JOINT MEETING OF THE
EL CAJON CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING
AUTHORITY/SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE EL CAJON
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MINUTES
CITY OF EL CAJON
EL CAJON, CALIFORNIA
August 12, 2025
A Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency, held Tuesday, August 12, 2025, was called to order by Mayor/Chair Bill Wells at 3:03 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 200 Civic Center Way, El Cajon, California.
ROLL CALL
Council/Agencymembers present:
Council/Agencymembers absent:
Mayor Pro Tern/Vice Chair present:
Mayor/Chair present:
Other Officers present:
Goble, Metschel, and Ortiz
None
Kendrick
Wells
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 July 22, 2025, meeting and the Agenda of the August 12, 2025, meeting in accordance with State Law and El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to .the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Policy.
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PRESENTATIONS: None
AGENDA CHANGES:
City Manager Mitchell recommended to consider Public Hearings, Item No. 9 and 10, as well as Administrative Report, Item 11, after the Consent Items.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to CONSIDER Public Hearings, Item No. 9 and 10, as well as Administrative Report, Item 11, after the Consent Items.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
CONSENT ITEMS: (1 - 8)
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to APPROVE Consent Items 1 to 8.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
1. Minutes of El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Meetings
Approve Minutes of the July 22, 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. Monthly Treasurer's Report for the period ended June 30, 2025 Receive the Monthly Treasurer's Report for the period ended June 30, 2025.
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CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
5. Additional Funding to Augment the 2023 Operation Stonegarden Grant Purchase of a Fully Outfitted Police Interceptor
Authorize the appropriation of Citizens' Option for Public Safety (COPS) funding for a total of $27,600 to augment the amount of $80,333, granted by the 2023 Operation Stonegarden Grant (STNGRDN23), to purchase a fully outfitted Police Interceptor.
6. Disposal of Retired Property
Declare the listed property retired and authorize disposal in accordance with policy.
7. FY26 California Highway Patrol - Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program (CTFGP) Award
1. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to accept the FY26 California Highway Patrol - Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program (CTFGP) Award in the amount of $70,109.79 and to execute any grant documents and agreements necessary for the receipt and use of these funds; and
2. Appropriate $70,109.79 of the FY26 California Highway Patrol - Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program (CHPCTFGP26} Award to be allocated as follows:
• Procure SoToxa Mobile Test System supplies, amount not to exceed $2,269.54, and two GloBug Lighting Units, amount not to exceed $28,561.23, to be used during traffic enforcement operations, including DUI/DL Checkpoints and DUI Saturation patrols; and
• Fund $39,279.02 in overtime costs associated with operating (4) DUI Saturation patrol enforcement details and (2) DUI/DL Checkpoints.
8. 2024 Operation Stonegarden Grant (OPSG) - Funded by the Office of Homeland Security
1. Authorize the City Manager or designee to accept the 2024 Operation Stonegarden Grant (OPSG) in the amount of $120,000, and to execute any grant documents and agreements necessary for the receipt and use of these funds; and
2. Appropriate Operation Stonegarden 2024 (STNGRDN24) grant funding in the amount of $120,000 to reimburse the El Cajon Police Department for overtime {$115,163) and fringe benefits {$4,837) while participating in OPSG-coordinated operations.
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Per the motion in Agenda Changes, Item 9 was moved to be considered out of order.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
9. Convert an Existing Three-Unit Residential Development Addressed as 1415, 1419, and 1421 Oakdale Avenue into a Common Interest Development 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 CEQA Determination of Exemption;
4. Moves to adopt the next Resolution, in order, APPROVING Planned Unit Development No. 2024-0001, subject to conditions; and
5. Moves to adopt the next Resolution, in order, APPROVING Tentative Parcel Map No. 2024-0010, subject to conditions.
DISCUSSION
Associate Planner, Spencer Hayes-Flores, 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 KENDRICK, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
MOTION BY KENDRICK, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolution No. 085-25, APPROVING the CEQA Determination of Exemption; ADOPT Resolution No. 086-25, APPROVING Planned Unit Development No. 2024-0001, subject to conditions; and ADOPT Resolution No. 087-25, APPROVING Tentative Parcel Map No. 2024-0010, subject to conditions.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Mayor Wells invited Don De Mars, representing CYE, and the Miss El Cajon pageant winners to speak.
