Helix Will Reimburse City for Additional Police Services, Council Decides

In a relatively short meeting of the La Mesa City Council on Tuesday, the council unanimously approved all of the agenda items in one fell swoop, including a resolution that would allow the city to be reimbursed by Helix Charter High School, for the cost of additional law enforcement services at school-related extracurricular activities.

These activities include, but are not limited to athletic events, school dances,  and graduation activities.

Due to budget cuts for the 2011-12 school year, Helix’s School Resource Officer position had been cut. The La Mesa Police Department continued to provide additional services to the school, which was staffed on an overtime basis.

With the passing of the MOU, the police department will now bill the high school for any expenses associated with this additional services and time.

Other agenda items approved by the council:

Authorize the acceptance of a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, in the amount of $55,000 for the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program. The grant would reimburse the city for expenses incurred with the implementation of the program – which includes training in the enforcement of DUI, speeding and distracted driver-related violations or collisions.

Two resolutions to approve MOUs for the 2012-13 fiscal year with two local unions: the La Mesa Firefighters’ Local #4759; and the La Mesa City Employees Association.

Additionally, six teenagers from local high schools addressed the council as their verbal portion of their application for Youth Advisory Committee. Council will vote on applicants and elect up to eight candidates. The appointments are expected to be made at the first city council meeting in October.

The council also named the City of La Mesa’s employees of the year for various departments. The winners of the award are:

• Cameron Dawson – Human Resources Assistant in the City Manager’s Office
• Eric Roark – Customer Service/Financial Assistant in the Finance Department
• Allen Edwards – Planning Department
• Joan O’Steen – Community Services Department
• Kelly Sisson – La Mesa Fire Department
• Dale Perry – La Mesa Police Department
• Jack Chiaramonte – Public Works Department

Other notable items:

The City proclaimed that Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012 was “Walk and Bike to School Day.” As part of the national Safe Routes to School program, La Mesa area schools will participate in the walk to school day. The city is currently seeking volunteers to assist with helping kids walk to school.

The city recently received a CalTrans grant worth $323,000 to help fund the program, which included improvements to city infrastructure, the additions of crosswalks and sidewalks near local schools, maintenance or addition of new traffic equipment, and more. No money from the city’s general fund was used in the infrastructure improvements.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact the City of La Mesa at (619) 463-6611.