04/23/2025 Regular Meeting Page 1 Mtg. #2025-____, Bk#41, Page ___
MINUTES OF THE ENCINITAS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 23, 2025, 6:00 P.M., 505 SOUTH VULCAN AVENUE
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ehlers called the meeting to order at 6:29 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Bruce Ehlers, Council Members Jim O’Hara, Marco San Antonio, and Luke Shaffer
Absent: Deputy Mayor Joy Lyndes
Also present: City Manager Campbell, City Attorney Preziosi, Assistant City Manager Schwarm, Director of Engineering Bankston, Fire Chief Gordon, City Traffic Engineer Bandegan, City Clerk Hollywood, and Deputy City Clerk Weichers
There being a quorum present, the meeting was in order.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
4A. Environmental Commission Awards.
Mayor Ehlers, and Environmental Commissioners Mark O’Connor and Carol Parker presented the Environmental Commission Awards to the following:
• Excellence in Environmental Stewardship – For-profit Business:
Nectarine Grove, owner Rhiana Glor
• Excellence in Environmental Stewardship – Non-profit Business:
Plastic Beach, owner Matthew Clough
• Environmental Hero – Adult: Jim Brown
• Environmental Hero – Youth: Hero Jay Burke
Matt Rubel, District Representative from Senator Blakespear’s Office, presented certificates to all of the Environmental Commission Award winners.
Docusign Envelope ID: 0D5723C9-D78C-457B-BF1C-AF2292218349
04/23/2025 Regular Meeting
04/23/2025 Regular Meeting Page 2 Mtg. #2025-____, Bk#41, Page __
4B. Proclamation in Recognition of Fair Housing Month.
Mayor Ehlers presented the Proclamation in recognition of Fair Housing Month to Amalea Romero, Fair Housing Managing Attorney, and Gilberto Rivera, Deputy Director of Legal Aid Society of San Diego.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS / POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF
Mayor Ehlers announced that due to the number of speakers under oral communications, each speaker would receive two minutes and thirty seconds.
Donna Goldschlag, Maria Serhan, and George Serhan spoke regarding a neighborhood threat.
Roni Gardinier spoke regarding infrastructure on Birmingham Avenue.
Kristine Schindler spoke regarding various topics.
Treena Priest spoke regarding marijuana storefronts in the City of Encinitas
Dave Dean spoke regarding various topics.
Jennifer Hewitson spoke regarding International Dark Skies week.
Alison Wielechowski spoke regarding various topics.
Rachel Graves spoke regarding the grant writing process.
6. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
No Closed Session Meeting was held.
7. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
There were no changes to the posted agenda.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Ehlers announced that he was pulling item 8D from the Consent Calendar.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Shaffer moved, San Antonio seconded to close and adopt the Consent Calendar with the exception of item 8D. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. Absent: Lyndes. Abstain:
None.
Docusign Envelope ID: 0D5723C9-D78C-457B-BF1C-AF2292218349
04/23/2025 Regular Meeting
04/23/2025 Regular Meeting Page 3 Mtg. #2025-____, Bk#41, Page __
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 April 9, 2025, Special Joint Meeting with San Dieguito Water District. 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.
8E. Request to waive city fees for the Silver Age Yoga Community Outreach (SAYCO) Program held at the Encinitas Library Community Room and Cardiff Sports Park. Contact Person: Recreation Services Manager Hamer 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) Approve waiving room rental and staffing fees for SAYCO to offer a one-hour senior yoga class at the Encinitas Library Community Room one day a week for a period of one year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026; and 2) Approve waiving commercial use permit fees for SAYCO, for one calendar year 2026, to offer a one-hour senior yoga class at the Cardiff Sports Park Expansion area two days a week.
8F. Extend use of temporary lights at Leo Mullen Sports Park for Encinitas Express. Contact Person: Recreation Services Manager Hamer 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: Approve and authorize the City Manager in consultation with the City Attorney, to execute Amendment No. 10, Docusign Envelope ID: 0D5723C9-D78C-457B-BF1C-AF2292218349
04/23/2025 Regular Meeting
04/23/2025 Regular Meeting Page 4 Mtg. #2025-____, Bk#41, Page __
extending the compliance agreement for one additional year between the City of Encinitas and Encinitas Express for use of temporary lights at Leo Mullen Sports Park, in substantial form.
