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MINUTES OF THE ENCINITAS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 26, 2025, 6:00 P.M., 505 SOUTH VULCAN AVENUE
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ehlers called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Bruce Ehlers, Deputy Mayor Joy Lyndes, Council Members Jim O’Hara, Marco San Antonio, and Luke Shaffer
Absent: None
Also present: Interim City Manager Campbell, City Attorney Preziosi, Acting Deputy City Manager Schwarm, Director of Engineering Bankston, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Knopp, Acting Director of Development Services Colamussi, Fire Chief Gordon, Deputy City Clerk Weichers, and Management Analyst Rapp
There being a quorum present, the meeting was in order.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
4A. Presentation of an Award by the San Diego Chapter of the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) to the City of Encinitas Morgen Ruby and Sabrina Mamo, Co-Chairs with the APBP San Diego Chapter presented the award to the City of Encinitas.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS / POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF
Tony Kranz spoke regarding density bonus land use.
Natalie Settoon spoke regarding the Public Health and Safety Commission.
Kristine Schindler spoke regarding transportation projects within the City.
Scott Campbell spoke on various topics.
Molly Hintlian spoke regarding the Electrification Fair and electrical stoves.
Treena Priest spoke regarding marijuana use.
Dave Dean spoke regarding water discharge on Second Street and B Street.
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Raul Villamar spoke regarding parking in the City.
Ellen Burr spoke regarding various topics.
6. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
No Closed Session meeting was held.
7. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
Deputy City Clerk Weichers stated that item 8H was considered at the Special City Council Meeting today, February 26, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.; and therefore, removed from this agenda.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Deputy Clerk Weichers announced no items were removed from the consent calendar.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Shaffer moved, Lyndes seconded to close and adopt the Consent Calendar.
Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer.
Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
8A. Approval to waive the full reading of the text of all ordinances and resolutions introduced/adopted at this meeting. Ordinances and resolutions shall be introduced/adopted by title only. Contact Person: City Clerk Hollywood
Recommended Action: Approve.
8B. Approval of the Minutes of the February 5, 2025, Special-Closed Session Meeting. Contact Person: City Clerk Hollywood
Recommended Action: Approve the Minutes.
8C. Approval of the Warrants List (Register of Demands). Contact Person:
Finance Manager Dinh
Recommended Action: Staff recommends that the City Council review and approve the warrants.
8D. Acceptance of the Cardiff Sports Park LED Retrofit Project (CP23C).
Contact Person: Senior Engineer Baldenegro
Environmental Considerations: The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a “project” under Section 15378(b)(5) of CEQA Guidelines.
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The action involves an organizational or administrative activity of government that will not result in the direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
Recommended Action: 1) Authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion (NOC) for the subject project; 2) Authorize the release of the payment bond for the subject project in full upon the recording of the Notice of Completion; 3) Authorize the release of the performance bond for the subject project in full, one (1) year after the recording of the Notice of Completion; and 4) Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2025-15, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Accepting the Public Improvements for the Cardiff Sports Park LED Retrofit Project (CP23C).” 8E. Acceptance of the B Street Drainage Improvement Project (CD25A).
Contact Person: Senior Engineer Stryker
Environmental Considerations: The actions being considered by the City Council are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because they are not a “project” under Section 15378(b)(5) of CEQA Guidelines. The actions involve organizational or administrative activities of government that will not result in the direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
Recommended Action: 1) Authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion (NOC) for the subject project; 2) Authorize the release of the payment bond for the subject project in full upon the recording of the NOC; 3) Authorize the release of the performance bond for the subject project in full, one (1) year after the recording of the NOC; and 4) Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2025-11, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Accepting the Public Improvements for the B Street Drainage Improvement Project (CD25A).”
8F. Acceptance of the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 8 Traffic Signal Improvements Project (CS02G). Contact Person: Engineer II Edgeworth
Environmental Considerations: The actions being considered by the City Council are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because they are not a “project” under Section 15378(b)(5) of CEQA Guidelines. The actions involve organizational or administrative activities of government that will not result in the direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
Recommended Action: 1) Authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion (NOC) for the subject project; 2) Authorize the release of the payment bond for the subject project in full upon the recording of the Notice of Completion; 3) Authorize the release of the performance bond for the subject project in full, one (1) year after the recording of the Notice of Completion; and 4) Docusign Envelope ID: 68693823-5DDC-4BC4-91BB-F9A0734A4DA6
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Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2025-25, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Accepting the Public Improvements for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 8 Traffic Signal Improvements Project (CS02G).”
8G. Terminate the Kearns & West agreement for services that include stakeholder engagement, preparation and implementation of a Public Engagement Plan (PEP) and community outreach for development of a 100 percent affordable housing project on the City-owned site known as L-7, located at 634 Quail Gardens Drive. Contact Person: Housing Services Manager Dacey and Policy and Housing Planning Manager Anders Environmental Considerations: The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a “project” under Section 15378(b)(5) of CEQA Guidelines.
