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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
June 9, 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, June 9, 2026, was called to order by Mayor/Chair Bill Wells at 3:08 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 absent:
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 Deputy Mayor Metschel and MOMENT OF SILENCE.
POSTINGS: The City Clerk posted Orders of Adjournment of the May 26, 2026, meeting and the Agenda of the June 9, 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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June 9, 2026
3:00 p.m.
PRESENTATIONS: None
AGENDA CHANGES:
City Manager Mitchell recommended removing Administrative Report, Item 12 - Consideration to Approve Resolution of Intent to Establish a Downtown El Cajon Community Benefit District; Authorization for City Manager or Designee to vote "Yes" on the ballot; and Acceptance of the Management District Plan and the Engineer's Report, and shared that it will be presented at a future meeting.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to REMOVE
Administrative Report, Item 12 - Consideration to Approve Resolution of Intent to Establish a Downtown El Cajon Community Benefit District; Authorization for City Manager or Designee to vote "Yes" on the ballot; and Acceptance of the Management District Plan and the Engineer's Report from the agenda.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (WELLS - Absent).
CONSENT ITEMS: (1 - 9)
1. Minutes of El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Meetings
Approve Minutes of the May 26, 2026, Meeting 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.
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June 9, 2026
3:00 p.m.
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CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
4. General Municipal Election - November 3, 2026
1. Adopt Resolution No. 048-26, Calling and Giving notice of the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election for the election of Mayor, and one (1) Member of the City Council of the City of El Cajon for District No. 1, for complete four-year terms to expire December 2030;
2. Adopt Resolution No. 049-26, requesting the County Board of Supervisors to consolidate the General Municipal Election with the Statewide General Election on November 3, 2026;
3. Adopt Resolution No. 050-26, adopting regulations for candidates calling for prepayment for a 200-word Candidate's Statement; and
4. Adopt Resolution No. 051-26, adopting regulations to resolve a tie vote for the City Council Election by lot.
5. Monthly Treasurer's Report for the period ended April 30, 2026 Receive the Monthly Treasurer's Report for the period ended April 30, 2026.
Pulled for comments by a member of the public.
6. Approval of Resolution to Authorize a Contract Amendment for Bid No. 017-21 - Debris Collection Services
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, to:
1. Increase compensation for the current and final term of the contract in the not to exceed amount of $1,108.22; and
2. Extend the current agreement with Urban Corps of San Diego County (UCSDC) for three-months in the not-to-exceed amount of $32,439.82.
Remainder of page intentionally left blank.
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June 9, 2026
3:00 p.m.
CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
Pulled for comments by a member of the public.
7. 2025 Operation Stonegarden Grant (OPSG) - Funded by the Office of Homeland Security
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, to:
1. Authorize the City Manager or designee to accept the FY 2025 Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) grant funds in the amount of $150,000;
2. Authorize the City Manager, or approved designee, to execute any grant documents and agreements necessary for the receipt and use of these funds; and
3. Appropriate grant funds in the amount of $150,000 to reimburse the El Cajon Police Department for overtime ($142,440), fringe benefits ($5,795), and mileage ($1 ,765) while participating in OPSG coordinated operations.
Pulled for comments by a member of the public.
8. Adoption of the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) List of Proposed Projects for FY 2026-27
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Adopts the next Resolution, in order, adopting the proposed List of Projects to be funded from the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) Local Streets and Roads Funding Program for Fiscal Year 2026-27; and
2. Directs City staff to submit to the California Transportation Commission (CTC) a list of proposed projects to receive RMRA funding for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
Pulled for comments by a member of the public.
9. Approval of Resolution to Authorize the Contract Amendment for Survey, Mapping, and Right-of-Way Easement at Grossmont Terrace RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, to authorize an amendment to the Agreement for Professional Services with Glenn A. Rick Engineering and Development Co. dba Rick Engineering Company (REC) for Survey, Mapping, & Right of-Way Easement at Grossmont Terrace in the not-to-exceed amount of $81 ,782.45, for work to be performed through and including May 12, 2027.
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CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
DISCUSSION ON ITEMS 6, 7, 8, AND 9
Cesar B. Javier spoke about environmental concerns due to urban planning and in support of working together for the benefit of all members of society.
Mayor Wells entered the room at 3: 12 p.m.
