JOINT MEETING OF THE AL CAJOL
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
January 14, 2025
A Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency, held Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 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, Metschel, and Ortiz Council/Agencymembers absent: None
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair present: Kendrick
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 of the December 10, 2024, Redevelopment Agency Policy.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority, January 14, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 1- 3:00 p.m PRESENTATIONS:
• Presentation: Swearing in of Police Chief Jeremiah Larson • Proclamation: National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day AGENDA CHANGES: None
CONSENT ITEMS: (1 - 8)
Minutes of El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Meetings
Approve Minutes of the December 10, 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.
4. Amend the Conflict of Interest Code of the City of El Cajon Adopt Resolution No. 001-25 approving the amendment of the City of El Cajon's Conflict of Interest Code.
5. Appropriate $33,500 for Purchase of Commercial Pool Boiler Appropriate $33,500 of the available fund balance from Park Impact Fees Fund for the purpose of replacing the pool boiler at Fletcher Hills Pool.
January 14, 202!
3:00 p.m
CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
6. FY 2023 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Award (Performance Period 04/01/2024 - 03/31/2025)
1. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to accept the FY 2023 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant (CVRDLL23) in the amount of $52,621 and execute any grant documents and agreements necessary for the receipt and use of these funds; and
2. Appropriate funding of $52,621 for maintenance and support services to existing compliance software programs, operating supplies expenses, and overtime costs for two Forensic Evidence Technicians.
PULLED FOR DISCUSSION BY COUNCILMEMBER GOBLE:
7. Authorization to Establish a Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) Design Project RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, to:
1. Establish a Capital Improvement project for the El Cajon Boulevard and Washington Avenue/Marshall Avenue gateway roundabout project (253862PWCP) to appropriate and expend $500,000; and
2. Appropriate and expend the $500,000 California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Grant (HCD-LEAP24) funds to design the El Cajon Boulevard and Washington Avenue/Marshall Avenue gateway roundabout project.
DISCUSSION
Councilmember Goble clarified that the proposed project would be funded by a grant and not general funds. He added that Item 7 is for a design only for a roundabout project and not approval for construction.
In answer to a question by Councilmember Metschel, City Manager Mitchell reported there have been no accidents at the roundabout at Johnson Ave & El Cajon Blvd.
Councilmember Metschel suggested opening up the roundabouts for artist to display their work.
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to APPROVE Consent Items 7, and to ADOPT Resolution No. 002-25 to Establish a Capital Improvement project for the El Cajon Boulevard and Washington Avenue/Marshall Avenue gateway roundabout project (253862PWCP) to appropriate and expend $500,000; and Appropriate and expend the $500,000 California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Grant (HCD-LEAP24) funds to design the El Cajon Boulevard and Washington Avenue/Marshall Avenue gateway roundabout project.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ January 14, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 3- 3:00 p.m.
CONSENT ITEMS: (Item 7 - Continued)
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Wastewater Enterprise Fund Appropriation for Two Completed Emergency Projects
Adopt Resolution No. 003-25, to appropriate $3,252,345 of Wastewater Enterprise Fund balance due to two recently completed emergency projects.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to APPROVE Consent Items 1 to 6, and Item 8.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Maryann Ostermeyer spoke about the continued problems with the homeless population cutting the fence to enter the drain ditch, near Naranca School.
City Manager Mitchell clarified that the heavy-duty fence installed by Caltrans cannot be cut. The portion Ms. Ostermeyer reported has not been replaced yet, and that is a portion that will be installed by the City.
Brenda Hammond shared her support for law enforcement.
Violet Lombera spoke about difficulties reporting issues through the My El Cajon App., and made a few suggestions to improve the use of the same.
Stephanie Harper spoke about her sister helping the Los Angeles citizens, affected by the recent wild fires. In answer to a question by Ms. Harper, City Manager Mitchell stated that a Battalion Chief is assisting in the Palisades fire, the rest are on alert with local fires.
Councilmember Metschel read a message submitted to her by Barbara, regarding the homeless problem in all areas of the City.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
Successor Agent to the ry elopen Age ultriy! January 14, 2025 -4- 3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
Resolution Declaring Intent to Assist Federal Immigration Authorities RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council considers adopting the next Resolution, in order, demonstrating the City's commitment to public safety, compliance with applicable laws, and advocacy for clarity in navigating the complexities of immigration enforcement
DISCUSSION
City Manager Mitchell provided detailed information of the Item.
The following people spoke in opposition of the proposed Resolution:
1. Eva Pacheco
2. Dr. Sergio Conti
3. Jesus Pacheco, Latinos en Accion
4. Felipe Razo, Latinos en Accion (Submitted card but didn't speak)
5. Jose Cruz
6. Violet Lombera, Latinos en Accion
7. Pedro Rios, American Friends Service Committee
8. Salvador Sarmiento, National Day Labor Network
9. Adriana Jasso, American Friends Service Committee
10. Arlette Reyes
11. Brenda Hammond
12. Stephanie Harper
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Hispanic Community's fear of being targeted;
• Diversity in the City of El Cajon;
• Having trust from the immigrant communities;
• Illegal citizens want to provide for their families, and work hard; • Illegal citizens who perform jobs others do not want to do, i.e. picking crops; • Possibility that crimes will not be reported in fear of being deported; • City not attempting to create or make immigration policies; and • Changing the title of the proposed Resolution.