8G. Approval of proposed improvements in the Cardiff area, including a disabled parking stall, designation of short-term parking spaces on San Elijo Avenue north of Chesterfield Drive, and the addition of decorative stencil markings.
Contact Person: City Traffic Engineer Bandegan
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) Approve the proposed improvements on San Elijo Avenue north of Chesterfield Drive, including the installation of a disabled parking stall on the west side, the designation of short term parking spaces on the east side, and the addition of decorative stencil markings on the white bars of the existing marked crosswalks; and 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-40, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas Approving the Engineering Design and Plans for the Implementation of a Disabled Parking Stall and Designation of Short-Term Parking Spaces on San Elijo Avenue North of Chesterfield Drive, and the Addition of Decorative Stencil Markings on the Existing Marked Crosswalks at South Coast Highway 101 at Chesterfield Drive, San Elijo Avenue at Chesterfield Drive, San Elijo Avenue at Liverpool Drive, Chesterfield Drive at San Elijo Avenue, and Chesterfield Drive at Newcastle Avenue, Pursuant to Government Code Section 830.6.”
8H. Renewal of the Encinitas Landscape and Lighting District for FY 2025-26.
Contact Person: Senior Management Analyst Lisenbee
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) Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2025-41, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Declaring Its Intention to Order the Renewal of the Encinitas Landscape and Lighting District for FY 2025-26 and Setting of a Public Hearing on May 21, 2025, Pursuant to the Provisions of Division 15, Part 2 of the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California”; and 2) Set the Encinitas Landscape and Lighting District renewal public hearing for May 21, 2025.
Docusign Envelope ID: 0D5723C9-D78C-457B-BF1C-AF2292218349
04/23/2025 Regular Meeting
04/23/2025 Regular Meeting Page 5 Mtg. #2025-____, Bk#41, Page __
8I. Authorization of SANDAG Smart Growth Incentive Program (SGIP) Cycle 6 Grant Applications Resolution. Contact Person: Management Analyst Brown
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: Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2025-46, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Authorizing the Filing of an Application for Grant Funds from the San Diego Association of Governments and Accepting the Terms of the Grant Agreement.”
9. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
8D. 2024-2025 Commission for the Arts Work Plan Final Outcomes and 2025- 2026 Proposed Commission for the Arts Work Plan. Contact Person: Arts Division Manager Murphy
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) Review and receive the 2024-2025 Commission for the Arts Work Plan final outcomes; and 2) Review and approve the 2025-2026 proposed Commission for the Arts Work Plan.
Mayor Ehlers stated that he removed this item from the Consent Calendar to add an additional item.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Ehlers moved, San Antonio seconded to approve the 2025-2026 proposed Commission for the Arts Work Plan with the addition of updating the Recreation Element in relation to the Arts Commission and an additional work plan item to explore revenue funding sources for the Pacific View Arts Center. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. Absent: Lyndes. Abstain:
None.
Docusign Envelope ID: 0D5723C9-D78C-457B-BF1C-AF2292218349
04/23/2025 Regular Meeting
04/23/2025 Regular Meeting Page 6 Mtg. #2025-____, Bk#41, Page __
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. Approval of the Proposed Bike Route Design Plans along San Elijo Avenue from Chesterfield Drive to Dublin Drive, along Dublin Drive from San Elijo Avenue to Manchester Avenue, and along Manchester Avenue from Dublin Drive to the San Elijo Nature Center/San Elijo Water Reclamation Plant.
Contact Person: City Traffic Engineer Bandegan
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) Approve the plans for the Implementation of a Bike Route along San Elijo Avenue from Chesterfield Drive to Dublin Drive, along Dublin Drive from San Elijo Avenue to Manchester Avenue and, along Manchester Avenue from Dublin Drive to the San Elijo Nature Center/San Elijo Water Reclamation Plant; and 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-37, titled “Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas Approving Engineering Design and Plans for Bike Route Implementation Along San Elijo Avenue from Chesterfield Drive to Dublin Drive, Along Dublin Drive from San Elijo Avenue to Manchester Avenue, and Along Manchester Avenue from Dublin Drive to the San Elijo Nature Center/San Elijo Water Reclamation Plant, Pursuant to Government Code Section 830.6.” City Traffic Engineer Bandegan presented the staff report.
