05/20/2026 Regular Meeting Page 1 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page ___
MINUTES OF THE ENCINITAS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
MAY 20, 2026, 6:00 P.M., 505 SOUTH VULCAN AVENUE, ENCINITAS, CA 92024
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ehlers called the meeting to order at 6:17 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, Interim City Attorney Thind, Sustainability Manager Najra, Director of Finance Gallup, Director of Engineering Nutter, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Director Knopp, Director of Development Services Drapkin, City Clerk Weichers, and Deputy City Clerk Rapp
There being a quorum present, the meeting was in order.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
4A. San Diego Community Power 2026 Update: Rates, Programs and Procurement
Karin Burns CEO of San Diego Community Power gave a presentation regarding San Diego Community Power 2026 Update: Rates, Programs and Procurement.
4B. Presentation of Proclamation to recognize Public Works Week Mayor Ehlers presented the proclamation to Director of Public Works Mabry and Public Works Staff.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS / POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF
Dave Dean spoke regarding a Memorial Day event at the VFW.
Laurie Michaels spoke regarding speed limits on Cornish Drive.
Robyn O’Meara spoke regarding developments within the City.
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Scott Campbell spoke regarding various topics.
Peggy Walker spoke regarding AB 2697 relating to retail cannabis drive thru.
Travis Newhouse spoke regarding the Cyclovia Event.
Bernie Dillon spoke regarding development impact fees.
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:
O’Hara moved, Shaffer 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 shall be introduced/adopted by title only. Contact Person: City Clerk Weichers
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. Approval of Encina Wastewater Authority Fiscal Year 2026-27 Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets. Contact Person: Senior Management Analyst Stratakis
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 Docusign Envelope ID: 2B9A99EC-8E80-8CAA-834E-5A07E1D0B123
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Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-35 titled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas Approving the Fiscal Year 2026- 27 Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets of the Encina Wastewater Authority in Accordance with the Joint Powers Basic Agreement”. 8D. Award a construction contract for the Cottonwood Creek Sewer Improvements Project (CE26E) to Whillock Contracting, Inc. Contact Person: Principal Engineer Alex
Environmental Considerations: The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301– Class 1 of the CEQA Guidelines, which exempts the replacement or reconstruction of existing utility systems and/or facilities involving negligible or no expansion.
Recommended Action: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-39, titled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget”; and 2) Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute a contract in substantial form and any necessary amendments and time extensions, in consultation with the City Attorney, with Whillock Contracting, Inc. in an amount of $1,123,171 plus a fifteen percent (15%) contingency of $168,475, and $210,000 for on call inspection, biological monitoring, and material testing for a total project not- to-exceed amount of $1,501,646 for the construction of the Cottonwood Creek Sewer Improvements project (CE26E).
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. Fiscal Year 2025-26 Wastewater Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Update, Execution Rate, and Fiscal Year 2026-27 Sewer Service Charges for Cardiff Sanitary Division (CSD) and Encinitas Sanitary Division (ESD).
Contact Person: Senior Management Analyst Stratakis
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 Docusign Envelope ID: 2B9A99EC-8E80-8CAA-834E-5A07E1D0B123
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05/20/2026 Regular Meeting Page 4 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page __ 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: Staff recommends the City Council receive and file report on the Wastewater CIP and execution rate for Fiscal Year 2025- 26 and uphold the previously approved FY 2026-27 sewer service charges.
Senior Management Analyst Stratakis presented the staff report.
Senior Management Analyst Stratakis and Director of Utilities and General Manager Hireish responded to Council questions.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Lyndes moved, Shaffer seconded to receive and file report on the Wastewater CIP and execution rate for Fiscal Year 2025-26 and uphold the previously approved FY 2026-27 sewer service charges. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer.
Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
10B. Public hearing and consideration of Resolution No. 2026-34 adopting a Citywide Development Impact Fee Nexus Study, amending the City’s schedule of Development Impact Fees and adopting a Capital Improvement Plan as part of the Nexus Study. Contact Person: Finance Director 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.
