Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 28, 2023 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 52 - 3:00 p.m.
JOINT MEETING OF THE
EL CAJON CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING
AUTHORITY/SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE EL CAJON
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MINUTES
CITY OF EL CAJON
EL CAJON, CALIFORNIA
March 28, 2023
An Adjourned Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/Housin g Authority/ Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency, held Tuesday, March 28, 2023, was called to order by Mayor/Chair Bill Wells at 3:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 200 Civic Center Way, El Cajon, California.
R O L L C A L L
Council/Agencymembers present: Kendrick, Metschel, and Ortiz Council/Agencymembers absent: None
Deputy Mayor/Vice Chair present: Goble
Mayor/Chair present: Wells
Other Officers present: Mitchell, City Manager/Executive Director DiMaggio, Assistant City Manager
Foley, City Attorney/General Counsel
Cortez, City Clerk/Secretary
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG led by Mayor Wells and MOMENT OF SILENCE.
POSTINGS: The City Clerk posted Orders of Adjournment o f the March 14 , 202 3, meeting and the Agenda of the March 28, 2023, meeting in accordance with State Law and El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Policy.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 28, 2023 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 53 - 3:00 p.m.
PRESENTATIONS: None
AGENDA CHANGES: None
CONSENT ITEMS: (1 – 6)
Items 4 and 5 were pulled by a member of the public, Item 6 was pulled by a member of the public and by a member of the City Council.
1. Minutes of El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Meetings
Approve Minutes of the March 14, 2023 and the Special Joint Meeting of March 21, 2023, of the El Cajon City Council/ Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency.
2. Warrants
Approve payment of Warrants as submitted by the Finance Department.
3. Approval of Reading Ordinances by Title Only
Approve the reading by title and waive s the reading in full of all Ordinances on the Agenda.
ITEM PULLED BY A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC:
4. 2022 State Homeland Security Grant Program Funding
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, authorizing the City Manager or designee to accept and appropriate the FY 2022 State Homeland Security Grant funds in the amount of $70,915, and to execute any grant documents and agreements necessary for the receipt and use of these funds.
DISCUSSION
Truth spoke in opposition of accepting the State Homeland Security Grant funds.
Adopt Resolution No. 015 -23, authorizing the City Manager or designee to accept and appropriate the FY 2022 State Homeland Security Grant funds in the amount of $70,915, and to execute any grant documents and agreements necessary for the receipt and use of these funds.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 28, 2023 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 54 - 3:00 p.m.
CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
ITEM PULLED BY A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC:
5. Reject & Re-Bid of Bid No. 011-22 – Public Safety Center Renewable Energy
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, to:
1. Consent to the withdrawal of California Solar Integrators, Inc. (CSII) bid submission;
2. Reject all bids and authorize re-bidding of the project; and
3. Consent to the prohibition of CSII from participating in further bidding on the project re-bid.
DISCUSSION
Truth stated that only local companies should be considered for City jobs.
Adopt Resolution No. 016-23 to:
1. Consent to the withdrawal of California Solar Integrators, Inc. (CSII) bid submission;
2. Reject all bids and authorize re-bidding of the project; and
3. Consent to the prohibition of CSII from participating in further bi dding on the project re-bid.
6. Declaration of Emergency for Wells Park Restroom Conditions; Authorization to Waive Bidding
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Adopts the next Resolution, in order, to establish a Declaration of Emergency and dete rmine that the public interest and necessity require the immediate expenditure of public money to safeguard life, health, or property as required by the Public Contract Code section 22050; and
2. Approves the reallocation of $250,000 from the ARPA Economic Development Expenditure Category to a new ARPA project with the Expenditure Category 6 - Revenue Replacement, that will cover the cost of the emergency work.
DISCUSSION
Truth spoke against the project at Wells’ park.
In answer to a question by Councilmemb er Metschel, City Manager Mitchell explained that the project was initiated by resident’s complaints of the conditions of the restrooms at Wells’ park. The reconfiguration and repair of the current restrooms will provide a safer situation for visitors, an d it will discourage sleeping and illegal activities on premises.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 28, 2023 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 55 - 3:00 p.m.
