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
October 14, 2025
A Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency, held Tuesday, October 14, 2025, was called to order by Mayor/Chair Bill Wells at 3:02 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 200 Civic Center Way, El Cajon, California.
ROLL CALL
Council/Agencymembers present:
Council/Agencymembers absent:
Mayor Pro TemNice Chair present:
Mayor/Chair present:
Other Officers present:
Goble and Ortiz
Metschel
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 September 23, 2025, meeting, the Joint Special Meeting of October 7, 2025 and the Agenda of the October 14, 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:
• Presentation: Hauntfest on Main
• Proclamation: National Community Planning Month
AGENDA CHANGES: None
CONSENT ITEMS: (1 -10)
1. Minutes of El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Meetings
Approve Minutes of the September 23, 2025, Meeting, and the Joint Special Meeting of October 7, 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. 2026 Calendar of Meetings for the City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency
Approve the proposed 2026 calendar of meetings for the City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency.
PULLED BY A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC:
5. Monthly Treasurer's Report for the period ended August 31, 2025 RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receives the Monthly Treasurer's Report for the period ended August 31, 2025.
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CONSENT ITEMS: (Item 5 - Continued)
DISCUSSION
Truth spoke in opposition to specific companies included in the City's investments.
Receive the Monthly Treasurer's Report for the period ended August 31, 2025.
6. 2025 Investment Policy Update
City Council, on its behalf and that of the Housing Authority, Adopt Resolution No. 100- 25, to adopt the City of El Cajon Investment Policy and delegate investment authorities to the Director of Finance/Authority Treasurer.
7. Award of Bid No. 016-26- Traffic Signal Upgrades (Multi-Year 2025) Adopt Resolution No. 101-25 to Approve Plans and Specifications for Traffic Signal Upgrades (Multi-Year 2025), Bid No. 016-26; and Adopt Resolution No. 102-25, to Award the bid to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, HMS Construction, Inc. (HMS), in the not-to-exceed amount of $640,000, with the option to renew for four additional one-year periods.
8. Award of Bid No. 018-26 - Truck Upfitting Services
Adopt Resolution No. 103-25, to award the bid to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Bedco, in the amount of $192,576.75.
9. FY 2025-26 California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control - Office of Traffic Safety (ABC-OTS)
Adopt Resolution No. 104-25, authorizing the City Manager or designee to accept, appropriate, and expend the grant in the amount of $30,000 from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Office of Traffic Safety (ABC-OTS) and to execute any grant documents and agreements necessary for the receipt and use of these funds.
10. Award of RFP No. 012-26 - Design Services - Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
Adopt Resolution No. 105-25, to enter into an agreement with Black & Veatch Corporation (BVC), in an amount not to exceed $244,064 for a two-year term.
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CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to APPROVE Consent Items 1 to 10.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (METSCHEL - Absent).
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Mairene Branham thanked City Manager Mitchell for removing hateful graffiti from the City. Ms. Branham spoke about the process of how Councilmember Ortiz was selected for office and Attorney General Rob Bonta suing the City for sharing Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) data.
Alexander Kraft spoke about the 2026 Mayoral Election, Mayor Wells' comments in response to Attorney General Rob Bonta announcing that he will sue the City, and expressed concerns about sharing ALPR data.
Jose Cortes spoke about the efforts of the volunteers who supported the Recall of Councilmember Ortiz, promoting new candidates in future elections, and non-violent criminals who are being detained by ICE.
Reverend RJ Lucchesi spoke about Councilmember Ortiz's comments in response to the outcome of the attempted Recall and how Council has not acted on the public's requests to repeal Resolution 015-25, regarding immigration.
Recess called at 3:29 p.m.
Meeting called back to order at 3:34 p.m.
Steph Cauchon spoke about Attorney General Rob Bonta suing the City and asked if the City has requested clarification of SB-34 from the Attorney General's office. Ms.
Cauchon shared her experiences while collecting signatures for the Recall of Councilmember Ortiz.
In response to Ms. Cauchon's comment, Mayor Wells stated that the City is not breaking the law by sharing ALPR data.
