Environmental Sustainability Commission Special Meeting

LA MESA ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION AGENDA A Special Meeting Date: Monday, May 12, 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 2 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 (2 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 10  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 APRIL 21, 2025 REGULAR 4 MEETING 6.2 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Infrastructure ad hoc subcommittee expires in July 2025 6.3 DISCUSSION OF THE EQUITY FRAMEWORK AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Equity Framework ad hoc Subcommittee expires July 2025 6.4 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY EDUCATION AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Safety Education ad hoc Subcommittee expires May 2025 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 7. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS 8. ADJOURNMENT Page 3 of 10  La Mesa Environmental Sustainability Commission Minutes of a Regular Meeting Date: April 21, 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 Dasmine McFarlin Commissioner Mary Nooristani Commissioner Brianna Coston Commissioner Christina Potter Commissioner Mark Gracyk Staff: Environmental Manager Hilary Ego Environmental Analyst Serena Lee _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ricky Williams called the meeting to order at 6:03 PM. 1.1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA 3. PRESENTATION 3.1 CITY OF LA MESA WASTE REDUCTION PROGRAMS PRESENTATION City of La Mesa Solid Waste Reduction Programs Presentation presented by Serena Lee. The presentation included information about Senate Bill (SB) 1383, organics recycling, edible food recovery program, sustainable procurement, waste reduction at schools, environmentally preferable purchasing guide, and other programs including household hazardous waste, battery recycling, Litter Free La Mesa community cleanups, and Compost Awareness Week. 1 Page 4 of 10  Amanda-Dawn Natalia asked about additional locations for battery recycling. Serena Lee responded the State has introduced new legislation that would require battery sellers to have battery recycling on site. Mark Gracyk asked if EDCO charges for mulch and if there are waivers available for the sustainable procurement requirements. Serena Lee responded that EDCO does not charge and provides this service to the community and that the State has done a phased in approach for sustainable procurement limits. Mary Nooristani stated that BMP's (best management practices) for stormwater and if there are any locations in the City that could utilize the mulch as a BMP to prevent runoff and soil erosion, and that fire departments will also use mulch and compost to prevent fire spread and create buffers. Michael Bourton stated that the calculations for the sustainable procurement requirements of SB 1383 seem too high for the cities to meet. Brianna Coston stated that the La Mesa Spring Valley School District has challenges with food recovery due to the universal food requirements for kids, so they started a free food table for students to place the items they don't eat so it does not get thrown away. Additionally, some schools do not have a full service kitchen, making it difficult to meet food safety requirements. Serena stated that I Love A Clean San Diego has been working with the school nutritionist and staff to identify opportunities for food recovery. Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated that from the parent perspective, it has been great to see the recycling roll out. Michael Bourton stated that methane from landfills is 10x more potent in the landfill than spread out as mulch or compost. Serena responded that that is the intent of SB 1383 to address short lived climate pollutants, also known as methane. 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. 2 Page 5 of 10 5. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES 6. CURRENT BUSINESS 6.1 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 24, 2025 SPECIAL MEETING No edits for the February 24, 2025 Special Meeting Motion: To vote on approving the minutes from the April 21, 2025 Regular Meeting Moved by Chair Williams Seconded by Commissioner Bourton Vote: 5-0-2 Ayes: Bourton, McFarlin, Natalia, Nooristani, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Sellinger, Shustek Motion Approved 6.2 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE MARCH 17, 2025 REGULAR MEETING No edits for the March 17, 2025 Regular Meeting Motion: To vote on approving the minutes from the March 17, 2025 Regular Meeting Moved by Chair Williams Seconded by Commissioner McFarlin Vote: 5-0-2 Ayes: Bourton, McFarlin, Natalia, Nooristani, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Sellinger, Shustek Motion Approved 6.3 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Infrastructure ad hoc subcommittee expires in March 2025 Mary Nooristani stated that the subcommittee met and discussed creating a flow chart instead of a checklist for internal staff to utilize to keep the 3 Page 6 of 10  Climate Action Plan measures and actions in mind when