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JOINT MEETING OF TH E
EL CAJON CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING
AUTHORITY/SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO TH E EL CAJON
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MINUTES
CITY OF EL CAJON
EL CAJON, CALIFORNIA
September 8, 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, September 8, 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
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 August 11, 2026, meeting and the Agenda of the September 8, 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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PRESENTATIONS:
• Proclamation: National Preparedness Month
AGENDA CHANGES: None
Councilmember Ortiz entered the Chamber at 3:03 p.m.
CONSENT ITEMS: (1 - 13)
1. Minutes of El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Meetings
Approve Minutes of the August 11, 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.
4. Approval of Resolution to Authorize the Acceptance, Appropriation , and Expenditure of FY27 California Highway Patrol - Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program Award
Adopt Resolution No. 081-26, authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to accept, appropriate, and expend the FY27 California Highway Patrol's Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program (CTFGP) award in the amount of $43,015.59, and to execute any grant documents and agreements necessary for the receipt and use of these funds.
5. Approval of Resolution to Authorize a Contract Amendment for Bid No. 002-25 - San Diego River Watershed Water Quality Improvement Project (Phase 2) Adopt Resolution No. 082-26, to amend the scope of work and increase the compensation for the Public Works Contract with Downstream Services, Inc. (OSI) in the not-to-exceed amount of $110,559.
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CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
6. Approval of Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Cooperative Agreement with the Grossmont Union High School District for the Placement of School Resource Officers
Adopt Resolution No. 083-26, authorizing the City Manager or designee to enter into a Cooperative Agreement between the City of El Cajon (the "City") and the Grossmont Union High School District (the "GUHSD") for the placement of School Resource Officers ("SROs") at designated schools; and appropriate revenue received from GUHSD under the Cooperative Agreement to the City's General Fund Special Operations budget (101330).
7. Monthly Treasurer's Report for the period ended July 31, 2026 Receive the Monthly Treasurer's Report for the period ended July 31, 2026.
8. Authorization to Dispose of Retired Property
Declare the listed property retired and authorizes disposal in accordance with policy.
9. Approval of Resolutions to Award Bid No. 009-27 - Debris Collection Services and Approve Plans & Specifications
Adopt Resolution No. 084-26, to Approve Plans and Specifications for Debris Collection Services, Bid No. 009-27; and Adopt Resolution No. 085-26, to Award the bid to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Urban Corps of San Diego County (UCSDC), in the amount of $424,000.
Pulled for comments by a member of the public.
10. Approval of Resolution to Accept, Appropriate, and Expend SAN DAG Grant for Mixed-Use Overlay Zone Expansion
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, authorizing the acceptance, appropriation, and expenditure of $500,000 of San Diego Association of Governments ("SANDAG") Transnet Smart Growth Incentive Program ("SGIP") Grant funds for the Mixed-Use Overlay Expansion project.
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CONSENT ITEMS: (Item 10 - Continued)
DISCUSSION
Truth Tonix expressed concerns regarding parking, availability of low-income housing, additional stress on the Police and Fire departments, and community character. Truth spoke in support of the redevelopment of El Cajon.
Adopt Resolution No. 086-26, authorizing the acceptance, appropriation, and expenditure of $500,000 of San Diego Association of Governments ("SANDAG") Transnet Smart Growth Incentive Program ("SGIP") Grant funds for the Mixed-Use Overlay Expansion project.
11. Time Extension of Tentative Subdivision (TSM) 2023-0011, 920 South Magnolia Ave, Engineering Job No. 3857
Grant a one-year time extension for TSM 2023-0011 at 920 South Magnolia Avenue and sets the new expiration date to be July 23, 2027, in accordance with Municipal Code Section 16.12.110 and the Subdivision Map Act.
12. Time Extension of Tentative Subdivision (TSM) 2022-0008, Cajon View Five-Lot Subdivision, Engineering Job No. 3868
Grant a one-year time extension for TSM 2022-0008 at the northwest corner of Cajon View Drive and Avocado Avenue and sets the new expiration date to be August 13, 2027, in accordance with Municipal Code Section 16.12.110 and the Subdivision Map Act.
13. Time Extension of Tentative Subdivision (TSM) 2023-0010, 1168-1174 North Mollison Avenue, Engineering Job No. 3681
Grant a one-year time extension for TSM 2023-0010 at 1168-1174 North Mollison Avenue and sets the new expiration date to be September 10, 2027, in accordance with Municipal Code Section 16.12.110 and the Subdivision Map Act.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY GOBLE, to APPROVE Consent Items 1 to 13.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK- Absent).
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PUBLIC COMMENT:
Brenda Hammond spoke about saving Parkway Plaza and requested to have longer yellow lights at freeway offramps.