Don De Mars introduced the Miss El Cajon, Miss Teen El Cajon, and Miss Junior Teen El Cajon winners for 2025 through 2026, and thanked the City Council for their continued support.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Continued)
Per the motion in Agenda Changes, Item 10 was moved to be considered out of order.
10. Appeal of the Planning Commission's Decision Revoking Conditional Use Permit No. 2115 for a Restaurant with On-Site Alcohol Sales, Live Entertainment, and Ancillary or Occasional Banquet Use at 143 E. Main Street RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Opens the public hearing and receives testimony; and
2. Adopts the next Resolution, in order, to deny the appeal; or
3. Continues the hearing to a date to be determined; or
4. Sends the item back to the Planning Commission for reconsideration.
DISCUSSION
Deputy Director of Community Development, Noah Alvey, provided a summary of the Item.
Mayor Wells opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Cortez read a statement submitted by Vince Kattoula, a representative of the potential new owners of The Palms Restaurant and Banquet Hall, requesting a continuation of the appeal.
Remon Mansour, potential new owner of the restaurant, spoke about the future plans for the restaurant and barriers to operating the business as a restaurant.
Jeff Mansour, potential new owner of the restaurant, stated they are in escrow but the sale is contingent on the approval of a CUP. Mr. Mansour spoke about the future plans for the use of the building under a new CUP.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• A new CUP application for the restaurant;
• Project description under the new CUP;
• Zoning;
• Planning Commission's process to revoke the current CUP; • Restaurant menu;
• CUP belongs to the land, not the business;
• Effective date of the revocation;
• Impact of a contlnuance;
• The business may operate as long as the appeal is continued; • Not influencing the Planning Commission's Public Hearing; • Denial by the Planning Commission could be overturned by the City Council; • Date of enforcement for the revoked CUP;
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PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Item 10- Continued)
• Operating as a restaurant, not a banquet hall, if the revoked CUP is upheld; • Private events which are already scheduled;
• Alcohol license; and
• When to bring back the appeal if the item is continued.
Remon Mansour requested to have the effective date for the revoked CUP be October 1, 2025.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to ADOPT Resolution No. 088-25, to deny the appeal, effective October 1, 2025.
MOTION CARRIED BY 4 - 1 VOTE
(WELLS - No).
Per the motion in Agenda Changes, Item 11 was moved to be considered out of order.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
11. Award of RFP No. 007-26 - El Cajon Veterans Memorial Artistic and Architectural Services
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, to:
1. Appropriate $48,000 of General Fund reserves to increase the Parks & Recreation (101600) annual budget for the purpose of transferring funding to the City Capital Improvement Program Fund (501) for the capital project discussed in this report;
2. Appropriate $48,000 of transfer revenue for the purpose of establishing the El Cajon Veterans Memorial (263877PWCP) project; and
3. Enter into an agreement with Monument Warehouse, LLC (MWLLC), in an amount not to exceed $48,000 for a one-year term.
DISCUSSION
Director of Parks and Recreation, Adam Tronerud, provided detailed information of the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff to consider including the Veterans Coalition in the design.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 11-Continued)
Star Bales spoke about patriotism and thanked Mayor Wells for his accessibility to the public. Ms. Bales spoke in support of the Veterans memorial and suggested flying a larger American flag.
Ryn Corbeil spoke about the current state of the country and encouraged mindfulness of the service of people of color and women when designing the Veterans Memorial.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolution No. 089-25, to Appropriate $48,000 of General Fund reserves to increase the Parks & Recreation (101600) annual budget for the purpose of transferring funding to the City Capital Improvement Program Fund (501) for the capital project discussed in this report; to Appropriate $48,000 of transfer revenue for the purpose of establishing the El Cajon Veterans Memorial (263877PWCP) project; and to Enter into an agreement with Monument Warehouse, LLC (MWLLC), in an amount not to exceed $48,000 for a one-year term.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Chris Ford spoke about Obama's process for deporting immigrants, concerns about ICE impersonators in El Cajon, and stated that ICE may be contacted when felons are arrested under SB-54.
Councilmember Ortiz stated that he is planning on meeting with a group of citizens to discuss SB-54 further and welcomed Mr. Ford to participate in that conversation.