developing and implementing transportation projects. Ricky Williams asked if the ESC can work with other commissions and inform each other's projects. Ricky Williams made a motion to extend the commission for 3 months with the goal to produce a recommendation of a flow chart. Motion: To extend the Alternative Transportation Infrastructure Ad Hoc Subcommittee with Commissioners Natalia, Nooristani, Williams for three months and expire in July 2025 with the purpose of recommending a CAP flow chart for internal projects Moved by Chair Williams Seconded by Vice Chair Natalia Vote: 5-0-2 Ayes: Bourton, McFarlin, Natalia, Nooristani, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Sellinger, Shustek Motion Approved 6.4 DISCUSSION OF THE EQUITY FRAMEWORK AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Equity Framework ad hoc subcommittee expires in April 2025 Dasmine McFarlin stated the ad hoc subcommittee met and discussed ideas on getting community feedback and finding out what is important to community members, and to keep in mind things like language barriers and visual aids. Also discussed was identifying funding for appliances, like solar powered fans. Hilary Ego stated that the ad hoc subcommittee also discussed creating some kind of internal checklist for staff to utilize when developing and implementing projects. Dasmine McFarlin made a motion to extend the Equity Framework ad hoc subcommittee for three months with the continued goal of gathering feedback and creating a framework for internal use. Commissioners also discussed how to engage with community members through consistent branding. 4 Page 7 of 10  Motion: To extend the Equity Framework ad hoc subcommittee for three months until July 2025 comprised of Commissioners McFarlin and Shustek with the goal of gathering community feedback and creating a framework for internal use Moved by Commissioner McFarlin Seconded by Commissioner Nooristani Vote: 5-0-2 Ayes: Bourton, McFarlin, Natalia, Nooristani, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Sellinger, Shustek Motion Approved 6.5 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY EDUCATION AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Safety Education ad hoc subcommittee expires in May 2025 Ricky Williams stated the ad hoc subcommittee met and discussed ideas on how to get information to drivers and improve awareness. Shared an idea of organizing community group rides that can be called "La Mesa Loops." Michael Bourton asked for an update on the La Mesa E-Bike Incentive Program. Hilary Ego responded that the program response was successful, with 650 applications when it closed on April 14. Applications were scored and applications with a score of 5-20 were given entries into a random drawing. 43 applicants were selected and are currently processing verification documents and preparing for the mandatory training. Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated that the ad hoc subcommittee discussed ideas for education on a variable message sign. 6.6 DISCUSSION OF THE CAP IMPLEMENTATION WORK PLAN AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Climate Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Work Plan ad hoc subcommittee expires in May 2025 Hilary Ego stated that the subcommittee did not meet due to a planning oversite. 5 Page 8 of 10  6.7 DISCUSSION OF THE MAY ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Hilary Ego stated that City staff are not available on the May 19 Regular Meeting and recommended canceling the meeting and scheduling a special meeting. Commissioners recommended May 12 since May 26 is a holiday. Dasmine McFarlin stated she has college final exams that week so she may not attend. Ricky Williams made a motion to cancel the May 19, 2025 Regular Meeting and schedule a special meeting on May 12, 2025 Motion: To vote on cancelling the May 19, 2025 Regular Meeting and schedule a Special Meeting on May 12, 2025 Moved by Chair Williams Seconded by Vice Chair Natalia Vote: 5-0-2 Ayes: Bourton, McFarlin, Natalia, Nooristani, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Sellinger, Shustek Motion Approved 7. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS Hilary Ego and Serena Lee stated updates about City projects including La Mesa Earth Day on April 19 was a success and thanked the commissioners who attended, progress on the EV Charging Station Master Plan and the 2024 Annual Report, Bike Anywhere Day on May 15, CivicSpark and College Corps Fellow updates, reminder of the April 24 Special Meeting to meet at the EDCO Transfer Station in Lemon Grove for a facility tour, CAP Team members attended the Citizens Water Academy, and the EDCO Rate Review is beginning with new rates proposed for FY26-27. Michael Bourton stated there is a new incentive for a bi-directional EV charger and he sent the information to Hilary to send to the commission. Ricky Williams stated that he enjoyed the presentation at the beginning of the meeting about the City's solid waste and recycling programs and recommended future presentations about staff projects and programs. 6 Page 9 of 10 8. ADJOURNMENT Chair Ricky Williams adjourned the meeting at 7:41 PM. 7 Page 10 of 10