JOINT MEETING OF THE
EL CAJON CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING
The Valley of Opportunity
AUTHORITYISUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE EL CAJON
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MINUTES
CITY OF EL CAJON
EL CAJON, CALIFORNIA
May 14, 2024
A Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency, held Tuesday, May 14, 2024, was called to order by Mayor/Chair Bill Wells at 3:01 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 Poley, City Attorney Gey era 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 23, 2024, meeting and the Agenda of the May 14, 2024, meetings 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/ мау 14, рот.
Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 80 -
PRESENTATIONS:
• Presentation: El Cajon Library Update
• Proclamation: National Public Works Weeks
• Proclamation: Bike Anywhere Day
• Presentation: America on Main Street & Foodie Fest
AGENDA CHANGES: None
CONSENT ITEMS: (1 - 13)
1. Minutes of El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Meetings
Approve Minutes of the April 23, 2024, Meeting 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 waives the reading in full of all Ordinances on the Agenda.
Authorization to Accept, Appropriate, and Expend the CalRecycle Beverage Container Recycling City/County Grant for FY 2023-24
Adopt Resolution No. 043-24, to Authorize the City Manager or designee to accept, appropriate, and expend funds received from the CalRecycle Beverage Container Recycling City/County Grant (CALCCPP24) for FY 2023-24; and Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute any documents and agreements necessary to receive and use these funds.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ May 14, 2024 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency 3:00 p.m.
CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
5. El Cajon Police Officers' Association Limited Side Letter: Temporary Upgrade Interpretation of Application
Approve and authorize the terms and conditions of the Limited Side Letter Agreement between the City and the El Cajon Police Officers' Association (ECOA).
6. Tentative Agreement and Adoption of Memorandum of Understanding for the El Cajon Police Officer Association
Approve the tentative agreement reached with the El Cajon Police Officer Association (ECPOA), and adopt Resolution No. 044-24 approving the Memorandum of Understanding with the ECPOA (MOU) substantially in the form as presented at this meeting, and authorize the City Manager to execute a final MOU with such changes as approved by the City Manager provided that no change shall be made contrary to the terms of the tentative agreement.
DISCUSSION
In regards to Item 6 and 7, Councilmember Goble stated that the City of El Cajon allocates the highest budget amount to public safety, more so than any other city in the San Diego County.
Melad Tilko, representing ECOA, thanked the City Council and staff for making labor negotiations effortless.
7. Tentative Agreement and Adoption of Memorandum of Understanding for the El Cajon Police Officer Association Management Group
Approve the tentative agreement reached with the El Cajon Police Officer Association - Management Group (ECPOA-MG), and adopt Resolution No. 045-24, approving the Memorandum of Understanding with the ECPOA-MG (MOU) substantially in the form as presented at this meeting, and authorize the City Manager to execute a final MOU with such changes as approved by the City Manager provided that no change shall be made contrary to the terms of the tentative agreement.
8. Continuation of Emergency for Storm Damage Repairs to Public Facilities Adopt Resolution No. 046-24 proclaiming the Continuation of Emergency for Storm Damage Repairs to Public Facilities.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ lay 14, 202 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency :00 p.r
CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
9. Approval of a Resolution Authorizing Execution of the Fourth Amendment to Metro Wastewater JPA's Joint Powers Agreement for the Metro Wastewater Joint Powers Authority Regarding Candidacy Requirements of the Treasurer and Auditor and the Legal Advisor
Approve the updates to the candidacy requirements of the Treasurer, Auditor, and Legal Advisor to the Metro Wastewater Joint Powers Authority and adopt Resolution No. 047- 24, to approve and execute the proposed Fourth Amendment to the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement for the Metro Wastewater Joint Powers Authority to Amend Section
3.05 of the Joint Powers Agreement.
