Cities Index.
Minutes, first session

Chula Vista City Council
July 21, 2026

Document
Minutes, first session
Meeting
July 21, 2026
Body
Chula Vista City Council
Original file
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Text extracted from the city's file for reading and search. Open the original on pub-chulavista.escribemeetings.com. That file is the official record.

1. CALL TO ORDER
Public Comments:

The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL
Public Comments:

City Clerk Bigelow called the roll.

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG AND MOMENT OF SILENCE Public Comments:

Led by Councilmember Preciado.

4. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 4.1 through 4.3)
Public Comments:

John Acosta, Chula Vista resident, spoke in opposition to Item 4.2.

Robert spoke regarding various topics.

Moved by
Councilmember Inzunza
Seconded by
Councilmember Chavez
To approve t
he recommended actions
appearing below consent calendar Items 4.1 through 4.3. The headings were read, text waived
.

The motion was carried by the following vote:

Yes (5)
Mayor McCann, Councilmember Chavez, Councilmember Preciado, Councilmember Inzunza, and Deputy Mayor Fernandez Result, Carried (5 to 0)

4.1 Waive Reading of Text of Resolutions and Ordinances Public Comments:

Approve a motion to read only the title and waive the reading of the text of all resolutions and ordinances at this meeting.

4.2 Employee Position Titles: Adopt an Ordinance Amending Chula Vista Municipal Code Section 2.05.010 Unclassified Position Titles Attachments
|
Public Comments

1. Staff Report - 2nd Reading.pdf

2. Ordinance - Amend CV Muni Code Section 2.05.010.pdf

PAUL HENKIN
I just wanted to point out that Deputy Director is harder to abbreviate than Superintendent, which I think sounds classier anyway.

Sherry Deaner-Harrington
I oppose these changes
The following members of the public submitted written comments in opposition to the item:

Paul Henkin
Sherry Deaner-Harrington
Adopt an ordinance amending Chula Vista Municipal Code Section 2.05.010 adding the unclassified position title of Deputy Director of Public Works and deleting the unclassified position title of Public Works Superintendent. (Second Reading and Adoption)
(
4/5 Vote Required)
Item 4.2 heading:

ORDINANCE NO. 3624 OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING CHULA VISTA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2.05.010 ADDING THE POSITION TITLE OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS AND DELETING THE  UNCLASSIFIED POSITION TITLE OF PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT (SECOND READING AND ADOPTION)
(4/5 VOTE REQUIRED)

4.3 Approve Agreement: Approve an Agreement with PFM Financial Advisors LLC to Advise the South County Higher Education Planning Task Force Attachments
|
Public Comments

1. Staff Report- South County Higher Education Planning Task Force Financial Advisor Agreement - 26-0219.pdf

2. Resolution - PFM Financial Advisors LLC.pdf

3. Attachment 1 - PFM Financial Advisors, LLC Agreement .pdf Adopt a resolution approving a Consultant Services Agreement with PFM Financial Advisors, LLC (“PFM”) to provide financial analysis, fiscal evaluation, and strategic advisory services in direct support of the South County Higher Education Planning Task Force.

Item 4.3 heading:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-149 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING A CONSULTANT SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND PFM FINANCIAL ADVISORS LLC.

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Attachments
|
Public Comments

1. Written Communications - Acosta - Received 07_16_26.pdf

2. Written Communications – Acosta Received 07_17_26.pdf

3. Written Communications - Acosta - Received 07_20_26.pdf The following members of the public spoke regarding various topics:

John Acosta, Chula Vista resident
Truth Tonix
Mayra Estrada spoke regarding the air conditioning system at the Animal Care Facility.

Lorraine Cypher spoke in support of Police Chief Kennedy.

Angelica Martinez spoke regarding attendance at City Council meetings.

Brandon Plascencia spoke regarding homelessness in the City.

Becky Rapp spoke in opposition to AB2697 related to drive-through cannabis sales.

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public Comments:

6.1 Open Space Maintenance Districts: Approve Levying the Assessments and Collectibles for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Attachments
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Public Comments

1. Staff Report OSDs Approve Levying the Assessment and Collectibles for Fiscal Year 2027 - 26-0201.pdf

2. Resolution A(1).pdf

3. Resolution B(1).pdf

4. Resolution C(1).pdf

5. Resolution D.pdf

6. Attachment 1 - Open Space Districts within the City of Chula Vista.pdf

7. Attachment 2 - Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Assessments and Collectibles.pdf

8. Attachment 3 - Fiscal Year 2026-27 Chula Vista OSD Final Engineer's Report.pdf

PAUL HENKIN
I notice that Approval is required by the first week of August, and there are two parts. First, obtain an engineer’s report; second, conduct a public hearing. You had the report May 19, but not sure why you are conducting the hearing at almost the last minute.

