04/08/2026 Regular Meeting Page 1 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page ___
MINUTES OF THE ENCINITAS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 8, 2026, 6:00 P.M., 505 SOUTH VULCAN AVENUE, ENCINITAS, CA 92024
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ehlers called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
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, Assistant City Manager Schwarm, Deputy City Manager James, Interim City Attorney Thind, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Director Knopp, Information Technology Director Contreres, Interim City Clerk Weichers, and Interim Deputy City Clerk Rapp
There being a quorum present, the meeting was in order.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
4A. Presentation of Proclamation Declaring April 18, 2026, Arbor Day in the City of Encinitas
Mayor Ehlers presented the proclamation to Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts staff: Dave Knopp, David Norgard, Edward Drobnicki, Bob Keely, and Tim Beliveau and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Director Knopp spoke regarding Arbor Day and the City Event at Hawk View Park. 4B. Presentation on Technology Showcase: Accessing City Data Information Technology Director Jessica Contreras, Senior GIS Analyst Kevin Highland, and Technology Analyst Ubaldo Riboni gave a presentation and responded to staff questions.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS / POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF
The Mayor stated that due to the number of speakers the time allotment would be lowered to two minutes per speaker and all speakers would be heard during oral communications.
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04/08/2026 Regular Meeting Page 2 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page __ Theresa Beauchamp spoke regarding racism and advocacy.
Maryam Babaki spoke regarding major use permitting.
Katie Poponyak spoke regarding DUI events and use of tobacco within the City.
Dave Dean spoke regarding the City Egg Hunt event and potholes.
Treena Priest spoke regarding drug use.
Beth Whitteker spoke regarding city representation from residents and council.
Scott Campbell spoke on various topics.
Sheila Cameron spoke regarding ballot initiatives.
Rachelle Leshaw spoke regarding a city representative.
David Weinbaum spoke on various topics.
Dawn Ionescu and Natalie Muth spoke regarding at-grade crossing and train horns.
Marlon Taylor spoke regarding representatives on the Urban Forest Advisory Committee.
Beth Taylor and Bob Ayers spoke regarding conduct of a city representative.
Ellen Burr spoke regarding city commissions.
Jessica Findely regarding at grade crossings in Leucadia.
6. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
There was no closed session.
7. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
There were no changes to the posted agenda.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
COUNCIL ACTION:
Shaffer moved, O’Hara 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 Docusign Envelope ID: 1D39FCED-AC77-87F1-808B-9D5FD04E5815
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04/08/2026 Regular Meeting Page 3 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page __ shall be introduced/adopted by title only. Contact Person: Interim City Clerk Wiechers
Recommended Action: Approve.
8B. Approval of the Minutes of the March 25, 2026, Special Closed Session Meeting. Contact Person: Interim City Clerk Weichers
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. Emergency Declaration: Sewer Manhole Emergency Replacement at 2524 San Elijo Avenue. Contact Person: Principal Engineer Alex 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: 1) Authorize emergency repairs to the sewer manhole at 2524 San Elijo Ave under the Emergency Declaration; and 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-30, titled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Amending the Fiscal Year 2025 -26 Budget" to appropriate $125,000 to the Emergency San Elijo Manhole Replacement (CC26D) Project.
8E. Adopt a Side Letter Agreement with Encinitas Firefighters’ Association (EFFA), IAFF Local 3787 to ensure compliance with California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) educational incentive pay language requirements. Contact Person: Human Resou rces Manager Wecker.
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 possibilit y 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.
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04/08/2026 Regular Meeting Page 4 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page __ Recommended Action: Adopt the Side Letter Agreement to Memorandum of Understanding 2026 to 2029 between the City of Encinitas and the Encinitas Firefighters’ Association (EFFA), IAFF 3787 regarding CalPERS reportable Education Incentive Pay and file.
8F. Adopt a Side Letter Agreement with the Encinitas Battalion Fire Chiefs’ Association (EBFCA), to ensure compliance with California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) educational incentive pay language requirements. Contact Person: Human Resources Manager Wecker
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 possibilit y 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: Adopt the Side Letter Agreement to Memorandum of Understanding 2023 to 2027 between the City of Encinitas and the Encinitas Battalion Fire Chiefs’ Association regarding CalPERS reportable Education Incentive Pay and file.
8G. Request to authorize staff to file a $2,321,150 grant application (a $775,000 increase in funding from a currently pending State grant request) through the California State Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) Public Beach Restoration Grant Program, for Phase 2 of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) San Diego County, CA Project (Storm Damage Reduction Project) for the Pre - construction, Engineering, and Design (PED) portion of the second phase of this project and Lagoon Mitigation Funding associated with Phase 1 of the project. Contact Person: Coastal Zone Program Administrator Mierau 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 possibilit y 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.
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04/08/2026 Regular Meeting Page 5 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page __ On October 14, 2015, the City Council approved Resolution No. 2015 -36 certifying the Final Environmental Initial Study (FEIS) and Final Environment Impact Report (FEIR) for the 50-year life of the Storm Damage Reduction Project. The City Council determined that the FEIR is complete and adequate in scope and in compliance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and CEQA Guidelines. According to the Encinitas FEIS/FEIR, all of the potentially significant impacts of the project can be avoided or reduced to a level below significance by the implementation of feasible mitigation measures.
Recommended Action: Approve Resolution No. 2026-26, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Authorizing Applications for Grant Funding for Pre-Construction, Engineering, and Design (PED) Phase 2 and Lagoon Mitigation Funding for Phase 1 of The USACE San Diego County, CA Project Through the California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways.”
9. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
No items were removed from the Consent Calendar.