10. Award of Bid No. 005-25 - Traffic Signal System Maintenance, Emergency Repairs, and Related Construction Services
1. Adopt Resolution No. 048-24 to Approve the Plans and Specifications for Traffic Signal System Maintenance, Emergency Repairs, and Related Construction Services, Bid No. 005-25; and
2. Adopt Resolution No. 049-24 to Award the bid to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Southwest Traffic Signal Service, Inc., in the amount of $473,740.40, with the option to renew for four additional one-year periods. The City of El Cajon's portion of the award is $220, 130.20 for the first year.
11. Authorization to Submit an Application for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program
Adopt Resolution No. 050-24 to authorize the City Manager, or approved designee, to submit an application for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG).
12. March 31, 2024 Quarterly Treasurer's Report
Receive the Treasurer's Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
13. Rejection of Sole Proposal to RFP No. 007-25 - East County Market Nights Management Services Re-Bid
Adopt Resolution No. 051-24 to reject the sole proposal.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ May 14, 202• Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 83- 3:00 p.m CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to APPROVE Consent Items 1 to 13.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Brenda Hammond spoke about the County of San Diego's misuse of funds. Ms.
Hammond thanked the City Council for the summer concert series.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
14. Zoning Code Update
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Opens the Public Hearing and receives testimony;
2. Closes the Public Hearing;
3. Moves to adopt the next Resolution, in order, approving the California Environmental Quality Act exemption; and
Introduces the next Ordinance, in order, approving Zoning Code Amendment No. 2024-0001.
DISCUSSION
Deputy Director of Community Development, Noah Alvey, provided detailed information of the Item.
Mayor Wells opened the Public Hearing.
Discussion ensued among Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Set back information for porch structures;
Options for shade structures; and
Limitations for recycling center activities.
The following people spoke in support of the City's decision to prohibit the sale of intoxicating hemp:
1. Jimena Villaseñor, representing the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
2.' Gina Austin
3. Rebecca Bramstetter, representing CASA & ECHTF
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ ay 14, 20:
Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 84 - :00 p.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Item 14 - Continued)
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Discussion continued among Council and Staff concerning the following:
Concern of homeless individuals sorting through recycling centers; Request to change the shade structure limitations;
Clarification that the recycling center will only be able to add e-waste, no other expansion approved; and
• Media campaign to educate store owners about intoxicating hemp.
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY WELLS, to ADOPT Resolution
No. 052-24, approving the California Environmental Quality Act exemption; and Introduce the next Ordinance, in order, approving oning Code Amendment No. 2024-0001, with changes to sectior
17.225.160 (C) (4); strike section 17.225.160 (C) (3); and update to add cardboard and e-waste material.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
The City Clerk recited the title of the ordinance for a first reading.
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING ZONING CODE AMENDMENT NO. 2024-0001 FOR AMENDMENT OF TITLE 17 OF THE EL CAJON MUNICIPAL CODE
FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING, AND OTHER MINOR
TECHNICAL CHANGES, REVISIONS, AND EDITS
15. Delinquent Refuse/Recycling Collection Charges
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Opens the Public Hearing and receives public testimony;
2. Closes the Public Hearing;
3. Adopts the next Resolution, in order, to confirm the list of property owners as delinquent in the payment of their mandatory refuse/recycling service bills; and
4. Authorizes the City Clerk to record the amount owed for each account as a lien on the respective property and forward the list to the County Tax Assessor for billing on the next property tax bill.
DISCUSSION
Deputy Director of Public Works, David Richards, provided a summary of the Item. oint Meeting: El Caion Citv Council/Housina Authority May 14, 2024 uccessor Agency to the Redevelopment Agenc 3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Item 15 - Continued)
Mayor Wells opened the Public Hearing.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Discussion ensued among Council, Staff and EDCO's Director of Revenue Management Collections, Cindy Horne, regarding the lien process.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolutions 053-24A and 053-24B to confirm the list of property owners as delinquent in the payment of their mandatory refuse/recycling service bills; and Authorize the City Clerk to record the amount owed for each account as a lien on the respective property and forward the list to the County Tax Assessor for billing on the next property tax bill.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Recess called at 4:20 p.m.
