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
May 13, 2025
A Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency, held Tuesday, May 13, 2025, was called to order by Mayor/Chair Bill Wells at 3:00 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
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 April 22, 2025, Meeting, the Joint Special Meetings of April, 22, 2025 and May 5, 2025, and the Agenda of the May 13, 2025, Meeting in accordance to State Law and City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Policy.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ May 13, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency -97- 3:00 p.m PRESENTATIONS:
• Proclamation: National Public Works Week
• Presentation: America on Main Street
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 April 22, 2025, Meeting, and the Joint Special Meetings of April 22, 2025 and May 5, 2025, 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. Continuation of Emergency for Storm Water System Repairs Adopt Resolution No. 041-25 to proclaim the Continuation of Emergency for Storm Water System Repairs to Public Facilities.
Resolution Authorizing the Consolidation of the City's 457(b) Recordkeeping Service and Administration from Two Different Providers Recordkeeping Service and Administration with Nationwide Adopt Resolution No. 042-25 to authorize staff to consolidate the City's 457(b) recordkeeping service and administration from two different providers to a single recordkeeping service and administration with Nationwide, and authorizing the City Manager to sign all required provider agreements on behalf of the City.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ May 13, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency 3:00 p.m.
CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
6. Police Officers' Association and Police Officers' Association Management Group Educational Incentive Side Letters as a Result of CaPERS Compliance Review Approve and authorize the terms and conditions of the Educational Incentive Limited Side Letter Agreement between the City and the Police Officers' Association and Police Officers' Association Management Group.
7. City Council Policy A-29 Unrepresented Police Executive Management Group Cost Share (Government Code section 20516)
Adopt Resolution No. 043-25 to approve the submittal of the Cost Share CaPERS contract amendment request for City Council Policy A-29, unrepresented Police Executive Management group under Government Code section 20516.
PULLED FOR DISCUSSION BY A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC:
8. Amendment to the Voucher Agreement for the El Cajon On-Demand Micro- transit Project
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, to:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute an amendment to the Voucher Agreement with CALSTART, Incorporated, for an additional amount of $300,000 in State Funded Clean Mobility Options (CMO) grant funds;
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Nomad Transit, LLC (DBA Via Transportation) in the amount of $300,000; and
3. Accept, appropriate, and expend $300,000.00 in State Funded Clean Mobility Options (CLMOBVOUCH) grant funds.
DISCUSSION
Truth spoke in opposition of Via's On-Demand Micro-transit program and suggested MTS consider a similar program.
Adopt Resolution No. 044-25 to:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute an amendment to the Voucher Agreement with CALSTART, Incorporated, for an additional amount of $300,000 in State Funded Clean Mobility Options (CMO) grant funds;
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Nomad Transit, LLC (DBA Via Transportation) in the amount of $300,000; and
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Лау 13, 202 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency -99- 3:00 p.n CONSENT ITEMS: (Item 8 - Continued)
3. Accept, appropriate, and expend $300,000.00 in State Funded Clean Mobility Options (CLMOBVOUCH) grant funds.
9. Acceptance of San Diego River Watershed Water Quality Improvement Project (Phase 1)
Accept the San Diego River Watershed Water Quality Improvement Project (243819PWCP) Phase 1, Bid No. 021-24; and Authorize the City Clerk to record a Notice of Completion (Phase 1, Bid 021-24) and release the bonds in accordance with the Contract Terms.
10. Monthly Treasurer's Report for the period ended March 31, 2025 Receive the Monthly Treasurer's Report for the period ended March 31, 2025.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to APPROVE Consent Items 1 to 10.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
CLOSED SESSIONS:
At the request of Mayor Wells, Closed Sessions, Items 23, 24, and 25, were moved to be considered next on the agenda.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency adjourns to Closed Session as follows:
23. Closed Session - Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation - pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9: City of El Cajon vs. Jessica Deddeh and Bessmon Kalasho, et al.; Superior Court of California, County of San Diego; Case No.: 37-2023-00052718-CU-OR-CTL
24. Closed Session - Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation - pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9:
Timothy Howell v. City of El Cajon, et al.; Superior Court of California, County of San Diego; Case No. 25CU018855C:
25. Closed Session - Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation - pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9:
Kenneth Harris v. City of El Cajon; WC Claim No. 10006037 Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ May 13, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency -100- 3:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSIONS: (Items 23, 24, and 25 - Continued)
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to ADJOURN to Closed
Session at 3:19 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
RECONVENED to Open Session at 3:39 p.m.
City Attorney Foley reported the following actions:
• Item 23 - No reportable action taken
Item 24 - No reportable action taken
Item 25 - Direction given to the Workers Compensation agent PUBLIC COMMENT:
Truth spoke about roundabouts, the proponents of the recall for Councilmember Ortiz, the City's response to cameras found at fire stations, and sewage issues at the border.