But the report itself looks very thorough, although I am alarmed by the assessments over $500, which is like a large HOA dues payment.

Notice of the hearing was given in accordance with legal requirements, and the hearing was held on the date and no earlier than the time specified in the notice.

Mayor McCann stated he would abstain from voting on Items 6.1 B and 6.1 D, and Councilmember Chavez stated she would abstain from voting on Items 6.1 B and 6.1 C, due to potential property-related conflicts of interest.

Mayor McCann opened the public hearing.

Robert spoke regarding the item and various other topics.

Paul Henkin submitted written comments expressing a neutral position on the item.

There being no further members of the public who wished to speak, Mayor McCann closed the public hearing.

Moved by
Mayor McCann
Seconded by
Deputy Mayor Fernandez
To adopt Resolution No. 2026-150 (Item 6.1 A), the heading was read, text waived. The motion was carried by the following vote:

Yes (5)
Mayor McCann, Councilmember Chavez, Councilmember Preciado, Councilmember Inzunza, and Deputy Mayor Fernandez Result, Carried (5 to 0)
Item 6.1 A heading:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-150 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA LEVYING THE ASSESSMENTS AND COLLECTIBLES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 FOR OPEN SPACE DISTRICTS 2 THROUGH 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20 (ZONES 1 THROUGH 4, 6, 8 AND 9), 23, 24, 26, 31, 33, EASTLAKE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO 1, TOWN CENTRE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT, AND BAY BOULEVARD MAINTENANCE DISTRICT Moved by
Councilmember Preciado
Seconded by
Councilmember Inzunza
To adopt Resolution No. 2026-151(Item 6.1 B), the heading was read, text waived. The motion was carried by the following vote:

Yes (3)
Councilmember Preciado, Councilmember Inzunza, and Deputy Mayor Fernandez Abstain (2)
Mayor McCann, and Councilmember Chavez
Result, Carried (3 to 0)
Item 6.1 B heading:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-151 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA LEVYING THE ASSESSMENTS AND COLLECTIBLES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 FOR OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 1 Moved by
Mayor McCann
Seconded by
Deputy Mayor Fernandez
To adopt Resolution No. 2025-152 (Item 6.1 C), the heading was read, text waived. The motion was carried by the following vote:

Yes (4)
Mayor McCann, Councilmember Preciado, Councilmember Inzunza, and Deputy Mayor Fernandez Abstain (1)
Councilmember Chavez
Result, Carried (4 to 0)
Item 6.1 C heading:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-152 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA LEVYING THE ASSESSMENTS AND COLLECTIBLES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 FOR OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 20 ZONE 5 Moved by
Councilmember Inzunza
Seconded by
Councilmember Preciado
To adopt Resolution No. 2026-153 (Item 6.1 D), the heading was read, text waived. The motion was carried by the following vote:

Yes (4)
Councilmember Chavez, Councilmember Preciado, Councilmember Inzunza, and Deputy Mayor Fernandez Abstain (1)
Mayor McCann
Result, Carried (4 to 0)
Item 6.1D heading:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-153 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA LEVYING THE ASSESSMENTS AND COLLECTIBLES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 FOR OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 20 ZONE 7 The meeting was recessed at 5:37 p.m. and reconvened at 5:47 p.m.

7. ACTION ITEMS
Public Comments:

7.1 Consider Items Removed From the Consent Calendar, if Any Public Comments:

There were none.

7.2 Ballot Initiative: Provide Direction on a Proposed Amendment to the Chula Vista City Charter, Consider Placing a Measure on the November 3, 2026 Ballot to Amend the Charter, Carry Out Necessary Election Procedures, & Authorize Other Necessary Actions Attachments
|
Public Comments

