HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.2.18 BOE MinutesCity of Chula Vista
Regular Board of Ethics Meeting
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February 18, 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, 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 5:16 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Secretary Montalvo called the roll.
Member Barragan arrived at 5:21pm.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Rob spoke in support of various topics.
4. ACTION ITEMS
4.1 Approval of Meeting Minutes
Moved by Vice Chair Hurst
Seconded by Member Gersten
Board to approve the minutes dated January 21, 2026.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
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2026-02-18 Board of Ethics Regular Meeting Minutes
Yes (7): Member Barragan, Member Gersten, Member Padilla, Member
Torres, Member Velissaropoulos, Vice Chair Hurst, and Chair Salas
Result: Carried (7 to 0)
4.2 Discussion and Potential Action to Refer Draft Lobbying Ordinance
Member Gersten proposed various changes and questions as follows for
the City Attorney's Office to address:
Page 2, 2.55.020: significance of "have the need and right to know" versus
have "a right to know"
Page 2, 2.55.020: define "persons"
Page 2, 2.55.020: address requirement for disclosure of employer
identities
Page 8, 2.55.050: define "De Minimus without relying on a definition based
on "no longer than 1 minute."Alternatively, reference case law to
understand definition of "De Minimis."
Page 15, 2.55.100(C): Add the line, "if the complaint is sufficient, within
five (5) days of receipt...."
Page 18, 2.55.110— from Member Barragan: revise the implementation
date.
Moved by Member Gersten
Seconded by Chair Salas
To refer the draft lobbying ordinance back to the City Staff to research and
respond to any questions raised, accept existing proposed changes,
redline, research, and respond to any new proposed changes, and
incorporate any format or grammar changes in redline. Then to continue
the discussion to the next meeting as an action item.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
Yes (7): Member Barragan, Member Gersten, Member Padilla, Member
Torres, Member Velissaropoulos, Vice Chair Hurst, and Chair Salas
Result: Carried (7 to 0)
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2026-02-18 Board of Ethics Regular Meeting Minutes
4.3 Discussion and Potential Action to Refer Amendment to Code of
Ethics
Rob spoke expressing a neutral position.
Member Velissaropoulos shared the item is ready to go to City Staff for
review.
Moved by Member Velissaropoulos
Seconded by Member Padilla
To Refer Draft Proposed Grant of Subpoena Powers to City Staff for
Review.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
Yes (7): Member Barragan, Member Gersten, Member Padilla, Member
Torres, Member Velissaropoulos, Vice Chair Hurst, and Chair Salas
Result: Carried (7 to 0)
4.4 Discussion on Board of Ethics Priorities for 2026
Chair Salas shared he would like to come up with a way to share with the
public the role and responsibilities of the Board of Ethics in a way they can
understand.
Chair Salas shared it would be helpful to have a Boards and Commissions
community fair.
5. STAFF COMMENTS
Secretary Montalvo shared that tentatively March 3, 2026, Chula Vista City
Council will hear the request for an Ex-Parte Communication Policy. February
25, 2026, will be the Board of Ethics Subcommittee Interview Panel Meeting.
Charter Review Commission is considering a Charter change for a requirement
to have a Lobbying Ordinance.
6. CHAIR'S COMMENTS
Chair Salas thanked everyone for being here.
7. BOARD MEMBERS' COMMENTS
Vice Chair Hurst thanked everyone for coming out.
8. ADJOURNMENT
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2026-02-18 Board of Ethics Regular Meeting Minutes
The meeting was adjourned at 6:12 p.m.
Minutes prepared by: Sydnie Montalvo, Board Secretary
Sydnie Montalvo, Board Secretary
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