MOTION BY WELLS, to ADOPT the next Resolution, in order, demonstrating the City's commitment to public safety, compliance with applicable laws, and advocacy for clarity in navigating the complexities of immigration enforcement.
Councilmember Metschel questioned why a Resolution of support is needed, if a letter to the Attorney General was already sent to request clarification of the law.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ January 14,2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 5- 3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 9 - Continued)
Councilmember Goble proposed a substitute Motion:
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY GOBLE, to REQUESTS staff to reword community's values, emphasize the purpose of protecting all residents from those who have committed crimes in the community.
MOTION CARRIED BY 4 - 1 VOTE
(WELLS - No).
Recessed called at 5:00 p.m.
Meeting called back to order at 5:05 p.m.
10. Prohibition of Vaping and Electronic Smoking Devices Disguised as Other Products
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
• 1. Reviews a draft Ordinance that prohibits vaping and electronic smoking devices disguised as other products; and
2. Provides feedback on the draft Ordinance.
DISCUSSION
Mayor Wells stated that due to a Special meeting to be held at 6:00 p.m., Item 10 would be moved to the January 28, 2025 meeting.
Rebecca Branstetter, representing CASA, who submitted a speaker card for the Item agreed to return to the January 28, 2025 to provide her comment.
COMMISSION REPORTS: None
ACTIVITIES REPORTS/COMMENTS OF MAYOR WELLS:
SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments) Board of Directors.
11. Council Activities Report/Comments
Report as submitted.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ January 14, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 6- 3:00 p.m.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS:
12. 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.
13. MAYOR PRO TEM GARY KENDRICK
METRO Commission/Wastewater JPA; Heartland Communications; Heartland Fire Training JPA.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
14. 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.
Report as submitted.
15. COUNCILMEMBER 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 COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: None
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ January 14, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 7- 3:00 p.m.
GENERAL INFORMATION ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: None
ORDINANCES: FIRST READING
Amendments to the El Cajon Municipal Code (Title 16 and Title 17) & Specific Plan No. 182
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, approving the California Environmental Quality Act exemption; and introduces the next Ordinances, in order, approving amendments to the El Cajon Municipal Code (Title 16 and Title 17) & Specific Plan No. 182.
DISCUSSION
Deputy Director of Community Development, Noah Alvey, provided a summary of the Item.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolution No. 004-25, approving the California Environmental Quality Act exemption, and INTRODUCE the Ordinance.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
The City Clerk recited the title of the Ordinance for a first reading.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 16.12 OF THE EL CAJON
MUNICIPAL CODE ADDRESSING MINISTERIAL APPROVAL OF
CERTAIN SUBDIVISIONS
ORDINANCES: SECOND READING AND ADOPTION
17. Renew and Approve Policy 706 Military Equipment Use, 2024 Edition RECOMMENDATION:
That Mayor Wells requests the City Clerk to recite the title.
DISCUSSION
No public comment was received for the Item.
The City Clerk recited the title of the ordinance for a second reading.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ January 14, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency 3:00 p.m.
ORDINANCES: SECOND READING AND ADOPTION (Continued)
AN ORDINANCE REVIEWING AND APPROVING ORDINANCE 5119 TO
RENEW RESTRICTIONS RELATING TO PURCHASE OF MILITARY
EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, OR OTHER PROPERTY FOR LAW
ENFORCEMENT USE; APPROVING THE EL CAJON POLICE
DEPARTMENT'S ANNUAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT REPORT FOR 2024
AND APPROVING POLICY 706 MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE, 2024
EDITION.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to ADOPT Ordinance No. 5146, An Ordinance Reviewing and Approving Ordinance 5119 to Renew Restrictions Relating to Purchase of Military Equipment, Supplies, or Other Property for Law Enforcement Use; Approving the El Cajon Police Department's Annual Military Equipment Report for 2024 and Approving Policy 706 Military Equipment Use, 2024 Edition.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
CLOSED SESSIONS:
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency adjourns to Closed Session as follows:
18. Closed Session - Conference with Legal Counsel - Public Employee Discipline / Dismissal / Release
Bradley Fields, Attorney representing Timothy Howell, spoke to request that the City Council would consider overturning the Personnel Commission's determination to terminate the employment of Mr. Howell.
Timothy Howell, spoke about the facts of his termination, and asked the City Council would consider overturning the Personnel Commission's determination to terminate him.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to ADJOURN to Closed
Session at 5:19 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
City Attorney Foley announced that he would not participate in the closed session, as he represents the Personnel Commission. Attorney Bart Miesfeld will participate in the closed session, representing the City.
RECONVENED to Open Session at 5:34 p.m.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ January 14, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 9- 3:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSIONS: (Continued)
City Attorney Bart Miesfeld reported the following actions:
• Sustain the Personnel Commission's recommendation for termination.
Adjournment: Mayor Wells adjourned the Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajon Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency held this 14th day of January, 2025, at 5:34 p.m., to Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Al Cores
ANGELA L. CORTEZ, CMC
City Clerk/Secretary
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ January 14, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 10- 3:00 p.m.