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
April 28, 2026
An Adjourned Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency, held Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 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: Goble, Kendrick, and Ortiz Council/Agencymembers absent: None
Deputy Mayor/Vice Chair present: Metschel
Mayor/Chair present: Wells
Other Officers present: DiMaggio, Assistant City Manager Thorn, Deputy City Manager
Lyon, City Attorney/General Counsel
Cortez, City Clerk/Secretary
Other Officers absent: Mitchell, City Manager/Executive Director PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG led by Mayor Wells and MOMENT OF SILENCE.
POSTINGS: The City Clerk posted Orders of Adjournment of the April 14, 2026, Meetings and the April 21, 2026, Town Hall Meeting, and the Agenda of the April 28, 2026, in accordance with State Law and El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Policy. oint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority April 28, 2026 uccessor Agency to the Redevelopment Agenc - 91 - 3:00 p.m.
PRESENTATIONS:
• Proclamation: National Firefighters Memorial Day
• Presentation: Water Safety & Drowning Prevention Month • Presentation: ECPD Making an Impact at Cajon Valley Union School District AGENDA CHANGES:
Assistant City Manager DiMaggio recommended to consider the Administrative Report Item 9, Consideration of Resolution to Approve the Mayor's Execution of a Special Counsel Legal Services Agreement, after the Closed Session Items.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to MOVE the Administrative Report Item 9, Consideration of Resolution to Approve the Mayor's Execution of a Special Counsel Legal Services Agreement, to be heard after the Closed Session Items.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
CONSENT ITEMS: (1 - 6)
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to APPROVE Consent Items 1 to 6.
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 April 14, 2026, Meetings, and the Town Hall Meeting of April 21, 2026, 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.
Approval of Reading Ordinances by Title Only
Approve the reading by title and waives the reading in full of all Ordinances on the Agenda.
Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Age uhoriy l April 28, 2026 - 92- 3:00 p.m.
CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
4. Approval of Resolution to Accept, Appropriate, and Expend SANDAG Grant for Parkway Plaza Specific Plan
Adopt Resolution No. 028-26, to authorize the acceptance, appropriation, and expenditure of $650,000 of SANDAG Transnet SGIP Grant funds to fund the Parkway Plaza Land-Use Plan.
5. Approval of Resolution to Accept, Appropriate, and Expend The Clean California Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway Grant
Adopt Resolution No. 029-26, to authorize the City Manager or designee to Execute any documents and agreements necessary for receipt of the Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway Grant; and Accept, appropriate, and expend the Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway Grant for $470,000 for graffiti and trash pickup.
6. Financial Considerations of Increased Claims Activity Increase Self-Insurance Fund (610) appropriations by $4.OM funded by estimated revenue ($3.OM) and fund balance ($1.OM); and Increase General Fund (101/ $1.6M), Gas Tax Fund (211/ $286,896), and Wastewater Fund (650/ $85,354) appropriations from fund balance and transfer for purposes described in this report.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Brenda Hammond spoke about supporting Law Enforcement, reminded Council that Election season is near and asked Council to treat people kindly.
Alan Nordholm, PhD thanked Councilmember Goble and staff for their help with an ssue near Lily Avenue and for working to improve Parkway Plaza. Mr. Nordholm also expressed concern about the lack of sidewalks between North First Street and North Second Street on Greenfield Drive.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
loint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority April 28, 2026 successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agenc - 93- 3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
7. Public Hearing to Consider an Adjustment to the SANDAG Regional Transportation Congestion Improvement Program (RTCIP) Fee RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Opens the Public Hearing and receives testimony;
2. Closes the Public Hearing; and
3. Adopts the next Resolution, in order, approving an adjustment to the Regional Transportation Congestion Improvement Program (RTCIP) Fee to the new amount of $3,109.88, for each newly-constructed residential unit.
DISCUSSION
City Engineer, Mario Sanchez, provided a summary 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 adoption of the RCIP fee being a contractual obligation for the City.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolution No. 030-26, approving an adjustment to the Regional Transportation Congestion Improvement Program (RTCIP) Fee to the new amount of $3,109.88, for each newly-constructed residential unit.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
8. Consideration of Petition to Create a Downtown Community Benefit District and Authorization of City Manager to Sign Petition
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council Authorizes the City Manager, or their designee, to vote "Yes" on the Downtown Community Benefit District petition.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 28, 202€ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 94 - 3:00 p.m ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 8 - Continued)
DISCUSSION
Senior Management Analyst, Nate Prescott, and Marco Li Mandri, representing the Downtown El Cajon Business Partners, Inc., provided detailed information of the Item.
Rich Riel spoke in opposition of the City signing the Downtown Community Benefit District petition. Mr. Riel requested the Downtown El Cajon Business Partners, Inc. to demonstrate transparency and measurable results, and recommended creating a Community Benefit District for Parkway Plaza.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Downtown El Cajon Property Based Improvement District (PBID) hired Mr. Li Mandri, not the City;
• As a property owner the City has a voting seat on the PBID; • City does not have a majority position;
• Future of the downtown district;
• Mr. Li Mandri's history of improving other downtown districts; • Specific purpose of this item; and
• Remaining steps to form a new PBID.
