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
April 22, 2025
An Adjourned Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency, held Tuesday, April 22, • 1
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 Thorn, Deputy City Manager
Foley, City Attorney/General Counsel
Cortez, City Clerk/Secretary
Other Officers absent: DiMaggio, Assistant City Manager PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG led by Mayor Wells and MOMENT OF SILENCE.
POSTINGS: The City Clerk posted Orders of Adjournment of the April 8, 2025, neeting, and the Agendas of the April 22, 2025 meeting and the Joint Special Meeting of April 22, 2025, in accordance with State Law and El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Policy.
Successor Agency to one you mentage Authority. April 22, 2025 - 83- 3:00 p.m.
PRESENTATIONS:
• Proclamation: International Firefighters' Day
AGENDA CHANGES: None
CONSENT ITEMS: (1-9)
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to APPROVE Consent Items 1 to 9.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Minutes of El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Meetings
Approve Minutes of the April 8, 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.
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 Water System Repairs Adopt Resolution No. 033-25 to proclaim the Continuation of Emergency for Storm Water System Repairs to Public Facilities.
5. New Classification Specifications and Salary Setting for Stormwater Compliance Inspector and Il
Approve and authorize the proposed classification specifications and salary setting for Stormwater Compliance Inspector I and II.
int Meetina: E Caion Citv Council/Housina Authorit \pril 22, 202 Iccessor Agency to the Redevelopment Agen - 84 - 3:00 p.m CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
6. Professional Services Agreement for Continued Jamacha Road Safety Improvements
Adopt Resolution No. 034-25 to execute a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Chen Ryan Associates, Inc., for a one-year term in the not-to-exceed amount of $10,000.
7. Award of Bid No. 003-26 - Box Culvert Condition Assessment & Repairs Re-Bid Adopt Resolution No. 035-25 to Approve Plans and Specifications for Box Culvert Condition Assessment & Repairs Re-Bid, Bid No. 003-26, and Adopt Resolution No. 036-25 to (a) Find the low bidder's omission of surety officers' signatures on the Power of Attorney (POA) a minor irregularity; and (b) Award the bid to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Hazard Construction Engr, LLC (Hazard), in the amount of $2,505,850.
8. Youth League Utility Support Fiscal Year 2025/2026
Approve the Recreation Council's recommendation to provide utility support, in the amount of $2,400 per league, to eight Executive Member Youth leagues.
Sewer System Management Plan Update
Receive the 2025 Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) update and Appendices for approval and filing; and Adopt Resolution No. 037-25 certifying that the 2025 SSMP is in compliance with the State of California Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR).
PUBLIC COMMENT:
The following people spoke in support to recall Councilmember Ortiz:
1. Ilka Weston
2. Mairene Branham
3. Eva Pacheco
4. Chris Ford
5. Dr. Joanna Benavidez
6. Steve Jesionka
7. Yusef Miller
8. RJ Lucchessi
9. Jose Cortes
10. Carlos Perez
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 22, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency 3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT: (Continued)
11. Patricia Berndt
12. Emily Wright
13. Carlos Gomez Perez
14. Mohammad Rahimi
15. Violet
The following people spoke in opposition to recall Councilmember Ortiz:
1. Tracie Thill
2. Susan
3. Lily Schworm
4. Daniel Bickford
5. Nicholle de Carvalho and Timothy de Carvalho
6. Ryan Mikha
7. Lu Tejeda
Councilmember Ortiz stated that this is his platform to speak out against SB54, that the Resolution is about public safety, and that he is still willing to work with the community.
Brenda Hammond stated that she comes to El Cajon because she feels safe here.
Andrew Lower requested to have safety improvements to the road on Greenfield Drive between First Street and Second Street.
City Manager Mitchell stated that section of road is in the County of San Diego, not the City of El Cajon.
In response to a question by Carlos Gomez Perez, Mayor Wells stated that anyone can speak during public comment to make suggestions to Council or use the My El Cajon app.
City Manager Mitchell added that citizens may also reach out to staff directly with requests or suggestions.
Recess called at 4:10 p.m.
Meeting called back to order at 4:16 p.m.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 22, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 86 - 3:00 p.m PUBLIC HEARINGS:
At the request of Mayor Wells, Public Hearing, Item 11 was moved to be considered next on the agenda.
