MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY OF LEMON GROVE
Lemon Grove Community Center
3146 School Lane, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Call to Order
Mayor Snow convened the regular City Council meeting at 6:03 p.m.
Roll Call
Mayor Alysson Snow, Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Mendoza (arrived at 6:15 p.m.), Councilmember Jessyka Heredia, Councilmember Yadira Altamirano.
Absent: None
Staff Present
City Manager Lydia Romero, City Attorney Kristen Steinke, City Clerk Joel G. Pablo, Community Development Manager Michael Fellows, Special Projects Manager Bill Chopyk, San Diego County Sheriff's Office Lt. Joseph Barry, Heartland Fire & Rescue's Fire Chief Bent Koch, Senior Management Analyst Portland Bates, Public Works Director Izzy Murguia, Finance Director Stacey Tang, Public Works Administrative and Operations Manager Tom Martin.
Pledge of Allegiance
Councilmember Heredia led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Changes to the Agenda
City Clerk Pablo stated revised staff has submitted revised attachments for Consent Calendar Item No. 1.C.
Presentations - None
Public Comment
Mayor Snow opened up the public comment period. Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza arrived at 6:15 p.m.
In Person: John L. Wood
Michael C. Goldwater
Truth
Brenda Hammond
Mat Kostrinksy, American State Federal Municipal Employees (ASFME) Local 127
Chris Pearson
Jeremy Ogul
Michelle Krug
Ansermio Estrada
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period
City Manager Romero responded to various public comments as follows:
• Speed Survey: City Manager Romero reported that Public Works has included the speed survey in the current work plan; although overdue, the City remains in legal compliance due to COVID-related extensions. Completion is anticipated in 2025 with formal adoption in 2026.
• Vending Machine (Project AWARE): She stated the vending machine is a County of San Diego initiative in partnership with Project AWARE, legally permitted under a Minor Use Permit as a harm-prevention effort. Staff will follow up with Project AWARE regarding usage data.
• Investigation of Deputies: In response to comments by Mr. Ogul, she clarified that the County of San Diego is conducting an internal investigation regarding Sheriff's Deputies; this is not a criminal investigation and is being handled by the County as the employer. • Troy Street Cabin Project: She referenced the City's June 3, 2025 press release addressing concerns about the proposed Troy Street sleeping cabins; additional information is available on the City's website.
• Forensic Audit Request: She noted that no City auditor has recommended a forensic audit since 2016; such audits are typically initiated when fraud is suspected, which is not the case in Lemon Grove.
Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza introduced three students from Japan whom she is hosting this summer through the Lions International Youth Exchange Program.
Consent Calendar
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person: Truth - commented on Item 1.B and I.C.
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Action: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza, second by Councilmember Heredia to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1.A to 1.F
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Altamirano, 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 July 9, 2025 to July 22, 2025.
1.C Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes
Action: Approved the minutes of the Lemon Grove City Council meetings held on July 1, 2025, July 15, 2025 and July 29, 2025, as so revised.
1.D Acceptance of Fiscal Year 2024 State Homeland Security Grant Program Urban Areas Security Initiative Funds (VASI)
Action: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-4122 accepting Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) funds and authorize the City Manager to execute appropriate agreements and/or grant documents required to receive and use said funds in accordance with UASI requirements.
1.E Award of a Purchase Order to Courtesy Chevrolet for a New 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500 Truck with a Service Body
Action: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-4123 authorizing a purchase order to Courtesy Chevrolet in the amount of $63,075.42 for a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 with a service body.
1.F Affirm Appointment of City Council Sub-Committee for Special Events Action: Affirmed the appointment of Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Mendoza and Councilmember Jessyka Heredia to serve on the City Council Subcommittee to assist in planning America's 250th Anniversary and the City of Lemon Grove's 50th Anniversary.
Reports to Council
2. Consideration of Options to Fill Council Vacancy
Mayor Snow introduced the item by title. City Manager Lydia Romero and City Attorney Kristen Steinke presented the staff report.
Mayor Snow opened up the public comment period.
In Person: Mat Kostrinksy, ASFME Local 127
Minola Clark Manson
Michelle Krug
Truth
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Council Direction
The City Council discussed the item and provided direction to staff. Councilmember Heredia, Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza, Councilmember Altamirano and Mayor Snow each expressed support for the appointment of a City Councilmember and that it is noticed on the City's website, bulletin board, social media accounts and the San Diego Union Tribune.
The Council also decided that the list of interested candidates would be published as early as Monday, September 8, 2025 with notice provided via the City's bulletin board and website.
Preapproved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Plan Process in Compliance with Assembly Bill (AB) 1332
Mayor Snow introduced the item by title. Special Projects Manager Bill Chopyk presented the staff report.
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
Action: Receive staff report update on the City's progress on the Lemon Grove Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Preapproved Plan Process in compliance with Assembly Bill (AB) 1332.
4. Discussion and Direction: City Council Chambers Audio-Visual Equipment Upgrade Options
City Clerk Joel G. Pablo and Sr. Management Analyst Portland Bates presented the staff report.
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person: Truth
Minola Clark Manson
Brenda Hammond
John L. Wood
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Council Discussion/Deliberation
Options & Features
• General consensus to pursue Option 2 for dais configuration and monitor placement, while ensuring clear audience sightlines.
