OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

San Diego City Council Budget Committee Meeting - October 19, 2022

Budget & Government Efficiency Committee — Wednesday, October 19, 2022
BodySan Diego, California
SessionBudget & Government Efficiency Committee
DateWednesday, October 19, 2022
StatusFILED
Video Record
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0:00

One, which allows the city to use teleconferencing and to provide the public an opportunity to address the city council committee via a call-in option or an internet based service option during a proclaimed state of emergency.

0:10

While the public is allowed to attend the meetings in person, we encourage you to maintain six feet of social distance as well as California mass guidelines where mass are strolling recommended.

0:18

In addition to being able to attend in person, this meeting is being televised and live streamed on the city's website, and the clerk and council committee liaison will continue to make arrangements for the public to comment using the Zoom webinar platform.

0:29

Additionally, members of the public who wish to provide virtual testimony must enter the virtual queue by raising their hand before the queue closes.

0:35

The queue will close when the last virtual speaker finishes speaking or five minutes after in-person testimony ends, whichever happens first.

0:42

This will allow for better meeting management between the two platforms and ensure the council is able to manage and conduct city business.

0:48

We appreciate the public's cooperation.

0:50

Our committee consultant Anthony George will go over the specifics of how the public can participate and give their public testimony.

1:04

Vice Chair Elo Rivera.

1:10

And Councilmember Vivian Moreno is absent.

1:13

And I am also here.

1:14

Also attending is Charles Monica, our IBA, Matthew Vespie, our chief financial officer, Chris Christopher Ackerman of the Mayor's Office, and Brett Bartalata from the City Attorney's Office.

1:24

Mr.

1:24

George, please proceed.

1:26

So if you're in person, please complete complete a speaker slip located at the entrance of the chambers and place it on top of the box indicated at the speaker's lecture and the front of the room.

1:35

Please do not or do so in a timely manner to ensure proper meeting management.

1:39

In-person testimony will conclude before virtual testimony begins.

1:43

Members of the public can also join the webinar by computer tablet or smartphone by accessing the link which is listed online in the preamble language of the agenda on the city's webpage.

1:53

If you need to participate by phone, you may dial 1669-254-5252.

1:58

Webinar ID 161486 3189 pound.

2:03

This information is also available on the agenda and will appear on the screen during the public comment period of for each agenda item.

2:10

As noted by committee chair, members of the public who wish to provide virtual testimony must enter the virtual queue by raising their hand before the queue closes.

2:18

The queue will close when the ver last virtual speaker finishes speaking or five minutes after in-person testimony ends, whichever happens first.

2:25

Please note that if you are watching via City TV 24 or online, there may be a delay.

2:30

Please participate via audio on your phone or meet your TV or computer when it is your turn to speak.

2:36

If you wish to speak on a particular item, wait for that item to be called and raise your hand for speak uh to speak by tapping the raise your hand icon or if you're calling in participant, uh star nine on your cell phone or landline.

2:49

If you raise your hand during a non- non-com non-comment period, your hand will be lowered.

2:54

Thank you, Mr.

2:55

George.

2:55

A quorum is now present.

2:57

We will now dispense with the approval of the committee actions of September 14th, 2022.

3:02

Mr.

3:02

George.

3:04

All right.

3:04

The public comment period for this item is now open.

3:06

If you have already joined the Zoom webinar online or by phone, please raise your hand if you wish to speak.

3:11

If you are with if you're watching on City TV or live stream online and would like to call into the meeting to speak, please call 1669 5254 5252.

3:21

When presented input webinar ID 161719874 pound to raise your hand to speak, select the raise your hand button or press star nine.

3:30

I'll announce when is your turn to speak.

3:32

Unmute yourself by either selecting the unmute button or by inputting star nine.

3:37

And we currently have zero speakers in the queue in person and zero speakers in virtual testimony or the virtual queue, and that concludes public testimony on the committee actions.

3:49

Thank you very much.

3:50

I'll entertain a motion for the actions.

3:52

So move by council president Ila Vera, second by council president pro tem.

3:56

We're going to do voice votes here, starting with council president.

4:00

Council President Pro Tem.

4:01

Yes.

4:02

And I am also a yes, and that motion passes unanimously.

4:05

Thank you very much.

4:06

We will now take up non-agenda public comment.

4:09

Mr.

4:09

George.

4:10

Peru per rule 2.6, non-agenda 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.

4:20

Each speaker will have two minutes.

4:21

The public comment period for the non-agenda public comment is now open.

4:25

If you have already joined the web zoom webinar online or by phone, please raise your hand if you wish to speak per the instructions on the screen.

4:32

If you are in person, please come to the reserved seats at the front of the room when your name is called and be prepared to come up to the lectern in the order called.

4:39

Members of the public who wish to provide virtual testimony must enter the virtual queue by raising their hand before the queue closes.

4:45

The queue will close when the last virtual speaker finishes speaking or five minutes after the in-person testimony ends, whichever happens first.

