OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

San Diego Rules Committee Meeting - July 26, 2023: Review of Ballot Measure Proposals

Rules Committee — Wednesday, July 26, 2023
BodySan Diego, California
SessionRules Committee
DateWednesday, July 26, 2023
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
1:33

All right, good afternoon, everyone.

1:35

We uh we'll get started with the rules committee meeting of July 26, 2023.

1:41

Our committee's manager, Ty Birch, will go over information and instruction for today's meeting.

1:47

Ty.

1:48

Thank you very much, Council President.

1:50

While members of the public are able to attend the meeting in person, this meeting is being televised and live streamed on the city's website, and council administration will continue to make arrangements for the public to comment using the Zoom webinar platform.

1:59

Additionally, members of the public who wish to provide per virtual testimony uh via calling or internet-based service option must enter the virtual speaking queue within five minutes after the conclusion of in-person public testimony or before the virtual speaking queue is exhausted, whichever occurs first.

2:12

This will allow for better meeting management between the two platforms and ensure the committee is able to manage and conduct safe business.

2:17

We appreciate the public's cooperation.

2:19

Council President.

2:22

Thank you, Ty.

2:23

Uh, we will now call the rules committee meeting of July 26th, 2023 to order.

2:27

Please call the roll.

2:29

Vice Chair, Council President Pro Tem Montgomery Step.

2:31

Here.

2:31

Committee member Lacava.

2:33

Present.

2:33

Committee member Lee.

2:34

Here.

2:35

Committee member Moreno.

2:36

Present.

2:36

And Chair, Council President Elo Rivera.

2:39

Present.

2:39

Also attending the meeting today is Gillian Andalina, Deputy Director of the Independent Budget Analyst Office, Deputy City Attorney Kathy Steiman, and Deputy Director of Policy for Mayor Todd Gloria, Matt Yagan.

2:51

If you are in person, please complete a speaker slip located at the entrance of chambers and place it in the box indicated the speaker's lectern at the front of the room.

2:57

Please do so in a timely manner to ensure proper meeting management.

3:00

In-person testimony will conclude before virtual testimony begins, so members of the public can join the webinar by computer, tablet, or smartphone by accessing the link, which is listed online in the preamble language of the agenda on the city's webpage.

3:11

You may join the Zoom webinar by phone by dialing six one six six nine two five four five two five two.

3:16

And when prompted, input webinar ID 160-557-2611 pound.

3:21

This information is also available on the agenda and will appear on the screen during the public comment period for each agenda item.

3:26

Members of the public who wish to provide virtual testimony via calling or internet-based service option must enter the virtual speaking queue within five minutes after the conclusion of in-person public testimony or before virtual testimony is exhausted, whichever occurs first.

3:39

If you are watching VSC TV 24 or online, there may be a delay, so please participate via the audio on your phone and mute your TV or computer when it is your turn to speak.

3:47

If you wish to speak on a particular item, please wait for that item to be called and then raise your hand to speak by tapping the raise your hand icon.

3:53

Or if you're a calling participant, star nine on your cell phone or landline.

3:57

If you raise your hand during a non-comment period, your hand will be lowered.

4:00

Council President.

4:02

Thank you, Ty.

4:04

We've got a quorum.

4:05

Let's take up the approval of committee actions of June 7th, 2023.

4:09

Do we have public comment on that?

4:11

Uh Council President, we do not have any individuals that have submitted speaker slips on the committee actions of June 7, 2023, nor do we have anybody in the virtual queue, so that will conclude public testimony on the committee actions.

5:03

Each speaker will have two minutes for non-agenda public comment.

5:06

We do have two individuals in chambers who have submitted speaker slips.

5:09

So we will begin with our in-chambers non-agenda public comment.

5:11

We will have Jay Powell followed by Lori Saldania.

5:14

So Jay, if you would come up to the lectern, you will have two minutes.

5:35

This is a uh amazingly wonderful uh process for the public to bring before you these uh programs.

5:44

And I didn't bring relate this or rebrand this question to the committee consultant before, but you have several items that are going to be dealing with uh energy issues, and if those are going to be consolidated for consideration by the board, I just wanted to suggest that if that's the way it's going to proceed or if it's going to be taken one by one.

