MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY OF LEMON GROVE
Lemon Grove Community Center
3146 School Lane, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Call to Order
Mayor Snow convened the regular City Council meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
Mayor Alysson Snow, Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Mendoza, Councilmember Jessyka Heredia, Councilmember Steve Faiai, Councilmember Yadira Altamirano.
Staff Present
City Manager Lydia Romero, City Attorney Kristen Steinke, City Clerk Joel G. Pablo, Public Marshall Ken King and San Diego County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Steve Sepulveda.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Changes to the Agenda
City Attorney Steinke stated that the closed session item would be removed from the agenda.
Presentations - None
Public Comment
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person: Peggy Morrison Michele
John L. Wood Vicky Snow
Jo Ann Gibiliso Cassondra Flanery
Naida Morrison Mason Melito
William Richter Brooklyn Fontana
Carmen Torres Liz Jacobelly
Patricia Bryar Valorie H.
Brenda Hammond Nora Cortes
Amit Dhuleuhic
Written: Ken King
William Richter
Barbara Gordon
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period
Consent Calendar
Action: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza, second by Councilmember Heredia to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1.A through 1.G.
The motion passed on a vote of:
AYES: Altamirano, Faiai, Heredia, Mendoza, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
1.A Waive the Full Text Reading of All Ordinances on the Agenda Action: Waived the full text reading of all ordinances included in this agenda.
Ordinances shall be introduced and adopted by title only
1.B City of Lemon Grove Payment Demands
Action: Ratified demands covering June 11, 2025 to June 24, 2025.
1.C Accept the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Sidewalk Concrete Repair Project (Contract No. 2025- 25)
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-4111 accepting the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Sidewalk Concrete Repair Project by Jimenez Inc., DBA MJC Construction (Contract No. 2025-25).
1.D Award of Agreement (No. 2026-01) with West Coast Arborists, Inc. for Tree Trimming and Removal Services
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-4112 to award an agreement (No. 2026-01) to West Coast Arborists, Inc. for tree trimming and removal services and authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary documents.
1.E Award of Purchase Order to Jimenez Inc., DBA MJC Construction for Storm Drain Improvements
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-4113 awarding a purchase order to Jimenez, Inc., DBA MJC Construction in the amount of $69,996 for storm drain improvements on Drew Lane.
1.F Acceptance and Notice of Completion - Emergency Sewer Repairs at Englewood Drive and Dayton Drive
Action: Adopted Lemon Grove Sanitation District Resolution No. 2025-03 accepting the Emergency Sewer Repairs at Englewood Drive and Dayton Drive project (No. 2025- 28) as complete.
The Fiscal Impact section of the staff report for Item No. 1.E reads: "Fiscal Impact:
Sufficient funds are available in the TransNet Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget's line item 'CIP-LG 16 (CR) Storm Drain' (14-00-00-7310) to fund this project." This has been corrected to reflect the accurate accounting string as follows: "Fiscal Impact: Sufficient funds are available in the TransNet Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget's line item 'CIP-LG 16
(CR) Storm Drain' (14-00-00-7280) to fund this project." The correction does not change the intent, approval or direction of the City Council.
1.G Amendment No. 5 to the Professional Services Agreement (No. 2019-17) with Rick Engineering Company
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-4114 approving Amendment No. 5 to the professional services agreement (No. 2019-17) with Rick Engineering Company and authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary documents.
Public Hearing
Public Hearing and Resolution Authorizing Sewer Service Charges for the Lemon Grove Sanitation District to be Collected on the San Diego County Property Tax Roll for Fiscal Year 2025-26 |CONTINUED FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2025]
City Clerk Pablo indicated that all documents, exhibits and correspondence have been provided as required by law.
City Attorney Steinke requested Councilmembers to disclose any conflicts of interest or ex-parte communications. Councilmembers Altamirano, Councilmember Faiai, Councilmember Heredia, Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza and Mayor Snow each indicated they had no conflicts.
Public Works Director Izzy Murguia presented the report.
Chair Snow opened the public comment period. No comments were directed to the Council.
Chair Snow opened the public hearing at 7:02 p.m.
Round 1: Board Members directed comments/questions to staff.
Round 2: Board Members directed comments/questions to staff.
Action 1: Moved by Vice Chair Mendoza, second by Board Member Altamirano to close the public hearing at 7:12 p.m.
The motion passed on a vote of:
AYES: Altamirano, Faiai, Heredia, Mendoza, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Action: Moved by Board Member Heredia, second by Chair Snow to: Conduct a public hearing to take public input, close the public hearing and adopt Lemon Grove Sanitation District Resolution No. 2025-04 approving the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Sewer Service
Charge Report and ordering the transmission of charges to the San Diego County Auditor and Controller for Collection.
