JOINT MEETING OF THE & CAVOL
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
April 8, 2025
A Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency, held Tuesday, April 8, 2025, was called to order by Mayor/Chair Bill Wells at 2:59 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:
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair present:
Mayor/Chair present:
Other Officers present: Mitchell, City Manager/Executive Director DiMaggio, Assistant City Manager
Thorn, Deputy City Manager
Foley, City Attorney/General Counsel
Janzer, Deputy 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 25, 2025, Meeting, the Joint Special Meeting of March 25, 2025, and the Agenda of the April 8, Meting in accordance tew and City Council/Housing
Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Policy.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 8, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency -71- 3:00 p.m.
PRESENTATIONS:
• April Pool's Day
AGENDA CHANGES: None
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 March 25, 2025, 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.
Monthly Treasurer's Report for the period ended February 28, 2025 Receive the Monthly Treasurer's Report for the period ended February 28, 2025.
PULLED FOR DISCUSSION BY A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC:
5. Award of Bid No. 020-25 - Marquee Installation Re-Bid RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolutions, in order, to:
1. Approve Plans and Specifications for Marquee Installation Re-Bid, Bid No. 020-25;
2. Find the following:
a) Protest submitted by Ayuma House Planning Company (AHPC) timely but without merit;
b) Low bidder's omission of surety signature notarization on the bid bond a minor irregularity;
c) Fourth low bidder's omission of principal signature on the bid bond a minor irregularity; and
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 8, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency -72- 3:00 p.m.
CONSENT ITEMS: (Item 5 - Continued)
d) Second low bidder non-responsive for the reasons set forth in the agenda report.
3. Award the bid to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Sign Factory, Printing & Office Equipment, Inc. dba Sign Factory (SF), in the amount of $51,000.
DISCUSSION
Evan Boji, with Ayuma House Planning Company, expressed concerns about the bid amount submitted by Sign Factory, Printing & Office Equipment, Inc.
Councilmember Metschel stated that the lower bid would save the taxpayers money.
City Manager Mitchell advised that City staff contacted the bidder to confirm they could complete the job per the specs and per prices quoted.
In response to a question from Mayor Wells, City Attorney Foley confirmed there would be bonds for labor and materials, and for performance in case the bidder abandons the job. He reiterated that the City does not have a legal reason to justify rejecting the bid.
In response to a question from Councilmember Goble, City Attorney Foley stated the bidder has worked for public agencies before based on staff's investigation.
City Manager Mitchell stated it was not a requirement to have prior public works experience and that their work is satisfactory per the City's procurement policy.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to ADOPT Resolution No. 025- 25, Approving Plans and Specifications for Marquee Installation Re-Bid, Bid No. 020-25; Find the following: a) Protest submitted by Ayuma House Planning Company (AHPC) timely but without merit; b) Low bidder's omission of surety signature notarization on the bid bond a minor irregularity; c) Fourth low bidder's omission of principal signature responsible bidder, Sign Factory, Printing & Office Equipment, Inc. dba Sign Factory (SF), in the amount of $51,000.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Joint Meeling: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 8, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency -73- 3:00 p.m.
CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
6. Authorization to Apply for San Diego Association of Governments Smart Growth Incentive Program Grants
Adopt Resolution No. 027-25 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.
7. Continuation of Emergency for Storm Water System Repairs Adopt Resolution No. 028-25 to proclaim the Continuation of Emergency for Storm Water System Repairs to Public Facilities.
Contract Amendment for Bid No. 010-22 - Median & Right-of-Ways Maintenance Adopt Resolution No. 029-25 to increase compensation for the Median & Right-of-Ways Maintenance multi-year contract with GeoCal Environmental Management & Landscaping (GeoCal) in the not to exceed amount of an additional $38,695.85 for the third renewal term and to increase the not-to-exceed amount to $203,539.89 for the fourth renewal term.
9. Consulting Agreement with Lighthouse Land Development for Planning/Economic Analysis/Financing Services Related to Parkway Plaza Redevelopment
Adopt Resolution No. 030-25 to approve the consulting agreement with Lighthouse Land Development, LLC, for contractual work pertaining to the redevelopment of Parkway Plaza.
10. Contract Amendment for RFP No. 031-24 - Wells Park Pickleball Landscape Architectural Services
Adopt Resolution No. 031-25 to Appropriate $1,743 of City CIP Fund (501) equity to increase the Wells Park Indoor Soccer and Pickle Ball (233793PWCP-Task1) project; a 0 25 0 Apprend 9 and include additional services in the Agreement for Professional Services with Spurlock Landscape Architects (SLA) for Wells Park Pickleball Landscape Architectural Services, and to increase the compensation in the not-to-exceed amount of $71,743 for the additional services.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to APPROVE Consent Items 1 to 4 and 6 to 10.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 8, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency -74- 3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Brenda Hammond spoke against using homeless people for political, financial, or religious gains.
Maryann Ostermeyer thanked the City Council for getting the fencing completed along First Street and inquired about the role of the Police Department in regards to ICE deportations.