Andre Smith spoke about being a hit-and-run victim and the trouble he has had with pursuing a criminal case.
Rich Riel spoke in opposition of the RFP that was issued for the PBID, and the proposed CBD.
Truth Tonix spoke about recently canceled City events and budget concerns.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
14. Continuation of Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of a Revised Schedule of Police-Initiated Towing and Storage Charges
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council holds the public hearing, considers input, and adopts the next Resolution, in order, approving a revised schedule of Police-initiated towing and storage charges within the City of El Cajon.
DISCUSSION
Police Lieutenant, Joseph Crawford, provided a summary of the Item.
Mayor Wells opened the Public Hearing.
Dan Miller, representing Countywide Towing, spoke in support of the proposed towing rates, and thanked staff and the Police Department for their work on this item.
Brad Ramsey, representing RoadOne Towing, spoke in support of the proposed towing rates and in support of a biennial review of the rates.
Councilmember Goble stated that staff addressed Council's concerns and spoke in support of the proposed rates.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
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PUBLIC HEARINGS: (Item 14 - Continued)
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolution No. 087-26, approving a revised schedule of Police-initiated towing and storage charges within the City of El Cajon.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
Mayor Wells allowed an additional remote Public Comment.
Melanie Bennett spoke about the November 3, 2026 Election and stated that federal presence at polling places is illegal, due to United States Code: 18 U.S.C. § 592. Ms.
Bennett added that Governor Newsom passed SB 73 in May of 2026, preventing peace officers from interfering with an election or disrupting election workers.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
15. City of El Cajon's Sewer Lateral Policy and Policy Options RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receives the report and provides feedback and/or direction.
DISCUSSION
City Manager Mitchell provided detailed information of the Item.
Sasha Oemick spoke in support of the City taking steps to educate residents about sewer lateral repairs. Mr. Oemick requested a further cost analysis for alternative policy options.
Althea spoke about how sewer lateral repairs differ from natural disasters that could cause home repairs, and the sewer lateral repairs that she faced . Althea requested Council to continue to research options to help homeowners with sewer lateral repairs.
Anna Armas spoke about repairs that were needed to a home she was buying, which were discovered during the escrow process. Ms. Armas also requested to continue the cost analysis for alternative policy options.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 15 - Continued)
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Low-income loan program;
• Financing options;
• Third party insurance;
• City's liability between insurance companies, contractors, and homeowners; • Realtor's protest to a required sewer scope;
• Increase to sewer rates;
• Repairs per year and backlogs of repairs needed in other jurisdictions; • Updating the Sewer Ordinance;
• Residential versus commercial properties;
• City negotiating sewer scope rates for residents;
• Noticing customers in advance when there are scheduled street repairs; • Restrictions of Prop 218;
• Reaching out to realtors;
• Preventing repairs; and
• Fair policy for all residents.
City Manager Mitchell suggested that if Council wants a further analysis, to wait until the annual Goal Setting Workshop so that it can be prioritized amongst the other City Council goals.
No Motion required for the Item.
16. Approval of Resolutions to Award Bid No. 003-27 - Fire Station No. 7 Renovation and Approve Plans & Specifications
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council approves the next Resolutions, in order, to:
1. Approve Plans and Specifications for Fire Station No. 7 Renovation, Bid No. 003- 27;
2. Find the following:
• Protest (Grounds 1 through 3) submitted by EC Constructors, Inc. (ECI) to be timely and without merit;
• Protest (Ground 4) submitted by ECI to be timely and with merit; • Protest submitted by Moalej Builders, Inc. dba MBI (MBI) to be untimely and without merit;
• The apparent first 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, EC Constructors, Inc. (ECI), in the amount of $5,589,178.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 16 - Continued)
DISCUSSION
Deputy Director of Development Services, Senan Kachi, provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Funding sources;
• Bid estimate;
• ECl's qualifications;
• Strict timeline; and
• When to contact the surety company.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY GOBLE, to ADOPT Resolution No. 088- 26, to Approve Plans and Specifications for Fire Station No. 7 Renovation, Bid No. 003-27; Find the following: Protest (Grounds 1 through 3) submitted by EC Constructors, Inc. (ECI) to be timely and without merit; Protest (Ground 4) submitted by ECI to be timely and with merit; Protest submitted by Moalej Builders, Inc. dba MBI (MBI) to be untimely and without merit; The apparent first and third low bidders non-responsive for the reasons set forth in the agenda report; and Adopt Resolution No. 089-26, to 3. Award the bid to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, EC Constructors, Inc. (ECI), in the amount of $5,589,178.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
17. Street Sweeping Pilot Enforcement Program - Final Results and Council Direction
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council accepts the final report on the successful Street Sweeping Enforcement Pilot Program and approves continuing the program with the following modifications: remove Decker Street from the program; extend the existing East Main Street enforcement area; and add Broadway between Ballantyne Street and First Street.
