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
March 25, 2025
An Adjourned Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency, held Tuesday, March 25, 2025, was called to order by Mayor/Chair Bill Wells at 3:02 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 200 Civic Center Way, El Cajon, California.
ROLL CALL
Council/Agencymembers present: Goble, and Ortiz
Council/Agencymembers absent: Mestchel
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 Mayor Wells and MOMENT OF SILENCE.
POSTINGS: The City Clerk posted Orders of Adjournment of the March 11, 2025, meeting and the Agenda of the March 25, 2025, meeting 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/ March 25, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 57 - 3:00 p.m.
PRESENTATIONS: None
AGENDA CHANGES: None
CONSENT ITEMS: (1 - 8)
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to APPROVE Consent Items 1 to 8.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (METSCHEL - Absent).
1. Minutes of El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Meetings
Approve Minutes of the March 11, 2025, 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. 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report
1. Accept the 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report; and
2. Direct staff to forward the report to the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI), the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG).
5. Contract Amendment for Bid No. 002-25 - San Diego River Watershed Water Quality Improvement Project (Phase 2)
Adopt Resolution No. 019-25 to amend the scope of work and increase the compensation for the Public Works Contract with Downstream Services, Inc. (DSI) in the not-to-exceed amount of $114,024.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 25, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 58 - 3:00 p.m.
CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
6. Award of RFP No. 001-26 - Workers' Compensation Claims Administration Adopt Resolution No. 020-25 to enter into an agreement with Athens Insurance Service, Inc. (AISI), in an amount not to exceed $115,627 for the initial one-year term, with the option to renew for four additional one-year periods.
7. Monthly Treasurer's Report for the period ended January 31, 2025 Receive the Monthly Treasurer's Report for the period ended January 31, 2025.
8. Gillespie Field Development Council JPA
Adopts Resolution No. 021-25 approving the 10th amendment of the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement with the County of San Diego, extending the term of the Gillespie Field Development Council.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Truth spoke about sleeping cabins in Lemon Grove, the proposed SANDAG tax increase and political motivations from some Councilmembers.
Steve Johnson spoke about reaching out to City Councilmembers to seek help for disabled citizens.
Helen Zamora, representing the Olaf Wieghorst Museum, invited the City Council and the community to the museum's birthday celebration on April 30, 2025.
Brenda Hammond wished everyone a happy spring.
Stephanie Cauchon shared the definition for the phrase 'elephant in the room', and stated the evident partisan point of view by the City Council.
Daisy Melena, Parkway Plaza's General Manager, invited to the community to the Easter Eggstravaganza on April 5, 2025, and on April 12, 2025 they will celebrate the 1st ever Eid Festival.
Bryant Rumbaugh spoke about taking money out of political campaigns to provide platforms for people to be more engaged and seek political guidance.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 25, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 59 - 3:00 p.m.
At the request of Mayor Wells, Administrative Report, Item 12 was moved to be considered next on the agenda.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
12. Resolution Defining Antisemitism and Promoting the Nondiscrimination of All Residents
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council considers a resolution (attached) "recognizing the growing problem of antisemitism in the United States and calling for the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance ("HRA") Working Definition of Antisemitism and directing the City Manager to ensure that the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism is available as an education resource for City departments to address antisemitism and all other forms of discrimination directed toward anyone within El Cajon."
DISCUSSION
City Manager Mitchell provided detailed information of the Item.
Mayor Wells stated that he has no intention, nor the authority, to have the police department arrest anyone speaking against Israel.
The following people spoke in support of adopting the proposed Resolution:
Alberto Mansur
• Julie Litman
Mitchell Simon
Nicole M. Ramirez
• Tania Gold
• Romi Neustadt
• Fabienne Perlov
• Oz Laniado
• Tina Bernard
• Leslie Ann
• Tina Hkolos
Staci Wax
Lara Stone
Liat
• Stephanie Nisan
Robert Herber
• Shelly De Leon
Scott Meltzer Rabi
• Dan P.
Margaret Levick
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 25, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 60 - 3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 12 - Continued)
Councilmember Metschel joined the meeting at 3:36 p.m.
The following people spoke to oppose the adoption of the proposed Resolution:
• Bill Li
• Truth
Cela Mansuri-Jacome
• Jose Cortes
Anna Massey
• Jamal Kang
Dr. Ryan Fan
• Brenda Hammond
• Jesse Constancio
• Vicky Estrella
• Julia Gomez
• Mejgan Afshan
• Steph Cauchon
• Michael Brackney
• Walter Sutin
• Viveka Ray-Mazender
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Proposed resolution considered benign;
• Proposed resolution does not limit free speech; and
• City embraces diverse population.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to ADOPT Resolution No. 023-25 "recognizing the growing problem of antisemitism in the Jnited States and calling for the adoption of the International Holocaus Remembrance Alliance ('IHRA") Working Definition of Antisemitism ano directing the City Manager to ensure that the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism is available as an education resource for City departments to address antisemitism and all other forms of discrimination directed toward anyone within El Cajon."
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Recess called at 5:04 p.m.
Meeting called back to order at 5:10 p.m.
Councilmember Ortiz did not return to the Council Chamber after recess.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 25, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 61 - 3:00 p.m.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
9. FY 2025-2026 One-Year Action Plan
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Opens the public hearing;
2. Accepts public testimony for the draft FY 2025-2026 One-Year Action Plan;
3. Closes the public hearing;
4. Accepts staff recommendations for projects and programs using FY 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) grant funds and other CDBG and HOME prior year and carryover funds; and
5. Authorizes staff to release the draft FY 2025-2026 One-Year Action Plan for a thirty-day review and comment period from April 4, 2025 to May 5, 2025.
DISCUSSION
Management Analyst, Deyanira Pelayo-Brito, provided detailed information of the Item.
