OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

San Diego City Council Rules Committee Meeting: May 13, 2020

Rules Committee — Wednesday, May 13, 2020
BodySan Diego, California
SessionRules Committee
DateWednesday, May 13, 2020
StatusFILED
Video Record
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0:11

So those city staff members, the city staff personnel that's on the council line.

0:17

If your item is being heard a little later, uh I would like to ask you if you could please drop the call and call in when your item is going is going to be heard because we need some space to accommodate for the earlier items.

0:29

Thank you so much.

1:30

Good afternoon.

1:45

In the interest of public health and safety.

1:48

In addition, this meeting is being televised in live stream on the city's website and council meeting liaison have made arrangements for the public to comment via telephone and electronically.

2:01

We appreciate the public's cooperation.

2:04

I will now call the rules committee meeting of Wednesday, May 13, 2020 to order.

2:09

We have several members of the committee and staff calling via the teleconference, or they will be participating in this meeting remotely.

2:17

Ruth, please proceed.

2:19

For purposes of the roll call, those on teleconference include Councilmember Bree, Councilmember Montgomery, and Councilmember Kirsi, are you on the line now?

2:32

I am, yes.

2:33

Okay, thank you.

2:34

Um council members present in chambers are councilmember Chris Ward and Council President George Gomez.

2:40

Also with us in chambers is independent budget analyst Jeff Kohar and Siomalis Creswell from the mayor's office.

2:47

Also on the conference line is City Attorney Sharon's feedback.

2:51

For purposes of this meeting, written comments submitted using the public comment form prior to the start of the meeting have been distributed to the council and posted online.

3:00

Alt written submissions received after the start of the meeting will be made a part of the permanent record.

3:06

These comments will no longer be read into the record because we're now able to provide for phone in and live uh testimony from the public.

3:15

The public may call in following the instructions posted on the agenda by call in 619-541-6310 and entering conference ID 877861 pound to be placed in the queue for public comment.

3:31

You should do this when the item you wish to speak to is introduced.

3:34

Please do not call in prior to that time.

3:55

When you're in the queue, you will be able to hear the meeting and all others that are providing comment.

4:00

You will know that it is your turn to speak when you hear the system prompt saying your phone is unmuted.

4:05

When you hear the prompt, immediately state your name and make your comment.

4:09

Each speaker will have one minute.

4:11

Also, please.

4:35

Also, uh please mute the volume on your telephone on your TV and computer before you begin to speak.

4:41

This is not a question and answer period.

4:43

This is your time to provide a testimony a statement to the council.

4:46

Ums you have completed your statement within the allotted time, please hang up or your call will be ended.

4:53

If you wish to provide comment on other items on the agenda, you should call back during those uh those comment periods and you'll be placed in the queue for those items.

5:02

If you call in during a non-comment period, your call will not be taken.

5:06

Please monitor the meeting and ensure you're calling at the appropriate time.

5:10

We appreciate your patience and participation as we aim to provide the best possible access during these unprecedented times.

5:18

The public may view the meeting on public television on CD TV Channel 24 for Cox Communication and Time Warner Cable for Channel 99 for ATT.

5:28

Or you may view the meeting online by going to the City Clerk's homepage at San Diego.gov and selecting the City Council Live Webcast blue button on the right hand side of the page.

5:41

Thank you, Ruth.

5:42

A quorum is now present.

5:45

We will start with the approval of the committee records of action from March 11, 2020.

5:51

I'll be uh happy to make the motion to approve the records of action.

5:55

Do we have a second?

5:57

Second by council member ward.

6:02

We will now take up uh roll call vote to adopt uh minutes.

6:08

Ruth, please proceed.

6:09

Uh um I it's Barbara Bree, I vote yes.

6:15

Councilmember Warren?

6:17

Yes.

6:17

Councilmember Montgomery.

6:20

Yes.

6:21

Councilmember Christie.

6:23

Yes.

6:24

Council President?

6:25

Yes.

6:26

Please call the roll.

6:28

Uh that passes unanimously.

6:30

Is there any committee uh any committee comments uh from committee members?

6:36

I hear none.

