CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING AUTHORITY AND
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE EL
CAJON
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Ronald Reagan
Community Center
195 E. Douglas Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
City Council Priority/Goal Setting Workshop
JANUARY 27, 2022 7:00 p.m.
Please note that as of December 14, 2021, the California Department of Public Health mandates properly fitting masks in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status.
Bill Wells, Mayor Graham Mitchell, City Manager
Michelle Metschel, Deputy Mayor Vince DiMaggio, Assistant City Manager Steve Goble, Councilmember Morgan Foley, City Attorney
Gary Kendrick, Councilmember Angela Cortez, City Clerk
Phil Ortiz, Councilmember
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Bill Wells
ROLL CALL: City Clerk Angela Cortez
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO FLAG AND MOMENT OF SILENCE
ADMISTRATIVE REPORT:
1. 2022 City Council Priorities/Goals Workshop
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council conducts a workshop identifying and agreeing upon priorities and goals to accomplish in 2022.
ADJOURNMENT: The Joint Special Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/ El Cajon Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency held this 27th day of January 2022, is adjourned.
City Council
Agenda Report
Agenda Item 1.
DATE: 01/27/2022
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Graham Mitchell, City Manager
SUBJECT: 2022 City Council Priorities/Goals Workshop
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council conducts a workshop identifying and agreeing upon priorities and goals to accomplish in 2022.
BACKGROUND:
This staff report addresses the upcoming January 27, 2022 City Council Priorities/Goals Workshop to be held at the Ronald Reagan Community Center. This report:
Provides an update on the 2021 City Council Action Plan that was birthed from last year’s Priorities/Goals Workshop;
1. Recommends a format for this year’s workshop; and2.
Includes a list of topics briefly discussed at last year’s workshop that did not move forward as well as additional suggestions from staff for possible consideration.
3. As a reminder, the workshop aids in the preparation of the 2022 City Council Action Plan, which will help staff prepare the budget and prioritize resources in 2022. Because no organization (public or private sector) can focus on too many initiatives at one time, establishing priorities and goals results in a higher rate of success in solving problems and making incremental improvements.
Ultimately, the workshop’s outcome is for the City Council to have an agreed upon and unified vision for the upcoming year. Several specific benefits of identifying priorities and several goals include:
Provides a clear message from the City Council to the community and staff of what the City Council aims to accomplish;
Fosters consensus on policies and projects within the City Council; Assists staff in allocating staff time and other resources; Supports the City Council’s proactive stance on accomplishing goals rather than reacting to issues; and
Creates a more transparent and accountable government.
Update on the 2021 City Council Action Plan
On December 14, 2021, staff presented an update to the City Council during its regular meeting. A matrix summarizing the accomplishments that were highlighted on December 14th is attached. The matrix identifies the six priority categories (Communication/Civic Engagement, Economic Development, Enhance Image of City, Homelessness, Public Safety, and Miscellaneous).
In addition, the matrix identifies the 16 goals along with specific milestones or tasks. For each of these milestones/task, staff determined if it was complete, in progress, on-going, incomplete, or n/a. Of the 48 tasks, there are 10 deemed incomplete and 12 in progress, the remaining were completed, on-going, or no longer applicable.
Proposed Workshop Process
During the December 27th workshop, staff recommends that the City Council address two primary questions: 1) what are the priorities for 2022, and 2) and what two to four goals should the City focus on related to those priorities. Staff recommends that the goals be a combination of continued goals from 2021 as well as new goals. Staff will help facilitate discussion topics and the City’s executive team will be present to answer questions.
Staff recommends that the room be set up with the City Council sitting in a u-shape, along with note-taking pads that will document the suggestions put forward by the City Council. Staff recommends that the public having the opportunity to provide comments at various designated points in the discussion.
Following the workshop, staff will develop a draft 2022 City Council Action Plan that will include new milestones/tasks. This document will be provided to the City Council for approval on February 8th or 22nd.
During its December 14th meeting, the City Council suggested discussing the topic of “safe parking” during the Priorities/Goals Workshop. Although, this could be a goal established in 2022, staff’s intent of the workshop is not to have a full comprehensive workshop on homeless programming. Staff believes that this topic deserves its own workshop.
Other Possible Goal Considerations
Staff provides a list of possible ideas for goals to consider. This list is developed from ideas shared by the City Council at the 2021 workshop, which were not moved forward. The list also includes additional ides from staff. Staff provides this list as possible consideration or to prompt additional ideas of goals in 2022.
