08/12/2026 Regular Meeting Page 1 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page ___
MINUTES OF THE ENCINITAS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 12, 2026, 6:00 P.M., 505 SOUTH VULCAN AVENUE,
ENCINITAS, CA 92024
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ehlers called the meeting to order at 6:02 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, City Attorney Thind, Assistant City Manager Schwarm, Director of Development Services Drapkin, Deputy City Manager James, Director of Engineering Nutter, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Director Knopp, 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
There were no special presentations or proclamations.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS / POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF
Mayor Ehlers announced that, due to the number of speakers, the allotted speaking time per individual would be reduced from three minutes to two minutes.
Brad Lefkowits spoke regarding development projects.
Patty Stottlemyer spoke regarding traffic safety.
Ron Medak spoke regarding public speaker time limits.
Dave Dean spoke regarding a Fourth of July Holiday agendized meeting.
Judy Berlfein spoke regarding bike lane safety.
Bob Ayers spoke regarding a council member’s past testimony during a meeting.
Calli Kelsay spoke regarding safer streets.
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08/12/2026 Regular Meeting Page 2 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page __ Ellen Burr spoke regarding roadway safety and a code of conduct.
Molly Hintlian spoke regarding various topics.
Bernie Dillon spoke regarding illegal fireworks.
Madison Rapp spoke telephonically regarding prevention and education of flavored vaping tobacco products.
Becky Rapp spoke telephonically regarding in opposition of drive-through retail for marijuana.
6. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
There was no Closed Session held.
7. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
There were no changes to the posted agenda.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
City Clerk Weichers announced that Item 8E and 8I were pulled from the Consent Calendar by members of the public.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Lyndes moved, Shaffer seconded to close and adopt the Consent Calendar with the exception of Items 8E and 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 Weichers
Recommended Action: Approve.
8B. Approval of the Minutes of the June 16, 2026, Special-Closed Session Meeting; June 17, 2026, Special Meeting; June 17, 2026, Regular Meeting; June 24, 2026, Special Meeting, and June 24, 2026, Regular Meeting.
Contact Person: City Clerk Weichers
Recommended Action: Approve the Minutes.
8C. Approval of the Warrants List (Register of Demands). Contact Person:
Finance Manager Dinh
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08/12/2026 Regular Meeting Page 3 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page __ Recommended Action: Staff recommends that the City Council review and approve the warrants.
8D. Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Encinitas and the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce for two community special events at the Encinitas Community and Senior Center. Contact Person: Recreation Services Manager Goodsell
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: Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Encinitas and the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce in substantial form in consultation with the City Attorney to host the Wellness for Every Body ~ Healthy Living Expo on November 7, 2026 at the Encinitas Community and Senior Center and host Live Boldly. Live Well. Senior Lifestyle Expo on February 20, 2027.
8F. Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with Michael Baker International, Inc. for additional engineering support related to private land development review. Contact Person: Principal Engineer McDowell 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 direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager or her designee, in coordination with the City Attorney, to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement with Michael Baker International, Inc. in substantial form, to add $150,000 of capacity for a new not-to-exceed amount of $300,000 over the duration of the Agreement for as-needed engineering services for review of private land development projects.
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08/12/2026 Regular Meeting Page 4 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page __ 8G. Updates to the City of Encinitas Permit Parking Program and Municipal Code Chapter 14.41 and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-12 and Updates to City of Encinitas Municipal Code 14.42 and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-13. 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) Receive the report by Dixon Resources Unlimited, Inc. on City of Encinitas’ Permit Parking Program ; 2) Adopt Ordinance No. 2026-12 titled “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, amending Chapter 14.41, Permit Parking Zones, of the Encinitas Municipal Code”; and 3) Adopt Ordinance No. 2026-13, titled “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Amending Chapter 14.42, Parking Violation Enforcement, of the Encinitas Municipal Code”.
8H. Acceptance of the Grandview Staircase Repair Project (CP23A). Contact Person: Engineer I DeWhite
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 publ ic health and safety.
Recommended Action: 1) Authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion for the subject project; 2) Authorize the release of the payment bond for the subject project in full upon the recording of the Notice of Completion ; 3) Authorize the release of the performance bond for the subject project in full, one (1) year after the recording of the Notice of Completion; and 4) Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2026-61, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Accepting the Public Improvements for the Grandview Staircase Repair Project (CP23A)”.
9. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
8E. 2025 Climate Action Plan Annual Monitoring Report . Contact Persons:
Sustainability Analyst Lamkin and CivicSpark Fellow Patterson Docusign Envelope ID: 269D6966-193D-8E50-824A-ECEC90D6A028
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08/12/2026 Regular Meeting Page 5 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page __ 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: Approve the 2025 Climate Action Plan Annual Monitoring Report.
CivicSpark Fellow Patterson presented the staff report.