The motion passed on a vote of:
AYES: Altamirano, Faiai, Heredia, Mendoza, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Reports to Council
3. Resolution acknowledging receipt of a report made by the Fire Chief regarding compliance with the annual inspection of certain identified occupancies pursuant to sections 13146.2 and 13146.3 of the California Health and Safety Code Fire Chief Bent Koch presented the report.
Mayor Snow opened public comment. No comments were directed to the Council.
Round 1: Councilmembers directed comments/questions to staff.
Round 2: Councilmembers directed comments/questions to staff.
Action: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza, second by Mayor Snow to: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-4115 to acknowledge receipt of the report made by the Fire Chief regarding compliance with the annual inspection of certain identified Occupancies pursuant to sections 13146.2 and 13146.3 of the California Health and Safety Code.
The motion passed on a vote of:
AYES: Altamirano, Faiai, Heredia, Mendoza, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
City Manager Romero conducted a brief survey with the City Council to determine as a regular report to Council. By consensus, the City Council agreed to place this item whether this item should be placed on the Consent Calendar in future agendas or continue on the Consent Calendar moving forward.
Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 35 Amending Ordinance No. 34 Describing Methods for Calculating Lemon Grove Sanitation District Sewer Service Charges
District Counsel Steinke presented the staff report.
Round 1: Councilmembers directed comments/questions to staff.
Round 2: Councilmembers directed comments/questions to staff.
Action: Moved by Mayor Snow, second Councilmember Heredia to: Introduce for its second reading, by title only, and adopt Ordinance No. 35 entitled "An Ordinance
Amending Ordinance No. 34 of the Lemon Grove Sanitation District Describing Methods for Calculating Sewer Service Charges."
The motion passed on a vote of:
AYES: Altamirano, Faiai, Heredia, Mendoza, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Mayor Snow recessed the meeting at 7:50 p.m. The Council reconvened at 7:57 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
General Public Comment
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person: Field Representative Robin Todd with Assemblymember's Dr. LaShae Sharp- Collins Office (79th District)
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Reports to Council
Fiscal Year 2025-26 Consolidated Operating and Capital Budget City Manager Lydia Romero provided introductory remarks.
Finance Director Stacey Tang presented the report. Public Works Director Izzy Murguia presented the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program.
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person: Minola Clark Manson
Victoria
John L. Wood
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Round 1: Councilmembers directed comments/questions to staff.
Round 2: Councilmembers directed comments/questions to staff.
Action: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza, second Councilmember Altamirano to:
Adopt Resolution No. 2025 - 4116 approving the Fiscal Year 2025/26 City of Lemon Grove Operating and Capital Budget.
The motion passed on a vote of:
AYES: Faiai, Altamirano, Heredia, Mendoza, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Action: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza, second by Councilmember Faiai to: Adopt Resolution No. 2025 - 4117 approving the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Salary Plan & Classification Summary.
The motion passed on a vote of:
AYES: Faiai, Altamirano, Heredia, Mendoza, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Action: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza, second Mayor Snow by to: Adopt Resolution No. 2025 - 4118 approving the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Appropriations Limit.
The motion passed on a vote of:
AYES: Faiai, Altamirano, Heredia, Mendoza, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Action: Moved by Board Member Heredia, second by Board Member Faiai to: Adopt Lemon Grove Roadway Lighting District Resolution No. 2025 - 187 approving the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Lemon Grove Roadway Lighting District Budget.
The motion passed on a vote of:
AYES: Faiai, Altamirano, Heredia, Mendoza, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: R None
Action: Moved by Board Member Heredia, second by Board Member Altamirano to:
Adopt Lemon Grove Sanitation District Resolution No. 2025 - 05 approving the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Lemon Grove Sanitation District Budget.
