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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 23, 2026
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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, June 23, 2026, was called to order by Mayor/Chair Bill Wells at 3:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 200 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
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 June 9, 2026, meeting and the Agenda of the June 23, 2026, meetings in accordance with State Law and El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Policy.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 141 -
June 23, 2026
3:00 p.m.
PRESENTATIONS:
• Proclamation: 63rd Annual CYE Miss El Cajon Pageant
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 (CBD); 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 could be presented at a future meeting.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to REMOVE Administrative Report, Item 12 - Consideration to Approve Resolution of Intent to Establish a Downtown El Cajon Community Benefit District (CBD); 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.
CONSENT ITEMS: (1 - 7)
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to APPROVE Consent Items 1 to 7.
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 June 9, 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 .
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 142 -
June 23, 2026
3:00 p.m.
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CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
4. Approval of Resolution to Award RFQ No. 12600553 - Multi-Caliber Tactical Suppressor & Light and Sound Diversionary Devices
Adopt Resolution No. 057-26, to find the protest submitted by LC Action Supply, Ltd. (LCAPS) to be with merit; and Award the quote to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder (LCAPS) in the amount of $7,039.24.
5. Approval of Resolution Authorizing Contract Amendment for RFP No. 024-25 - Sewer Master Plan Update
Adopt Resolution No. 058-26, to increase compensation for the Agreement for Professional Services with Ardurra Group, Inc. (AGI) for Sewer Master Plan Update services in the not-to-exceed amount of $43,929 for the final term.
6. Approval of Tentative Agreement with the El Cajon Municipal Employees' Association (MEA) and Adoption of Resolution Approving Memorandum of Understanding with MEA
Approve the tentative agreement reached with the El Cajon Municipal Employees' Association (MEA), and adopt Resolution No. 059-26, approving the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the MEA substantially in the form as presented, and authorizing the City Manager to execute the final MOU with such changes as approved by the City Manager, provided that no change shall be made contrary to the terms of the tentative agreement.
7. Approval of Tentative Agreement with the El Cajon Mid-Management and Professional Employees' Group (MMPEG) and Adoption of Resolution Approving Memorandum of Understanding with MMPEG
Approve the tentative agreement reached with the El Cajon Mid-Management and Professional Employees' Group (MMPEG), and adopt Resolution No. 060-26, approving the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MMPEG substantially in the form as presented, and authorizing the City Manager to execute the final MOU, with such changes as approved by the City Manager, provided that no change shall be made contrary to the terms of the tentative agreement.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 143 -
June 23, 2026
3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Brenda Hammond spoke about the El Cajon Fire Department shirt that she received from Heartland Fire. Ms. Hammond also spoke positively about the summer concerts and car shows.
Rich Riel expressed concern about how the RFP was issued for the current Downtown El Cajon Property-Based Improvement District (PBID) management contract and the proposed conversion to a Community Benefit District (CBD). Mr. Riel requested Mayor Wells to recuse himself from discussions, deliberations, or votes regarding the proposed CBD, and encouraged the City to vote "No" on the ballot for the proposed CBD.
Ray Justus thanked City staff for improvements near Chase Avenue and requested additional curbs to be painted red along Chase Avenue.
Sascha Oemick spoke in support of a sewer lateral policy reform and the trouble he has faced with his own sewer lateral replacement.
Mike shared that he was going to speak about the Cajon Valley Union School District but stated that he would speak at their meeting instead.
Eva Oemick spoke in support of a sewer lateral policy reform and about the need for education regarding the sewer lateral policy.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
8. Public Hearing to Consider Introduction of Ordinance to Renew and Approve Policy 706 "Military Equipment Use Policy" and Approve Annual Military Equipment Reports
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council holds the public hearing and moves to introduce the next Ordinance, in order, to renew and approve Policy 706 and the annual reports and directs the City Clerk to read the Ordinance by title only.
DISCUSSION
Lieutenant, Nicholas Sprecco, provided detailed information of the Item.
Mayor Wells opened the Public Hearing.
No public comment was received for the Item.
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June 23, 2026
3:00 p.m.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Item 8 - Continued)
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to INTRODUCE the next Ordinance, in order, to renew and approve Policy 706 and the annual reports and direct the City Clerk to read the Ordinance by title only.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
The City Clerk recited the title of the ordinance for a first reading.
AN ORDINANCE REVIEWING AND APPROVING
ORDINANCE 5199 TO RENEW RESTRICTIONS RELATING
TO PURCHASE OF MILITARY EQUIPMENT , SUPPLIES, OR
OTHER PROPERTY FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT USE;
APPROVING THE EL CAJON POLICE DEPARTMENT'S
ANNUAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT REPORT FOR 2025/2026 AND
APPROVING POLICY 706 MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE, 2026 EDITION
9. Public Hearing to Consider Resolutions Adopting Fiscal Year 2026-27 Annual City, Housing Authority, and Successor Agency Budgets
RECOMMENDATION :
That the City Council, Housing Authority , and the City of El Cajon as Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency hold a joint public hearing to consider adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budgets. After closing the public hearing, staff recommends the following :
1. Acting as the City Council, individually adopt the following Resolutions , in order:
a. Resolution of the City Council of the City of El Cajon Adopting the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Annual Budget; and
b. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of El Cajon Approving and Adopting the Annual Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
2. Acting as the Housing Authority Board of Directors, adopt Resolution titled: A Resolution of the El Cajon Housing Authority Adopting the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget.
