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MINUTES OF THE ENCINITAS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 28, 2026, 6:00 P.M., 505 SOUTH VULCAN AVENUE,
ENCINITAS, CA 92024
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 Jim O’Hara (arrived at 6:02 p.m.) , Council Members Joy Lyndes, Marco San Antonio, and Luke Shaffer
Absent: None
Also present: City Manager Campbell, Assistant City Manager Schwarm, Deputy City Manager James, Interim City Attorney Thind, Director of Engineering Nutter, 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 funds by Oliver Pratt for L7 Park
This item was pulled from the agenda.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS / POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF
Elena Thompson spoke on various topics.
Molly Hintlian spoke regarding new construction and developer traffic mitigation.
Scott Campbell spoke on various topics.
Treena Priest spoke regarding marijuana use.
Ellen Burr spoke regarding Boards and Commissions.
Julie Thunder spoke regarding actions of local representatives.
Raul Villamar spoke regarding downtown parking.
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01/28/2026 Regular Meeting Page 2 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page __ Maria Ardantz Spoke regarding safety within the City.
Jeff Schade spoke regarding the Leucadia 101 Street Scape flooding and safety.
Ron Medak spoke regarding wildfire safety.
6. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
Interim City Attorney Thind reported that the City Council held a Closed Session at approximately 4:00 p.m. and there were no reportable actions.
7. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
Deputy City Clerk Weichers announced that item 4A was removed from the agenda and will be brought back at a later date.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Deputy City Clerk Weichers announced that Consent Calendar Items 8F and 8G were removed from the Consent Calendar by members of the public.
COUNCIL ACTION:
O’Hara moved, Shaffer seconded to close and adopt the Consent Calendar with the exception of items 8F and 8G. 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 Warrants List (Register of Demands). Contact Person:
Finance Manager Dinh
Recommended Action: Staff recommends that the City Council review and approve the warrants.
8C. Authorize the award of Professional Services Contracts for As-Needed Construction Management and Inspection (CM&I) Services. Contact Person: Interim Assistant Director of Engineering Widelski Environmental Considerations: The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Protection 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 Docusign Envelope ID: D9BF8CA7-0362-4D2B-A335-B5E6E41336EE
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Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute contracts in substantial form and any necessary amendments and time extensions, in consultation with the City Attorney, with Ardurra, Dudek, Kleinfelder Construction Services, Psomas, Reddy Engineering Services, and WSP. Each contract will be for a total not to exceed cost of $500,000 for As-Needed CM&I Services.
8D. Authorize the award of Professional Services Contracts for As-Needed Civil Engineering Services. Contact Person: Senior Engineer Stryker Environmental Considerations: The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Protection 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, or designee, to execute contracts in substantial form and any necessary amendments and time extensions, in consultation with the City Attorney, with Dokken Engineering, Michael Baker International, NV5, RICK, STC Traffic, Inc., and Wood Rodgers, Inc. Each contract will be for a total not to exceed cost of $500,000 for As-Needed Civil Engineering Services.
8E. Acceptance of the construction of the Temporary Fire Station #1 Project (CF25A). 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 for the Fire Station #1 project; 2) Authorize the release of the payment bond for the subject project in full upon the recording of the Notice of Completion; 3) Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2026-06, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Accepting the Public Improvements for the Temporary Fire Station 1 Project (CF25A)”; 4) Authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion for the West F Street Utility Project; 5) Authorize the release of the payment bond for the subject project in full upon the recording of the Notice of Completion; and 6) Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2026-07, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of Docusign Envelope ID: D9BF8CA7-0362-4D2B-A335-B5E6E41336EE
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9. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
8F. Authorize the award of a construction contract to Palm Engineering Construction Company, Inc. for the Glen Park ADA Improvements Project (CF18A). Contact Person: Senior Engineer Baldenegro
Environmental Considerations: The proposed project has been determined to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines, which exempts operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographic features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. The proposed project meets these criteria. None of the exceptions in Section 15300.2 of the CEQA Guidelines exists and no historical resources will be impacted by the proposed project.
Recommended Action: 1) Authorize the City Manager or designee, in consultation with the City Attorney, to execute a contract in substantial form and any necessary amendments and time extensions with Palm Engineering Construction Company, Inc. for $339,013 ($243,538 Base Bid + $95,475 Additive Alternate #1), plus a 15 percent contingency of $50,852, for a total cost not-to-exceed $389,865 for the construction contract of the Glen Park ADA Improvements Project (CF18A); and 2) Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2026-09, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget.” Senior Engineer Baldenegro presented the staff report.