SPEAKERS:
Dennis Lougeay, Denruth Lougeay, Stace Lougeay, Patty Stottlemyer, and Steven Lord spoke regarding this item.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Lyndes moved to approve the 2025 Climate Action Plan Annual Monitoring Report. Motion Failed for lack of a second.
Ehlers moved O’Hara seconded to accept the 2025 Climate Action Plan Annual Monitoring Report; with direction to staff to include a cost estimate for residents when the Climate Action Plan report returns to City Council in September . Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: Lyndes. Absent: None. Abstain: None. 8I. Approve the Design for the FY 2026-27 Drainage Rehabilitation Project (CD27A) and Lake Drive Storm Drain Lining Project (CD27B) and Authorize Advertisement for Construction. Contact Person: Engineer I Esteller Environmental Considerations: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), an Environmental Initial Study (IS) was conducted for the Lake Drive Storm Drain Project, which determined that the proposed project may have potentially significant environmental effects related to biological resources, geology and soils, cultural resources, and tribal cultural resources. Specific mitigation measures were determined to avoid or mitigate the potential significant environmental impacts to below established levels of significance. A Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) was prepared and adopted by the Planning Commission (PC Resolution No. 2026-15). A Notice of Determination was filed with the State Clearing House (SCH#2025110169) and County Clerk Office (2026-000567). All mitigation measures applicable to the Lake Drive Storm Drain Lining Project will be implemented.
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08/12/2026 Regular Meeting Page 6 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page __ The FY 2026-27 Drainage Rehabilitation Project is Categorically Exempt (CE) from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15302 (c) of the CEQA Guidelines. This section exempts the replacement and reconstruction of existing facilities that will substantially have the same purpose and capacity as the structure being replaced. None of the exceptions in Section 15300.2 of the CEQA Guidelines are applicable to the project.
Recommended Action: 1) Approve the Design for the FY 2026-27 Annual Drainage Repairs Project (CD27A) and Lake Drive Storm Drain Lining ; 2) Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2026-63 titled, “Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California Approving the Design and Plans for Construction of the FY 2026-27 Drainage Rehabilitation Project (CD27A) and Lake Drive Storm Drain Lining (CD27B), Pursuant to Government Code Section 830.6.” and 3) Authorize the advertisement of the FY 2026-27 Drainage Rehabilitation Project (CD27A) and Lake Drive Storm Drain Lining (CD27B) for construction bids.
Engineer I Esteller presented the item.
SPEAKERS:
Fabian Gonell spoke regarding this item.
Staff responded to Council questions and presented some images of from the project.
COUNCIL ACTION:
O’Hara moved, Shaffer seconded to 1) Approve the Design for the FY 2026-27 Annual Drainage Repairs Project (CD27A) and Lake Drive Storm Drain Lining; 2) Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2026-63 titled, “Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California Approving the Design and Plans for Construction of the FY 2026-27 Drainage Rehabilitation Project (CD27A) and Lake Drive Storm Drain Lining (CD27B), Pursuant to Government Code Section 830.6.” and 3) Authorize the advertisement of the FY 2026-27 Drainage Rehabilitation Project (CD27A) and Lake Drive Storm Drain Lining (CD27B) for construction bids. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
10. ACTION ITEMS
10A. Council to hear from applicants and make one appointment to the Commission for the Arts. Contact Person: City Clerk Weichers Environmental Considerations: The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Docusign Envelope ID: 269D6966-193D-8E50-824A-ECEC90D6A028
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08/12/2026 Regular Meeting Page 7 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page __ 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) Hear from applicants regarding qualifications and interest in serving on the Commission for the Arts; 2) Discuss as needed; and 3) Council to consider approval of the Mayor’s recommendations for one (1) appointment to the Commission for the Arts to fill an unscheduled vacancy with a term ending March 1, 2029.
City Clerk Weichers presented the staff report.
James Exley spoke regarding his interest in serving on the Commission for the Arts.
Mel Meagher was unable to attend.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Ehlers moved, San Antonio seconded appoint James Exley to the Commission for the Arts to fill an unscheduled vacancy with a term ending March 1, 2029. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: O’Hara. Absent: None. Abstain: None. 10B. Public hearing to consider the introduction of Ordinance No. 2026 -10 to adopt Chapter 30.21 “Residential in Commercial Zones Pursuant to State law” to Title 30 Zoning of the Encinitas Municipal Code to implement AB 2011 and SB 6 citywide and amendments to the Downtown Encinitas and North 101 Corridor Specific Plans to reference and incorporate objective design standards. Contact Person: Senior Planner Cadona Environmental Considerations: The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because the amended Ordinance is intended to implement Senate Bill 6 and Assembly Bill 2011 and is not considered a “project” under Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code, as provided in Government Code Section 65852.24(h), Government Code Section 65912.114(r) and Government Code Section 65912.124(r).