Truth spoke in support of the Faces of Freedom program, expressed concern about the Small Business Incubator program, and spoke in opposition of the City reimbursing the travel expenses for Mayor Wells to attend the America First Policy lnstitute's Mayors' Council. Truth spoke about the City being sued by Attorney General Rob Bonta, and the unsuccessful attempt to Recall Councilmember Ortiz.
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In response to Truth's comments, Mayor Wells explained the purpose for his trip to Washington D.C., and clarified that the $500,000.00 grant that was given to the Chaldean Community Council was from the County of San Diego, not El Cajon.
Ryn recited a quote from Anne Frank and spoke in opposition of ICE deportations.
Tara Foster spoke in opposition of cooperating with ICE, and thanked the Police Department for working collaboratively at protests.
In response to a question from Mayor Pro Tern Kendrick, City Manager Mitchell stated that the City is not assisting ICE with immigration enforcement.
Brenda Hammon spoke about other speakers using their public comment time to campaign.
Councilmember Goble stated that the City has not been served a lawsuit from the Attorney General's office and that the Court has rejected the lawsuit twice due to errors.
Mr. Goble explained what information is collected by ALPR, and that the State of California shares more personal data than the ALPR.
In response to a question by Councilmember Ortiz, Police Chief Jeremiah Larson clarified that the ALPR searches referring to immigration were nationwide network searches and were not targeted toward El Cajon specifically.
In a response to questions from Mayor Wells, Chief Larson stated the Police Department does not have information regarding anyone who may have come here for abortion or transgender care, and reiterated that the purpose of the Police Department is to respond to and prevent crime.
In response to a question from Mayor Wells, City Manager Mitchell confirmed that SB- 34 was adopted in 2015.
In a response to a question from Mayor Wells, Chief Larson stated the Police Department received a letter from the Attorney General's office advising the Police Department to stop sharing ALPR data.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
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October 14, 2025
3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
11. Amendment to the 2025 Five-Year Program of Projects for the SANDAG Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP No. 25-11) RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Opens the Public Hearing and receives testimony;
2. Closes the Public Hearing;
3. Adopts the next Resolution, in order, approving the amendment to the proposed five-year program of projects for the SANDAG Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP No. 25-11).
DISCUSSION
Deputy Director of Engineering Services, Mario Sanchez, provided a summary of the Item.
Mayor Wells opened the Public Hearing.
Truth spoke in opposition of SANDAG's RTIP program.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Cause of the negative carry-over balance;
• Impact of the negative balance on the program; and
• General funds will not be affected.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (METSCHEL - Absent).
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY GOBLE, to ADOPT Resolution No. 106- 25, approving the amendment to the proposed five-year program of projects for the SANDAG Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP No. 25-11 ).
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (METSCHEL - Absent).
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
12. All-Way Stop Sign Request on Naranca Avenue at Grape Street RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, to establish permanent all-way stop signs on Naranca Avenue at the intersection of Grape Street in order to enhance pedestrian and traffic safety.
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 Daylighting law, sight distance at the intersection, and keeping Naranca Avenue consistent with nearby parallel streets.
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to ADOPT Resolution No. 107-25, to establish permanent all-way stop signs on Naranca Avenue at the intersection of Grape Street in order to enhance pedestrian and traffic safety.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (METSCHEL - Absent).
13. Mayor and City Council Cafeteria Benefits Review
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, adjusting the cafeteria benefit allotment from $1,550 per month to $1,700 per month, effective January 1, 2026, for Mayor and City Councilmembers.
DISCUSSION
Human Resources Manager, Megan Blake, provided detailed information of the Item.
Truth spoke about a lack of justification for the increase and inflation.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY GOBLE, to ADOPT Resolution No. 108- 25, adjusting the cafeteria benefit allotment from $1,550 per month to $1,700 per month, effective January 1, 2026, for Mayor and City Councilmembers.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (METSCHEL - Absent).