Possible Economic Development Goals:
Analyze current downtown assessment model and boundaries in anticipation of future development
Focus on downtown development opportunities
Re-imagine Parkway Plaza (possible use of SDSU team)
Create an incentive plan to develop vacant lots
Strengthen industrial areas with infrastructure and technology upgrades Update Economic Development website
Possible Homelessness Goals:
Create more shelter options (including a safe parking program and paying for and reserving shelter spaces at locations outside the City) Consider a storage program
Consider a day center
Possible Strengthen/Preserve/Beautify Neighborhood Goals:
Revitalize parks (especially under-utilized areas)
Identify areas for recreational space along Forester Creek Support neighborhood improvement teams
Host neighborhood celebration days
Slow traffic on fast corridors
Beautify bridge underpasses with murals and lighting
Miscellaneous:
Re-analyze Tobacco Licensing Program
Encourage freeway improvement and beautification projects (widen I-8 and SR-67/Bradley interchange)
Prepared By: Graham Mitchell, City Manager
Reviewed By:
Approved By: N/A
Attachments
Update on 2021 Priorities/Goals
1 El Cajon City Council 2021/2022 Priorities Implementation Plan Adopted: March 23, 2021 / Updated: January 18, 2022
Priority: Communication/Civic Engagement
Goal/Outcome
Lead
Department(s) Milestones/Tasks
Target
Dates Progress
Refine City’s
communication/outreach/
engagement plan, addressing
what stakeholders want to
receive and how to best
communicate that information
as well as strategies to
increase civic engagement will
all in the community
CM, P&R, PW
Host several community focus groups
aimed at receiving feedback from a
wide-range of community members
about communication and civic
engagement
4/1/2021
–
6/3/2021
Complete – staff met with the following
groups:
Chaldean Radio – Middle Eastern /
Chaldean
SD New Comers – Middle Eastern
El Cajon Collaborative – senior
service providers
El Cajon Collaborative – Hispanic &
Middle Eastern residents
Chamber of Commerce – business
community
Cajon Valley School District –district
communications staff
Council to receive a report on current
communication efforts and feedback
received from focus groups
8/10/2021 Complete – report provided to the
Council on September 14, 2021.
Based on, Council to receive a report
on proposed implementation plan
10/12/202
1 In Progress – implementation plan
developed and will be presented to the
City Council on February 22, 2022.
Begin implementation of plan 11/1/2021 On-Going
Leverage technology and
social media to promote the
City, its events, and the
community by relying on
experiential marketing
P&R, PD
Council to receive an update on use
of social media as part of the
8/10/2021 report (see above)
8/10/2021 Complete – report provided to the
Council on September 14, 2021
Implement feedback from City Council 8/11/2021 On-Going
2 Priority: Economic Development
Goal/Outcome
Lead
Department(s) Milestones/Tasks
Target
Dates Progress
Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategic Plan to
address opportunities,
marketing, incentives, and
priorities
CM, CD, PW,
Fin
Present a “small business” economic
development strategy to Council for
consideration. Elements of this will
include financial assistance for start-
up businesses, exploration of
additional business districts, and
business incentives
5/30/2021
Complete – report provided to Council
on April 13, 2021. Direction to prepare
an economic development study via a
consultant was directed, which is now
underway.
Work with EC-EDC and other
regional partners and perhaps
present a Request for Qualifications
to Council for a consultant to study
market conditions and identify target
businesses for the City to attract
9/14/2021
In Progress – Natelson Dale Group
working with EC-EDC and began work
on the study on July 26, 2021. The
consultant also expanded its scope to
include analysis regarding impacts of the
County’s Working Families Ordinance.
Consider land purchases and/or
partnership with large undeveloped
and developed sites for development
or redevelopment
Ongoing
Incomplete – staff is waiting for results
of consultant study to assist in other
opportunities.
Analyze zoning policies that
inhibit development with a
focus on possible boundary
changes of the Downtown
Specific Plan
CD
Council to receive a report with an
analysis and possible resolution of
intent to initiate amendment of
Specific Plan No. 182
4/27/2021
Complete – report provided on April 27,
2021 regarding various amendment
options to SP 182.
Based on resolution of intent, present
draft SP No. 182 amendments to the
Planning Commission
6/1/2021
In Process – the Council directed staff
to present code modifications that would
allow for select freeway oriented uses on
properties north of Madison Ave. within
the boundaries of SP 182. This is
included in the Zoning Code Amendment
scheduled for 12-14-21.