Mayor Wells opened the Public Hearing.
Laura Tancredi-Baese, representing Home Start, spoke to thank the City for the continued support, and introduced Sara, Julio, and Jolene.
In answer to a question by Councilmember Goble, Ms. Tancredi-Baese stated that anyone in the office would be able to assist City Councilmembers, or staff.
Truth stated that Councilmember Ortiz did not return to the Dais after the recess, and she spoke about CDBG, San Diego Habitat for Humanity, and other cities bringing homeless people into the City of El Cajon:
Tim Ray, representing Meals on Wheels, spoke in support of the proposed recommendations.
Jared Hernandez, representing CSA San Diego, spoke in support of the proposed recommendations.
Recess called at 5:27 p.m.
Meeting called back to order at 5:28 p.m.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 25, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency 3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Item 9 - Continued)
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY GOBLE, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (ORTIZ - Absent).
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY WELLS, to ACCEPT staff
recommendations for projects and programs using FY 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment artnership (HOME) grant funds and other CDBG and HOME prior year and carryover funds; and Authorize staff to release the draft FY 2025- 2026 One-Year Action Plan for a thirty-day review and comment period from April 4, 2025 to May 5, 2025.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (ORTIZ - Absent).
At the request of Councilmember Goble, Joint Council Report, Item 18 was moved to be considered next on the agenda.
JOINT COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
Expansion of Emergency Sleeping Cabins at Meridian Baptist Church and Other Sites in the City
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council directs staff to prepare an analysis of a zoning change or policy that would allow the expansion of emergency sleeping cabins at Meridian Baptist Church and other sites in the City.
DISCUSSION
Councilmember Goble provided detailed information of the Item.
The following people spoke in support of the Item.
• Kelcie Parra, representing Crisis House
Herb Kelly, representing Amikas
• Lisa, Amikas Manager
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 25, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 63- 3:00 p.m.
JOINT COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: (Item 18 - Continued)
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (ORTIZ - Absent).
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Continued)
10. Annual Cost Adjustment to the SANDAG Regional Transportation Congestion Improvement Program (RTCIP) Fee
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 an adjustment to the Regional Transportation Congestion Improvement Program (RTCIP) Fee to the new amount of $3,047.57, for each newly-constructed residential unit.
DISCUSSION
Deputy Director of Engineering Services, Mario Sanchez, provided detailed information of the Item.
In answer to a question by Mayor Wells, Mr. Sanchez stated that the consequence of the City not adopting the RTCIP fee would be to lose funding from the State of California.
Mayor Wells opened the Public Hearing.
Truth spoke about the SANDAG proposed fee, affordable funding and the irrelevant role of the City Council on the RTIP fee.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (ORTIZ - Absent).
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 25, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 64 - 3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Item 10 - Continued)
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to ADOPT Resolution No. 22-25, to approve an adjustment to the Regional Transportatior Congestion Improvement Program (RTCIP) Fee to the new amount of $3,047.57, for each newly-constructed residential unit.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (ORTIZ - Absent).
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
An analysis of AB 1333, a bill eliminating justifiable homicide when defending home or property
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council send a letter opposing AB 1333, in the event the bill is amended back to its original intent.
DISCUSSION
Assistant City Manager, Vince DiMaggio, provided detailed information of the Item.
Truth stated she supports the City's intention to send a letter opposing the bill, as it puts law enforcement at increased risk.
Steph Cauchon stated that she considers the City's involvement in these type of items a waste of time and resources.
Assistant City Manager DiMaggio clarified that staff brings attention to issues that would affect the City, and that a full Legislative report is provided to the City Council twice a year.
Conversation ensued amongst the City Council and staff regarding the following:
• Self-defense would be taken away with the passage of AB 1333; • Opposing bad legislation; and
• Determining the initial aggressor per AB 1333.
MOTION BY KENDRICK, SECOND BY GOBLE, to SEND a letter opposing AB 1333, in the event the bill is amended back to its original intent.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (ORTIZ - Absent).
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 25, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 65- 3:00 p.m.
COMMISSION REPORTS: None
ACTIVITIES REPORTS/COMMENTS OF MAYOR WELLS:
SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments) Board of Directors.
13. Council Activities Report/Comments
Report as submitted.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS:
14. 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 shared about a bill from Sacramento requiring MTS members to ride public transportation four times a month.
15. MAYOR PRO TEM GARY KENDRICK
METRO Commission/Wastewater JPA; Heartland Communications; Heartland Fire Training JPA.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
16. 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.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 25, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency 3:00 p.m.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS: (Continued)
17. 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.
On behalf of Councilmember Ortiz, City Manager Mitchell stated that Councilmember Ortiz attended the San Diego River Conservancy Board meeting, last week.
GENERAL INFORMATION ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: None
ORDINANCES: FIRST READING - None
ORDINANCES: SECOND READING AND ADOPTION
19. Prohibit the Sale of Vaping Devices Disguised as Other Products 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.
An Ordinance prohibiting the sale of vaping devices disguised as other products by amending sections 8.33.050 and 8.33.090 of Chapter 8.33 of Title 8 of the El Cajon Municipal Code, relating to regulation of licensure of tobacco retailers.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to Adopt Ordinance No. 5150, prohibiting the sale of vaping devices disguised as other products by amending sections 8.33.050 and 8.33.090 of Chapter 8.33 of Title 8 of the El Cajon Municipal Code, relating to regulation of licensure of tobacco retailers.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (ORTIZ - Absent).
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 25, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 67 - 3:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSIONS: None
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 25th day of March, 2025, at 6:06 p.m., to Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Il Cafes
ANGELA L. CORTÉZ, CMC
City Clerk/Secretary
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 25, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 68 - 3:00 p.m.