DISCUSSION
Operations Manager, Steven Raineri, provided detailed information of the Item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 17 - Continued)
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Success of the program;
• Major streets versus residential streets; and
• Requirement of a street sweeping program.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ACCEPT the final report on the successful Street Sweeping Enforcement Pilot Program and approve continuing the program with the following modifications:
remove Decker Street from the program; extend the existing East Main Street enforcement area; and add Broadway between Ballantyne Street and First Street.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
18. Quarterly Update of City Council Policies
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council considers ten City Council policies as follows:
1. Policy A-1 , "City Council Policy Manual" - Update
• 2. Policy A-2, "City Council Meetings & Agenda" - Update
3. Policy A-3, "Formal Citizen Complaints and/or Requests for Service" - Delete
4. Policy A-4, "Policies Regarding League of California Cities" - Delete
5. Policy A-6, "City Council Advisory Meetings" - Delete
6. Policy E-2, "Fees & Guidelines Governing the Use of Parks and Recreational Facilities" - Update
7. Policy E-5, "Park Acreage Expansion" - Delete
8. Policy E-7, "Ronald Reagan Community Center Facility Use Policy" - Update
9. Policy F-2, "Hiring School Crossing Guards" - Delete
10. Policy G-1, "Travel & Meetings" - Update
DISCUSSION
City Manager Mitchell provided detailed information of the Item.
Truth Tonix spoke about how long it has been since the policies have been updated, the proposed updated agenda format, streamlining per diem for meals, requiring two Councilmembers to sponsor agenda items, future agenda item requests from Council, updated language for citizen complaints, travel expenses for canceled events, later start time for meetings, a policy for recovery costs, and reduced spending for the League of California Cities.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 18 - Continued)
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following :
• Per diem rates for meals;
• Council meeting time;
• Non-agenda public comments;
• Travel expenses;
• Citizen complaints; and
• Number of Councilmembers required to propose future agenda items.
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to DELETE policies A-4, A-6, E-5, and F-2; to update policies A-1, E-2, E-7, and G-1; and return with proposed changes to policies A-2 and A-3.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
19. Consideration of Resolution Authorizing Funding Commitment for the East County Revolving Loan Fund
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the next Resolution, in order, to:
1. Allocate $100,000 from the General Fund Reserves to the City Manager's Economic Development Account; and
2. Authorize the funds to contribute to the Empower East County Business Revolving Loan Fund.
DISCUSSION
Senior Management Analyst, Nate Prescott, provided detailed information of the Item and introduced Alex Eberhardt, representing the East County Economic Development Council (ECEDC), who was available to answer questions.
Truth Tonix spoke about the use of general funds, ratio of the City's contribution, selection of ECEDC to manage the program, loan limits for El Cajon residents, defaulted loans, required job and workforce training, thresholds for success, and the projected new businesses and jobs.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 19 - Continued)
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Terms of the loan;
• Potential of failed businesses;
• Business development training;
• Collateral for defaulted loans;
• Funding sources;
• Interest rates;
• Canceled City events;
• State of the economy;
• Reputation of the ECEDC; and
• Benefits to East County.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY GOBLE, to ADOPT Resolution No. 090- 26, to Allocate $100,000 from the General Fund Reserves to the City Manager's Economic Development Account; and Authorize the funds to contribute to the Empower East County Business Revolving Loan Fund.
MOTION CARRIED BY 3 - 1 VOTE
(METSCHEL - No, KENDRICK - Absent).
COMMISSION REPORTS: None
ACTIVITIES REPORTS/COMMENTS OF MAYOR WELLS:
SAN DAG (San Diego Association of Governments) Board of Directors
20. Council Activities Report/Comments
Report as submitted.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS:
21. 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.
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ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS: (Continued)
22. COUNCILMEMBER GARY KENDRICK
METRO Commission/Wastewater JPA; Heartland Communications; Heartland Fire Training JPA.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
23. 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.
24. 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.
JOINT COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: None
GENERAL INFORMATION ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: None
ORDINANCES: FIRST READING - None
ORDINANCES: SECOND READING AND ADOPTION - None
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I Councilmember Goble left the Chamber at 5:36 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:
25. Closed Session - Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9: SkeltonDixon vs City of El Cajon, et al.
26. 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)
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to ADJOURN to Closed
Session at 5:37 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (GOBLE, KENDRICK -
Absent). I RECONVENED to Open Session at 6:27 p.m.
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City Attorney Lyon reported the following actions:
• Item 25 - Direction was given, no reportable action taken. • Item 26 - Direction was given, no reportable action taken.
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 8th day of September, 2026, at 6:27 p.m., to Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
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