JOINT MEETING OF THE
EL CAJON CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING
The Valley of Opportunity
AUTHORITY/SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE EL CAJON
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MINUTES
CITY OF EL CAJON
EL CAJON, CALIFORNIA
April 23, 2024
An Adjourned Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency, held Tuesday, April 23, 2024, was called to order by Mayor/Chair Bill Wells at 3:03 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 200 Civic Center Way, El Cajon, California.
ROLL CALL
Council/Agencymembers present: Goble, Kendrick, and Metschel Council/Agencymembers absent:
Deputy Mayor/Vice Chair present:
Mayor/Chair present:
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 of the April 9, 2024, meeting and the Agenda of the April 23, 2024, meeting in accordance with State Law and El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to Cajon Redevelopment Agency Policy.
loint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority April 23, 2024 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agenc - 67 - 3:00 p.m.
Mayor Wells changed the order of Items to accommodate the schedule of participants for certain Agenda Items.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Steven Martin spoke to request assistance from the City Council for speeding issues on Taft Street. Mr. Martin also requested the placement of speed bumps on Taft Street.
Barbie Bates, resident of Taft Street, submitted a petition requesting traffic calming measures for her neighborhood.
Brenda Hammond spoke of the lack of compassion in the younger generations. Ms.
Hammond spoke of the free concerts in the City of El Cajon and neighboring cities.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
10. El Cajon Critical Services Sales Tax Measure
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receives the report, which provides an overview of the survey results for a possible sales tax measure and provides feedback on additional steps to consider, regarding the possible measure.
DISCUSSION
Discussion ensued among Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Polling services for extending Prop J;
• No additional tax requested, just an extension of Prop J; Informational sessions with the community; and
Consequences of Prop J extension not passing.
No public comment was received for the Item.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to RECEIVE the report and proceed to prepare informational measures for the community, for the continuation of Prop J.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 23, 202 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 68 - 3:00 p.m ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Continued)
Mayor Wells stated he would recuse himself and not participate on Item 13, due to a conflict of interest due to financial contributions made to his congressional campaign by Dr. Barka.
13. Lease Agreements with the Chaldean Community Council to Operate a Social Service Operation and a Small Business Incubator Program at 405 E. Lexington Avenue
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, approving two lease agreements:
1. Lease Agreement with the Chaldean Community Council for 4,155 square feet at 405 E. Lexington Avenue to provide social services; and
2. Lease Agreement with the Chaldean Community Council for 3,000 square feet at 405 E. Lexington Avenue to operate a small business incubation program.
DISCUSSION
City Manager Mitchell, provided detailed information of the Item.
Jihan Maloney, representing the Chaldean Community Council, spoke against the lease termination clause in the proposed lease agreements.
Kaye Turpin, representing the Chaldean Community Council, spoke against the lease termination clause in the proposed lease agreements.
Discussion ensued among Council, Staff and the Chaldean Community Council representatives, concerning the following:
• City charging the lease amount of $1 per year;
• Concern for lack of interest for a business incubator; • Offering incubator services to people outside of the city; and • Legal requirements to add a termination clause in agreements and contracts.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to ADOPT Resolution No. 42-24 to approve the Lease Agreement with the Chaldean Communit ouncil for 4.155 square feet at 405 E. Lexington Avenue to provid social services, omitting the 6 month termination clause.
MOTION CARRIED BY 3 - 1 VOTE,
METSCHEL - No, MAYOR WELLS - Disqualified
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 23, 2024 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency 3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 13 - Continued)
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to DIRECT staff to prepare report on 2nd floor lease agreement for the business incubator Dr. Noori Barka interrupted the meeting to state the Chaldean Community Council would accept the 6 month termination notice after an initial three (3) year lease Motion withdrawn by ORTIZ and GOBLE.
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to ADOPT Resolution No. 042- 24 to approve the Lease Agreement with the Chaldean Community Council for 3,000 square feet at 405 E. Lexington Avenue to operate a small business incubation program with the change to replace the presented lease agreement with a three (3) year lease guarantee and a 6 month termination lease option by either party.
MOTION CARRIED BY 4 - 0 VOTE,
MAYOR WELLS - Disqualified.
Recess called at 4:49 p.m.
Meeting called back to order at 4:56 p.m.
Mayor Wells returned to the Chamber.
Councilmember Kendrick did not return to the Chamber after recess.
