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
June 24, 2025
An Adjourned Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency, held Tuesday, June 24, 2025, was called to order by Mayor/Chair Bill Wells at 3:01 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 June 10, 2025, neeting and the Agenda of the June 24, 2025, meeting in accordance with State Law and El Caion City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Policy.
int Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authorit June 24, 2025 uccessor Agency to the Redevelopment Agen - 129 - 3:00 p.m.
PRESENTATIONS: None
AGENDA CHANGES:
City Manager Mitchell recommended to consider, Closed Session, Item No. 21 after Public comments, and to consider, Administrative Report, Item No. 10 before Item 9.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to CONSIDER Closed Session Item No. 21 after Public comments, and to CONSIDER Administrative Report Item No. 10 before Item 9.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
CONSENT ITEMS:
1. Minutes of El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Meetings
Approve Minutes of the June 10, 2025, Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency.
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. Tree Maintenance Services Agreement
Adopt Resolution No. 058-25 to Authorize the Purchasing Agent to extend the current Public Works Contract for Tree Maintenance Services with West Coast Arborists, Inc. (WCA) for three months in the not-to-exceed amount of $91,250; and Authorize the City Manager to execute a new agreement with WCA in the amount of $746,900 for an initial one-year term, with the option to renew for three additional one-year periods, in accordance with Municipal Code 3.20.010(C)(6).
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ June 24, 202! Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 130- 3:00 p.m CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
Award of RFP No. 011-26 - Legal Services - Eminent Domain & Property Acquisition
Adopt Resolution No. 059-25, to enter into an agreement with Nossaman LLP, in an amount not to exceed $264,450 for an initial one-year term, with the option to renew for two additional one-year periods.
PULLED FOR DISCUSSION BY A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC:
6. Award of Bid No. 005-26 - ADA Concrete Improvements (Multi-Year 2025) RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, to:
1. Approve Plans and Specifications for ADA Concrete Improvements (Multi-Year 2025), Bid No. 005-26;
2. Find the following:
a. Protest submitted by RAC Construction & Engineering, Inc. (RAC) to be untimely and without merit,
b. Waive the irregularity in the low bidder's response; and Corporation (s to in love at to-excel amount of a 4610, with Che option on renew for four additional one-year periods.
DISCUSSION
Ruben Claudio, with RAC Construction & Engineering, Inc., spoke against waiving the irregularity in the low bidder's response.
Discussion ensued among Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Minor irregularities and unfair advantages;
• Bid review process;
Submitting revised bids;
Bid corrections; and
Material versus immaterial impacts to bids.
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Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ June 24, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 131- 3:00 p.m.
CONSENT ITEMS: (Item 6 - Continued)
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to Adopt Resolution No. 060-25, to Approve Plans and Specifications for ADA Concrete Improvements (Multi-Year 2025), Bid No. 005-26; Find the Protest submitted by RAC Construction & Engineering, Inc. (RAC) to be untimely and without merit, and Waive the irregularity in the low bidder's response; and Adopt Resolution No. 061-25, to Award the bid to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Sael Construction orporation (SCC), in the not-to-exceed amount of $444,610, with th ption to renew for four additional one-year period
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
7. Amendment to the Axon Enterprise, Inc. Master Services and Purchasing Agreement for Axon Officer Safety Plan 10 Premium (OSP10) Adopt Resolution No. 062-25, to Approve the contract Amendment to the Master Services and Purchasing Agreement, substantially in the form as presented at this meeting; and the sole source procurement of additional items included in the Amendment; and Authorize the City Manager to make contract Amendment revisions and sign the Amendment upon approval.
Traffic Collision Vehicle Replacements
Adopt Resolution No. 063-25, to Authorize the replacement of two Ford Explorers, units 42203 and 42083; and Appropriate $230,000 from the Vehicle Replacement Fund balance to the City's Vehicle-Equipment Replacement account.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to APPROVE Consent Items 1 - 5 and 7 - 8.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Brenda Hammond spoke about anger and harassment.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ June 24, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 132 - 3:00 p.m Per the motion in Agenda Changes, Item 21 was moved to be considered out of order.