4:53

We will receive two minutes to address the council, and we currently have zero speakers who have submitted speaker slips uh in chambers and three speakers in the virtual queue.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Comment██████████████████████22%
Budget█████████████████17%
Public Engagement█████████████13%
Stormwater Management████████8%
Workers Compensation████████8%
Public Safety██████6%
Technology and Innovation█████5%
Procedural███3%
Public Finance██2%
Summary of Proceedings

San Diego City Council Budget Committee Meeting - October 19, 2022

The Budget and Government Efficiency Committee met on October 19, 2022, starting at 5:00 PM (UTC) with a quorum present. Council President Ilar Vera, Council President Pro Tem Montgomery, and Committee Chair Kate presided. The meeting was held in a hybrid format during a proclaimed state of emergency. Key actions included authorization of $175 million in lease revenue bonds, a $68.50 street sweeping citation increase (moved to full council without a recommendation), a $21.08 million AT&T contract amendment, increased spending limits for workers' compensation managed care, and discussion of FY2024 budget priorities.

Consent Calendar

  • Committee Actions (September 14, 2022): Approved unanimously.
  • Consent Agenda: Including the city treasurer's investment policy and two drinking water state revolving fund loans for the Miranda Pipeline and Alvarado's second extension pipeline projects. Approved unanimously after public testimony.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Non-Agenda Public Comment:
    • B. Beekman raised concerns about downtown parking and towing along Fifth Avenue on weekends, suggesting larger signs and coordination with businesses.
    • Lori Soldania thanked council members for questions to SDG&E and advocated for public power, noting SDG&E's $800 million profit and high rates.
    • Joyce Nata praised Council President Ilar Vera's leadership and expressed support.
  • Consent Agenda Public Comment: B. Beekman emphasized budgeting for uncertainty and human rights; Lori Soldania requested a fuller presentation on the treasurer's report and noted the value of litigation in water reclamation.
  • Item 3 – Lease Revenue Bonds: Lori Soldania pointed out EEO deficiencies in two contractors (300 employees), particularly underrepresentation of Latinos, Asians, and women.
  • Item 4 – Street Sweeping Citation: B. Beekman opposed the 30% increase, suggesting a smaller increase and forgiveness; Lori Soldania proposed text alerts for tourists; Joyce Nata supported the increase, noting it had been unchanged since 2003.
  • Item 5 – AT&T Contract: Lori Soldania urged alignment with SB 255 (public utilities diversity); Joyce Nata supported the contract; B. Beekman called for open and accountable IT practices.
  • Item 6 – Workers' Comp Managed Care: Lori Soldania highlighted EEO disparities and their link to homelessness; B. Beekman raised concerns about data and surveillance technology.
  • Item 7 – FY2024 Budget Priorities: Lori Soldania urged shifting resources from policing to homeless services and changing language from "transients"; Christine Martinez (Arts and Culture San Diego) supported 7% TOT funding for arts; B. Beekman called for open tech practices; Joyce Nata thanked the IBA and urged focus on grants.
  • Item 8 – FY2022 Year-End Report: Lori Soldania suggested solar panels in parks to offset energy costs; B. Beekman emphasized human rights and state funding; Joyce Nata encouraged attention to grant applications and customer service levels.

Discussion Items

  • Item 3 – Authorization for PFFA 2023 Lease Revenue Bonds (up to $175 million): Staff presented the plan to repay existing commercial paper and fund previously approved CIP projects. The bonds would increase annual debt service by $10.9 million (4.7% interest over 30 years). IBA noted no significant issues. Council President Pro Tem Montgomery raised EOC concerns but acknowledged ongoing efforts. The item was approved unanimously.
  • Item 4 – Stormwater Street Sweeping Citation Increase ($52.50 to $68.50): Staff presented that the 30% increase (first since 2003) would close a $5 million annual funding gap for street sweeping and parking enforcement. Council President Pro Tem Montgomery opposed, citing timing and impact on lower-income residents; Council President Ilar Vera supported but worried about low-income impacts and emphasized a need for dedicated revenue. The motion passed 2-1 (with Montgomery opposed) and was sent to full council without a committee recommendation.
  • Item 5 – First Amendment to CalNet Legacy Contract with AT&T (up to $21.08 million): Staff explained the contract for telecommunications services through June 2029. IBA had no comments. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 6 – First Amendment to Workers' Compensation Managed Care Contracts: Staff requested increased spending limits due to COVID-related claims (over 7,000 claims, $7 million paid). Council President Pro Tem Montgomery supported but requested that the contractors appear at full council to discuss EEO plans. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 7 – FY2024 City Council Budget Priorities: IBA presented a consolidated report from all nine council offices, covering 150+ pages and over 500 operating priorities. Major categories: homelessness and housing, environment and climate action, infrastructure, public safety, youth services, arts and culture, and human capital. Council President Ilar Vera moved to prepare the budget priorities resolution; Council President Pro Tem Montgomery seconded, noting the earlier timeline allows better community input. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 8 – FY2022 Year-End Financial Performance Report (Information): Staff reported general fund revenues $31.3 million above projection, expenditures $4 million below projection, resulting in $48.7 million net projected activity and $75.3 million excess equity. Sales and TOT taxes increased due to inflation. Reserves at 14.9% (target 16%). IBA will issue a full analysis. Council President Pro Tem Montgomery raised questions about overtime and equity implications. No action required.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Calendar and Agendas: Approved unanimously.
  • Lease Revenue Bonds (Item 3): Approved unanimously; proceeds up to $175 million to be used for commercial paper repayment and capital projects.
  • Street Sweeping Citation Increase (Item 4): Approved 2-1 (Council President Ilar Vera and Committee Chair Kate in favor, Council President Pro Tem Montgomery opposed); moves to full council without committee recommendation.
  • AT&T Contract (Item 5): Approved unanimously; contract value up to $21.08 million through June 2029.
  • Workers' Comp Managed Care (Item 6): Approved unanimously; contractors requested to appear at full council to discuss EEO plans.
  • FY2024 Budget Priorities (Item 7): Approved unanimously; IBA directed to prepare a budget priorities resolution for full council consideration.
  • FY2022 Year-End Report (Item 8): Noted and filed; IBA to provide detailed analysis by October 25.
  • Next Meeting: Scheduled for November 3, 2022, at 1:00 PM.

