OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

San Diego City Council Meeting April 6, 2026: BID Budgets Approved, Software Extension, Litigation Authorized

City Council — Monday, April 6, 2026
BodySan Diego, California
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, April 6, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:59:49

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Of service, let's have a day of cleanup, and let's make sure we put our our blood, sweat, and tears into this park and make sure we make it available for the families.

0:09

As we talk about the importance of this park, I'm a proud graduate of Lincoln High School.

0:14

At that time, Lincoln High School didn't have a baseball field.

0:17

And I remember we used to have a walk down here, and this is where we practice.

0:22

We're gonna be doing painting, trash pickup, brush removal, and working on this playground behind me.

0:27

We're removing weeds and import importing new sand.

0:31

This park has been in this condition for a very long time.

0:35

And these are the kinds of incremental improvements we can make to help bring it up for the next generation of ball players, whether it's soccer, basketball, baseball, softball.

0:45

This park is for you, and that's what we hope to bring to all of you as part of little projects like this.

0:52

Thank you to San Diego FC for always stepping up and coming out and helping the community.

0:58

I want to thank the Harvey Family Foundation for making this their home, continuing to make this their home.

1:05

To make sure that we're getting the resources and the attention that this park deserves.

1:34

Before any storm, the city employees clean and clear storm drains.

1:40

During the storm, city employees monitor storm drains for any issues.

1:46

We have a critical drain in our area that we have to go inspect and monitor, prevent any flooding.

1:51

When it rains, uh, water starts flowing down the alley.

1:54

We have to uh monitor that.

1:56

Check for any loose debris, the leaves, we gotta pick them up.

1:59

Uh that way the water has somewhere to go and uh prevent any blockages in our drain station.

2:04

Many homeless and businesses are located in low-laying areas and are prone to flooding.

2:10

We have pumps set up here along the alleys.

2:12

Uh, whenever the rain picks up, uh, we go out and run these pumps and control any water to prevent any flooding.

2:19

Flood prevention is a stormwater department's primary focus all year round.

2:24

Before the rainy season, our stormwater channels team is removing tons of sediment and invasive vegetation from the channels to allow stormwater flows to be conveyed during the rainy season.

2:35

We try to remove the debris and try to grade the channel.

2:38

We already did the invasive removal, so we see a lot of castor beans, a lot of a rondo.

2:45

Our job is to restore the channel as it was before the storm, fix the banks so there's no degradation of the channel that might go into homes or private property.

2:56

During the rainy season and during a rainy event, our city forces are monitoring channel locations and responding to any issues as they arise.

3:07

If you see something, report it.

3:09

If you see illegal dumping in drains in channels, report it on the Get It Done app.

3:13

Together, we can work to reduce flood risk in San Diego.

3:37

Electrification of a building is removal of natural gas burning systems.

3:41

So switching from gas furnaces and kitchens to electric systems, which allows us to remove uh greenhouse gas emissions from the environment.

3:58

The financing agreement is cash flow neutral.

4:01

We're essentially shifting our operating costs from energy bills over to loan repayment across a 25-year term and with no upfront cost to the city.

4:18

Construction should begin in summer of 2026 and will last for around two years since we have so many projects to uh to to get completed.

4:33

Hi, I'm Bethany Bizak.

4:34

It takes a lot to keep the eighth largest city running.

4:39

A lot of buildings, roads, sidewalks, street lights, parks and reservoirs, and a lot of vehicles.

4:45

In fact, San Diego has more than 5,000 vehicles in its fleet.

4:49

Think trash trucks, fire engines, and police cars.

4:52

All of these vehicles need fuel and regular maintenance.

4:55

But over the past several years, fuel prices have continued to rise, and that's directly impacting San Diego's budget.

12:55

All right, good morning.

12:56

I will now call the city council meeting on Monday, April sixth, twenty twenty-six to order.

13:00

Clerk, please call the roll.

13:02

Thank you, Council President.

13:02

Councilmember Campbell.

13:04

Councilmember Whitburn.

13:06

Councilmember Foster.

13:08

Councilmember Von Wilbert.

13:09

Present.

13:10

Council President Pro Tem Lee.

13:12

Councilmember Campillo.

13:13

Here.

13:14

Councilmember Moreno.

13:15

Councilmember Ela Rivera.

13:18

And Council President Lacava.

13:20

Present.

13:21

Also attending the meeting, our city attorney Heather Ferber, independent budget analyst Charles Monica, and myself, your city clerk, Deanna Fuentes.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Comment████████████████████████████████32%
Economic Development████████████████████████████28%
Procedural█████████9%
Energy and Sustainability██████6%
Public Health█████5%
Procurement████4%
Fiscal Sustainability███3%
Land Use and Planning███3%
Parks and Recreation██2%
Summary of Proceedings

San Diego City Council Meeting April 6, 2026: BID Budgets Approved, Software Extension, Litigation Authorized

The San Diego City Council met on April 6, 2026, for a morning closed session and an afternoon open session commencing at 2 p.m. The council approved the Fiscal Year 2027 Business Improvement District (BID) budgets, extended a software license agreement for the revolving loan fund, and authorized initiation of litigation in closed session. Public comment featured extensive advocacy for codifying the Small Business Enhancement Program (SBEP) and other concerns.