3. Acting as the Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency Board of Directors, adopt Resolution titled: Resolution of the City Council of the City Of El Cajon as the Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Adopting the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 145 -
June 23, 2026
3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Item 9 - Continued)
DISCUSSION
Principal Fiscal Analyst, Autumn Reberger, provided detailed information of the Item.
Mayor Wells opened the Public Hearing.
Arnold Levine shared ideas about how to generate additional revenue and added that there is a maximum to the amount that cities are able to cut and remain operational.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Amount of savings by staffing Engine 208 at a two-thirds level; • Station 8 is considered the busiest station in the City; • Improvements to fire safety over the last two years;
• Relying on staffs recommendations;
• Considering the sale of 405 East Lexington Avenue;
• Development impact fees;
• Limited property taxes;
• Use of carry over reserves;
• Impact to services offered by the City;
• Impact to future budgets;
• National economy;
• Compound effect of drawing from reserves;
• County of San Diego's current budget deficit;
• Notifying the labor groups that the City will be speaking with the Sheriff's Department regarding crime lab options; and
• Two-thirds staffing of Engine 208 would not be a reduction to current staffing.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
MOTION BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT the next Resolution, in order, Adopting the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Annual Budget, with a reduction of $800,000 in the Fire Department; and to ADOPT the next Resolution, in order, Approving and Adopting the Annual Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Councilmember Goble proposed a substitute Motion :
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to ADOPT the next Resolution, in order, Adopting the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Annual Budget; and to ADOPT the next Resolution, in order, Approving and Adopting the Annual Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
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June 23, 2026
3:00 p.m.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Item 9 - Continued)
MOTION FAILED BY 2 - 3 VOTE
(KENDRICK, METSCHEL, AND WELLS - No).
MOTION BY METSCHEL, SECOND BY WELLS , to ADOPT Resolution No. 061-26, Adopting the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Annual Budget, with a reduction of $800,000 in the Fire Department; and to ADOPT Resolution No. 062-26, Approving and Adopting the Annual Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
MOTION CARRIED BY 4 - 1 VOTE
(GOBL E - No).
MOTION BY METSCHEL, SECOND BY WELLS, Acting as the Housing Authority Board of Directors, ADOPT Resolution No. ECHA-43, titled: A Resolution of the El Cajon Housing Authority Adopting the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
MOTION BY METSCHEL, SECOND BY WELLS, Acting as the Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency Board of Directors, ADOPT Resolution No. SA 001-26, titled: Resolution of the City Council of the City Of El Cajon as the Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Adopting the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Councilmember Kendrick left the Chamber at 4:38 p.m.
Councilmember Kendrick returned to the Chamber at 4:41 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
10. Compensation for Executive and Unrepresented Employees (A-29), City Attorney and City Manager
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Mayor provides an oral report summarizing recommended changes in compensation for the City's "local agency executives" and, following the report, that the City Council:
1. Approves the changes to City Council Policy A-29 described below and reflected in the attachment; and
2. Adopts the next Resolutions, in order, to approve amendments to the employment contracts with the City Attorney and the City Manager, and authorizing the Mayor to execute the amendments , substantially in the forms as presented.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 147 -
June 23, 2026
3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIV E REPORTS: (Item 10 - Continued)
DISCUSSION
Deputy City Manager, Marisol Thorn, provided detailed information of the Item.
Mayor Wells provided an oral report summarizing the recommended changes.
No public comment was received for the Item.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to APPROVE the changes to City Council Policy A-29 described in the agenda report and reflected in the attachment; and ADOPT Resolution No. 063-26, to approve amendments to the employment contract with the City Manager and ADOPT Resolution No. 064-26, to approve amendments to the employment contract with the City Attorney, and authorizing the Mayor to execute the amendments, substantially in the forms as presented.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
11. Acceptance of Report and Information Regarding Future Public Meetings as Required by Senate Bill 707 and Adoption of Resolution Approving Technology Disruption Policy
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receives the report with the City's intended actions to comply with Senate Bill 707 in regards to the requirement for hybrid meetings (through a two-way telephonic service or video platform), and adopts the next Resolution, in order, approving the Technology Disruption Policy (attached).
DISCUSSION
City Clerk Cortez provided detailed information of the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the duration of public comments.
No public comment was received for the Item.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to RECEIVE the report with the City's intended actions to comply with Senate Bill 707 in regards to the requirement for hybrid meetings (through a two-way telephonic service or video platform), and Adopt Resolution No. 065-26, approving the Technology Disruption Policy.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 148 -
June 23, 2026
3:00 p.m.
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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 (CBD); 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.
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.
ACTIVITIES 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 shared that Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) adopted a budget which includes a program to freeze fares for people who are on CalWorks, MediCal, or CalFresh programs.
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June 23, 2026
3:00 p.m.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS: (Continued)
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; 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 - none
CLOSED SESSIONS: None
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successo r Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 150 -
June 23, 2026
3:00 p.m.
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 23rd day of June, 2026, at 4:48 p.m., to Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 151 -
June 23, 2026
3:00 p.m.