1. Staff Report - Proposed_Charter_Amendment - 26-0248.pdf

2. Resolution.pdf

3. Attachment 1 - Proposed Compared to July 14.pdf

4. Attachment 2 and Exhibit A - Proposed Compared to Existing.pdf

5. Attachment 3 and Exhibit A - No Binding Arbitration Alternative.pdf

6. Attachment 4 and Exhibit A - Expanded Binding Arbitration Alternative.pdf

7. Written Communications - Item 7.2 – Acosta Received 07_17_26.pdf

8. Written Communications - Stohr - Received 07_18_2026.pdf

9. Written Communications - Raso - Received 07_21_2026.pdf

10. Written Communications - Smith - Received 07_21_2026.pdf

11. Written Communications - Received 07_21_2026.pdf

12. Written Communications - Salas - Received 07_21_2026.pdf

13. Written Communications - Perez - Received 07_21_2026.pdf

14. Written Communications - Community Engagement - Received 07_21_2026.pdf Lily G.

I have been a Chula Vista Resident for nearly 10 years. I am pleased that the city does not have the fiscal issues that San Diego has. I am severely concerned with this Labor Proposed overhaul of our government that Chula Vista will start to go down the troubled path of our San Diego neighbors. It also gives the appearance that our labor groups that are funding the majority of the council members campaigns, have a quid pro quo arrangement. No on increase in term limits. No on huge increase on salary for a part time job. It is ludicrous that it’s not even stipulated that this will be full time position with this increase. I am ashamed of Southbay politics as a Chula Vista Resident. I implore you to get back to serving or let someone else serve who is not in the pocket of labor.

Lily G.

I have been a Chula Vista Resident for nearly 10 years. I am pleased that the city does not have the fiscal issues that San Diego has. I am severely concerned with this Labor Proposed overhaul of our government that Chula Vista will start to go down the troubled path of our San Diego neighbors. It also gives the appearance that our labor groups that are funding the majority of the council members campaigns, have a quid pro quo arrangement. No on increase in term limits. No on huge increase on salary for a part time job. It is ludicrous that it’s not even stipulated that this will be full time position with this increase. I am ashamed of Southbay politics as a Chula Vista Resident. I implore you to get back to serving or let someone else serve who is not in the pocket of labor.

PAUL HENKIN
This is almost exactly the same stuff that the Board of Supervisors is trying to do to us. Total scam there, and an even more expensive scam here - the City Council wants a huge raise for doing their part time job.

There seems to be a rush to overhaul the city’s government without careful planning or extensive community feedback - foolhardy and could lead to public backlash. What might be called a half-baked idea.

Quick rundown:

Sec. 300 - Same self-serving BS as the county - increase their own terms in office from a two term limit to a three term limit. We elected them for two terms. They should honor our vote.

Sec. 302 – The City Council wants a huge salary increase. 59% when most of us are lucky if we get cost of living. There should at least be a limit on working other jobs which might preclude exercising duties in full, and why is salary tied to Judges' salary? And I’m sure there will be a lot of pressure for similar raises from the City Clerk on down.

Sec, 609 – Limits the Salary Setting Commission to setting the salaries of 6 people – the Mayor, City Council, and City Attorney. And later ties the salaries to those of 6 other cities, so why do we even need another expensive Commission? Section 1206 sets up registration and procedures for lobbyists but then excludes many if not most of them from complying. (subsec. C) Alot of this will add to the expense of City Govt. and probably add to the inefficiencies and confusion – also dig a bit deeper in peoples' wallets Steve Stenberg, Chula Vista resident,
spoke expressing a neutral position on the item.

The following members of the public spoke in support of the item:

Jorge Sanchez
Al Sanchez
Kelvin Barrios, representing Local 89
Leonel Urquidez
Alfredo Alvarez
The following members of the public spoke in opposition to the item:

John Acosta, Chula Vista resident
David Stucky, Chula Vista resident
Mayra Estrada, representing the Association of Chula Vista Employees Jerome Torres, Chula Vista resident
Sandra Chavez, Chula Vista resident
Delia Dominguez Cervantes, Chula Vista resident
Joseph Raso, Chula Vista resident
Erica Brancato, Chula Vista resid
ent
Elroy Kihano, Chula Vista resident
Andrew Lawson, Chula Vista resident
Fred Cowles, Chula Vista resident
Bebe Ren, Chula Vista resident
Dr. Marco Amaral
Robin Leon, Chula Vista
Viridiana Word, Chula Vista resident
Martin Calvo, Chula Vista resident
Kevin Marshall, Chula Vista resident
Angelica Martinez, Chula Vista resident
Greg Martinez, Chula Vista resident
Francisco Rivera, Chula Vista resident
Cindy D., Chula Vista resident
Rocky Martinez, Chula Vista resident
Mary D.

Michael Gorski, Chula Vista resident
Henry Aspeytia, representing New Beginnings Church
Corina Soto, Chula Vista resident
Tim D.

Leonardo Figueroa, Chula Vista resident
Susan McManus, Chula Vista resident
Board of Ethics Chair Salas
Bobby Salas, Chula Vista resident
Paula Whitsell, Chula Vista resident
Brandon Plascencia
Truth Tonix
Marcela Miranda-Prieto
Robert Krilowicz
Robert
Harry Orgovan
Consuelo Henkin
Paul Henkin
The following members of the public submitted written comments in opposition to the item:

Lily G.

Paul Henkin
Moved by
Mayor McCann
Seconded by
Deputy Mayor Fernandez
To remove the salary increases for the City Council, Mayor, and City Attorney from the proposal. The motion was superseded by a substitute motion.

