La Mesa council adopts EV charging master plan after questions on parking and funding

The La Mesa City Council voted to adopt an electric‑vehicle charging station master plan after council members questioned details including consultant cost, funding source and parking impacts.

Council member Lothian asked staff whether the consultant fee had been a La Mesa expense and how many downtown parking spaces would be dedicated to EV charging. Amanda Lee, identified in the meeting as the staff lead, replied: “$99,665. It comes out of the environmental services, budget.” Lee clarified the plan lists proposed locations and is not a formal, prescriptive allocation of spaces: “It doesn't formalize it at this time.”

Council members also asked whether non‑EV vehicles could park in proposed EV locations. Lee confirmed there is currently no ordinance restricting non‑EV parking in those spots: “Vehicles yes. We do not have an ordinance that restricts non EV vehicles from parking there.” That disclosure prompted council discussion about whether to delay adoption until two large transit‑oriented apartments nearby are occupied; the motion to postpone lacked a second. Vice Mayor Casares and other members argued the city should be ready to pursue grants and infrastructure as demand grows.

On the unanimous consent vote, the council approved the resolution adopting the master plan, authorizing the city to seek grants using the plan as a framework. The resolution does not set final location counts, restrict non‑EV parking at identified sites, or appropriate construction funds; those steps will require later ordinances, design work and potential grant awards.