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to AUTHORIZE the City Manager, or their designee, to vote "Yes" on the Downtown Community Benefit District petition.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Administrative Report, Item 9, was moved to be heard after the Closed Session items on the agenda, as recommended during Agenda Changes.
9. Consideration of Resolution to Approve the Mayor's Execution of a Special Counsel Legal Services Agreement
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council consider the next Resolution, in order, to:
1. Approve a legal services agreement with Reden Riddell; and
2. Authorize the Mayor's execution of a legal services agreement.
COMMISSION REPORTS:
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 28, 2026 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 95 - 3:00 p.m.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS/COMMENTS OF MAYOR WELLS:
SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments) Board of Directors.
10. Council Activities Report/Comments
Report as submitted.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS:
COUNCILMEMBER STEVE GOBLE
MTS (Metropolitan Transit System Board); East County Advanced Water Puritication 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.
In addition to the submitted report, Councilmember Goble added that he completed the FBI Citizens Academy and state he was grateful for Federal Law Enforcement.
12. COUNCILMEMBER GARY KENDRICK
METRO Commission/Wastewater JPA; Heartland Communications; Heartland Fire Training JPA.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
13. 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/ April 28, 2026 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 96 - 3:00 p.m.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS: (Continued)
14. 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.
Councilmember Ortiz reported that he did not attend the BIA Summit on April 27, 2026.
JOINT COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
GENERAL INFORMATION ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:
ORDINANCES: FIRST READING
15. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Section 2.56.030 and Various Sections of Chapter 9.42 of Title 9 of the El Cajon Municipal Code Addressing Regulations for Bicycles, Electric Bicycles, Motorized Scooters, Scooters, Dockless Vehicles, and Skateboards
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council introduces and conducts the first reading of an Ordinance, by title only, to amend Section 2.56.030 and various sections of Chapter 9.42 of the El Cajon Municipal Code, regarding regulations for electric bicycles and motorized scooters in City Parks; and directs the City Clerk to read the title of the Ordinance.
DISCUSSION
Director of Parks and Recreation, Adam Tronerud, provided a detailed information of the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Including consequences on information pamphlets;
• Creating a safe space to ride electric bikes;
Bike rodeos at schools;
Surveillance at parks;
Damages to property; and
• Pedestrian safety.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 28, 2026 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 97 - 3:00 p.m.
ORDINANCES: FIRST READING (Item 15 - Continued)
Brenda Hammond spoke about how the problem is not unique to El Cajon and acknowledged that the problem includes adults, not just children.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to INTRODUCE and
conduct the first reading of an Ordinance, by title only, to amend Section 2.56.030 and various sections of Chapter 9.42 of the El Cajon Municipal Code, regarding regulations for electric bicycles and motorized scooters in City Parks; and directs the City Clerk to read the title of the Ordinance.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
The City Clerk recited the title of the ordinance for a first reading.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2.56.030 AND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 9.42 OF TITLE 9 OF THE EL CAJON MUNICIPAL CODE ADDRESSING
REGULATIONS FOR BICYCLES, ELECTRIC BICYCLES, MOTORIZED SCOOTERS,
SCOOTERS, DOCKLESS VEHICLES, AND SKATEBOARDS
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:
16. Closed Session - Conference with Labor Negotiators pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives:
Jennifer Lyon, City Attorney
Vince DiMaggio, Assistant City Manager
Marisol Thorn, Deputy City Manager
Clay Schoen, Director of Finance
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
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 28, 2026 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 98 - 3:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSIONS: (Continued)
17. 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
18. Closed Session - Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation - Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2) (1 case); Existing facts and circumstances pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9 (e)(1)
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADJOURN to Closed Session at 4:20 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
RECONVENED to Open Session at 5:30 p.m.
City Attorney Lyon reported the following actions:
Item 16 - Direction was given, no reportable action taken.
Item 17 - The majority of the City Council voted to initiate litigation.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY GOBLE, to INITIATE litigation.
MOTION CARRIED BY 3 - 2 VOTE
(METSCHEL AND KENDRICK - No).
• Item 18 - Direction was given, no reportable action taken.
Administrative Report, Item 9, was moved to be considered next on the agenda, as recommended during Agenda Changes.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
9. Consideration of Resolution to Approve the Mayor's Execution of a Special Counsel Legal Services Agreement
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council consider the next Resolution, in order, to:
1. Approve a legal services agreement with Reden Riddell; and
2. Authorize the Mayor's execution of a legal services agreement.
DISCUSSION
City Attorney Lyon provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
oint Meetina: El Caion City Council/Housina Authoritv/ April 28, 2026 uccessor Agencv to the Redevelopment Agenc - 99 - 3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 9 - Continued)
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY GOBLE, to ADOPT Resolution No. 031- 20, to Approve a legal services agreement with Reden Riddell; and Authorize the Mayor's execution of a legal services agreement.
MOTION CARRIED BY 3 - 2 VOTE
(METSCHEL AND KENDRICK - No).
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 28th day of April, 2026, at 5:32 p.m., to Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
If cafeg
ANGELA L. CORTEZ, CMC
City Clerk/Secretary
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ April 28, 2026 Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 100 - 3:00 p.m.