Environmental Sustainability Commission

LA MESA ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION AGENDA A Regular Meeting Date: Monday, September 15, 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 9  Pages 1. CALL TO ORDER 1.1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA 3. PRESENTATION 3.1 COLLEGE CORPS FELLOW 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 AUGUST 18, 2025 4 REGULAR MEETING 6.2 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Infrastructure ad hoc subcommittee expires in September 2025 6.3 DISCUSSION OF THE EQUITY FRAMEWORK AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Equity Framework ad hoc subcommittee expires September 2025 6.4 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY EDUCATION AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Safety Education ad hoc subcommittee expires in November 2025 6.5 DISCUSSION OF THE CAP IMPLEMENTATION WORK PLAN AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Climate Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Work Plan ad hoc subcommittee expires in November 2025 6.6 DISCUSSION OF THE CREATION OF NEW AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEES 6.7 DISCUSSION OF THE SELECTION OF THE CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION Appoint the Chair and Vice-Chair at the October Regular Meeting 7. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS 8. ADJOURNMENT Page 3 of 9  La Mesa Environmental Sustainability Commission Minutes of a Regular Meeting Date: August 18, 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 Advisory Members: Commissioner Brianna Coston Commissioner Mark Gracyk Commissioner Christina Potter 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 6:04 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 6. CURRENT BUSINESS 1 Page 4 of 9 6.1 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE JUNE 16, 2025 REGULAR MEETING Motion: To vote on approving the minutes from the June 16, 2025 Regular Meeting. Moved by Commissioner McFarlin Seconded by Vice Chair Natalia Vote: 4-0-3 Ayes: Bourton, McFarlin, Natalia, Sellinger Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Nooristani, Shustek, Williams Motion Approved 6.2 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE JULY 21, 2025 REGULAR MEETING Motion: To vote on approving the minutes from the July 21, 2025 Regular Meeting Moved by Commissioner Bourton Seconded by Commissioner Sellinger Vote: 4-0-3 Ayes: Bourton, McFarlin, Natalia, Sellinger Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Nooristani, Shustek, Williams Motion Approved 6.3 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Infrastructure ad hoc subcommittee expires September 2025 Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated the ad hoc subcommittee met and discussed edits to the one-page resource document that would be used by City staff when planning Public Works projects as a reminder to review the Climate Action Plan (CAP) and other City plans. Brianna Coston stated that in the last meeting it was also discussed that a resource page on the City's website for internal and public use would be helpful to list all current City plans. Hilary Ego responded that City staff are working on this. 2 Page 5 of 9  Jack Sellinger asked how the document will be used. Hilary Ego responded that its intended purpose is for City staff to have it near their desks so they can review it and keep in mind the Climate Action Plan when planning projects. 6.4 DISCUSSION OF THE EQUITY FRAMEWORK AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Equity Framework ad hoc subcommittee expires September 2025 Dasmine McFarlin stated the ad hoc subcommittee met twice to have a working meeting and work on the one page climate equity guide. Hilary Ego shared the draft with the Commission and requested feedback and edits. Brianna Coston stated that the list of in-person locations to host outreach events is centered around the Downtown Village, and to focus on all areas of La Mesa. Michael Bourton stated it would be good to also include providing outreach at transit stops, schools, and parks. He also asked who the intended audience for the guide is. Hilary Ego responded that this will be used by City staff. Brianna Coston stated it would also be a good resource for planners and the public. Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated it would be good to tie in the Climate Action Plan into the guide more than just in one section discussing the co- benefits. Serena Lee asked how the providing resources in multiple languages can be done. Amanda-Dawn Natalia asked if the City has a vendor or City staff to translate materials. Hilary Ego responded that the City currently does not have a process or vendor in place to translate materials. 6.5 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY EDUCATION AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Safety Education ad hoc Subcommittee expires August 2025 Amanda-Dawn Natalia and Michael Bourton stated that the ad hoc subcommittee met and discussed ideas for school education and get more community members to participate in events hosted by the City. 3 Page 6 of 9  Christina Potter asked if the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition could be brought to the schools so they have a direct audience. Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated it's helpful to see the events as a series list so people can plan their schedules and calendars. Michael Bourton recommended extending the ad hoc subcommittee for three months and adjusting the purpose to focus on driver education to reduce vehicle miles traveled and safety. Motion: To extend the Alternative Transportation Education Ad Hoc Subcommittee until November 2025 with the purpose of creating driver education to reduce vehicle miles traveled and improve safety. Moved by Commissioner Bourton Seconded by Vice Chair Natalia Vote: 4-0-3 Ayes: Bourton, McFarlin, Natalia, Sellinger Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Nooristani, Shustek, Williams Motion Approved 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 Hilary Ego stated that staff continue to work on the draft Climate Action Plan Implementation Work Plan and recommended extending the ad hoc subcommittee for three more months. Motion: To extend the Climate Action Plan Implementation Ad Hoc Subcommittee until November 2025. Moved by Commissioner Bourton Seconded by Vice Chair Natalia Vote: 4-0-3 Ayes: Bourton, McFarlin, Natalia, Sellinger Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Nooristani, Shustek, Williams Motion Approved 4 Page 7 of 9  6.7 DISCUSSION OF THE CREATION OF NEW AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEES Hilary Ego stated that at the October meeting, the Commission create an ad hoc subcommittee to begin drafting the 2026 Work Plan. Michael Bourton asked if there are projects that City staff need help with. Serena Lee responded that assistance is needed to support sustainable procurement and paper products and possibly update the City's Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy (EPPP). Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated her interest in the trees program. Michael Bourton responded that SDG&E used to have a program to replace trees that were removed and wanted to know if there are any updates on the program. Hilary Ego stated she would send a follow up email with the flyers for the Tree Giveaway and Education Series and the EPPP. 7. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS Hilary Ego stated updates on CAP projects including: Extreme Heat grant project and that the CivicSpark Fellows have completed their service term and are currently recruiting the 2025-2026 Fellows. Serena Lee stated updates on CAP projects including: Clothing Swap event with I Love A Clean San Diego on September 6 at the Library, community compost pile is still available outside Public Works Yard, Bike Skills Drills with the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition on September 13 in City Hall parking lot, Litter Free La Mesa community cleanup along Riviera Drive on September 13, new agreement signed for another year working on the Green Business Network, College Corps Fellows will begin next month, and a gleaning nonprofit, Produce Good, is available to start gleaning produce from your or your neighbor's yards and donate it to food banks. Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated she recently tour the East County Alternative Water Project at Padre Dam and thanks Mark Gracyk for the opportunity to learn about the regional project. She also shared that October is when the Chair and Vice- Chair are selected, so the commission will begin discussing the roles at the next meeting and vote to select at the October meeting. Mark Gracyk stated that the Alternative Water Project will help prepare San Diego to be resilient and offered to share a presentation at a future meeting. He also stated that the electric vehicle project at their El Cajon operations office is near completion and invites the Commission to a grand opening. 5 Page 8 of 9  Brianna Coston stated that she will be continuing her role on the Environmental Sustainability Commission, repealing what she stated at the July meeting that a new representative from the La Mesa Spring Valley School District would replace her. Commissioners expressed gratitude and excitement. Michael Bourton stated he was re-appointed by the Mayor in July to continue his service on the Environmental Sustainability Commission. Commissioners expressed gratitude and excitement. He also stated he will not be attending the September meeting. 8. ADJOURNMENT Vice-Chair Amanda-Dawn Natalia adjourned the meeting at 7:18 PM. 6 Page 9 of 9