I’m on vacation (⛷️🏂!!), but the city business goes on. Which is why it’s time to bring back… ROBO-Goat! So embrace your robot overlor- I mean, harmless digital companion, and enjoy a summary of Tuesday’s City Council action.

Take it away, ROBO-Goat!

Self-Checkout Ordinance Moves Forward

Council will vote on final adoption of an ordinance requiring staffing at self-service checkout stations in grocery and drug stores. The measure, modeled after Long Beach’s ordinance but adapted for Costa Mesa, mandates one employee per three self-checkout stations and requires signage indicating self-checkout is limited to about 15 items.

The ordinance has evolved considerably through multiple council discussions. Recent amendments extended the cure period for violations from seven to fifteen days, delayed implementation from 30 to 60 days after adoption, and revised enforcement language. Stores can only face civil action after receiving notice and having fifteen days to cure violations.

This represents local government’s attempt to address concerns about job displacement and customer service. Council has directed staff to return in one year with an implementation report.

Bridge Shelter Kitchen Contract

Council will consider approving a five-year contract with Bracken’s Kitchen to continue operating the commercial kitchen at the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter. The contract runs from April 2025 through April 2030 at $492,750 annually.

Bracken’s Kitchen currently operates the facility and has exceeded expectations. When staff released a Request for Proposals, only two firms responded. Bracken’s proposal included on-site staff and volunteers, three fresh meals daily prepared on-site, a culinary training program for shelter residents, and special events like movie nights and themed dinners. The competing proposal from Everytable offered off-site meal preparation with daily delivery at a higher cost and without the enhanced engagement opportunities.

The cost remains unchanged at $13.50 per person, per day.

Urban Tree Canopy Assessment

Staff will present findings from Costa Mesa’s first comprehensive Urban Tree Canopy and Land Assessment. The city commissioned West Coast Arborists to evaluate the existing tree canopy and identify opportunities for expansion.

Key findings reveal Costa Mesa currently has 13.88% tree canopy cover citywide. While this appears modest, approximately 80% of land is unsuitable for tree planting due to buildings, roads, and water bodies. About 5.63% of the city remains available for future planting.

The assessment analyzed canopy distribution across council districts, census tracts, land-use groups, and park areas. District 4 has the lowest tree canopy at 13.55%, while District 1 leads at 16.34%. The report also quantifies ecological benefits including pollution removal, carbon storage, and carbon sequestration.

The Parks and Community Services Commission reviewed the assessment in November and recommended several actions: collaborating with Newport Mesa Unified School District and Mesa Water District on planting efforts, dedicating CIP budget specifically for street trees, conducting resident outreach with incentives for tree planting, and addressing social equity issues in tree canopy distribution.

Training Requirements Update

The City Attorney will brief council on updated state-mandated training requirements for elected and appointed officials. Senate Bill 827, effective January 1, 2026, significantly expands existing requirements.

The new law extends ethics training requirements to department heads and other designated officials, shortens the initial training period for new officials from one year to six months, and introduces entirely new fiscal and financial administration training requirements. Existing officials must complete this financial training by January 1, 2028.

The changes also impose new recordkeeping and website posting requirements on the city.

*******

The meeting begins at 6:00 PM at City Council Chambers, 77 Fair Drive. Residents can attend in person, watch via Zoom, or view on Costa Mesa TV and YouTube.