6:38

Any comments from city uh from mayor staff, um IBA, city attorney.

6:43

I don't see any.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Comment███████████████████████23%
Election Procedures█████████████13%
Procedural███████████11%
Project Labor Agreements██████████10%
Public Engagement████████8%
Land Use and Planning████████8%
Campaign Finance Reform████4%
Educational Policy███3%
Charter Amendments███3%
Summary of Proceedings

San Diego City Council Rules Committee Meeting - May 13, 2020

The Rules Committee met on May 13, 2020, to discuss and vote on several ballot measure proposals for the November 2020 election, as well as a school board election reform measure. The meeting was conducted remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key decisions included advancing measures on school board district elections, coastal height limits, independent legal counsel for the city auditor, clean elections, ranked choice voting, and project labor agreements.

Consent Calendar

  • None.

Public Comments & Testimony

Public comments were received on multiple items. Key speakers included:

  • Item 1 (School Board Elections): Todd Killinoi (Parents for Quality Education) presented the proposal. Public speakers (e.g., Byron Ware, Carolyn Woodbury, John Stump, Francine Maxwell, Dr. Nile Elworthani) overwhelmingly supported district-only elections.
  • Subitem A (Coastal Height Limits): Speakers included supporters (Gary London, Maya Rosas, Judy Palmer, Sean Van Diver) and opponents (Scott Andrews, John McNib, Carolyn Woodbury, Tom Mullane).
  • Subitem D (Auditor Independent Counsel): Francine Maxwell spoke in support.
  • Subitem E (Clean Elections): Supporters included Dan Dreyfert, Carolyn Woodbury, Samantha Jenkins, and others.
  • Subitem F (Ranked Choice Voting): Many speakers supported the top-four approach; opponents cited cost and complexity. Notable speakers: Jeannie Brown, Alicia Betters, Colin Campbell, Gil Cerri, Lori Keel (League of Women Voters), Pedro Hernandez (Fair Vote), Will Rodriguez Kennedy (opposed), and Jeff Marston (Independent Voter Project).
  • Subitem K (Project Labor Agreements): Deeply divided. Supporters included Caitlin Haley (Labor Council), Colin Perrin (Circulate San Diego), Joe Lacava, Congressman Scott Peters. Opponents included Brad Barnum (AGC), Pete Salcito, Douglas Bournemouth, Randy Finch, and several apprentices.
  • Subitem R (Zoo Maintenance): Sean Van Diver commented.
  • Non-Agenda: Francine Maxwell highlighted Wi-Fi access issues and food distribution needs.

Discussion Items

Item 1: School Board Election Reform (Parents for Quality Education)

  • Proposal: Change San Diego Unified School Board elections from at-large to district-only elections, per the California Voting Rights Act.
  • Presenter: Todd Killinoi (Parents for Quality Education) argued the city charter is in violation and urged a unanimous vote to place the measure on the November ballot.
  • Committee Discussion: All members expressed support. Councilmember Ward noted reservations about city involvement in school district affairs but saw no reason to oppose. Councilmember Montgomery and Carsey strongly supported.
  • Vote: Unanimous (5-0) to advance to full city council.

Item 2: Ballot Measure Proposals for November 2020 (18 subitems)

