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
July 14, 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, July 14, 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:
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 June 23, 2026, meetings and the Agenda of the July 14, 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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PRESENTATIONS:
• Presentation by Amikas: Update on the Emergency Sleeping Cabins at Meridian Baptist Church
• Proclamation: Parks and Recreation Month
AGENDA CHANGES:
City Manager Mitchell recommended removing Closed Sessions, Item 28 - 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) and Item 29 - 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 ), and shared those items were considered during the July 14, 2026 Special Joint Meeting at 2:30 p.m.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to REMOVE Closed
Sessions, Item 28 - 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) and Item 29 - 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) Report from the agenda.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
CONSENT ITEMS: (1 - 18)
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to APPROVE Consent Items 1 to 18.
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 23, 2026, Meetings of the El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency.
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CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
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. Monthly Treasurer's Report for the period ended May 31 , 2026 Receive the Monthly Treasurer's Report for the period ended May 31, 2026.
5. Acceptance of 2026 Local Agency Biennial Notice and Approval of Resolution Amending the City's Conflict of Interest Code
Adopt Resolution No. 066-26, approving changes to the designated employee and official positions required to be filed under the City's Conflict of Interest Code.
6. Approval of Resolution Acknowledging Receipt of a Report On Annual Inspections of State-Mandated Occupancies
Adopt Resolution No. 067-26, acknowledging receipt of the Fire Chief's annual report on state-mandated inspections.
7. Adoption of Ordinance to Renew and Approve Policy 706 "Military Equipment Use Policy" and Approve Annual Military Equipment Reports Adopt Ordinance No. 5178, to renew and approve Policy 706 and the annual reports.
8. FY26 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Award Authorize the City Manager or his designee to accept, appropriate, and expend the FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant (CVRDLL26) in the amount of $51,391, and execute any grant documents and agreements necessary for the receipt and use of these funds.
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CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
9. Approval of Resolution Authorizing Modification of Previously Approved Vehicle Replacement Schedule
Adopt Resolution No. 068-26, authorizing the modification of the previously approved vehicle replacement schedule.
10. Acceptance of the Neighborhood Street Lights 2023 Project (233784PWCP), Bid No. 030-24
Accept the Neighborhood Street Lights 2023 Project (233784PWCP), Bid No. 030-24, as completed by T&M Electric, Inc., OBA Perry Electric; and Authorizes the City Clerk to record a Notice of Completion and release all bonds in accordance with the contract terms.
11 . Re-appointment to the Mission Trails Regional Park Citizens' Advisory Committee
Re-appoint Scott Penwell to the Mission Trails Regional Park Citizens' Advisory Committee for a four-year term to expire on 01/31/2030.
12. Approval of El Cajon Professional Firefighters Local 4603 Side Letter adding Firefighter Trainee
Approve and authorize the terms and conditions of the Side Letter Agreement between the City and the El Cajon Professional Firefighters Local 4603 (ECPFF) adding the Firefighter Trainee classification.
13. Approval of the Citywide Compensation Plan Effective June 20, 2026 Adopt Resolution No. 069-26, approving the revisions to the Citywide Compensation Plan, effective June 20, 2026.
14. Approval of CalPERS Contract Amendment Side Letter for Police Officer's Association Management Group
Approve and authorize the terms and conditions of the CalPERS Limited Side Letter Agreement between the City and the Police Officers' Association Management Group.
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CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
15. Approval of CalPERS Contract Amendment Side Letter for Police Officers' Association
Approve and authorize the terms and conditions of the CalPERS Limited Side Letter Agreement between the City and the Police Officers' Association.
16. Approval of Resolution Authorizing Contract Amendment for RFP No. 010-26 - Comprehensive Land Use Planning Services
Adopt Resolution No. 070-26, to increase compensation for the Agreement for Professional Services with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. (KHAI) for the Comprehensive Land Use Planning Services in the not-to-exceed amount of $210,409 through February 3, 2028.