CLOSED SESSIONS:
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency adjourns to Closed Session as follows:
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 ORTIZ, to ADJOURN to Closed
Session at 3:25 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
RECONVENED to Open Session at 3:42 p.m.
City Attorney Foley reported the following actions:
• Item 21 - Direction given to the City's Attorneys.
Per the request of Councilmember Goble, Item 11 was considered out of order.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
11. City Council Priority Update: Illegal Dumping Near Apartment Complexes RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receives the progress report regarding its 2025 City Council Action Priority to address illegal dumping near apartment complexes.
DISCUSSION
Director of Public Works, David Richards, provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Discussion ensued among Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Sharing outreach materials via social media;
• Illegal dumping near Luke Lane and Broadway;
• Excellent service provided by EDCO;
• Bulk items that have been cleaned up;
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ June 24, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 133- 3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 11 - Continued)
• Signage near the hotspot locations;
• How fines can be imposed; and
Amount of bulk item pick-ups allowed by EDCO.
MOTION BY KENDRICK, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to RECEIVE the
progress legal dumping as 202 mexes Action Priority to
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Per the motion in Agenda Changes, Item 21 was moved to be considered out of order.
10. Consideration of Submitting a FY 2025 SAFER Grant Application for Staffing of Engine 208
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council provides direction to staff regarding whether to apply for the FY 2025 SAFER Grant to fund staffing for Engine 208 and, if so, at what level.
DISCUSSION
City Manager Mitchell provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Discussion ensued among Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Restoring positions to the Fire Department using grant funds; • Prioritizing public safety;
• Use of reserves for salary expenses;
• Operational status of Engine 208;
• Schedule to notify grant recipients;
• Postponing hiring until the grant is awarded;
• Calls for service at Station 8;
Working with the Fire Department's labor group;
• Partial staffing will show the City's commitment to FEMA; Qualifications for the grant;
Grant funding elimination after year four;
Bigger financial commitments versus mitigating risk; and Financial status of other jurisdictions applying for the grant.
MOTION BY KENDRICK, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to APPLY for 6
positions for Engine 208 through the SAFER Grant.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ June 24, 202 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 134- 3:00 p.m PUBLIC HEARINGS:
9. Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual City, Housing Authority, and Successor Agency Budgets
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
That the City Council, Housing Authority, and the City of El Cajon as Successor gency to the former Redevelopment Agency hold a joint public hearing to consider the -iscal Year 2025-26 Proposed Budgets. After closing the public hearing, staf recommends the following:
1. Acting Resolution of the city or El Calyon Ad thing lie Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual Budget.
b. Resolution Approving and Adopting the Annual Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
c. Resolution Approving Designation of General Fund Balances.
2. Acting as the Housing Authority Board of Directors, adopt Resolution titled:
Resolution of the El Cajon Housing Authority Adopting the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget.
3. Acting as the Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency Board of Directors, adopt Resolution titled: Resolution of the City Council of the City Of El Cajon as the Successor Agency to the former El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Adopting the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget.
DISCUSSION
Director of Finance, Clay Schoen, and Principal Fiscal Analyst, Autumn Reberger, provided detailed information of the Item.
Mayor Wells opened the Public Hearing.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Discussion ensued among Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Capital improvements;
• Waste Water spending;
• Sewer rates;
• Reduction in full time employees;
Pension obligation bonds;
Potential future cuts;
Routine capital projects funding sources;
• Transnet capital project funds;
• Post employment benefits;
• New revenue sources;
• Housing development; and
• Hiring freeze.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ June 24, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 135- 3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Item 9 - Continued)
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to ADOPT Resolution No. 064- 25, Adopting the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual Budget.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to ADOPT Resolution No. 065- 25, Adopting the Annual Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to ADOPT Resolution No. 066- 25, Approving Designation of General Fund Balances.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to, Acting as the Housing Authority Board of Directors, ADOPT Resolution No. ECHA-42, titled:
Resolution of the El Cajon Housing Authority Adopting the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to, Acting as the Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency Board of Directors, ADOPT Resolution No. SA 001-25, titled: Resolution of the City Council of the City Of El Cajon as the Successor Agency to the former El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Adopting the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
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Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ une 24, 202 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 136- :00 р.г At the request of Mayor Wells, Joint Councilmember Report, Item 19 was considered out of order.