PRESENTATIONS:
• Proclamation: International Firefighters' Day
AGENDA CHANGES:
City Manager Mitchell requested postponing Item 19 to a meeting where Councilmember Kendrick is present.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to POSTPONE Item 19 to a future meeting.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
oint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority April 23, 2024 uccessor Agency to the Redevelopment Agenc - 70 - 3:00 p.m CONSENT ITEMS: (1 - 6)
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to APPROVE Consent Items 1 to 6.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
Minutes of El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Meetings
Approve Minutes of the April 9, 2024, Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency.
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 waives the reading in full of all Ordinances on the Agenda.
4. Continuation of Emergency for Storm Damage Repairs to Public Facilities Adopt Resolution No. 037-24 proclaiming the Continuation of Emergency for Storm Damage Repairs to Public Facilities.
Amending the Conflict of Interest Code of the City of El Cajon Adopt Resolution No. 038-24 approving the amendment of the City's Conflict of Interest Code.
Reject & Re-Bid of Bid No. 033-24 - Box Culvert Condition Assessment & Repairs
Adopt Resolution No. 039-24 to:
1. Consent to the withdrawal of the first apparent low bidder's bid submission;
2. Find the third low bidder non-responsive for the reasons set forth in the agenda report; and
3. Reject all bids and authorize re-bidding of the project with revised plans and specifications.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 23, 2024 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 71- 3:00 p.m.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Manny Aceves, representing Cast Hope, spoke about services provided and working with the east County ransitional Living Center.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Adoption of the Proposed 2025 Five-Year Program of Projects for the SANDAG Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP)
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Opens the Public Hearing and receives testimony;
2. Closes the Public Hearing; and
3. Adopts the next Resolution, in order, for the adoption of the Proposed 2025 Five- Year Program of Projects for the SANDAG Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP).
DISCUSSION
:
Deputy Director of Public Works, Mario Sanchez, provided a summary of the Item.
Mayor Wells opened the Public Hearing.
No public comment was received for the Item.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolution No. 040-24, to adopt the Proposed 2025 Five-Year Program of Projects for the SANDAG Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP).
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 23, 2024 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 72 - 3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Continued)
8. 2024-2028 Five-Year Consolidated Plan and FY 2024-2025 One-Year Action Plan
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Opens the public hearing;
2. Accepts public testimony for the draft 2024-2028 Five-Year Consolidated Plan and FY 2024-2025 One-Year Action Plan;
3. Closes the public hearing;
4. Accepts staff recommendations for projects and programs using FY 2024-2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) grant funds; and
5. Authorizes staff to release the draft 2024-2028 Five-Year Consolidated Plan and FY 2024-2025 One-Year Action Plan for a thirty-day review period from April 25, 2024 to May 24, 2024.
DISCUSSION
Management Analyst, Deyanira Pelayo-Brito, provided a summary of the Item.
Mayor Wells opened the Public Hearing.
In answer to a question by Councilmember Metschel, Ms. Pelayo-Brito stated the service providers submit monthly or quarterly reports for CDBG and HOME funds used.
Tim Ray, representing Meals on Wheels, thanked the City for the continued support.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ACCEPT staff
ecommendations for projects and programs using FY 2024-202! Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investmen artnership (HOME) grant funds; and Authorize staff to release the dra 024-2028 Five-Year Consolidated Plan and FY 2024-2025 One-Ye Action Plan for a thirty-day review period from April 25, 2024 to May 24, 2024.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
Successor Agency to the Redevelopment genuthority. April 23, 2024 3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Continued)
9. Adoption of New Fees, Modification and Elimination of Existing Fees, and Amendment of Schedule of Miscellaneous Fees
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Opens the Public Hearing and receives testimony;
2. Closes the Public Hearing; and
3. Adopts the next Resolution, in order, to modify certain existing fees, add and delete certain fees, and amend the City's Schedule of Miscellaneous Fees.
DISCUSSION
City Attorney Foley provided a summary of the Item.
Mayor Wells opened the Public Hearing.
No public comment was received for the Item.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolution No. 041-24 to modify certain existing fees, add and delete certain fees, and amend the City's Schedule of Miscellaneous Fees.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
Item 10 was previously discussed by Mayor Wells' discretion.