6:05

And uh that was really all my comment today because I know you want to get on with the real agenda.

6:09

Thank you.

6:10

Thank you very much for your comments, sir.

6:12

Ms.

6:12

Soldania.

6:14

You will have two minutes.

6:17

Uh thank you.

6:19

So uh I actually had the honor to serve on the elections and redistricting committee in the state legislature.

6:26

And I worked with the Secretary of State on some ballot measure issues that have since become law.

6:31

So I understand the importance of today's activities and how serious it is to allow us to participate in direct democracy and bring forward language on proposals that could go before the voters in San Diego and impact the lives of millions of people as a result.

6:47

Uh one thing that has changed is the filing fees at the state level.

6:51

When I was in the legislature back in the dark ages, it was only 200 to qualify a ballot measure or to submit it to the state attorney general to determine if it went past state constitutional standards.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Comment████████████████████20%
Public Power███████████████15%
Redistricting██████████10%
Election Procedures█████████9%
Procedural█████5%
Public Engagement█████5%
Energy and Sustainability█████5%
Public Safety████4%
Cannabis Regulation███3%
Summary of Proceedings

San Diego Rules Committee Meeting - July 26, 2023

The Rules Committee of the San Diego City Council convened on July 26, 2023, at approximately 10:00 AM to consider a series of ballot measure proposals for the March 2024 election, along with other administrative items. The meeting included non-agenda public comments, approval of prior committee actions, and discussion of 17 sub-items under Agenda Item 1 (ballot measures for March 2024) and one item (Item 2) for November 2024. Key decisions included moving forward several proposals for further analysis and ending consideration of others.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of Committee Actions (June 7, 2023): Approved unanimously without public comment.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Non-Agenda Public Comments: Multiple speakers addressed general concerns, including redistricting, marijuana regulations, smart streetlight surveillance, water rate increases, ballot measure processes, and energy policies. Speakers expressed support for youth protections, transparency, and accountability, while criticizing SDG&E rates and city policies.
  • Item 1A (Redistricting Reform): Speakers supported the proposal, praised the presenters, and raised concerns about the ethics commission as appointing authority. Some opposed redistricting altogether.
  • Item 1B (Energy Guide Labeling): Public commenters supported the proposal, noting high energy costs and the need for accurate consumer information.
  • Item 1C (Energy Independence): Speakers supported local microgrids and public power, criticizing SDG&E's rates and delays.
  • Item 1D (Ballot Measure Circulators): Commenters supported transparency and training for circulators, with some concerns about enforcement and unintended consequences.
  • Item 1E (SDG&E Price Gouging): Public commenters expressed support, citing high bills and the need to move away from SDG&E.
  • Item 1F (Nonprofit Electric Utility): Speakers supported the proposal, emphasizing urgency and the flaws in the current public power study.
  • Item 1G (Professional City Management): Commenters supported reviewing the strong-mayor system, noting reduced efficiency and accountability.
  • Item 1H (Budget Transparency): One speaker supported highlighting true public safety costs.
  • Item 11 (School District Reunification): Speakers expressed support for community-based districts and criticized current school board issues.
  • Item 1J (Ethics and Lobbying): Commenters supported transparency, referencing the 101 Ash Street scandal and need for lobbyist disclosure.
  • Item 1K (Increase Council/School Board Members): Speakers argued for better representation through more representatives.
  • Item 1L (Nuclear Waste): Public commenters supported the proposal, citing safety concerns at San Onofre.
  • Item 1M (Zoo Lease Compliance): Speakers supported enforcement of lease terms and transparency.
  • Item 1N (Ranked Choice Voting): Mixed comments; some supported test runs, others raised concerns about manipulation.
  • Item 1O (Contract Oversight): Speakers supported transparency in major contracts.
  • Item 1P (Transition to Nonprofit Utilities): Commenters supported the proposal, emphasizing cost reduction.
  • Item 1Q (La Jolla School District): Speakers expressed interest in community-based districts.
  • Item 2 (City Attorney Structure): Multiple speakers supported the proposal to separate civil and criminal functions, with others raising concerns about timing and process.