Subitem A: Coastal Height Limits (Councilmembers Campbell & Kate)
  • Proposal: Remove the 30-foot coastal height limit overlay in the Midway Pacific Highway Community Plan area to allow redevelopment consistent with the community plan.
  • Presenters: Councilmembers Campbell and Kate highlighted community planning group support and potential for revitalization.
  • Committee Discussion: Councilmember Carsey moved to advance; Councilmember Bree opposed due to cost and timing. Councilmember Ward wanted community benefits; Councilmember Montgomery supported; Council President Gomez supported.
  • Vote: 4-1 to advance to legal review and return June 10.
Subitem B: City Attorney Charter Amendments
  • Proposal: Several amendments to clarify and update charter provisions, including funds commission, volunteer status, and a PETCO Park ticket issue (withdrawn).
  • Presenter: Senior Deputy City Attorney Joan Dawson.
  • Committee Discussion: Councilmembers noted lack of urgency and budget constraints; no motion was made.
  • Outcome: Did not advance.
Subitem C: CFO Certification of Funds
  • Proposal: Amend charter sections 39 and 80 to modernize the certification process using electronic systems.
  • Presenter: CFO Ronaldo Chavel.
  • Committee Discussion: Councilmembers preferred budget committee review; no motion.
  • Outcome: Did not advance.
Subitem D: Independent Legal Counsel for City Auditor
  • Proposal: Authorize the city auditor to obtain independent legal counsel when conflicts of interest arise.
  • Presenter: Interim City Auditor Kyle Elser.
  • Committee Discussion: Councilmember Bree moved to advance; Councilmember Ward opposed; Councilmember Montgomery seconded; Councilmember Carsey suggested potential combination with other measures; Council President Gomez opposed.
  • Vote: 3-2 to advance.
Subitem E: Clean Elections Ordinance
  • Proposal: Create a public financing system for city elections to reduce the influence of money.
  • Presenters: Mark Linsky and John Hartley.
  • Committee Discussion: Council President Gomez moved to advance; Councilmember Bree opposed due to cost; Councilmember Ward seconded; Councilmember Montgomery supported; Councilmember Carsey opposed.
  • Vote: 3-2 to advance.
Subitem F: Ranked Choice Voting (Top Four Primary)
  • Proposal: Keep the primary but advance top four candidates to the general election with ranked choice voting.
  • Presenter: Ed Chaplin (More Choice San Diego).
  • Committee Discussion: Councilmember Carsey moved to advance, including adding San Diego Unified School Board elections. Councilmember Ward opposed; Councilmember Montgomery supported; Councilmember Bree seconded; Council President Gomez opposed.
  • Vote: 3-2 to advance, with inclusion of school board elections.
Subitem G: TOT Increase for Homelessness
  • Proposal: Increase the Transient Occupancy Tax by 3.5% to fund affordable housing and homeless services.
  • Presenter: Catherine Rhodes.
  • Committee Discussion: No motion.
  • Outcome: Did not advance.
Subitem H: Online Travel Agents TOT
  • Proposal: Reclassify online travel agencies as hotel operators to close a tax loophole.
  • Presenter: Catherine Rhodes.
  • Committee Discussion: No motion.
  • Outcome: Did not advance.
Subitem J: Child Abuse Prevention at City-Funded Organizations
  • Proposal: Require child abuse reporting protocols for organizations receiving city funds.
  • Presenter: Matt Bellinski.
  • Committee Discussion: Councilmembers expressed interest in administrative solutions; no motion.
  • Outcome: Did not advance.
Subitem K: Project Labor Agreements (Repeal Prop A)
  • Proposal: Repeal the 2012 ban on project labor agreements to protect state infrastructure funding.
  • Presenters: Carol Kim and Tom Lemon (San Diego County Building Trades).
  • Committee Discussion: Councilmember Ward moved to advance; Councilmember Bree opposed; Councilmember Montgomery supported with conditions; Councilmember Carsey opposed; Council President Gomez seconded.
  • Vote: 3-2 to advance.
Subitem M: Nuclear Energy Prohibition
  • Proposal: Prohibit installation, operation, or purchase of nuclear energy and storage.
  • Presenter: John Stump.
  • Committee Discussion: No motion.
  • Outcome: Did not advance.
Subitem N: Council Participation in Major Contracts
  • Proposal: Require council approval for contracts, leases, or grants over $10 million.
  • Presenter: John Stump.
  • Committee Discussion: Councilmember Ward suggested a policy rather than ballot measure; no motion.
  • Outcome: Did not advance.
Subitem O: School District Reorganization
  • Proposal: Break up San Diego Unified into five neighborhood elementary districts and one high school district.
  • Presenter: John Stump.
  • Committee Discussion: No motion.
  • Outcome: Did not advance.
Subitem P: Human Services and Housing Department
  • Proposal: Create a consolidated budget for human services and housing.
  • Presenter: John Stump.
  • Committee Discussion: No motion.
  • Outcome: Did not advance.
Subitem Q: One Election Rule for School Board
  • Proposal: Make school board election rules consistent with city elections.
  • Presenter: John Stump.
  • Committee Discussion: Noted that Item 1 already addressed district elections; no motion.
  • Outcome: Did not advance.
Subitem R: Zoo Maintenance and Budgeting
  • Proposal: Require Zoo Global to offset costs for public services and comply with city policies.
  • Presenter: John Stump.
  • Committee Discussion: Councilmembers expressed interest in follow-up; no motion.
  • Outcome: Did not advance.

