Environmental Sustainability Commission

LA MESA ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION AGENDA A Regular Meeting Date: Monday, August 18, 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 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.gov 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 be 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 Human Resources Department 48 business hours prior to the meeting at 619.667.1175, fax 619.667.1163, or BCruz-Rivera@cityoflamesa.gov. 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 14  Pages 1. CALL TO ORDER 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 6.1 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE JUNE 16, 2025 REGULAR 4 MEETING 6.2 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE JULY 21, 2025 REGULAR 9 MEETING 6.3 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Infrastructure ad hoc subcommittee expires September 2025 6.4 DISCUSSION OF THE EQUITY FRAMEWORK AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Equity Framework ad hoc subcommittee expires September 2025 6.5 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY EDUCATION AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Safety Education ad hoc Subcommittee expires August 2025 6.6 DISCUSSION OF THE CAP IMPLEMENTATION WORK PLAN AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Climate Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Work Plan ad hoc subcommittee expires August 2025 6.7 DISCUSSION OF THE CREATION OF NEW AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEES 7. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS 8. ADJOURNMENT Page 3 of 14  La Mesa Environmental Sustainability Commission Minutes of a Regular Meeting Date: June 16, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Location: City Manager's Conference Room, 8130 Allison Avenue La Mesa, California Present: Vice Chair Amanda-Dawn Natalia Commissioner Michael Bourton Commissioner Dasmine McFarlin Commissioner Jack Sellinger Commissioner Barbara Shustek Commissioner Brianna Coston Staff: Environmental Sustainability Manager, Hilary Ego Environmental Program Coordinator, Serena Lee _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER Vice-Chair Amanda-Dawn Natalia called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM. 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 Daira Lima introduced herself as one of the City's 2024-2025 College Corps Fellows, working with Serena on Climate Action Plan (CAP) projects. Lainey Bloom introduced herself as one of the City's 2024-2025 CivicSpark Fellows and presented on her service term with the City of La Mesa from September 2024-June 2025. The presentation included background information about Lainey, takeaways and next step starting graduate school at UC San Diego, Green Business Network expansion, 1 Page 4 of 14  community engagement and outreach, youth engagement, social media design, other CAP project highlights, professional development, and thank you's to City staff and community partners. Logan Kelly introduced himself as one of the City's 2024-2025 CivicSpark Fellows and presented on his service term with the City of La Mesa from September 2024-June 2025. The presentation included background information about Logan, takeaways and next step of applying for full time jobs, developing and launching the E-Bike Incentive Program, transportation demand management projects, outreach at community events, employee commute program, other CAP projects, and thank you's to City staff and community partners. Commissioners expressed gratitude to the Fellows for their hard work this year. Michael Bourton asked what the CivicSpark Fellows' main takeaways in which Lainey responded it was the community tablings and Logan responded learning more about sustainability topics and finding a niche in transportation. Michael followed up and asked what advice do they have for the next Fellows, in which they responded to keep an open mind and don't be afraid. Jack Sellinger asked if there will be new Fellows next year. Hilary Ego responded that they are currently going through the process with the CivicSpark Americorps program to review candidates for the next service term. 3.2 2024 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ANNUAL REPORT PRESENTATION Hilary Ego, Serena Lee, Lainey Bloom, and Logan Kelly presented the 2024 Climate Action Plan Annual Report presentation which included information about the Climate Action Plan background, Climate Emergency Resolution Actions, CAP Update process and adoption, Greenhouse Gas Emissions in La Mesa, CAP Team, CAP Community Events from Jan-June 2025, Youth Outreach, City Staff Engagement, 2024 CAP Annual Report overview, 2024 Energy Highlights, 2024 Transportation Highlights, 2024 Solid Waste Highlights, 2024 Green Infrastructure Highlights, 2024 Water Highlights, and 2024 Community Engagement Highlights. Commissioners expressed interested interest in seeing the data, and recommended edits to the energy slide and presentation tips for the presentation to City Council in the near future. 2 Page 5 of 14  Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated that on the water highlights, the 91.9 GPCD seems high for La Mesa. 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. No public comment. 5. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES 6. CURRENT BUSINESS 6.1 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE MAY 12, 2025 SPECIAL MEETING Motion: To vote on approving the minutes from the May 12, 2025 Special Meeting Moved by Commissioner Bourton Seconded by Commissioner Sellinger Vote: 5-0-2 Ayes: Bourton, McFarlin, Natalia, Sellinger, Shustek Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Nooristani, Williams Motion Approved 6.2 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated the ad hoc subcommittee met and discussed an outline of what the flow chart could include, such as the type of City infrastructure projects, audience, and goals. The goals could be focused on adding more bike lines and adding/improving sidewalks. Brianna Coston stated that it the City has requirement for sidewalks as part of a resident/business development scope, however adding additional requirements would impact projects. 3 Page 6 of 14  Hilary Ego stated at there are two things steps concurrently by looking at the City's existing process and also establish new construction and renovation requirements for the right of way and reference plans/policy for private development. Michael Bourton stated to look at City budgets and consider providing guidance to the City's Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy. 6.3 DISCUSSION OF THE EQUITY FRAMEWORK AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Dasmine McFarlin stated the ad hoc subcommittee met and discussed a draft memo that Lainey Bloom authored with resources and recommendation for continued research, and also beginning to draft a checklist that would be used internally by City staff. Brianna Coston stated that the City does a great job of bringing the public along the entire process of a plan's development, which is a good strategy that CAP related plans practice and for other departments to replicate. 6.4 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY EDUCATION AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Amanda-Dawn Natalia and Michael Bourton stated that the ad hoc subcommittee met and discussed ideas for community rides that Logan Kelly recommended. The rides would start small, avoid hills, and could be called La Mesa Loops. They would also include going to parks, historical parks, destination rides, and not go on main roads that have a speed limit of 45 mph. Brianna Coston stated that the busy roads have bike lanes and to also partner with the La Mesa Police Department to ensure safety. Amanda-Dawn Natalia asked how the routes were selected. Logan responded that he looked at GIS and Google maps for City parks, elevation and incorporated his experiences as a bicycle rider throughout La Mesa. Amanda-Dawn Natalia also asked about riding to school and coordinating neighborhood rides. Brianna Coston responded to consider teaming up with the La Mesa Spring Valley School District but to keep in mind safety and ensuring there are resources in place to keep everyone safe. Brianna Coston and Amanda-Dawn Natalia expressed interest in Vision Zero and Safe Routes to School programs, and would be interested in continuing to work on these next. 4 Page 7 of 14  6.5 DISCUSSION OF THE CAP IMPLEMENTATION WORK PLAN AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Hilary Ego stated that the CAP team continues to work on a draft document and work with the ad hoc subcommittee. 7. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS Hilary Ego provided an update on City projects including: municipal energy projects, E-Bike Incentive Program and news article from Western Cities titled "La Mesa doing a lot with a little on climate change," developing a tree education and giveaway series with Tree San Diego that will launch in the Fall, CivicSpark Fellows will complete their Fellowship in July and this meeting is their last meeting, extreme heat planning grant will begin with San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative, developing education series for La Mesa about extreme heat, Helix Water District is the most recent certified green business, and the 2024 CAP Annual Report will be presented to Council at the July 22, 2025 City Council event. Serena Lee gave an update on City projects including: a staff engagement luncheon in which staff were encouraged to bring their own reusables, tabling at the La Mesa Farmer's Market with GRID Alternatives on May 30, Paper Shredding event on May 31 with 283 participants and the next event is in October, Lainey and Logan tabled at the Adult Enrichment Center on June 5, next Litter Free La Mesa Community Cleanup is June 28, there is a City Cycling event on July 12, compost pile available for free outside La Mesa Public Works Operations Yard, Solana Center working with large food generator on recovering edible food before it goes to the landfill and a success story of Vons doubling their food donations, continue to work on the EV Charging Station Master Plan and reopened the community survey to target apartment residents and sending a separate survey to businesses and multi-family owners/managers. Brianna Coston stated that the electric EDCO mini-truck at the Flag Day Parade was adorable. Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated that she will not be at the July 21 Commission meeting. 8. ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Amanda-Dawn Natalia adjourned the meeting at 7:53 PM. 5 Page 8 of 14  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 Page 9 of 14 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 Page 10 of 14  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 Page 11 of 14  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 Page 12 of 14  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 Page 13 of 14  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 Page 14 of 14