Discussion Items

  • Item 1A (Redistricting Reform – L. Cortez and A. Srinivas): Presenters proposed amending the city charter to change the appointing authority for the redistricting commission from retired judges to the ethics commission, create a two-pronged selection process, and increase commissioners to 13 with four citywide seats. City Attorney raised legal concerns about conflicts of interest with the ethics commission. Committee discussed alternatives. Motion by Councilmember Lee, seconded by Council President Elo-Rivera, to refer to city clerk and city attorney to prepare a ballot measure with options for appointing authority. Passed unanimously (4-0).
  • Item 1B (Supplemental Energy Guide Labeling – J. Wanatic): Presenter Craig Rose argued that federal energy guide labels are misleading in San Diego due to high SDG&E rates (approx. 40 cents/kWh vs. 14 cents national average), causing actual costs to be triple the label. Councilmember Lacava moved to refer the proposal to the Environment Committee for further study. Seconded by Council President Elo-Rivera. Passed unanimously.
  • Item 1C (Energy Independence – J. Powell): Presenter proposed progressive acquisition of electrical distribution infrastructure for community-owned microgrids. Councilmember Lacava noted the city's ongoing public power study and moved to take no action. Committee agreed; consideration ended.
  • Item 1D (Ballot Measure Circulator Training – L. Saldania and D. Avitia): Presenters proposed requiring training, permitting, and registration of paid circulators, based on Colorado's model. Council President Pro Tem Montgomery Steppe and Councilmember Lacava expressed interest in exploring an ordinance route rather than a ballot measure. They agreed to take no action on the ballot measure but to pursue alternative paths.
  • Item 1E (SDG&E Price Gouging – A. Bernal): Presenter absent. No action; consideration ended.
  • Item 1F (Nonprofit Electric Utility – B. Powers): Presenter criticized the city's public power study assumptions and proposed a distribution-only municipal utility. Councilmember Moreno moved to request the proponent provide further background and analysis to the Environment Committee. Seconded by Council President Pro Tem Montgomery Steppe. Passed unanimously with inclusion of worker impact analysis.
  • Item 1G (Professional City Management – J. Gordon): Presented by John Stump, proposing a review of the strong-mayor system. No action; consideration ended.
  • Item 1H (Budget Transparency – J. Stump): Proposed to consolidate all public safety costs in the budget. No action; consideration ended.
  • Item 1I (School District Reunification – J. Stump): Proposed to split San Diego Unified into elementary districts and reunify high schools with community college. No action; consideration ended. Council President Elo-Rivera requested IBA analysis of proportional representation in other cities.
  • Item 1J (Ethics and Lobbying – J. Stump): Proposed enhanced lobbying transparency and revolving door restrictions. No action; consideration ended.
  • Item 1K (Increase Council/School Board Members – J. Stump): Proposed proportional increase in representatives after each census. No action; consideration ended.
  • Item 1L (Nuclear Waste – J. Stump): Proposed prohibiting new nuclear fission energy until San Onofre waste removed. No action; consideration ended.
  • Item 1M (Zoo Lease Compliance – J. Stump): Proposed enforcement of city lease with San Diego Zoo on environmental compliance. No action; consideration ended.
  • Item 1N (Ranked Choice Voting – J. Stump): Proposed testing ranked choice voting in city committees. No action; consideration ended.
  • Item 1O (Contract Oversight – J. Stump): Proposed council oversight of contracts over $10 million for compliance with city policies. No action; consideration ended.
  • Item 1P (Transition to Nonprofit Utilities – J. Stump): Proposed city-led transition to nonprofit utilities. No action; consideration ended.
  • Item 1Q (La Jolla School District – J. Stump): Proposed creating a La Jolla neighborhood-based school district. No action; consideration ended.
  • Item 2 (City Attorney Structure – G. Cabrera): Proposed to separate civil and criminal functions of the city attorney, making civil counsel appointed by mayor and council. City Attorney's office noted insufficient time for review and labor obligations. Council President Elo-Rivera moved to request the proponent work with city attorney and IBA to provide analysis and report back. Seconded by Councilmember Lee. Passed 4-0 (Council President Pro Tem Montgomery Steppe absent).