Council to consider Planning
Commission recommendations
regarding any proposed amendments
to SP No. 182
6/22/2021
In Process – see above
3 Priority: Enhance Image of City by Focusing on City’s Entry Locations Goal/Outcome
Lead
Department(s) Milestones/Tasks
Target
Dates Progress
Develop and implement a
landscape/ beautification plan
around the City’s main entry
locations
PW
Council to receive presentation for
feedback regarding “big ideas” to
consider implementing and
methodology of selecting entryways
4/27/2021
Complete – report provided to Council
on April 27, 2021 with feedback to
proceed given.
With feedback provided at 4/27/2021
meeting, Council to receive an
implementation plan in the form of
entryway capital improvement
program
5/30/2021
In Process – staff is finalizing CIP
scope. Phase 1 to be presented to
Council during Mid-Year FY 2021-22
budget and Phase 2 to be included in the
FY 2022-23 CIP.
Implement program 6/1/2021 –
5/30/2022
Incomplete – pending CIP budget
approvals.
Attract businesses near entry
locations CM
Identify properties near City entry
locations that are suitable for
development or redevelopment
opportunities and create a property
profile for each, along with zoning
information and possible commercial
uses
5/3/2021 In Process – this task is being
specifically being addressed in the
Natelson Dale Group study. Progress on
this task is on hold until the completion
of the study. Expected completion date
of the study is first quarter 2022 with
work commencing in mid-2022.
Make contact with property owners
of target properties to understand
needs and long-term intentions to
identify viable opportunities
7/2/2021 Incomplete – see above.
Begin working with commercial real
estate brokers and development
community to promote viable sites
for development
8/2/2021 Incomplete – see above.
Keep the Council updated through
regular memos
ongoing Incomplete – see above.
4 Priority: Homelessness
Goal/Outcome
Lead
Department(s) Milestones/Tasks
Target
Dates Progress
Increase enforcement on drug
dealers supplying vulnerable
homeless population
PD
Council to receive presentation
identifying current problem,
enforcement efforts, and limitations
(legal, State policy, and budgetary)
along with options to consider
6/29/2021
Complete – staff provided briefings to
Council members about possible
challenges to program.
Implement program determined by
the Council 7/1/2021 N/A
Council to receive a report on
outcomes of the program 5/17/2022 N/A
Coordinate homeless services
and housing with cities in the
East County region so that all
jurisdictions in the region share
the responsibility of providing
housing and services to
individuals experiencing
homelessness
CM, CD
Develop a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with East
County jurisdictions that addresses
shared emergency shelter,
permanent supportive housing, and
coordination of services
5/31/2021
In Process – staff has drafted a MOU,
along with the County and neighboring
city staff. Staff hopes to present the
MOU for City Council consideration at its
February 22, 2022 meeting.
Council to consider MOU for
approval 6/30/2021 Incomplete – staff aims to present the MOU in early 2022.
Continue to address and clean
up homeless encampments
and debris
CM, P&R, PW,
PD
Begin power washing frequent
encampment areas with vacation
noticing. Council to receive
proposed changes to the City’s
Municipal Code providing staff with
additional enforcement powers and
the Council will be presented with a
contract for power washing
7/13/2021
Ongoing – in 2021, 26 areas have been
powerwashed by City staff.
Incomplete – staff has not yet
developed recommended Municipal
Code language for Council
consideration. City currently gives 24
hour notice and we have not
encountered issues. This policy may not
be needed.
Expand contracted services to assist
City with cleanup efforts 8/31/2021
In Process – City contracted with Urban
Corps of SD to provide clean up service
and staff is evaluating additional services
to assist with powerwashing.
5 Increase communication to the
community, Council, and homeless
community regarding efforts to assist
in providing housing options and
cleanup efforts; create a ride-along
program for the public
ongoing
Incomplete – staff plans to prepare
public information, including a two-page
“FAQ” and a short animated video that
addresses challenges faced by the
community, legal barriers, programs
implemented, and results achieved.
Develop and present possible
policies to the Council regarding
vacant lot maintenance, including
proactive code enforcement on
vacant sites with encampments
ongoing
Incomplete
6 Priority: Public Safety
Goal/Outcome
Lead
Department(s) Milestones/Tasks
Target
Dates Progress
Implement technologies that
could assist in the response
and services provided by the
City’s Fire and Police
Departments
IT, PD, FD
Council to approve El Cajon 2.0
Smart City Plan (which establishes a
framework by which to consider
technology initiatives)
5/25/2021
Complete – the El Cajon 2.0 Plan was
approved on April 27, 2021 by the
Council.
