Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ February 11, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 31 - 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
February 11, 2025
A Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajo n City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment A gency, held Tuesday, February 11, 2025, was called to order by Mayor/Chair Bill Wells at 3:19 p.m., in t he Council Chambers, 200 Civic Center Way, El Cajon, California.
R O L L C A L L
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
Thorn, Deputy City Manager
Foley, City Attorney/General Counsel
Cortez, City Clerk/Secretary
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG led by Mayo r Wells and MOMENT OF SILENCE.
POSTINGS: The City Clerk posted Orders of Adjournment of the January 28, 2025, meeting and the Agenda of the February 11, 2025, meetings in accordance with State Law and El Cajon City Council/Housing Aut hority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Policy.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ February 11, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 32 - 3:00 p.m.
PRESENTATIONS: None
AGENDA CHANGES: None
CONSENT ITEMS: (1 – 9)
PULLED FOR DISCUSSION BY A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC:
1. Minutes of the El Caj on City Council/Housing Author ity/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Meeting
Approve Minutes of the January 28, 2025, Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency.
DISCUSSION
Truth stated that she was in favor of the proposed Resolution of Intent to comply with Federal immigration laws, as presented at the meeting of January 28, 2025. She added that Amy Reichert’s name was misspelled.
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 t he reading in full of all Ordinances on the Agenda.
4. Contract Amendment for Vehicle Outfitting Services
Adopt Resolution No. 011-25 to approve an am endment to the Agreement for Services with AEP-California, LLC (AEP) for Vehicle Outfi tting Services to increase the contract for the current term by the not-to-exceed amount of $617,000 an d the second renewal term in the not-to-exceed amount of $105,000.
5. Audio Video Upgrades - Project Acceptance
1. Accept the Audio Video Upgr ades project, Contract #30000245; and
2. Authorize the City Clerk to record a Notice of Completion and release the bonds in accordance with the contract terms.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ February 11, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 33 - 3:00 p.m.
CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
6. FY 2024 U.S. Department of Justice Edward Byrne Me morial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Award
1. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to accept the FY 2024 U.S. Department of Justice Edward Byrne Memorial Just ice Assistance Grant (JAG) in the amount of $34,792 and to execute any grant documents and agr eements necessary for the receipt and use of these funds; and
2. Appropriate $34,792 of th e FY 2024 U.S. Department of Justice JAG Grant for the purchase of equipment related to the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC).
7. Contract Amendment for RFP No. 028-24 – Oakdale Alameda Construction Management Services
1. Adopt Resolution No. 012-25 to Appropria te $311,746.25 of Transnet EL03 funds to the Jamacha Road Safety Improv ements (203688PWCP) project for the purpose of increasing the project budget;
2. Waive the bidding requirements in accordance with El Cajon Municipal Code section 3.20.010(C)(6); and
3. Add the Jamacha Road Safety Im provements Construc tion Management Services to the Public Works Contract with Unico Engineerin g, Inc. (UEI) for Oakdale Alameda Construction Management Services in the not-to-exceed amount of $311,746.25.
8. Award of Bid No. 019- 25 – Pavement Overlay 2023
Adopt Resolution No. 013-25 to Approve Plans and Specifications for Overlay 2023, Bid No. 019-25; and Adopt Resolution No. 014-25 to Award the bid to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Eagle Paving, LLC, in the amount of $5,748,000.
9. FY 2024 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Award
1. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to accept the FY 2024 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant in the amount of $51,136 and execute any grant documents and agreements necessary for the receipt and use of these funds; and
2. Appropriate funding of $51,136 for one part- time Forensic Latent Print Examiner and overtime expenses for one Forensic Evidence Technician.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY ORTI Z, to APPROVE Consent Items 1 to 9.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ February 11, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 34 - 3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Truth thanked the El Cajon Police Departm ent for keeping everyone safe during the January 28, 2025 meeting. She asked the Cit y Council to make comments after the speaker allotted time, she encouraged remo val from the Chamber of anyone being disruptive during a meeting, and spoke about racial stereotyping.
Brenda Hammond spoke of being accepting of everyone.
Allegedly Audra spoke to Councilmember Me tschel regarding her actions after the January 28, 2025 meeting.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
10. Interviews for City Commissions
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council conducts interviews for one (1) seat on the Personnel Commission and one (1) seat on the Planning Commission, and authorizes the City Clerk to continue accepting applications for future commission vacancies.
DISCUSSION
Interviews were conducted for the following:
Personnel Commission:
Vacancy: One (1) Commissioner vacancy to be appointed by the City Council directly, with a term expiring on 01/31/2029.
Requirements: Applicant must be a resident of the City of El Cajon and continue to reside in the City during the term of office.
