04/08/2026 Special Meeting Page 1 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page _____
MINUTES OF THE ENCINITAS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
APRIL 8, 2026, 4:00 P.M., 505 SOUTH VULCAN AVENUE,
ENCINITAS, CA 92024
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mayor Ehlers called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
Present: Mayor Bruce Ehlers, Deputy Mayor Jim O’Hara, Council Members Joy Lyndes, Marco San Antonio, and Luke Shaffer
Absent: None
Also present: City Manager Campbell, Interim City Attorney Thind, Assistant City Manager Schwarm, Deputy City Manager James, Director of Development Services Drapkin, Director of Engineering Nutter, Finance Director Gallup, Information Technology Director Contreras, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Director Knopp, Public Works Director Mabry, Director of Utilities Hireish, Fire Chief Gordon, Sheriff’s Captain Watts, Human Resources Director von Kalinowski, Interim City Clerk Weichers, and Interim Deputy City Clerk Rapp
There being a quorum present, the meeting was in order.
AGENDA ITEM
1. Discussion and direction on the City FY 2026-27 Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets. Contact Person: Director of Finance/City Treasurer Gallup
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 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. The action is also exempt from CEQA under Section 15378(b)(5) of the CEQA Guidelines because it involves an organizational or administrative activity of government that will not result in the direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
Recommended Action: Receive the oral presentation, discuss, and provide direction on the City FY 2026-27 Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets.
City Manager Campbell and Director of Finance/City Treasurer Gallup presented the item.
SPEAKERS:
Wendy Schelew, Michael Murray, Natalie Muth, Dawn Ionescu, Ron Medak, Ross Garrett, Austin Heimark, Fabien Gonell, Rachelle Collier, Mary Anne P enton, Russell Levan, Sheila Cameron, Michael Murphy, John Gjata, Ellyn Hartman, and Sean Heath spoke regarding this item.
Docusign Envelope ID: 1D39FCED-AC77-87F1-808B-9D5FD04E5815
04/08/2026 Special Meeting
04/08/2026 Special Meeting Page 2 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page _____
Mayor Ehlers directed the Council on how to present their lists of desired projects and requested that each Council Member speak one at a time so staff could accurately capture their input.
Staff answered Council questions; Council discussed the information provided in the budget presentation; and Council provided feedback to staff.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Lyndes moved, Ehlers seconded to approve the budget sheet as presented; direct staff to provide additional information on the listed projects to further develop project ideas and support funding allocation decisions throughout the year; move the remaining funds to Line Item 2, FY27 Unassigned Fund Balance Target, to reflect funding available for future projects; and direct staff to return with the introduction of the draft budget at the May 20, 2026, City Council meeting. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: O’Hara. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ehlers adjourned the meeting at 6:14 p.m.
_______________________________ __________________________ Pete Weichers, Interim City Clerk Bruce Ehlers, Mayor By: Jackie Rapp, Interim Deputy City Clerk
Docusign Envelope ID: 1D39FCED-AC77-87F1-808B-9D5FD04E5815