MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LEMON GROVE CITY COUNCIL
Call to Order
Mayor Snow convened the Regular City Council meeting at 6:02 p.m.
Mayor Alyson Snow, Mayor Pro Tem Jemnifer Mendoza, Councilmember Yadira Altamirano, Councilmember Jessyka Heredia.
Staff Present
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Snow led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Changes to the Agenda
City Clerk Pablo stated there are no changes to the agenda Presentations - None
Public Comment
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person: Valerie Traina Liz Jacobelly
Silvia Fernandez C. Amit Dhuleuhic
John L. Wood Vicky Snow
Brenda Hammond Johnnie Welborng
Michele Carmen Torres
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Lt. Barry reported there are no new updates since the last Council meeting. He stated that an administrative (internal) investigation concerning the responding deputy remains ongoing and he could not provide further comment. He also noted that a separate death investigation is being conducted by the Medical Examiner's Office; once a cause of death is determined and released to the Sheriff's Department, that information will be incorporated into the department's ongoing investigation of the incident.
Consent Calendar
Action: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza, second by Councilmember Heredia to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1.A through 1.F.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Altamirano, Heredia, Mendoza, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
1.A Waive the Full Text Reading of All Ordinances on the Agenda Action: Waive 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 August 22, 2025 to September 4, 2025.
1.C Award of a Purchase Order to Raceway Ford for The Acquisition of Three (3) New Ford F-150 Utility Trucks
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-4130 authorizing a purchase order to Raceway Ford in the amount of $136,126.95 for a new 2024 F-150 Lightning Pro, 2025 F-150 Super Cab, and a 2025 F-150 Regular Cab truck and authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents.
1.D Award of Contract (No. 2026-03) for the Westview Place Storm Drain Improvement Project
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-4131 to award a contract (No. 2026-03) to Narrow Path Engineering Inc. for $187,241.60 for the Westview Place Storm Drain Improvement Project and authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary documents.
1.E Accept the Golden Avenue Storm Drain Improvement Project (No. 2025-23) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-4132 to authorize the expenditure of $253,101.01 to the "Emergencies for FEMA Reimbursement" account (99-00-00-5621) and accept the Golden Avenue Storm Drain Improvement Project as Complete and authorize the City Manager or designee to file a Notice of Completion.
1.F Affirm Appointment of City Council Ad Hoc Sub-Committee for Permit Streamlining - Entertainment Permits
Action: Affirm the appointment of Mayor Snow and Councilmember Altamirano to the City Council Ad Hoc Sub-Commite for Permit Streamlining - Entertainment
Reports to Council
City Council Vacancy: Applicant Interviews and Appointment Mayor Snow introduced the item by title and City Manager Lydia Romero presented the statt report. Romero explained that the interview process would begin with each applicant delivering a 3-minute introduction. Following the introduction, Councilmembers would ask a question, and the applicant would have 2 minutes to respond. The applicant would then conclude with a 2-minute closing statement.
Interviews were conducted in first-name alphabetical order.
1. Jay Andrew Bass 6. Minola Clark Manson (withdrew
2. Jennifer Renee Hopper her candidacy during her
3. Jennifer Morrissey interview)
4. Joseph Smith 7. Seth Smith
5. Lauren Faiai 8. Sophia Elena Felix
Mayor Snow recessed the Council to a 5-minute recess at 7:43 p.m. The Council reconvened at 7:48 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person: Mat Kostrinsky, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 127
Linnea Campbell Tasha Whitley
Lindsay Holmes Johnnig Welborng
Karina Kravalis Chris Williams
James M. Carter Joy Banks
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Councilmembers deliberated on the matter.
City Manager Romero outlined the process for the City Council appointment.
City staff reviewed and tallied the worksheets, with the following results:
The tally showed support for Jay Andrew Bass from Mayor Snow and Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza and for Lauren Faiai from Councilmembers Altamirano and Heredia.
Councilmembers deliberated on the matter.
City Attorney Steinke advised that the substitute motion would be taken up before the main motion.
Action: Substitute motion by Councilmember Heredia, second by Councilmember Altamirano to appoint Lauren Faiai to the vacant City Council seat with a term ending in December 2026.
The motion failed by the following vote:
AYES: Heredia, Altamirano
NOES: Mendoza, Snow
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Action: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza, second by Mayor Snow to appoint Jay Bass to the vacant City Council seat with a term ending in December 2026.
The motion failed by the following vote:
AYES: Mendoza, Snow
NOES: Altamirano, Heredia
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
No appointment was made.
The Council directed staff to bring back a report on methods for appointing or alternatively calling for a special election.
City Council Reports on Meetings Attended at the Expense of the City Councilmember Altamirano
• August 6, 2025: Attended a Staff briefing/meeting.