• Broad support for ADA podium accessibility and assistive listening systems.
• Support for live streaming on accessible platforms (e.g. YouTube) rather than limited cable access.
• Request for access to staff Power Point presentations in advance of meetings. • Questions raised about potential barriers for security, impact on room occupancy, and rental revenue implications.
• Operations & Staffing: Council expressed concerns about the need for staff or contractors to manage new technology. Motion-controlled cameras were viewed as unreliable; preference was expressed for staffed or fixed systems.
Council Direction
1. Proceed with RFP development for A/V upgrades, based on Option 2 with modifications as discussed.
2. Include ADA podium and assistive listening system in scope.
3. Incorporate livestream capability accessible via YouTube or similar universal platforms.
4. Return to Council with bid results, staffing implications, and budget impact analysis.
5. Ensure implementation and testing are completed by January 2026.
6. Consensus direction provided; no formal vote taken.
5. Council Initiated Item - Establish Committee of City Council and Staff to Review Business Permit Process for Review of Lemon Grove Municipal Code, Chapters 5.04,
5.08, 5.16, and 5.20.
Mayor Snow and Council Member Altamirano highlighted concerns from the business community regarding lengthy and burdensome permitting processes, particularly entertainment permits. They emphasized the need for Lemon Grove to remain a business-friendly city and for procedures that support local businesses during challenging economic times.
Mayor Snow proposed, and Council concurred, the formation of a City Council Business Permit Review Committee, appointing herself and Councilmember Altamirano to serve to Review Business Permit Process for Review of Lemon Grove Municipal Code, (LGMC) Chapters 5.04, 5.08, 5.16, and 5.20. Both members stressed the importance of collaboration with City staff, the Planning Commission, and the business community to review and improve permitting procedures.
Council discussion acknowledged the need to balance this effort with existing Council priorities, particularly the planned online permitting initiative. Staff noted the significant workload involved and requested flexibility to adjust priorities. Council agreed that the committee's work will be ongoing, with an initial focus on reviewing the entertainment permit process and related ordinances.
City Council Reports on Meetings Attended at the Expense of the City Councilmember Altamirano
• July 13, 2025: Attended East County Chamber of Commerce Zoom meeting • July 18, 2025: Assisted with food distribution at the Recreation Center • July 19, 2025: Delivered food to 30 seniors.
• July 22, 2025: Attended swearing-in ceremony for Supervisor Paloma Aguirre and County Board of Supervisors meeting
• July 29, 2025: Attended Lemon Grove School District and City of Lemon Grove City Council Joint Meeting at Alvarez Auditorium
• August 1, 2025: Attended First Friday meeting with East County Chamber of Commerce Councilmember Heredia
• Attended SANDAG Safety Committee meeting (presentation on wellness for first responders)
• July 22, 2025: Attended swearing-in ceremony for Supervisor Paloma Aguirre • July 30, 2025 (approx.): Attended Sheriff's National Night Out • July 28, 2025: Attended Celebration of Life for Councilmember Faiai • August 2, 2025: Hosted "Coffee with a Councilmember" with 20 attendees • August 2, 2025: Met with neighbors at Main Street/Mount Vernon following a community tragedy.
Mayor Snow
• July 16, 2025: Attended East County Economic Development Council meeting • July 17, 2025: Attended Lemon Grove Farmers Market and Concert in the Park • July 18, 2025: Participated in podcast with Women of Color of War; assisted with food distribution
• July 19, 2025: Attended Jade Pride Festival and food distribution • July 22, 2025: Attended swearing-in ceremony for Supervisor Paloma Aguirre • July 23, 2025: Attended SANDAG briefing
• July 24, 2025: Attended Lemon Grove Farmers Market
• July 25, 2025: Attended SANDAG Board Meeting and League of Cities Division Officers Meeting
• July 28, 2025: Attended Celebration of Life for Councilmember Faiai • July 29, 2025: Attended Lemon Grove School District and City Joint Meeting • August 1, 2025: Participated in Backpack Giveaway for youth with Supervisor Montgomery Steppe
• August 4, 2025: Attended San Diego Rescue Mission Mayor's Symposium • August 4, 2025: Met with childcare providers and Mission Ready Financing representatives on childcare housing model.
• August 5, 2025: Attended National Night Out
City Manager's Report
City Manager Romero reported on the following items:
• CA Joint Powers Insurance Authority: Attended the Board meeting on July 23, 2025, as the alternate. The Board re-elected Ms. Finley as President, elected three candidates to two-year terms, reviewed the CJPIA strategic plan and operational overview, and received an update confirming stable finances and preparedness for natural disasters.
• Community Events: Announced "Mini Concerts at the Market" scheduled for August 14, 21, and August 28, 2025 in partnership with Thrive Lemon Grove to encourage attendance at the Farmers Market.
• Local Recognition: Shared that Lemon Grove Bistro earned the #3 ranking for fine dining in San Diego County.
Closed Session - None
Mayor Snow led a moment of silence in memory of Irma Perez.
Adjournment
Mayor Snow adjourned the meeting at 8:58 p.m. and announced that the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 19, 2025 has been cancelled. The next regular meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. 1009
Joel G. Pablo, City Cle