The action involves an organizational or administrative activity of government that will not result in the direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
Recommended Action: Terminate the Kearns & West agreement for stakeholder engagement on L-7.
8H. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Midyear Budget Status Report and Proposed Budget Amendments. Contact Person: Finance Manager Sanderson
Environmental Considerations: The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a “project” under Section 15378(b)(5) of CEQA Guidelines.
The action involves an organizational or administrative activity of government that will not result in the direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
Recommended Action: 1) Receive and file the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Midyear Budget Status Report; 2) Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2025-19 titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget”; and 3) Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2025-28 titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Amending Position Titles and Pay Ranges for Fiscal Year 2024-25.”
This item was considered at the Special Meeting today, February 26, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.; and therefore, removed from this agenda.
9. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
No items were removed from the consent calendar.
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10. ACTION ITEMS To speak on action items, please submit a “PINK” speaker slip to the City Clerk. Each speaker is allowed three (3) minutes to address the City Council. A maximum of two time donations per speaker is allowed (no more than 9 minutes total); the person donating time must be present.
10A. Introduction of Ordinance No. 2025-03 approving a Sewer Reimbursement District on behalf of property owners Lang, London, Machain, Saraspe and Shipman, and adding Section 18.12.320 to the Encinitas Municipal Code.
Contact Person: Engineer I Schade
Environmental Considerations: The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a “project” under Section 15378(b)(5) of CEQA Guidelines.
The action involves an organizational or administrative activity of government that will not result in the direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
Recommended Action: Introduce Ordinance No. 2025-03, titled “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Adding Section 18.12.320 to the Encinitas Municipal Code to Provide for Reimbursement for Construction Costs of a Sewer Main Extension on El Camino Del Norte to Property Owners Lang, London, Machain, Saraspe, and Shipman.”
Engineer I Schade presented the staff report.
Engineer I Schade and Director of Engineering Bankston responded to questions from the Council.
PUBLIC SPEAKERS:
Randy Lang spoke regarding this item.
COUNCIL ACTIONS:
Ehlers moved, O’Hara seconded to introduce Ordinance No. 2025-03, titled “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Adding Section 18.12.320 to the Encinitas Municipal Code to Provide for Reimbursement for Construction Costs of a Sewer Main Extension on El Camino Del Norte to Property Owners Lang, London, Machain, Saraspe, and Shipman.” Motion carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
10B. City Council direction on the City-owned site located at 634 Quail Gardens Drive (L-7) by repealing and replacing Resolution No. 2023-128 with a finding that the property is necessary for the City’s use and utilizing existing zoning regulations or consider rezoning of L-7 and other City parks. Contact Docusign Envelope ID: 68693823-5DDC-4BC4-91BB-F9A0734A4DA6
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Person: Housing Services Manager Dacey and Policy and Housing Planning Manager Anders
Environmental Considerations: The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a “project” under Section 15378(b)(5) of CEQA Guidelines.
The action involves an organizational or administrative activity of the government that will not result in direct or indirect physical change in the environment. A separate future analysis may need to be conducted depending on the City Council’s direction.
Recommended Action: 1) Provide direction to staff repealing and replacing Resolution No. 2023-128 with a finding that the property is necessary for the City’s use by adopting Resolution No. 2025-29 titled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Repealing Resolution No. 2023-128 Which Declared the City Owned Land at 634 Quail Gardens Drive (APN: 257-011-17-00) as Surplus Land and Not Necessary for the City’s Use and Approved the Notice of Availability, and Finding and Declaring that the City Owned Land at 634 Quail Gardens Drive is Necessary for the City’s Use as Park Land and is No Longer Considered Surplus Land”; 2) Provide direction to staff on L-7 and other City owned park properties on one of the following options: a. Establish L-7 and other City owned park properties as parks by utilizing existing zoning regulations in Chapter 30.09.010 of the Encinitas Municipal Code (EMC) and deed restrict the properties for park purposes in perpetuity; or b. Rezone L-7 and all other City owned park properties as Public/Semi-Public by calling an election pursuant to Proposition A per EMC Chapter 30.
Housing Services Manager Dacey and Policy and Housing Planning Manager Anders presented the staff report.
Housing Services Manager Dacey, Policy and Housing Planning Manager Anders, and Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Parks, Recreation Knopp responded to council clarification questions.
PUBLIC SPEAKERS:
The following individuals spoke in support of the recommended action: Glen Johnson, Maria Ardantz, Oliver Pratt, Jessica Pratt, and Farhad Mahmoudi Stephen Russell spoke in opposition to the recommended action.
