I
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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
September 22, 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, September 22, 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 Mayor/Vice Chair present:
Mayor/Chair present:
Other Officers present:
Goble, and Ortiz
Kendrick
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 September 8, 2026, and September 15, 2026, Meetings and the Agenda of the September 22, 2026, Meeting in accordance to State Law and City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Policy.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 205 -
September 22, 2026
3:00 p.m.
PRESENTATIONS:
• Proclamation: German American Month
• Proclamation: Human Resources Professionals Day
• Proclamation: Fire Prevention Week
AGENDA CHANGES: None
CONSENT ITEMS: (1 - 8)
1. Minutes of El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency Meetings •
Approve Minutes of the September 8, 2026, Meeting, and the Joint Special Meeting of September 15, 2026, 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. Ratification and Approval to Excuse Absences for Councilmember Gary Kendrick Ratify and excuse the recent absences of Councilmember Kendrick.
5. Youth League Utility Support Fiscal Year 2026/2027
Approve the Recreation Council's recommendation to provide utility support, in the amount of $2,400 per league, to eight Executive Member Youth leagues.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 206 -
September 22, 2026
3:00 p.m.
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11 CONSENT ITEMS: (Continued)
6. El Cajon Housing Authority Annual Report (Fiscal Year 2025-2026) Approve the attached 2025-2026 Annual Report; and Authorize the Executive Director or designee to transmit it, in a form substantially as presented, to the California Department of Housing and Community Development as required by State Law.
PULLED FOR DISCUSSION BY COUNCILMEMBER GOBLE:
7. Acceptance of Main Street - Green Street Gateway Improvements Project RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Accepts the Main Street - Green Street Gateway Improvements project (203691 PWCP), Bid No. 006-23; and
2. Authorizes the City Clerk to record a Notice of Completion and release the bonds in accordance with the contract terms.
DISCUSSION
Councilmember Goble thanked staff for their work on this project which took longer that expected to complete, and for holding back funds until additional issues can be resolved to protect taxpayers.
Accept the Main Street - Green Street Gateway Improvements project (203691 PWCP), Bid No. 006-23; and Authorize the City Clerk to record a Notice of Completion and release the bonds in accordance with the contract terms.
8. Approval of Resolution Adopting Revised Citywide Compensation Plan Adopt Resolution No. 092-26, approving the revisions to the Citywide Compensation Plan, effective August 15, 2026.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to APPROVE Consent Items 1 to 8.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Brenda Hammond praised the summer concerts and car shows.
Rich Riel spoke in support of new leadership for the City and in support of Candidates Osama Bayati for District One and Alexander Kraft for Mayor in the November 3, 2026 election.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 207 -
September 22, 2026
3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT: (Continued)
Alexander Kraft, Candidate for Mayor for the 2026 Election, expressed concerns about businesses that Mayor Wells has been linked to and about the PBID.
Will Coppock stated that Council meetings are educational, but added that City leaders are incompetent regarding homelessness and unworthy of serving El Cajon.
In response to a question from Mr. Coppock, Mayor Wells confirmed that he will debate Alexander Kraft.
City Manager Mitchell stated that this portion of the Agenda is for Public Comments and not indented for discussions.
Jeff Lashmet spoke about his cancer diagnosis and treatment, and his denied disability retirement claim.
Andrew Lawson, Candidate for the 79th Assembly District for the 2026 Election, stated he has not accepted any PAC or corporate funds, and spoke in opposition of the democratic party.
Denley Clouston spoke in opposition of Flock cameras and the El Cajon Police Department (ECPD) cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Osayed Alshaikh Bakri spoke in support of Candidate Osama Bayati for Councilmember - District One. Mr. Bakri spoke in opposition of Flock cameras and ECPD cooperating with ICE.
Soreen Norton spoke about the importance of accurately identifying the Chamorro ethnicity.
Scottie Hill spoke in opposition of the ECPD cooperating with ICE.
Osama Bayati, City Council Candidate for District 1 for the 2026 Election, spoke about the recent decrease in population, expenses outpacing revenues, shrunken workforce, and political lawsuits. Mr. Bayati stated it is time for a new generation of leadership.