17. Classification Specification Updates and Salary Setting for the Park Maintenance Division
Approve and authorize the proposed new classification specifications and salary setting for Park Maintenance Worker I, Park Maintenance Worker II, and Park Maintenance Supervisor; and approves and authorizes the classification specification updates for Park Maintenance Worker Ill.
18. California Foundation for Parks & Recreation (CFPR) 2026 Community Swim Lesson Grant Award
Accept, appropriate, and expend a grant of $1 ,500 from the California Foundation for Parks & Recreation (CFPR) 2026 Community Swim Lesson Grant (SWIMLSSN26).
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Retired Captain Jeff Lashmet requested to meet with the Personnel Commission in regards to his disability claim.
Brenda Hammond spoke about the Music on Main concerts.
Gary Giardina raised concerns about homeless individuals being left at the Transit Center by the Sheriff's Department.
Rich Riel requested an FBI investigation of the Property Based-Improvement District (PBID).
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PUBLIC COMMENT: (Continued)
In response to a question from Mayor Wells, City Manager Mitchell confirmed that the City has no authority over the PBID.
Ray Justus thanked the City their help and requested a section of curb to be painted red near the intersection of Chase Avenue and South Lincoln Avenue.
Dr. Ryan Fan, representing the Madjal Community Center, requested the City Council to agendize a Resolution for improved representation of Middle Eastern and North African communities in official data.
Zamzam Fadhil, representing the Madjal Community Center, spoke in support of better representation of Middle Eastern and North African communities in official data.
WRITT EN COMMUNICATIONS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
19. Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of the City of El Cajon Annual Sewer Charges Report for Fiscal Year 2026-2027
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Opens the Public Hearing and receives testimony;
2. Closes the Public Hearing;
3. Determines if a majority protest has been received; and (if not)
4. Adopts the next Resolution, in order, to:
• Determine the lack of majority protest;
• Overrule objections to the report;
• Accept the City of El Cajon Annual Sewer Charges Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Report;
• Accept Appendix B and any reductions identified by Appendix C, which identify by parcel number, each parcel of real property receiving sewer services, and the amount of sewer charges for each parcel for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 at the currently adopted rates, as required by the California Health and Safety Code section 5473, et seq., pertaining to collection of sewer charges on the tax roll;
• Direct the City Clerk to file the reports with the San Diego County Auditor; and • Direct the Finance Department to file a certification of the sewer service charges with the San Diego County Auditor.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Item 19 - Continued)
DISCUSSION
Associate Engineer, Blake Behringer, provided a summary of the Item.
Mayor Wells opened the Public Hearing.
Claude Bell inquired if owning a pool is taken into consideration when sewer billing is calculated.
Sasha Oemick spoke about the sewer lateral policy, and asked Council to consider alternative sewer lateral policies.
Mayor Wells stated that he would be supportive of placing an item on a future agenda to discuss the sewer lateral policy.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
City Attorney Lyon confirmed for the record that no majority protest has been received.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Rates have not been increased in two years;
• Wastewater project;
• Selling wastewater back to the water district;
. • Future rates; and
• Required cuts to water usage.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolution No. 071-26, to Determine the lack of majority protest; Overrule objections to the report; Accept the City of El Cajon Annual Sewer Charges Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Report; Accept Appendix B and any reductions identified by Appendix C, which identify by parcel number, each parcel of real property receiving sewer services, and the amount of sewer charges for each parcel. for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 at the currently adopted rates, as required by the California Health and Safety Code section 5473, et seq., pertaining to collection of sewer charges on the tax roll; Direct the City Clerk to file the reports with the San Diego County Auditor; and Direct the Finance Department to file a certification of the sewer service charges with the San Diego County Auditor.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
20. Consideration to Introduce Ordinance Amending Section 2.16.020 of the El Cajon Municipal Code Related to Salaries of City of El Cajon Councilmembers and Mayor
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council considers introducing an Ordinance amending Section 2.16.020 of the El Cajon Municipal Code (ECMC) related to salaries of Councilmembers and Mayor, and directs the City Clerk to read the title of the Ordinance.