Key Outcomes

  • Item 1 (School Board Elections): Unanimously advanced to full city council.
  • Subitem A (Coastal Height Limits): Advanced 4-1.
  • Subitem D (Auditor Independent Counsel): Advanced 3-2.
  • Subitem E (Clean Elections): Advanced 3-2.
  • Subitem F (Ranked Choice Voting): Advanced 3-2, with inclusion of school board elections.
  • Subitem K (Project Labor Agreements): Advanced 3-2.
  • All other proposals did not advance.

The next Rules Committee meeting is scheduled for June 10, 2020, at 2 p.m.

Meeting Transcript

So those city staff members, the city staff personnel that's on the council line. If your item is being heard a little later, uh I would like to ask you if you could please drop the call and call in when your item is going is going to be heard because we need some space to accommodate for the earlier items. Thank you so much. Good afternoon. In the interest of public health and safety. In addition, this meeting is being televised in live stream on the city's website and council meeting liaison have made arrangements for the public to comment via telephone and electronically. We appreciate the public's cooperation. I will now call the rules committee meeting of Wednesday, May 13, 2020 to order. We have several members of the committee and staff calling via the teleconference, or they will be participating in this meeting remotely. Ruth, please proceed. For purposes of the roll call, those on teleconference include Councilmember Bree, Councilmember Montgomery, and Councilmember Kirsi, are you on the line now? I am, yes. Okay, thank you. Um council members present in chambers are councilmember Chris Ward and Council President George Gomez. Also with us in chambers is independent budget analyst Jeff Kohar and Siomalis Creswell from the mayor's office. Also on the conference line is City Attorney Sharon's feedback. For purposes of this meeting, written comments submitted using the public comment form prior to the start of the meeting have been distributed to the council and posted online. Alt written submissions received after the start of the meeting will be made a part of the permanent record. These comments will no longer be read into the record because we're now able to provide for phone in and live uh testimony from the public. The public may call in following the instructions posted on the agenda by call in 619-541-6310 and entering conference ID 877861 pound to be placed in the queue for public comment. You should do this when the item you wish to speak to is introduced. Please do not call in prior to that time. When you're in the queue, you will be able to hear the meeting and all others that are providing comment. You will know that it is your turn to speak when you hear the system prompt saying your phone is unmuted. When you hear the prompt, immediately state your name and make your comment. Each speaker will have one minute. Also, please. Also, uh please mute the volume on your telephone on your TV and computer before you begin to speak. This is not a question and answer period. This is your time to provide a testimony a statement to the council. Ums you have completed your statement within the allotted time, please hang up or your call will be ended. If you wish to provide comment on other items on the agenda, you should call back during those uh those comment periods and you'll be placed in the queue for those items. If you call in during a non-comment period, your call will not be taken. Please monitor the meeting and ensure you're calling at the appropriate time. We appreciate your patience and participation as we aim to provide the best possible access during these unprecedented times. The public may view the meeting on public television on CD TV Channel 24 for Cox Communication and Time Warner Cable for Channel 99 for ATT. Or you may view the meeting online by going to the City Clerk's homepage at San Diego.gov and selecting the City Council Live Webcast blue button on the right hand side of the page. Thank you, Ruth. A quorum is now present. We will start with the approval of the committee records of action from March 11, 2020. I'll be uh happy to make the motion to approve the records of action. Do we have a second? Second by council member ward. We will now take up uh roll call vote to adopt uh minutes. Ruth, please proceed. Uh um I it's Barbara Bree, I vote yes. Councilmember Warren? Yes. Councilmember Montgomery. Yes.

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