Melanie Bennett spoke in opposition of ECPD cooperating with ICE and about a recent incident involving ICE in City Heights.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 208 -
September 22, 2026
3:00 p.m.
l PUBLIC HEARINGS:
9. Public Hearing to Consider Issuance of Tax-Exempt Bonds for the Bella Vista Apartments by the California Municipal Finance Authority RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Conducts a Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act ("TEFRA") public hearing in consideration of the issuance of tax-exempt bond financing by the California Municipal Finance Authority for the benefit of Bella Sands, LP, to provide financing for the acquisition, rehabilitation, and improvement of a 150-unit apartment development generally known as Bella Vista Apartments; and
2. Adopts the attached Resolution approving the issuance of Bonds by the California Municipal Finance Authority not to exceed $50,000,000 for the benefit of Bella Sands, LP, to provide for the acquisition, rehabilitation, and improvement of a 150-unit apartment development generally known as Bella Vista Apartments.
DISCUSSION
Housing Manager, Jose Dorado, provided a summary of the Item.
Mayor Wells opened the Public Hearing. I No public comment was received for the Item. l I
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• City does not have a financial interest;
• Location;
• Income restrictions; and
• Rent restrictions.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to CLOSE the Public Hearing.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADOPT Resolution No. 093-26, approving the issuance of Bonds by the California Municipal Finance Authority not to exceed $50,000,000 for the benefit of Bella Sands, LP, to provide for the acquisition, rehabilitation, and improvement of a 150-unit apartment development generally known as Bella Vista Apartments.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 209 -
September 22, 2026
3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
10. FY26 Financial Performance at The Magnolia
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receives the Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Performance review for The Magnolia.
DISCUSSION
Senior Management Analyst, Ryan Villegas, provided detailed information of the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Post show fiestas;
• New vending machines; and
• Financial performance.
No public comment was received for the Item.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to RECEIVE the Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Performance review for The Magnolia.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
Mayor Wells announced that Joint Councilmember Reports, Item 20, would be considered next on the agenda.
JOINT COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
20. Waive Requirement for Hold Harmless Agreement for a "Welcome to Fletcher Hills" Sign
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council directs staff to prepare a report with a proposal for the City Council to consider waiving the requirement of a hold harmless agreement for the installation of a "Welcome to Fletcher Hills" sign and to present this report at the City Council meeting on October 13, 2026.
DISCUSSION
Councilmember Goble provided detailed information of the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Sign would be donated;
• Responsibilities once it is installed;
• Conditions for installation and maintenance;
• Materials; and
• Location of the previous sign.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 210 -
September 22, 2026
3:00 p.m.
r l JOINT COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: (Item 20 - Continued)
Lilah Haley, representing Scouting America, spoke about her experiences with Scouting America and the materials that would be used for the sign. Ms. Haley stated that this project would allow her to become an Eagle Scout if it is completed by July of 2027.
Garrison Fletcher spoke about the parties involved in the design and installation of the sign, and praised Scouting America.
MOTION BY GOBLE, SECOND BY ORTIZ, to DIRECT staff to prepare a report with a proposal for the City council to consider waiving the requirement of a Hold Harmless Agreement for the installation of a Welcome to Fletcher Hills sign and to present the report to Council at the October 13, 2026 Council meeting.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Continued)
11. Parkway Plaza Acquisition/Control Options
11 RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receives the report.
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DISCUSSION
City Manager Mitchell provided detailed information of the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Communication with developers;
• Trustee control of the mall;
• Focusing on long-term development;
• Negotiations;
• Incentives for developers;
• Land use plan;
• Types of businesses opening; and
• Removing obstacles for development.
Brenda Hammond spoke about the San Diego S-Gaugers moving into Parkway Plaza, and a person speeding down Avocado on her way to the meeting .
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to RECEIVE the report.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 21 1 -
September 22, 2026
3:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Continued)
12. Approval of Resolution Authorizing Funding to Establish the Washington Avenue Safety Improvements - Phase 2 Project (273975ESCP)
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopts the attached Resolution authorizing the:
1. Appropriation and expenditure of the Highway Safety Improvement Program grant (HSIP046) totaling $2,820,150;
2. Appropriation of $450,000 of TransNet revenue for the purposes of funding the project; and
3. Establishment of the Washington Avenue Safety Improvements - Phase 2 (273975ESCP) project with a total project budget of $3,270,150.
DISCUSSION
Director of Development Services, Yazmin Arellano, provided detailed information of the Item.
Councilmember Ortiz thanked staff for their efforts and the Mayor and Councilmembers for considering this item.
