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
February 24, 2026
An Adjourned Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency, held Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 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:
Council/Agencymembers absent:
Deputy MayorNice Chair present:
Mayor/Chair present:
Other Officers present:
Goble, Kendrick, and Ortiz
None
Metschel
Wells
Mitchell, City Manager/Executive Director
DiMaggio, Assistant City Manager
Thorn, Deputy City Manager
Lyon, 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 February 10, 2026, meetings and the Agenda of the February 24, 2026, meeting in accordance with State Law and El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Policy.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 38 -
February 24, 2026
3:00 p.m.
PRESENTATIONS:
• Proclamation: National Engineers Week
• Presentation: East County Homeless Task Force
AGENDA CHANGES:
City Manager Mitchell recommended removing Administrative Report Item 8, Parkway Plaza Update from the February 24, 2026 agenda, and to move to Closed Session for Item 21, Closed Session - Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation - pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9:
Gregg vs City of El Cajon; Superior Court of California, County of San Diego; Case No. 25CU004443C, to be heard around 4:00 p.m. to accommodate one of the participating parties.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to APPROVE staff's recommended agenda changes.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
CONSENT ITEMS: (1 - 5)
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to APPROVE Consent Items 1 to 5.
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 February 10, 2026, Meetings 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.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 39 -
February 24, 2026
3:00 p.m.
CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
4. Approval of Resolution to Authorize a Contract Amendment for Bid No. 001-24 - Street Light System Maintenance, Emergency Repairs, & Related Construction Services
Adopt Resolution No. 013-26, approving a contract amendment to amend the scope of work and increase the compensation amount for the multi-year Public Works Contract with Southwest Traffic Signal Service, Inc., in the not-to-exceed amount of $25,000 for the period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, and approving an additional $50,000 to fund the future remaining renewal terms ($25,000 for the third renewal term and $25,000 for the fourth renewal term) contingent upon budget approval and if exercised by the City in the future.
5. Appointment to Public Safety Facility Financing Oversight Committee Appoint Shaina K. Lee to the Public Safety Facility Financing Oversight Committee (PSFFOC) for a term to expire January 31, 2029.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Chuck Kaye, City Council Candidate for District 1 for the 2026 Election, spoke about the value of having another homeless resource like the San Diego Rescue Mission's Lighthouse in the City.
Patricia Berndt spoke about the City's Code of Ethics and Conduct and requested Mayor Wells to take down certain social media posts.
In response to Ms. Berndt's comments, Mayor Wells explained that Council must run non-partisan campaigns and that he has the right to free speech, and that it is reasonable to question where the County is spending their money.
Brenda Hammond spoke about celebrating Jack in the Box's 75th anniversary and supported confirming where the County of San Diego is spending their money.
Anna Holmes spoke about the closed El Cajon Speedway and in support of redesigning Parkway Plaza as a Laguna Seca style track.
In response to Ms. Homes, Mayor Wells clarified that there would have to be an investor who would want to build that type of space at Parkway Plaza because the City does not build businesses.
Deborah Cushman spoke about the future of Parkway Plaza and recommended the City retain professional representation for the potential purchase.
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February 24, 2026
3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT: (Continued)
In response to Ms. Cushman's comments, City Manager Mitchell explained this would be a highly complicated transaction, and due to the complexities, the City has sought out financial advisors, experts with development experience, and consultant companies for assistance.
Mayor Wells added that businesses are market driven.
Councilmember Ortiz recommended doing public outreach to let the public know what the City is able to do in terms of Parkway Plaza redevelopment.
City Manager Mitchell stated that there is ongoing community outreach and that there are additional in-person townhalls planned.
Councilmember Ortiz encouraged the community to participate in the townhall events.
Thomas Kelly expressed concern about text scams and cybercrimes, and asked Council what he should expect in the future from the City in response to these types of crimes.
City Manager Mitchell explained that this is a national issue and that currently there is no existing federal task force working on those types of crimes. Mr. Mitchell added that the Police Department does not have the authority or capacity to address these crimes.
Police Chief Larson agreed that the Police Department does not have the resources or capacity to deal with cybercrimes and that the best way to handle cybercrimes right now is by reporting them through the federal website.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
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Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 41 -
February 24, 2026
3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
6. Public Hearing to Consider Resolutions Approving CEQA Exemption, Planned Unit Development, and Tentative Subdivision Map for the Chase 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. 2025-0001, subject to conditions; and
5. Moves to adopt the next Resolution, in order, APPROVING Tentative Subdivision Map No. 2025-0014, subject to conditions.
DISCUSSION
Associate Planner, Spencer Hayes-Flores, provided detailed information of the Item.
Mayor Wells opened the Public Hearing.
No public comment was received for the Item .
. Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the improvement conditions.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolution No. 014-26, APPROVING the CEQA Determination of Exemption.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolution No. 015-26, APPROVING Planned Unit Development No. 2025-0001, subject to conditions.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, ADOPT Resolution No. 016-26, APPROVING Tentative Subdivision Map No. 2025-0014, subject to conditions.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 42 -
February 24, 2026
3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
7. Consideration of Resolutions to Approve the Second Amended and Restated Regional Wastewater Disposal Agreement (SARA) and Administrative Agreement No. 1
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolutions, in order, to:
1. Approve the Second Amended and Restated Wastewater Disposal Agreement; and;
2. Approve Metropolitan Sewerage System Administrative Agreement No. 1 for unified management of industrial waste discharge pretreatment and enhanced source control.
DISCUSSION
Associate Engineer, Blake Behringer, and Dexter Wilson, technical representative for the Joint Power Authority, provided detailed information of the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Industrial waste users;
• Preventing hazardous chemicals from entering the sewage system; • Increased protections for the City;
• Non-weighted vote system;
• Fixed costs; and
• City's usage compared to dues paid.
No public comment was received for the Item.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to ADOPT Resolution No. 017-26, to Approve the Second Amended and Restated Wastewater Disposal Agreement; and ADOPT Resolution No. 018-26, to Approve Metropolitan Sewerage System Administrative Agreement No. 1 for unified management of industrial waste discharge pretreatment and enhanced source control.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
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Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 43 -
February 24, 2026
3:00 p.m.
Closed Session, Item 21 was moved to be considered next on the agenda, as recommended during Agenda Changes.
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 - Existing Litigation - pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9: Gregg vs City of El Cajon;
Superior Court of California, County of San Diego;
Case No. 25CU004443C
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to ADJOURN to Closed Session at 4:20 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
RECONVENED to Open Session at 4:41 p.m.
City Attorney Lyon reported the following actions:
• Item 21 - Direction was given, no reportable action taken.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Continued)
Item 8 from pulled from the agenda during Agenda Changes.
8. Parkway Plaza Update
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receives the report.
9. Discussion of Speed Cushions Pilot Program Survey Results RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receives and considers the results of the Speed Cushion Pilot Program and community outreach efforts, which did not achieve the required 67% affected household support threshold at any of the pilot locations, and provides direction regarding the continuation, modification, or discontinuation of the Speed Cushion Program.
DISCUSSION
Deputy Director of Development Services, Mario Sanchez, provided detailed information of the Item.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 44 -
February 24, 2026
3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 9 - Continued)
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Reviewing traffic calming requests in District 1;
• Disqualified streets based on their design;
• Surveying other potential streets;
• Length of the survey;
• Enhanced engagement;
• Following through with the surveyed residents;
• Providing speeding statistics;
• Wrapping up the current survey before selecting new locations; and • Noise caused by speed cushions.
Brenda Hammond spoke about damage to her vehicle's suspension due to speed cushions and suggested that people may try to avoid driving over speed cushions by swerving around them.
No Motion required for the Item.
10. City of El Cajon Homeless Point-in-Time Count Survey RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receives the report.
DISCUSSION
City Manager Mitchell announced that the data to be presented is not the formal account of the data, but rather an overview of the process of the point-in-time count.
Director of Information Technology, Sara Diaz, provided detailed information of the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Reducing duplicate results;
• Locations of homeless services providers;
• County versus City data;
• Length of the survey;
• Questions to add or refine;
• Recruiting volunteers;
• Support from neighboring law enforcement agencies;
• Posting the data on the City's website;
• Identifying individuals who have disconnected from services; • Comments from volunteers;
• Providing information for available services during the count; and • County voucher participants
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February 24, 2026
3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 10 - Continued)
Rebecca Branstetter thanked the City for their participation in the County's point-in-time count on January 29, 2026, and stated she is excited to see the results of both of the counts.
Brenda Hammond warned against asking for individuals birthdates, but spoke in support of the City performing their own count.
No Motion required for the Item.
11. Fiscal Year 2025-26 Mid-Year Report
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Receives and accepts the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Mid-Year Report; and
2. Increases or modifies Fiscal Year 2025-26 appropriations, and related transfers, by $1,089,000 for additional needs as detailed in the report.
DISCUSSION
Principal Fiscal Analyst, Autumn Reberger, provided detailed information of the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the increase in sales tax and savings in materials, service, and supplies.
No public comment was received for the Item.
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to RECEIVE and accept the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Mid-Year Report; and Increase or modify Fiscal Year 2025-26 appropriations, and related transfers, by $1,089,000 for additional needs as detailed in the report.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
COMMISSION REPORTS:
ACTIVITIES REPORTS/COMMENTS OF MAYOR WELLS:
SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments) Board of Directors; SANDAG - Public Safety Committee.
