JOINT MEETING OF THE & CAJOL
EL CAJON CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING
The Valley of Opportunity
AUTHORITYISUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE EL CAJON
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MINUTES
CITY OF EL CAJON
EL CAJON, CALIFORNIA
March 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, March 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: Goble, Kendrick, and Ortiz Council/Agencymembers absent: None
Deputy Mayor/Vice Chair present: Metschel
Mayor/Chair present:
Other Officers present: 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 March 10, 2026, meetings and the Agenda of the March 24, 2026, meeting in accordance with State Law and Ei Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Policy.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 24, 2026 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 60 - 3:00 p.m. tanagerichell introduced severewFiers started with enlan 3, 20205 and will be staffing the new Fire Engine 208
PRESENTATIONS:
• USDA Tree Grant Update
AGENDA CHANGES:
City Manager Mitchell recommended to consider the Joint Councilmember Report Item 17, Town Hall on Reducing Speeding Motorists, and Closed Session Item 20, Closed Session - Conference with Labor Negotiators pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6, to be heard after Public Comments.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to move the Joint
Councilmember Report Item 17, Town Hall on Reducing Speeding Motorists, and Closed Session Item 20, Closed Session - Conference with Labor Negotiators pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6, to be heard after Public Comments.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
CONSENT ITEMS: (1 - 7)
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to APPROVE Consent Items 1 to 7.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Minutes of El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Meetings
Approve Minutes of the March 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/ March 24, 2026 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 61 - 3:00 p.m.
CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
4. Acceptance of Overlay 2023 Project
Accept the Overlay 2023 project (233786PWCP), Bid No. 019-25; and Authorize the City Clerk to record a Notice of Completion and release the bonds in accordance with the contract terms.
5. 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Accept the 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report; and Directs staff to forward the report to the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI), the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG).
6. Classification specifications update for the Police Department's Communication Center
Approve and authorize the proposed classification specification updates for Police Dispatcher I, Police Dispatcher II, Police Dispatcher Supervisor, and Communication Center Manager.
7. Approval of Resolution to Authorize the Contract Amendment for Continued Assessment of Existing Box Culverts
Adopt Resolution No. 020-26, to authorize an amendment to the Agreement for Professional Services with Kleinfelder, Inc. (KI) for Continued Assessment of Existing Box Culverts in the not-to-exceed amount of $40,000, for work to be performed through and including December 17, 2026.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Paul Garibay spoke about a recent accident near East Washington Avenue and expressed concern about traffic safety.
Adam Reed, representing Mama's Kitchen, thanked Council for their continued support and for considering Mama's Kitchen as a recipient for grant funding. Mr. Reed also spoke about the services offered by Mama's Kitchen to the community.
Brenda Hammond spoke about ending the division of political parties and religions.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 24, 2026 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 62 - 3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT: (Continued)
Andre Smith spoke about having trouble getting information from the Police Department regarding a hit and run accident that he was involved in.
Mayor Wells responded that he would have staff reach out to schedule a meeting with Mr. Smith.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
Joint Councilmember Report, Item 17, was moved to be considered next on the agenda, as recommended during Agenda Changes.
JOINT COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
17. Town Hall on Reducing Speeding Motorists
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council directs staff to conduct a town hall meeting regarding motorist speeding by May 9, 2026.
DISCUSSION
Councilmembers Goble and Ortiz provided detailed information of the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the proposed timeline.
The following speakers spoke about traffic concerns near Jamacha Road and Gustavo Street, and in support of the purposed town hall:
Anita Stewardson
Laurie Debus
Diane Correia
• Paul Garibay
City Manager Mitchell suggested holding a City-wide townhall for speeding, as well as a neighborhood meeting with City staff for the residents near Jamacha Road and Gustavo Street.
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to hold a City-wide townhall for speeding, as well as a neighborhood meeting with City staff for the residents near Jamacha Road and Gustavo Street.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
oint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority March 24, 2026 uccessor Agency to the Redevelopment Agenc - 63- 3:00 p.m.