JOINT COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
19. Direction to Analyze Potential Zoning Code Amendments Related to Window Screening for Medical and Healthcare Providers
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council directs staff to analyze potential Zoning Code amendments related to allowing medical and healthcare providers to screen more than 15% of their first-floor windows in Commercial Zones and the Downtown Specific Plan area.
DISCUSSION
Mayor Wells and Councilmember Goble provided detailed information of the Item.
Tom Vu, La Maestra Community Health Centers representative, spoke in support of window screening for medical buildings for patients' privacy.
Discussion ensued among Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Other businesses to be considered for window screening; Staff analysis of what is reasonable; and
Process options for amending the Zoning Code.
MOTION BY KENDRICK, SECOND BY WELLS, to DIRECT staff to prepare and present an analysis to the Planning Commission for consideration.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Recess called at 5:20 p.m.
Meeting called back to order at 5:26 p.m.
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 RECOMMENDATION: In order to provide cost sharing of an additional contribution of one percent by unrepresented police Executive Management CaPERS Classic members, as allowed by Government Code section 20516, that the City Council:
1. Adopts the next Resolution, in order, approving its 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); and
2. Introduces, for first reading, the next Ordinance, in order, amending the contract between the City and CaPERS.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ June 24, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 137- 3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 12 - Continued)
DISCUSSION
Deputy City Manager, Marisol Thorn, provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolution No. 067-25, approving its 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); and to introduce an Ordinance amending the contract between the City and CaPERS.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
The City Clerk recited the title of the Ordinance for a first reading.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO
CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM
AND THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF EL CAJON
13. Compensation for Executive and Unrepresented Employees (A-29), City Attorney and City Manager
RECOMMENDATION: That the Mayor provides an oral report summarizing recommended changes in compensation for the City's "local agency executives" and, following the report, that the City Council:
1. Approves the changes to City Council Policy A-29 described below and reflected in the attachment; and
2. Adopts the next Resolutions, in order, to approve amendments to the employment contracts with the City Attorney and the City Manager, and authorizing the Mayor to execute the amendments, substantially in the forms as presented
DISCUSSION
Deputy City Manager, Marisol Thorn, provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ June 24, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 138 - 3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 13 - Continued)
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to APPROVE the changes to City Council Policy A-29; and to ADOPT Resolution No. 068-25, to 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.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS:
15. 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.
In addition to the submitted report, Mayor Pro Tem Kendrick added that he attended a meeting with Donny D., Rescue Mission representative, on June 18, 2025 and a meeting with Jose P., a board member for a charter school in El Cajon, on June 23, 2025.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ June 24, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency 3:00 p.m.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS: (Continued)
17. 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.
18. 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.
GENERAL INFORMATION ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: None
ORDINANCES: FIRST READING - None
ORDINANCES: SECOND READING AND ADOPTION
20. Establish Procedures for the Creation of Community Benefit Districts in El Cajon 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 TO ADD CHAPTER 2.90 TO TITLE 2
OF THE EL CAJON MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH
PROCEDURES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMUNITY
BENEFIT DISTRICTS IN THE CITY OF EL CAJON
Joint Meeling: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ June 24, 2025 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 140 - 3:00 p.m.
ORDINANCES: SECOND READING AND ADOPTION (Continued)
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to ADOPT Ordinance No. 5155, to Establish Procedures for the Creation of Community Benefit Districts in El Cajon.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
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 10th day of June, 2025, at 5:35 p.m., to Tuesday, July 8, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.
AlCottes
ANGELA L. CORTEZ, CMC
City Clerk/Secretary
oint Meeting: El Caion Citv Council/Housina Authoriti June 24. 2025 uccessor Agency to the Redevelopment Agenc 3:00 p.m.