l JOINT MEETING OF THE
EL CAJON CITY COUNCIL/HOUSIN G
AUTHORITY/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE EL CAJON
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MINUTES
CITY OF EL CAJON
EL CAJON, CALIFORNIA
May 26, 2026
The Valley o/0pportu11/ty
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An Adjourned Regular Joint Meeting of the El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency, held Tuesday, May 26, 2026, was called to order by Mayor/Chair Bill Wells at 3:00 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, and Kendrick
Ortiz
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 May 12, 2026, meetings and the Agenda of the May 26, 2026, 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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May 26, 2026
3:00 p.m.
PRESENTATIONS:
• TEDxKidsEICajon
• Youth of the Year Award
AGENDA CHANGES: None
CONS ENT ITEMS: (1 - 8)
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to APPROVE Consent Items 1 to 8.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (ORTIZ - Absent).
1. Minutes of El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Meetings
Approve Minutes of the May 12, 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 Resolutions to Award Bid No. 002-27 - Sewer & Storm Drain Pipe Rehabilitation and Approve Plans & Specifications
Adopt Resolution No. 038-26, to Approve Plans and Specifications for Sewer & Storm Drain Pipe Rehabilitation, Bid No. 002-27; and Adopt Resolution No. 039-29, to Award the bid to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Vortex Services, LLC dba Sancon Technologies (ST), in the amount of $1,685,564 , with the option to renew for four additional one-year periods with findings as listed in the Resolution.
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3:00 p.m.
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CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
5. Approval of Resolution Authorizing Filing of a Grant Application for the San Diego Association of Governments (SAN DAG) Flexible Fleets Pilot Program Adopt Resolution No. 040-26, authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to submit a grant application for the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Flexible Fleets Grant program and execute grant agreements with SANDAG as necessary following award of the grant.
6. Approval of Resolutions to Award Bid No. 024-26 - Apparatus Bay Door Replacement for the Cities of El Cajon & La Mesa and Approve Plans & Specifications:
Adopt Resolution No. 041-26, to Approve Plans and Specifications for Apparatus Bay Door Replacement for the cities of El Cajon and La Mesa, Bid No. 024-26; and Adopt Resolution No. 042-26, to Award the bid to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, GMAT, Inc. dba Inland Door Overhead Company (IDODC), in the amount of $1 ,293,000 with the findings and contingencies set forth in the Resolution, and appropriate $71,500 of City Capital Improvement Fund (501) fund balance to increase the budget for the Fire Station Bay Doors (263973PWCP) project.
7. Approval of Resolution Authorizing Traffic Collision Vehicle Replacements Adopt Resolution No. 043-26, to Authorize the replacement of a Ford Explorer unit #42094 and a Ford F-150 unit #42075; and Appropriate $270,000 from the Vehicle Replacement Fund balance to the City's Vehicle-Equipment Replacement account.
8. Contribution to Miss El Cajon Pageant Organization
Approve a contribution in the amount of $2,500 to the Miss El Cajon Pageant Organization.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Maryann Ostermeyer spoke about her history in El Cajon, as well as changes to the City's demographics, immigration, and the burden on Police Officers.
Mike spoke about the importance of having public restrooms available for those with special needs and children.
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May 26, 2026
3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT: (Continued)
Retired Captain Jeff Lashmet of the El Cajon Fire Department asked for a response to his request at the previous Council meeting to address the Personnel Commission.
Mayor Wells explained the chain of command, and explained that Deputy City Manager Thorn and City Manager Mitchell have advised it is not necessary to allow Capt.
Lashmet to address the Personnel Commission.
Capt. Lashmet advised that he has followed the chain of command and his request was denied.
In response to a question from Mayor Wells, Capt. Lashmet stated that he wants the Personnel Commission to review his appeal.
Sascha Oemick spoke about fair sewer lateral reform and expressed concern about the number of homeowners and businessowners who are unaware of their responsibility.
Mr. Oemick advocated for clear policy disclosure, transparency, and education for the public regarding sewer laterals.
Mayor Wells responded that this issue seems to be impacting many cities and suggested seeking support from Senator Brian Jones and assistance through the state.
Councilmember Goble spoke in support of providing educational materials to the public regarding sewer laterals.
Brenda Hammond thanked Hyundai of El Cajon for servicing her vehicle and stated she is excited for the summer concerts to start. Ms. Hammond also spoke in support of having public restrooms available.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
9. Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of Resolution to Approve the Proposed 2027 Five-Year Program of Projects for the SANDAG Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP)
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, for the adoption of the Proposed 2027 Five Year Program of Projects for the SAN DAG Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP).
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May 26, 2026
3:00 p.m.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Item 9 - Continued)
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.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (ORTIZ - Absent).
