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MINUTES OF THE ENCINITAS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
MAY 28, 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: City Manager Campbell, City Attorney Preziosi, Assistant City Manager Schwarm, Fire Chief Gordon, Sheriff’s Captain Watts, Director of Engineering Bankston, Director of Development Services Drapkin, 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. Presentation by San Diego Community Power.
Karin Burns, CEO of San Diego Community Power provided an update on San Diego Community Power projects and responded to questions from the Council.
4B. Presentation of Proclamation in recognition of May as Bike Month.
Mayor Ehlers presented the proclamation for Bike and Safety Awareness Month to Nick Buck, Mobility Manager.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS / POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF
Kristine Schindler spoke regarding various topics.
Molly Hintlian spoke regarding the Resource Element outreach.
Dave Dean spoke regarding children’s book donations at his “little library.”
Roni Gardinier spoke regarding the Birmingham Drive overlay project.
Natalie Settoon spoke regarding Public Records requests.
Treena Priest spoke regarding marijuana advertising in the City of Encinitas.
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Tony Gurnoe spoke regarding the San Dieguito Academy student garden club.
John Van Cleef spoke regarding the Community Resource Center.
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
City Clerk Hollywood announced that Council Member O’Hara removed item 8I from the Consent Calendar.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Shaffer moved, San Antonio seconded to close and adopt the Consent Calendar with the exception of item 8I. 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 May 14, 2025, Special-Closed Session Meeting. Contact Person: City Clerk Hollywood
Recommended Action: Approve the Minutes.
8C. Approve Plans, Authorize Advertisement and Approve a Budget Resolution for the 444 El Camino Real Drainage Channel Repair Project (CD25B).
Contact Person: Senior Engineer Stryker
Environmental Considerations: The actions being considered by the City Council are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section 15301(b) of CEQA Guidelines. The proposed project is considered repair and maintenance of an existing publicly owned facility drainage channel and will result in no expansion of existing or former use.
None of the exceptions in Section 15300.2 of the CEQA Guidelines are applicable to the project.
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Recommended Action: 1) Approve the plans and design for the 444 El Camino Real Drainage Channel Repair Project (CD25B); 2) Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2025-64, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Approving the Design and Plans for the El Camino Real Drainage Channel Repair Project (CD25A), Pursuant to Government Code Section 830.6;” and 3) Authorize advertisement of the 444 El Camino Real Drainage Channel Repair Project (CD25B). 8D. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-47 to Partially Fund Repairs to the Grandview Beach Access stairway. Contact Person: Engineer I Sanchez Environmental Considerations: This project is Categorically Exempt (CE) from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 (d) of the CEQA Guidelines. This section exempts rehabilitation of deteriorated or damaged structures to meet current standards of public health and safety.
Recommended Action: Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2025-47, titled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget” to appropriate $100,000 to the Grandview Stairs Project (CP23A).
8E. Recommended Projects for SB 1 Funding (The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017) for Fiscal Year 2025-26. 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. 2025-65, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Adopting a List of Projects for Fiscal Year 2025-26 Funded by SB 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.”
8F. Emergency Repairs to Fire Station #5 (CF23C). Contact Person:
Management Analyst Horn
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.
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Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-60, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Amending the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget.”
8G. Agreement with Tyler Technologies from existing on-premise license model, to Software as a Service (SaaS) model. Contact Person: IT Applications Supervisor VanPelt
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) Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement in substantial form in consultation with the City Attorney, with Tyler Technologies in the amount of $3,260,524 for a five- year Software as a Service Agreement; and 2) Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2025-56, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget.” 8H. Amendment #4 to the Agreement with Dudek for Regulatory Permitting, Environmental Documentation, and CEQA Consulting Services for the La Costa Stormwater Basin Rehab Project. Contact Person: Environmental Services Manager Steenblock
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: Authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment # 4 to the contract with Dudek for Regulatory Permitting, Environmental Documentation, and CEQA Consulting Services, in substantial form, in conjunction with the City Attorney, increasing the agreement not to-exceed amount of $265,045 by $63,820, for a total not- to-exceed amount of $327,865, and to extend the contract term of the agreement for an additional 2-year period.