Meeting Transcript

One, which allows the city to use teleconferencing and to provide the public an opportunity to address the city council committee via a call-in option or an internet based service option during a proclaimed state of emergency. While the public is allowed to attend the meetings in person, we encourage you to maintain six feet of social distance as well as California mass guidelines where mass are strolling recommended. In addition to being able to attend in person, this meeting is being televised and live streamed on the city's website, and the clerk and council committee liaison will continue to make arrangements for the public to comment using the Zoom webinar platform. Additionally, members of the public who wish to provide virtual testimony must enter the virtual queue by raising their hand before the queue closes. The queue will close when the last virtual speaker finishes speaking or five minutes after in-person testimony ends, whichever happens first. This will allow for better meeting management between the two platforms and ensure the council is able to manage and conduct city business. We appreciate the public's cooperation. Our committee consultant Anthony George will go over the specifics of how the public can participate and give their public testimony. Vice Chair Elo Rivera. And Councilmember Vivian Moreno is absent. And I am also here. Also attending is Charles Monica, our IBA, Matthew Vespie, our chief financial officer, Chris Christopher Ackerman of the Mayor's Office, and Brett Bartalata from the City Attorney's Office. Mr. George, please proceed. So if you're in person, please complete complete a speaker slip located at the entrance of the chambers and place it on top of the box indicated at the speaker's lecture and the front of the room. Please do not or do so in a timely manner to ensure proper meeting management. In-person testimony will conclude before virtual testimony begins. Members of the public can also join the webinar by computer tablet or smartphone by accessing the link which is listed online in the preamble language of the agenda on the city's webpage. If you need to participate by phone, you may dial 1669-254-5252. Webinar ID 161486 3189 pound. This information is also available on the agenda and will appear on the screen during the public comment period of for each agenda item. As noted by committee chair, members of the public who wish to provide virtual testimony must enter the virtual queue by raising their hand before the queue closes. The queue will close when the ver last virtual speaker finishes speaking or five minutes after in-person testimony ends, whichever happens first. Please note that if you are watching via City TV 24 or online, there may be a delay. Please participate via audio on your phone or meet your TV or computer when it is your turn to speak. If you wish to speak on a particular item, wait for that item to be called and raise your hand for speak uh to speak by tapping the raise your hand icon or if you're calling in participant, uh star nine on your cell phone or landline. If you raise your hand during a non- non-com non-comment period, your hand will be lowered. Thank you, Mr. George. A quorum is now present. We will now dispense with the approval of the committee actions of September 14th, 2022. Mr. George. All right. The public comment period for this item is now open. If you have already joined the Zoom webinar online or by phone, please raise your hand if you wish to speak. If you are with if you're watching on City TV or live stream online and would like to call into the meeting to speak, please call 1669 5254 5252. When presented input webinar ID 161719874 pound to raise your hand to speak, select the raise your hand button or press star nine. I'll announce when is your turn to speak. Unmute yourself by either selecting the unmute button or by inputting star nine. And we currently have zero speakers in the queue in person and zero speakers in virtual testimony or the virtual queue, and that concludes public testimony on the committee actions. Thank you very much. I'll entertain a motion for the actions. So move by council president Ila Vera, second by council president pro tem. We're going to do voice votes here, starting with council president. Council President Pro Tem. Yes. And I am also a yes, and that motion passes unanimously. Thank you very much. We will now take up non-agenda public comment.

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