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By Janis Mork
May 16, 2013 (La Mesa) – Graywater harvesting, a possible new dog park, and a community dialogue to discuss fiscal issues were among the agenda items weighed by La Mesa City Council at its May 14 meeting.
Mayor Art Madrid wanted to develop a Graywater and rainwater harvesting ordinance for residential use in La Mesa.
Madrid informed everyone that there is currently a process to issue permits for free water use. “Two primary sources are the Sierra Mountains and Colorado River. Both of those sources are in deep trouble,” he said, noting that water has become increasingly scarce. “We can still have a rain water harvesting policy,” he assured.
Councilmember Ernie Ewin wanted to refer this to the Environmental Sustainable Commission “or have conversations with Helix [Water District].”
Councilmember Ruth Sterling was very vocal about this at a recent workshop. “La Mesa should be an example in watering bushes and trees in medians. And all new homes should have graywater capability.”
Madrid agreed with Sterling. “Once the ordinance gets implemented, the residents can decide for themselves” if they wish to harvest rain water or graywater, he noted.
City Manager David Witt told Sterling, “I think it’s time for the Council to report this to the Environmental Commission. With your direction, we can also address how that might or might not affect sewer bills.”
Chuck Muse, a board member from the Helix Water District, was the only member of the public to speak. “I’m here in response to the letter from the Mayor. I think we should do it. We recognize the benefits,” he said, noting reduction in storm water discharge and potential to reduce bills.
Council did not take action on the Mayor’s proposal regarding graywater and rainwater harvesting.
Next, Vice Mayor Mark Arapostathis sought consideration to establish a dog park as part of Collier Park. The idea first arose seven or eight years ago when Arapostathis was part of another commission.
Ewin responded, “There’s a problem of getting any presence there,” said Ewin, who sought to include a community garden as well as dog park.
Madrid said some people have voiced opposition to this. Arapostathis asked Witt if it would be possible to find those opposed and hear their views. Witt said that would be difficult and instead proposed holding a workshop and recirculating the proposal for public comment.
Sterling wanted to know why there was opposition.
Yvonne Garrett, Assistant City Manager, replied that the original idea was to build a dog park at Harry Griffin Park. An idea was then brought up for Collier Park. “In 2005, the community services commission had a meeting. There was no support for it.”
There has also been a master plan for the park. View http://www.cityoflamesa.com/DocumentCenter/Home/View/2496 for more information. Go to http://www.cityoflamesa.com/index.aspx?NID=1073 and click on ‘La Mesa Parks Master Plan.’
Madrid remarked, “We were the first in East County to have a dog park. A significant amount of people who use the dog park in La Mesa don’t even live in La Mesa. I think we’ve done more than enough.”
Joe Mehuron, La Mesa resident, spoke up. “People of El Cajon use that park. My dog is much happier in her park here in La Mesa. We take care of that park over there. I think that park is adequate.”
Councilmember Kristine Alessio was in support. “Dogs are beneficial to people’s health. There’s no reason for us to be a pet friendly city. I think it’s a worthwhile idea for residents.”
Madrid called the new dog park “a good idea.”
Witt suggested revisiting the matter at a later time. No further action was taken by Council.
Alessio and Ewin then proposed a community dialogue regarding the city’s fiscal issues.
Alessio explained, “Everyone can attend. There’s no staff.”
Ewin added, “We just need a public facility.”
Madrid argued, “We already have it, a budget committee.”
Ewin informed him, “It’s just a budget information meeting, no decisions.”
Sterling urged that discussion “should be done in a public forum with all staff answering questions.”
Ewin explained why he and Alessio suggested holding budget meetings on Satudays.”There would be a lot of people who want to come to the budget meetings, but they work. Our goal is to get questions.”
Alessio, Ewin, and Arapostathis voted in favor; Madrid and Sterling voted no. The vote was 3-2 to go ahead with another budget meeting for the public to attend.
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