11. Zoning Code Update
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Opens the Public Hearing and receives testimony;
2. Closes the Public Hearing;
3. Moves to adopt the next Resolution, in order, approving the California Environmental Quality Act exemption; and
4. Introduces the next Ordinance, in order, approving Zoning Code Amendment No. 2025-0001.
DISCUSSION
City Attorney Foley recommended to discuss section 20 of the zoning code first, to exclude Councilmember Goble as he is disqualified from this portion of the proposed zoning code update, after Mr. Goble rejoins the meeting the rest of the item can be considered.
Councilmember Goble announced that he is disqualified from participating on section 20 of the zoning code, due to residing within 500 feet of the location to be discussed.
Councilmember Goble vacated the Chamber at 4:18 pm.
Director of Community Development, Anthony Shute, provided a summary of the Item.
Mayor Wells opened the Public Hearing.
Skyler Denniston, representing Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, stated that Kaiser acquired the property with the sole intent to build a hospital and spoke to oppose the Planning Commission's vote to change the zoning of the site. Mr. Denniston requested to continue the item for 30 days.
City Manager Mitchell shared a timeline provided by Kaiser to build a hospital by the year 2019. He stated that Kaiser now claims they will being construction in 2036. He added that the City Council could consider a development agreement with Kaiser for the construction of the hospital
Fernando Avila, Senior Council representing Kaiser Permanents' Legal Department, stated the City cannot force the land owners to develop. Mr. Avila requested a 30 day continuance of the item. Mr. Avila reiterated that Kaiser bought the property with the intent to build a hospital. He advised that Kaiser would be forced to defend their rights as property owners if the location is re-zoned.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 22, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 87 - 3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Item 11 - Continued)
Jennifer Lynch, Land Use Partner with Manatt, Phelps & Phillips Lawfirm, cautioned that if the City moves forward with section 20 of the zoning code update, that would be a violation of Kaiser's rights to equal protection. Ms. Lynch stated an agreement would be beneficial for both the City and Kaiser, and requested a 30 day continuation. Ms. Lynch stated the City did not properly noticed Kaiser.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• History of the vacant lot;
• Frustration of the citizens; and
• Need for a hospital in El Cajon.
Director of Community Development, Anthony Shute, stated that there are 327 properties that would be effected by the land use table. Noticing all owners within 300 feet would exceed 1,000 owners; therefore, in accordance with Government Code section 65.090, the Public Hearing was posted in the Daily Transcript newspaper, in the City's kiosk, on the City's website, and at two public libraries.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (GOBLE - Disqualified).
City Attorney Foley recommended to leave the Public Hearing open because the Public Hearing applies to the entire item.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to re-open the public hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (GOBLE - Disqualified).
City Manager Mitchell stated that if Section 20 of the item is continued for 30 days, then the Public Hearing would not need to be noticed again. City Manager Mitchell presented two options, coming back in May with a status update, or to continue it for a longer period of time which would require the City to re-notice the Public Hearing.
MOTION BY KENDRICK, SECOND BY WELLS, to continue section 20 of the zoning code update to the July 8, 2025 meeting.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (GOBLE - Disqualified).
Councilmember Goble rejoined the meeting at 4:43 p.m.
Director of Community Development, Anthony Shute, provided a summary of the Item.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 22, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 88- 3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Item 11 - Continued)
No further public comment was received for the Item.
In a response to a question from Councilmember Metschel, Director of Community Development, Anthony Shute, confirmed that the height limit for ADUs is a state mandate.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Councilmember Goble stated that he would recommend to change section 24, paragraph 4, section a, of the prosed zoning code update to reflect that there could be up to 4 additional units, after completing the 6 compliant units.
City Attorney Foley raised concerns about a lack of involvement in the decision by the Planning Commission, regarding the proposed change by Councilmember Goble. He recommended to approve the item as is and request amendments in the future.
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to ADOPT Resolution No. 038- 25, to approve the California Environmental Quality Act exemption.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to introduce an Ordinance to approve Zoning Code Amendment No. 2025-0001, with the exception of section 20.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
The City Clerk recited the title of the ordinance for a first reading.
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO TITLE 17 OF THE
EL CAJON MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONING CODE) FOR HOUSING,
COMMERCIAL LAND USES, PERMIT STREAMLINING, AND OTHER
MINOR TECHNICAL CHANGES, REVISIONS, AND EDITS
10. Adoption of New Fees, Modification and Elimination of Existing Fees, and Amendment of Schedule of Miscellaneous Fees
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 modify certain existing fees, add and delete certain fees, and amend the City's Schedule of Miscellaneous Fees.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Ap 20 p.
Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 89 -
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Item 10 - Continued)
DISCUSSION
City Attorney Foley 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 ORTIZ, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to ADOPT Resolution No. 039-25, to modify certain existing fees, add and delete certain fees, and amend the City's Schedule of Miscellaneous Fees.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
12. Adoption of a Resolution of Intention to Amend the CaPERS Contract and Introduction of First Reading of Ordinance Amending the CaPERS Contract for El Cajon Police Officers' Association and Police Officers' Association Management RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, approving the intention to amend the contract between the City of El Cajon (City) and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide cost sharing of an additional contribution of one percent for the El Cajon Police Officers' Association (POA) and El Cajon Police Officers' Association Management Group (POAMG) CaPERS Classic members, under Government Code section 20516. Additionally, that the City Council introduces the first reading of the next Ordinance, in order, amending the contract between the City and CaPERS to provide cost sharing of an additional contribution of one percent for the POA and POAMG CaPERS Classic members, under Government Code section 20516
DISCUSSION
Deputy City Manager, Marisol Thorn, provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
oint Meeting: El Caion City Council/Housing Authority April 22, 2025 uccessor Agency to the Redevelopment Agenc 3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 12 - Continued)
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to ADOPT Resolution No. 040-25, to approve the intention to amend the contract between the City of El Cajon (City) and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide cost sharing of an additional contribution of one percent for the El Cajon Police Officers' Association (POA) and El Cajon Police Officers' Association Management Group (POAMG) CaPERS Classic members, under Government Code section 20516, and to INTRODUCE the Ordinance to amend the contract between the City and CalPERS to provide cost sharing of an additional contribution of one percent for the POA and POAMG CaPERS Classic members, under Government Code section 20516
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
The City Clerk recited the title of the ordinance for a first reading.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CAJON
APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF EL CAJON AND THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION,
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEMS
COMMISSION REPORTS:
ACTIVITIES REPORTS/COMMENTS OF MAYOR WELLS:
SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments) Board of Directors.
13. Council Activities Report/Comments
In addition to the submitted report, Mayor Wells added that he attended a meeting on April 22, 2025 with EAP Administrator, Lee Zeldin, to discuss the sewage crisis at the border.
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.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 22, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 91 - 3:00 p.m ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS: (Item 14 - Continued) Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
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 Training JPA - Alternate; METRO
Commission/Wastewater JPA - Alternate.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
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.
In addition to the submitted report, Councilmember Ortiz stated that he did not attend the CFEC Event on April 17, 2025.
JOINT COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: None
GENERAL INFORMATION ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: None
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 22, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 92- 3:00 p.m.
ORDINANCES: FIRST READING
18. Introduction of an Ordinance for a Fee for Non-Emergent Lift Assist Services 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 May 13, 2025 City Council agenda.
DISCUSSION
Senior Management Analyst, Barbara Watkins, provided detailed information of the Item.
Councilmember Goble clarified that this would only apply to residential care facilities.
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to introduce an
Ordinance for a Fee for Non-Emergent Lift Assist Services.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
The City Clerk recited the title of the ordinance for a first reading.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CAJON ENACTING CHAPTER 8.09 OF THE EL CAJON MUNICIPAL CODE TO
IMPLEMENT A FEE FOR NON-EMERGENCY LIFT ASSISTANCE AT
LICENSED CARE FACILITIES
19. Introduction of an Ordinance for Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
4. Moves to introduce the next Ordinance, in order;
5. Directs the City Clerk to read the Ordinance by title only; and
6. Directs the second reading of the Ordinance to be placed on the May 13, 2025 City Council agenda.
DISCUSSION
Fire Chief, Bent Koch, introduced Fire Marshall Ken King, who provided detailed information of the Item.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority April 22, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agenc - 93- 3:00 p.m.
ORDINANCES: FIRST READING (Item 19 - Continued)
In response to a question from Mayor Wells, Fire Marshall, Ken King, stated that insurance companies manage their own risk assessments, and are independent of these fire maps. He advised that areas in the high or very high severity zone will have to be held to higher building standards.
the City of Santee's Fire Department.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to introduce an Ordinance for Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
The City Clerk recited the title of the ordinance for a first reading.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CAJON
TO DESIGNATE FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES
ORDINANCES: SECOND READING AND ADOPTION - None
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 22nd day of April, 2025, at 5:14 p.m., to Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Al Cales
ANGELA L. CORTEZ, CMC
City Clerk/Secretary
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 22, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 94 - 3:00 p.m.