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COMMISSION REPORTS:
ACTIVITIES REPORTS/COMMENTS OF MAYOR WELLS:
SAN DAG (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 - San Diego Military Working Group.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
In addition to the submitted report, Councilmember Goble provided a status update and information about the East County Advanced Water Purification project.
Councilmember Goble shared that at a recent MTS meeting penalties for riding the trolly without paying were discussed.
16. MAYOR PRO TEM GARY KENDRICK
METRO Commission/Wastewater JPA; Heartland Communications; Heartland Fire Training JPA.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
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.
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3:00 p.m.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS: (Continued)
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.
In addition to the submitted report, Councilmember Ortiz added that he attended the East County Economic Development Council's meeting on October 14, 2025.
JOINT COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: None
GENERAL INFORMATION ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: None
ORDINANCES: FIRST READING
19. First Reading of Ordinances to Adopt by Reference the 2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24)
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Introduces the Ordinances and holds first readings to adopt the 2025 Editions of the California Building Code, the California Electrical Code, the California Mechanical Code, the California Plumbing Code, the California Residential Code, the California Fire Code, the California Green Building Standards Code, the California Historical Building Code, the California Existing Building Code, the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code and the Fire Hazard Severity Zones;
2. Requests the City Clerk to recite the title of each Ordinance; and
3. Directs the City Clerk to schedule a public hearing on October 28, 2025.
DISCUSSION
Deputy Director of Community Development, Noah Alvey, provided information on the Item.
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October 14, 2025
3:00 p.m.
ORDINANCES: FIRST READING (Item 19- Continued)
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY WELLS, to INTRODUCE the
Ordinances and holds first readings to adopt the 2025 Editions of the California Building Code, the California Electrical Code, the California Mechanical Code, the California Plumbing Code, the California Residential Code, the California Fire Code, the California Green Building Standards Code, the California Historical Building Code, the California Existing Building Code, the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code and the Fire Hazard Severity Zones; Request the City Clerk to recite the title of each Ordinance; and Direct the City Clerk to schedule a public hearing on October 28, 2025.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (METSCHEL - Absent).
The City Clerk recited the title of the ordinances for a first reading.
CA Building Code:
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTIONS 15.040.010, 15.04.050,
15.04.070, 15.04.080, 15.04.100, AND 15.04.105 OF CHAPTER 15.04 OF TITLE 15 OF THE EL CAJON MUNICIPAL CODE; AND ADOPTING SECTIONS 15.04.010, 15.04.050, 15.04.070, 15.04.080, 15.04.100, AND
15.04.105 TO CHAPTER 15.04 OF TITLE 15 OF THE EL CAJON
MUNICIPAL CODE ADOPTING THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE,
2025 EDITION, AS AMENDED, BY REFERENCE
CA Electrical Code:
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTION 15.20.010 OF CHAPTER 15.20 OF TITLE 15 OF THE EL CAJON MUNICIPAL CODE; ADOPTING THE CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, 2025 EDITION, AS AMENDED, BY REFERENCE; AND ADDING A NEW SECTION 15.20.010 OF CHAPTER
15.20 OF TITLE 15 OF THE EL CAJON MUNICIPAL CODE
CA Mechanical Code:
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTIONS 15.48.010 AND 15.48.050 OF CHAPTER 15.48 OF TITLE 15 OF THE EL CAJON MUNICIPAL CODE; ADOPTING THE CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, 2025 EDITION, AS AMENDED, BY REFERENCE; AND ADDING NEW SECTIONS 15.48.010 AND 15.48.050 OF CHAPTER 15.48 OF TITLE 15 OF THE EL CAJON
MUNICIPAL CODE
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ORDINANCES: FIRST READING (Item 19- Continued)
CA Plumbing Code:
