meeting Date: July 21, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Location: City Manager's Conference Room, 8130 Allison Avenue La Mesa, California Present: Chair Richard Williams Commissioner Michael Bourton Commissioner Dasmine McFarlin Commissioner Mary Nooristani Commissioner Jack Sellinger Commissioner Brianna Coston Commissioner Mark Gracyk Commissioner Christina Potter Staff: Environmental Sustainability Manager Hilary Ego Environmental Program Coordinator Serena Lee _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ricky Williams called the meeting to order at 6:04 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 1 6. CURRENT BUSINESS 6.1 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Infrastructure ad hoc subcommittee expires in July 2025 Mary Nooristani stated the ad hoc subcommittee met and reviewed a draft one pager that would be used for City staff to ensure they reference the Climate Action Plan (CAP) when developing and implementing projects. Mary shared the draft one-pager on the screen and requested feedback and discussion from the commissioners. Mark Gracyk asked how City staff can request help and also how well do City staff know the CAP? Ricky Williams stated to link the CAP and other City resources and plans. Brianna Coston stated that this is similar to the City of San Diego's stormwater checklist. Ricky Williams asked how to ensure that staff are using the one-pager and filling it out. Dasmine McFarlin responded with the idea of having it on an online form. Commissioners recommended edits to condense the examples as some are repetitive, reduce text, add icons, and reference other City plans and resources. Ricky Williams recommended extending the ad hoc subcommittee two more months to September 2025. Motion: To extend the Alternative Transportation Infrastructure Ad Hoc Subcommittee for two months until September 2025 comprised of Commissioners Natalia, Nooristani, and Williams with the purpose of completing the internal guide. Moved by Chair Williams Seconded by Commissioner McFarlin Vote: 5-0-2 Ayes: Bourton, McFarlin, Nooristani, Shustek, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Natalia, Sellinger 2  Motion Approved 6.2 DISCUSSION OF THE EQUITY FRAMEWORK AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Equity Framework ad hoc subcommittee expires in July 2025 Dasmine McFarlin stated the ad hoc subcommittee met and discussed edits for a draft one-pager that Lainey had drafted for City staff to use when developing and implementing projects. Hilary Ego stated that the next ad hoc subcommittee meeting will be a working meeting to make the edits and hope to present a draft to the Commission soon. Dasmine McFarlin recommended the ad hoc subcommittee be extended two more months until September 2025. Motion: To extend the Climate Action Plan Update and Equity Ad Hoc Subcommittee comprised of Commissioners McFarlin and Shustek for two more months until September 2025 with the purpose of finalizing a one pager for internal use. Moved by Commissioner McFarlin Seconded by Commissioner Shustek Vote: 6-0-1 Ayes: Bourton, McFarlin, Nooristani, Sellinger, Shustek, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Natalia Motion Approved 6.3 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY EDUCATION AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Safety Education ad hoc subcommittee expires in August 2025 Michael Bourton stated the ad hoc subcommittee met and discussed ideas on how to educate drivers and cyclists. This includes ides like defensive driving, bikers ed, drivers ed, and collaborate with the La Mesa Police Department. Hilary Ego and Serena Lee stated an update about the E-Bike Incentive Program, in which nearly all the vouchers have been distributed and a 3  survey was given to receive feedback on the participant's use and experience. There has been a positive response of participants replace vehicle trips with their e-bike. Barbara Shustek asked about providing education at schools. Brianna Coston responded that the La Mesa Spring Valley School District is exploring options especially since the Safe Routes to Schools programs would historically education the parents to get their buy in for biking to school. Ricky Williams stated it would be good to education drivers, and to educated everyone, not just bicyclists. Brianna Coston and Ricky Williams stated that this aligns with Vision Zero goals, and to also explore bike and walk buses so that drivers can see that other people are biking and walking together. Ricky Williams recommended a name for these activities: "Wednesday Wheels." Michael Bourton reiterated the importance of educating drivers beyond what they learn when first learning how to drive. Jack Sellinger stated that driver education is important and consider renaming a class from a safety class to, "How to Not Get a Ticket" class. Ricky Williams stated it would be beneficial for the Commission to revisit back to school bicycle and driver education at the end of each school year to prepare for the beginning of the next school year. 6.4 DISCUSSION OF THE CAP IMPLEMENTATION WORK PLAN AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Climate Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Work Plan ad hoc subcommittee expires in August 2025 Hilary Ego stated that the ad hoc subcommittee was tasked with identifying grant funding opportunities that align with CAP measures by using the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative Grant Tracking Tool. Brianna Coston asked if there have been impacts on federal grant funding changes. Hilary Ego responded that there have been some impacts. Serena Lee stated that we are also waiting to see how funding will be distributed with funds approved through Proposition. Ricky Williams stated there are grants available through TECH Clean California for heat pump water heaters and HVAC. 4  6.5 DISCUSSION OF THE CREATION OF NEW AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEES Ricky Williams stated that this is an opportunity to create ad hoc subcommittees for new projects. Michael Bourton asked for an update on the City Council's single use plastics working group. Hilary Ego responded that they are taking an education first approach versus policy, and will communicate the Commission's interest and support. Mary Nooristani stated it would be great for the City to establish telework opportunities for City employees. Hilary Ego responded that Logan Kelly (CivicSpark Fellow) drafted an employee commute program memo that included recommendations to reduce employee vehicle miles traveled, and telework was included as a recommendation. Barbara Shustek stated she is surprised by the City's gallons per capita per day listed in the CAP Annual Report of 91 GPCD. Mark Gracyk responded that the region has had a historic low and will look into La Mesa's data. Jack Sellinger stated he is interested in addressing water waste in City managed landscaped areas and also to focus on recommending native plants. Serena Lee responded that the City has researched native plants and is monitoring the work the County is doing with native tribes. The Commissioners did not establish any new ad hoc subcommittees. 7. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS Hilary Ego stated updates on CAP projects including: 2024 CAP Annual Report and presentation to City Council on July 22, 2025 and CivicSpark Fellows are complete with their service term and are currently recruiting the next fellows to start in October. Serena Lee stated updates on CAP projects including: Biking Back to School webinar on August 5, 2025 at 12:00 noon in partnership with the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, All About Composting event with Solana Center and La Mesa Park and Recreation Foundation on July 26 from 10-12, attended the California Climate Energy Collaborative Forum in San Jose and learned that California now has more shared public EV charging than gasoline nozzles, surveys were mailed and emailed to multi-family and commercial property owners for the EV Charging Station Master Plan, and City of La Mesa CAP 5  featured in a nice article in Western City: The Monthly Magazine of the League of California Cities. Mark Gracyk stated that the Helix Water District office was recently recognized as a certified La Mesa Green Business and thanked members of the CAP team for presenting an award plaque at their Board of Directors Meeting. Brianna Coston stated that this meeting or next month's meeting will be her last as a member of the Environmental Sustainability Commission. She currently serves on three City boards and commissions, and has found a replacement for her to serve on behalf of the La Mesa Spring Valley School District. Mary Nooristani stated she is completing her Masters in Environmental Management and Policy. Ricky Williams stated that while on recent travels in Ireland, accessibility was something that stood out, as anybody has the ability to use anything and that road designs make you aware of good driving behavior. Additionally, at the County of San Diego, they are working on a resident leadership academy with local high schools, including Grossmont High School. Jack Sellinger stated the the County offers rebates for replacing grass and requires plants that will act as stormwater retention and collection. 8. ADJOURNMENT Chair Ricky Williams adjourned the meeting at 7:43 PM. 6