2026-10-19 - City Council

# transcript-source: Granicus closed captions (captions.vtt, auto-generated); clip 9514

00:04:47you All right.

00:08:31Good morning. I will now call the City Council meeting of Monday OCTOBER 19th, 2026 to order Deputy Clerk please call the roll. Council member Campbell Councilmember Whitburn Council Member Foster Council Member

00:08:48Von Wilpert Present PRESIDENT Pro Tem Lee Campos Council Member Campos Council Member Moreno Present Council member Eli Rivera and Council PRESIDENT LaCava present also attending the meeting are City

00:09:07Attorney Heather Ferber, independent budget analyst Charles Motyka and myself your deputy city Clerk Kevin Smith. >> All right, thank you Deputy City Clerk We will be a quorum is now present.

00:09:19We will begin this morning with an invocation by Deputy Clerk Smith followed with an acknowledgment and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council PRESIDENT Pro Tem Lee Grant Those that hold the office that hold office in the city,

00:09:36the spirit of wisdom, charity and justice with steadfast purpose They MAY faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people We respectfully acknowledge that the communication or the original inhabitants of the Unceded land now known as Diego Despite enduring

00:09:54the horrors of genocide and colonization, the community spirit remains unbroken. We honor the resilience of their ancestors who fought to protect their culture and land today to carry their legacy forward, ensuring that their traditions continue to thrive and gratitude and strength We stand with our nation connected to our past and committed to a thriving future.

00:10:13>> It will join me in facing the flag. Ready Begin.

00:10:30>> Deputy Clerk Please go over how the public can offer their testimony.

00:10:40I would like to highlight the slide on the screen. The order can be found in the agenda summary or at the table in the back room In the back of the room. If you are in person please complete the speaker slip located at the entrance of chambers and bring it to the front of the room.

00:10:52No further in-person testimony will be taken once the council begins Virtual testimony for better meeting management purposes Each speaker will have one minute per item per person and up to a maximum of three minutes if there are three or more items.

00:11:05>> All right Deputy Clerk please read the closed session items into the record. Conference with Legal counsel Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to California Government Code Section 5495 6.92 c has one

00:11:27relit claim for six four Prospect Loya hoa seeks to prove that claims in the oil, gas and electric Conference are legal counsel initiation of litigation amicus curiae participation pursuant to California Government Code Section 5495 6.90 4c3 copper to

00:11:47their montes at all versus County Illinois at all Conference of Legal Counsel Existing litigation pursuant to California Government Code Section 5495 6.91 See us for Meghan Whitney Houston versus City of San Diego at six five Roger Hubbard versus City of San Diego csx.

00:12:05JANUARY 22nd 2024 Flooding Litigation.

00:12:16All right. With that as a reminder, when you're speaking to an item you have to speak to the item that is actually docketed. Knowledge in a public comment is the opportunity to speak on more freely on things within the city of San Diego.

00:12:29So with that Deputy Clerk please proceed with public comment. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT We do have one speaker in chambers. We will begin with in-person public comment.

00:12:41Amy we do not party. Please come forward. All of you.

00:12:53Can you state which items on the closing I'm here for non agenda non agenda on Monday this was taken at the end of the afternoon session. Okay then I'll read the agenda. I don't know what's on the agenda but I really wanted to say it's employee month right I want to sorry we're going to have to cut you off.

00:13:09Okay? I just want to say thank you to all of you for what you're doing and starting to do and continuing to do. I know you hear what people are saying and I just really appreciate all of you and I'll come back for another comment.

00:13:21I just don't want to be the one that comes in and yells at you because I think you're doing a great job. All of you. All right. Thank you. No worries. Very good.

00:13:31Thank you. That concludes in-person public comment. We will move on to virtual public comment. >> I've started the five minute timer on council chambers and we will now turn to the virtual queue in which there are currently two speakers

00:13:47requesting to speak. We will begin with color with the last four digits 8700 Please state which post action item or items you wish to speak to.

00:14:07>> I'll be it. Can you hear me? Yes we can hear you okay If it asks me twice. Okay Julie as a matter of six please.

00:14:18>> Okay You will have three minutes. Please begin for us one. Property damage allegedly caused by flooding on eight 2124.

00:14:29For me all of this is completely dry. I like what Google says about tree mitigation. Think of it as the fundamental opportunity to settle a disagreement before entering a courtroom.

00:14:48Be as true if the evidence is clear that the city object without fault. Then since this involves sd and e also know the simpler the costs and implication as soon as possible and try to put

00:15:07won't be evasion of this kind. The best theory of this two week period. Yes joining and be a friend of the court and offering an excellent San Diego on the catch brief.

00:15:24A big thank you for also being a friend of human rights and safety bills for allegedly alleged tripping fall on the sidewalk.

00:15:39Dear Public zero zero which is a beautiful plan for safety and so forth. Ask us as a public to also participate in our own safety and the safety for all others.

00:15:52It's systemic. Thank you so very much. The inside alleged bicycle accident. I think I told you this before I rode my bike all over San Diego for about five years.

00:16:09I went to all kinds of meetings, not just city council. Believe me, I haven't changed on this even though I don't ride a bike anymore. The roads are extremely dangerous.

00:16:21As I just said on the other pedestrian side I think your public hero asked us all to participate in our safety and to be participating in helping others to be safe.

00:16:34And that's really important. And then the last one for us six. JANUARY 22nd, 2024 Flooding litigation.

00:16:46It's been seven cases. This was a natural disaster. We cannot be stopped if you fail to prevent and stop some of the damages that occurred.

00:16:59So on the evidence that's the letter of the law and show the people that we care about them. That's the spirit of the law.

00:17:12Thank you for listening And it's going to be a great day and a great week. It's an important week and love to all. Thank you. The original drive Please state which closed session items are items you wish to speak to all of them.

00:17:27>> Okay. You have three minutes. Please proceed. All right. I was thinking you guys were going to protest again not come in for closed session and next time you're playing musical chairs if you could put some circus music on, that would be great.

00:17:40So for this one you should settle before you go into litigation because this is regarding damage caused by the flooding that you guys didn't you know, haven't kept up with the infrastructure for, you know, nearly 50 years.

00:17:58So anything that comes down the pike from damages because of that your negligence needs to be cured and corrected and settled in making people whole again because they would have been if you guys would have kept up with everything And we're still in a place where we're not upset with it and you know, potential storms are

00:18:16coming and so there's going to be more litigation And then for the sdg anyone it's like I feel like we could just call this even at this point with the way that they overcharged the people.

00:18:28I mean they're literally robbing people blind and then they're going to come after the city for, you know, the crews, you know, causing damage or whatever from excavating.

00:18:40And I mean again at this point they should just take what they've robbed from the people and settle with that. And this one is interesting The Cook County ordinance which is absolutely illegal it's against the Second Amendment which shall not be infringed upon And you guys continue to

00:18:58infringe upon her rights acting like you're the arbiters of our rights and that you can you know, you can give them at any moment in time and you actually can't And we should be able to have any kind of weapon like an ar 15 because I guarantee you if I had one of those I

00:19:16wouldn't have been beat up by a sheriff. But we have the lawless people and that's why we should be able to protect ourselves, not have people who are you know, the ones carrying the guns that are abusing the people that just and murdering I mean we should be able to And so when you are going to get into this,

00:19:34you're going to be violating every one of our constitutional rights which is a deprivation It's a federal offense and it's treason. So it's like you know, but let's keep pretending that those things aren't so And then with this sidewalk trip and fall it's like obviously we're

00:19:53not fixing the issues because we're going to continue to have this litigation come down time and time again every day, every Monday there's going to be some trip and fall and it's going to continue because you just go out and look at the street and you can tell that none of them are being taken care of And with the bikes accidents as well And then with the flooding

00:20:12it's like you guys need to make that right again with this one and you shouldn't be going into litigation against some of the victims of the flood like you are. I think that's absolutely ridiculous when it's your fault and these storms aren't natural they're actually man created It's whether weaponize whether

00:20:30and it's geoengineering And so until you see that you're going to continue to have to mitigate this kind of stuff. Thank you. That does conclude your time. Please note that the five minute timer did conclude with one speaker left in the queue.

00:20:43No other speakers will be taken. Blair Please state which closed session item or items you wish to speak to I Blair Beekman I wanted to speak to items 6 to 6

00:21:00three and six six. >> Okay, three minutes Please proceed. Thank you. I'll try to move quickly with item c has to this property damage from o o o c Jeannie

00:21:23excavation caused by city crews property damage a erodes. Does this have anything to do with undergrounding issues? It MAY not actually it was on to a c g any property but I wanted to comment that it's important to be considering

00:21:41undergrounding issues and the importance of new neighborhood committees that can help facilitate how undergrounding can work within a community Having a public process spoken here just recently a public process can be a really interesting point

00:21:59and have a good future for the future of undergrounding. Good luck on those efforts with item.

00:22:10What's my next one I wanted to work on c three Cupertino, Vermont Cook County San Diego The city is going to help participate in the amicus curiae in support of Cook County for to address the manufacture selling and

00:22:26display sales give land transfer ownership of acquire carry or possess assault weapons and large capacity magazines such as our good teams. Thank you for your efforts in doing this.

00:22:38I think this is an important measure We did both San Diego and the Bay Area Superior did really good important work on banning handmade guns You know, custom made you know like people are getting spare parts to make guns from all over the country in the world.

00:22:56We put a good stop on that and maybe that can be some of the same applications to this item. I just thought I would mention it and good luck what you can do Really good intentions.

00:23:09Thank you. And for the six flooding litigation I thank you to the words of Joy Sonata I'm in the same place as her. You know there is a certain responsibility city government has with these issues that I hope they can respect in working out these litigation issues.

00:23:25Perhaps the public can be a little softer if there's a way to do that and a good negotiating the negotiations can be had. It's important the city government owns the ideas are responsible and takes a soft approach to address these litigation issues of how you work together to solve these

00:23:43allegations. >> You Thank you. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT This concludes closed session public comment. All right. Thank you.

00:23:51We will now recess and close session and reconvene council today at 2 P.M. Or shortly thereafter We'll

00:29:49be at

00:34:36three oh ready?

00:34:45>> All right. Good afternoon. I will now reconvene the city council meeting on Monday, OCTOBER 19th, 2026. Clerk Please call the roll. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT Council Member Campbell Yea Council Member Whitburn Council Member

00:35:01Buster here Council Member Von Wilbur Present Council President Pro Tem Lee here Council Member Campion here Council Member Moreno Council member Eli Rivera and Council PRESIDENT LaCava present.

00:35:20Also attending the meeting are Assistant City Attorney and Michelle Garland independent budget analyst Charles Monica Council Affairs Advisor in the Mayor's office Code advisor and myself your city Clerk Diana Fuentes Thank you.

00:35:30>> Council PRESIDENT Thank you City Clerk So to kick things off are there any comments from the mayor's office, City council member, city attorney, independent budget analyst or city clerk Not seeing any clerk Please go over how the public

00:35:45can offer their testimony. >> Thank you. Council PRESIDENT I would like to highlight the slide on the screen. The order can be found on the agenda summary online or at the table in the back of the room If I'm going to rub you because I can't read the script.

00:36:00>> Council member Von Wolpert Would you like to make your statement? Thank you very much. Council PRESIDENT I'm notifying the council though attending the meeting today remotely due to medical accommodations and pursuant to the Brown Act there is no one over the age of 18 or older Present the room with me Should this disclosure or

00:36:17should this change during the updates? Sorry Should this change during the course course of the meeting I will update this disclosure. Thank you. Sorry that took me so long to get out.

00:36:27>> That's right. Again confirming that a quorum is present. So now city Clerk when you go over how the public can offer their testimony. >> Thank you. Council PRESIDENT I would like to highlight the slide on the screen.

00:36:37The order can be found on the agenda summary online or at the table in the back of the room. If you are in person please complete the speaker slip located at the entrance of chambers and bring it to the front of the room where the blue arrow points in the clear box.

00:36:50Council ambassadors are available near the entrance and can assist with questions and speaker slips no further in-person testimony will be taken once the council begins Virtual Testimony Thank you Council PRESIDENT All right.

00:37:00>> Thank you City Clerk And as a friendly reminder non agenda public comment is the opportunity for you to speak on any issue within the city's purview. When you speak to a docketed item please focus your comments on the subject matter in that docket item.

00:37:13So with that clerk please introduce item s400. >> Thank you. Council PRESIDENT Item s 400 is confirming the appointment of Bethany Besa to the position of City Manager as Chief Operating Officer Working title for the City of San Diego Public

00:37:29Come and time for this item will be one minute per person. If you're here in chambers please submit a speaker slip If you are participating remotely now's the time to raise your hand by pressing Star nine or the raise your hand icon.

00:37:41Thank you Council PRESIDENT All right. I will turn it over to the honorable mayor of the city of San Diego, Mary Gloria to start just presentation this afternoon. >> Thank you Council PRESIDENT Good afternoon.