The following action was made and carried:

Moved by
Councilmember Inzunza
Seconded by
Councilmember Preciado
To take no action to place the measure on the November 2026 ballot and to refer the proposed Charter amendments to the Charter Review Commission with a report to return to the City Council at a future date that would allow sufficient time for public input. The motion was carried by the following vote:

Yes (4)
Mayor McCann, Councilmember Chavez, Councilmember Preciado, and Councilmember Inzunza No (1)
Deputy Mayor Fernandez
Result, Carried (4 to 1)
Moved by
Mayor McCann
Seconded by
Councilmember Preciado
With respect to the proposed Charter amendments to be referred to the Charter Review Commission, to clarify that the City Council is not interested in the Commission making recommendations regarding changes to the full-time or part-time status of City Councilmembers or recommendations related to elected officials’ salaries. The motion was carried by the following vote:

Yes (4)
Mayor McCann, Councilmember Chavez, Councilmember Preciado, and Deputy Mayor Fernandez No (1)
Councilmember Inzunza
Result, Carried (4 to 1)
The meeting was recessed at 8:55 p.m. and reconvened at 9:00 p.m.

7.3 Boards and Commissions: Approve Seat Designations for Newly Created District-Nominated Seats on Certain Boards and Commissions Attachments
|
Public Comments

1. Staff Report - Boards and Commissions -- Approve Changes to Seat Designations - 26-0194.pdf

2. Resolution - Revised Seat Designations.pdf

3. Attachment 1 - Ordinance 3622.pdf

4. Attachment 2 Board and Commission Rosters.pdf

5. Item 7.3 - Board and Comm Seat Designations (1).pdf
The following members of the public spoke regarding vacancies on boards and commissions:

Martin Calvo, representing the Park and Recreation Commission Robert
Consuelo Henkin spoke regarding the item.

Moved by
Councilmember Preciado
Seconded by
Deputy Mayor Fernandez
To adopt Resolution No. 2026-154, the heading was read, text waived. The motion was carried by the following vote:

Yes (4)
Councilmember Chavez, Councilmember Preciado, Councilmember Inzunza, and Deputy Mayor Fernandez No (1)
Mayor McCann
Result, Carried (4 to 1)
Item 7.3 heading:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-154 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING SEAT DESIGNATIONS FOR NEWLY CREATED DISTRICT-NOMINATED SEATS ON THE BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES, CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION, SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION, TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION, AND VETERANS ADVISORY COMMISSION

8. PUBLIC COMMENTS (CONTINUED)
Public Comments:

Madison Rapp spoke in opposition to commercial cannabis businesses.

Robert expressed concerns regarding the Police Department's technology programs.

Consuelo Henkin spoke regarding human trafficking.

Paul Henkin spoke regarding various topics.

9. CITY MANAGER’S REPORTS
Public Comments:

There were none.

10. MAYOR’S REPORTS
Public Comments:

Mayor McCann reported on attendance at recent events and made community announcements.

11. COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS
Public Comments:

Councilmembers reported on attendance at recent events and made community announcements.

Councilmember Chavez reported on the recent SANDAG Public Safety meeting.

At the request of Councilmember Inzunza, there was a consensus of the City Council to add an item to the earliest available City Council agenda to consider a resolution supporting Assembly Bill 1761, Senate Bill 1138, and Assembly Bill 2493, which San Diego Community Power identified as legislative priorities.

Deputy Mayor Fernandez provided an update related to the upcoming MTS meeting.

12. CITY CLERK'S REPORTS
Public Comments:

City Clerk Bigelow commented on remote public participation in City Council meetings.

13. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORTS
Public Comments:

13.1 Council Policy No. 111-02: Discussion Regarding Amendments to the Special Orders of the Day and Proclamations Policy Public Comments:

Item was withdrawn.

14. CLOSED SESSION
Public Comments:

Pursuant to Resolution No. 13706 and City Council Policy No. 346-03, the City Attorney maintains official minutes and records of action taken during closed session.

City Attorney Verdugo announced that the City Council would convene in closed session to discuss the items listed below.

The meeting was recessed at 9:50 p.m. and reconvened in closed session at  9:54 p.m. with all members present.

14.1 Conference with Legal Counsel Regarding Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) Public Comments:

The following members of the public spoke on the item:

Robert
Consuelo Henkin
Name of case:

Alexis Lopez v. Gerardo Rios, et al.
, San Diego Superior Court Case No. 25CU002571C
Action:

No reportable action.

15. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:

The meeting was adjourned at 9:56 p.m.

Minutes prepared by: Tyshar Turner, Deputy Director, City Clerk Services

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