JOINT MEETING OF THE LE CAJOL
EL CAJON CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING
The Valley fOpportunity
AUTHORITY/SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE EL CAJON
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MINUTES
CITY OF EL CAJON
EL CAJON, CALIFORNIA
September 10, 2024
A Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency, held Tuesday, September 10, 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, and Metschel
Council/Agencymembers absent: Kendrick
Deputy Mayor/Vice Chair present:
Mayor/Chair present:
Other Officers present: Mitchell, City Manager/Executive Director Piley, cly Altorney 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 August 13, 2024, meetings and the Agenda of the September 10, 2024, meetings in accordance with State Law and El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Policy.
oint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority, September 10, 2024 uccessor Agency to the Redevelopment Agenc - 165 - 3:00 p.m.
PRESENTATIONS:
• National Preparedness Month
Mayor Wells acknowledged students from Valhalla High School, who were present in the audience.
CONSENT ITEMS: (1 - 10)
Minutes of El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Meetings
Approve Minutes of the August 13, 2024, Meetings 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.
Continuation of Emergency for Storm Damage Repairs to Public Facilities Adopt Resolution No. 136-24 proclaiming the Continuation of Emergency for Storm Damage Repairs to Public Facilities.
Continuation of Emergency for Sewer System Repairs
Adopt Resolution No. 137-24 proclaiming the Continuation of Emergency for Sewer System Repairs.
El Cajon Housing Authority Annual Report (Fiscal Year 2023-2024) Acting as the El Cajon Housing Authority:
1. Approve the attached 2023-2024 Annual Report; and
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ September 10, 202 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 166 - 3:00 p.m CONSENT ITEMS: (Item 6 - Continued)
2. Authorize the Executive Director or designee to transmit it, in a form substantially as presented, to the California Department of Housing and Community Development as required by State Law.
PULLED BY A MEMBER OF THE CITY COUNCIL:
7. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Vehicle Purchases
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, to authorize the replacement of vehicles and capital purchases of new vehicles for Public Works and Public Safety utilizing American Rescue Plan Act Funds (ARP23).
DISCUSSION:
Discussion ensued amongst the City Council and staff in regards to:
• ARPA deadlines;
• Vehicles reaching the full depreciation;
• ARPA Federal limitations;
• No City vehicles are retired early; and
• State mandate to replace old vehicles with electric vehicles.
Adopt Resolution No. 138-24 to authorize the replacement of vehicles and capital purchases of new vehicles for Public Works and Public Safety utilizing American Rescue Plan Act Funds (ARP23).
8. CalRecycle Beverage Container Recycling Grant
Adopt Resolution No. 139-24 to:
1. Authorize the City Manager or such person designated by the City Manager, to apply for, and if awarded, accept the CalRecycle Beverage Container Recycling City/County Grant for FY2024-25 (CALCCPP25); and
2. Authorize the City Manager or such person designated by the City Manager, to execute any documents and agreements necessary to apply for and receive the grant funds.
Revision of Classification Specification for Building Inspector Approve and authorize the proposed changes to the Building Inspector classification specification.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ September 10, 2024 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 167 - 3:00 p.m.
CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
10. Service Agreement to Participate in the County of San Diego Roadway Resurfacing Project
Adopt Resolution No. 140-24 to:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute the County of San Diego Service Agreement for El Cajon Roadway Resurtacing;
2. Appropriate $258,000.00 of available TransNet EL03 Overlay/Resurfacing funds to increase the budget for the Overlay 2023(233786PWCP) project and expend these funds for the County Roadway Resurfacing Project, which includes five City streets; and
3. Determine that the project is exempt, pursuant to sections 15301, of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) State Guidelines.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to APPROVE Consent
Items 1 to 10.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
AGENDA CHANGES:
City Attorney Foley requested that Item 22, Introduction of an Ordinance to amend ECMC Chapter 8.32, be continued to a future meeting to allow for code update changes to be made.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Brenda Hammond spoke about visiting the Tiny Homes village, and how nice and clean they are. She also mentioned the importance of license plate readers in solving murders in Lemon Grove, CA.
John Bausch spoke about an unsafe building in Downtown El Cajon, which to his opinion, should be condemned.
City Manager Mitchell stated that the building is uninhabited, but that renovations are being performed. Mr. Mitchell added he will provide the City Council with more information about the building.
Bobby T. requested that the City Ordinance that prohibits dogs in the super block be revised. City Manager Mitchell stated that staff will bring an Item to the City Council to consider changes to such ordinance. Dogs are prohibited until further discussion.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ eptember 10, 202 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 168 - 3:00 p.n WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Public Hearing for the Consideration to Vacate a Utility Easement at 330-340 North First Street
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 approve the summary vacation of a utility easement at 330-340 North First Street, established by Council Resolution No. 161-81, April 14, 1981.
DISCUSSION
City Engineer, 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 ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, Adopt Resolution No. 141- 24, to approve the summary vacation of a utility easement at 330-340 North First Street, established by Council Resolution No. 161-81, April 14, 1981.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
12. Report on City Infrastructure and Deferred Maintenance RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receives the Report on City Infrastructure and Deferred Maintenance.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ September 100 p.m.
Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 169 -
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 12 - Continued)
DISCUSSION
Director of Finance, Clay Schoen, provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Discussion ensued among Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Technological changes for vehicles;
• Sewer pipes;
• Community Development's Master Plan; and
• Overall picture of what happens if Measure J fails to pass.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to RECEIVE the Report on City Infrastructure and Deferred Maintenance.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
13. Addressing the Rising 911 Call Volume from Congregate Care Facilities RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council provides feedback on the options presented or considers alternative options. Additionally, staff recommends that the City Council directs staff to meet with operators of congregate care facilities to share potential policy options, gather their input and suggestions, and return to the City Council with a policy proposal for consideration.
DISCUSSION
City Manager Mitchell provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Discussion ensued among Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Concern for facilities charging patients for lift assist services; • Facilities being short staffed and using hospitals as weekend service providers; • Reaching out to care facilities to understand their needs; and • 911 call volume and cost to the City.
No Motion required for the Item.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ September 10, 2024 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 170 - 3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Continued)
14. Annual Review of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Program RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receives the report as an information item and provides feedback to staff.
DISCUSSION
Chief of Police Moulton provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Discussion ensued among Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Crimes prevented due to the ALPR Program;
• Societal savings;
Cost of one officer salary covers the purchase of 40+ cameras; No breach of personal data by the use of ALPR cameras; and • Program used to assist with Amber Alerts, felony cases and stolen vehicles.
No Motion required for the Item.
15. 2024 Annual Pension Status Report
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receives the Annual Pension Status report.
DISCUSSION
Director of Finance, Clay Schoen, provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
No Motion required for the Item.
16. All-Way Stop Sign Request on Greenfield Drive at Souvenir Drive RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, to establish permanent all- way stop signs on Greenfield Drive at the intersection of Souvenir Drive in order to enhance pedestrian and traffic safety.
oint Meeting: El Caion City Council/Housing Authority September 10, 2024 uccessor Agency to the Redevelopment Agenc - 171 - 3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 16 - Continued)
DISCUSSION
City Engineer, Mario Sanchez, provided detailed information of the Item.
Discussion ensued among Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Proximity to other stop signs;
• Light cycle leading to the freeway entrance; and
• Flashing signs to warn drivers of the newly installed All-Way Stop.
Alan Nordholh spoke in support of the proposed All-Way Stop request.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolution No. 142-24 to establish permanent all-way stop signs on Greenfield Drive at the intersection of Souvenir Drive in order to enhance pedestrian and
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
COMMISSION REPORTS: None
ACTIVITIES REPORTS/COMMENTS OF MAYOR WELLS:
SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments) Board of Directors.
17. Council Activities Report/Comments
Report as submitted.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS:
18. 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.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ September 10, 2024 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 172 - 3:00 p.m.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS: (Continued)
19. COUNCILMEMBER GARY KENDRICK
METRO Commission/Wastewater JPA; Heartland Communications; Heartland Fire Training JPA
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
20. 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.
In addition to the submitted report, Councilmember Metschel added that she attended a Funders Together meeting, a Judiciary meeting with Congressman Darrell Issa and shared information about the Alley Cat Walk and the Chaldean Festival at Hillsdale Middle School.
21. 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 did not attend the Homelessness Forum at Meridian Baptist Church. He also added he attended the East County Development Council Gillespie Field Committee meeting.
JOINT COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: None
GENERAL INFORMATION ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: None
Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Age ulterily September 10, 2024 - 173- 3:00 p.m.
ITEM 22 CONTINUED TO A FUTURE MEETING UNDER AGENDA CHANGES ORDINANCES: FIRST READING
Introduction of Ordinance to Amend ECMC Chapter 8.32 - Regulation of Smoking and Secondhand Smoke in Certain Public Areas and Places of Employment
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Moves to introduce the next Ordinance, in order;
2. Directs the City Clerk to read the Ordinance by title only; and
3. Directs the second reading of the Ordinance to be placed on the September 24, 2024 City Council agenda.
ORDINANCES: SECOND READING AND ADOPTION: None
CLOSED SESSIONS:
23. 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 - On August 9, 2024, the Attorney General for the State of California, through Chief Deputy Attorney General, Venus D. Johnson, notified Police Chief Mike Moulton of its belief that the El Cajon Police Department maintains a practice of sharing information captured by its automated license plate recognition system with out-of-state and/or federal law enforcement agencies in violation of state laws (i.e., California Civil Code §1798,90,55 (b)).
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADJOURN to Closed Session at 5:09 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
RECONVENED to Open Session at 5:23 p.m
City Attorney Foley reported the following actions:
• No reportable action taken.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ September 10, 2024 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 174 - 3:00 p.m.
Adjournment: Mayor Wells adjourned the Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency held this 10th day of September, 2024, at 5:23 p.m., to Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
Al Cates
ANGELA L. CORTEZ, CMC
City Clerk/Secretary
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ September 10, 2024 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 175 - 3:00 p.m.