00:37:54Council PRESIDENT Members of the city council I'm proud to be here this afternoon to present Bethany Buzek as my appointee to serve as San Diego's chief operating officer. As you all know, this is the person that takes our priorities and turns them into action Aligning departments, supporting our employees, solving problems and delivering

00:38:10on the services that San Diegans depend upon. That responsibility demands sound judgment, accountability and follow through.

00:38:19Bethany has demonstrated all three. 20 months ago I assumed the direct oversight of city operations because the challenges required it.

00:38:28We faced a significant structural budget deficit, leadership gaps and long standing operational problems. The buck stops with me which is why I took that responsive agility for getting this organization on stronger footing.

00:38:41We restructured city operations, installed new leadership and made difficult but necessary reductions across two consecutive budget cycles. We strengthened accountability and kept major initiatives moving from pure water San Diego to Midway Rising and its twice affordable homes.

00:38:58Today the city's financial position is substantially stronger with the structural deficit nearly eliminated. That progress reflects our willingness to challenge old assumptions and make difficult decisions.

00:39:12It also reflects the dedication of our city employees who continue delivering for San Diegans throughout that demanding period. There is more work ahead and our next ceo must build upon that progress with urgency and discipline.

00:39:26We need someone who knows this organization manages complexity ,makes hard decisions, respects our workforce and above all delivers results.

00:39:37Bethany Bozak has earned this responsibility over the last six years. I have given her some of the most difficult assignments in the city and I have watched her deliver time and time again as our stormwater director as our transportation director and most recently as our city's chief performance and logistics officer.

00:39:55In each role she has demonstrated strong management sound judgment and the ability to turn priorities into results. She also understands a fundamental principle of my administration that our employees are not an obstacle to better government.

00:40:10They are how we achieve it. Bethany listens to the people closest to the work. She removes obstacles, sets clear expectations and holds herself and her team accountable.

00:40:20That is the standard of public service that San Diegans deserve. And it's the kind of leadership I expect from my executive team. Bethany has earned my highest confidence and she will have my full support as she leads the day to day operations going forward.

00:40:34Council PRESIDENT And members of the City Council I respectfully request your confirmation of her appointment. It is now my privilege to introduce Santiago's next Chief Operating officer Bethany B.S.

00:40:52. >> Thank you, Mayor Gloria for your leadership and your confidence that you have placed in me. Council PRESIDENT LaCava and members of City Council Thank you for the opportunity to be here today.

00:41:05Nearly seven years ago I joined the city of San Diego with a commitment to public service and a belief that local government can make a meaningful difference in everyday people's lives.

00:41:15>> That commitment has only grown stronger from my early work at Storm Water to leading the Transportation Department and serving as chief performance and logistics Officer.

00:41:25I've had the privilege of working alongside dedicated city employees to tackle complex challenges and improve how we deliver city services to San Diegans.

00:41:34And together we have made real progress. We've strengthened our infrastructure maintenance operations, expanded the work performed by in-house city crews and improved how we maintain our streets, sidewalks and stormwater systems.

00:41:49We've invested in our workforce including launching the city's first ever equipment operator training program to create opportunities for employees to fill critical positions from within.

00:41:58And we've challenged outdated processes finding better ways to deliver services and respond to the needs of our communities .

00:42:07These improvements are a result of dedicated city employees who show up every day determined to make San Diego better. I am proud of what we've been able to accomplish together.

00:42:17But I know that there is much more work ahead. Serving as chief Performance and Logistics Officer under Mayor Gloria has given me a broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our city.

00:42:31It has reinforced something I believed throughout my career Good government requires strong leadership, accountability and a workforce that's equipped to deliver city results.

00:42:40If confirmed as chief Operating officer my priorities will be clear strengthen city operations, maintain our infrastructure, deliver essential city services effectively and support the employees who make that possible.

00:42:55I also recognize that within this position comes tremendous responsibility when city government falls short. >> Residents expect us to take responsibility, fix the problem and make sure it doesn't happen again.

00:43:09That's the standard I hold for myself and for our entire organization. I look forward to working closely with the City Council, listening to your priorities, addressing operational challenges and ensuring our departments are responsive to the communities that you all represent.

00:43:28Every dollar that we spend and every service we deliver represents a responsibility to San Diego taxpayers. We must earn their trust through our actions and the results that we deliver.

00:43:39For nearly seven years I've dedicated my work to improving this city alongside thousands of employees who serve our communities every day. That dedication has not changed and neither has my commitment to the people of the city of San Diego.

00:43:53If confirmed, I continue to lead with that same sense of purpose. Support for our employees and work every day to ensure city government delivers the city's services San Diegans expect and they deserve.

00:44:04Thank you for your consideration. >> To close out the presentation.

00:44:16I will turn it over to Matt Helm with the Office of the Independent Auditor.

00:44:26>> Good afternoon Council PRESIDENT Members of the city Council and Matthew Home Assistant City Auditor. I'm here presenting some brief comments on behalf of the Office of the City Auditor.

00:44:36So as a threshold matter the office of the City Auditor is prohibited from participating in management decisions. My purpose today is not to advocate for a particular outcome.

00:44:46Rather is to provide you some information that MAY be useful to you as you consider the item before you this afternoon. >> It has been our experience that the city gets best outcomes from this year's work when we have a productive relationship with the city's executive team.

00:45:00And that means for us an executive team that understands our independent role and recognizes that we share the same goal making city government better for residents and employees.

00:45:10And look, I understand nobody likes being audited and frankly I don't blame them. But since our office was established in 2008, we prioritized working with management throughout the audit process with the goal of developing reasonable and achievable recommendations to address the issues that we identified.

00:45:28When that mutual engagement works the city and our residents benefit. That doesn't mean we always agree we don't. And that's okay in nearly But in nearly all cases we've been able to work through those differences but only by maintaining an open and productive dialog.

00:45:44>> With respect to the item before you today and Bethany's Bethany's consideration for confirmation, Bethany checks most if not all of those boxes that I just described must be Zack has been responsive, accessible, cooperative and constructive in her interactions with our office.

00:45:59And this is my personal information observation She has consistently demonstrated a clear commitment to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of city operations.

00:46:09So if confirmed we're confident that MS.. Zack would continue to foster and strengthen the important relationship between management and the office of the City Auditor and ultimately that benefits the city and our residents.

00:46:20>> Thank you. All right. Thank you, Matt. And we'll go to David Gallagher, the director of personnel.

00:46:32Good afternoon. Council PRESIDENT Council members David Gallagher, director of Personnel. As Personnel Director I have worked closely with Bethany b, Zack and her team.

00:46:42I have consistently seen a genuine commitment to collaboration and practical solutions. One example that she mentioned earlier in her speech was her idea for an equipment operator certification program which helped double the size of the eligible list expand promotional opportunity for

00:47:02existing city employees and helped address one of the city's hardest to fill positions. She also partnered with us and the other chiefs to find placements for a class in the classified service for the unclassified employees impacted by last year's budget reductions.

00:47:19Giving those employees the best chance at staying with the city of San Diego. In addition to that, she welcomed hiring process improvement pilots from the personnel department into her department and provided valuable feedback.

00:47:33She has even taken the time to present to my Civil Service Commission throughout our work together our different roles and responsibilities have never been a barrier to collaboration .

00:47:44I look forward to continuing this partnership in her new role. Thank you. Thank you, David. >> And before we go to public comment, the action before us involves a request by Mayor Gloria to confirm his appointment of Bethany bs to

00:47:59the position of chief operating officer. The confirmation process falls under San Diego Charter section 260 5b7. The council is not establishing MS. B's accelerate with this request today.

00:48:12However, in the interest of transparency to the public, the mayor intends to start an annual salary from this visit to be $460,000. She will receive the benefits afforded to employees in the exact excuse me Executive five classification described in Exhibit c of the Salary

00:48:28ordinance the Council adopted for fiscal year 2027. Total annual compensation will be 541,000. With that City Clerk please proceed with public comment.

00:48:40>> Thank you. Council PRESIDENT We do have several speakers as noted previously public comment time will be one minute per person. If I can have Michael's who care please come up to the microphone.

00:48:50And if I can have the following individuals please come up to the front row. Alonso Vivas Caitlin Haley. Tim Douglas. Ben Nichols and Brenda Fake.

00:49:00If you can all please come up to the front row You'll have one minute Please proceed when ready. Thank you. Michael Jacquet with the San Diego Municipal Employees Association. Good afternoon. Two things briefly.

00:49:12Number one, we support the mayor's decision to hire a new chief operating officer. And number two, we strongly support his specific nomination of Bethany Baeza for that role.

00:49:26I think she is uniquely qualified and experienced for this role and we know her to be extremely hard working, very focused on the operations of this city which is exactly what this position needs all the time including this time.

00:49:43The operations of the city and making them more efficient and effective is what the citizens need. It's what our employees need. It will benefit all of us.

00:49:52No pressure, Bethany, but you're going to be awesome And we appreciate you and we appreciate the mayor for nominating you and we strongly urge the council to support this nomination.

00:50:05>> Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Alonso. Good afternoon.

00:50:16Council PRESIDENT LaCava and Council members. My name is Alonso Vivas, Senior Vice PRESIDENT With the Downtown San Diego Partnership Clean Energy Program. I'm here to express our strong support for the next city's ceo .

00:50:29From coordinating schedules to minimizing disruptions to advancing b street sidewalks and addressing sidewalk repairs and roadside maintenance, it's been clear that these outstanding partnership has set our apart from completing projects.

00:50:44She has also taken the time to know our team and the people working on the ground each day The relationship really makes a difference On behalf of the entire Downtown San Diego Partnership team I am proud to offer our enthusiast tech support for her confirmation.

00:50:59We look forward to continuing our work together. Thank you. Thank you Caitlin Hailey. >> Good afternoon.

00:51:13Council members My name is Caitlin Healy and my job at sd is to oversee our compliance with the franchise agreement and work with city staff and officials to achieve our mutual goals.

00:51:23I've worked with Bethany on projects related to utility undergrounding development, electrification, decarbonization and more.

00:51:32Bethany has always been a responsive partner willing and available to work with us to solve problems to benefit the residents of this city.

00:51:42We support Bethany's appointment as ceo and look forward to continuing to work with her. >> Thank you. Thank you. Tim Douglas.

00:51:51>> Good afternoon. Council PRESIDENT And Council members. My name is Tim Douglas I I'm the elected PRESIDENT Of Ask Me Local 127 I'm speaking in support of the appointment of Bethany Pease to the position of Chief Operating Officer.

00:52:08First ask me local 127 wants to thank Mayor Gloria for appointing Bethany to this position. We appreciate this acknowledgment and recognition of such a strong leader within the city of San Diego. Our members from labors to plant process control electricians within pd stormwater perform essential services of the city of San Diego.

00:52:26Our members need a leader who understands and excels at operations. Bethany is that leader turning their priorities into results? As a director of storm Water and Transportation Bethany upscale channel maintenance and sidewalk and road repairs and as a chief performance and logistics officer Bethany

00:52:42improved administrative efficiencies. For these reasons and much more asked me Local 127 strongly recommends this Council confirm Bethany Biesecker as the next chief operating Officer for the station.

00:52:54>> Diego thank you. Thank you, Bob. Ben Nichols Hello. >> My name is Benjamin Nichols and I'm the executive director of the Hillcrest Business Association.

00:53:08We represent 1800 small businesses and commercial property owners in Hillcrest. I'm here to support Bethany b's appointment as chief operating officer. I will say that the Times Bethany and I have worked together we've actually been on opposite sides of the table.

00:53:22However, she brought professionalism and expertise to that table. She brought frankness, clarity and a depth of practical knowledge Most importantly to us community voices felt, heard and respected even though we disagreed.

00:53:37These qualities these are the qualities of a true civil servant and we look forward to working with her and her team in the future. >> Thank you. Thank you Brenda Fake Good afternoon.

00:53:47Hello. My name's Brenda Fake. Council PRESIDENT And council members.

00:53:57I am the chair of La Hoya Council Coastal Conservancy and the Friends of Coast Walk. I'm here today to support Bethany b's confirmation as chief operating officer.

00:54:06Over the course of her tenure as a resident of the city of San Diego, I have greatly appreciated her focus on results and strong project management. Specifically part of her role was helping us through look.

00:54:21Friends of Coast Walk Move the Coast Walk Trail bridge restoration through transportation Last year demonstrating how city collaboration, private funding and community leadership can deliver the needed repairs and preserve public spaces.

00:54:35I look forward to strengthening this partnership. Anything around gsd get stuff done with Bethenny and welcome her to see more results firsthand. Thank you.

00:54:46Thank you. Jason Yarrow If you can please come forward and if I can have the following individuals Crane Friedman. Allegedly Audra and Cameron Harper please come up to the front row.

00:55:02>> Joy Senator resident of District three I support this confirmation. I'm looking for alignment with collaboration especially with city council fiscal management, especially with the structural budget deficit housing

00:55:20especially with the homeless and public safety especially systemic safety. I feel confident Bethany b Zach will do her best to align with these areas.