SPEAKERS:
Ellen Burr and Kristine Schindler spoke regarding this item.
City Traffic Engineer Bandegan responded to questions from the Council.
COUNCIL ACTIONS:
O’Hara moved, Shaffer seconded to: 1) approve the plans for the Implementation of a Bike Route along San Elijo Avenue from Chesterfield Drive to Dublin Drive, along Dublin Drive from San Elijo Avenue to Manchester Avenue and, along Manchester Avenue from Dublin Drive to the San Elijo Nature Center/San Elijo Water Reclamation Plant; and 2) adopt Resolution No. 2025-37, titled “Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas Approving Engineering Design and Plans for Bike Route Implementation Along San Elijo Avenue from Chesterfield Drive to Dublin Drive, Along Dublin Drive from San Elijo Avenue to Manchester Avenue, Docusign Envelope ID: 0D5723C9-D78C-457B-BF1C-AF2292218349
04/23/2025 Regular Meeting
04/23/2025 Regular Meeting Page 7 Mtg. #2025-____, Bk#41, Page __
and Along Manchester Avenue from Dublin Drive to the San Elijo Nature Center/San Elijo Water Reclamation Plant, Pursuant to Government Code Section 830.6.”
Ehlers made a substitute motion, Shaffer seconded to: 1) direct staff to conduct a CPP on the staff recommendation to approve the plans for the implementation of a bike route along San Elijo Avenue from Chesterfield Drive to Dublin Drive, along Dublin Drive from San Elijo Avenue to Manchester Avenue and, along Manchester Avenue from Dublin Drive to the San Elijo Nature Center/San Elijo Water Reclamation Plant; and 2) refer the item back to Mobility and Traffic Safety Commission with the results of the CPP for consideration and consensus between the City Traffic Engineer and Commission.
Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays:
None. Absent: Lyndes. Abstain: None.
10B. Updates to the City of Encinitas Permit Parking Program and Municipal Code Chapter 14.41 and Introduction of Ordinance 2025-06. Contact Person: Traffic Engineer Bandegan
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) Conduct a public hearing regarding amending Chapter 14.41, Permit Parking Zones, of the Encinitas Municipal Code; 2) Receive the report by Dixon Resources Unlimited, Inc. on City of Encinitas’ Permit Parking Program; and 3) Introduce Ordinance No. 2025-06, titled “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, amending Chapter 14.41, Permit Parking Zones, of the Encinitas Municipal Code.”
Mayor Ehlers outlined the public hearing procedures.
Ben Verdugo, consultant from Dixon Resources Unlimited presented the staff report and responded to preliminary questions from the Council.
COUNCIL DISCLOSURES OF ANY INFORMATION RECEIVED THAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE AGENDA PACKET:
Council Member San Antonio disclosed that he met with residents of Via Molena.
Council Member Shaffer disclosed that he met with residents of Via Molena.
Docusign Envelope ID: 0D5723C9-D78C-457B-BF1C-AF2292218349
04/23/2025 Regular Meeting
04/23/2025 Regular Meeting Page 8 Mtg. #2025-____, Bk#41, Page __
Council Member O’Hara disclosed that he had meetings at City Hall with residents of Via Molena.
Mayor Ehlers disclosed that he had phone conversations with Sandra Anderson regarding permit parking.
City Traffic Engineer Bandegan responded to preliminary questions from the Council.
Mayor Ehlers opened the public hearing at 8:09 p.m.
SPEAKERS:
Peter Tobias and Molly Hintlian spoke in support of the recommended action.
Sandra Anderson and Bonnie Bobzien spoke in opposition to the recommended action.
Mayor Ehlers closed the public hearing at 8:33 p.m.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Ehlers moved, Shaffer seconded to direct staff to incorporate all comments and feedback from tonight’s meeting, bring the updated draft ordinance to the Mobility and Traffic Safety Commission for consideration and then bring back to the City Council for consideration. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. Absent: Lyndes. Abstain: None.
Mayor Ehlers called the meeting into recess at 9:07 p.m., and reconvened the meeting at 9:19 p.m.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Shaffer moved, San Antonio seconded to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays:
None. Absent: Lyndes. Abstain: None.