Closed Session Public Comment

  • Hector (first speaker) asked about canceled meetings and suggested laying off attorneys to fund road repairs.
  • The Original criticized the lack of transparency in closed sessions, alleging obfuscation and negligence in infrastructure upkeep, and questioned the city's financial management.
  • 8700 commented on specific closed session items, urging prevention of trip-and-fall injuries and stormwater pipe failures, and questioned why a labor negotiation item was on consent.
  • Blair Beekman offered a poem and expressed hope for resolution on stormwater issues, referencing the Carmel Mountain Ranch case.

Fiscal Year 2027 Business Improvement District Budgets (Item 200)

  • Staff Presentation: Sean Playstead and Sean Caraffin (Economic Development Department) presented the annual BID budget process, including metrics on business gains, vacancy rates, and accountability provisions. They requested approval of advisory board appointments, budget reports, intent to collect assessments, and a public hearing date of May 11, 2026.
  • Public Comment:
    • Sunny Lee (San Diego BID Alliance) urged codification of SBEP through Council Policy 900-15 to stabilize funding for small businesses.
    • Jacob Edwards opposed discussing BID budgets, instead focusing on alleged "mafia" in government and concerns about safe sleep tent camp sites.
    • Ben Nichols (Hillcrest Business Association) highlighted that every city dollar invested generates $19 in expanded services.
    • Wesley Quatsch (City Heights CDC) supported the budgets and SBEP, noting the program's importance for underserved communities and recovery from pandemic and construction impacts.
    • Blair Beekman asked about integrating parking commission issues into the process.
    • Michael Trimble (Gaslamp Quarter Association) supported BID renewal and SBEP codification, citing rising costs for small businesses.
    • Chris Gomez (Little Italy Association) requested approval and SBEP reinstatement.
    • Jacqueline Schlumpney Garcia (Diamond BID) thanked EDD and urged SBEP support.
    • 8700 supported the item, praising Gaslamp Quarter's social media metrics and the GQ Safe Committee.
    • The Original criticized nonprofits for lack of transparency and accountability, suggesting fraud and waste.
    • Chad Bankowski (North Park Main Street) supported SBEP codification, noting 98% of San Diego businesses are small.
    • Dominic Lamandry (East Village Association) voiced support for SBEP reinstatement.
    • Colin Swellow questioned the city's lack of support during COVID as hypocritical.
    • Al suggested writing to President Trump for a $2,000 stimulus to energize small businesses.
  • Council Discussion: Councilmember Campillo (EDIR chair) moved approval, noting passage 4-0 in committee. Councilmember Whitburn seconded, highlighting BID successes in District 3 and emphasizing enhanced services. Councilmember Elo Rivera and Von Wilpert expressed support. Council President LaCava asked about collection rates (ranging 85%-93%) and clarified SBEP funding (if policy followed, about $2 million annually). The motion passed 8-0 (Councilmember Lee absent).

Extension of Software License Agreement (Item S400)

  • Staff Presentation: Christy Marcella and Angelica Paulino (Economic Development) requested a one-year extension (plus optional second year) with BMI Associates for the Portful software used to manage the San Diego Region Revolving Loan Fund. The $30,000 appropriation comes from the City Match Fund with no general fund impact. Staff noted that procurement for a replacement software was paused due to AB 339.
  • Public Comment:
    • Jacob Edwards again raised concerns about safe sleep sites and alleged disposal of citizens.
    • Blair Beekman praised the simple, proactive request.
    • Andrea Ebbing urged auditing the leadership of BMI Associates, citing personal experiences with fraud and lack of due diligence.
    • The Original criticized the extension as indicative of mismanagement and questioned data security.
    • 8700 supported the item, thanking staff for COVID-era help, but urged better contract management.
    • Zoom user (Al) supported one-year agreements due to rapid AI changes.
    • 8813 (Gonzalo) warned the extension aligns with UN Agenda 21 and urged due diligence.
  • Council Discussion: Councilmember Campillo moved approval, emphasizing it keeps a critical system running for small businesses with no general fund impact. Councilmember Campbell seconded. Councilmember Von Wilpert thanked staff for bringing the item before the April deadline. Council President LaCava acknowledged challenges from the state bill. The motion passed 8-0 (Councilmember Lee absent).