00:55:35I urge the council to confirm this appointment and I thank Bethany for her courage and her willingness to serve in this very important position.

00:55:46>> Thank you Mayor. Love to all Crain Friedman. Good afternoon. Council My name is Karen Friedman. I'm speaking on behalf of San Diego City Firefighters Local 145.

00:55:56We stand in support of the reestablishment of an appointed ceo and we'd like to thank the mayor for putting forth this nomination. It's no secret that bs will enter the job with a backlog of difficult challenges here in the city of San Diego many of which directly impact firefighters.

00:56:10San Diego firefighters are being asked to do more with less responding to highly elevated call volumes and extreme weather at the same time that we've had multiple years in a row of staffing cuts we're also months outside of a contract.

00:56:24We remain at the table with the city for a fair deal But with every passing day more and more talented firefighters look to transfer elsewhere. These issues are not easy but through cooperation and communication we can make good progress.

00:56:35We're hopeful of a very strong working relationship with MS. B's to tackle these issues of critical importance to firefighters, to public safety and to our citizens. >> Thank you.

00:56:44>> Sorry. Allegedly Audrey.

00:56:57>> Talk about a nice raise $244,000 nearly to protect the mayor. Right. Because it's interesting. She was promoted by the mayor picked by the mayor will report to the mayor. We don't trust him but she'll protect him because I've seen it in here.

00:57:12It's interesting being a fly on the wall watching people try to obfuscate when something is being exposed by you up here and how they're like oh, what are we going to do about this?

00:57:22So it's interesting that there is a painted picture that's fraudulent and that's what happens because it's like Oh I had to take this over because of our challenge is and then we got to give it back because it's just too much and we got to take this out of his hands.

00:57:41No, you can't trust the mayor and especially when he spends our money on music videos let alone just everything else. So I think you guys need to make a good decision but you're probably going to pass it and we'll just see what happens.

00:58:00>> Cameron Harper. Good afternoon. I'm Cameron Harper, manager of Public affairs for the San Diego Padres. As partners with the city we share a non-baseball event Revenue and work closely with numerous departments on everything from public safety and transportation to community programs, special events and

00:58:16neighborhood services. Given the scale of our operations, we recognize the importance of strong operational leadership and coordination across departments .

00:58:25Therefore we are supportive of Bethany bs appointment as Chief Operating Officer. We have had the opportunity to work with Bethany and have appreciated her a collaborative approach, expertise and responsiveness.

00:58:35Her deep knowledge of city government and proven leadership across key departments will serve her well in this role. We appreciate Mayor Gloria's appointment and look forward to continuing our partnership with Bethany and the City Council to advance shared priorities for Petco Park, the Ball Park District and the community.

00:58:54Thank you. I'm sorry at the five minute time we're going to those participating remotely starting with Jared Wilson. >> If you can please unmute. You'll have one minute. Good afternoon everyone.

00:59:04>> Can you hear me? Yes. Please proceed. Thanks. My name is Jared Wilson. I'm the PRESIDENT Of the Senior Police Officers Association and I'm calling today to express my support for both maybe Zack as the city's next chief operating officer.

00:59:18We appreciate Mayor Gloria and his team's willingness to work with our organization on the issues facing San Diego and public safety. Bethany has a proven track record of leadership and collaboration and we believe she can build on that approach to bring strong effective management to city operations.

00:59:33I respectfully ask that council support her appointment and we appreciate this decision at the right time. >> Thank you. Have a great day. Thank you. Next is Laurie Saldana. If you can please unmute Laurie.

00:59:47Well done you. I can't unmute for you.

00:59:58I will need to move on to the next caller. >> Michael Dwyer If you can please unmute.

01:00:11>> Yes, good afternoon COUNCILMAN Michael Dwyer District two If approved I asked the new Chief Operating Officer to prioritize a smooth emphasize smooth unwinding of parking in Balboa Park hopefully including DECEMBER

01:00:30nights in particular and last spring the public was not sure when or how or who could park in the park. It was a mess. So hopefully you can do a better job.

01:00:41>> Thank you. Thank you. Next is phone number ending in 3956 If you can please unmute 3956I can't unmute for you star

01:01:01six you lowered your hand but you did not unmute star six to unmute.

01:01:14I won't even move on to the next crypto Bradley. Please proceed. Hector Here This lady represents the same old story in the city She represents

01:01:30the city employees She we need to get a person the represents the people who live here and pay taxes The citizens of San Diego.

01:01:39She's way too close to the mayor. He's fired the last guy because he kind of knew the situation and she was said she's responsible Seven years for storm water.

01:01:48What happened? She was there when everything was not maintained. What result was that? Oh, she's going to blame climate change.

01:01:58No, that was lack of leadership, man. She there for seven years. Where was she with it With a trash can Deal. What was your opinion on that When they bait and switch this did she go to Todd?

01:02:11Todd we can't bait and switch this They might think we're we're stealing something. How about the landfill And plus we're coming up with a $5 billion job we need outside person who's not paid by the city pension thing.

01:02:24We need it. We need an expert. Their time has concluded. Michael Schmidt if you can please unmute. >> Hello everyone including Martin and Todd.

01:02:41Gloria, I wanted to point out to you and then share your donations to events for protecting the city center where you guys are.

01:03:00You guys have a great thank you. Connor Robbins If you can please unmute. >> Good afternoon. I'm Connor Robbins, chief steward for Teamsters Local 96 representing San Diego Live starts.

01:03:15I'd like to express strong support for the appointment of Bethany for ceo. I'm confident that she has the qualities, experience and leadership to be successful in her new role.

01:03:26I look forward to working and collaborating with her on how our lifeguards can continue to make a positive impact on public safety especially as we start to see the impacts of El Nino.

01:03:39I thank the mayor for this appointment and I think Bethany for stepping into this important role. >> Thank you. Next is Blair Beekman. If you can please unmute and Blair Beekman.

01:03:49Hopefully you can come back to Laurie Saldana. She usually has a good public comment from myself. I had to run around town a bit doing errands Right now I'm downtown on Zoom and I wish I could be there.

01:04:04Thank you for this appointment. It's been really needed for San Diego. I doing I've been doing a lot of work in Oakland with their strong mayor issues They're developing a voting process this fall to vote if they want an ipa or not to then that's going to create the organization needed that.

01:04:23We are hoping that the ceo will will help create an it's a softer approach Oakland is taking. I hope they can learn important lessons what our ceo can do here in the coming months and in return we can possibly learn good lessons how an ipa can have a more active role in the organization and accountability and clarity of

01:04:39our government practices Here in San Diego the ipa worked on the on the sports arena issue Midway Rising. That gave a good example.

01:04:49Good luck to everyone and good public comment for this item. >> Thank you. Thank you. The five minute timer has concluded there are five speakers in the queue no additional speakers will be taken.

01:04:59>> Christine Wilburn if you can please unmute I, I I'm not sure if I support this or not but salary is outrageous. I mean we're in such dire straits The bathrooms had to be closed for weeks during the summer at the height of tourist season.

01:05:13I don't see how this is reasonable at all so I'm oppose just based on the starting salary. Thank you.

01:05:22Thank you. Next is Shane Harris. If you can please unmute.

01:05:31>> Good afternoon. Council PRESIDENT And members of the City Council and Shane Harris, San Diego public advocate and ceo of Service Communications.

01:05:41I am proud to be calling in today in support of Bethany's nomination as chief operating officer. Mayor Gloria and I have had our disagreements including my opposition to eliminating this paid position And earlier this year I strongly opposed Balboa Park paid parking fiasco which demonstrated why operational decisions must consider their

01:06:00impact on residents accessibility and public trust. But disagreements should never prevent us from recognized and experienced leadership. San Diego desperately needs a ceo who can turn City Hall's promises into results across all nine council districts and with the potential El Nino impact coming ahead, We need a

01:06:19proactive leadership on storm preparedness because government shouldn't be measured by what gets announced at City Hall but by what gets delivered for all of our neighborhoods.

01:06:32I support Bethany's nomination and I wish her success. >> Thank you. Thank you. I phone if you can please unmute. Hello? Can you hear me? Yes we can.

01:06:43Please proceed. Yes, this is Lori Saldana and I appreciate that the mayor wants to restore a dedicated chief operating officer. What is more important is to restore the trust in the residents of San Diego and this person's ability to carry out what needs to be done And

01:07:02I'm not a fan of direct docket items. I think that it would have been helpful to have this Bethany bs actually come before a committee and take questions from committee members before this final confirmation and also to hear directly from residents who are feeling increasingly disenfranchized

01:07:22from the workings of City Hall. So I think MRS. Baeza has a strong background and especially when it comes to stormwater and infrastructure. So others have said we're facing an epic El Nino cycle rising sea levels.

01:07:37She will have her work cut out for her. But please be more transparent in these appointments from the mayor's office going forward to restore faith in the community.

01:07:47>> Thank you. Our next caller was Marco Espinoza. Please unmute. Good afternoon Marcos.

01:07:57I'm glad to see that the ceo position is being filled again. It definitely was taken for too long and that's all coming down .

01:08:06Thank you. Our final speaker is Jesse because up if you can please unmute. Yes, I just want to reach out to Shawn, a gentleman I try to reach in the office earlier and so they're going to let me know You can call me back.

01:08:20>> I really appreciate that That's all this does conclude public comment for this item. >> Thank you Council PRESIDENT. All right. Thank you. City Clerk.

01:08:30Kind of take a moment after the public comment. So I want to start by looking back to DECEMBER 20th, 25 when Bethenny and Rania Osman were promoted from directors to chiefs.

01:08:44That change was a fundamental shift in the executive leadership as they joined kc Smith and Chris McFadden. And I'll throw Rolando in there as well, Bethany and Rania engineers I might add brought a new energy a fundamental shift from no or we can't or we have

01:09:03always done it that way to one of yes. And this is how we get it done. Their work in the transfer mission of the entire executive team over the past several months MAY not have been obvious to the public or the media but the transformation is real And through my lens as counsel PRESIDENT The promotion of both

01:09:19Bethany and Rania we're game changers. And while today it's about Bethany, I want to give a quick shout out to Rania on the work she is getting done as chief community services officer.

01:09:28Now to Bethany. As others have said, she's an expert in her fields, a professional manager and a consummate public servant. She leads with a steady hand of focus on exceeding expectations and the accessible ity and candor we need during these

01:09:44challenging times. And if you have not heard the bluntness that comes from this be that you just haven't been paying attention.

01:09:53And as I hope my colleagues have, I worked with Bethany in her role as a director of transportation and when she was promoted to chief Performance and Logistics officer I worked with her on issues across multiple departments.

01:10:02The depth of her knowledge across every aspect of city operations was evident to me. She takes a no nonsense approach to addressing obstacles and red tape that government hits seize every day .

01:10:16I worked with her during budget season. She was knowledgeable, thoughtful and candid about the challenge of meeting priorities on diverse issues and in diverse communities.

01:10:26In closing, I applaud the mayor in making this choice. I'm grateful for Bethany's willingness to serve. She knows the challenges ahead. This one will not need any learning curve in front of her.

01:10:40She is already running. She's the right person at the right time. I am proud to confirm the mayor's appointment of Bethany bs to the position of Chief Operating Officer. And with that I move the recommendation.

01:10:54So with that we have a motion by myself. We'll go next to Council member Campion. Thank you so much Council PRESIDENT. Thank you. First I want to thank the mayor for bringing the nomination forward. And I want the residents of District seven and people across our city to understand something about the work that Bethany has done.

01:11:08That time your children rode their bike to the park and came home safely. That was in large part because of how good Bethany is at her job.

01:11:18That time you saw a stop sign or stoplight installed that you'd been hoping for for a while was in large part because Bethany prioritized it. If you had a neighbor who's disabled maybe even barely able to walk and you saw a city crew installing a sign in a blue curb that would allow that neighbor to safely access their home.

01:11:34It's because Bethany and her team got that done. When you've called my office about a truly awful pothole that needed fixing, Bethany was always on that email thread and we were right there together on Claremont Mesa Boulevard and on roads that need to be safer.

01:11:51She was right there too with me on Jackson Drive this week. A year ago. These are the things we don't often think about but they are the things that shape our everyday lives. Getting to work and getting home and seeing our friends and loved ones.

01:12:03And our ability to do that in this city is a reflection of the work Bethany has dedicated herself to because she's no stranger to the challenges we face as a city.

01:12:12She understands how our city operates, what we can do better, what it takes to deliver for our residents. She understands how to be a leader. She takes credit. She shares credit with those who lay the asphalt in concrete.

01:12:22She shares credit with the drafters of the permits and design. She shares credit with public safety and everyone else too. And that's because she brings people into the fold.