In response to a question by Ms. Ostermeyer, Mayor Wells stated the Police Department will follow the law.
David Condit requested to have the announcements from law enforcement helicopters posted on the City's My El Cajon App.
In response to Mr. Condit's request, Council advised that the helicopters are owned by the City and that the public may text "hello" to (858) 866-4356 to receive the message via text from the Sheriff's department or visit the Sheriff's department website.
City Manager Mitchell clarified that if the helicopter is owned by San Diego then the message can be viewed on the app X, formerly Twitter.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
11. Update on the El Cajon On-Demand Micro-transit Project RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council accepts the information contained in the report.
DISCUSSION
City Engineer, Mario Sanchez, introduced Alex Newman, with Via, who provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• The coverage zone is based on demand;
• Assistance provided for handicap riders;
Monitoring questions about the service on social media; Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 8, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency 3:00 p.m
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 11 - Continued)
• Terms of the program;
• Impacted bus routes; and
• Drop-off location options.
No Motion was required for the Item.
12. Consider an Extension to the Animal Services Agreement with the San Diego Humane Society
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, approving the Animal Services Agreement with the San Diego Humane Society to operate the El Cajon Animal Shelter and to provide animal control, care, and sheltering in the City.
DISCUSSION
Assistant City Manager, Vince DiMaggio, provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• The increase to the agreement;
• San Diego Human Society is operating at a loss in some instances; • In the past, the City was operating at a loss when it was managed in-house; • Labor and medical costs;
• Other shelters are experiencing the similar losses; and • Using the San Diego Human Society costs less than the City managing the operations.
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to ADOPT Resolution No. 032-25, approving the Animal Services Agreement with the San Diego Humane Society to operate the El Cajon Animal Shelter and to provide animal control, care, and sheltering in the City.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
13. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Five-Year Business Plan Update
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receives and accepts the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Five-Year Business Plan update.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 8, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency -76- 3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 13 - Continued)
DISCUSSION
Principal Fiscal Analyst, Autumn Reberger, provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• No sinking funds for future roof repairs;
• Community events;
• Essential City services;
• Reduction to the deficit;
• Use of reserve funds;
• Police Department recruitments;
• Sponsorships and donations;
• Keeping money in El Cajon;
• Assumptions used to project the budget;
• CaPERS contributions;
• Department budget cuts;
• Impact of Parkway Plaza sale tax; and
• Building impact fees.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to receive and accept the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Five-Year Business Plan update and provide feedback.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
14. Fee for Non-Emergent Lift Assist Services Provided to Congregate Care Facilities
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receives the report and provides feedback on the creation of a fee for non-emergent lift assist services provided to Congregate Care Facilities.
DISCUSSION
Senior Management Analyst, Barbara Watkins, provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Fees would go to the general fund;
• Appeal process; and
• Fees for cost recovery.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 8, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency -77- 3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 14 - Continued)
MOTION BY KENDRICK, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to receive the report and provides feedback on the creation of a fee for non-emergent lift assist services provided to Congregate Care Facilities.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
COMMISSION REPORTS:
ACTIVITIES REPORTS/COMMENTS OF MAYOR WELLS:
SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments) Board of Directors.
15. 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.
Report as submitted.
17. MAYOR PRO TEM 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/ April 8, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency -78- 3:00 p.m.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS: (Continued)
18. 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.
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, Councilmember Ortiz added that he attended the East County Economic Development Council on April 8, 2025 and the California State Senate session in Sacramento on April 7, 2025.
JOINT COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: None
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:
20. Closed Session - Public Employee Performance Evaluation: City Manager Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 8, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency -79- 3:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSIONS: (Continued)
21. 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 October 18, 2024, the City of El Cajon received a claim on behalf of Mr. James Moore, alleging that on April 17, 2024, a City employee posted a video of the claimant on the social media platform maintained by the El Cajon Police Department incorrectly identifying the claimant as a potential prowler in the backyard of the employee's residence, in the form of a public service announcement reminding residents to report suspicious activities at their own homes.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to ADJOURN to Closed Session at 4:53 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
RECONVENED to Open Session at 5:41 p.m.
City Attorney Foley reported that Councilmember Goble left the Closed Session at 5:35 p.m.
City Attorney Foley reported the following actions:
Item 21 was considered first.
Item 21: City Council gave direction to the City's legal Council Item 20: Performed Evaluation of City Manager
Mayor Well allowed a public comment at this time:
Michael Cartwright spoke about repairs needed near Bosworth Court, the Mother Goose Parage, Cy events, the Police Department, Parkway Plaza, and how El Cajon has Adjournment: Mayor Wells adjourned the Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency El Cajon Redevelopment Agency held this gth day of April, 2025, at 5:53 p.m., to Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Al Cootes
ANGELA L. CORTEZ, CMC
City Clerk/Secretary
int Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authorit April 8, 2025 iccessor Agency to the Redevelopment Agen -80- 3:00 p.m.