12. Council Activities Report/Comments
Report as submitted.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 46 -
February 24, 2026
3:00 p.m.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS/COMMENTS OF MAYOR WELLS: (Continued)
13. Update to City Council Assignments
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council approves City Council assignments (as identified in the report) to various boards and commissions representing El Cajon.
DISCUSSION
City Manager Mitchell provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to APPROVE City Council assignments (as identified in the report) to various boards and commissions representing El Cajon.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS:
14. COUNCILMEMBER STEVE GOBLE
MTS (Metropolitan Transit System Board); East County Advanced Water Purification Joint Powers Authority Board; Chamber of Commerce - Government Affairs Committee; SAN DAG - Board of Directors - Alternate; SAN DAG - Public Safety Committee - Alternate; SAN DAG - San Diego Military Working Group.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
In addition to the submitted report, Councilmember Goble thanked Assistant City Manager DiMaggio and the Public Works department for quickly picking up an abandoned reclining chair and announced that he was re-appointed as the Chair for the East County Advanced Water Purification Joint Powers Authority Board.
15. COUNCILMEMBER GARY KENDRICK
METRO Commission/Wastewater JPA; Heartland Communications; Heartland Fire Training JPA.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 4 7 -
February 24, 2026
3:00 p.m.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS: (Continued)
16. DEPUTY MAYOR 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.
17. 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 ReporUComments.
In addition to the submitted report, Councilmember Ortiz added that he attended the East County Economic Development Council on February 18, 2026.
JOINT COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
18. Request Staff Analysis and Draft Ordinance to Authorize up to Four Regulated Cannabis Dispensaries
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council directs staff to:
1. Prepare an analysis of the regulatory, zoning, fiscal, and public safety implications of authorizing up to four (4) cannabis retail dispensaries modeled after Santee's approach;
2. Evaluate land use criteria including buffers from sensitive uses, security requirements, and compatibility with established land use designations;
3. Assess projected revenue scenarios from licensing fees and potential local cannabis taxes; and
4. Develop and return with a draft ordinance for City Council consideration.
DISCUSSION
Deputy Mayor Metschel and Councilmember Kendrick provided detailed information of the Item.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 48 -
February 24, 2026
3:00 p.m.
JOINT COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: (Item 18 - Continued)
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Potential tax revenue;
• Saturating the market;
• Offering competitive tax breaks;
• Representing constituents of each Council District;
• Holding townhalls to get constituent's opinions;
• Projected revenues;
• Ballot Measure;
• Health concerns; and
• Medicinal uses.
Brenda Hammond stated that she has never been in a dispensary, but that she is not against dispensaries.
No Motion required for the Item.
GENERAL INFORMATION ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: None
ORDINANCES: FIRST READING
19. Introduction of Ordinance to Amend El Cajon Municipal Code Chapter 15.14 Regarding Flood Damage Prevention Regulations
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 and adoption of the Ordinance to be placed on the March 10, 2026, City Council agenda.
DISCUSSION
Deputy Director of Development Services, Noah Alvey, provided a detailed information of the Item.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY GOBLE, to INTRODUCE the next Ordinance, in order; Direct the City Clerk to read the Ordinance by title only; and Direct the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance to be placed on the March 10, 2026, City Council agenda.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 49 -
February 24. 2026
3:00 p.m.
ORDINANCES: FIRST READING (Item 19- Continued)
The City Clerk recited the title of the ordinance for a first reading.
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO TITLE 15 OF THE
EL CAJON MUNICIPAL CODE (BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION),
CHAPTER 15.14 (FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION) FOR
CONSISTENCY WITH CURRENT FEDERAL EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE
PROGRAM (NFIP) REGULATIONS
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 Real Property Negotiators - Government Code section 54956.8:
Property:
Parkway Plaza
APN 482-270-56-00
APN 482-270-35-00
APN 482-270-42-00
Negotiating Parties:
Star-West Parkway Mall LP
Penney Property Sub Holdings LLC
Star-West Parkway Mall LP
City Negotiators:
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
Under Negotiation:
Price and terms of payment
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 50 -
February 24, 2026
3:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSIONS: (Continued)
Item 21 was considered early in the meeting, as recommended during Agenda Changes.
21. Closed Session - Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation - pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9: Gregg vs City of El Cajon;
Superior Court of California, County of San Diego;
Case No. 25CU004443C
22. Closed Session - Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation - Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of section 54956.9: One (1) potential case
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to ADJOURN to Closed Session at 6:39 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
RECONVENED to Open Session at 7:06 p.m.
City Attorney Lyon reported the following actions:
• Item 20- Direction was given, no reportable action taken. • Item 22- Direction was given, no reportable action taken.
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 24th day of February, 2026, at 7:06 p.m., to Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 51 -
February 24, 2026
3:00 p.m.