CONSENT ITEMS: (Item 6 - Continued)
Adopt Resolution No. 017-23, to establish a Declaration of Emergency and determine that the public interest and necessity require the immediate expenditure of public money to safeguard life, health, or property as required by the Public Contract Code section 22050 and approve the reallocation of $250,000 from the ARPA Economic Development Expenditure Category to a new ARPA project with the Expenditure Category 6 - Revenue Replacement, that will cover the cost of the emergency work.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to APPROVE Consent Items 1 to 6.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Kera spoke against license plate recognition software and added that any actions on decisions by Nathan Fletcher, former Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisor’s, should be voided as he has been removed from the Board.
David Matranga thanked the City Council for their work on keeping criminals out of El Cajon.
Kevin Miller, representing Foothills Christian Church, support s the decision to stand against the County of San Diego’s relocation of homeless individuals to the City of El Cajon.
Truth encouraged citizens to attend the San Diego County Boa rd of Supervisor’s meetings and spoke against license plate reader cameras.
Mayor Wells directed staff to provide information on a future meeting on the concerns about privacy issues brought on by the license plate reader cameras.
Rachel Ashlee stated th at when large events happen in the City of San Diego, homeless are moved to the East County. Ms. Ashlee supports the City Council’s action on motel vouchers provided to individuals with criminal records.
Mohammed Tuama shared his concern with the quality of the school district in the East County.
Donald Cannon shared his concerns about the County of San Diego’s motel voucher program bringing problems into the City.
Jeff shared that he has compassion for the homeless problem but does not support the County’s approach to move them to the City of El Cajon. He added that he does not support the license plate reader idea.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 28, 2023 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 56 - 3:00 p.m.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
7. Update on Regulating the Use of El Cajon Lodging Establishments – Ensuring Responsible Guests Requirements
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Receives the report and provides feedback on various initiatives; and
2. Directs the Planning Commission to amend Zoning Code Chapter 17.212 (Deemed Approved Lodgi ng Establishment) to include “Emergency Housing Placement Program” guidelines and considers changes to “Nuisance Activities and Performance Standards.”
DISCUSSION
City Manager Mitchell provided detailed information of the Item.
Discussion ensued among Council and Staff concerning the following:
Investigate price gouging by the motel voucher process; Motel regulations;
Conditions to keep the City informed on who is coming into the city by ways of motel vouchers and criminal background checks on the same; Sex offender regulations, i.e. keeping them away from schools, daycares, etc.; Request for an emergency housing placement program by amending the Deemed Approved Municipal Code;
Consequences for those motel operators violating the stipulations on Emergency Housing guidelines;
Possibility of Special Operation License revocation;
Not allowing sex offender s with a rating of Static -99R score of 4 or above to be housed in El Cajon;
Emergency vs. long term housing; and
Request for a meeting with the County of San Diego to discuss the situation.
The following people spoke in support of the proposed guidelines and standards:
1. Gary Uyer
2. Cory Gautereaux
3. Chris George
4. Truth
5. Jenny Stecklair
6. Patrick Grillot
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 28, 2023 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 57 - 3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 7 – Continued)
Discussion continued among Council and Staff concerning the following:
Additional language for voucher contract that would stipulate code of conduct; Motels ability to obtain a free background on individuals; and Concerns on legality on enforcement issues.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to DIRECT the Planning Commission to amend Zoning Code Chapter 17.212 (Deemed Approved Lodging Establishment) to include “Emergency Housing Placement Program” guidelines and considers changes to “Nuisance Activities and Performance Standards.” In addition, a contractor must provide rules of conduct for their program, certification that people being relocated to El Cajon are not being moved for breaking rules elsewhere and a free background check should be available to motel owners.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
8. Potential County Misuse of Taxpayer Funds in the Various Homeless Housing Placement Programs
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receives the report from staff as an informational item.
DISCUSSION
Assistant City Manager DiMaggio provided detailed information of the Item.
City Council expressed concern about motels being paid more for a room through the County’s voucher program than the regular public would pay.
Truth shared her opinion on the County’s voucher program.
Discussion continued among Council and Staff concerning the following:
Additional language for voucher contract that would stipulate code of conduct; Motels ability to obtain a free background on individuals; and Legality concerns on enforcement issues.