Closed Session, Item 20, was moved to be considered next on the agenda, as recommended during Agenda Changes.
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 Labor Negotiators pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives:
Graham Mitchell, City Manager
Vince DiMaggio, Assistant City Manager
Marisol Thorn, Deputy City Manager
Clay Schoen, Director of Finance
Jennifer Lyon, City Attorney
Employee Organizations:
El Cajon Municipal Employees Association
El Cajon Mid-Management and Professional Employees Group El Cajon Professional Firefighters International Association of Fire Fighters Local 4603 MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to ADJOURN to Closed Session at 3:50 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
RECONVENED to Open Session at 4:33 p.m.
City Attorney Lyon reported the following actions:
• Item 20 - Direction was given, no reportable action taken.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Public Hearing to Consider Appeal of the Planning Commission's Decision Denying a Request to Allow a Temporary Tent for More than 180 Days RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Opens the public hearing and receives testimony; and
2. Considers adoption of the next Resolution, in order, if denying the appeal.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 24, 2026 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 64 - 3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Item 8 - Continued)
DISCUSSION
Deputy Director of Development Services, Noah Alvey, provided a summary of the Item.
Fire Marshal, Ken King, spoke about the Fire Code and safety concerns regarding the temporary tent.
Mayor Wells opened the Public Hearing.
The following people spoke in support of denying the appeal:
• Karen Richards
• Al Paulus
• Arkan Somo
Bakhtar Aminzay, representing the Afghan Community Cultural Center, spoke in opposition of denying of the appeal.
In response to a question from Mayor Wells, Mr. Aminzay spoke about the funding for the permanent structure.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Vote of the Planning Commission;
• Applicants' future plans for the tent;
• Timeline for a permanent structure;
• Ownership of the building;
• Alternate locations;
• Parking concerns; and
• Support for the services offered at the location.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
MOTION BY KENDRICK, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to ADOPT Resolution No. 021-26, denying the appeal.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Councilmember Goble left the Chamber at 5:12 p.m.
oint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authorit March 24, 2026 uccessor Agency to the Redevelopment Agen - 65 - 3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Continued)
9. Public Hearing to Consider FY 2026-2027 One-Year Action Plan and Approval of Resolution to Adopt CDBG and HOME Funding Allocations
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Opens the Public Hearing;
2. Accepts public testimony for the draft FY 2026-2027 One-Year Action Plan;
3. Closes the public hearing;
4. Accepts staff recommendations for projects and programs using FY 2026-2027 Community Development Block Grant "CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership ("HOME") grant funds and other CDBG, HOME, and HOME- American Rescue Plan ("HOME-ARP"') prior year unallocated fund balances and carryover funds;
5. Authorizes staff to release the draft FY 2026-2027 One-Year Action Plan for a thirty-day review and comment period from April 1, 2026, to April 30, 2026;
6. Adopts the next Resolution, in order:
a. To approve an allocation of $300,000 in HOME funds to Crisis House for the implementation of a Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program; to approve the reauthorization and allocation of HOME funds for $900,000, or carryover fund balance, whichever is less, to the San Diego Housing Commission to continue administering the First Time Homebuyer Program;
b. To approve an allocation of $1,864,127 in HOME-ARP funds to Wakeland Housing for the production or preservation of affordable rental housing serving qualifying populations; and
c. Make the necessary changes to the One-Year Action Plans, authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the subrecipient and funding agreements and any other documentation required, and submit all required documentation to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") for activities that are described in the Resolution.
DISCUSSION
Senior Management Analyst, Deyanira Pelayo-Brito, provided a summary of the Item.
Mayor Wells opened the Public Hearing.
Skylar Phillips, representing the East County Transitional Living Center (ECTLC), spoke about ECTLC funding and explained that rooms reserved specifically for people who are homeless in El Cajon.