Julia Andrews spoke in support of the Recall of Councilmember Ortiz.
Mairene Branham spoke about the reason the Proponents are seeking to recall Councilmember Ortiz.
Zak Ashmore spoke about his experiences while collecting signatures for the recall of Councilmember Ortiz.
Kelsey Zeran spoke about what the constituents want and stated Councilmembers should be voting based on the will of their constituents. Ms. Zeran questioned the reason for Resolution No. 015-25.
Donna Discepola spoke about the impacts of working with ICE and the state of the economy.
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PUBLIC COMMENT: (Continued)
Coleen Geraghty spoke about El Cajon being one of two cities in California that have voted in support of allowing local Police to assist with ICE, if necessary.
Connie Elder questioned why City Council voted to pass Resolution No. 015-25.
Sergio Conti spoke about profiling based on speaking Spanish and stated the Councilmembers were elected to serve their community. Mr. Conti requested to have a Latino center in El Cajon.
Patricia Berndt spoke about Federal law as it relates to sanctuary jurisdictions and statistics of non-violent verses violent criminal immigrants who have been deported. Ms.
Berndt also spoke in support of SB-54.
JoAnn Pastori spoke about incidences involving ICE, and having compassion and family values.
Tareq Asfour spoke in support of SB-54 and about the effects of ICE deportations.
Taylor Abeel urged Council to reconsider cooperating with ICE. Mr. Abeel spoke about arrests of immigrants without a criminal conviction and helping immigrants navigate the legal process to becoming citizens.
Maryann Ostermeyer spoke in opposition of Police Officers working with ICE.
Councilmember Kendrick stated that Councilmember Metschel and himself voted "No" on Resolution 015-25.
Mary Davis spoke about legal immigration, the costs of illegal immigration, and advocated for victims of crimes by immigrants.
Noel Becchetti spoke about Resolution 015-25 damaging the Police Department reputation in the community.
Sheri Minix spoke in opposition of working with ICE and President Trump.
Gabriel Medina spoke about the differences in culture between Obama's and Trump's presidencies, and the harms of partnering with ICE.
Tom West spoke in opposition of local law enforcement working with ICE.
Tricia Luke spoke about the Obama administration deporting immigrants legally, the Mayors response to Connie Eider's comments at the July 22, 2025 Council meeting, and called on City Council to repeal Resolution 015-25.
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PUBLIC COMMENT: (Continued)
Jesse Constancio spoke about Councilmembers not representing their constituents, organizing a voter campaign to vote out the Councilmembers, and requested to repeal Resolution O 15-25.
Deb Ferrin spoke about refugees' fear of being deported, racial profiling, and traffic concerns near El Cajon Valley High School.
Jose Cortes spoke about Councilmembers responses to a request for a meeting to discuss repealing Resolution 015-25.
Ryn Corbeil spoke about concerns regarding the director of ICE, and his friends from Haiti who have gone missing.
Stephanie Cauchon spoke about repealing Resolution 015-25 and ensuring that El Cajon is compliant with SB-54.
Carina Aviles raised concerns about working with ICE and spoke in support of repealing Resolution 015-25.
Abel Martinez spoke about the need for Councilmembers to support the people they represent and stated that the people are watching the Councilmember's actions and inactions.
Fabiola Conti spoke about ICE sightings in El Cajon, deportations of non-criminals, minors being detained in Los Angeles, and ICE's use of facial recognition.
In response to a question from Mayor Pro Tern Kendrick, City Attorney Foley stated the Mayor Pro Tern Kendrick should not ask the Councilmembers to contact him if they are willing to consider repealing Resolution 015-25.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
Councilmember Kendrick left the Chambers at 6:01 pm.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
12. Award of RFP No. 004-26 - Main Street - Green Street Phase 2 Design Services RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, to enter into an agreement with Chen Ryan Associates, Inc. (CRAI), in an amount not to exceed $625,000 for a one-year term.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 12- Continued)
DISCUSSION
Deputy Director of Engineering Services, Mario Sanchez, provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Proximity to the other roundabouts on El Cajon Boulevard; • Minimizing impacts on the nearby businesses;
• Education for businesses and residence;
• Preventing homeless encampments;
• Reductions to speeding, accidents, and reckless driving; • Bicycle lanes;
• Funding sources;
• General funds will not be used;
• Bike lane requirements for the funding; and
• Public perception of roundabouts.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolution No. 090-25, to enter into an agreement with Chen Ryan Associates, Inc. (CRAI), in an amount not to exceed $625,000 for a one-year term.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
13. 405 E. Lexington Avenue Tenant Improvements
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, to:
1. Appropriate $25,000 of available City Capital Improvement Program (501) fund balance for the purpose described in this report; and