Non-Agenda Public Comment

  • Jacob Edwards alleged that safe sleep sites are "disposal grounds" for U.S. citizens and described personal harassment.
  • Zach raised concerns about a 39-unit development on Columbia Street under the Complete Communities initiative, claiming lack of response from Councilmember Whitburn's office.
  • Blair Beekman discussed letters on parking allocations in Balboa Park and the need for best practices despite global tensions.
  • Carlos Donato (Policy Research Center for Tobacco and the Environment) advocated for a smoke-free outdoor dining policy, citing health risks from secondhand and thirdhand smoke; provided a briefing document.
  • Paul Kruger reported on long lines at paid parking kiosks in Balboa Park, urging improvements.
  • Andrea Ebbing detailed personal experiences with alleged injustice, including a warrant issued while she was recovering from brain surgery.
  • Barbara Gordon highlighted April as Alcohol Awareness Month and urged strategies to reduce impaired driving.
  • The Original criticized county treatment of whistleblowers and raised concerns about ambulance contracts and drug use.
  • Melanie Mendoza Gasca (Policy Research Center) supported a smoke-free outdoor dining policy, citing survey data showing 78% resident support.
  • Kathleen Lippett criticized city policies for not considering costs to the public and opposed diversion of funds for social equity licenses.
  • 8700 praised Blair Beekman's poem, questioned the Navy SEAL Museum project at the Port, and emphasized trust in port board decisions.
  • 8813 argued that government agencies serve a bigger agenda, not the people, and that people are kept distracted.
  • Zoom user prayed for U.S. troops and their families.
  • Tony criticized council members' remarks on Israel and Palestine, accusing them of prioritizing special interests over constituents.
  • Judy String urged work to inform young women about marijuana risks during pregnancy.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved Fiscal Year 2027 BID budgets and related actions (8-0).
  • Approved one-year extension of software license with BMI Associates (8-0).
  • Authorized initiation of litigation in closed session (8-0). City attorney reported that once litigation is filed, details will be disclosed.
  • Councilmember Whitburn defended his staff's responsiveness to a constituent complaint.

Meeting Transcript

Of service, let's have a day of cleanup, and let's make sure we put our our blood, sweat, and tears into this park and make sure we make it available for the families. As we talk about the importance of this park, I'm a proud graduate of Lincoln High School. At that time, Lincoln High School didn't have a baseball field. And I remember we used to have a walk down here, and this is where we practice. We're gonna be doing painting, trash pickup, brush removal, and working on this playground behind me. We're removing weeds and import importing new sand. This park has been in this condition for a very long time. And these are the kinds of incremental improvements we can make to help bring it up for the next generation of ball players, whether it's soccer, basketball, baseball, softball. This park is for you, and that's what we hope to bring to all of you as part of little projects like this. Thank you to San Diego FC for always stepping up and coming out and helping the community. I want to thank the Harvey Family Foundation for making this their home, continuing to make this their home. To make sure that we're getting the resources and the attention that this park deserves. Before any storm, the city employees clean and clear storm drains. During the storm, city employees monitor storm drains for any issues. We have a critical drain in our area that we have to go inspect and monitor, prevent any flooding. When it rains, uh, water starts flowing down the alley. We have to uh monitor that. Check for any loose debris, the leaves, we gotta pick them up. Uh that way the water has somewhere to go and uh prevent any blockages in our drain station. Many homeless and businesses are located in low-laying areas and are prone to flooding. We have pumps set up here along the alleys. Uh, whenever the rain picks up, uh, we go out and run these pumps and control any water to prevent any flooding. Flood prevention is a stormwater department's primary focus all year round. Before the rainy season, our stormwater channels team is removing tons of sediment and invasive vegetation from the channels to allow stormwater flows to be conveyed during the rainy season. We try to remove the debris and try to grade the channel. We already did the invasive removal, so we see a lot of castor beans, a lot of a rondo. Our job is to restore the channel as it was before the storm, fix the banks so there's no degradation of the channel that might go into homes or private property. During the rainy season and during a rainy event, our city forces are monitoring channel locations and responding to any issues as they arise. If you see something, report it. If you see illegal dumping in drains in channels, report it on the Get It Done app. Together, we can work to reduce flood risk in San Diego. Electrification of a building is removal of natural gas burning systems. So switching from gas furnaces and kitchens to electric systems, which allows us to remove uh greenhouse gas emissions from the environment. The financing agreement is cash flow neutral. We're essentially shifting our operating costs from energy bills over to loan repayment across a 25-year term and with no upfront cost to the city. Construction should begin in summer of 2026 and will last for around two years since we have so many projects to uh to to get completed. Hi, I'm Bethany Bizak. It takes a lot to keep the eighth largest city running. A lot of buildings, roads, sidewalks, street lights, parks and reservoirs, and a lot of vehicles. In fact, San Diego has more than 5,000 vehicles in its fleet. Think trash trucks, fire engines, and police cars. All of these vehicles need fuel and regular maintenance. But over the past several years, fuel prices have continued to rise, and that's directly impacting San Diego's budget. All right, good morning. I will now call the city council meeting on Monday, April sixth, twenty twenty-six to order. Clerk, please call the roll. Thank you, Council President. Councilmember Campbell. Councilmember Whitburn. Councilmember Foster.

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