6. Approval of Resolution to Authorize a Contract Amendment for Bid No. 017-21 - Debris Collection Services
Adopt Resolution No. 052-26, to Increase compensation for the current and final term of the contract in the not to exceed amount of $1 ,108.22; and Extend the current agreement with Urban Corps of San Diego County (UCSDC) for three-months in the not-to-exceed amount of $32,439.82
7. 2025 Operation Stonegarden Grant (OPSG) - Funded by the Office of Homeland Security •
Adopt Resolution No. 053-26, to Authorize the City Manager or designee to accept the FY 2025 Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) grant funds in the amount of $150,000 ; Authorize the City Manager, or approved designee, to execute any grant documents and agreements necessary for the receipt and use of these funds; and Appropriate grant funds in the amount of $150,000 to reimburse the El Cajon Police Department for overtime ($142,440), fringe benefits ($5,795), and mileage ($1,765) while participating in OPSG coordinated operations.
8. Adoption of the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) List of Proposed Projects for FY 2026-27
Adopt Resolution No. 054-26, adopting the proposed List of Projects to be funded from the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) Local Streets and Roads Funding Program for Fiscal Year 2026-27; and Directs City staff to submit to the California Transportation Commission (CTC) a list of proposed projects to receive RMRA funding for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
9. Approval of Resolution to Authorize the Contract Amendment for Survey, Mapping, and Right-of-Way Easement at Grossmont Terrace Adopt Resolution No. 055-26, to authorize an amendment to the Agreement for Professional Services with Glenn A. Rick Engineering and Development Co. dba Rick Engineering Company (REC) for Survey, Mapping, & Right-of-Way Easement at Grossmont Terrace in the not-to-exceed amount of $81,782.45, for work to be performed through and including May 12, 2027.
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June 9, 2026
3:00 p.m.
CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
MOTION · BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to APPROVE Consent Items 1 to 9.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
PUBLIC COMMENT :
Purita A. Javier spoke in support of good governance, which requires working together in order to achieve the health and wellbeing of its citizens.
Cesar B. Javier spoke in support of environmental justice and raised concerns about health-related issues due to industrial businesses.
Brenda Hammond spoke about the Music on Main event on Friday, June 5, 2026 and requested a T-shirt from Heartland Fire representing the El Cajon Fire Fighters.
Rachel Rose Swankohski spoke about the moral and ethical concerns regarding digital coupons and senior citizens. Ms. Swankohski requested the City Council to adopt a grocery pricing transparency ordinance, to promote grocery pricing fairness.
Rich Riel expressed concerns about a December 9, 2024 meeting and an RFP that was issued the same day for a new management company for the Downtown El Cajon Property-Based Improvement District (PBID). Mr. Riel spoke about a lack of transparency and missing documents from the PBID.
Howard Justus requested the City Council to consider changing regulations related to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU).
Patrick Farrier spoke in opposition of the brown-outs proposed for Heartland's squad 6.
Mr. Farrier spoke about the dedication of Fire Fighters to do their job and the impacts that a brown out would have on Fire Fighters.
Ronnie Reyes spoke about the City's policy regarding the replacement of sewer laterals being the responsibility of the homeowner, and requested the City Council to review that policy.
In response to a question by Mayor Wells, City Manager Mitchell stated that Poway is the only city in San Diego County that covers the replacement of sewer laterals from the main to the private property line.
Sasha Omeck spoke about his review of sewer line policies in California and requested to have an item placed on a future meeting in order for Council review the City's sewer lateral policy.
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Retired Captain Jeff Lashmet requested to address the Personnel Commission and spoke about the City's grievance policy. Ret. Capt. Lashmet provided a grievance to Deputy City Manager Thorn.
Mina Naoomy, representing EmpowermentOne RiseOne, spoke about the importance of properly identifying Middle Eastern and North African citizens in official data.
Dr. Ryan Fan, representing the Majdal Arab Community Center, spoke in support of a data initiative that would allow for a more accurate representation of Arab American comminutes in census records.
Osama Bayati announced that he is planning on running for El Cajon City Councilmember for District One, and expressed concerns about the PBID and the proposed Community Benefit District (CBD).
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
10. Neighborhood Traffic Calming Update
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receives the report and provides feedback and direction on implementation recommendations.
DISCUSSION
City Manager Mitchell provided detailed information of the Item.
Brenda Hammond spoke about speed monitoring cameras and added that drivers slow down when they are near her on the road.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Highway designation near Second Street and Jamacha Road; • Avoiding penalizing drivers who are not speeding;
• Rumble strips;
• Implementing guardrails; and
• Impacts to homeowners' associations policies near Jamacha Road.