10. El Cajon Critical Services Sales Tax Measure
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receives the report, which provides an overview of the survey results for a possible sales tax measure and provides feedback on additional steps to consider, regarding the possible measure.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 23, 2024 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 74 - 3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Continued)
11. Fiscal Year 2023-24 Mid-Year Report and Five-Year Business Plan Update RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Receives and accepts the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Mid-Year Report and Five-Year Business Plan update;
2. Authorizes the proposed personnel changes detailed in this report; and
3. Authorizes the proposed capital expenditures detailed in this report.
DISCUSSION
Director of Finance, Clay Schoen, provided detailed information of the Item.
Discussion ensued among Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Prop J extension may not be enough to prevent budget cuts; and Need for tax generating businesses in the City.
No public comment was received for the Item.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to RECEIVE and accept the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Mid-Year Report and Five-Year Business Plan update; Authorize the proposed personnel changes detailed in this report; and Authorize the proposed capital expenditures detailed in this report.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
12. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2023, 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, 2023.
DISCUSSION
Director of Finance, Clay Shoen, provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 23, 2024 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency 3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 12 - Continued)
MOTION BY ORTIZ, 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, 2023.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
Item 13 was previously discussed by Mayor Wells' discretion.
Lease Agreements with the Chaldean Community Council to Operate a Social Service Operation and a Small Business Incubator Program at 405 E. Lexington Avenue
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, approving two lease agreements:
3. Lease Agreement with the Chaldean Community Council for 4,155 square feet at 405 E. Lexington Avenue to provide social services; and
4. Lease Agreement with the Chaldean Community Council for 3,000 square feet at 405 E. Lexington Avenue to operate a small business incubation program.
COMMISSION REPORTS: None
ACTIVITIES REPORTS/COMMENTS OF MAYOR WELLS:
SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments) Board of Directors.
14. Council Activities Report/Comments
Report as submitted.
Remainder of page intentionally left blank.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 23, 2024 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency 3:00 p.m.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS:
COUNCILMEMBER STEVE GOBLE
MTS (Metropolitan Transit System Board); East County Advanced Water Purification Joint Powers Authority Board; Chamber of Commerce - Government Affairs Committee; SANDAG - Board of Directors - Alternate; SANDAG Public Safety Committee - Alternate.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
COUNCILMEMBER GARY KENDRICK
METRO Commission/Wastewater JPA; Heartland Communications; Heartland Fire Training JPA
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
COUNCILMEMBER MICHELLE METSCHEL
Harry Griffen Park Joint Steering Committee; Heartland Communications - Alternate; Heartland Training JPA Alternate; METRO
Commission/Wastewater JPA - Alternate.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
DEPUTY MAYOR PHIL ORTIZ
League of California Cities, San Diego Division; East County Economic Development Council; MTS (Metropolitan Transit System Board) - Alternate; East County Advanced Water Purification Joint Powers Authority Board - Alternate; Chamber of Commerce - Government Affairs Committee - Alternate.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 23, 2024 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 77- 3:00 p.m.
JOINT COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
Per action taken under Agenda Changes, Item 19 has been postponed to a future meeting
19. Panhandling Signs
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council considers changing the City's panhandling signs with different messaging.
GENERAL INFORMATION ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: None
ORDINANCES: FIRST READING - None
ORDINANCES: SECOND READING AND ADOPTION - None
CLOSED SESSIONS:
Closed Session - Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation - Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9: One (1) potential case
21. Closed Session - Conference with Real Property Negotiators - pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8:
Property:
APN 487-331-22-00
425 W. Main Street
Negotiating Party:
Jala, Inc.
Hitesh C. Patel, CEO
City Negotiators:
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
Under Negotiation:
Price and terms of payment for acquisition of property
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 23, 2024 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 78 - 3:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSIONS: (Continued)
Closed Session - Conference with Real Property Negotiators - pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8:
Property:
APN# 482-131-16
1050 Vernon Way, El Cajon, CA 92020
Negotiating Party:
USA Waste of California Inc.
City Negotiators:
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
Inder Negotiation
rice and terms of payment for lease of propert
23. Closed Session - Public Employee Performance Evaluation: City Manager MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to ADJOURN to Closed
Session at 6:04 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
CLOSED SESSIONS: (Continued)
RECONVENED to Open Session at 7:47 p.m.
City Attorney Foley reported the following actions:
Direction was given to the City Attorney
Direction was given to the City's Negotiator
Direction was given to the Management Team
Evaluation performed and completed
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 23rd day of April, 2024, at 7:49 p.m., to Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.
A Cute, co
City Clerk/Secretary
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 23, 2024 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 79- 3:00 p.m.