Ellan Burr spoke in opposition to the recommended action.
Director of Engineering Nutter and City Manager Campbell answered Council questions.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Lyndes moved, Shaffer seconded to: 1) Authorize the City Manager or designee, in consultation with the City Attorney, to execute a contract in substantial form and any necessary amendments and time extensions with Palm Engineering Construction Company, Inc. for $339,013 ($243,538 Base Bid + $95,475 Additive Alternate #1), plus a 15 percent contingency of $50,852, for a total cost not-to-exceed $389,865 for the construction contract of the Glen Park ADA Improvements Project (CF18A); and 2) Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2026-09, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget.” Docusign Envelope ID: D9BF8CA7-0362-4D2B-A335-B5E6E41336EE
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01/28/2026 Regular Meeting Page 5 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page __ Motion Carried. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None. 8G. Opposition to the Proposed 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Draft Proposed Program. Contact Person: Deputy City Manager James
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) Ratify the Letter of Opposition to the proposed 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Draft Proposed Program; and 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-13, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California Calling on the Federal Administration to Protect Our Coast by Banning New Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling, Fracking and Other Well Stimulation in Federal and State Waters Off the California Coast.”
Susan Sherod spoke in support of the recommended action.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Shaffer moved, Lyndes seconded to: 1) Ratify the Letter of Opposition to the proposed 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Draft Proposed Program; and 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2026- 13, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California Calling on the Federal Administration to Protect Our Coast by Banning New Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling, Fracking and Other Well Stimulation in Federal and State Waters Off the California Coast.” Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. 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. Public Hearing for Consideration of Adopting Resolution 2026-03 to Establish a Cost of Services Schedule for Sewer Engineering Services (Sewer Engineering Fees) and Amend Fees for Miscellaneous Sewer Services. Contact Person: Principal Engineer Alex
Environmental Considerations: The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Docusign Envelope ID: D9BF8CA7-0362-4D2B-A335-B5E6E41336EE
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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) Hold a public hearing; and 2) Adopt Resolution 2026-03, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Establishing a Cost of Services Schedule for Sewer Engineering Services and Amending the Cost of Services Schedule for Miscellaneous Sewer Services” effective April 1, 2026.
Principal Engineer Alex, and Senior Management Analyst Stratakis presented the staff report.
COUNCIL DISCLOSURES OF ANY INFORMATION RECEIVED THAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE AGENDA PACKET:
Council Member Lyndes stated she had nothing to disclose.
Council Member San Antonio stated he had nothing to disclose.
Council Member Shaffer stated he had nothing to disclose.
Deputy Mayor O’Hara stated he had nothing to disclose.
Mayor Ehlers stated he had nothing to disclose.
Mayor Ehlers opened the public hearing at 6:56 p.m.
There were no public speakers
Mayor Ehlers closed the public hearing at 6:56 p.m.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Shaffer moved, San Antonio seconded to adopt Resolution 2026-03, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Establishing a Cost of Services Schedule for Sewer Engineering Services and Amending the Cost of Services Schedule for Miscellaneous Sewer Services” effective April 1, 2026. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer.
Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
10B. City Council Legislative Program (C024) Review and Discussion for the 2026 Legislative Season. Contact Person: Deputy City Manager James 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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01/28/2026 Regular Meeting Page 7 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page __ 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: Review and discuss the Legislative Program and provide direction to staff for changes to the draft 2026 priorities.
Deputy City Manager James and Jonathan Clay Consultant with Capri and Clay presented the staff report and responded to preliminary questions.
SPEAKERS:
Nancy Hardwick, Elena Thompson, Patty Stottlemyer, Paul Trause, Natalie Settoon, Theresa Beauchamp, Patti Goodman, Tom Keener, Kara Chine, James Labella, Caroline Zdanowski, Julie Thunder, Vann Parker, Stephen Baker, Susan Sherod, Maria Al-Shamma, Stephen Lord, Karen Kaden, Adriana Santo Tomas, and Arielle Golden spoke regarding this item.
