HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-15 BOE Agenda Package
Date:Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Time:5:15 p.m.
Location:City Hall, Bldg. A, Executive Conference Room #103
276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA
Board of Ethics Regular Meeting
______________________________________________________________________________
In-Person Public Comments: Join us for the Board of Ethics meeting at the time and location specified
on this agenda to make your comments. Each person will be allotted three minutes to address the
Commission.
Electronic Public Comments: At www.chulavistaca.gov/boardmeetings, locate this meeting and click
on the comment bubble icon. Select the item and click on "Leave Comment." The deadline to submit e-
comments or any comments emailed to BOE@chulavistaca.gov will be noon on the day of the
meeting.
Accessibility: Individuals with disabilities are invited to request modifications or accommodations in
order to access and/or participate in a Board of Ethics meeting by contacting the board staff at
BOE@chulavistaca.gov (California Relay Service is available for the hearing impaired by dialing 711)
at least forty-eight hours in advance of the meeting.
Pages
1.CALL TO ORDER
2.ROLL CALL
Board Members: Barragan, Gersten, Torres, Velissaropoulos, Vice-Chair Hurst, and
Chair Salas
3.PUBLIC COMMENTS
The public may address the Commission on any subject matter within the
Commission’s jurisdiction that is not listed as an item on the agenda. State law
generally prohibits the Committee from discussing or taking action on any issue not
included on the agenda. The Committee may schedule the topic for future
discussion or refer the matter to staff.
4.ACTION ITEMS
Action items are considered individually by the Commission and are expected to
elicit discussion and deliberation.
4.1 Approval of Meeting Minutes 4
Recommended Action:
Board to approve the minutes dated September 17, 2025.
4.2 Written Communications 8
Recommended Action:
Communication from Board Member Gersten requesting an excused
absence from the September 17, 2025, Board of Ethics meeting.
4.3 Discussion and Potential Action to Refer Lobbying Ordinance to City Staff for
Review.
9
Consists of Chair Bobby Ray Salas, Vice Chair Leslie Hurst, and Member
Isidro Barragan.
5.PRESENTATION
The following item(s) will be presentations given to the Commission. Action on these
item(s) is typically limited to the Commission receiving the presentation and
providing direction or feedback to staff, as appropriate.
5.1 Update from Ex Parte Communication Ad Hoc Sub-Committee
Consists of Member William Gersten, Member Jose Torres, and Chair Bobby
Ray Salas.
5.2 Update from Amendments to Code of Ethics Ad Hoc Sub-Committee
Consists of Vice Chair Leslie Hurst and Member Alexia Velissaropoulos.
5.3 Update from Campaign Contribution Enforcement Authority Selection
Process Ad Hoc Sub-Committee
Consists of Chair Bobby Ray Salas, Member William Gersten, and Member
Alexia Velissaropoulos.
City of Chula Vista Board of Ethics
October 15, 2025 Agenda Page 2 of 57
5.4 Update from Board of Ethics Interview Panel
Vice Chair Hurst to provide an overview of the interview of the applicants and
share who the panel recommended to the City Council for appointment to fill
the vacancy.
5.5 Discuss Process for Review of Ethics Complaints 26
Review and discussion of CVMC 2.28.090
6.STAFF COMMENTS
7.CHAIR'S COMMENTS
8.BOARD MEMBERS' COMMENTS
9.ADJOURNMENT
to the regular meeting on November 19, 2025, at 5:15 p.m.
Materials provided to the Board of Ethics related to any open-session item on this
agenda are available for public review by contacting the City Attorney's Office at
BOE@chulavistaca.gov.
City of Chula Vista Board of Ethics
October 15, 2025 Agenda Page 3 of 57
City of Chula Vista
Regular Board of Ethics Meeting
MINUTES
September 17, 2025, 5:15 p.m.
City Hall, Bldg. A, Executive Conference Room #103
276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA
Present: Member Barragan, Member Torres, Vice Chair Hurst, and Chair
Salas
Absent: Member Gersten, Member Velissaropoulos
Also Present: City Attorney Verdugo, Board Secretary Montalvo
Minutes are prepared and ordered to correspond to the agenda.
_____________________________________________________________________
1. CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Board of Ethics of the City of Chula Vista was called to
order at 5:18 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Secretary Montalvo called the roll.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
4. ACTION ITEMS
4.1 Approval of Meeting Minutes
Moved by Member Barragan
Seconded by Vice Chair Hurst
Board to approve the minutes dated August 20, 2025.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
Yes (4): Chair Salas, Member Torres, Vice Chair Hurst, and Member
Barragan
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City of Chula Vista Board of Ethics
October 15, 2025 Agenda
2025-09-17 Board of Ethics Regular Meeting Minutes
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Result: Carried (4 to 0)
4.2 Written Communications
Moved by Member Barragan
Seconded by Member Torres
To approve the excused absence for Board Member Velissaropoulos
requesting an excused absence from the September 17, 2025, Board of
Ethics meeting.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
Yes (4): Chair Salas, Member Torres, Vice Chair Hurst, and Member
Barragan
Result: Carried (4 to 0)
4.3 Discussion and Potential Action to Refer Ex Parte Communication
Policy to City Staff for Review.