01:12:32She has humility in her leadership. The nine council members up here have seen many times when there is a hard problem to solve and a very hard question about it and an even harder answer to deliver at that tough moment And Bethany stands up from that front row of seats answers directly into that

01:12:50microphone and is transparent about whatever the situation is. So she has earned the respect of the people she works alongside and she has earned my confirmation on behalf of the people of District seven whose lives are better, safer, healthier, cleaner and more

01:13:05prosperous. Because of her work over these past several years in the city of San Diego. The council PRESIDENT. >> I second your motion. Congratulations, Bethany. All right. With that I have made the motion to move the recommendation and the second by council member Kimberly.

01:13:21We will go next to Councilmember Campbell and then we will go to Councilmember Yvonne Wolpert. Councilmember Campbell. >> Thank you so much Council PRESIDENT. I strongly support the appointment of Bethany Bozak as our city's Chief Operating Officer.

01:13:35She has been an outstanding stormwater director, transportation director, chief performance and logistics officer in her time in the city Bethany established for example the city's very first pavement management plan.

01:13:47She expanded the city's in-house mill and paved team that fixed our worst roads in the city in-house.

01:13:56She oversaw the city wide storm drain and flood risks program among many, many other projects that she took care of.

01:14:07Bethany is someone I know can solve problems and get things done efficiently and swiftly. Prior to working at the city of San Diego, Bethany served as green infrastructure manager at the Washington, D.C. Water Agency.

01:14:23She has a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, a master's degree in biological engineering And given her ability to make our city government more efficient and responsive.

01:14:34As well as her broad educational background. Her common sense and her intelligence. I strongly support the appointment of Bethany Beck as our Chief operating officer .

01:14:46Congratulations. All right. Thank you, Council member Campbell. We will go next to Councilmember Bong. >> Thank you, council PRESIDENT And thank you to our mayor Todd Boy for bringing forth Bethany by appointment to be our next chief operating officer.

01:15:03I too am very pleased to support Bethany's appointment and I'm very glad that we're doing this today. I've had the opportunity to work closely with Bethany over the years that I've been a council member and I can say without any hesitation that she has earned my trust and respect.

01:15:18She's always been an outstanding partner to my office in the communities that we represent and she's always been candid and truthful even when the city's facing some not great news. You know, one of the first things that we asked Bethany to do when I got elected and we realized the road condition was

01:15:35one of the worst things the city had to deal with And it affects every single constituent we have. And I was told there was no plan for roads. The city just kind of waited for every new mayor, every new councilmember to come in And we thought well that's ridiculous.

01:15:51The roads should outlast the councilmember. We need to have a plan for this asset. And Bethany got it done and started the very first ever pavement management plan that we update every year. Now we also see that we don't have enough money to fix the roads as we would like to do.

01:16:07However, you can't improve something unless it's measured And for the first time ever Bethany is measuring things beyond just every election cycle. And so I'm grateful for you for your work in that regard. I'm also grateful that you always answer my calls And when there's an issue that need attention you don't shy away from it.

01:16:24You listen, you follow through and you work collectively to find solutions. We always know we're going to hear back from you in our office And that kind of accessibility and responsiveness matters. You know, as council members we need to know that when we bring forward concerns from our constituents we have partners in city leadership who will take the concerns seriously.

01:16:42And Bethany has continuously been that partner. She has incredible leadership skills from the stormwater department and transportation departments and she raised city employee morale.

01:16:54You know, one of the things she took me to go see firsthand was the choice operations yard and it's absolutely falling apart. It's one of our many city facilities that was not maintained by the predecessors have been here decades before us And now since it was built

01:17:10on Old City landfill it is erupting opening the ground is cracking open and city workers are trying to do their jobs making sure that the council members see these conditions firsthand so we can start working on them.

01:17:23Addressing them has also helped with city employee morale because they see that we are working hard to try and address the things that make their jobs hard. So I just appreciate your work on on our roads, our sidewalks, our stormwater on making sure our employees feel valued because our employees are our

01:17:39most important asset in the city. So we also need a ceo who understands fiscal responsibility and accountability and reports in making every taxpayer dollars count. Believe me, we've had some large arguments over settlements in the city and I think that I don't necessarily think we should have settled in

01:17:58Beth And he's always followed up with me to make sure that things don't accident don't happen again. And I really appreciate your work on that. So I'm glad you're here. I'm glad you're taking on this role and I know that the city's going to be better off for it.

01:18:10So Bethany, you've earned this opportunity. You work incredibly hard and I'm proud to support your appointment today. All right. Thank you, Councilmember. We'll go next to Councilmember Foster. Yes, Thank you.

01:18:25Council PRESIDENT First thank you to the mayor and for the presentation and also thank you council PRESIDENT For the call this week and informing me that an appointment would be moving forward and that she would be docketing this item today.

01:18:43This matter is important to the city of San Diego as this administration continues to have challenges operationally in meeting its obligations delivering city court services efficiently with transparency and accountability.

01:19:01And I must say it is disappointing that I did not receive a call directly from the mayor on such an important item. After 20 months of insisting on insisting otherwise, we have seen misstep after misstep And I must say I would like to thank the mayor for

01:19:19reconsidering and recognizing that this change was needed and that this is important, that it is important to ensure that there is leadership in place with the necessary experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to effectively manage the day

01:19:38to day operations of the city. And I'm glad the city will be at long last have a chief operating officer again. By all accounts this nominee seems well respected, effective and a proven leader.

01:19:56But I still But I do still have reservations as I'm not sure this addresses the root of the problems with this administration. A ceo can only succeed with the independence to tell the truth, speak candidly and put residents ahead of what's competing, what's convenient

01:20:15for the mayor or his chief of staff. That culture must come from the top. And this mayor and team have shown time and time again that it manages to their politics and not to the work and the residents of the city of San Diego.

01:20:32It has been weeks since tens of thousands of San Diegans received incorrect trash fee charges on their property tax bills and families in District four are still waiting for clear answers. I just recently received a text from a family member this weekend and they shared their tax bill with me And I must say

01:20:51it still reflects the charge of $1,200 for trash. District four doesn't deserve a bureaucracy that uses one hand to slap them in the face and the other to take money out of their pockets.

01:21:08Hiring a ceo now doesn't fix a recipe disaster. It just means someone else gets to clean up after the mayor. I do not have a chance to have direct conversations with you, Bethany.

01:21:20I do appreciate that you have reached out on several occasions over the weekend. i do have a couple of questions for you. Question one what is your plan to address efficiency, transparency, transparency and accountability as we move

01:21:36forward? Thank you, Councilmember Foster And I look forward to the opportunity to meeting with you closely just as I have with several other councilmembers.

01:21:48Quite frankly, I've always been known and I heard you have a reputation for holding accountability within our operations teams. What I want to share with you is that my focus will be towards a commitment to the day to day operations of this organization and ensuring that not just the day to day operations but also efficiency improvements are made across

01:22:06things. You also have my commitment to collaboration with the stakeholders with you and with the public and with our workforce to make sure that we are listening we're hearing and we're propagating that feedback and operations and you have my commitment to communication.

01:22:20I think as all of you have seen since my stormwater days, my transportation days, the level of communication that you get from our departments is not by mistake. It's by design that you have an open line for the work that we're doing and the production that we're achieving in

01:22:36the field. I'd also like to share with you that I brought this stack a strategic plan that I have created over the years. i'll let you know that from the very beginning days of storm water I published the first strategic plan probably for any single department across the city of San Diego in JULY of 2021.

01:22:54I move forward into the next role that I had JUNE of 2022 I published the next version. These are all KPIs and performance standards across our operations teams that represent hundreds of goals every day.

01:23:05The first strategic plan for the Transportation Department was published in JULY of 2023 and it goes on every single year. Since then we have established accountability across our operations teams and I've been there to support our teams throughout that mission And you can expect that moving forward.

01:23:23The last thing I'll say is we're at a very key moment in time where our department of Race and Equity and our performance analytics teams are the best positioned they ever have been to now have a performance management plan that will establish key performance indicators across the city that do align our

01:23:41resources, our workforce needs and also the need for equity in terms of decision making. And that is my commitment to you and every single councilmember here. Thank you for that.

01:23:52My next question does include equity and you MAY need to elaborate on what you just ended with. But what is what is your plan to ensure equity is at the forefront regarding the city's budget and deployment of core city

01:24:10services? And if I MAY, I am concerned as we look at public comment and today I see very little very few residents but I do see representation from Downtown Partnership.

01:24:28I do see representation from sd and I do see representation from the San Diego Padres. So I'm very concerned about making sure that equity is at the forefront and how you will ensure that and manage that process.

01:24:46Thank you. I believe that you'll see that in terms of my day to day actions. What I'd like to represent is that on Saturday Councilmember Ella Rivera and Councilmember Bonnie Gilbert's teams were out at a community event And it was my pleasure to quite frankly take the first action and to participate in that event to have a grassroots effort of cleaning the Choice Channel.

01:25:05That's the type of thing that I expect of myself and my team moving forward to have that boots on the ground grassroots effort to equity and hearing what the needs are the community as far as the city's framework is concerned, we're absolutely going to continue to use 800 Dash 14 and making really deliberate decisions about how

01:25:23we fund the ipu and also continue to work with race and equity In terms of how we develop the budget process through the technical equity plans. We already have meetings completed with the Department of Finance, Race and Equity and Panda to kick off the budget development process.

01:25:39Those are happening in early NOVEMBER and the team has my strong support and the expectation that we will continue to drive equity outcomes and every decision that we make.

01:25:51>> I appreciate that I've been working with the Ideas Office and the Department of Race and Equity to Equity to further codify our equity processes in regards to the budget. Are you willing and open to sit down with the ipa and the Department of Race and Equity to ensure that that

01:26:11takes place? Yes, it'd be my pleasure. Thank you for that. Also moving on to my next question what is your plan to make city staff more available to residents to address operational concerns and overall communication?

01:26:28And I see that and I appreciate. Looks like we had a representative from Local 145 come up and talk about just how complex the issues are and how much of a backlog exists.

01:26:41But I filled the executive board of local 145 It's taken a tremendous effort. Either they are misinformed or they are purposely misinforming the public Regarding Station 51 in District four.

01:26:57And as I went through my records I have been informed that the design contract and this is to address efficiency the design contract for station 51 was advertised on 811 2020.

01:27:15The RFPs were due 9018 2020. I'm being told that the award for the design contract was not awarded until FEBRUARY 9th, 2023. So three year process and three year timeline to go from an advertisement to an actual award to working on the design.

01:27:33The design was just recently completed in MARCH of 26th MARCH or MAY of 26. Can you help me to understand how you can approve those types of efficiencies and that type of communication you have?

01:27:48In fact I think a lot of the challenges that we experience with the city come down to processes and those are the types of things I specifically will be looking at in terms of regardless of whether or not we have additional budget process improvements, we will continue to need to be made.

01:28:01And yes, I understand it and I, I have met with Chief Logan. I understand the status of that project. I understand the urgency around it And if that project was fully funded through those years, I believe that there could be acceleration about how we look at that And that would

01:28:18be one of my first steps is to specifically meet with every single department, understand the process challenges that they have and look for opportunities to accelerate those and just make sure that we are meeting with 145 so they are not as misinformed as they

01:28:34seem to be. I think I would appreciate that also from my last question. Our city auditor has released several concerning audits with more to come.

01:28:46How do you plan to prioritize resolving identified deficiencies in the backlog that exist as the City Charter has mentioned in the last performance period we actually closed more audit recommendations that we have in the past of an audit cycle.

01:29:04That was a direct connection of the coordination that I had with them and also with the executive leaders. What you will see from this team moving forward is that there's a level of urgency and accountability associated with moving audit items to closure.

01:29:16I am confident and you can hear in the remarks from the auditor that we can partner together to see this through to completion. I recognize we do have resource challenges but you've got my commitment to continue to work on those.

01:29:28All right. Thank you, Bethany. Thank you for your responses. I'm sure you know I will hold you to your commitments.

01:29:40You know, we must continue to build trust with the public and that can only be done by doing what's right, not by operating by way of political expediency for a group of select friends or corporate special interest.

01:29:57I couldn't be any more clear about that. Also I will say as chair of the Budget and Government Efficiency Committee I will also continue to push back on the mayor and hold him accountable as well because his employees because his employees can't do that Only we

01:30:15the people can And there's a lot of work to do to redirect the city and create a city that works for all residents. With that council PRESIDENT I will in my comments there and I will be supporting the appointment of this Buzek

01:30:33as our next ceo. Thank you. All right. Thank you, Councilmember Foster. We'll go next to Councilmember Eli Rivera. >> All right. Thank you, council PRESIDENT. Thank you, Mayor, for the presentation and the nomination.

01:30:46Thank you both for being here. I've got a few questions And first for you, Mayor. I think just you know this is a shift in the organizational structure in a certain sense.

01:30:59What should the council and public expect to be different? Well, you have got to work with more directly at the pleasure of working with her as she oversees her branch in the department she currently oversees.

01:31:14Actually that umbrella now expands to all city departments . So I believe it will be that I think it's purposeful to choose an engineer to take on responsibilities That council PRESIDENT Discussed.