2. Establish 405 E Lexington Ave Tenant Improvements (263878PWCP) project with a total project budget of $588,420.
DISCUSSION
Associate Engineer, Senan Kachi, provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 13- Continued)
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Avoiding the use of General funds;
• Potential increase in costs;
• Addressing the building's integrity first;
• Funding from the tenants once ARPA funds are depleted; and • Cost of repairs for illegal work.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolution No. 091-20, to Appropriate $25,000 of available City Capital Improvement Program (501) fund balance for the purpose described in this report; and Establish 405 E Lexington Ave Tenant Improvements
(263878PWCP) project with a total project budget of $588,420.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
14. Evolving Legal Standards and Policy Impacts on Mental Health Response Calls RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receives the report.
DISCUSSION
City Manager Mitchell and Captain, Keith MacArthur, provided detailed information of the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• How calls for mental services are received;
• Who is placing calls for mental services;
• PERT clinicians must have an officer with them when responding to calls; • PERT may respond via telephone;
• Providing resources when officers do not respond;
• Competing mental health services offered by the County; • Additional step for evaluating situations before Police respond to calls; • MCRT does not require an officer to respond to calls; • Contracted versus in house employees at PERT and MCRT; • Higher liability through the PERT program;
• Sheriff's opinion on the Scott v. Smith ruling;
• County-wide uniformity;
• Property tax inequity;
• Concerns about Officer's qualified immunity;
• Process for when a PERT clinician is not available;
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 14- Continued)
• Determining how Officers respond to mental health calls; • PERT training for Officers and Firefighters;
• Fire Department must respond medical calls;
• Determining if there is a criminal component when a mental health call is received;
• Routing 911 emergency calls;
• Mental health calls that do not involve crime;
• Staging Officers nearby when the Fire Department responds to mental health calls; and
• Communication between the Police and Fire Departments.
Police Officer Melad Tilko, representing the El Cajon Police Officer's Association, spoke about responding to calls for crimes verses mental health, and stated Officers' qualified immunity is at risk when they respond to calls for mental health.
In a response to a question from Mayor Wells, Officer Tilko stated the Police Officer's Association is confident in how calls are triaged.
In response to a request from Mayor Wells, City Manager Mitchell confirmed staff will monitor the special task force and keep the City Council informed on the situation.
No motion required for the item.
COMMISSION REPORTS:
ACTIVITIES REPORTS/COMMENTS OF MAYOR WELLS:
SAN DAG (San Diego Association of Governments) Board of Directors.
15. Council Activities Report/Comments
Report as submitted.
Remainder of page intentionally left blank.
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ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS:
16. COUNClLMEMBER 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 - San Diego Military Working Group - Alternate.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
In addition to the submitted report, Councilmember Goble requested an update from Caltrans regarding the wall instillation along Interstate 8 between Greenfield Drive and Second Street.
17. MAYOR PRO TEM GARY KENDRICK
METRO Commission/Wastewater JPA; Heartland Communications; Heartland Fire Training JPA.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
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.
In addition to the submitted report, Councilmember Metschel stated that she did not attend the meeting with community members.
19. 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 added that he attended the League of California Cities conference August 11, 2025 and the East County Economic Development Council Gillespie Field Committee meeting on August 12, 2025.
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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 - Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation - pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9: James Patrick Hayes v. County of San Diego, et al.; United States District Court, Southern District of California Case No. 25CV1742 GPC BLM MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADJOURN to Closed Session at 7:23 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
RECONVENED to Open Session at 7:32 p.m.
City Attorney Foley reported the following actions:
• No reportable action taken.
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 12th day of August, 2025, at 7:33 p.m., to Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
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~~TEZ,CMC
City Clerk/Secretary
August 12, 2025
3:00 p.m.