I 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
May 12, 2026
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A Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency, held Tuesday, May 12, 2026, was called to order by Mayor/Chair Bill Wells at 2:58 p.m., in the El Cajon Police Department's Community Room, 100 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 April 28, 2026, meetings and the Agenda of the May 12, 2026, meetings 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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May 12, 2026
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PRESENTATIONS:
• Proclamation: National Public Works Week
AGENDA CHANGES: None
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 April 28, 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.
4. Approval of Resolution Authorizing Contract Amendment Change Order 2 for Bid No. 030-24 - Neighborhood Street Lights Project
Adopts Resolution No. 032-26, to amend the scope of work and increase the compensation for the Public Works Contract with T&M Electric, Inc. dba Perry Electric in the not-to-exceed amount of $101,465.
5. Adoption of Ordinance to Amend Section 2.56.030 and Various Sections of Chapter 9.42 of Title 9 of the El Cajon Municipal Code
Adopt Ordinance No. 5176, to amend Section 2.56.030 arid various sections of Chapter
9.42 of the El Cajon Municipal Code, regarding regulations for electric bicycles and motorized scooters in City Parks.
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CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
6. Approval of Resolution Approving and Adopting the FY 2026-2027 One Year Action Plan, Acceptance of Annual Allocations (CDBG and HOME) and Minor Adjustments and Amendments
1. Receive and approve the final funding recommendations for the FY 2026-2027 One Year Action Plan; and
2. Adopt Resolution No. 033-296:
a. Approving and adopting the FY 2026-2027 One Year Action Plan; b. Authorizing the City Manager or designee to submit the final version of the plan to HUD, with such changes and adjustments necessary for HUD approval;
c. Authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute all documents and agreements necessary to finalize the plan, projects and programs as detailed in this report;
d. Accepting, appropriating, and expending the FY 2026-2027 allocations from HUD for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) programs, as well as carryover of prior year funds, detailed in this report and in Attachments 1 and 2; e. Modifying the current year appropriations as detailed in the report; and f. Allocating, appropriating, and expending $22,865 in CDBG Program Income for administrative costs (C1116) and 2026-2027 ADA/Concrete Improvement Program (CXXXX/273974ESCP) and $199,194.68 in HOME Program Income for administrative costs (H1120) and Wakeland Housing Acquisition/Rehab Affordable Housing Project (HXXXX) in Fiscal Year 2025-2026, as detailed in this report.
7. Approval of Resolution to Authorize the Acceptance, Appropriation, and Expenditure of the El Cajon Boulevard Streetscape Phase 2 Grant Award Adopt Resolution No. 034-26, to:
1. Authorize the City Manager, or approved designee, to accept, appropriate, and expend grant funding as provided through the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) TransNet Smart Growth Incentive Program - Cycle 6 for the El Cajon Boulevard Streetscape Phase 2 project;
2. Authorize the City Manager, or approved designee, to execute other necessary documents with SANDAG to accept any awards of grants; and
3. Appropriate $2,712,275 from the SANDAG TransNet Smart Growth Incentive Program - Cycle 6 Grant (SGIP-EL44), $168,225 from Local TransNet EL03 Asphalt Overlay, and $167,000 from Local TransNet EL 11 Sidewalk funds to the Main Street Green Street Phase 2 project (243830PWCP), and authorize the expenditure of these funds.
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May 12, 2026
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CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
8. Monthly Treasurer's Report for the period ended March 31, 2026 Receive the Monthly Treasurer's Report for the period ended March 31, 2026.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Jerry spoke about an abandoned house near his home that is causing vermin problems and fire concerns. Jerry also spoke about an issue with his property line.
Sue Mayberry, representing Trauma Intervention Programs {TIP), stated that TIP would like to partner with the City and spoke about the services offered by the TIP program.
Michael R. Hirman, representing the Sons of the American Revolution, spoke about having a Liberty Tree planted in the City with a plaque.
Ashkon Jones, representing Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins and California State Assembly District 79, spoke in opposition of the City's lawsuit against the State of California, regarding SB-54.
Sascha Oemick spoke about an issue with a collapsed lateral sewer line and requested assistance and guidance on what could be done about the situation.
City Manager Mitchell confirmed that the City requires the property owner to be responsible for their lateral sewer line. Mr. Mitchell explained that the City would have to raise rates to cover the expenses, and to have funds available for those repairs, if the City took on that responsibility. Mr. Mitchell added that there are homeowners insurance policies that could cover sewer laterals.
In response to a suggestion by Councilmember Goble, Mr. Oemick stated he does not quality for the City's low-income grant programs and that homeowners insurance would only cover a portion of the repairs.
Mayor Wells stated that he would look into the matter.
Brenda spoke about pace cars bating drivers to speed. Brenda added that she enjoyed the Republican Women's meeting at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum.
Retired Captain Jeff Lashmet of the El Cajon Fire Department stated he wanted to file a grievance and complaint against the Human Resources Department and the City Manager. Capt. Lashmet spoke about trouble he has had with CalPERS regarding a disability claim. He added that he would like the opportunity to address the Personnel Commission.
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PUBLIC COMMENT: (Continued)
City Manager Mitchell explained that the Personnel Commission does not have purview over this matter. Mr. Mitchell explained that if Council would like to review the matter further it would need to be done through a performance review of the City Manager.
In response to a question from Mayor Wells, City Manager Mitchell clarified that CalPERS denied Capt. Lashmet's hearing and the City has no control over CalPERS.
Capt. Lashmet stated that CalPERS' decision was based on information provided by City staff and that he would like that information reviewed.