COUNCIL ACTION:
O’Hara moved, San Antonio seconded: 1) staff to repeal and replace Resolution No. 2023-128 with a finding that the property is necessary for the City’s use by adopting Resolution No. 2025-29 titled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, repealing Resolution No. 2023-128 Which Declared the City Owned Land at 634 Quail Gardens Drive (APN: 257-011-17-00) as Surplus Land Docusign Envelope ID: 68693823-5DDC-4BC4-91BB-F9A0734A4DA6
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and Not Necessary for the City’s Use and Approved the Notice of Availability, and Finding and Declaring that the City Owned Land at 634 Quail Gardens Drive is Necessary for the City’s Use as Park Land and is No Longer Considered Surplus Land”; and 2) Direct staff to establish L-7 and other City owned park properties as parks by utilizing existing zoning regulations in Chapter 30.09.010 of the Encinitas Municipal Code and deed restrict the properties for park purposes and ask staff to explore the use of $3.1 million dollars in mitigation funds and to ask staff to collaborate with residences as a private/public co-op, with Ross Ridder, Katy Fox, and “The Encinitas Project” nonprofit; and 3) to direct staff to explore the amount of mitigation fees the city would have if the remaining R30 parcels are deed restricted. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
11. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
There were no Informational items.
Mayor Ehlers called the meeting into recess at 7:48 p.m. and reconvened at 8:01 p.m.
12. COUNCIL MEMBER INITIATED AGENDA ITEM
12A. Council Member Initiated Item from Mayor Ehlers of a Proposal for an in- depth investigation by the Public Health and Safety Commission (PHSC) of potential wildfire risks and concerns in Encinitas based on recent and similar past fires.
Environmental Considerations: The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a “project” under Section 15378(b)(5) of CEQA Guidelines.
The action involves an organizational or administrative activity of government that will not result in the direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
Recommended Action: I recommend the City Council delegate this investigation to the PHSC asking the PHSC to hold one or more public meetings, gather these concerns and rank their severity and likelihood.
Ranking risks by severity and likelihood would enable us to focus on addressing the most likely and most severe risks. I further recommend the PHSC invite the Olivenhain Fire Safe Council (OFSC) to participate in the PHSC public meetings and deliberations. OFSC’s prior investigations, connections and experience in preparing for wildfire threat should help quick-start the discussions.
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that should be considered as part of our upcoming budget process.
This is an urgent task whose results may impact budget planning for next year’s budget. The new FY25/26 budget is being compiled in a series of meetings between now and June. Ideally, this investigation and mitigation proposals should be completed by early May before the budget adoption in June.
Mayor Ehlers presented this item.
PUBLIC SPEAKERS:
Natalie Settoon, Ron Medak, Jessica Pratt, Molly Hintlian, James Morton, spoke regarding this item.
Interim City Manager Campbell gave an update on the Public Health and Safety Commission and reported that Fire Administration would be overseeing the commission. Instead of the City Manager’s Office.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Ehlers moved, O’Hara seconded to direct the Public Health and Safety Commission to: 1) investigate and gather Major Fire Conflagrations concerns and rank their severity and likelihood, ranking risks by severity and likelihood to enable and focus on addressing the most likely and most severe risks;2) invite the Olivenhain Fire Safe Council to collaborate with the commission for results as soon as possible but no later than early May; 3) include the Sheriff to work with the Fire Department to propose mitigation measures for the most severe and most likely risks as an input to Council and our FY 25/26 budget; and 4) collaborate with Encinitas Fire Department and Olivenhain Fire Safe Council to leverage their knowledge and comments. Motion Carried.
Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None.
Absent: None. Abstain: None.
12B. A Council-initiated item from Council Members Jim O'Hara and Luke Shaffer regarding the HCD/SANDAG housing numbers.
Environmental Considerations: The action before the City Council is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines since the action is not a "project" under Section 15378(b)(5). The action is an organizational or administrative activity of government that will not result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
Recommended Action: Direct staff to put together a letter or proclamation asking SANDAG to request an updated growth projection adjustment. A sample letter is included (attachment). Direct staff to put together a letter or proclamation asking our State Senator Catherine Blakespear and Assemblymember Tasha Boerner to request HCD to do the same.
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Council Member Shaffer presented this item.
PUBLIC SPEAKERS:
Maria Ardantz and, Ellen Burr spoke regarding this item.
COUNCIL ACTION:
O’Hara moved, Shaffer seconded to direct staff to work with a subcommittee of Mayor Ehlers and Council Member O’Hara to re-draft a letter to HCD/SANDAG to be brought back to the March 19, 2025, Council Meeting requesting an updated growth projection adjustment.
Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
13. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS PURSUANT TO AB1234 (GC 53232.3(d)) / POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF
Council Member Shaffer reported on attending a North County Fire Dispatch Joint Powers Authority meeting.
Council Member O’Hara reported on attending a North County Transit District Meeting Board Meeting.
Deputy Mayor Lyndes reported on attending an Encina Wastewater Authority meeting.
Mayor Ehlers reported on attending a SANDAG Transportation Borders and Reginal Planning Committee Joint Session and an Encina Wastewater Authority meeting.
14. CITY MANAGER REPORTS
Interim City Manager Campbell gave and update on the Santa Fe Project and the Mid- block Crossing near San Dieguito Academy.
15. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
No City Attorney report was given.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ehlers adjourned the meeting at 9:29 p.m.
________________________ __________________________
Pete Weichers, Deputy City Clerk Bruce Ehlers, Mayor By: Jackie Rapp, Management Analyst
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