01:31:25Fairly analytical, fairly data driven and hopefully very focused on outcomes. I think that we've been that But I know Bethany takes I part of why I chose her And then I think what we have to do collectively is that as we work towards the structure balance I

01:31:44believe we're within striking distance of achieving responsibly going back to this organization focused on the priorities that we share as mayor and council. And I think specifically that's maintaining our safety invest in our neighborhoods, reducing homelessness and building more homes.

01:31:56>> Got it. From a process standpoint. Should we expect things to be different the way that the council communicates its priorities in terms of operations, the way that a get

01:32:15it Done request is is process within the city If you're a member of the public who calls the council office or just submitted that request in terms of getting things done which is I know why you've brought Bethany into this position.

01:32:27What would look or feel different from our perspective or their perspective? >> Well, I might ask MR. Zack to help me with this but with regard to a constituent you can get it done.

01:32:38Anything. Everyone please get it done. And too that will change because that's a system that is completely operational and is a way for residents to directly interact with operations staff So that should stay the same. I think in with regard to how council offices interact with the mayor's office, I think you currently have the ability to talk to any of the chiefs in executive team and I know

01:32:59the office of the other side of that That will not change department letters the same working with my office find we try and have a no boundary entry into making sure that we get you the answers you need to respond to your constituents or to advance priority MAY have.

01:33:09I don't believe that will change but I believe what you have is the ability to myself or to MS. Be Zack to get the answers you're seeking to get the outcomes you're looking for And I might ask you to be like yourself down What I mentioned a council member Eli Rivera is that you have a direct day to day connection with operations and to

01:33:27something as simple as the Get It Done request. Quite frankly I put that within hundreds of times a year because I want to test our process and I want to see where it breaks and where it works really well And when there are opportunities for process improvements I expect and I would hope that you all would reach out to me so I

01:33:45specifically can address those to the heart of the root cause and also fix the issue at hand. Got it. And then one last question for you, Mayor in in with previous was one issue area that we felt like wasn't necessarily fully

01:34:02in the ceo's purview but was very much an issue that was impacted by the operations is homelessness. Should we expect any differences in terms of of Daphne's ability to oversee homelessness response prevention the operational

01:34:20aspects of that from what has happened previously? But I always like to see us do better. Councilmember I think that this is an urgent concerns Oh the one I get the most constituent communication about it except if there's any fracturing of that experience

01:34:37that you've had. I would suggest that that has to do with some structure where we could use council participation. As you well know, the Housing Commission has a very strong and substantial part in responding to our homelessness crisis.

01:34:46They do not report to me the report to the council which I haven't been very positive interactions. I meet with MR. Jones on a monthly basis but that structural difference will continue to be there.

01:34:56We continue work I think effectively between the homelessness strategy, the solutions department here with the Housing Commission with the continuum of care that I if there was any sort of gaps at all I think that's what we're talking about.

01:35:09But so you have continued my commitment to continue to prioritize this issue And I think last week's report to this Council showing a doubling of our homeless shelter system response effort as well as some encouraging signs with regard to the reductions in the numbers of people on the streets and the increase the number of people exiting or

01:35:25being prevented Becoming homeless shows that what we're doing is currently working but there's no mission accomplished banner here sir and we have a lot more work to do. I think having someone of Bethany's caliber overseeing the Over the daily operations I can only expect that things will improve.

01:35:38But I would point out that we have to continue to work collaboratively together with our nonprofit partners, specifically with you all as the housing authority and with my administration overseeing the housing and homelessness strategies which this department got.

01:35:55>> And last question on that front I think this is from my perspective, Alex and obviously this is an issue we've been very involved in and we have had many, many conversations about our teams, about many conversations about it has also felt like it is has not been in the purview of operations in

01:36:12the same way as other as other areas of city work. And so I guess what I'm asking is well what that's what these powers are and are anticipated to be would different for homelessness than it will for getting roads paved or keeping our storm channels clear Is

01:36:30the application that Bethany has the operational authority there in the same way that she does and everything else she will and in your vote but council member I have to say we have provided a whole of city response to this effort And while again it was not where we

01:36:48wanted to be and this is where we could invite more participation and assistance from our county partners, our state partners, our federal partners the fact the matter is that is our current effort requires the leadership of the Homeless Strategy Solutions department but they are augmented and backed up by our Transportation Department, our environmental services department, our senior police department even if our rescue

01:37:07department in the form of our first date And number one response we do have the city working collaboratively in that response mechanism. But we absolutely need more shelter beds. We need more housing, we need more mental health.

01:37:19We need more ability to compel people into care. Some of that is going to go beyond or do the operations. But I have to tell you if you've liked what Bethany has been able to do with regard to increasing stormwater channel clearance, street repairs, streetlight repairs I guarantee you when she puts her considerable talents behind

01:37:36the issue of homelessness she will see even more get done with our limited resources. I appreciate that they can definitely do anything there. In all my conversations with the mayor, the mayor has empowered me to take on the full ownership and responsibility of the day to day operations.

01:37:52Thank you. Council Councilmember Foster began to touch on this but I want to make sure I ask again from your perspective as we you've been very focused on operationalizing equity to the extent that we can especially as you've moved over

01:38:11to your role in the Ideas office. Can you share with us and the mayor and Bethany what feels particular important from your perspective to ensure that the progress that you know we want to make and we've said we want to make is progress that we can make?

01:38:29Yeah. Thank you for the question, Councilmember. I will say that Betty and I have had some very candid conversations one and where I bring very Frank complex challenges as a way to change the system and the structure

01:38:46around the things we're talking about here today. So some things that are on the radar to your question would be starting out around the KPIs. I went to Bethany in my role and was very candid about the weakness around how we measure what matters.

01:39:03And with that it was met with remediate response and it was met with saying that we need to do better with addressing the gaps in that. And so that's one area we can't change that we can't measure.

01:39:17And so I would say that I've received the commitment and added her you know if getting your approval being in this for that would be one area that is a really large gap across our departments. The second thing that I would say as a way of looking at areas is like cross department work And so looking at, you

01:39:34know, Bethany's past role oversee general services was able to really sit down and talk about how we don't make decisions in silos. Sometimes we look at this investment in general services and I think about the impact to our libraries in our rec centers.

01:39:49And so I would say that's another area of opportunity in terms of like cross department process improvements that we could really work on being more clear about. And then last but not least is just to your part about the budget decisions being responsible around how the proposed budget could identify the clear cascades and

01:40:08gaps that we see. And so these are all opportunities that our shop would look forward to bringing those to fruition And then I will close with this. I think it's really, really important to COUNCILMAN Foster to your comment is how do we make sure within

01:40:24the neighborhood and the folks that are not here every Monday or Tuesday are understanding what we do operationally to support them? And so that's another area that I can say that working with that I know Bethany has been open to going out to spaces but we will look forward to how that will look around talking

01:40:41about our work in the understanding around equity types in the budget. So that's another opportunity that I will look forward to partnering with Bethany for bringing that to fruition.

01:40:52Thank you. Can Bethany do you want to respond to that at all You all and for my full commitment to continue working on that together.

01:41:03Thank you. And then last for you, Bethany. We talked about this a little bit over the weekend. Our office believes that there are thousands and thousands of San Diego ins who want to play a more active role in making this city better that they are

01:41:18willing to show up and roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty and be part of the solution And that far too often our city completely crushes their efforts or their desire to get involved.

01:41:30We've seen success in Parks and Rec of kind of cracking things open a bit. You saw an example what that could look like even with stormwater on Saturday almost 800 pounds of trash removed from a very relatively small area in an hour with volunteers

01:41:50and we know that there's more and more that people want to do At the same time it took us months to get to the place where the city allowed that team of volunteers to do that work And so I'm curious about how you think we can do better

01:42:07to make it easier for people to get involved in the city that they love in a way that allows them to love not the city of San Diego as a place but the city of San Diego as an institution and in a real way that where they see the city as an entity as something that is

01:42:27helping them, it is being a partner to them and making their communities better. I'm curious I know you're just getting into this role but I'm curious how you you plan on kind of cracking that little bit and to the extent that you do.

01:42:39Yes. As I mentioned and some of your other questions, I think this is really around process improvements And I think for example on Saturday is one of those where we can actually maximize the community impact and quite frankly use their labor as well.

01:42:54I know and I appreciate one 20s response in terms of allowing those types of community events to take place. I've seen the direct impact of our park and rec staff seeing the value of having an extra 50 or 100 hands on a Saturday to be able to improve the beautification and also the channel clearing activities.

01:43:10So I think it comes down to process improvements and let's use that as an example of some ways that we can streamline things and get to work and done faster. I appreciate that.

01:43:19I look forward to continue to work with you on that and others in operations. I'll just wrap up with this council PRESIDENT I think my introduction of Bethany came during some very exciting presentations about our stormwater needs and plans but where I really came and it was

01:43:40clear that Bethany understood the technical aspects of what the city needed to do where I really started to appreciate Bethany as a leader and in a different way was one of my first visits out to the field with Bethany and it was seeing how the team was literally in the trenches responded to to Bethany, how they saw her as

01:43:59their leader and respected her And that respect flowed in both directions and I watched those sort of things closely and that ability to command that respect and provide that respect in the field I think is essential

01:44:15for us to be the city that we want to be. It's the way that we demonstrate to to our hardworking employees who are doing that work in the trenches that we appreciate them, that we respect them, that that work is as valuable to us.

01:44:33And so Bethany, I will say that that is how you earned my respect. I anticipate you will keep it with that exact ability to connect with the folks who are on the ground doing the work and I very much look forward to a period in time where our volunteers who show up from

01:44:52the city can interact with you in a similar way And that two way respect is is felt in a way that makes the average San Diego to wants to be involved in their city look up to you in the same way that our city employees do.

01:45:08With that I'll be very happy to vote yes for for Bethany for zero. All right.

01:45:17Thank you. Council member Eli Rivera will now go to council PRESIDENT Pro Tem Lead Thank Council PRESIDENT I guess it's not been too much of a secret that I've been a bit vocal about the need for the city to restore trust with the public and how part of that effort starts with reestablishing a chief

01:45:32operating officer that helps to lead the city's day to day operations specifically with a commitment to accountability and transparency. So Bethany, on that front, I want to thank you for your willingness to serve in this new leadership capacity at what I think we all see as a critical juncture for the city

01:45:51. My office has certainly appreciated our opportunities working with you especially since your time leading the Transportation Department to your most recent service as the Deputy Chief Operating Officer.

01:46:04I've always found you and as an extension of you your teams to be communicative, to handle issues timely and frankly to own up to the mistakes that might be made while also recognizing that that often means that there are opportunities for the city to

01:46:20improve. And so by all accounts I think what's been reflected by what we've heard today is that you are well respected by your peers, city employees but also leaders who are out in the community.

01:46:33And so I'll keep it simple which is that I look forward to working with you in your new capacity as our Chief Operating Officer. I think we're all going to step forward into a new chapter for the city and do your day to day leadership and I'm happy to support your confirmation.

01:46:48All right. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT Pro Tem Lee. We'll go next to Council member Marino. >> Thank you. I want to begin by congratulating Bethany Bismarck on your nomination to chief operating Officer Mosby.

01:47:03Sack I've always appreciated our conversations and your commitment to serving both the residents of the city of San Diego and the dedicated city staff who keep the city running.

01:47:16I believe that you learn a lot about a person not just by what they say but how others speak about them when they're not in the room Seeing me here.

01:47:25127 The auditor's team speaks the world and I know that together with the City Council we will hold any ceo accountable In your case I've seen the commitment reflect and not only in our conversations

01:47:45but in your actions as noted in the City auditor's memo and I quote Maybe Zach also helped lead management's recent focus on implementing past audit recommendations which resulted in 37 recommendations being implemented in the recent review cycle the most in a cycle in several years.

01:48:05It's an important it's an important accomplishment and speaks to the value of strong leadership, accountability and collaboration. I would encourage you to continue building on the progress and to keep the spirit of collaboration alive with both the city auditor and the City Council.

01:48:23Strong communication and accountability are essential to making city government work better for everyone. I also want to recognize your leadership in helping advance one of my early priorities bringing more street resurfacing work back in House.

01:48:38>> Thank you to your leadership in the Transportation Department. The city established two in-house M.P. Teams focused on resurfacing our most deteriorated streets.

01:48:52Now I know that seems like a small feat but it is a concrete example of how effective management can translate priorities into result that residents could actually feel and see in their neighborhoods.

01:49:07For far too long the eighth largest city in the nation has gone without a chief operating officer dedicated to overseeing the day to day operations. So I would be remiss if I didn't ask you the following questions to put you on the record.

01:49:22What are your three priorities as our next ceo of which My first priority is a commitment to learn and listen to our teams.

01:49:32I've already developed a plan in terms of outlining the next steps and meeting with both our field operations teams across every single department listening to their challenges.

