City Council Meeting July 21, 2025: Water Rates, Environmental Appeal, Public Comment
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San Diego City Council Meeting - July 21, 2025
The San Diego City Council met on Monday, July 21, 2025, beginning at 10 a.m. with an invocation and land acknowledgement, followed by closed session and public comment. The council reconvened at 2 p.m. for the regular agenda. Key items included adoption of procedures for water and sewer rate adjustments (Item S400) and an appeal of an environmental determination for a research and development building at 11011 Torreyana Road (Item 200). The meeting also included non-agenda public comment on various topics.
Public Comments & Testimony
- On closed session: Joy Sanyata praised the Independent Budget Analyst's performance, raised concerns about police use of force, sidewalk obstructions, and pedestrian safety.
- On Item S400 (water rates): Michael Schmidt (District 4) opposed rate increases; Joy Sanyata criticized the County Water Authority and urged rejection; Cesar Javier questioned water quality and called the process rigged; Blair Bickman urged consideration of subsidies; Al Del Mastro objected to rate increases and misrepresentation of trash fee impacts; Michael Dwyer (District 2) noted a 28% drop in the fixed sewer rate and thanked PUD.
- On Item 200 (environmental appeal): Cesar Javier raised concerns about environmental and economic impacts; Joyce Sanyata supported denying the appeal; Andrea Ebbing commented on design flexibility; Blair Beekman raised concerns about archaeological resources and environmental impacts; Bob Kazuski commented on staff presentation objectivity.
- Non-agenda public comment: Speakers addressed ceramics studio health risks (Pirita Javier), public records search limitations (Andrea Ebbing), Torrey Pines Gliderport corruption (Ernie Casco, Bob Gadoski), smoke-free housing and beaches (Terry Ann Skelly, Barbara Gordon, Becky Rapp), marijuana health risks (Madison, Kathleen Lippitt, Judy String), the new trash collection proposal (Al Del Mastro), appreciation for staff (Marco Espinosa), and ethics concerns on the Human Relations Commission (Francine Maxwell).
Discussion Items
- Item S400 – Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments: The Public Utilities Department presented a proposal to set a public hearing on September 30, 2025 to consider rate increases for 2026-2029. Key drivers: 40% of water costs are purchased from the San Diego County Water Authority (CWA), which initially proposed an 18% increase but reduced to 8.3% due to City 10 advocacy. City-proposed water and wastewater increases are smaller: $1.29/month for water and $0.80/month for wastewater in 2026, while CWA pass-through adds ~$16/month. The IBA (Jordan Moore) recommended approval, noting Stantec found studies sound. Councilmembers discussed options: dipping into reserves or delaying CIP. Councilmember Ilo Rivera moved staff recommendation; Councilmember Moreno opposed, citing affordability and CWA accountability; Councilmember Von Wilpert opposed water rate increase but open to wastewater; Councilmember Campillo supported, warning infrastructure risk; Councilmember Whitburn supported, advocating for pass-through authorization; Council President Lacava seconded.
- Item 200 – Appeal of Environmental Determination for 11011 Torreyana Road: The project involves demolishing an existing 76,694 sq ft R&D building and constructing a 152,080 sq ft R&D building with four levels of subterranean parking. The environmental determination was a Subsequent Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND). Appellant SAFER (represented by Haley Uno) argued an EIR is needed due to potential biological impacts, citing an expert report identifying 37 species including special status species, and alleging inadequate biology reports. Staff and applicant (Helix Environmental) countered that the appellant's survey was on an incorrect site ~825 feet away, that the Helix report complied with city guidelines, and that impacts were minimal (less than 0.1 acre of habitat). Council found the appeal without merit; Councilmember Lacava moved to deny the appeal, seconded by Councilmember Von Wilpert.
Key Outcomes
- Item S400: Approved 6-3. Council set a public hearing for September 30, 2025 to consider water and wastewater rate increases effective January 1, 2026. The resolution adopting AB 2257 procedures also passed.
- Item 200: Unanimously denied the appeal and upheld the environmental determination (adopting the Subsequent Mitigated Negative Declaration). The project will proceed to the Planning Commission.
- Closed Session: Council voted 7-0 (with Campbell and Lee absent) to initiate litigation on one case; details to be disclosed later.
Meeting Transcript
City Council meeting of Monday, July 21st, 2025 to order. Deputy Clerk, please call the roll. Councilmember Campbell. Councilmember Whitburn. Here. Councilmember Foster. Councilmember Von Wilpert. Councilmember President Pro Tem Lee. Councilmember Campillo. Here. Councilmember Moreno. Present. Councilmember Ilo Rivera. And Council President Lacava. Present. With that, a quorum is now. Oops, sorry. Also attending the meeting, our City Attorney Heather Ferbert, Independent Budget Analyst Charles Modica, and myself, your assistant city clerk, De Chi Pantaleon. Thank you, Council President. All right, thank you. Quorum is now present. We will begin this morning with an invocation by Deputy Clerk Pontilone, and followed with the land acknowledgement and the pledge of allegiance led by Councilmember Moreno. Grant those who hold office and the city, the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice that with steadfast purpose, they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people. We respectfully acknowledge that the Kumeay Nation are the original inhabitants of an unceded land now known as San Diego. Despite enduring the horrors of genocide and colonization, the Kumia spirit remains unbroken. We honor the resilience of their ancestors who fought to protect their culture and land. Today they carry their legacy forward, ensuring that their traditions continue to thrive in gratitude and strength. We stand with the Kumeay Nation connected to our past and committed to a thriving future. Please face the flag, put your hand over your heart and repeat after me. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Please uh read into the record the closed session items. Conference with legal counsel existing litigation pursuant to California Government Code 54956.9 D1 CS1 Griff Heidkamp versus Prospect Hospitality LP et al. Conference with legal counsel anticipated litigation initiation of litigation pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 D4, CS2, number of cases one. Conference with legal counsel existing litigation pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 D1. CS3, Marcus Evans versus City of San Diego. It's all CS4 Larry Speller versus City of San Diego. CS5 Celerina Frills and Matt Frills versus City of San Diego. Public employment performance evaluation pursuant of California Government Code Section 54957 B1 CS6 title independent budget analyst. All right, with that, Deputy Clerk, please proceed with public comment. Joy, please come forward. Thank you. Good morning, everyone. I'll start with CS6. I give IBA Charles Matica five stars for his excellent performance. I have a question for you. Can we increase his salary due to new skills required now that the Department of Race and Equity is part of his department structure and its employees? Thank you for your consideration. Love to all.
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