No Action was required for the Item.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 28, 2023 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 58 - 3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Continued)
9. 2022 General Plan Annual Progress Report
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Accepts the 2022 General Plan Annual Progress Report; and
2. Directs staff to forward the report to the Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR), the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG).
DISCUSSION
Director of Community Development, Anthony Shute, provided de tailed information of the Item.
Deputy Mayor Goble commented on the 190 thousand calls received during a calendar year by the Fire and Police Departments.
Truth provided her personal opinion on the item.
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ACCEPT the 2022 General Plan Annual Progress Report; and Direct staff to forward the report to the Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR), the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG).
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
10. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2022, and Other Written Communication from the City's Independent Auditor
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receives and accepts the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and other written communication from the independent accounting firm of Rogers, Anderson, Malody & Scott, LLP, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022.
DISCUSSION
Director of Finance, Clay Schoen, provided detailed information of the Item.
Truth provided her personal opinion on the item.
City Manager clarified that the City did not lose money on investments.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 28, 2023 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 59 - 3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 10 - Continued)
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to RECEIVE and accept the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and other written communication from the independent accounting firm of Rogers, Anderson, Malody & Scott, LLP, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
11. Intention to Conduct Appraisal of Travelodge at 425 W. Main Street for Possible Acquisition
RECOMMENDATION:
No action is required by the City Council. This is provided as an informational item.
DISCUSSION
Assistant City Manager DiMaggio provided detailed information of the Item.
Discussion continued among Council and Staff concerning the following:
Possible uses for the property; and
Cost of appraisal.
Truth spoke against the possible acquisition of the mentioned property.
Patrick Grillot stated he supports the City exploring an opportunity for investment.
No Motion was required for the Item.
COMMISSION REPORTS: None
ACTIVITIES REPORTS/COMMENTS OF MAYOR WELLS:
SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments) Board of Directors.
12. Council Activities Report/Comments
Report as submitted.
Truth praised the work of Mayor Wells.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 28, 2023 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 60 - 3:00 p.m.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS:
13. DEPUTY MAYOR STEVE GOBLE
MTS (Metropolitan Transit System Board); East County Advance d Water Purification Joint Powers Authority Board; Chamber of Commerce – Government Affairs Committee; SANDAG – Board of Directors – Alternate; SANDAG Publi c Safety Committee – Alternate.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Deputy Mayor Goble stated he would submit a report on the next Council meeting.
14. COUNCILMEMBER GARY KENDRICK
METRO Commission/Wastewater JPA; Heartland Communicatio ns; Heartland Fire Training JPA.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
15. COUNCILMEMBER MICHELLE METSCHEL
Harry Griffe n Park Joint Steering Committee; Heartland Communications – Alternate; Heartland Fire Training JPA – Alternate; METRO Commission/Wastewater JPA – Alternate.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
16. COUNCILMEMBER PHIL ORTIZ
League of California Cities, San Diego Division; East County Economic Development Council; MTS (Metropolitan Transit System Board) – Alternate; East County Advance d Water Purification Joint Powers Authority Board – Alternate; Chamber of Commerce – Government Affairs Committee – Alternate.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
In addition to the submitted report, Councilmember Ortiz stated he did not attend the
5.11 Tactical Ribbon Cutting.
JOINT COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: None
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 28, 2023 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 61 - 3:00 p.m.
GENERAL INFORMATION ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: None
ORDINANCES: FIRST READING - None
ORDINANCES: SECOND READING AND ADOPTION - None
CLOSED SESSIONS:
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency adjourns to Closed Session as follows:
17. Closed Session - Conference with Labor Negotiators pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6:
Agency Designated Representatives:
Graham Mitchell, City Manager
Vince DiMaggio, Assistant City Manager
Clay Schoen, Director of Finance
Marisol Thorn, Director of Human Resources
Megan Blake, Senior Management Analyst
Employee Organization:
El Cajon Professional Firefighters Association - Local 4603 (ECPFF)
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADJOURN to Closed Session at 5:12 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
RECONVENED to Open Session at 5:29 p.m.
City Attorney Foley reported the following actions:
Direction was given to the City’s Negotiator.
Adjournment: Mayor Wells adjourned the Adjourned Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/ Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency held this 28th day of March, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., to Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.
______________________
ANGELA L. CORTEZ, CMC
City Clerk/Secretary