Personnel Commissioners are required to file a Form 700 according to provisions of the Political Reform Act, the Fair Po litical Practices Commission, and the City's Conflict of Interest Code.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ February 11, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 35 - 3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 10 – Continued)
Applicant: Kurt Brauer
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KEND RICK, to APPOINT Kurt Brauer to the Personnel Commission, with a term to expire on January 31, 2029.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Planning Commission:
Vacancy: One (1) Commissioner with a Term expiration of 01/31/2029.
Requirements: Applicant must be a resident of the City of El Cajon and continue to reside in the City during the term of office.
Planning Commissioners are required to file a Form 700 according to provisions of the Political Reform Act, the Fair Political Practices Commission, and the City's Conflict of Interest Code.
APPLICANT: Darrin Mroz
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KEND RICK, to APPOINT Darrin Mroz to the Planning Commission, with a term to expire on January 31, 2029.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
11. Update on Homeless Programs and Services
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receives the homele ss programs and services report and, if desired, provides feedback, recommendati ons, and direction on homeless-related programming and funding.
DISCUSSION
City Manager Mitchell provided some data, and introduced Senior Management Analyst, Deyanira Pelayo-Brito who shared detailed information of the Item.
Truth stated the report was very transparent about t he City spending on homeless programs. She added the City and County of San Diego should do the same.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ February 11, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 36 - 3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 11 – Continued)
Discussion ensued amongst the City Council and staff regarding:
Block Grant funds;
Success rate of Tiny Cabins;
Timeline to reopen Safe Parking areas; and
Hotel/motel rates for homeless vouchers.
Direction given to Staff regarding homeless -related program and funding. No Motion 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.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS:
13. COUNCILMEMBER STEVE GOBLE
MTS (Metropolitan Transit System B oard); East County Advanced Water Purification Joint Powers Authority B oard; Chamber of Commerce – Government Affairs Committee; SANDAG – Board of Directors – Alternate; SANDAG Public Safety Committee – Alternate.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
In addition to the Report as submitted, Councilmember Goble added that he attended an Executive MTS meeting, regarding a budget shortfall, the oper ational analysis of busses, and a potential sales tax to be brought forward.
14. MAYOR PRO TEM GARY KENDRICK
METRO Commission/Wastewater JPA; H eartland Communications; Heartland Fire Training JPA.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
In addition to the Report as submitted, Mayor Pro Tem stated he attended a Metro JPA meeting on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ February 11, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 37 - 3:00 p.m.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS:
15. COUNCILMEMBER MICHELLE METSCHEL
Harry Griffen Park Joint Steering Committee; Heartland Communications – Alternate; Heartland Fire Trai ning 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 Tr ansit System Board) – Alternate; East County Advanced Water Purificati on Joint Powers Authority Board – Alternate; Chamber of Commerce – Government Affairs Committee – Alternate.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
JOINT COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
17. A Resolution Declaring t he City's Commitment to Ensure the Public Safety of All Residents and Asserting the City's Int ent to Comply with Federal Immigration Law to the Legal Extent Permissible for the Sole Purpose of Removing Violent Criminals from our Community
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, titled, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of El Cajon Declar ing the City's Commitment to Ensure the Public Safety of All Residents and Asserti ng the City's Intent to Comply with Federal Immigration Law to the Legal Extent Permissible for the Sole Purpose of Removing Violent Criminals from our Community."
DISCUSSION
Councilmember Goble introduced the Item and clarified that the City of El Cajon is not a sanctuary city. He stated that the reason for bringing the Item back was out of public safety concern.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ February 11, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 38 - 3:00 p.m.
JOINT COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: (Continued)
The following people spoke in opposition to the proposed Resolution:
1. Nicole Baca
2. Melissa Ortiz Baldwin
3. Mairene Branham
4. Mairs Ryan
5. Dr. Joanna Rose Benavidez
6. Carlos Gomez Perez
7. Lucas Jarstad
8. Kaley Jarstad
9. Kristin Jarstad
10. Chris Ford
11. Imelda Barranco
12. Patricia Mondragon
13. Violet
14. Bob Collins
15. Sergio Conti
16. Jose Cruz
17. Paris Ortiz
18. Fabiola Conti
19. Tom Galloway
20. Tlaloc Lira-Prado
21. Eva Pacheco
22. Jesus Pacheco
23. Mathew Gordon, California State Assembly Representative – District 79
24. Patrick Hartley
25. Gambler
26. Jose Acuna
27. Julianne Gustafson-Lira
The following people spoke in support to the proposed Resolution:
1. Larry Olds
2. Ms. Strange
3. Allegedly Audra
4. Amy Reichert
5. Mary Davis
6. Ben Good
7. Clifton Quinn
8. Kristin Brouker
9. Debbie Caudle
10. Sharie Finn
11. Truth
12. Brenda Hammond
13. Lisa Gonzalez