Councilmember Goble and City Manager Mitchell clarified that the City opened a criminal investigation into the cameras that were found at the fire stations the same day that the City was notified.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
11. Delinquent Refuse/Recycling Collection Charges
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Opens the Public Hearing and receives public testimony;
2. Closes the Public Hearing;
3. Adopts the next Resolution, in order, to confirm the list of property owners as delinquent in the payment of their mandatory refuse/recycling service bills; and
4. Authorizes the City Clerk to record the amount owed for each account as a lien on the respective property and forward the list to the County Tax Assessor for billing on the next property tax bill.
DISCUSSION
Director of Public Works, David Richards, introduced Steve South, Carl Scherbaum, Anthony Colon, and Cindy Horne representing EDCO, and provided detailed information of the Item.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ May 13, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency -101- 3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Item 11 - Continued)
Mayor Wells opened the Public Hearing.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Discussion ensued among Council and Staff concerning the following:
• EDCO's process for collecting on commercial accounts; • Services are continued for those with liens;
• Liens are removed as soon as payment is received;
Customers are notified of lien placement on their property; and Refuse/recycling liens are applied to customer's property tax bill.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY WELLS, to ADOPT Resolution No. 045- A lies on for bailing ive he nety roperty tax bithe list to the County Tax MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
12. Legislative Report - Spring 2025
RECOMMENDATION: This is an informational item. No action is required by the City Council
DISCUSSION
Assistant City Manager, Vince DiMaggio, provided detailed information of the bills relevant to the City.
Truth spoke about several of the bills in the report, highlighting AB 1421.
Discussion ensued among Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Prevailing wages;
• Inspections of homeless shelters;
• Homeless encampments;
• Impact of legislative bills on the City's infrastructure; and • Limitations of ladder fire trucks to reach tall structures.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ May 13, 202! Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency -102- 3:00 p.n ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 12 - Continued)
No Motion was required for the Item.
13. American Rescue Plan Act: Acceptance of Final Obligations RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Appropriates and de-appropriates American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in accordance with the funds not captured, as outlined in the report; and
2. Grants City Manager authority to return funds as required under ARPA.
DISCUSSION
Senior Management Analyst, Ryan Villegas, and City Manager Mitchell provided detailed information of the Item.
Truth spoke about the American Rescue Plan Act, ARPA funded projects in the City, and inflation.
Discussion ensued among Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Funds to be returned;
• Inability to re-appropriate the remaining fund balance; • Anticipated funding changes to other projects that are not complete; and • Lease terms for the small business incubator.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to Appropriate and de- appropriate American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in accordance with the funds not captured, as outlined in the report; and Grant City Manager authority to return funds as required under ARPA.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
COMMISSION REPORTS: None
ACTIVITIES REPORTS/COMMENTS OF MAYOR WELLS:
SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments) Board of Directors.
14. Council Activities Report/Comments
Report as submitted.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ May 13, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency -103- 3:00 p.m.
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.
16. MAYOR PRO TEM GARY KENDRICK
METRO Commission/Wastewater JPA; Heartland Communications; Heartland Fire Training JPA
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
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.
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/ May 13, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency -104- 3:00 p.m.
GENERAL INFORMATION ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: None
ORDINANCES: FIRST READING - None
ORDINANCES: SECOND READING AND ADOPTION
19. Zoning Code Update
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 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
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to ADOPT Ordinance No. 5151, APPROVING an Amendment to Title 17 of the El Cajon Municipal Code (Zoning Code) for Housing, Permit Streamlining, and other Minor Technical Changes, Revisions, and Edits.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
20. Amendment of the CaPERS Contract for El Cajon Police Officers' Association and Police Officers' Association Management Group.
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. May 13, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency -105- 3:00 p.m.
ORDINANCES: SECOND READING AND ADOPTION (Item 20 - Continued)
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
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to ADOPT Ordinance No. 5152, APPROVING an Amendment to the Contract between the City of El Cajon and the Board of Administration, California Public Employees' Retirement Systems.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
21. Implementation of a fee for Non-Emergent Lift Assistance at Licensed Care Facilities
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 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 MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to ADOPT Ordinance No. 5153, Enacting Chapter 8.09 of the El Cajon Municipal Code to Implement a Fee for Non-Emergency Lift Assistance at Licensed Care Facilities.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
oint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authorit May 13, 202! uccessor Agency to the Redevelopment Agenc -106- 3:00 p.n ORDINANCES: SECOND READING AND ADOPTION (Continued)
22. Designation of Fire Hazard Severity Zones
RECOMMENDATION:
That Mayor Wells requests the City Clerk to recite the title.
DISCUSSION
City Attorney Foley stated that a comment was received by a member of the public, and he clarified that the City is adopting the Fire Marshall's designated Fire Hazard Severity Zones, as mandated by the state of California.
The City Clerk recited the title of the ordinance for a second reading.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF EL CAJON TO DESIGNATE
FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY GOBLE, to ADOPT Ordinance No. 5154, to Designate Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Adjournment: Mayor Wells adjourned the Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency held this 13th day of May, 2025, at 4:40 p.m., to Tuesday, A Carez
ANGELA L. CORTEZ, CMC
City Clerk/Secretary
int Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority May 13, 2025 uccessor Agency to the Redevelonment Agenc 3:00 p.m.