Meeting called back to order at 4:25 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
Authorization to Circulate a Request for Proposals for Appraisal Services for 425 W. Main Street for Possible Acquisition by Eminent Domain RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, authorizing staff to prepare and circulate a Request for Proposals (RFP) for appraisal services for 425 W. Main Street for the possible acquisition of the site through eminent domain.
DISCUSSION
Assistant City Manager DiMaggio, provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Discussion ensued among Council and Staff regarding the legal process for eminent domain.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ lay 14, 202 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 86 - :00 p.n ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 16 - Continued)
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to ADOPT Resolution No. 054-24 authorizing staff to prepare and circulate a Request for Proposals (RFP) for appraisal services for 425 W. Main Street for the possible acquisition of the site through eminent domain.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
17. All-Way Stop Sign Request on Valley Lake Drive at Windmill View Road RECOMMENDATION:
That the Citv Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, to establish permanent all- way stop signs on Valley Lake Drive at the intersection of Windmill View Road
DISCUSSION
Deputy Director of Public Works, Mario Sanchez, provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Discussion ensued among Council and Staff regarding the concern of traffic back-ups in the area, due to the all-way stop signs.
MOTION BY KENDRICK, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to ADOPT Resolution No. 055-24 to establish permanent all-way stop signs on Valley Lake Drive at the intersection of Windmill View Road.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
18. Traffic Calming Request for Taft Avenue
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, to:
1. Establish permanent stop signs on Taft Avenue at the intersections of Pauline Avenue and Renette Avenue; and
2. Install new roadway striping along the entire length of Taft Avenue from Washington Street to the southerly terminus, including Herbert Street.
DISCUSSION
Deputy Director of Public Works, Mario Sanchez, provided detailed information of the Item.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ May 14, 2024 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 87 - 3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 18 - Continued)
Discussion ensued among Council and Staff concerning the following:
Results from traffic study on Taft Avenue;
• Stop sign options; and
• Speed hump policy report.
Steven Martin, Taft Avenue resident, spoke of the speeding traffic concerns on Taft Avenue.
MOTION BY KENDRICK, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to ADOPT Resolution No. 056-24 to establish permanent stop signs on Taft Avenue at the intersections of Pauline Avenue and Renette Avenue; and Install new roadway striping along the entire length of Taft Avenue from Washington Street to the southerly terminus, including Herbert Street.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
19. Fire Engine Funding and Purchase to Implement Engine 208 Plan RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, to:
1. Re-appropriate $1,000,000 from the San Diego River Conservancy Grant (WEAP21) from Task 3 (Wildfire and Forest Resilience Program) to Task 7 (Fire Hazard Mitigation Equipment);
2. Re-allocate and re-appropriate $500,000 of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from ARP08 (Economic Development) to ARP22;
3. Approve the capital expenditure for the purchase of a new Fire Engine for a not- to-exceed amount of $1,500,000, and authorize the Purchasing Agent, in accordance with Municipal Code section 3.20.010(C)(5), to execute an agreement for the capital expenditure, using a cooperative, for the purchase of a Fire Engine (Engine) for a not-to-exceed amount of $1,200,000 and outfitting costs for this Engine in a not-to-exceed amount of $300,000.
DISCUSSION
Fire Chief, Bent Koch, provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolution Vo. 057-24 Re-appropriate $1,000,000 from the San Diego River conservancy Grant (WEAP21) from Task 3 (Wildfire and Forest Resilience Program) to Task 7 (Fire Hazard Mitigation Equipment); Re- Joint Meeting: El Caion City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 19 - Continued)
allocate and re-appropriate $500,000 of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from ARP08 (Economic Development) to ARP22; Approve the capital expenditure for the purchase of a new Fire Engine for a not- to-exceed amount of $1,500,000, and authorize the Purchasing Agent, in accordance with Municipal Code section 3.20.010(C)(5), to execute an agreement for the capital expenditure, using a cooperative, for the $1,200,000 and outfitting costs for this Engine in a not-to-exceed amount of $300,000.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
20. Update on the Business Facade Grant Program & Funding Repairs at 405 E.
Lexington Avenue
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, to:
1. Reallocate ARPA funds up to $962,871 from Economic Development (ARP08) and $287,129 from Small Business Incubator (ARP20) to Business Façade Grant Program (ARP21); and
2. Appropriate up to $300,000 of General Fund Carryover Reserves to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Public Works Facilities Maintenance (101550) Annual Budget for building improvements at 405E. Lexington Avenue.