8J. Ratify the City Manager’s approval of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and the City of Encinitas (“City”) to allow for the City’s continued participation in the SANDAG Regional Shoreline Monitoring Program for the next three (3) years. Contract Person: Coastal Zone Administrator Mierau Docusign Envelope ID: 62819A18-21E0-43D4-A7BC-7D6B822781DE
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Environmental Considerations: The current action considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because the MOU 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 direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
Recommended Action: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-52 titled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Approving the City Manager’s Execution of The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Contract No. 6000206, Between San Diego Association of Governments and the City of Encinitas for the Regional Shoreline Monitoring Program”; and 2) Find that the current scope of the project is exempt as noted in Resolution No. 2025-52 from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because the MOU 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.
9. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
8I. Amendment No. 4 to Agreement for Professional Consultant Services between the City of Encinitas (“City”) and University of San Diego, Energy Policy Initiatives Center to add $142,767, with a total not-to-exceed amount of $280,942, for additional support with the Climate Action Plan (CAP) Update, including the completion of a Benefit Cost Analysis, and to allow for an additional one-year extension period with a new expiration date of June 30, 2026. Contact Person: Sustainability Manager Najera Environmental Considerations: The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines because it is not a “project” under Section 15378(b)(5). 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: Authorize the City Manager, or designee, in coordination with the City Attorney, to execute Amendment No. 4 to the Agreement with University of San Diego, Energy Policy Initiatives Center (EPIC), in substantial form, to allow for and extend the term of the Agreement to June 30, 2026, add tasks to the scope of work necessary to complete the Implementation Cost Analysis, add a Benefit Cost Analysis, execute final document preparation, add $142,767 of capacity to the Agreement for a new not-to-exceed amount of $280,942, and add consultant billing rates for FY 2025-26.
Council Member O’Hara stated that he removed this item because he has questions regarding the scope of work and total cost.
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Sustainability Manager Najera presented the staff report and responded to questions from the Council.
SPEAKER:
Natalie Settoon spoke regarding this item.
COUNCIL ACTIONS:
Ehlers moved, O’Hara seconded to continue the item and direct staff to return to Council with options to reduce the costs to the City.
Lyndes made a substitute motion, Shaffer seconded to authorize the City Manager, or designee, in coordination with the City Attorney, to execute Amendment No. 4 to the Agreement with University of San Diego, Energy Policy Initiatives Center (EPIC), in substantial form, to allow for and extend the term of the Agreement to June 30, 2026, add tasks to the scope of work necessary to complete the Implementation Cost Analysis, add a Benefit Cost Analysis, execute final document preparation, add $142,767 of capacity to the Agreement for a new not- to-exceed amount of $280,942, and add consultant billing rates for FY 2025-26. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, and Shaffer. Nays:
O’Hara and San Antonio. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
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. Accept the Interim Santa Fe Drive Corridor Improvements Project – Western Phase (CS19E), Receive Staff Summary of Community Feedback, and Provide Direction on Corridor Modifications. Contact Person: Engineer II Suleiman
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 an organizational or administrative activity of government that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
Recommended Action: 1) Authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion for the interim condition of the subject project; 2) Authorize the release of the Payment Bond in full upon the recording of the Notice of Completion; 3) Authorize the release of the Performance Bond in full one (1) year after the recording of the Notice of Completion; 4) Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2025-59, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Accepting the Interim Condition of the Santa Fe Drive Corridor Improvements Project – Western Phase (CS19E);” and 5) Receive Docusign Envelope ID: 62819A18-21E0-43D4-A7BC-7D6B822781DE
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Presentation & Provide Direction to Staff on modifications to be installed to complete the Santa Fe Drive Western Phase.
Engineer II Suleiman presented the staff report and responded to questions from the Council.
Council Member O’Hara requested that the Council act on items #1-4; then take separate action on item #5.
SPEAKERS:
Molly Hintlian, Natalie Settoon, Cathy Santone, Mark Herman, Judy Berlfein, Scott Campbell, and Tony Kranz spoke regarding this item.