10C. Presentation of the Encinitas Fire Department’s Wildfire Gap Analysis Report and the Public Health & Safety Commission’s prioritized recommendations for enhancing wildfire preparedness, prevention, and response. Contact Person: Fire Chief Gordon
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.
Docusign Envelope ID: 0D5723C9-D78C-457B-BF1C-AF2292218349
04/23/2025 Regular Meeting
04/23/2025 Regular Meeting Page 9 Mtg. #2025-____, Bk#41, Page __
Recommended Action: 1) Receive and discuss the Fire Department Wildfire Gap Analysis Report; and 2) Receive and discuss the Public Health & Safety Commissions Prioritization of Recommendations.
Fire Chief Gordon, Emergency Manager Jones-Kirk, and Public Health and Safety Commission Chair Morton presented the staff report and responded to questions from the Council.
SPEAKERS:
Sarah Lifton, Susanne Klausenstock, Camille Perkins, Molly Hintlian, and Brad Lefkowits spoke in support of the recommended action.
There was a consensus from the Council to direct staff to prepare and provide funding needs for the recommendations presented for budget consideration as options.
COUNCIL ACTION:
O’Hara moved, Shaffer seconded to continue the meeting past 11:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays:
None. Absent: Lyndes. Abstain: None.
10D. Emergency Declaration: D Street Staircase Beach Access Closure and Repairs. Contact Person: Senior Engineer Stryker
Environmental Considerations: The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is an Emergency Project as defined under Section 15269(b) of CEQA Guidelines. The action involves emergency repairs to publicly owned facilities necessary to maintain service essential to public health and safety.
Recommended Action: Receive the Emergency Declaration for the D Street Staircase Beach Access Closure and Repairs.
Senior Engineer Stryker presented the staff report.
There was consensus from the City Council to receive the report.
11. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
There were no Informational items.
12. COUNCIL MEMBER INITIATED AGENDA ITEM
12A. Council Initiated Item by Council Member Jim O’Hara aimed at creating a safer and affordable solution to public concerns at Intersection at Hygeia Ave and Leucadia Blvd.
Docusign Envelope ID: 0D5723C9-D78C-457B-BF1C-AF2292218349
04/23/2025 Regular Meeting
04/23/2025 Regular Meeting Page 10 Mtg. #2025-____, Bk#41, Page __
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: Explore a redesign the intersection at Hygeia Ave and Leucadia Blvd as a four way stop that includes 4 new crosswalks with the East & West Crosswalks (across Leucadia Blvd) designed to include RRFB lighted crosswalks, and Pedestrian Refuge Islands.
Council Member O’Hara presented the Council initiated item.
SPEAKERS:
Farhad Mahmoudi, Chris Ryan, and Tony Kranz spoke regarding this item.
COUNCIL ACTION:
O’Hara moved, Shaffer seconded to direct staff to return to the City Council with design options for the intersection at Hygeia Ave and Leucadia Blvd as a four way stop that includes 2-4 crosswalks and options for Pedestrian Refuge Islands. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. Absent: Lyndes.
Abstain: None.
13. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS PURSUANT TO AB1234 (GC 53232.3(d)) / POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF
Council Member O’Hara reported on attending a SANDAG retreat.
Mayor Ehlers reported on attending a Fire Governance Subcommittee meeting with Council Member Shaffer and attending Encina Wastewater Authority meeting.
14. CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Campbell reported on the following items:
• Free universal waste recycling event from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday April 26, 2025 at City Hall parking lot
• Congratulating the Engineering Department on winning an APWA award for their ADA compliant sidewalk from South Cardiff State Beach to the Solana Beach border.
15. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
No City Attorney report was given.
Docusign Envelope ID: 0D5723C9-D78C-457B-BF1C-AF2292218349
04/23/2025 Regular Meeting
04/23/2025 Regular Meeting Page 11 Mtg. #2025-____, Bk#41, Page __
City Clerk Hollywood announced that the City was still accepting applications for the vacancy on the Urban Forest Advisory Committee and the deadline has been extended.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ehlers adjourned the meeting at 11:46 p.m.
_________________________ ____________________________ Kathy Hollywood, City Clerk Bruce Ehlers, Mayor
By: Pete Weichers, Deputy
City Clerk
Docusign Envelope ID: 0D5723C9-D78C-457B-BF1C-AF2292218349