01:49:45And then my next is to monitor the fy 27 budget to ensure that we're actually delivering on what was budgeted and that we're doing it effectively and collaboratively. And then the last is there's some very near term milestones that we need to make sure that we get across the finish line

01:50:00very strongly. Midway Rising is one San Pasqual leases is another. Continuing to prep and be prepared for El Nino season. There are many other near-term milestones that we need to make sure that we keep the momentum going and to finish those very strongly.

01:50:14And I'll conclude with a strong development of the f y 28 budget. As I mentioned in a previous comment it'll be very important as we go into that budget cycle to keep equity at the forefront of our considerations and community services.

01:50:29So what does success look like for you in the first year? >> Success looks like solving problems that perhaps have been longstanding or being able to accelerate the delivery of services across all of our communities.

01:50:42What what projects are you focused on? I'm going to be taking a deep dive across every single one of our departments to figure out which one of those are low hanging fruit and to be able to accelerate them.

01:50:55One of them that I'm keenly aware of is the acceleration of leases and resolving those and bringing non reit revenue back into the city and ensuring that that revenue can be used to put back into the community and services that are needed in neighborhoods.

01:51:09Thank you for that. And just for the record, we haven't had a chance to meet. I think we're going to we the meeting this time this week I'm sorry.

01:51:19So that's why it was important and it's important also for the residents to hear the responses that you're giving to to the council and hold you accountable essentially.

01:51:32But I think your appointment represents a new day for the city of San Diego. It's an opportunity to ensure that our day to day operations receive the constant attention, focus and leadership they deserve.

01:51:47I do look forward to the city once again having a chief operating chief operating officer who can focus on overseeing daily operations, strengthening coordination across departments and ensuring that we deliver results for San Diegans.

01:52:06>> I just I also want to bring something into perspective for the folks that are watching us . The city of San Diego is a 13,000 employee enterprise.

01:52:20>> And I want to put on the record you can go to any Fortune 500 company and get a ceo position in a heartbeat.

01:52:34But you have dedicated yourself your talent, your treasure back to the city of San Diego. And for that I am forever grateful.

01:52:44Your caliber. Your tenure speaks volumes. We're going to hold you accountable and you're going to have really difficult conversations I have about I have a list of very difficult conversations that I want to have off record because as you know, I'm leaving and District

01:53:03data still has a lot of issues that we need to attend to. But I want to thank you for your willingness to serve. As I mentioned, you could go anywhere in the city of San Diego in the state.

01:53:17I think the world of you I think you're a tremendous leader. And I thank you for serving the city of San Diego residents. Congratulations again, MS..

01:53:27B Zack. I do look forward to working with you. And that concludes my comments. Council PRESIDENT Thank you. All right. Thank you. Councilmember Moreno. I want to thank my colleagues for taking advantage of this opportunity For those that haven't had a chance to have a

01:53:45briefing with Massabesic. And for those who didn't to in your questions and your comments and the responses, I had a very robust conversation on this appointment.

01:53:55I don't think anybody up here has taken this lightly despite how well we know MS.. B's act and her track record coming into this conversation.

01:54:04So I appreciate my colleagues for those questions and comments and those observations you've made over the years and you had an opportunity to work with her.

01:54:14>> So with that I am moving to confirm the appointment of Bethany b as act to the position of city manager A.K.A. Chief Operating Officer .

01:54:24And Councilmember Campos second that motion clerk please call the roll I'm sorry The voting system Please cast your vote. >> Councilmember Von Wilpert if I MAY get your vote for the record.

01:54:38>> I vote yes. That passes unanimously with Council member Whitburn Absent thanking Well as you know there is no time to waste So we're

01:54:58going to take a brief pause and have our city clerk swear in our new chief operating officer right here and now.

01:55:21It is my pleasure If you can please raise your right hand and repeat after me I. Bethany Baeza, Bethany Beach, do solemnly swear or affirm Do you solemnly swear or affirm that I will support and defend that I will support and defend the Constitution?

01:55:40The Constitution of the United States of the United States and the Constitution of the state of California and the Constitution of the state of California. Against all enemies. Against all enemies foreign and domestic, foreign and domestic That I will bear true faith and allegiance.

01:55:54That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States. To the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California and the Constitution of the State of California. That I take this obligation freely, that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation, without any mental reservation or purpose

01:56:10of evasion. Or purpose of evasion. And that I will well and faithfully and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties Discharge the duties that I am upon to enter that I upon to enter.

01:56:21Congratulations. Thank you. I can give you.

01:56:37Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

01:57:19City clerk. Take a moment for the chambers to clear out a little bit here

01:57:54. All right. Clerk please introduce item 200. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT Item 200 is a state revolving fund loan to the city of San Diego Sewer system for the pump station to improvement and modernization project.

01:58:09So item eight does require six votes pursuant to Charter section 99 and public comment time will be one minute per person. If you'd like to speak on this item please submit your speaker slip now or raise your hand by pressing Star nine or the raise your hand icon.

01:58:21Thank you, Council PRESIDENT. All right. Thank you. City Clerk With that staff, please introduce yourselves for the record and let us know how much time you need. >> Thank you. Good afternoon. Council PRESIDENT And members of the Council Jodi Panelo, assistant director with the Department of Finance And presenting with me today is Kevin Werner, financing

01:58:37coordinator also with us. We'll need five minutes. All right. Again when you're ready. >> Thank you. Um, the action for your consideration this afternoon is entering into a clean water stage of wellbeing fund loan for the Sewer Systems Pump Station two project.

01:58:53And all related actions. Before we go into the details, I would like to note that only the sewer systems nets but net system revenues will serve as the repayment source for this loan and there is no general fund impact and no impact on the general fund debt ratios.

01:59:09With that I'll turn it over to Kevin. >> Thank you, Jose. A state revolving fund program is administered by the State Water Resources Control Board. These loans provide the city with below market interest rates and favorable repayment terms helping reduce financing costs to fund critical infrastructure projects.

01:59:27The state currently limits srf loans to $50 million per project and the city has several srf loans with the wastewater credit. >> The Pump Station Two Improvement and Modernization Project will provide necessary improvements and repairs to pump station to an important component of the city's wastewater infrastructure.

01:59:42Pump Station two is an integral component of the operation of the Metropolitan Water Wastewater System and is the largest pump station within the city of San Diego.

01:59:52Pump station to pump sewage to the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant operates 24 hours a day seven days a week and currently serves 2.3 million people within the city and participating agencies.

02:00:05>> The total estimated project cost is $160 Million for this project with the proposed srf financing of 50 million. The remaining funding of 110 million will come from other financing sources including Bonds.

02:00:19Construction is slated to start at the end of fiscal year 2027 and estimated completion as fiscal year 2032. The proposed $50 million srf loan offers favorable financing terms compared with other traditional financings.

02:00:32The loan amount of $50 million is expected to have an interest rate of 2.3%. The repayment is anticipated to begin in fiscal year 2033 and will be paid annually for 30 years.

02:00:43The annual debt service is estimated to be 2.3 million. We are requesting that the City Council authorize the mayor to execute and implement a clean water state revolving fund financing agreement for up to $50 million for Pumps two pump station two improvement and

02:00:59modernization projects. In addition, we are asking Council to adopt a reimbursement resolution allowing the city to reimburse eligible project expenditures initially paid with city funds using future srf loan proceeds.

02:01:13The city Council previously adopted an srf related reimbursement resolution that has reached its capacity. That concludes our presentation. If you have any questions we also have Adam Jones, Deputy Director from Public Utilities on the on the Zoom with us.

02:01:27Thank you. All right. Thank you for the work and thank you for the presentation this afternoon. Clerk Please proceed with public comment. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT Joyce and Yano if you can please come forward after that will be Blair Brinkman and then allegedly if you can start making your way up to the front row that'd be greatly appreciated.

02:01:51Yes to sub item a introduce the ordinance Yes to sub item b reso authorizing reimbursement of wastewater system c ip expenditures my like low interest loan program pump

02:02:13station two serves approximately 2.3 million people. That's an amazing number isn't it? It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

02:02:27I you know I love staff reports and I was just amazed when I looked at the fiscal consideration part of the staff report That long list was just amazing.

02:02:47Just it's just some of it went over my head but I just can't tell you how much that means to me as a public comment. >> Blair Pigman Um hi.

02:03:05Thank you We're Beakman Thank you that you are working on this item and similar items um how we address our sewer issues is important.

02:03:18Um the work we do with the state level here in San Diego I've been in touch concerned about uh, overall that um there's a degree that you guys have a kind of a channel with state agencies and

02:03:38for some reason you become a little less than an accountable with the public in that process And for a number of items your focus is so connected to the state you don't want to bring in the community and that it's okay to I just wanted to mention that as a reminder and good luck on how to be open

02:03:57with all forms of government to creating that openness is important how we grow. >> Um good luck. Thank you. >> Allegedly order I find it

02:04:15interesting your wording amount reasonably expected not to exceed you guys Finally to stop saying not to exceed unless it's just temporary.

02:04:24This is interesting. I feel like this is done for the pure water because you're going to be, you know, put in millions of gallons of water through this or or it's going to come and be diverted potentially.

02:04:38But I find that it's a little bit disturbing that we are putting water into the ocean when it takes this water to this treatment plant and it can't remove heavy chemicals, heavy metals, toxins that makes dead zones in the sea.

02:04:58Um that not bother anybody I mean or is that just we got to get rid of it That that's why we're giving it to ourselves with a bunch of other chemicals .

02:05:12Weird Why It might be one. And that bothered you guys. Really? Because we got a toxic by ourselves. >> It's the only way to get pure water right? I started the five minute timer going to those participate remotely starting with surfing.

02:05:22Suzanne if you can please unmute I can't improve for you.

02:05:31>> There you go. Thank you. Hello. Can you hear me? Yes, Please proceed. Hi, my name is Suzanne Cho. I am a resident of Santee, California and I'm speaking as someone in the San Diego River watershed.

02:05:46A lot of these improvements I am told are for Midway Rising and for Pump Station two. The thing that concerns me is inner ception and infiltration of stormwater in our sewer system.

02:06:01We are told repeatedly and I hear this at the San Diego Metro Wastewater jpa that we have to have an oversize system for stormwater And if you take a watershed based approach to stormwater number one you capture it.

02:06:12The best place to capture stormwater and turn it into beautiful drinking water free of charge. It's fixed El Capitan Reservoir in the San Diego River watershed.

02:06:24That reservoir has a capacity of 118,000 acre feet. That's a huge amount of water and that will reduce flooding and storm water problems downstream in the San Diego River floodplain.

02:06:35So please think about moving towards a watershed or time has concluded Any additional comments can be sent and City Clerk a ten year of crypto Bradley If you can please unmute Hector hear a shout out to Joe and the independent budget analysis of Sky.

02:06:54They always show up for work on time. We've noticed that Joe and an independent guy he's showing up to work on time. Thanks a lot for doing that And then independent budget guy I'd say he's got a lot on his plate He's got more of a that he's got a lot in the way that he

02:07:17has a hole that is and I say he should get a raise because if he's going to judge the that is not just the plate This is way above the play. This is a bat of just tall rule stuff going on every corner of the day and it concerns me that the person who's the city

02:07:37manager now didn't put her hand on anything. She didn't swear an oath to the Bible or thank GOD she didn't put it in like a rainbow flag and swear an oath to the rainbow flag.

02:07:48But it concerns me she did swear an oath and that included I phone If you can please unmute.

02:07:56Thank you. Yes this is Laurie Saldana and I want to know what the inflow and infiltration rate is at this pump station How much stormwater as the previous caller mentioned who actually is a member of a water board

02:08:15and understands this very well how much stormwater is infiltrating that pump station and overwhelming the pumps and how much salt water is infiltrating and damaging the equipment. It's located at a very low level on San Diego Bay.

02:08:29We know that the sea level rise is pushing groundwater and salt water higher If it's getting into this pump station it will You're throwing $50 million of state revolving fund money into a project that MAY not have a very long lifespan where is

02:08:45that? Technical advisory Committees reports on inflow and infiltration of salt water and stormwater into the metropolitan wastewater system.

02:08:55I think the public deserves to have that information and know where these state funds are being invested. Thank you. Thank you. That does conclude public comment on this item.

02:09:05>> All right. Thank you. City Clerk So with that will turn over to my council member colleagues Questions comments and entertain a motion and we'll start with Council member Campbell Thank you so much.

02:09:19>> Council PRESIDENT And thank you city staff for all your work on this important infrastructure project. Pump Station two is a critical part of our wastewater system serving 2.3 million residents across our region with the facility operating since

02:09:401963 With its last upgrade in 1992. These improvements are very necessary to modernize the aging infrastructure, improve the reliability and reduce the risk of any sewer overflows.

02:09:54Investing in our wastewater infrastructure is essential to protecting our public health, maintaining reliable service and safeguarding our environment. And so thank you very much for bringing this forward.

02:10:05And with that I Move staff recommendation. All right. Thank you. And some members of a motion by Councilmember Campbell to move the staff recommendation. We'll go next to Council member Campo.