Mayor Ehlers called the meeting into recess at 8:27 p.m., and reconvened the meeting at 8:41 p.m.
Director of Engineering Bankston and Assistant City Manager Schwarm responded to questions from the Council.
COUNCIL ACTIONS:
O’Hara moved, Shaffer seconded to: 1) authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion for the interim condition of the subject project; 2) authorize the release of the Payment Bond in full upon the recording of the Notice of Completion; 3) authorize the release of the Performance Bond in full one (1) year after the recording of the Notice of Completion; and 4) adopt City Council Resolution No. 2025-59, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Accepting the Interim Condition of the Santa Fe Drive Corridor Improvements Project – Western Phase (CS19E).” Motion Carried.
Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None.
Absent: None. Abstain: None.
COUNCIL ACTION:
O’Hara moved, Shaffer seconded to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None.
Absent: None. Abstain: None.
Shaffer moved, Ehlers seconded to direct staff to bring back design options for Council consideration as follows: 1) parallel parking with protected bike lanes with 11 to 11½ foot lane widths; 2) head-in diagonal parking with protected bike lanes with 11 to 11½ foot lane widths; 3) Council Member O’Hara’s drawing with 11 to 11½ foot lane widths; and 4) optional configuration: remove bollards/buffer, widen lanes and construct street-level bike lane at the following locations:
Santa Fe Drive-West of Nardo/MacKinnon and Santa Fe Drive-East of Bonita/Windsor. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: Lyndes. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
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Ehlers moved, San Antonio seconded to approve staff recommended Bike Conflict Area Improvements with a cost estimate of $95,000. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
Lyndes moved, Ehlers seconded to approve staff recommended Traffic Signal Modifications (Nardo/MacKinnon and Bonita/Windsor) – Relocate Signal Poles as needed and reconstruct curb returns, and straighten bike lanes across intersections with cost estimate of $500,000; and staff recommended Parking Cut Throughs - Modify Planters to Provide ADA Compliant Pedestrian Path with cost estimate of $145,000. Motion Failed:
Ayes: Lyndes. Nays: Ehlers, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Absent:
None. Abstain: None.
11. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
There were no Informational items.
12. COUNCIL MEMBER INITIATED AGENDA ITEM
12A. A Council-initiated item from Council Member Marco San Antonio regarding Fire Station 6
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: Direct Staff to report to the council on the cost and benefits of increasing Station 6 (Olivenhain) personnel from 2 to 3 daily firefighters. Staff should also consider opportunities to reduce costs by exploring creative cost-saving measures while maintaining acceptable hiring practices and operational integrity. Staff should also research ways to expedite Station 6’s building timeline with the possibility of a Local Emergency Resolution. This should be considered at the next city council meeting.
Council Member San Antonio presented the Council Initiated item.
SPEAKERS:
Kristine Schindler spoke regarding this item.
Pete Albanese, Natalie Settoon, and Molly Hintlian registered support for the recommended action, but chose not to speak.
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COUNCIL ACTION:
Ehlers moved, Shaffer seconded to approve the recommended action with flexibility in timing, approve the submission of a Safer Grant, and bring back a plan to the City Council in August. 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 San Antonio reported on a San Diego Community Power meeting.
Council Member Shaffer reported on a North County Dispatch Joint Powers Authority meeting.
Deputy Mayor Lyndes reported on a San Diego County Water Authority meeting and a SANDAG board meeting.
Mayor Ehlers reported on attending a SANDAG meeting on May 23, 2025.
14. CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Campbell reported that EcoFest would be taking place this Sunday June 1, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Encinitas Community Park and there would be free parking shuttles at San Dieguito Academy.
15. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
No City Attorney report was given.
City Clerk Hollywood reported that the City received 2 applications for the Urban Forest Advisory Committee and Youth Commission applications would be closing on May 29, 2025 at 5:00 p. m.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ehlers adjourned the meeting at 11:09 p.m.
_________________________ ____________________________ Kathy Hollywood, City Clerk Bruce Ehlers, Mayor
By: Pete Weichers, Deputy
City Clerk
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