No Motion required for the Item.
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June 9, 2026
3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Continued)
11. Assembly Bill 2561 Presentation: City Vacancies , Recruitment, and Retention Efforts
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receives the report.
DISCUSSION
Human Resources Manager, Megan Blake, provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Paid training for paramedic schooling;
• Schedule accommodations during training;
• No obligation of employment after paramedic schooling; and • Number of Fire Fighter positions.
Recess called at 4:25 p.m.
Meeting called back to order at 4:28 p.m.
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to RECEIVE the report.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Item 12 was removed from the agenda during Agenda Changes.
12. Consideration to Approve Resolution of Intent to Establish a Downtown El Cajon Community Benefit District; Authorization for City Manager or Designee to vote "Yes" on the ballot; and Acceptance of the Management District Plan and the Engineer's Report
RECOMMENDATION :
That the City Council:
1. Receives report and petition drive results;
2. Adopts the next Resolution, in order, to approve the Resolution of Intent to set a public hearing and direct the ballots to be mailed to affected property owners, and authorize the City Manager or designee to vote "Yes" on the City's ballot in support for the creation of the Downtown El Cajon Community Benefit District; and
3. Accepts the Management District Plan and the Engineer's Report for the Proposed CBD.
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June 9, 2026
3:00 p.m.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Continued)
13. Consideration of Resolution to Approve Award of Permanent Local Housing Allocation funding for Homeless Services
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, to:
1. Approve the funding recommendations from the Ad-Hoc Committee (see Attachment: Memorandum) to award service contracts to two agencies using Permanent Local Housing Allocation ("PLHA") funding from the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development ("HCD");
2. Authorize the City Manager, or such person designated by the City Manager, to enter into an agreement with Family Health Centers of San Diego for homeless street outreach services, in an amount not to exceed $500,000 for a 2-year term;
3. Authorize the City Manager, or such person designated by the City Manager, to enter into an agreement with the San Diego Rescue Mission for the operation of an Emergency Shelter/Navigation Center, in an amount not to exceed $210,261.84 for a 2-year term; and
4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to make any necessary updates and sign any necessary agreements or amendments needed to obligate and expend PLHA funding.
DISCUSSION
Housing Manager, Jose Dorado, provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• South County Lighthouse located in National City;
• Family Health Center;
• Homeless Outreach Team will be guiding the services provided; and • Benefits of including a health care provider with the outreach services.
Remainder of page intentionally left blank.
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June 9, 2026
3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 13 - Continued)
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolution No. 056-26, to Approve the funding recommendations from the Ad-Hoc Committee (see Attachment: Memorandum) to award service contracts to two agencies using Permanent Local Housing Allocation ("PLHA") funding from the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development ("HCD"); Authorize the City Manager, or such person designated by the City Manager, to enter into an agreement with Family Health Centers of San Diego for homeless street outreach services , in an amount not to exceed $500,000 for a 2-year term; Authorize the City Manager, or such person designated by the City Manager, to enter into an agreement with the San Diego Rescue Mission for the operation of an Emergency Shelter/Navigation Center, in an amount not to exceed $210,261.84 for a 2-year term; and Authorize the City Manager or designee to make any necessary updates and sign any necessary agreements or amendments needed to obligate and expend PLHA funding.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
14. Fiscal Year 2026-27 Preliminary Annual Budget
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, Housing Authority, and the City of El Cajon, as Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency, receives information related to the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Preliminary Annual Budget.
DISCUSSION
Principal Fiscal Analyst, Autumn Reberger, Director of Finance, Clay Shoen, and City Manager Mitchell provided detailed information of the Item.
Councilmember Kendrick left the room at 5:08 p.m.
Councilmember Kendrick returned to the room at 5:13 p.m.
Shelley Webster , representing the El Cajon Police Department's crime lab, spoke about the mission of the crime lab, as well as the crime lab's national recognition and accreditation . Ms. Webster warned about the long-term impacts to the City if the crime lab is closed.
Councilmember Goble left the room at 5:29 p.m.
Councilmember Goble returned to the room at 5:32 p.m.
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June 9, 2026
3:00 p.m.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 14- Continued)
Richard Agundez Jr. spoke about the value of the crime lab and urged City Council to reconsider the cuts to the crime lab as well as the proposed brown out to squad 6.
