OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

San Diego Rules Committee Meeting on Ballot Measures and Policing – July 11, 2018

Rules Committee — Wednesday, July 11, 2018
BodySan Diego, California
SessionRules Committee
DateWednesday, July 11, 2018
StatusFILED
Video Record
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0:44

Good afternoon.

0:45

Good afternoon, everyone.

0:47

I will now call the rules committee meeting of July the 11th, 2018 to order and let the record reflect that committee members bring Kate Ward and I'm sure my vice chair cursey will be coming shortly.

1:04

The committee record of actions from June 13, 2018 will be approved by unanimous consent unless coming to actor.

1:24

Okay.

1:24

The committee record of actions from June 13, 2018 will be approved by unanimous consent, and let's pull for the discussion.

1:30

Do we have any members of the public who wish to speak during non-agenda public comment?

1:36

Mr.

1:36

Stump.

1:37

Mr.

1:37

Stump, you filled out a slip um for two items non-agenda and approval of committee um actions, and you have a total of four minutes, sir.

1:45

Thank you very much.

1:47

Uh at first I want to speak about the approval of actions from the prior meeting.

1:55

At the prior meeting, the community came down and asked for equity and uh equal consideration for education based on the time for change.

2:10

And I want to give the rules committee an opportunity to make a motion to reconsider.

2:18

If they feel that it is time for change, and they feel that the schools, particularly in the fourth district in the ninth district, need change and improvement.

2:29

So I'm asking that the committee consider and the uh chairperson call for a motion to reconsider and see if there is one or whether you're gonna allow those past actions to stand.

2:45

Thank you, sir.

2:46

Okay, that's my thank you, Mr.

2:52

Stamp.

2:54

We have our another agenda non-agenda speaker is Martha Welch, followed by Francine Maxwell.

3:00

You each have two minutes, followed by Catherine Rhodes.

3:05

Martha, you have two minutes.

3:08

Franch and fees are in the 17th, um four four um seventeen, I think it's in the charter.

3:14

And I think you should uh look at that.

3:15

But friend, um it's five percent gas um um San Diego guest and three percent um cable gross revenue.

3:23

That's before um Spences.

3:25

I think it's excessive.

3:26

I don't think that's right.

3:27

It's uh it makes our goal of bills higher.

3:30

And I think that it's wrong that every year they have to pay this.

3:33

It's about 12 million for everyone.

3:36

And that's not right because these cable companies have to do it, and San Diego has a baby 17 million also.

3:42

And that's not right because I know you like the money, but we like the money too with our cable bills and everything like that, and our and in San Diego Gaspa is highest is in the state.

3:53

Kilowatt is the highest everywhere in the state, and that's why one of the reasons it's as high because Franch fees are on that.

4:00

And I think this is the wrong thing to do.

4:02

And I think you step up and uh change this this thing.

4:06

I know it's a charter and it's wrong.

4:08

And I think that you're mean to us because you don't change this stuff, and I think it's gone too long, too long.

4:14

And I know what why it came with we came here because we met caller Bill Ho Bill Horn is um at 5135 is his number, his office, and that's what we've been calling for years, 20 years, and what he highs uh hides himself with saying number name another name.

4:29

That's what he does.

4:30

And he put this on here, and I think it's very mean.

4:33

And our bills are higher than anywhere in the state.

4:36

Cable's higher, San Diego's higher because franchise are higher, and gross gross um revenue is wrong because before expenses.

4:45

That's about eight percent really uh because of because it's for expenses.

4:50

Thank you, Miss Welch.

4:51

Next we have Francine Maxwell, followed by Kathleen Rhodes.

4:55

Miss Maxwell, you have two minutes.

4:58

Francine Maxwell, fourth district resident.

5:00

I want to thank all the volunteers that sit on boards and commissions because they donate their time and they donate their gas to go to the different meetings.

5:08

But what I want to make sure that the council understands is that we're watching the boards and commissions extremely closely, especially when nothing is getting done.

5:17

We had the um police relations committee, and I think yesterday you put some new members on, some new some members stayed, but they've done nothing.

5:27

So they've been in the institution for two years.

5:30

And San Diego State report on racial profiling, ACLU and other organizations have made over 10 recommendations that should have been implemented.

5:38

And for two years, people have gone on write-alongs, they're getting presentations.

5:42

They've been playing with bylaws for two years.

5:44

At some point, they have to take more than just a baby step.

5:48

We need to have a shift change.

5:50

You need to hold people accountable for when you're handing someone to be a commissioner, to be a board member.

5:56

The chair people, I get it.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Police Oversight█████████████13%
Public Comment███████████11%
Homelessness███████████11%
Public Safety████████8%
null███████7%
Miscellaneous██████6%
Affordable Housing█████5%
Energy and Utilities████4%
Public Engagement████4%
Summary of Proceedings

San Diego Rules Committee Meeting – July 11, 2018

The Rules Committee of the San Diego City Council met on July 11, 2018, to consider a wide range of ballot measure proposals for the November 2018 ballot, as well as to receive updates on neighborhood policing, tobacco enforcement, and the Human Relations Commission. The meeting was chaired by Council President Myrtle Cole, with Vice Chair Mark Kersey, Pro Tem Barbara Bry, Councilmember Chris Ward, and Councilmember (first name not given) Kate present. The committee voted on several items, advancing most to the full City Council.

