San Diego Budget and Government Efficiency Committee Meeting – October 16, 2024
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San Diego Budget and Government Efficiency Committee Meeting – October 16, 2024
The Budget and Government Efficiency Committee, chaired by Councilmember Lee, met on October 16, 2024, to consider a consent agenda, receive the fiscal year 2024 year-end financial report, approve the city treasurer's investment policy, authorize a construction contract for Development Services Department (DSD) tenant improvements, approve a drinking water state revolving fund loan, extend a letter of credit for the water revenue commercial paper program, and discuss fiscal year 2026 budget priorities. The meeting included public testimony on several items and resulted in multiple votes and approvals.
Consent Calendar
- Items 1, 4, and 5 (approval of minutes, amendment of administrative code for department mergers, and contract for municipal code hosting software) were approved unanimously.
- Items 2 and 3 (exemption of program coordinator positions from classified service for environmental services and public utilities departments) were moved to full council with no recommendation after a 2–1 vote (Vice Chair Marino dissenting) due to concerns that the positions were not included in the FY25 budget but were planned for after adoption.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Non-Agenda Public Comment: Several residents spoke about air pollution from industrial activity in District 9, youth enrichment programs, opposition to marijuana advertising, and the importance of budget transparency. One speaker requested that the city enforce prohibitions on industrial hemp products in alcohol-licensed stores.
- Consent Agenda: Cesar Javier spoke on items 2, 3, and 4, urging environmental clean-up and clean water projects. A virtual speaker supported all consent items, praising the city clerk and the process.
- Item 11 (FY2024 Financial Report): A speaker questioned why expenditures exceeded budget, citing the January storm. Another speaker highlighted the lack of transparent reporting on cannabis revenue and the impact of the black market. A third speaker commended the report and noted IT expenditures should not decrease.
- Item 6 (Investment Policy): A speaker from District 9 urged responsible use of investment earnings for natural disaster preparedness.
- Item 7 (DSD Tenant Improvements): Supporters, including the San Diego Housing Federation and Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the need for improved working conditions and customer service. A speaker opposed the sole-source contract, advocating for prioritizing other city needs. Another speaker raised concerns about workforce diversity and underrepresentation of Asians and women in the contractor's workforce.
- Item 8 (Lead Service Line Loan): A speaker opposed the loan, suggesting funds be used for desalination instead. A virtual speaker asked about timelines for replacing lead pipes and liability for contaminated water.
- Item 9 (Letter of Credit Extension): A speaker raised concerns about Bank of America's workforce diversity and equitable hiring, asking for updates on their EEO plan.
- Item 10 (Budget Priorities): Multiple speakers, including representatives from Arts and Culture San Diego, urged full funding of the
Meeting Transcript
Good morning, everyone. Thank you for your patience. And welcome to the budget and government efficiency committee meeting of October sixteenth, twenty twenty-four. Our committee lays on Natalie Kessler. We'll go over instructions for today's meeting. This meeting is being televised and live streamed on the city's website, and the council administration will continue to make arrangements for the public to comment using the Zoom webinar platform. Members of the public who wish to provide virtual testimony must enter the virtual queue by raising their hand before the virtual queue closes. Additionally, during the consent portion of the agenda, speakers will have one minute per item, up to a maximum of three minutes if there are three or more items in that portion of the agenda. We appreciate the public's cooperation. Chair. Thank you. I will now call the budget and government efficiency committee meeting of Wednesday, October 16th, 2024 to order. Natalie, please call the role. Vice Chair Marino. Present. Council President Pro Tem Lakava. Councilmember Foster. Present. And Chair, Councilmember Lee. Here. Also attending the meeting today. Charles Monica and Lisa Byrne from the Independent Budget Analyst Office. David Powell from the City Attorney's Office. Matt Vesby, Chief Financial Officer, and Matt Yaggin, Director of Policy for Mayor Todd Gloria. If you are in person, please complete a speaker slip located at the entrance of chambers and place it on top of the box indicated at the speaker's lecture at the front of the room. Please 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 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 telephone, please dial 1669 2545252. The webinar ID is 160074-2406 pound. This information is also available on the agenda and will appear on the screen during the public comment period for each agenda item. Chair. Thank you for reviewing those instructions for the benefit of the public. A quorum is now present, and so we will now take up non-agenda public comment. The council members respect and appreciate the public's input and are fully committed to protecting every participant's free speech rights at council and committee meetings. Natalie, please proceed with non-agenda public comment. For rule 2.7, 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 committee. Each speaker will have two minutes. If you've already joined the Zoom webinar online or by phone and have non-agenda public comment, please raise your hand at this time if you wish to speak. And if you're in person, please be prepared to come to the lecture in the front of the room when I call your name. Chair, we have two speaker slips from individuals in chambers, and there are currently three hands raised in the virtual queue. We will begin with those in chambers. Cesar Javier and Perita Javier, please approach the lectern. You'll have each have two minutes. To whom it may concern. We the residents of Toyas Parkway, Leah, Streamview, Salta, Boys, Mina, Lemona, 51st Streets, West Bank of Toyas, Greek, of District 9. Ceramic Scound Industrial Activity, known to produce toxicity, polluting the air we breathe, and impacting safety of residents, especially children and seniors with existing medical condition. Read the names. The names are Cesar V. Javier, Burita Javier, Cesar A.
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