Rebecca Rader, representing Voices for Children, spoke about the Voices for Children program. Ms. Rader stated they submitted a grant request but were not included on the recommended funding list, and requested consideration should additional U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds become available.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 24, 2026 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 66- 3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Item 9 - Continued)
Andrea Ausland, representing Elder Help, spoke about the services offered through Elder Help and thanked the City Council for their support.
Estela De Los Rios, representing Center for Social Advocacy (CSA) San Diego County, spoke about the services offered through CSA and shared they recently received three federal grants which will allow them to expand their services.
Deputy Mayor Metschel and Councilmember Ortiz thanked Ms. De Los Rios for the support CSA has provided to El Cajon residents.
Tim Ray, representing Meals on Wheels, thanked City Council for considering Meals on Wheels for a grant and explained their services.
Councilmember Kendrick thanked Mr. Ray for the services offered through Meals on Wheels.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
Applicants who did not receive funding;
Wakeland affordable housing project;
First time home buyer program;
ECTLC funding; and
• HUD program.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (GOBLE - Absent).
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ACCEPT staff
recommendations for projects and programs using FY 2026-2027 Community Development Block Grant ("CDBG") and HOME Investment Partnership ("HOME") grant funds and other CDBG, HOME, and HOME- American Rescue Plan ("HOME-ARP") prior year unallocated fund
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (GOBLE - Absent).
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to AUTHORIZE staff to release the draft FY 2026-2027 One-Year Action Plan for a thirty-day review and comment period from April 1, 2026, to April 30, 2026.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (GOBLE - Absent).
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PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Item 9 - Continued)
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolution No. 022-26, to approve an allocation of $300,000 in HOME funds to Crisis House for the implementation of a Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program; to approve the reauthorization and allocation of HOME funds for $900,000, or carryover fund balance, whichever is less, to the San Diego Housing Commission to continue administering the First Time Homebuyer Program; and make the necessary changes to the One-Year Action Plans, authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the subrecipient and funding agreements and any other documentation required, and submit all required documentation to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD) for activities that are described in the Resolution.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (GOBLE - Absent).
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
10. Acceptance of Wells Park Pickleball Project
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Accepts the Wells Park Pickleball project (233793PWCP), Bid No. 022-25; and
2. Authorizes the City Clerk to record a Notice of Completion and release the bonds in accordance with the contract terms.
DISCUSSION
Principal Civil Engineer, Senan Kachi, provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METCHEL, to ACCEPT the Wells Park Pickleball project (233793PWCP), Bid No. 022-25; and Authorize the City Clerk to record a Notice of Completion and release the bonds in accordance with the contract terms.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (GOBLE - Absent).
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 24, 2026 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 68- 3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Continued)
11. Consideration of Resolution to Authorize the Acceptance, Appropriation, and Expenditure of the Fire Station No. 7 Renovation Grant Award RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, to:
1. Authorize the City Manager, or approved designee, to accept, appropriate, and expend grant funding as provided through the San Diego River Conservancy Proposition 4 - Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Fund Bond Act of 2024 grant program (SDRGP42504);
2. Authorize the City Manager, or approved designee, to execute the grant agreement and such other necessary documents, with the San Diego River Conservancy, to accept any awards of grants;
3. Appropriate and transfer $2.5 million of General Fund reserves to increase City Capital Improvement Program Fund appropriations; and
4. Appropriate $1,500,000 from the San Diego River Conservancy Grant (SDRGP42504) and $2,500,000 from the City Capital Improvement Program Fund (501590) for the Fire Station No. 7 Renovation capital improvement project (210051PWCP), and authorize the expenditure of these funds.
DISCUSSION
Principal Civil Engineer, Senan Kachi, provided detailed information of the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the use of general funds.