Consent Calendar

  • The committee record of actions from June 13, 2018, was approved by unanimous consent.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • John Stump spoke about the prior meeting and requested a motion to reconsider regarding equity in education for the 4th and 9th districts.
  • Martha Welch criticized franchise fees on gas and cable, arguing they are excessive and make bills higher in San Diego.
  • Francine Maxwell (4th district resident) expressed frustration that boards and commissions, especially the police relations committee, have not taken meaningful action on racial profiling recommendations.
  • Catherine Rhodes (civil engineer, Point Loma) raised concerns about the failure to confirm active faulting on the Mid Coast Trolley project and the lack of bathrooms at stations, as well as inadequate seismic investigations.

Discussion Items

Ballot Measure Proposals for November 2018

  1. Subitem A – Housing Bond (Housing Federation)

    • Stephen Russell (SD Housing Federation) proposed a $900 million bond to produce 7,500 units of affordable housing for homeless, seniors, veterans, and low-wage families. He requested more time to work with the city attorney on details.
    • Public testimony: Overwhelmingly in favor; many speakers highlighted the homelessness crisis.
    • City attorney noted need for policy direction on use of funds and oversight.
    • Motion to advance to full council passed 3-2 (Bry, Ward, Cole in favor; Kersey, Kate opposed).

  2. Subitem B – TOT Increase for Homelessness (Councilmember Alvarez)

    • Councilmember David Alvarez proposed a one-cent increase in the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) as a general tax, paired with an advisory measure to dedicate funds to homeless services and housing. The IBA estimated $130 million over five years.
    • Public testimony: Mixed but many supported; some concerns about fund diversion.
    • Motion to advance to full council passed 3-2 (Ward, Bry, Cole in favor; Kersey, Kate opposed).

  3. Subitem C – Independent Commission on Police Practices (Women Occupy San Diego)

    • Andrea St. Julian (Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association) argued the current CRB lacks independence; the proposed charter amendment would create a commission with independent investigation and subpoena power.
    • Chief David Nislight and Police Officers Association President Jack Schaefer opposed, citing the existing CRB's effectiveness and cost concerns.
    • CRB member Torah Gentry spoke against the change, noting successful collaborative reforms.
    • Public testimony: Many spoke in favor, citing lack of community trust; some CRB members and the POA opposed.
    • Motion to advance to full council passed 3-2 (Cole, Bry, Ward in favor; Kersey, Kate opposed).

  4. Subitem D – Renewable Energy Mandates (CLEAR)

    • Bill Powers proposed a charter amendment to require 50% local renewable energy by 2030 and limit franchise agreements to 10 years, with municipalization as a fallback.
    • City attorney outlined legal and financial concerns, including preemption by CPUC and unknown costs.
    • Public testimony: Supporters said it would give the city leverage in franchise negotiations; SDG&E opposed.
    • No motion was made; the item did not advance.

  5. Subitem F – Mandatory Disclosure of Business Interests (Pro Tem Bry)

    • Proposal to amend Charter Section 225 to require disclosure of financial interests for city contractors.
    • Public testimony: One speaker supported transparency.
    • Motion to advance to full council passed unanimously.

  6. Subitem H – School Board Election Process (Dr. Sharon Whitehurst-Payne)

    • Proposed term limits of three 4-year terms for San Diego Unified School Board members, with a lifetime ban. No change to at-large elections.
    • Public testimony: Some opposed, arguing for district-only elections and two-term limits as preferred by community surveys.
    • Motion to advance to full council passed 3-2 (Bry, Cole, Ward in favor; Kersey, Kate opposed).

  7. Subitem E – Council Term Limits (Ward and Bry)

    • Clarified consecutive terms and lifetime ban for council members.
    • Motion to advance to full council passed unanimously.

  8. Subitem I – Ethics Reform (Robert Odley)

    • Proposed ethics package including ending council voting on own pay, restricting gifts/honoraria, banning outside employment, and limiting lobbying. Vice Chair Kersey offered amendments to adjust salary phase-in and remove certain provisions.
    • Motion to advance with amendments passed 3-2 (Kersey, Ward, Bry in favor; Cole, Kate opposed).

  9. Subitem J – Aquatic Safety Facility (Corey McClellan)

    • Proposed charter amendment to allow a junior lifeguard facility in Mission Beach Park or West Mission Bay Parkland.
    • Public testimony: Lifeguards and Mission Beach representative raised concerns about location; supporters urged flexibility.
    • Motion to advance options 2 and 3 to full council passed unanimously.