City Attorney Verdugo shared that Member Gersten had an initial draft for
review. There was an outstanding question of what the next steps would
be. If the sub-committee wanted to refer it to the full committee for referral
to our office, then we could review and provide formatting edits if
necessary. The Board took action to put it on this meeting to determine if it
is ready to be referred to our office for review.
Moved by Vice Chair Hurst
Seconded by Member Torres
To refer the Ex Parte Communication Policy to City Staff for Review.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
Yes (4): Chair Salas, Member Torres, Vice Chair Hurst, and Member
Barragan
Result: Carried (4 to 0)
5. PRESENTATION
5.1 Update from Lobbying Ordinance Ad Hoc Sub-Committee
Robert spoke expressing a neutral position.
Page 5 of 57
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October 15, 2025 Agenda
2025-09-17 Board of Ethics Regular Meeting Minutes
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Member Barragan shared that there are areas that need to be improved,
such as formatting.
City Attorney Verdugo to review whether the Enforcement Authority can be
used to enforce the Lobbying Ordinance.
Moved by Chair Salas
Seconded by Member Barragan
To add as an action item on the agenda at the next Board of Ethics
Meeting, a discussion and potential action to refer the draft Lobbying
Ordinance to City Staff for review.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
Yes (4): Chair Salas, Member Torres, Vice Chair Hurst, and Member
Barragan
Result: Carried (4 to 0)
5.2 Update from Amendments to Code of Ethics Ad Hoc Sub-Committee
Vice Chair Hurst shared that Member Velissaropoulos is still working on
her items. We should have something to share by the next meeting.
5.3 Update from Campaign Contribution Enforcement Authority
Selection Process Ad Hoc Sub-Committee
Secretary Montalvo shared that the post has gone out. It is on the Board
of Ethics website, the City website, and was emailed to firms that
specialize in campaign finance, as well as those who were on the panel
last time. We are still waiting for applications. Closing for the posting is on
Friday, September 19, 2025. Once we get applications in, I will contact the
sub-committee for the next steps.
6. STAFF COMMENTS
Secretary Montalvo shared that we have scheduled all three applicants with the
Special Board of Ethics meeting on October 13, 2025, at 4:30pm. I will make
sure you are all aware of it. We had four applicants but one withdrew so we have
three now. We have one opening.
7. CHAIR'S COMMENTS
Chair Salas shared that he is glad we are making headway.
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October 15, 2025 Agenda
2025-09-17 Board of Ethics Regular Meeting Minutes
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8. BOARD MEMBERS' COMMENTS
Member Torres commended Chair Salas on his first day.
Member Barragan thanked Chair Salas for taking the lead.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
Minutes prepared by: Sydnie Montalvo, Board Secretary
_________________________
Sydnie Montalvo, Board Secretary
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City of Chula Vista Board of Ethics
October 15, 2025 Agenda
Request for Excused Absence Form – 6/19
REQUEST FOR EXCUSED ABSENCE
City of Chula Vista Boards, Commissions, and Committees
Name: _________________________________________________ Date of Absence: _________________________________
Board/Commission/Committee: _________________________________________________________________________________
Chula Vista Municipal Code section 2.25.110 (C) allows board/commission/committee members, by a
majority vote, to excuse a fellow board, commission, or committee member’s absence from a meeting for any
of the reasons listed below. A member who is absent from three consecutive, regular meetings will be
deemed to have vacated his or her membership, unless the member’s absence is excused by a
majority vote of the other members. An absence is only recorded as “excused” upon receipt of a member’s
request and majority vote of the board/commission/committee to excuse the absence. Accordingly, if you
have been absent from a regular meeting, please complete and submit this form to the chair or secretary.
Please indicate the reason for the absence:
1. Illness of the member, family member of the member, or personal friend of the member;
2. Business commitment of the member that interferes with the attendance of the member at a meeting;
3. Previously scheduled vacation of the member, notice of which was provided to the respective board
or commission in advance of the meeting;
4. Attendance of the member at a funeral, religious service or ceremony, wedding, or other similarly
significant event;
5. Unexpected, emergency situation that prohibits the member’s attendance; or
6. Other reason for which the member has given notice to the secretary of his or her unavailability at
least seven days in advance of the meeting.
OR
The absence was not for any of the above-listed reasons. I understand that the absence will be recorded
as unexcused.
I certify the reason for the absence indicated above is true and correct.