Mayor Wells stated that Council cannot make a decision on something that was not on the agenda.
WRITT EN COMMUNICATIONS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
9. Public Hearing to Consider Approval of Resolution . to Confirm Delinquent Refuse/Recycling Collection Charges
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Opens the Public Hearing and receives public testimony;
2. Closes the Public Hearing;
3. Adopts the next Resolution, in order, to confirm the list of property owners as delinquent in the payment of their mandatory refuse/recycling service bills; and
4. Authorizes the City Clerk to record the amount owed for each account as a lien on the respective property and forward the list to the County Tax Assessor for billing on the next property tax bill.
DISCUSSION
Deputy Director of Public Works Operations, Aaron Jones, introduced representatives from EDCO and 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 how unpaid refuse bills are added to property taxes through a lien.
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May 12, 2026
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PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Item 9 - Continued)
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to ADOPT Resolution No. 035- 26A and 035-26-B, to confirm the list of property owners as delinquent in the payment of their mandatory refuse/recycling service bills; and Authorize the City Clerk to record the amount owed for each account as a lien on the respective property and forward the list to the County Tax Assessor for billing on the next property tax bill.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
10. Public Hearing to Consider Approval of Resolution to Amend the Schedule of Miscellaneous Fees
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, to modify certain existing fees, add and delete certain fees, and amend the City's Schedule of Miscellaneous Fees.
DISCUSSION
City Attorney Lyon, 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 user fees, which do not need to be voted on by the public.
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. 036-26, to modify certain existing fees, add and delete certain fees, and amend the City's Schedule of Miscellaneous Fees.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
11. Update and Discussion of City Reserve Funds
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receives and discusses the report.
DISCUSSION
Director of Finance , Clay Shoen, provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Replacement of fleet vehicles;
• Grant funds;
• Capital improvement Projects ;
• Wastewater funds;
• Condition of the wastewater system;
• State mandated electric vehicle replacement;
• Funding for new vehicles ;
• Borrowing funds from other fund categories;
• Cuts to personnel;
• Use of reserves for one-time expenditures; and
• Economic uncertainty .
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to RECEIVE the report.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Remainder of page intentionally left blank.
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May 12, 2026
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Continued)
12. Consideration to Adopt Resolution of Intention to Amend the CalPERS Contract and Introduction of First Reading of Ordinance Amending the CalPERS Contract RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Adopts the next Resolution, in order, approving the intention to amend the contract between the City of El Cajon (City) and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide cost sharing of an additional contribution of one percent for the El Cajon Police Officers' Association (POA), El Cajon Police Officers' Association Management Group (POA MG), and unrepresented Police Executive Management CalPERS Classic members, as allowed by Government Code section 20516;
2. Introduces the next Ordinance, in order, approving an amendment to the contract between the City and CalPERS to provide cost sharing of an additional contribution of one percent for the POA, POA MG, and unrepresented Police Executive Management CalPERS Classic members, under Government Code section 20516;
3. Directs the City Clerk to read the Ordinance by title only; and
4. Directs the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance to be placed on the June 9, 2026, City Council agenda.
DISCUSSION
Deputy City Manager, Marisol Thorn , provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolution No. 037-26, approving the intention to amend the contract between the City of El Cajon (City) and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide cost sharing of an additional contribution of one percent for the El Cajon Police Officers' Association (POA), El Cajon Police Officers' Association Management Group (POA MG), and unrepresented Police Executive Management CalPERS Classic members, as allowed by Government Code section 20516.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 12 - Continued)
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to INTRODUCE the next Ordinance, in order, approving an amendment to the contract between the City and CalPERS to provide cost sharing of an additional contribution of one percent for the POA, POA MG, and unrepresented Police Executive Management CalPERS Classic members, under Government Code section 20516 and Directs the City Clerk to read the Ordinance by title only.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
City Attorney Lyon announced that the Amendment to the CalPERS contract which was provided to Council, staff, and the public at the meeting, would be attached as an exhibit in to the Ordinance .
The City Clerk recited the title of the ordinance for a first reading.
A RESOLUTION OF INTENTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF EL CAJON TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT
TO CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT
SYSTEM AND THE CITY OF EL CAJON
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to DIRECT the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance to be placed on the June 9, 2026, City Council agenda.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
COMMISSION REPORTS: None
ACTIVITIES REPORTS/COMMENTS OF MAYOR WELLS:
SAN DAG (San Diego Association of Governments) Board of Directors
13. Council Activities Report/Comments
Report as submitted .
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May 12, 2026
3:00 p.m.
ACTIVITI ES 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; SANDAG - Board of Directors - Alternate.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
In addition to the submitted report, Councilmember Goble announced that the Advanced Water Purification project is expected to go online early next year, and there is a MTS meeting on Thursday, May 14, 2026, to discuss how to handle people who are not paying the fair to ride the trolly.
15. COUNCILMEMBER GARY KENDRICK
METRO Commission/Wastewater JPA; Heartland Communications ; Heartland Fire Training JPA.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
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; SAN DAG Board of Directors - Alternate .
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
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May 12, 2026
3:00 p.m.
11 JOINT COUNCILMEM BER REPORTS: None
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GENERAL INFORMATION ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: None
ORDINANCES: FIRST READING - None
ORDINANCES: SECOND READING AND ADOPTION - None
CLOSED SESSIONS: None
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 May, 2026, at 4:38 p.m., to Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
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City Clerk/Secretary
May 12, 2026
3:00 p.m.