DISCUSSION
City Manager Mitchell provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Recentbudgetcu~;
• Showing support for the community; and
• Consequences of not approving raises.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY KENDRICK, to DECLINE the salary rate increase for Councilmemebers and Mayor.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
21. Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) Grant Opportunity RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receives and discusses the policy implications of the Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) grant and provides direction to staff regarding a pending grant application.
DISCUSSION
Housing Manager, Jose Dorado, provided detailed information of the Item.
Chuck Kaye, City Council Candidate for District 1 for the 2026 Election, spoke in support of a further analysis of the program.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 21 - Continued)
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following :
• City-wide program requirements;
• Impacts to homeless services providers;
• Housing first model;
• Existing services;
• Cost of storage and inventory of belongings;
• Noticing requirements ;
• Use of general funds;
• Restoration of targeted encampment sites;
• Termination clause;
• Reductions to the homeless population;
• Response times for encampment cleanups ; and
• Individuals have to agree to join the programs.
MOTION BY KENDRICK to DIRECT staff to perform an analysis of the grant and return with additional information.
No second was received for the motion.
Councilmember Goble proposed a substitute Motion:
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to DIRECT staff to withdraw the grant application.
MOTION CARRIED BY 4 - 1 VOTE
(KENDRICK - No).
Councilmember Goble left the Chamber at 5:08 p.m.
Councilmember Goble returned to the Chamber at 5:10 p.m.
22. Approval of Resolutions to Award Bid No. 004-27 - Restoration of Open Space, Parks, and Wildfire-Prone Areas and Approve Plans & Specifications RECOMMENDATION :
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, to:
1. Approve Plans and Specifications for Restoration of Open Space, Parks, and Wildfire-Prone Areas, Bid No. 004-27;
2. Find the apparent second and third low bidders non-responsive for the reasons set forth in the agenda report; and
3. Award the bid to the lowest responsive , responsible bidder, Neema General Contracting (NGC), in the amount of $461,737.
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ADMINISTRATIV E REPORTS: (Item 22 - Continued)
DISCUSSION
Assistant Engineer, Andrew Villalobos, provided detailed information of the Item.
Sherry Ashbaugh spoke about the homeless at Hillside Park and the need for long term vegetation maintenance .
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Neema General Contracting's qualifications;
• Vegetation treatment;
• Biologist present on site;
• Brush fire concerns; and
• Access for fire engines .
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY KENDRCK, to Approve Plans and Specifications for Restoration of Open Space, Parks, and Wildfire -Prone Areas, Bid No. 004-27; 2. Find the apparent second and third low bidders non-responsive for the reasons set forth in the agenda report; and 3.Award the bid to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Neema General Contracting (NGC), in the amount of $461,737.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
COMMISSION REPORTS: None
ACTIVITI ES REPORTS/COMM ENTS OF MAYOR WELLS:
SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments) Board of Directors
23. Council Activities Report/Comments
Report as submitted.
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ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS:
24. 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 Report/Comments.
In addition to the submitted report, Councilmember Goble added a fare increase will be voted on by the SANDAG Transportation Committee on Friday, July 17, 2026, and if approved, the new fare would take affect on October 1, 2026. Mr. Goble also stated that MTS voted to enact a fare freeze for approximately sixty percent of its riders.
25. COUNCILMEMBER GARY KENDRICK
METRO Commission/Wastewater JPA; Heartland Communications; Heartland Fire Training JPA.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
26. 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.
In addition to the submitted report, Councilmember Ortiz added that the widening of the Bradley Avenue bridge is scheduled to begin in the Spring of 2027.
27. 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.
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JOINT COUNCILM EMBER REPORTS: None
GENERAL INFORMATION ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: None
ORDINANCE S: FIRST READING - None
ORDINANC ES: SECOND READING AND ADOPTION - None
Items 24 and 25 were removed from the agenda during Agenda Changes, as those items were considered during the July 14, 2026 Special Joint Meeting at 2:30 p.m.
CLOSED SESSIONS:
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency adjourns to Closed Session as follows:
24. 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)
25. 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)
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 14th day of July, 2026, at 5:26 p.m., to Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
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City Clerk/Secretary
July 14, 2026
3:00 p.m.