Convene existing Police Department
Tech & Innovations Group to
consider business needs and
technology through the lens of the El
Cajon 2.0 Smart City Plan
6/30/2021
Complete – the Group meets quarterly.
Establish a Heartland Fire Research
& Development committee to identify
needs and possible pilot programs
6/30/2021
Complete – Heartland Fire & Rescue
held its first meeting with IT staff in
January 2022.
Council to receive a report on
possible pilot programs for funding
in the FY 2022/23 budget
5/30/2022
In Process – a Request for Innovation
(RFI) titled “Technology as a Force
Multiplier” was issued in July 2021,
which resulted in up to four potential pilot
projects with responsive vendors. One
zero cost pilot has been completed. Staff
is in negotiations with other vendors to
determine scope and pilot costs.
Evaluate public safety staffing
and equipment needs for the
City as it grows
HR, PD, FD
Develop an analytics formula to
forecast staffing and equipment
demands from new residential and
commercial properties and develop
funding strategies to meet future
demands
12/15/2021
In Process – staff is exploring
alternative metrics to officers per 1,000
residents to have a clearer position on
public safety staffing needs. We are
hoping to rely on SDSU Capstone
project students to assist in this analysis.
Engage SDSU Masters in Public
Administration students as part of a
capstone project to compare El
Cajon staffing with other
communities in San Diego County,
factoring in crime data, mental
9/1/2021 –
3/30/2022
Incomplete – the SDSU capstone
groups did not select an El Cajon project
in 2021/22.
7 health issues, socio-economic
characteristics, etc.
Council to receive a comprehensive
report on analytics formulas and
SDSU capstone project results
4/26/2022
N/A
Launch a human
trafficking/safety education
campaign
PD
Council to receive a presentation on
human trafficking (regional trends,
efforts made to combat, etc.)
10/12/2021
In Process – the community liaison with
the District Attorney’s Office who will be
providing the presentation is not
available until 2022. The presentation
will be scheduled in first quarter 2022.
Using social media, share District
Attorney resources about human
trafficking
Ongoing
Ongoing – staff has posted social media
information and will make a larger push
on January 11, 2022 for National Day of
Human Trafficking Awareness.
Ensure that all City staff receive
training on how to recognized
human trafficking
12/31/2021
Ongoing – information/training has been
provided to City staff.
8 Priority: Miscellaneous
Goal/Outcome
Lead
Department(s) Milestones/Tasks
Target
Dates Progress
Consider an Election Integrity
Ordinance Clerk
Present optional components of an
election integrity ordinance for
Council feedback
6/8/2021
Complete – report provided to Council
on June 8, 2021.
Relying on Council feedback, draft
and present ordinance for adoption 9/14/2021 Complete – resolution approved by the Council on September 14, 2021.
Explore a process in which
businesses can operate under
modified zoning rules and
explore policy opportunities to
permanently relax regulations
post-COVID-19
CD
Council to consider temporarily
extending outdoor dining relaxed
regulations until formal policy is
developed later in 2021
4/27/2021
Complete – on November 9, 2021, the
Council extended the policy through
December 31, 2022.
With input provided by Planning
Commission, review zoning code for
changes in concert with the State-
mandated housing regulation
changes and present for Council
approval
9/28/2021
In Process – on July 27, 2021, the
Council approved submittal of the
Housing Element. HCD found issues
with the document. Modifications will be
provided to the Council in first quarter
2022.
Also, Phase I of the zoning code
amendment will be presented to the
Council on 12-14-21 and includes
outdoor display opportunities for general
retail, streamline permitting for food
tracks, extended operating hours and
use area for breweries, and reduced
vehicle maneuvering requirements
allowing for more developable area.
Explore modified sign
regulations regarding flashing
and/or lighted signs and
window treatments
CD
Council to receive a report reviewing
the City’s current sign/ design
standards, along with options, in
order to receive City Council
feedback
4/27/2021
Complete – report provided to the
Council on September 14, 2021.
9 Based on feedback from Council,
present proposed changes to the
Planning Commission
6/21/2021
N/A
Present recommendation from
Planning Commission to the Council 7/27/2021 N/A
Promote mental wellbeing of
City Staff HR
Council to receive a presentation on
1) mental health in the workplace, 2)
programs launched by the City, and
3) other ideas for the future
11/9/2021
Complete – a report was provided to the
City Council on January 25, 2022.
Continue to implement programs Ongoing Complete