San Diego City Council Meeting - May 13, 2025

The San Diego City Council met on May 13, 2025, to consider proclamations, consent items, and several major discussion items, including the city workforce report, an energy cooperation agreement with SDG&E, a water infrastructure loan, and a contract for firefighter wellness services. The meeting included extensive public testimony on all items. The council adjourned in memory of community leader Julia Jiggs Legaspi.

Consent Calendar

• Approved proclamations for Jewish American Heritage Month, Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Lupus Awareness Month, and Mental Health Awareness Month (items 30-33 and S500).
• Approved the consent agenda (items 10, 50-68, 100-114, S502, S503) with the following dissenting votes: Councilmember Moreno voted no on item 56, and Councilmember Campillo voted no on item 63.
• Item S502 (honorary street renaming for Eloise Battle) passed unanimously.
• Item 57 was clarified by staff regarding the Miramar water treatment plant project.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Proclamations: Many community members spoke in support of the heritage months, including students from Southwestern College who shared personal stories of cultural identity and representation. A few speakers expressed concerns about the recognition of certain groups and broader societal issues.
• Consent Items: Public comment included support for youth commission appointments and concerns about city contracts, water purity, and homelessness services.
• Non-Agenda Public Comment: Multiple speakers urged the council to establish a 500-foot buffer zone for cell towers near sensitive spaces, citing health risks.
• Item 330 (Workforce Report): Members of the public and union representatives (Local 127, Local 145, Local 911) testified on vacancies, recruitment, and retention challenges. Some speakers criticized the city's handling of employee mandates and services.
• Item S501 (SDG&E Energy Cooperation Agreement): Several speakers criticized SDG&E's profits and lack of transparency, and urged the council to reject the revised agreement due to the company's refusal to increase solar equity funding.
• Item S504 (Water Loan): One speaker expressed concern about chemicals in water and infrastructure costs; another praised the loan's low interest rate.
• Item 331 (Fire Wellness Contract): Numerous speakers opposed the contract with Concentra, alleging undisclosed lawsuits and lack of qualifications, while others (including a retired battalion chief) supported it.

Discussion Items

• Item 330 – 2023/2024 Workforce Report: City staff presented data showing improved employee satisfaction, a decrease in vacancy rates to 10.59%, and a focus on resources, career advancement, and maintaining progress. Representatives from Local 127, Local 145, and Local 911 presented on challenges: Local 127 highlighted high vacancy rates (23% in 2023) and the need to avoid backsliding; Local 145 noted a shortage of 61 firefighter-paramedics and recruitment difficulties among youth; Local 911 discussed lifeguard staffing and training needs. Council members commended progress but warned of budget risks.
• Item S501 – Revised Energy Cooperation Agreement with SDG&E: Staff outlined updates to the agreement, including commitments on electrification, affordable housing coordination, and reporting. The Environment Committee had recommended increasing SDG&E's annual solar equity funding from $1 million to $1.15 million to account for inflation, but SDG&E refused. Councilmember Elo Rivera argued that the increase (0.01% of Sempra's profits) was reasonable, while Councilmember Campbell noted that solar costs have decreased. The motion to approve the revised agreement (without the increase) passed 5-2, with Councilmembers Foster and Elo Rivera voting no. The existing 2021 ECA will remain in effect if not approved.
• Item S504 – Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan for OTI Pipeline Phase 3: Staff presented a $50 million loan at 1.9% interest for the pipeline replacement project. The item was approved unanimously (7-0).
• Item 331 – Wellness Services Contract with Concentra Health Services: The fire department presented the contract (5-year, $12 million) for physical wellness services. Public comment and San Diego Sports Medicine (the incumbent) alleged that Concentra failed to disclose legal cases on its application, calling for disqualification or a delay. Concentra representatives acknowledged a mistake and said they cured the issue. The city attorney and procurement staff stated the process was compliant. Chief Logan endorsed the contract. Councilmember Campbell moved to table the item but the motion failed; the original motion to approve passed 5-1, with Councilmember Campbell voting no.

Key Outcomes

• Workforce Report: Received as information; no vote required.
• Energy Cooperation Agreement: Approved 5-2 (Foster and Elo Rivera dissenting). The city will execute the revised agreement, without the solar equity funding increase.
• Drinking Water Loan: Approved unanimously (7-0).
• Fire Wellness Contract: Approved 5-1 (Campbell dissenting; Moreno, Von Wilper, and Lacava absent).
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned in memory of Julia Jiggs Legaspi, a trailblazing LGBTQ+ and Filipino-American advocate.