02:10:15>> Thank you Council PRESIDENT. I will second the motion As I was reviewing this item we realize that most of the news will be on the prior item but if everyone understood what would happen if Pump Station two stopped working that would be the item for weeks and weeks.

02:10:29So when the staff report says this is an integral piece of infrastructure it is the integral piece of infrastructure making sure that our constituents are not stepping through human sewage on a daily basis.

02:10:39My first right along as an elected official was not with fire police, lifeguards any of that It was going to pump Station two and seeing just how important that is. So it's very important that we get this this long working right and making sure we're upgrading this for the long term of our city.

02:10:53And I appreciate the calls from members of the public asking about infrastructure questions, getting the $50 million done and alone right now is very, very important first step. So I'll be in support And that concludes my second.

02:11:04All right. Thank you, sir. So we have a motion by council member Campbell and seconded by Council member Campo to move the staff recommendation. We'll go next to council member Elio Rivera.

02:11:14>> Thank you. Council PRESIDENT Actually just kind of build on on Councilmember Campos statement to the question what would happen or what would we be at risk of happening if we didn't do this?

02:11:32>> I believe we don't the deputy director of finance answering that question So Councilmember this pump station is the backbone of every sewage drop that has to be processed by the wastewater system.

02:11:46So when it goes down the sewage would start to accumulate in the lowest pockets of the city until it is back up and running and sending that waste for treatment At the Point Loma Peninsula.

02:11:56So it is it is clear it is also been the place during the last several sewer spills have been located at pump Station two because it has no other place to go.

02:12:10So it's incredibly important And why we we in the public utilities department have put so much resources into making sure it can last another 40, 50, 60 years.

02:12:20>> All right. Thank you so much The council PRESIDENT. All right. Thank you, Councilmember Glover. I don't see anybody else in the lights so we do have a motion by council member Campbell seconded by Council member Campo to move a staff recommendation.

02:12:34Clark, please call the roll. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT. I started the voting system. Please cast your vote. Councilmember Von Wilpert if I MAY have your vote for the record I vote yes and that passes unanimously 8 to 0 with Council member whipper and absent.

02:12:49Thank you Council PRESIDENT All right. Thank you City Clerk And with that please introduce item 201 Item 2a1 Is the drinking water state revolving fund loan to the city of San Diego's water system for the El Monte pipeline Number two Project sup Item eight does require six votes pursuant to Charter

02:13:06Section 99 Public speaking time is one minute per person. If you'd like to speak on this item please be sure to submit your speaker slip to the front of the room or if you're participating remotely now's the time to raise your hand by pressing Star nine or the raise your hand icon.

02:13:20Thank you Council PRESIDENT. All right. Thank you once again, Ken Staff, please introduce yourselves for the record and then let us know what time you need for this presentation. Good afternoon again Council PRESIDENT And members of the council Jodi Pam Blue, assistant director, the Department of Finance And presenting with me is Alison

02:13:35Falcon Stein. Financing coordinator also reduced will need five minutes. All right when you're ready thank you again similar to the previous item we are seeking authorization to enter into a drinking water state revolving fund loan for the Water Systems El Monte pipeline project and all

02:13:54related actions. And again just like to reiterate that only the water systems net system revenues will serve as a repayment source and there is no impact on the general fund ratios.

02:14:04With that, I'll turn it over to Alison. Good afternoon. Alice and Paul Constrain Financing Coordinator and Department of Finance For background the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund offers loans to local agencies to construct water projects throughout the state.

02:14:19This program is administered by the State Water Resources Control Board's Division of Financial Assistance. This program offers low interest rate loans and favorable repayment terms and up to $50 million per project.

02:14:35The city applied for a loan for the El Monte Pipeline number two project which is a 12 mile round water transmission pipeline that delivers water between the city's two reservoirs to the Alvarado water treatment plant.

02:14:49The $50 million loan will help us finance the replacement and spot repairs to reduce the risk of emergency repairs and to maintain a reliable source of potable water.

02:15:01The total project estimated cost is $66 million and we have applied and are eligible for up to 50 million. The city will use other financing or cash for the remaining 16 million.

02:15:11We anticipate that upon council authorization the loan MAY be executed this fiscal year and that construction will start in early fiscal year 2028 with completion in late fiscal year 2031.

02:15:27For fiscal considerations the estimated interest rate is 2.3% and the loan will require interest only payments during the construction period and principal repayment begins after construction is done with a 30 year repayment term we

02:15:43estimate the cost to be 2.3 million annually in principal and interest. The actual interest rate will be based on a benchmark of 50% of the interest rate on California's average general obligation bonds obtained by the state Treasurer for the previous calendar year.

02:16:00The loan will have a senior lien position and will have a rate covenant that is common to all other srf loans recently executed. We request authorization via ordinance and resolution for the following actions Authorize the Mayor to implement the loan for an estimated $50 million

02:16:17for the project. Authorize the city to dedicate and pledge net revenues of the Water Utility Fund for the repayment of the loan. And authorize the cfo to create new funds for the project.

02:16:30And for via resolution we declare the city's intent to use net proceeds to reimburse the water utility for eligible project costs. That concludes our presentation. Please let us know if you have any questions on this item.

02:16:42We also have Brett Barter, lot of Chief Deputy City Attorney and the project team Eric Rubalcaba and our Bustamante from ncp and Adam Jones from the Public Utilities Department.

02:16:56If there are any questions all right. Thank you. Thank you for the work and thank you for the presentation this afternoon. Clerk Please proceed with public comment. Thank you. Jason Yarrow If you MAY please come forward to the microphone. After that will be allegedly Audra and then Blair Beekman.

02:17:09>> Okay. So yes to submit them a introduce the ordinance. Yes to submit and be Rizzo authorizing reimbursement of water system cip expenditures again low interest loan.

02:17:29So these are wonderful loans aren't they? And taking care of maintenance needs. I always love hearing those words. So when I first looked at this item I saw the words drinking water.

02:17:43And I just want to tell you that ever since I fell in love with the pure water program and it's massive business and what's happening under our ground underground with water and the whole thing of water and drinking water and how we

02:18:03can't live without water What is it? Air and then water. So I just I don't drink my water anymore without just loving water.

02:18:14So thank you so much for all allegedly Audra Yeah.

02:18:25>> Both this and the last item were due to severe neglect to the infrastructure and it's like the state had a finding that you guys were supposed to cease and desist on the other one and luckily you initiated this one supposedly But these are decades old problems and it's like you know, we lose 8%

02:18:42or more of the water when you guys don't keep up with the infrastructure or when it's being transported through the pipes. And luckily this is going to somewhere to be treated I guess Otherwise I would ask about the water condition.

02:18:57But you know, this is just sad that we need billions of dollars to really keep up with all of these things when you guys should have been doing it already.

02:19:07And I just think about, you know, what is this going to be spent the way that it should And we're going to have to have rate increases that are going to come down the pike because you guys always want to get full cost recovery and make sure you meet your financial obligations.

02:19:22So what's this going to look like for the people for these last two items as far as an increase goes? Blair Beekman if you can please come forward.

02:19:38Yeah. All right. Thank you. Just a quick reminder from the previous item and working with state issues, state funding and the like I'm just a real good luck that you can be practicing accountability that you want to be sharing the project with the community and not just dominating because

02:19:57that's what you've been doing with the with the state efforts as of late It's been very narrow and focused to get the job done but you don't invite much of the public to that process and good luck how you can and to be inclusive with state funding concerns and

02:20:16good luck with this item. >> Thank you. Thank you. Going to those participating remotely I see no speakers with their hands raised So that concludes public comment for this item.

02:20:27All right. Thank you City Clerk. So again we'll turn it over to the council for questions. Comments Entertain a motion. We'll start with Council member Campo. Thank you Council PRESIDENT Thank you to our staff for their presentation, their good work on this.

02:20:40Again a very important piece of infrastructure funding necessary. The prior item was sewage. This one is drinking water so and they go hand in hand And as this runs raw water into the Alvarado treatment facility that is in District seven, I know that that is a key component of us providing

02:20:56drinkable water to keep our community healthy So I will move approval of staff's recommendation on item 2a1 council PRESIDENT And thank them very much.

02:21:05All right. Thank you, sir. So we have a motion by Councilmember Campion to move the staff recommendation. We'll go next to council member Campbell. Thank you Council PRESIDENT. >> I am so grateful for the good work of our staff on this and the importance of it

02:21:23and I'm so grateful for the low interest rate. This is really going to be helpful And thank you very much for your work on this.

02:21:34Interesting that it's been 34 years since this has been taken care of and it really is necessary. Thank you so much for doing this work and I appreciate it.

02:21:47So I second the motion and thank you Council PRESIDENT All right. Thank you. So with that we have a motion by council member you and that was second by Council member Campbell I don't see anybody on the right So Clerk please call the roll I'm sorry The voting system please cast your vote.

02:22:06Council member if I MAY please have your vote for the record I vote yes and that passes unanimously 8 to 0 with Council member Whitburn absent.

02:22:16All right, Again thank you to staff for your good work on these two items So we will now take up non agenda public comment. The Council members respect and appreciate the public's input are fully committed to protecting every participant's free speech right to counsel and committee meetings with

02:22:32that clerk. Please proceed with public comment. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT Per rule 2.7 Knowledge on a public comment is an opportunity for members of the public to comment on items that are not on the agenda but within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council.

02:22:45Each speaker will have two minutes. Please note if there are more speakers on a single topic the maximum time for the topic will be 16 minutes. If you are in chambers please submit a speaker slip to the front of the room. If you're joining us virtually please raise your hand to speak by tapping the raise your hand icon or calling participant star nine Kelly Campos if you can please come forward.

02:23:09>> Good afternoon Council members. I'm speaking on behalf of residents in far north East Village pad mounted transformers or trees.

02:23:20The large green and blue boxes you see on every street are creating a recurring problem in our neighborhood during closures block sightlines which makes them easy places for concealed drug use, vandalism and unlawful camping.

02:23:31I submitted an overview of the worst Transformers in our neighborhood and recommended abatement measures to support this request. First, I ask that the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee review installing riprap or boulders at the base of Patti's motion

02:23:47activated lighting angled concrete barriers bollards or excuse me concrete and concrete to deter sleeping.

02:23:58Second, I ask for a review of the time recycling center at 412 Chicano Parkway in Sherman Heights. This center advertises that it buys aluminum cans, copper wire and other metal scrap.

02:24:10Neighbors have complained that it accepts scrap without id and residents also support that cash payments for scrap or funding drug use which is prolific in our area.

02:24:20I ask for enforcement or review of penal code 496 Buying stolen property is a crime. Penal Code two one 600 through 21 609 Recyclers must verify seller id and keep records Public Resources Code 14 500.

02:24:35Certified Recycling centers must follow State rules. I ask that the San Diego Police Department and Cal Recycle review the center's compliance and that the committee and sd Janey review improvements to the potties.

02:24:50Thank you so much for your time . Thank you. Jason Yarrow okay.

02:25:07From Google and from the u. T the past AUGUST while here in San Diego federal hhs secretary Robert f Kennedy Jr announced a major federal shift to a

02:25:23treatment first approach when housing and caring for the homeless. He said focusing focusing on permanent housing without requiring them to complete treatment is not effective

02:25:40because nobody is in charge of the addict all the way through . This will change. This is important. This will change federal funding priorities.

02:25:53Remember that when Kennedy highlighted the San Diego rescue mission? Now on a personal note, the San Diego housing risk the San Diego rescue mission saved My oldest brother's life in so

02:26:14many ways And Kennedy himself lived through a 43 year journey of personal recovery recovery from addiction. From that experience he sees emphasis on continuous support, structure and accountability.

02:26:32Those are all required to help individuals permanently escape homelessness. Now for me I've got a question for you because we've heard so many voices recently about the safe sleeping sites and

02:26:50that's for another time. I want to talk on it again soon but I have a question for you How can this info from Robert f Kennedy Jr help us create a new path for Sleeping Beauty that

02:27:11concludes with allegedly order After that will be Anthony Ralphs and Blair Beekman. >> If you can start making your way to the front room So I'd like to know what you guys are going to do regarding this data center that's definitely coming

02:27:27in to Navarre because you know they're going to want their command center. It's a federal decision and you guys have been saying f you to the federal government So they're going to definitely say f you to Santiago and how are we going to sustain this with the energy the power grid You guys keep pushing this green

02:27:45energy and there is no way that it's going to sustain it's not sustainable for an influx in energy. And the thing is no energy is clean. Green energy is into fossil fuels which is the blood of the earth.

02:27:58It's not fossil fuels anyway but we have a way to get power just from the ether which Nikola Tesla actually found And yet this is a way to control the people but it would be a way for them to provide this

02:28:14energy freely. People wouldn't have to you know, pay more because what's going to happen is ac Genie is going to make a deal with them so they only have to pay like $1 million a year which is like $0.11 a kilowatt whatever And

02:28:30the people are going to be paying way more than that. But how are we going to sustain this if we're pushing solar panels and busses and stuff And you know, we can't even have people charge their electric vehicle or use ac at the same time What are we going to do when there is a 400 megawatt

02:28:48datacenter right in the city? I was just wondering we're going to prepare for fires as well. That'll be interesting. But you know, are we just going to push this down on to the people will pay more to do some kind of you know collection of data to see what this would look like?