No public comment was received for the Item.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY GOBLE, to ADOPT Resolution No. 094- 26, authorizing the Appropriation and expenditure of the Highway Safety Improvement Program grant (HSIP046) totaling $2,820,150; Appropriation of $450,000 of TransNet revenue for the purposes of funding the project; and Establishment of the Washington Avenue Safety Improvements - Phase 2 (273975ESCP) project with a total project budget of $3,270,150.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK- Absent).
13. 2026 Annual Pension Status Report
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receives the Annual Pension Status report.
DISCUSSION
Financial Operations Manager, Luca Gonzalez, provided detailed information of the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the portion of the general fund budget allocated to pension fund and the impact of CalPERS investments.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 212 -
September 22, 2026
3:00 p.m.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: (Item 13 - Continued)
No public comment was received for the Item.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY GOBLE, to RECEIVE the Annual Pension Status report.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
14. City Council Policies A-2 "City Council Meetings & Agenda" and A-3 "Citizen Requests & Complaints"
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council considers adopting revised City Council Policies A-2 "City Council Meetings & Agenda" and A-3 "Citizen Requests & Complaints."
DISCUSSION
City Manager Mitchell provided detailed information of the Item.
Discussion ensued amongst City Council and Staff concerning the following:
• Process for adding items to future agendas;
• Managing citizen requests and complaints; and
• Laws for specific types of complaints.
No public comment was received for the Item.
MOTION BY ORTIZ, SECOND BY GOBLE, to ADOPT revised City Council Policies A-2 "City Council Meetings & Agenda" and A-3 "Citizen Requests & Complaints."
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
City Manager Mitchell added that City clerk Cortez will be working with a software company to process the changes to the agenda, which will take a couple of months to process.
COMMISSION REPORTS:
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 213 -
September 22, 2026
3:00 p.m.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS/COMMENTS OF MAYOR WELLS:
SAN DAG (San Diego Association of Governments) Board of Directors.
15. Council Activities Report/Comments
Report as submitted.
ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS:
16. 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 that MTS is may be cutting up to 27% of services unless there is a new revenue source. Mr. Goble stated the FBI is being careful when reviewing information on cell phones to make sure they are not reviewing privileged information by using Al tools.
17. COUNCILMEMBER GARY KENDRICK
METRO Commission/Wastewater JPA; Heartland Communications; Heartland Fire Training JPA.
Council Activities Report/Comments.
Report as submitted.
18. 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.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 214 - September 22, 2026 3:00 p.m.
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ACTIVITIES REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS: (Continued)
19. 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.
In addition to the submitted report, Councilmember Ortiz stated that he did not attend the POA Golf Tournament.
Item 20 was previously considered in the meeting.
JOINT COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS:
20. Waive Requirement for Hold Harmless Agreement for a "Welcome to Fletcher Hills" Sign
RECOMMENDATION :
That the City Council directs staff to prepare a report with a proposal for the City Council to consider waiving the requirement of a hold harmless agreement for the installation of a "Welcome to Fletcher Hills" sign and to present this report at the City Council meeting on October 13, 2026.
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:
21. Closed Session - Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation - pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9: City of El Cajon vs. Kalasho, et al.;
Superior Court of California, County of San Diego;
Case No.: 37-2023-00052718-CU-OR-CTL
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 215 -
September 22, 2026
3:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSIONS: (Continued)
22. Closed Session - Conference with Real Property Negotiators - pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8:
Property:
Collins Business Park
Agency Negotiators:
Graham Mitchell, City Manager
Vince DiMaggio, Assistant City Manager
Marisol Thorn, Deputy City Manager
Jennifer M. Lyon, City Attorney
Jeremiah Larson, Police Chief
Negotiating Parties:
Collins Business Park TIC
Under Negotiation:
Price and terms of payment
City Attorney Lyon stated the that property under negotiation for item 22 is Collins Business Park.
MOTION BY WELLS, SECOND BY METSCHEL, to ADJOURN to Closed Session at 5:47 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
OF THOSE PRESENT (KENDRICK - Absent).
RECONVENED to Open Session at 6:32 p.m.
City Attorney Lyon reported the following actions:
• Item 21 - Direction was given, no reportable action taken . • Item 22 - 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 22nd day of September, 2026, at 6:32 p.m., to Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
Joint Meeting: El Cajon City Council/Housing Authority/ Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - 216 -
TEZ, CMC
~(\ City Clerk/Secretary
September 22, 2026
3:00 p.m.