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Calendar: Approved.
  • Item 1A: Motion to refer to city clerk and city attorney to draft ballot measure with options, including analysis of appointing authority. Passed unanimously.
  • Item 1B: Motion to refer to Environment Committee for further study. Passed unanimously.
  • Item 1C: No action; consideration ended.
  • Item 1D: No action on ballot measure; alternative path via ordinance to be explored.
  • Item 1E: No action; consideration ended.
  • Item 1F: Motion to refer to Environment Committee for further analysis, including worker impacts. Passed unanimously.
  • Item 1G through 1Q: All no action; consideration ended.
  • Item 2: Motion to refer to city attorney and IBA for analysis and report back. Passed 4-0.
  • Next Rules Committee meeting scheduled for September 6, 2023 at 9:00 AM.

Meeting Transcript

All right, good afternoon, everyone. We uh we'll get started with the rules committee meeting of July 26, 2023. Our committee's manager, Ty Birch, will go over information and instruction for today's meeting. Ty. Thank you very much, Council President. While members of the public are able to attend the meeting in person, this meeting is being televised and live streamed on the city's website, and council administration will continue to make arrangements for the public to comment using the Zoom webinar platform. Additionally, members of the public who wish to provide per virtual testimony uh via calling or internet-based service option must enter the virtual speaking queue within five minutes after the conclusion of in-person public testimony or before the virtual speaking queue is exhausted, whichever occurs first. This will allow for better meeting management between the two platforms and ensure the committee is able to manage and conduct safe business. We appreciate the public's cooperation. Council President. Thank you, Ty. Uh, we will now call the rules committee meeting of July 26th, 2023 to order. Please call the roll. Vice Chair, Council President Pro Tem Montgomery Step. Here. Committee member Lacava. Present. Committee member Lee. Here. Committee member Moreno. Present. And Chair, Council President Elo Rivera. Present. Also attending the meeting today is Gillian Andalina, Deputy Director of the Independent Budget Analyst Office, Deputy City Attorney Kathy Steiman, and Deputy Director of Policy for Mayor Todd Gloria, Matt Yagan. If you are in person, please complete a speaker slip located at the entrance of chambers and place it in the box indicated the speaker's lectern at the front of the room. Please do so in a timely manner to ensure proper meeting management. In-person testimony will conclude before virtual testimony begins, so members of the public can join the webinar by computer, tablet, or smartphone by accessing the link, which is listed online in the preamble language of the agenda on the city's webpage. You may join the Zoom webinar by phone by dialing six one six six nine two five four five two five two. And when prompted, input webinar ID 160-557-2611 pound. This information is also available on the agenda and will appear on the screen during the public comment period for each agenda item. Members of the public who wish to provide virtual testimony via calling or internet-based service option must enter the virtual speaking queue within five minutes after the conclusion of in-person public testimony or before virtual testimony is exhausted, whichever occurs first. If you are watching VSC TV 24 or online, there may be a delay, so please participate via the audio on your phone and mute your TV or computer when it is your turn to speak. If you wish to speak on a particular item, please wait for that item to be called and then raise your hand to speak by tapping the raise your hand icon. Or if you're a calling participant, star nine on your cell phone or landline. If you raise your hand during a non-comment period, your hand will be lowered. Council President. Thank you, Ty. We've got a quorum. Let's take up the approval of committee actions of June 7th, 2023. Do we have public comment on that? Uh Council President, we do not have any individuals that have submitted speaker slips on the committee actions of June 7, 2023, nor do we have anybody in the virtual queue, so that will conclude public testimony on the committee actions. Each speaker will have two minutes for non-agenda public comment. We do have two individuals in chambers who have submitted speaker slips. So we will begin with our in-chambers non-agenda public comment. We will have Jay Powell followed by Lori Saldania. So Jay, if you would come up to the lectern, you will have two minutes. This is a uh amazingly wonderful uh process for the public to bring before you these uh programs. And I didn't bring relate this or rebrand this question to the committee consultant before, but you have several items that are going to be dealing with uh energy issues, and if those are going to be consolidated for consideration by the board, I just wanted to suggest that if that's the way it's going to proceed or if it's going to be taken one by one. And uh that was really all my comment today because I know you want to get on with the real agenda. Thank you.

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