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolution No. 044-26, for the adoption of the Proposed 2027 Five Year Program of Projects for the SANDAG Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP).
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (ORTIZ - Absent).
10. Public Hearing to Consider CEQA Exemption, Planned Unit Development, and Tentative Subdivision Map for an 11-Unit Residential Project 1426 Granite Hills Drive
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. 2025-0002, subject to conditions; and
5. Moves to adopt the next Resolution, in order, APPROVING Tentative Subdivision Map No. 2025-0017, subject to conditions.
DISCUSSION
Associate Planner, Spencer Hayes-Flores, provided a summary of the Item.
Mayor Wells opened the Public Hearing.
In response to a question by Councilmember Goble, Mr. Hayes-Flores indicated that the neighbor's solar panels should not be impacted by this project.
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May 26, 2026
3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Item 10 - Continued)
Travis Lyon introduced himself as the president of real estate operations for Priest Development Corporation. Mr. Lyon thanked Council for their consideration of the project and stated that he was available for questions.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (ORTIZ - Absent).
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolution No. 045-26, APPROVING the CEQA Determination of Exemption.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (ORTIZ - Absent).
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY METSCHEL , to ADOPT Resolution No. 046-26, APPROVING Planned Unit Development No. 2025-0002, subject to conditions.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (ORTIZ - Absent).
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolution No. 047-26, Moves to adopt the next Resolution, in order, APPROVING Tentative Subdivision Map No. 2025-0017, subject to conditions.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (ORTIZ - Absent).
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
11. Funding Commitment for the East County Revolving Loan Fund RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Increases the Fiscal Year 2026 Economic Development (101112) appropriations by $300,000 from General Fund Carryover Reserves; and
2. Authorizes an expenditure of the funds to the Empower East County Business Revolving Loan Fund as detailed in the report.
DISCUSSION
Senior Management Analyst, Nate Prescott, introduced Matt Sanford and Alex Eberhardt, members of the East County Economic Development Council, and provided detailed information of the Item.
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ADMINISTRATIV E REPORTS: (Item 11 - Continued)
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Contributions from other participating cities;
• County has not committed to a contribution;
• Benefits to the City through sales and property taxes; • Investing in local businesses ;
• City's previous Business Beautification Grant;
• One-time investments versus revolving loans;
• Support for businesses to ensure success ;
• Return on investment metrics;
• Underwriting criteria and interest rates;
• Avoiding gifts of public funds;
• One time contribution from the City;
• No guarantee of loans being awarded to El Cajon businesses ; • Excluding County businesses ;
• Determining who would receive the loans;
• State of the economy; and
• Deadline to participate in the proposed program .
No public comment was received for the Item.
MOTION BY METSCHEL, SECOND BY WELLS, to DIRECT the Economic Development Council and City staff to contact the other participants regarding their contributions and return to Council within one month for re-evaluation.
COMMISSION REPORTS: None
MOTION CARRIED BY 3 - 1 VOTE
(GOBLE - No, ORTIZ - Absent).
ACTIVITIES REPORTS/COMMENTS OF MAYOR WELLS:
SAN DAG (San Diego Association of Governments) Board of Directors.
12. Council Activities Report/Comments
Report as submitted.
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May 26, 2026
3:00 p.m.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS:
13. 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 .
Council Activities ReporUComments.
In addition to the submitted report, Councilmember Goble added that he attended the Legion 303 Memorial Day Ceremony on May 25, 2026.
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 ReporUComments.
Report as submitted.
16. 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.
JOINT COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: None
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3:00 p.m.
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GENERAL INFORMATION ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: None
ORDINANCES: FIRST READING - None
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:
17. Closed Session - Conference with Labor Negotiators pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives:
Graham Mitchell, City Manager
Jennifer Lyon, City Attorney
Vince DiMaggio, Assistant City Manager
Marisol Thorn, Deputy City Manager
Clay Schoen, Director of Finance
Unrepresented Employees:
City Manager, and Executive, Unrepresented and Confidential Employees under City
Council Policy A-29
Employee Organizations:
El Cajon Professional Firefighters
El Cajon Municipal Employees Association'
El Cajon Mid-Management and Professional Employees Group
18. Closed Session - Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation - pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9:
Bassam Rihan v. City of El Cajon; WC Claim Nos. 24016844 & 25020750 MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADJOURN to Closed Session at 4:46 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (ORTIZ - Absent) .
RECONVENED to Open Session at 5:34 p.m.
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May 26, 2026
3:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSIONS: (Continued)
City Attorney Lyon reported the following actions:
• Item 17 - Direction was given, no reportable action taken. • Item 18 - 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 26th day of May, 2026, at 5:35 p.m., to Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
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1L~c
City Clerk/Secretary
May 26, 2026
3:00 p.m.