The People’s Business – October 16, 2026
Councilmembers will consider the appointment of Bethany Bezak as Chief Operating Officer for the City of San Diego. They’ll also vote on two loans from the State Revolving Loan Fund for sewer and drinking water pipeline projects.
From the Office of Council President Joe LaCava
City Council Meeting – October 19, 2026 – 10 a.m.
10 a.m. – Closed Session Public Comment, Closed Session – Agenda
2 p.m. – Discussion Items, Non-agenda Public Comment
Discussion Items
Item 200 - State Revolving Fund Loan to the City of San Diego’s Sewer System for the Pump Station 2 Improvement and Modernization Project
This item would authorize a State Revolving Fund Loan to finance capital improvements to the Wastewater System for the Pump Station 2 Improvement and Modernization Project for an amount not to exceed $50 million.
State Revolving Funds (SRF) are financing vehicles administered by state agencies, which lend to municipalities for eligible wastewater infrastructure projects, including sewer system rehabilitation, replacement, capacity upgrades, and related improvements that protect water quality and public health.
Borrowers benefit from low borrowing costs for eligible projects. In the State of California, the Division of Financial Assistance within the State Water Resources Control Board manages the SRF programs.
Pump Station 2 (PS2) is an integral component of the operation of the Metropolitan Wastewater System and is the largest pump station within the City of San Diego. PS2 is located at 4077 North Harbor Drive and is the terminal pump station that collects wastewater flows from the North Metro Interceptor (NMI) and South Metro Interceptor (SMI) systems and pumps sewage to the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant.
PS2 operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and currently serves approximately 2.3 million people within the City and Participating Agencies. PS2 was placed in service in 1963 and has been upgraded periodically in 1986, 1987, 1990, and 1992.
The PS 2 Improvements and Modernization Project (L24000.2) will replace all eight pumps and six motor controllers, including installation of variable frequency drives (VFD) for Pumps 3 and 6 and reduced-voltage soft starters for Pumps 1, 2, 7, and 8. Work includes replacement of suction and discharge valves and related appurtenances, including eight cone valves, eight actuators, and associated discharge piping.
Item 201 - Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan to the City of San Diego’s Water System for the El Monte Pipeline Number 2 Project
This item would authorize a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan to the City of San Diego’s Water System for the El Monte Pipeline Number 2 Project for an estimated $50 million.
The El Monte Pipeline is approximately 12.2 miles and consists of 48-inch and 68-inch reinforced concrete steel cylinder pipe, 68-inch reinforced concrete pipe, and 72-inch cast-in-place reinforced concrete liner through the Grossmont Tunnel. Isolated locations in the pipeline are in poor condition and need to be repaired. The purpose of this project is to rehabilitate, replace or spot repair to reduce the risk of emergency repairs under existing conditions and to extend the years of remaining service life.
Item S400 - Confirming the Appointment of Bethany Bezak as Chief Operating Officer for the City of San Diego
This time would adopt a resolution confirming the Mayor’s appointment of Bethany Bezak as Chief Operating Officer of the City of San Diego, pursuant to Charter section 265(b)(7).
On October 15, 2026, Mayor Todd Gloria appointed Bethany Bezak as Chief Operating Officer of the City of San Diego. Under Charter section 265(b)(7), the Mayor has sole authority to appoint the City Manager, a role the City designates as Chief Operating Officer, subject to City Council confirmation.
Ms. Bezak currently serves as the City’s Chief Performance and Logistics Officer and has held senior leadership positions in the Transportation and Stormwater Departments since 2020. Upon confirmation, she will direct day-to-day operations across City departments and report to the Mayor.
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