The motion passed on a vote of:
AYES: Faiai, Altamirano, Heredia, Mendoza, Snow
NOES:
ABSENT: None
City Council Reports on Meetings Attended at the Expense of the City Councilmember Altamirano
• May 14 & May 15, 2025: Panel for senior reflection at Helix High School June 4, 2025: Attended the Helix High School Graduation : June 18,05 tied the Steal anyon High idol Gril Anual Board Meeting • June 18, 2025: Attended the Juneteenth celebration at Lemon Grove City Hall • June 19, 2025: Attended the City of La Mesa Juneteenth Celebration
• June 19, 2025: Attended the Lemon Grove Farmer's Market • June 21, 2025: Lemon Grove Food Distribution Operation Center • Attended the Goodwill Lunch Gala
Councilmember Faiai
• May 14 & May 15, 2025: Panel for senior reflection at Helix High School • May 31, 2025: Attended PAWS in the Park
• June 18, 2025: Attended the Juneteenth celebration at Lemon Grove City Hall • June 19, 2025: Attended the City of La Mesa Juneteenth Celebration • Attended Foundation Breakfast at MacArthur park
• June 26, 2025: Attended San Diego Rescue's Monthly Huddle in the South Bay • Participated in a CalTrans Clean Up
Councilmember Heredia
May 21, 2025: Attended the Helix Water District Board Meeting • May 26, 2025: Attended Memorial Day celebrations at both the lemon Grove Veterans of Foreign Wars and the La Mesa Veterans Club
• May 28, 2025: Attended the Helix Water District Board meeting • May 31, 2025: Attended PAWS in the park
• June 5, 2025: Attended the Metro Wastewater Joint Powers Authority • June 8, 2025: Attended the California League of Cities with Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza • June 18, 2025: Attended the Juneteenth celebration at Lemon Grove City Hall • June 24, 2025: Attended a water reclamation tour for Padre Dam • Attended the Financial Literacy Pancake Breakfast
• June 23, 2025: Attended the Taste of San Diego East by the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce
• June 25, 2025: Attended the Pride Flag raising in Lemon Grove Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza
• May 30, 2025: San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Board of Directors Meeting
• May 31, 2025: PAWS in the Park
• June 6, 2025: SANDAG Transportation Committee Meeting • June 6, 2025: Additional SANDAG-related engagement
• June 8, 2025: California League of Cities Event
• June 11, 2025: Lemon Grove Clergy Meeting
• June 13, 2025: League of California Cities Statewide Meeting for the Transportation, Public Works, and Communication Division
• June 26, 2025: San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Board Meeting Mayor Snow
• May 21, 2025: East County Economic Development Council Meeting • May 21, 2025: Presented a proclamation honoring GLM House Inc. • May 21, 2025: Attended the Lemon Grove Academy School District Art Show
• May 22, 2025: Attended and Chaired the SANDAG Social Equity Working Group Meeting
May 23, 2025: Attended the SANDAG Board of Directors Meeting May 24, 2025: Attended the Lemon Grove Farmers Market
• May 24, 2025: Attended the Trayvon Harris Basketball Tournament • May 26, 2025: Met with the owner of a local hotel regarding potential alternative uses for the property.
• May 27, 2025: Attended the Lemon Grove Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Workshop
• May 28, 2025: Participated in a SANDAG briefing
• May 29, 2025: Held a meeting with the City Manager
May 31, 2025: Attended the FACT (Facilitating Access to Coordinated Transportation) Board Meeting
• June 1, 2025: Met with residents of San Miguel Avenue to discuss traffic concerns • June 1, 2025: Attended a meeting with local businesses interested in supporting community initiatives
• June 4, 2025: Swore in new members of the California State Bar • June 4, 2025: Met with the owner of the Rite Aid property to discuss its future use • June 5, 2025: Attended the Lemon Grove Farmers Market • June 5, 2025: Met with former pharmacy business owners regarding parking concerns • June 10, 2025: Met with representatives from IONNA, a consortium of auto manufacturers
• June 11, 2025: Met with Alex Wong from Ride San Diego about airport connectivity • June 11, 2025: Met with community-based organizations regarding anti-violence grant opportunities
• June 13, 2025: Presented graduation certificates to Lemon Grove Preschoolers • June 16, 2025: Attended the Soroptimist meeting
• June 18, 2025: Attended the Juneteenth celebration at Lemon Grove City Hall • Attended the San Diego Chamber of Commerce's Congressional Luncheon, and a Juneteenth event featuring a performance by Calvin Manson at ECC • June 19, 2025: Met with a community member to discuss Lemon Grove ADU ordinances • June 21, 2025: Met with the GTM Store owner.
• June 22, 2025: Met with various Lemon Grove businesses • June 24, 2025: Attended the Black Women's Resilience Project event • June 25, 2025: Attended the Lemon Grove Pride Flag Raising • June 25, 2025: Participated in a SANDAG briefing
• June 26, 2025: Spoke at the FACT Board Retreat
• Attended the Lemon Grove Farmers Market and Concert in the Park • June 27, 2025: Attended a SANDAG Board Meeting
• June 28, 2025: Met with a representative from Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc • Met with Victoria to discuss concerns with the COPS program City Manager's Report
City Manager Romero announced that the City Hall will be closed in observance of the 4" of July holiday. However, she noted that Day Camp programs would continue, and the Concerts in the Park series would take place as scheduled on July 3rd.
Closed Session
a. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(4)) 1 case
Item Removed via Changes to the Agenda.
Adjournment
Mayor Snow adjourned the meeting at 9:40 p.m. and announced that the next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Joel G. Pablo, City Clerk
Approved by the City Council on Tuesday, August 5, 2025