National City Council adopts campaign contribution and pay changes, keeps remote public comment and asks staff to study immigrant legal-defense and cannabis‑lax

The National City City Council met Feb. 18 in the council chamber and took several policy and procedural actions, including adopting two ordinances and approving changes to how the city handles public comment and agenda materials.

The council adopted an ordinance to adjust campaign contribution limits to track changes (second reading and adoption) and also approved an ordinance adjusting compensation for the mayor and councilmembers. The compensation ordinance passed 4–1, with Councilmember Rodriguez recorded voting no. The body approved the remainder of the consent calendar, several warrant registries and administrative items earlier in the meeting.

The council also reviewed and amended City Council Policy 104 (Rules and Procedures and Order for City Council meetings). After discussion the council voted to alter how written public comments are accepted and to retain remote public-comment access (Zoom/call‑in) subject to a registration requirement; the council directed staff to return to a future meeting with options for in‑chamber translation/headset access and cost estimates. Councilmembers debated whether remote comment reduced incentives for in‑person participation or expanded equity and access; the ultimate vote retained remote access while changing the written‑comment deadline and asking staff for follow‑up analysis.

Two council members used the meeting’s 10‑day “10.5” request process to ask the council to put agenda items on a future meeting. Councilmember John Rodriguez asked staff to develop options for a legal‑defense fund or other assistance for National City residents who face immigration enforcement; the council voted to agendize the request and directed staff to coordinate with community providers and the city attorney for legal review. Vice Mayor…