02:29:06Are you guys really thinking about that? Cause there's also going to be one in the county of San Diego . I'm just wondering how you're preparing even the fresh water What are we going to do allow them to take it and just give us our sewage?

02:29:19Maybe we can give them the water from Tijuana? I don't know. Oh. >> Oh, it's good to know you guys are thinking alike about it. Anthony Ross Good afternoon,

02:29:34City Council. >> Happy to month anniversary of Darth Vader visiting on this date two months ago my whole world changed. But it wasn't just my world that changed It was the whole world that changed because according to an article published by It-bpm News which stands for Internet Protocol Video Market which is a independent security and

02:29:52surveillance industry research group and trade publication the Vader star is the most single scene event in the Block opposition campaign and it succeeded because it is immune to the conventional counters.

02:30:04Block deploys No single event in the flock Debate has reached this level of platform breadth. This video reached the highest levels of government and was shared on x by Congressman Greg Stoop. The article calculated the estimated gross impressions by platform on x which I don't use.

02:30:21There was 6 to 12 million views on Instagram which I had a private profile just a couple of months ago when this thing went viral It reached 3.5 to 5 million views ticktock 3 to 5 million views. Reddit 4 to 7 million views.

02:30:34I don't have to talk and I hardly use Reddit Facebook that I don't use 47 million views YouTube 2 to 3 million views And with mainstream web and broadcast syndication has reached 10 to 15 million views.

02:30:43This was shared across Fox, cnn New York Post, upi, Yahoo News msn National Morning Broadcast SFGate abc News The Hill More perfect Union and the National influence was documented by Evan Greer in the New York Times one month after the viral bit Not bad for a community

02:31:01college actor with less than three years of experience acting who never graduated and who barely has a year of experience speaking at city council now I'm not an influencer and I'm not an I am an organizer though and I didn't even post this video But according to this article

02:31:18published a week after the video went viral I'm sure the numbers are higher. This reached 30 to 50 million people around the world from San Diego to Singapore, Mexico City to West Asia.

02:31:29And now I'm ready to be upstaged by someone else who's ready to be the hero because we need a veto proof vote and we need one more person on the city council to vote. You're talking to soccer player or Big Ben If you can please come forward.

02:31:50>> All right. Thank you. We're Ben thanks a lot For the words of Anthony and all his work he has brought Darth Vader here.

02:32:02It made light of I think we're all trying to find the Luke Skywalker in ourselves and how to address our tech accountability.

02:32:13What is that balance? You know, how do we find the good side of the force We want to practice public safety We have to acknowledge Block is not a very good player in this process.

02:32:27We're understanding that I think we're really moving to a process to eventually leave. Block If not by this NOVEMBER, in the next year I think we're going to really talk about how to how to live.

02:32:42Block Over a year's period, a two year period immediately. What are our choices there? How do you guys want to work it? And I've given you great examples of Oakland. You know they're in the midst of a two year process and last year in a community involved effort to to define the future

02:33:01of an app vendor or not And you get an app your vendor that the your vendor is accountable and well principled what are our definitions of being more principled Is it axon Is that the future of our of our vendor If we're going to have one?

02:33:20No. Jen Tech is a much better beginning example. I look them up. It's a great place to start. We better than excellent We have to acknowledge the aclu has taken San Diego to court to end api use altogether In

02:33:36the very least we really should be practicing has greatly greatly limit our npr use. How are we going to talk about block use leaving compared to all the tech we have with Yubikey with all the help your use we have to have those conversations more clearly in

02:33:54the coming weeks and months. Thank you. Thank you for sharing the five minute timer going to those participating remotely starting with Terry and Scully. If you can please unmute.

02:34:07Good afternoon San Diego City Council PRESIDENT Casa As a parent I appreciate that This month is Substance Prevention Month and that next week is Red Ribbon Week.

02:34:18Many city councils provide proclamations for Red Ribbon Week and ask schoolchildren and parent organizations and other school administrators to receive them. It is a great it is great when children can participate in a red ribbon Week proclamations because they are an example of

02:34:35an important prevention strategy which demonstrates that the city's understanding that good choice making not only affects youth but the city and the large community in which our young people will live.

02:34:48Due to my work with youth I voiced my support for the city's focus on underserved communities that seem saturated with liquor stores, vape shops and pot stores.

02:35:00They seem to surround children and affect them and their families. This makes it so much harder for parents to create stable and nurturing home environments that promote healthy child development that we all want.

02:35:18And we all know firsthand how retail settings like limited stores make shops, pot stores contribute to poor youth and parent choice making creating the very struggles that cause for the deterioration of families.

02:35:30It is growing more important to look at the importance of our neighborhoods and reduce and eliminate these retail settings and their billboards. After all, two thirds of California cities prohibit marijuana retail storefronts entirely.

02:35:43Thank you for hearing my concerns this afternoon. Thank you. Barbara Gordon if you can please and you Thank you.

02:35:58Today I urge the city council to consider banning disposable nicotine vapes to protect our environment Public health, future generations disposable vapes are not just simply litter they are hazardous electronic waste containing lithium batteries, plastic electronic components and

02:36:18nicotine but discarded These products can can contribute to soil and water contamination. They can create fire risk in waste collections and recycling facilities and place additional burdens on our landfills.

02:36:35Unlike reusable products, disposable vapes are designed to be thrown away after a short period of use, wasting valuable material and creating unnecessary environmental pollution.

02:36:48Their growing popularity also raises the concerns about youth nicotine addiction and the long term consequences of nicotine dependency. Our city has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership by taking a meaningful, meaningful action to reduce this preventable source of pollution

02:37:06. A ban on disposable bags could send a clear message that too convenient stores culprit profits should not outweigh environmental responsibility and community well-being.

02:37:19I urge the City Council to adopt a strong ordinance prohibiting the sale of disposable vape pens within the city. Protecting our children. Safeguarding our natural resources. Reducing hazardous waste and holding businesses accountable for products they sell.

02:37:37The best waste is waste that we can prevent. Let's take action now to prevent a cleaner, healthier and a safer community for everybody. Thank you for letting me speak. Thank you.

02:37:49But you wrap if you can, please. I'm you this afternoon. >> My name is Becky Rapp and I wanted to share with you the concerns I recently brought before the planning committee.

02:38:06I think it important I'm sorry You are cutting in and out or having chips because your time you're cutting in and out. We can't hear you.

02:38:21>> Okay, that's much better. Please proceed. Okay. Okay.

02:38:31>> We can hear you hearing council chambers. Sorry that you're having technical difficulties or you're We do not hear you here

02:38:55in council chambers. I cut it out. Can you hear me? Yes. Please proceed. Oh, great. Okay. I'm not sure where I left off but I just believe that it's important that the council consider how changes in marijuana business ownership

02:39:11are handled. When a permit was originally approved through a public hearing process in my community residents invested hours and and a lot of effort reviewing the original pot shop application.

02:39:23They attended meetings and evaluated the operator and considered the impacts on our neighborhood. That public participation was important and helped build community confidence in the decision.

02:39:35Since that approval the business has been acquired by a new operator The House and it's transitioning its name and brand. With projections for opening in late OCTOBER or early NOVEMBER when a marijuana business changes hands one opportunity

02:39:51that the community have to learn about the new operator and understand what changes mean for the neighborhood. So I ask the Council to consider amendments to the municipal code that would require a new application or some level of discretionary review when a marijuana permit is transferred to a different

02:40:09operator. This would allow the city to evaluate the new operator and allow residents an opportunity to be informed and heard. Pot shop operators must have a good working relationship with community members to ensure a balanced experience.

02:40:23I asked the council to direct the appropriate department to review the current regulations and return with recommendations for a city wide policy that provides a public notification and review when ownership or operational control of a marijuana business changes.

02:40:41Thank you. Thank you. Crypto Bradley if you can please I'm you. After that is Natalie or Ashley in Madison No additional speakers will be taken. >> The five minute timer has concluded Please proceed Proceed Sector 8:00 saying a vote for Marni Scott Peters and Sarah Jacobs is a vote for floc

02:40:58and the Zionist regime in Israel who's like treating the Gaza Strip as a condo development instead of treating it as what it is.

02:41:11I guess you're not supposed to say the words but it's not a condo development for Marriott but it's going to turn into one And anyway on the end I'm for Darth Vader to go maga I'm praying for Darth Vader to go maga and then on the rd hire

02:41:28who did the trash belong to the county He needs to show her his face or whatever pronouns they got. I'm sure it's a diy hire you guys did so they need to get before the council too.

02:41:45Is it Is it a guy or woman or something else And then when the other day is supposed to be illegal for the Fed So you guys are way not doing the law again. But one thing we can get away from playing the race card on the next council I'm not going to tolerate the race card and and the flag of the rainbow

02:42:04flag card but to do the race card let's change the rules and to see where anything's spent North of Highway eight like $10 million spent there south of of

02:42:25like eight has a spent 15,000,001.5 whatever money spent on the north and in 94 south and 94 has to double the amount of money spent north of eight they spent 10 billion on roads north of highway he got to spend 20 million south

02:42:45in 94 and that I will do that for five years and then we'll call it good We'll stop playing the race card. This card with that card and just become San Diego and live happily ever after. >> Your time has concluded next to Natalie Rushdie If you can please unmute.

02:43:02All right. Natalie Rushdie I was having a conversation last week with some people and the word stakeholder came up and defining what that means And as a stakeholder I don't feel that

02:43:19we are considered or we're considered after the fact. I appreciate Shawn Ivy be talking to the mayor and the new I forgot the title but about making it easier for

02:43:37people the community to participate in making the city better. It shouldn't be so difficult that a stakeholder that is willing to volunteer and be a part of what I'm looking for us to participate in their

02:43:55community. Anthony showed up as a character He that is to me like he said that's not what something he thought would happen But him participating in that way got people's attention.

02:44:13He is too a stakeholder and I feel that they should be listened to also I don't know if any of you support Steve Hilton but he's really trying to push the sun break range and to me imposing that or making

02:44:32that even anything that is to be acquired or MAY be even happening is very that's a slippery there And I'm hoping that none of you support him or those actions because that's a

02:44:50scary thing to me. >> Thank you. Thank you. And our final speaker is Madison if you can believe in you. Hi. Good afternoon.

02:45:01Thanks for letting us participate today I want to bring your attention to some important new research from right here in San Diego. Earlier this year researchers at uc San Diego published findings from a study of more than 11,000 young people.

02:45:15They found that adolescents who used cannabis showed slower progress in cognitive skills including memory, attention, language and processing speed compared with their peers.

02:45:26The researchers emphasized that adolescence is a critical period of brain development. >> This should concern our San Diego parents and city leaders when we consider how marijuana is also increasingly presented as harmless or as a way to relax.

02:45:39A separate study published this year found that adolescents in California perceive cannabis as less harmful than Cigarets nicotine vapes and alcohol.

02:45:50>> We have a serious disconnect between what science is telling us and what our young people MAY believe. The city of San Diego has an opportunity to help close that gap. The city communication channels youth serving programs and partnerships with schools, parents and community

02:46:08prevention organizations. Public education should clearly explain the potential effects of thc on developing brains the risks associated with high potency products and the importance of delaying substance use during adolescence.

02:46:21>> These messages should be accessible scientifically accurate and designed to reach young people before they began experimenting. Prevention is about ensuring that young people have the information and support they need to make healthy decisions.

02:46:34When new research comes from our own uc San Diego researchers, we should be putting that knowledge to work in our community. >> Please make use prevention and science based public education a meaningful part of San Diego's public health and public safety priorities.

02:46:51Thank you. Thank you. And that concludes another round of public comment for today's meeting. Thank you. All right. Thank you, City Clerk. Does the office of the city attorney have anything to report out from this session?

02:47:00Yes. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT. There are two items to report out. The city council voted on closed session item number three could purchase Vermonters at all versus Cook County, Illinois and all United States Supreme Court case number 25 Dash 238 to join as amicus curiae in support of Cook

02:47:21County. The motion passed 720 with council members Ron Wilbur and Whitburn Absent. Additionally, the City Council voted in closed session Item number six JANUARY 22nd 2020 for flooding litigation to initiate litigation.

02:47:32Once litigation is formally commenced the action the defendants and other particulars will be disclosed to any person upon inquiry unless to do so would jeopardize effective service of process or settlement negotiations.

02:47:49The motions passed 7 to 0 with council members Van Wilpert and Whitburn absent. That concludes my report. All right. Thank you for reporting out from closed session. We will now adjourn Council to the regularly scheduled council meeting on Tuesday, OCTOBER 20th, 2026 at 10 A.M..