Member’s Signature: __________________________________________________________ Date: _____________________________
If completed by secretary or staff to board/commission/committee:
Completed on member’s behalf by: _____________________________, per member’s Verbal Written request
on: _________________.
(date)
(secretary/liaison’s name) 9/17/2025
9/17/2025
Board of Ethics
Sydnie Montalvo
William Gersten
4
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2.28.090
A. All complaints regarding violations of this chapter shall be in writing, identify a person subject to the code of
ethics, contain a full allegation of facts that would constitute a violation of the specific prohibitions enumerated in
this chapter, and be sworn under penalty of perjury. All alleged violations must be submitted within 90 days of
occurrence or when it should have been discovered with the exercise of reasonable diligence. Justification for any
delay in filing complaints is the responsibility of the complainant. For complaints concerning unethical patterns of
behavior, such complaints must be received by the Board of Ethics within 90 days of the most recent event
comprising the pattern of behavior complained of, or within 90 days of when the last event should have been
discovered with the exercise of reasonable diligence. The Board of Ethics will, in its discretion, limit the pattern of
behavior to those events the Board of Ethics feels are proximately related in time to be a part of the same pattern
of behavior.
B. The Board may refer the matter to a local, state, or federal enforcement agency that may have jurisdiction
over the matter at any stage of the proceedings and may hold in abeyance Board action pending results of the
referral. The Board of Ethics may, but is not required to, resume Board action on the matter if it has been provided
notice of inaction by the agency to whom the complaint was referred, the expiration of any applicable statute of
limitations, or inaction for more than one year by the agency to whom the complaint was referred. Local, state and
federal enforcement agencies include, but are not limited to, the United States Attorney’s Office, the California
Attorney General’s Office, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, the San Diego County Grand Jury, and
the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC). If the Board learns of misconduct during any stage of the
proceedings, but the misconduct is not within the specific prohibitions set forth in this chapter, the Board of Ethics
may make a referral to the appropriate local, state, or federal enforcement agency that may have jurisdiction over
the alleged misconduct.
C. The name of the complainant shall be disclosed unless the complainant has requested that their name be
kept confidential and there is good cause to withhold such name. Requests for confidentiality shall be addressed
as follows:
1. To request that their name be kept confidential, the complainant must provide, with their complaint, a
detailed factual statement, sworn under penalty of perjury, that they would suffer harm or retaliation if their
name were to be disclosed. Facts that may be considered to determine if good cause exists may include, but
are not limited to:
a. The existence of an employer/employee or supervisor/subordinate relationship between
respondent and complainant or the existence of such a relationship between complainant’s spouse or
immediate relative(s) and respondent or respondent’s spouse or immediate relative;
b. Facts that show that complainant would be shunned, ostracized, or rebuked by any organization or
group to which they belong if their name were to be made public;
Ch. 2.28 Board of Ethics | Chula Vista Municipal Code Page 1 of 2
The Chula Vista Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 3599, passed August 5, 2025.
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October 15, 2025 Agenda
The Chula Vista Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 3599, passed August 5, 2025.
Disclaimer: The City Clerk’s Office has the official version of the Chula Vista Municipal Code. Users should contact
the City Clerk’s office for ordinances passed subsequent to the ordinance cited above.
City Website: www.chulavistaca.gov
To be notified when additions, amendments, or revisions are made to the code, send your e-mail address to (be
sure to add "Chula Vista Municipal Code" in the subject line) cpc@generalcode.com.
Hosted by General Code.
c. Evidence of prior acts of retaliation or harm by respondent against complainant or any other
person;
d. The existence of criminal convictions for crimes of violence by or the existence of any restraining
orders against respondent.
Conclusionary or speculative statements of harm or retaliation are insufficient to establish good cause.
2. Upon a request for confidentiality, the Chair and two Board members, chosen by the Chair on a rotating
basis, shall form an ad hoc subcommittee within two business days of being informed by the City Attorney’s
Office of a request for confidentiality and, after consideration of the request, determine if good cause exists
to withhold disclosure of the name. The Chair shall inform the complainant of its decision within five business
days.
3. If the decision is to deny the request for confidentiality, complainant shall have five business days to
withdraw their complaint. If complainant requests that the complaint be withdrawn, the entire complaint
shall be returned to complainant and their complaint shall not be disclosed. The complaint and complainant’s
name shall be not disclosed during this evaluation process.
4. Upon a finding of good cause by the ad hoc subcommittee formed under this section, the name of the
complainant shall be kept confidential unless and until a finding of probable cause is made. The complaint
shall also be redacted accordingly. (Ord. 3264 § 1, 2013).
Ch. 2.28 Board of Ethics | Chula Vista Municipal Code Page 2 of 2
The Chula Vista Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 3599, passed August 5, 2025.
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