• August 11, 2025: Attended a League of California Cities Luncheon honoring Councilmember Steve Faiai
• August 15, 2025: Attended a VFW Fundraiser Dinner
August 16, 2025: Attended the Lemon Grove Food Distribution Center • August 22, 2025: Attended the Neighborhood Grand Opening • September 2025: Attended a Business Expo hosted by Chase Bank • September 16, 2025: Attended the East County Chamber of Commerce Meeting Councilmember Heredia
• August 7, 2025: Attended the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce: Summer Bash Expo • August 7, 2025: Attended a Metropolitan Wastewater JPA Board Meeting • August 11, 2025: Attended the League of California Cities • August 11, 2025: Held a joint meeting with City Manager Romero • August 16, 2025: Attended the VFW Post 2082: Summer Picnic Event • August 17, 2025: Attended the JPIA: Councilmember's Training Conference • August 13, 2025: Attended the Lemon Grove Lions Interview by Channel 8 • August 14, 2025: Attended the Lemon Grove Coffee Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
• August 15, 2025: Attended a VFW Fundraiser Dinner
• August 22, 2025: Attended the Neighborhood Grand Opening • August 25, 2025: Traveled to the State Capitol in Sacramento, California with Lauren Faiai where they honored Councilmember Steve Faiai.
• August 28, 2025: Attended the Sheriff's Substation Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. • August 30, 2025: Had a meeting with Public Works Union Representative Matt Kostrinsky with ASFME Local 127.
• August 30, 2025: Attended the Sunshine House Restoration Project put on by the Lemon Grove Forward Club with Home Depot as a community partner. • September 4, 2025: Attended the Metropolitan Wastewater Board Meeting • September 12, 2025: Attended the California League of Cities Padres Game with Councilmember Mendoza and Altamirano.
• September 15, 2025: Met with the Owner/Marketing Director with i9 Sports. • September 15, 2025: East County Chamber of Commerce: Grant Writing Seminar Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza
• September 5, 2025: Attended San Diego Association of Governments Transportation Committee
• September 11, 2025: Attended the MTS Meeting
• September 9, 2025: Met with City Manager Romero.
Mayor Snow
• September 3, 2025: Met with Circuit (last-mile mobility services) about building a local network and grant opportunities.
• September 4, 2025: Attended Metropolitan Wastewater/transportation meetings; later attended a Padres game tied to League of Cities activities with Councilmember Mendoza. • September 4, 2025: Met with MAC (affordable-housing builder) to explore projects affordable to Lemon Grove residents.
• September 4, 2025: Met with San Diego SOLs Amy Cleveland. • Attended the Lemon Grove Farmer's Market
• Met with the family members of Irma Perez and witnesses • September 8, 2025: Attended League of Cities event.
• September 9, 2025: Attended a SANDAG Board Meeting
• September 11, 2025: Met with Lemon Grove School District Superintendent Marianna Vinson
• Attended the Lemon Grove Farmer's Market
• September 11, 2025: Met with the staff with Assemblymember LaShae Sharp Collins • September 12, 2025: Attended Terminal 1 Airport Gala
• September 12, 2025: Spoke at a community meeting with residents. • Attended a SANDAG Board Meeting
• September 13, 2025: Attended retirement ceremony for Haney Hong of San Diego County Taxpayers Association.
• September 15, 2025: Attended the 215th Anniversary of Mexico's Independence invited by the Consul of Mexico.
• September 16, 2025: Met with Arturo Lomeli
• August 7, 2025: Met with Chief of Staff for Assembly District 79 • August 9, 2025: Met with Lauren Faiai
• August 11, 2025: Attended the League of California Cities Event honoring Councilmember Steve Faiai.
• August 12, 2025: Met with Arman King
• August 16, 2025: Met with Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe August 17, 2025: Attended the Lemon Grove Business Association • August 19, 2025: Attended the East County Chamber of Commerce: Government Affair's meeting
• August 20, 2025: Attended the East County Economic Development Council • August 22, 2025: Attended the Neighborhood Grand Opening City Manager's Report
City Manager Romero announced that the City is sponsoring the FREE Bulk-Tem Drop Off event on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Lt. Barry announced that the Sheriff's Office will host a Citizen's Academy at the Lemon Grove Already Contai Room beginned The bet, my in Wet spayi fo, poiso unis, and include a Q&A; and recruitment information will be provided to any interested individuals.
Closed Session - None
Adjournment
Mayor Snow adjourned the meeting at 9:19 p.m. and announced that the next regular City Council meeting will be on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Joel G. Pablo
City Clerk
Approved by City Council on Tuesday, October 7, 2025