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTIONS 15.52.010 AND 15.52.050 OF CHAPTER 15.52 OF TITLE 15 OF THE EL CAJON MUNICIPAL CODE; ADOPTING THE CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, 2025 EDITION, AS AMENDED, BY REFERENCE; AND ADDING NEW SECTIONS 15.52.010 AND 15.52.050 OF CHAPTER 15.52 OF TITLE 15 OF THE EL CAJON
MUNICIPAL CODE
CA Residential Code:
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTIONS 15.54.010 AND 15.54.030 OF CHAPTER 15.54 OF TITLE 15 OF THE EL CAJON MUNICIPAL CODE; ADOPTING THE CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, 2025 EDITION, AS AMENDED, BY REFERENCE; AND ADOPTING NEW SECTIONS
15.54.010 AND 15.54.030 TO CHAPTER 15.54 TO TITLE 15
CA Fire Code:
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTIONS 15.56.010 AND 15.56.050 OF CHAPTER 15.56 OF TITLE 15 OF THE EL CAJON MUNICIPAL CODE; ADOPTING THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, 2025 EDITION, AS
AMENDED, BY REFERENCE; AND ADDING NEW SECTIONS 15.56.010 AND 15.56.050 OF CHAPTER 1.5.56 OF TITLE 15 OF THE EL CAJON
MUNICIPAL CODE
CA Green Building Standards Code:
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTION 15.60.010 OF CHAPTER 15.60 OF TITLE 15 OF THE EL CAJON MUNICIPAL CODE; AND ADOPTING THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS, 2025 EDITION, AS AMENDED, BY REFERENCE; AND ADDING A NEW SECTION
15.60.010 OF CHAPTER 15.60 OF TITLE 15 OF THE EL CAJON
MUNICIPAL CODE
CA Historical Building Code:
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTION 15.88.010 OF CHAPTER 15.88 OF TITLE 15 OF THE EL CAJON MUNICIPAL CODE; ADOPTING THE CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE, 2025 EDITION, AS
AMENDED, BY REFERENCE; AND ADDING A NEW SECTION
15.88.010 OF CHAPTER 15.88 OF TITLE 15 OF THE EL CAJON
MUNICIPAL CODE
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October 14, 2025
3:00 p.m.
ORDINANCES: FIRST READING (Item 19- Continued)
CA Existing Building Code:
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTION 15.84.010 OF CHAPTER 15.84 OF TITLE 15 OF THE EL CAJON MUNICIPAL CODE; ADOPTING THE CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, 2025 EDITION, AS
AMENDED, BY REFERENCE; AND ADDING A NEW SECTION
15.84.010 OF CHAPTER 15.84 OF TITLE 15 OF THE EL CAJON
MUNICIPAL CODE
CA Wildland-Urban Interface Code:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CAJON ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 15.57 TO THE EL CAJON MUNICIPAL
CODE, ADOPTING THE CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE
CODE, 2025 EDITION, BY REFERENCE
CA Fire Hazard Severity Zone Code:
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTION 15.86.010 OF CHAPTER 15.86 OF TITLE 15 OF THE EL CAJON MUNICIPAL CODE, AND ADOPTING SECTION 15.86.010 TO CHAPTER 15.86 OF TITLE 15 OF THE EL
CAJON MUNICIPAL CODE DESIGNATING VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD
SEVERITY ZONES AND WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE AREAS
WITHIN ITS JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARIES
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: The People of the State of California v. City of El Cajon, et al.; Superior Court of California, County of San Diego; Case No. 25CU053437C
21. Closed Session - Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation - pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9:
Donnelly, el al. v. City of El Cajon, et al.;
Superior Court of California, County of San Diego
Case No. 25CU049465C
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October 14, 2025
3:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSIONS: (Continued)
22. Closed Session - Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation - pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9: Yukina Mendoza v. City of El Cajon; WC Claim No. 24010383
23. Closed Session - Public Employment - Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957(b}(1): Title: City Attorney
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to ADJOURN to Closed
Session at 4:36 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (METSCHEL - Absent).
RECONVENED to Open Session at 4:58 p.m.
City Attorney Foley reported the following actions:
• Item 20 - Direction given to City Attorney.
• Item 21 - No reportable action taken.
• Item 22 - Direction given to City Attorney and staff. • Item 23 - 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 14th day of October, 2025, at 4:59 p.m., to Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
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ANG ,CMG
City Clerk/Secretary
October 14, 2025
3:00 p.m.