HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.1.21 BOE MinutesCity of Chula Vista
Regular Board of Ethics Meeting
MINUTES
January21, 2026, 5:15 p.m.
City Hall, Bldg. A, Executive Conference Room #103
276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA
Present: Member Barragan, Member Gersten, Member Padilla, Member
Torres, Member Velissaropoulos, Vice Chair Hurst, Chair Salas
Also Present: Board Secretary Montalvo, City Attorney Verdugo,
Deputy City Attorney Pietanza
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.
Chair Salas arrived at 6:08 p.m.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Robert spoke in support of various topics.
4. ACTION ITEMS
4.1 Approval of Meeting Minutes
Moved by Member Barragan
Seconded by Vice Chair Hurst
Board to approve the minutes dated December 17, 2025.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
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2026-01-21 Board of Ethics Regular Meeting Minutes
Yes (5): Member Barragan, Member Gersten, Member Padilla, Member
Torres, and Vice Chair Hurst
Abstain (1): Member Velissaropoulos
Result: Carried (5 to 0)
4.2 Written Communications
Moved by Member Gersten
Seconded by Member Torres
To approve the excused absence for from Board Member Velissaropoulos
requesting an excused absence from the December 17, 2025, Board of
Ethics meeting.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
• Yes (5): Member Barragan, Member Gersten, Member Padilla, Member
Torres, and Vice Chair Hurst
Abstain (2): Member Velissaropoulos, and Chair Salas
Result: Carried (5 to 0)
4.3 Discussion and Potential Action to Refer Draft Lobbying Ordinance
Robert spoke in support of Item 4.3.
Member Gersten shared it would be best use of our time to review the
item and come back to the next meeting to discuss.
Moved by Member Barragan
Seconded by Member Gersten
To continue this item to the next Board of Ethics Meeting on February 18,
2026.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
Yes (6): Member Barragan, Member Gersten, Member Padilla, Member
Torres, Member Velissaropoulos, and Vice Chair Hurst
Result: Carried (6 to 0)
2026-01-21 Board of Ethics Regular Meeting Minutes
4.4 Discussion and Review of Ethics Complaint Form
Robert spoke expressing a neutral position.
Secretary Montalvo shared the complaint form has been updated to be
more user friendly.
4.5 Discussion ❑n Board of Ethics Priorities for 2026
Robert spoke expressing a neutral position.
Vice Chair Hurst shared he would like to be focused on public items
coming forward.
Member Barragan shared he would like to see ordinances and policies
move forward.
Member Gersten shared he would like to see the enforcement authority
panel implemented.
5. PRESENTATION
5.1 Board of Ethics - Role, Duties, and Procedures
Robert spoke expressing a neutral position.
City Attorney Verdugo presented on the Board of Ethics -Role, Duties, and
Procedures. Including an overview of the Brown Act.
5.2 Update from Amendments to Code of Ethics Ad Hoc Sub -Committee
Robert spoke expressing a neutral position.
Member Velissaropoulos shared the draft Grant of Subpoena Powers
Ordinance and would like to refer it to the City Attorney's Office for review.
Chair Salas shared he would add it to the agenda for thenext meeting.
6. STAFF COMMENTS
City Attorney Verdugo advised that an item will be going to Council to review
district -based appointments for Boards and Commissions. The Board of Ethics is
not impacted by this item.
7. CHAIR'S COMMENTS
Chair Salas apologized for his late arrival due to work obligations, complimented
the presentation, and thanked Vice Chair Hurst for assisting.
2026-01-21 Board of Ethics Regular Meeting Minutes
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Vice Chair Hurst thanked everyone for coming out.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:04 p.m.
Minutes prepared by: Sydnie Montalvo, Board Secretary
Sydnie Montalvo, Board Secretary
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