Approval of the Citywide Development Impact Fee Nexus Study dated May 2026, Capital Improvement Plan associated with the Nexus Study, and adoption of the development impact fees does not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. In addition, the adoption of this Resolution approves and sets forth a procedure for determining fees for the purpose of obtaining funds for capital projects and equipment necessary to maintain service within existing service areas and is statutorily exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines 15273(a)(4). Also, approval of the Capital Improvement Plan associated with the Nexus Study, is Docusign Envelope ID: 2B9A99EC-8E80-8CAA-834E-5A07E1D0B123
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Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-34 titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California Adopting a Citywide Development Impact Fee Nexus Study, Amending the City’s Schedule of Development Impact Fees and Adopting a Capital Improvement Plan as Part of the Nexus Study.”
Finance Director Gallup and Megan Quinn Consultant, Harris & Associates 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.
Finance Director Gallup and Megan Quinn Consultant, Harris & Associates responded to preliminary questions
Mayor Ehlers opened the public hearing at 7:23 p.m.
Ellen Burr spoke regarding this item.
Mayor Ehlers closed the public hearing at 7:27 p.m.
Staff responded to Council questions.
COUNCIL ACTION:
San Antonio moved, Shaffer seconded to adopt Resolution No. 2026- 34 titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California Adopting a Citywide Development Impact Fee Nexus Study, Amending the City’s Schedule of Development Impact Fees and Adopting a Capital Improvement Plan as Part of the Nexus Study.” Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
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05/20/2026 Regular Meeting Page 6 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page __ 10C. Introduction of Ordinance 2026-09 amending Articles II and III of City of Encinitas Municipal Code, Chapter 14.40, to provide updated code regulations for short-term parking zones in the City of Encinitas. 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 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: 1) Conduct a public hearing regarding amending Chapter 14.40 Stopping, Standing, and Parking of the Encinitas Municipal Code; 2) Introduce Ordinance No. 2026-09, titled “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Amending Articles II and III of Encinitas Municipal Code, Chapter 14.40 Stopping, Standing, and Parking, to Create Long Term Parking Zone Regulations”; and 3) Approve the City of Encinitas On-Street Short-Term Parking Policy C038, establishing a consistent methodology for evaluating and implementing short-term parking within the City.
City Traffic Engineer Bandegan and Director of Engineering Nutter 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.
Staff responded to preliminary Council questions.
Mayor Ehlers opened the public hearing at 7:55 p.m.
There were no speakers on this item.
Mayor Ehlers closed the public hearing at 7:55 p.m.
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05/20/2026 Regular Meeting Page 7 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page __ Staff responded to Council questions.
COUNCIL ACTION:
O’Hara moved, Shaffer seconded to approve the introduction of Ordinance No. 2026-09 amending Chapter 14.40 of the Encinitas Municipal Code to include additional time-limited parking provisions and approve the City of Encinitas On-Street Time-Limited Parking Policy C038. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: Lyndes. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
Mayor Ehlers called the meeting into recess at 8:10 p.m., and reconvened the meeting at 8:19 p.m.
10D. Introduction of City’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 Operating and Capital Budgets. Contact Person: Finance Manager Sanders
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: 1) Review proposed FY 2026-27 operating and capital budgets; 2) Receive public input; and 3) Provide direction to staff regarding revisions to the proposed operating and capital budgets for final consideration and adoption on June 17, 2026.
Director of Finance Gallup announced that the City of Encinitas has been awarded the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2026.
Finance Manager Sanders, Assistant Director Chalfant, and Director of Finance Gallup presented the staff report.
Staff responded to preliminary Council questions.
Ross Garrett spoke regarding this item.
Staff responded to Council question and Council provided feedback on the proposed operating and capital budget.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Shaffer moved, Ehlers seconded to approve operating and capital budgets for final consideration and adoption on June 17, 2026, with the addition to Docusign Envelope ID: 2B9A99EC-8E80-8CAA-834E-5A07E1D0B123
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O’Hara made a substitute motion, San Antonio seconded to approve the proposed operating and capital budgets for final consideration and adoption on June 17, 2026, with the addition of $33,000 in additional funds to the 101’s and Chamber. Motion Carried. Ayes:
Lyndes, O’Hara, and San Antonio. Nays: Ehlers and Shaffer. Absent:
None. Abstain: None.
10E. Consider various Building Resilient Infrastructure Communities (BRIC), Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI), and Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Program Grants in order to submit applications for certain City projects which qualify for these specific grants.