Teresa Dezazzo, Kim Piker, James Hardwick, Jermey Manger, Sandy Housley, Therese Hymer, Christina Meno, Laura Rivard, Chase Rivard, Barbara Takashima, Sean McGrath, Dorothy Olsen, Dana Pearce, Dr. Marit Anderson, Kate Stearns, Lisa Klinger, Marc Guieb, Deanna Nino, Victoria Koenitzer, and Niels Lund registered opposition to the recommended action, but chose not to speak.
Mayor Ehlers called the meeting into recess at 8:17 p.m., and reconvened the meeting at 8:32 p.m.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Ehlers moved, Shaffer seconded to:
• Reinstate the primary priority bullet point to “Promote a just, equitable, and inclusive community”
• Remove the asterisk marks on pages one and two of the current policy
• Support legislation promoting gun violence prevention, improves gun safety, strengthens mental health care and awareness, and improves suicide prevention
• Support improved communication and public safety for federal agency actions in our community
• Enhance the availability and sustainability of disaster relief insurance for residents
• Return to Council within the next month or as soon as possible to finalize the 2026 Legislative Polices
Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
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11. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
There were no Informational Items.
12. COUNCIL MEMBER INITIATED AGENDA ITEM
12A. Council initiated item from Council Member Jim O’Hara regarding direction to design an ADA compliant 4-way stop sign at the intersection of Saxony and the North Entrance of the Ecke YMCA (also, Entrance to Scripps Medical Center).
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 city staff to create a design for the installation of an ADA compliant four-way stop sign with cross walks at the North Entrance of the YMCA to improve traffic safety and flow - include a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) pedestrian crossing to enhance visibility and safety for all crossing users. In conjunction, remove the existing chicanes along Saxony Boulevard.
Deputy Mayor O’Hara presented the staff report.
SPEAKERS:
Ron Medak, Mollie Hintlian, Jane Best, Rachel LaMar, Natalie Sattoon, Karen Kaden, and Denis Kaden spoke regarding this item.
COUNCIL ACTION:
O’Hara moved, Shaffer seconded to direct city staff to install an ADA compliant four-way stop sign with cross walks at the North Entrance of the YMCA to improve traffic and safety flow with pedestrian crossing to enhance visibility and safety for all crossing users. In conjunction, remove the existing chicanes along Saxony Boulevard and restore the bike lanes and previous parking and bike lanes back to where they were prior. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
COUNCIL ACTION:
O’Hara moved, Lyndes seconded to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m., but no later than 10:30 p.m. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
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01/28/2026 Regular Meeting Page 9 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page __ 12B. Council initiated item from Council Member Jim O’Hara regarding an ordinance to create amendments to the City of Encinitas, California’s Municipal Code Title 14 (Traffic Codes) Regarding Bicycles, specifically addressing e-bike safety.
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 City Manager to work with the City Staff and Sheriff’s Department to return with amendments to the City of Encinitas Municipal Code Title 14 that address e-bike safety in the City of Encinitas.
Deputy Mayor O’Hara presented the staff report.
SPEAKERS:
Ron Medak spoke regarding this item.
Molly Hintlian, and Natalie Settoon spoke in support of the recommended action but chose not to speak.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Shaffer moved, San Antonio seconded to direct the City Manager to work with City Staff and the Sheriff’s Department to return with amendments to the City of Encinitas Municipal Code Title 14 that address e-bike safety in the City of Encinitas. 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 Lyndes attended the San Diego County Water Authority Board Meeting and the Encina Wastewater Authority Board meeting with the Mayor.
Council Member O’Hara reported he toured the R.E. Badger Filtration Plant District and he and Council Member Lyndes met with North County Transit District to discuss housing option at the Vulcan lot.
Mayor Ehlers reported he attended the SANDAG Board of Directors Meeting and Encina Wastewater Authority Meeting.
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14. CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Campbell gave information on a Free Universal Waste Collection Event at City Hall on January 31, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; the upcoming Special City Council Goals Setting Workshop Meeting on February 2 and 3, 2026 held at the Library Community Room; and on Monday the City received a preliminary ruling from the CPUC regarding grant applications for two at grade pedestrian crossings at Grandview Street and Phoebe Street
15. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
No City Attorney report was given
Deputy City Clerk Weichers reported that the City is accepting applications for the newly formed Business Commission with a deadline of February 26, 2026.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ehlers adjourned the meeting at 10:22 p.m.
______________________________ __________________________ Pete Weichers, Deputy City Clerk Bruce Ehlers, Mayor By: Jackie Rapp, Management Analyst
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