Michael Hayes, representing San Miguel Fire and Rescue, spoke in opposition of the proposed brown out of squad 6 and the negative impacts to the community, the City's Fire Fighters, and the surrounding fire departments.
Chris Paddock, representing the El Cajon Fire Department, spoke in opposition of the proposed brown out of squad 6 and about the need for additional Fire Fighters.
Josal Stewart, representing the El Cajon Professional Fire Fighters Association, spoke on behalf of Fire Captain Erwin Sanchez. Mr. Sanchez expressed opposition regarding the propose brown out of squad 6 and spoke about the impacts of previous cuts to the Fire Department.
Jared Baxter, representing the El Cajon Police Officer's Association, spoke in opposition of the proposed cut to the crime lab. Mr. Baxter expressed concerns about the impacts on the community and spoke highly of the expertise and experience in the crime lab.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Expenses incurred for the new Fire Fighters for Fire Engine 208; • Restricted funds;
• General Fund Reserve accounts;
• Parkway Plaza development funds;
• Proposed brown out of the Fire Department's squad 6;
• Financial Audits;
• Time period to rebuild reserves;
• Measure J - half cent sales tax;
• Need for increased revenue;
• Proposed cuts to the crime lab;
• Crime rates;
• Proposed cuts to Parks and Recreation;
• Suspending raises for City Council;
• Canceling City events;
• Charging other jurisdictions for services, excluding mutual aid; • Next steps for adopting the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Annual Budget; • Logistics of the proposed brown out of squad 6;
• Long-term impacts of closed parks and recreation centers; • Property tax distribution;
• Proposed tax measures in 2028;
• Special election for a tax measure;
• Cannabis dispensaries;
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June 9, 2026
3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 14 - Continued)
• Noticing requirements for partnering with the Sheriff's Department's crime lab; and
• Consequences of the City declaring bankruptcy.
Councilmember Ortiz left the room at 6:30 p.m.
At the request of Mayor Wells, Chris Paddock spoke further about the proposed brown out of squad 6. Mr. Paddock explained the potential negative impacts on the City, the Fire Department, and Fire Fighters.
At the request of Mayor Wells, Fire Chief, Bent Koch, spoke about the proposed brown out of squad 6 versus cuts to a fire engine.
City Manager Mitchell added that the calls for service to Fire Stations 7 and 9 have decreased, therefore the Fire Department is exploring ways to utilize those stations to assist with Station 6.
No Motion required for the Item.
15. City Council Meeting Schedule
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council considers canceling its August 25, 2026 meeting.
DISCUSSION
City Manager Mitchell provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to CANCEL the August 26, 2026 City Council meeting.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (ORTIZ - Absent) .
COMMISSION REPORTS : None
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June 9, 2026
3:00 p.m.
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11 ACTIVITI ES REPORTS/COMM ENTS OF MAYOR WELLS:
SAN DAG (San Diego Association of Governments) Board of Directors
16. Council Activities ReporUComments
Report as submitted.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS:
17. 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.
Report as submitted.
18. COUNCILMEMBER GARY KENDRICK
METRO Commission/Wastewater JPA; Heartland Communications; Heartland Fire Training JPA.
Council Activities ReporUComments.
Report as submitted.
19. 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.
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June 9, 2026
3:00 p.m.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS: (Item 20 - Continued)
20. 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
GENERAL INFORMATION ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: None
ORDINANCES: FIRST READING - None
ORDINANCES: SECOND READING AND ADOPTION
21. Amendment to the Contract Between the City of El Cajon and the Board of Administration, California Public Employees' Retirement Systems RECOMMENDATION:
That Mayor Wells requests the City Clerk to recite the title.
DISCUSSION
No public comment was received for the Item.
The City Clerk recited the title of the ordinance for a second reading.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF EL CAJON APPROVING AN
AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF EL CAJON AND THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION,
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEMS
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June 9, 2026
3:00 p.m.
r l ORDINANCES: SECOND READING AND ADOPTION - (Item 21 - Continued) I
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MOTION BY GOBL E, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to ADOPT Ordinance No. 5177, APPROVING Amendment to the Contract between the City of El Cajon and the Board of Administration, California Public Employees' Retirement Systems.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (ORTIZ - Absent).
CLOS ED 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 9th day of June, 2026, at 7:05 p.m., to Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
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City Clerk/Secretary
June 9, 2026
3:00 p.m.