Contact Person: Assistant Director of Engineering Widelski Environmental Considerations: The action being considered by the City Council is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a “project” per Section 15378(b)(5) of the CEQA Guidelines. The action authorizes staff to implement an organizational or administrative activity of government that by itself will not result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
Recommended Action: 1) Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to apply for, accept, and administer funding from the BRIC, CRISI, and RCE Grant Programs for selected City Drainage and Railroad Corridor Projects; and 2) Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2026-41, titled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget” to appropriate $75,000 to the Engineering Department Professional Services Budget.
Assistant Director of Engineering Widelski presented the staff report.
Tom Gains and Scott Campbell spoke regarding this item.
Assistant Director of Engineering Widelski, Director of Engineering Nutter, and Assistant City Manager Schwarm responded to Council questions.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Shaffer moved, Lyndes seconded to extend the meeting past 10:00 p.m., but no later than 11:00 p.m. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
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05/20/2026 Regular Meeting Page 9 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page __ COUNCIL ACTION:
Lyndes moved, O’Hara seconded to 1) Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to apply for, accept, and administer funding from the BRIC, CRISI, and RCE Grant Programs for selected City Drainage and Railroad Corridor Projects; and 2) Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2026-41, titled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget” to appropriate $75,000 to the Engineering Department Professional Services Budget. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None. 10F. Memorandum of Understanding with the Encinitas Union School District and the San Dieguito Union High School District for the Bicycle/E-Bike Safety Education Program for the 2026-27 School Year. Contact Person:
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Director Knopp
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: 1) Authorize the City Manager, in coordination with the City Attorney, to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Encinitas and the Encinitas Union School District (EUSD), in substantial form, to fund up to $31,050 for bicycle/e-bike safety education at multiple schools; and 2) Authorize the City Manager, in coordination with the City Attorney, to execute a MOU between the City of Encinitas and the San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD), in substantial form, to fund up to $16,500 for bicycle/e-bike safety education at multiple schools.
Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Knopp presented the staff report.
Molly Hintlian and Judy Burlfein spoke regarding this item.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Shaffer moved, O’Hara seconded to table this item; return the MOUs to the School District Liaison Committee for further discussion; and bring it back to a future Council meeting for consideration. 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.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Shaffer moved, San Antonio seconded to extend the meeting no later than 11:15 p.m. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer.
Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
12. COUNCIL MEMBER INITIATED AGENDA ITEM
12A. Council initiated item from Jim O’Hara establishing a process for agendizing Future State of the City Addresses.
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 develop and return with a policy or recommended procedural update requiring that all future State of the City Addresses be presented at a regularly scheduled, publicly agendized meeting of the Encinitas City Council.
Deputy Mayor O’Hara presented the report.
Molly Hintlian, Fabin Gonell, and Carol Knight spoke regarding this item.
COUNCIL ACTION:
O’Hara moved, Ehlers seconded to direct staff to develop and return with a policy, or recommended procedural update requiring that all future State of the City Addresses be presented at a regularly scheduled, publicly agendized meeting of the Encinitas City Council.
Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer.
Nays: Lyndes. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
13. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS PURSUANT TO AB1234 (GC 53232.3(d)) / POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF
Council Member Lyndes reported she attended the Encina Wastewater Authority Capital Improvement Committee Meeting.
Council Member San Antonio reported he attended the Santa Fe Irrigation District Joint Powers Authority Meeting.
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Council Member Shaffer reported he attended the Santa Fe Irrigation District Board meeting and the San Elijo Joint Powers Authority Board meeting.
Deputy Mayor O’Hara reported he attended the San Elijo Joint Powers Authority Board meeting.
14. CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Campbell reported that on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the City will host a shredding event and mulch give away and the Grand View Stairs will re-open on Friday, May 22, 2026.
15. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
No City Attorney report was given.
City Clerk Weichers reported that the City Clerk’s Department was actively recruiting for the Skate Feature Committee and for the Parks and Recreation Commission vacancy.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ehlers adjourned the meeting at 11:16 p.m.
______________________________ __________________________ Pete Weichers, City Clerk Bruce Ehlers, Mayor
By: Jackie Rapp, Deputy City Clerk
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