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. City Council to hear from applicants and make appointments to the Parks and Recreation Commission to fill one (1) unscheduled vacancy, Public Health and Safety Commission to fill one (1) unscheduled vacancy, and Senior Citizen Commission to fill one (1) unscheduled vacancy. Contact Person: Interim City Clerk Weichers
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 possibilit y 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: 1) Hear from applicants regarding qualifications and interest in serving on a City Commission/Committee; 2) Discuss as needed; 3) City Council to consider approval of the Mayor’s recommendations for a total of three (3) appointments – Parks and Docusign Envelope ID: 1D39FCED-AC77-87F1-808B-9D5FD04E5815
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04/08/2026 Regular Meeting Page 6 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page __ Recreation Commission, 1 unscheduled vacancy with a term ending March 2027, Public Health and Safety Commission, 1 unscheduled vacancy with a term ending March 2029, and Senior Citizen Commission, 1 unscheduled vacancy with a term ending March 2027.
Interim City Clerk Weichers presented the staff report.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION:
Applicant Ari Hakov following spoke regarding his qualifications and interest in serving on the Parks and Recreation Commission.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Ehlers moved to appoint Dan Hare to the Parks and Recreation Commission to fill one unscheduled vacancy with a term ending March 2027.
Lyndes made a substitute motion to appoint Kimberly Evers to the Parks and Recreation Commission to fill one unscheduled vacancy with a term ending March 2027. Motion failed due to a lack of second.
Ehlers moved, O’Hara seconded to appoint Dan Hare to the Parks and Recreation Commission to fill one unscheduled vacancy with a term ending March 2027. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: Lyndes. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMISSION:
Applicants Tonya Bell, and Jerome Stocks spoke regarding their qualifications and interest in serving on the Public Health and Safety Commission
COUNCIL ACTION:
Ehlers moved, Lyndes seconded to appoint Tonya Bell to the Public Health and Safety Commission to fill one unscheduled vacancy with a term ending March 2029. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
SENIOR COMMISSION:
Applicant Steven Lord spoke regarding his qualifications and interest in serving on the Parks and Recreation Commission
COUNCIL ACTION:
Ehlers moved, O’Hara seconded to appoint Stephen Lord to the Senior Citizen Commission to fill one unscheduled vacancy with a term ending March 2027. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: Lyndes. 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 by Council Member Luke Shaffer to Introduce Glenn Park Skateboard Feature
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 possibilit y 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: Direct staff to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating a skateboard feature at Glenn Park in Cardiff. This evaluation should include:
• Identification of potential locations within the park • Preliminary design concepts and options
• Estimated costs for design, construction, and maintenance • Assessment of consistency with existing park uses and plans • Community outreach needs and potential engagement approach Staff is further directed to return to the City Council at a future meeting with findings, options, and recommendations for next steps.
Council Member Shaffer presented the report.
SPEAKERS:
Arielle Golden, Barry Blumenthal, David Skinner, Katherine Sauerborn, Barry Marassi, Ellen Burr, Roya Mahmoudi, John Wilson, Greg Vosper, Ralph Chaney, Valerie Wagner, and Jan Lawson spoke regarding this item.
Virginia Savitch, Michelle Wintersteen, Larry Raab, Kim Ford, Linda Loeffler, Kooros Mahmoudi, Christina Fernandez, Debra Quackenbush, Wade Largent, Gladys Largent, Matthew Banhagel, Cintia Paccard, registered opposition of the recommended action but chose not to speak.
COUNCIL ACTION:
O’Hara moved, Lyndes seconded, to direct staff to agendize an item for May 13, 2026, to explore the feasibility of establishing a skate initiative composed of community members and city staff to identify potential locations throughout the city for a skate park. Motion Docusign Envelope ID: 1D39FCED-AC77-87F1-808B-9D5FD04E5815
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04/08/2026 Regular Meeting Page 8 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page __ Carried. Ayes: O’Hara, Lyndes San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays:
Ehlers. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
Shaffer moved to direct staff to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating a skateboard feature at Glenn Park in Cardiff. Motion failed due to a lack of a second.
13. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS PURSUANT TO AB1234 (GC 53232.3(d)) / POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF
Council Member Lyndes reported on attending the SANDAG Board Meeting as a representative of the San Diego County Water Authority, a SANDAG Transportation Committee Meeting, went on a ride along with the San Diego Rescue Mission on March 30, 2026, and attended a Scripps Hospital Phase 1 Tour on April 3, 2026.
Council Member San Antonio attended a San Diego Community Power Board Meeting.
Council Member San Antonio, Shaffer, and Deputy Mayor O’Hara attended the Badger Treatment Plant Ribbon Cutting event.
Mayor Ehlers reported he attended three SANDAG Board of Directors Meetings and the Regional Solid Waste Authority Board Meeting.
14. CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Campbell gave an update on Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity on March 31, 2026, within the City and on Monday, April 6, 2026, Deputy City Manager Mike James and her met with Patrick Divver, Enforcement and Removal Operations San Diego Field Office Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; on March 18, 2026 the Sheriff Department held another monthly traffic enforcement detail; provided information on a free universal waste event at City Hall on Saturday, April 9, 2026; and thanked City Staff, Council Members, Gaby Love, and Volunteers from Mira Costa College for their hard work at the Spring Egg Hunt
15. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
No City Attorney Report was given.
No City Clerk report was given.
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16. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ehlers adjourned the meeting at 9:28 p.m.
______________________________ __________________________ Pete Weichers, Interim City Clerk Bruce Ehlers, Mayor By: Jackie Rapp, Interim Deputy City Clerk
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