Item 2 – Ban on Styrofoam and Single-Use Plastics

  • Councilmember Ward introduced an ordinance to ban polystyrene foam foodware and require straws/utensils only upon request. A 24-month waiver for small businesses was included.
  • Public testimony: Environmental groups strongly supported; restaurant associations and small business owners opposed, citing cost increases.
  • Motion to advance to full council passed 3-2 (Bry, Ward, Cole in favor; Kersey, Kate opposed).

Key Outcomes

  • The committee advanced multiple ballot measures to the full City Council for consideration of placement on the November 2018 ballot: housing bond, TOT increase, police practices commission, business disclosure, school board term limits, council term limits, ethics reform, and aquatic safety facility.
  • The renewable energy mandate proposal was not moved forward.
  • The styrofoam ban and single-use plastics ordinance was also forwarded to the full council.
  • The committee also received updates on neighborhood policing, tobacco retailer enforcement, and the Human Relations Commission, taking no formal action on those items.
  • The next Rules Committee meeting is scheduled for September 12, 2018.

Additional Updates (Second Part of Meeting)

Neighborhood Policing Division Update

  • Captain Scott Wall and Lieutenant Dave Bautista presented the new division, established March 10, 2018, consolidating quality-of-life and homeless outreach teams. The division has 72 personnel and uses the Get It Done app (700 complaints since May 4). The homeless outreach team conducts coordinated outreach with service providers. The Serial Inebriate Program (SIP) has saved an estimated $1.4 million in transport costs this year. The Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) has 24 clinicians; the county plans to add 20 more by January 2019.

Tobacco Retailers Ordinance Update

  • Lieutenant Daniel Meyer reported 982 city tobacco permits in 2017 (93% compliance). 169 covert inspections resulted in 18 citations (10.65% violation rate). Fees collected ($181,298) cover enforcement costs. The number of tobacco businesses declined slightly.

Human Relations Commission Annual Report

  • Dr. Joel Day and Chair Steph Gross highlighted the commission's work on hate crimes, immigrant/welcoming initiatives, mediation of discrimination complaints, and community outreach. Hate crimes are up statewide, but San Diego remains relatively low. The commission has referred one case to the city attorney.

Meeting Transcript

Good afternoon. Good afternoon, everyone. I will now call the rules committee meeting of July the 11th, 2018 to order and let the record reflect that committee members bring Kate Ward and I'm sure my vice chair cursey will be coming shortly. The committee record of actions from June 13, 2018 will be approved by unanimous consent unless coming to actor. Okay. The committee record of actions from June 13, 2018 will be approved by unanimous consent, and let's pull for the discussion. Do we have any members of the public who wish to speak during non-agenda public comment? Mr. Stump. Mr. Stump, you filled out a slip um for two items non-agenda and approval of committee um actions, and you have a total of four minutes, sir. Thank you very much. Uh at first I want to speak about the approval of actions from the prior meeting. At the prior meeting, the community came down and asked for equity and uh equal consideration for education based on the time for change. And I want to give the rules committee an opportunity to make a motion to reconsider. If they feel that it is time for change, and they feel that the schools, particularly in the fourth district in the ninth district, need change and improvement. So I'm asking that the committee consider and the uh chairperson call for a motion to reconsider and see if there is one or whether you're gonna allow those past actions to stand. Thank you, sir. Okay, that's my thank you, Mr. Stamp. We have our another agenda non-agenda speaker is Martha Welch, followed by Francine Maxwell. You each have two minutes, followed by Catherine Rhodes. Martha, you have two minutes. Franch and fees are in the 17th, um four four um seventeen, I think it's in the charter. And I think you should uh look at that. But friend, um it's five percent gas um um San Diego guest and three percent um cable gross revenue. That's before um Spences. I think it's excessive. I don't think that's right. It's uh it makes our goal of bills higher. And I think that it's wrong that every year they have to pay this. It's about 12 million for everyone. And that's not right because these cable companies have to do it, and San Diego has a baby 17 million also. And that's not right because I know you like the money, but we like the money too with our cable bills and everything like that, and our and in San Diego Gaspa is highest is in the state. Kilowatt is the highest everywhere in the state, and that's why one of the reasons it's as high because Franch fees are on that. And I think this is the wrong thing to do. And I think you step up and uh change this this thing. I know it's a charter and it's wrong. And I think that you're mean to us because you don't change this stuff, and I think it's gone too long, too long. And I know what why it came with we came here because we met caller Bill Ho Bill Horn is um at 5135 is his number, his office, and that's what we've been calling for years, 20 years, and what he highs uh hides himself with saying number name another name. That's what he does. And he put this on here, and I think it's very mean. And our bills are higher than anywhere in the state. Cable's higher, San Diego's higher because franchise are higher, and gross gross um revenue is wrong because before expenses. That's about eight percent really uh because of because it's for expenses. Thank you, Miss Welch. Next we have Francine Maxwell, followed by Kathleen Rhodes. Miss Maxwell, you have two minutes. Francine Maxwell, fourth district resident. I want to thank all the volunteers that sit on boards and commissions because they donate their time and they donate their gas to go to the different meetings.

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