No public comment was received for the Item.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolution No. 023-26, Authorize the City Manager, or approved designee, to accept, appropriate, and expend grant funding as provided through the San Diego River Conservancy Proposition 4 - Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Fund Bond Act of 2024 grant program (SDRGP42504); Authorize the City Manager, or approved designee, to execute the grant agreement and such other necessary documents, with the San Diego River Conservancy, to accept any awards of grants; Appropriate and transfer $2.5 million of General Fund reserves to increase City Capital Improvement Program Fund appropriations; and Appropriate $1,500,000 from the San Diego River Conservancy Grant (SDRGP42504) and $2,500,000 from the City Capital Improvement Program Fund (501590) for the Fire Station No. 7 Renovation capital improvement project (210051PWCP), and authorize the expenditure of these funds.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (GOBLE - Absent).
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 24, 2026 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 69 - 3:00 p.m.
COMMISSION REPORTS: None
ACTIVITIES REPORTS/COMMENTS OF MAYOR WELLS:
SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments) Board of Directors.
12. Council Activities Report/Comments
Report as submitted.
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 - San Diego Military Working Group (non-voting Chair).
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
14. COUNCILMEMBER GARY KENDRICK
METRO Commission/Wastewater JPA; Heartland Communications; Heartland Fire Training JPA.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
15. 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
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 24, 2026 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 70 - 3:00 p.m.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS: (Continued)
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; SANDAG Board of Directors - Alternate.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
Item 17 was considered previously, as recommended during Agenda Changes.
JOINT COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
17. Town Hall on Reducing Speeding Motorists
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council directs staff to conduct a town hall meeting regarding motorist speeding by May 9, 2026.
GENERAL INFORMATION ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: None
ORDINANCES: FIRST READING
22. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 3.20 of the El Cajon Municipal Code for Bidding and Written Contracts
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council introduces and conducts the first reading of an Ordinance, by title only, to amend various sections of Chapter 3.20 of the El Cajon Municipal Code ("ECMC") related to Bidding and Written Contracts; and Directs the City Clerk to read the title of the Ordinance.
DISCUSSION
Director of Finance, Clay Schoen, provided a detailed information of the Item.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 24, 2026 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 71 - 3:00 p.m.
ORDINANCES: FIRST READING (Item 22 - Continued)
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METCHEL, to INTRODUCE an
Ordinance Amending Chapter 3.20 of the El Cajon Municipal Code for Bidding and Written Contracts; and Direct the City Clerk to read the Ordinance by title only.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (GOBLE - Absent).
The City Clerk recited the title of the ordinance for a first reading.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS
OF CHAPTER 3.20 OF TITLE 3 OF THE EL CAJON MUNICIPAL
CODE ADDRESSING BIDDING AND WRITTEN CONTRACTS
ORDINANCES: SECOND READING AND ADOPTION
CLOSED SESSIONS:
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency adjourns to Closed Session as follows:
19. 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
Item 20 was considered previously, as recommended during Agenda Changes.
20. Closed Session - Conference with Labor Negotiators pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives:
Graham Mitchell, City Manager
Vince DiMaggio, Assistant City Manager
Marisol Thorn, Deputy City Manager
Clay Schoen, Director of Finance
Jennifer Lyon, City Attorney
Employee Organizations:
El Cajon Municipal Employees Association
El Cajon Mid-Management and Professional Employees Group El Cajon Professional Firefighters International Association of Fire Fighters Local 4603 CLOSED SESSIONS: (Item 19 - Continued)
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 24, 2026 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 72- 3:00 p.m.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADJOURN to Closed Session at 5:58 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (GOBLE - Absent).
Councilmember Ortiz left the Closed Session room at 6:05 p.m.
RECONVENED to Open Session at 6:13 p.m.
City Attorney Lyon reported that Councilmember Ortiz recused himself, and the following actions:
• Item 19 - Direction was given, no reportable action taken.
Adjournment: Mayor Wells adjourned the Adjourned Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajon City Gouncil/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency held this 24th day of March, 2026, at 6:14 p.m., to Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
for: ANGHLAL. CORTEZ, CMO
City Clerk/Secretary
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ March 24, 2026 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 73- 3:00 p.m.