Additionally, the amendments to the Downtown Encinitas Specific Plan and the North 101 Corridor Specific Plan, which reference and incorporate the objective design standards as an appendix, are exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3). This exemption applies because it can be seen with certainty that the adoption of these amendments will not result in a significant effect on the environment. All projects for which the objective Docusign Envelope ID: 269D6966-193D-8E50-824A-ECEC90D6A028
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08/12/2026 Regular Meeting Page 8 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page __ design standards would apply would undergo separate project level specific CEQA review and approval.
Recommended Action: Planning Commission recommends the City Council introduce City Council Ordinance No. 2026-10 titled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, adding Chapter 30.21 Residential in Commercial Zones Pursuant to State law to Title 30 Zoning of the Encinitas Municipal Code to implement AB 2011 and SB 6 citywide and amendments to reference and incorporate the objective design standards as Chapter 12, Appendix in the Downtown Encinitas Specific Plan and as Chapter 11, Appendix in the North 101 Corridor Specific Plan”.
Senior Planner Cadona and Consultant Matt Gelbman Senior Urban Planner with Ascent Environmental presented the staff report.
COUNCIL DISCLOSURES OF ANY INFORMATION RECEIVED THAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE AGENDA PACKET:
Council Member Lyndes stated that 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 questions.
Mayor Ehlers opened the public hearing at 8:05 p.m.
SPEAKERS:
Molly Hintlian spoke regarding this item.
Mayor Ehlers closed the public hearing at 8:08 p.m.
Council deliberated and staff responded to questions from the Council.
Senior Planner Cadona and Consultant Matt Gelbman Senior Urban Planner with Ascent Environmental responded to Council questions.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Ehlers moved, Lyndes seconded to introduce City Council Ordinance No. 2026-10 titled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, adding Chapter 30.21 Residential in Commercial Zones Pursuant to State law to Title 30 Zoning of the Encinitas Municipal Code to implement AB 2011 and SB 6 citywide and Docusign Envelope ID: 269D6966-193D-8E50-824A-ECEC90D6A028
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08/12/2026 Regular Meeting Page 9 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page __ amendments to reference and incorporate the objective design standards as Chapter 12, Appendix in the Downtown Encinitas Specific Plan and as Chapter 11, Appendix in the North 101 Corridor Specific Plan”; with direction to staff to strike-out the Planning Commission’s suggested revisions on page nine of the staff report in sections: 7. Decrease minimum required common open space from 200 SF/unit to 50 SF/unit, 8. Decrease minimum required private outdoor amenity space from 100 SF/unit to 50 SF/unit, 9. Decrease combined amenity space and open space from 300 SF/unit to 100 SF/unit, and 10. Allow common open space in its entirety to be counted toward required landscaping requirements. Motion Carried.
Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, Shaffer, and San Antonio. Nays: None.
Absent: None. Abstain: None.
11. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
There were no Informational Items.
12. COUNCIL MEMBER INITIATED AGENDA ITEM
12A. Council initiated item from Councilmember Luke Shaffer and Deputy Mayor Jim O’Hara regarding additional tree coverage along the ECP and I -5 Boundary
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: This item seeks Council direction to initiate staff work on evaluating feasibility, identifying partners or funding opportunities, and returning with a detailed proposal for the execution of a concept that would increase noise and pollution scrubbing barrier using trees along the ECP/I-5 boundary.
Deputy Mayor O’Hara presented this item.
SPEAKERS:
Molly Hintlian spoke regarding this item.
COUNCIL ACTION:
San Antonio moved, Shaffer seconded to direct staff to evaluate the feasibility of adding dense tree coverage along the eastern boundary of Encinitas Community Park adjacent to Interstate 5 to create a vegetated buffer that filters pollutants, reduces noise, expands shade, Docusign Envelope ID: 269D6966-193D-8E50-824A-ECEC90D6A028
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08/12/2026 Regular Meeting Page 10 Mtg. #2026-____, Bk#41, Page __ enhances habitat, and strengthens community character; identify potential partners or funding opportunities; and return with a detailed proposal for implementing the concept. 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 reported that she attended several meetings with the San Deigo County Water Authority over the break.
Council Member Shaffer reported he attended the Regional Solid Waste Association Meeting.
Deputy Mayor O’Hara reported he attended the North County Transit District Board Meeting and a San Elijo Joint Powers Authority Meeting
Mayor Ehlers reported that he attended three SANDAD Board Meetings, an Encina Wastewater Authority Board Meeting, and an E-Bike Safety Meeting held by the San Diego Sherrif’s Department.
14. CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Campbell gave an update on Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations within the City; an update and background on license plate readers and cameras within the City; and the Encinitas Art Night event will occur on August 15, 2026 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
15. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
City Attorney Thind reported he presented a training on AB 1234 and still has some availability in upcoming sessions if Council or Staff would like to attend .
No City Clerk report was given.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ehlers adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m.
______________________________ __________________________ Pete Weichers, City Clerk Bruce Ehlers, Mayor
By: Jackie Rapp, Deputy City Clerk
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