Alternatively, if the City Council wishes to keep the Business Facade Grant Program funding at the same level, staff recommends that it provides feedback on a rubric to allocate funding.
DISCUSSION
Senior Management Analyst, Ryan Villegas, provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Discussion ensued among Council and Staff regarding the different options provided by staff.
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to ADOPT Resolution No. 058- 24 to approve allocation of additional American Rescue Plan Act funds for a Business Façade and Sign Improvement Grant Program.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ May 14, 202 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 89 - 3:00 p.m ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 20 - Continued)
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to ADOPT Resolution No. 059- 24 to approve the allocation of General Fund Reserves fol Improvements at 405 East Lexington Avenue, and Redirection ol unspent American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds to Other Projects.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
COMMISSION REPORTS: None
ACTIVITIES REPORTS/COMMENTS OF MAYOR WELLS:
SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments) Board of Directors.
21. Council Activities Report/Comments
Report as submitted.
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.
In addition to the submitted report, Councilmember Goble provided information about a new transportation service from MTS, shared information about the Advanced Water Purification project and a Lift Assist program that will soon be available for residents.
COUNCILMEMBER GARY KENDRICK
METRO Commission/Wastewater JPA; Heartland Communications; Heartland Fire Training JPA.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ May 14, 2024 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 90 - 3:00 p.m.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS: (Continued)
24. COUNCILMEMBER MICHELLE METSCHEL
Harry Griffen Park Joint Steering Committee; Heartland Communications - Alternate; Heartland Fire Training JPA Alternate; METRO Commission/Wastewater JPA - Alternate.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Councilmember Metschel stated that she was not able to attend the TED Event, as submitted in her report.
25. 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.
In addition to the submitted Report, Deputy Mayor Ortiz, stated he attended an Economic Development Council meeting at Gillespie Field on May 14, 2024.
JOINT COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
26. Panhandling Signs
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council considers changing the City's panhandling signs with different messaging.
DISCUSSION
Councilmember Kendrick, provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Discussion ensued among Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Panhandlers standing on median;
• Caution about wording used on signs; and
• Over saturation of signs on the street.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY GOBLE, to DIRECT staff to provide the City Council with information about educational signs against panhandling, budget, message and other pertinent information.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ May 14, 2024 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 91- 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:
27. 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
Marisol Thorn, Director of Human Resources
Clay Schoen, Director of Finance
Unrepresented Employees:
City Manager, and Executive, Unrepresented and Confidential Employees under City Council Policy A-29
28. Closed Session - Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation - pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9: City of El Cajon vs. William H. Moore and Terry L. Moore; Superior Court of California, County of San Diego; Case No.: 37-2022-00044523-CU-OR-CTL
Councilmember Metschel announced she will abstain from participating on Item 27 ecause she lives within 500 feet of the property under existing litigation MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to ADJOURN to Closed
Session at 5:35 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
RECONVENED to Open Session at 6:18 p.m.
City Attorney Foley reported the following actions:
27. Direction was given to Labor Negotiators
28. Direction was given to the City Attorney
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ May 14, 2024 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 92 - 3:00 p.m.
Adjournment: Mayor Wells adjourned the Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajon Counci/Housing Authority/Successor Agency El Cajon
Redevelopment Agency held this 14th day of May, 2024, at 6:19 p.m., to Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
Al Cates
ANGEŁA L. CORFÉZ, CMC
City Clerk/Secretary
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ May 14, 2024 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 93 - 3:00 p.m.