MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OFTHE LEMON GROVE CITY COUNCIL
3146 School Gane, ComonGroy C4 91945
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Call to Order
Mayor Snow convened the Regular City Council to order at 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call
Mayor Alysson Snow, Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Mendoza, Councilmember Jessyka Heredia, Councilmember Yadira Altamirano (Arrived at 6:02 p.m.)
Staff Present
City Manager Lydia Romero, City Attorney Kristen Steinke, City Clerk Joel G. Pablo, Public Works Director Izzy Murguia, Heartland Fire and Rescue's Fire Chief Bent Koch, San Diego County Sheriff's Office Lt. Joseph Barry, Public Works Operations and Administrative Manager Tom Martin, Community Development Manager Michael Fellows, Communications Specialist Gregory Jackson.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Changes to the Agenda
Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza with the support of Councilmember Heredia pulled Item 1.D from the Consent Calendar.
Presentations
Plaque - Recognition of Outgoing Planning Commissioner John Burns Mayor Snow presented a Plaque in appreciation to outgoing Planning Commissioner John Burns in recognition of his service. Comments were provided by Planning Commission Chair Seth Smith and Planning Commissioner Minola Clark Manson.
Proclamation - National Fire Prevention Week
Mayor Snow read the proclamation into the record. Chief Bent Koch and Fire Marshall Ken King provided remarks.
Public Comment
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person: John L. Wood
Truth
Ken King
Mat Kostrinksy, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 127
Written: Barbara Gordon
City Manager Romero stated the creek area at the La Mesa Glass site are being addressed through Code Enforcement with Community Development Manager Fellows coordinating follow up with the Code Enforcement Officer. She reported that the City remains financially stable and that Measure T funds augment, rather than supplant City services; while some have requested a forensic audit, such an action requires evidence of wrongdoing or fund misallocation, and none has been presented. Staff conducts weekly cleanups of encampments and illegal dumping, has documented resident dumping near encampments and is pursuing citations. She clarified that the referenced 85,000 dollars reflects the City's in kind contribution of staff time over three years used to leverage about 8.4 million dollars through the Regional Task Force on Homelessness; the Task Force is the state funded grantee, controls the funds, reporting, and outreach stating, and partners with the City of Lemon Grove, Caltrans, and the City of La Mesa. The partners are entering a new phase to clear sites where outreach has occurred and to house individuals on the established by name list of about 200 people; those not on the list are offered other services, and housing supported by the grant is reserved for listed individuals.
Consent Calendar
Action: Moved by Councilmember Heredia, second by Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza to approve Consent Calendar Items 1.A through 1.F excluding Item No. 1.D.
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: 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 September 5, 2025 to September 18, 2025.
1.C Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes
Action: Approved the minutes of the Lemon Grove City Council meeting held on September 16, 2025.
1.D Call for Applications and Setting Interview Date to Fill One Planning Commissioner Scheduled Vacancy
Action: Removed via Changes to the Agenda.
1.E Award of Agreement (No. 080824-SIE) to Siemens Industry, Inc. for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System Maintenance Services Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2025 - 4133 to award an agreement (No. 080824-SIE) to Siemens Industry, Inc. for HVAC System Maintenance Services and authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary documents.
1.F Acceptance and Notice of Completion - 7083 Broadway Storm Drain Repair Project (No. 2025-36)
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2025 - 4134 accepting the storm drain replacement project at 7083 Broadway by Jimenez Inc., DBA MJC Construction (Contract No. 2025- 36) as complete.
Reports to Council
Consideration of Options to Fill City Council Vacancy
Mayor Snow introduced the item by title. City Manager Romero and City Attorney Steinke presented the staff report.
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person: Truth
Mat Kostrinksy, ASFME Local 127
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Councilmembers deliberated.
Round 1: Councilmembers directed questions/comments to staff.
Round 2: Councilmembers directed questions/comments to staff.
Substitute Motion: Moved by Mayor Snow, second by Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza to reopen the candidate pool to prior applicants only, redo the appointment process, and use ranked choice voting.
The motion failed by the following vote:
AYES: Mendoza, Snow
NOES: Heredia, Altamirano
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Main Motion (Amended by Maker): Moved by Councilmember Heredia, second by Councilmember Altamirano to reopen the appointment application process to all individuals (including prior applicants) and use ranked choice voting to fill the seat.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Altamirano, Heredia, Mendoza
NOES: Snow
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
General Council Direction
The Council determined that applicants from the first round need not resubmit; staff will confirm their continued interest. The Council also discussed holding a town hall-style question-and-answer session with applicants to further evaluate qualifications. Staff was directed to return with a recommended timeline and a clear process for the next appointment procedure.
Mayor Snow recessed the Council at 7:45 p.m. and reconvened at 7:53 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
Review Lemon Grove Evacuation Plan
Mayor Snow introduced Fire Chief Bent Koch to present the report.
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person: Truth
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period
Action: The City Council reviewed and discussed the Lemon Grove Evacuation Plan.
Item Pulled from the Consent Agenda
1.D Call for Applications and Setting Interview Date to Fill One Planning Commissioner Scheduled Vacancy
Councilmember Mendoza stated that if City Council interviews are conducted on November 4, 2025, the Council could seat a fifth member and recommended deferring the item until after that appointment, expressing optimism that a fifth member to will be appointed.
City Manager Romero noted there is no Planning Commission meeting for December and likely none November 2025. Staff suggested returning in early November and deferring the item to November/December 2025.
Motion: Moved by Mayor Snow, second by Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza to continue the item to the first meeting in November 2025.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Altamirano, Heredia, Mendoza, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
City Council Reports on Meetings Attended at the Expense of the City Councilmember Heredia
• September 17, 2025: East County Economic Development Council meeting at Grossmont College with El Cajon City Manager Graham Mitchell.
• September 19, 2025: East County Chamber Coffee Connect at Lemon Grove Coffee with Councilmember Altamirano.
• September 19, 2025: San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Safety Committee meeting.
• September 20, 2025: Sunshine House restoration project with Lemon Grove Forward Club with Councilmember Altamirano.
• September 21, 2025: St. John's Catholic Church Lemon Fest with Mayor Snow. • September 23, 2025: Joint La Mesa Chamber and Santee Chamber event at Lantern Crest Legacy Units.
• September 27, 2025: Spouse Appreciation Week activities with Councilmember Altamirano.
• September 30, 2025: Feeding the Flock fundraiser.
• October 7, 2025: Meeting with Lemon Grove School District Board President Javier Ayala and Councilmember Altamirano.
Councilmember Altamirano
• September 17, 2025: East County Economic Development Council meeting with Councilmember Heredia, Mayor Snow, and El Cajon City Manager Graham Mitchell. • September 17, 2025: Meeting at the Public Works Yard with the Public Works team and Mat Kostrinsky.
• September 19, 2025: East County Chamber of Commerce Coffee Connect at Lemon Grove Coffee with Councilmember Heredia.
• September 19, 2025: Food distribution truck unloading at the Recreation Center. • September 19, 2025: Senior meal deliveries.
• September 19, 2025: City of Lemon Grove community dump day event. • September 19, 2025: Sunshine House restoration and cleanup. • September 21, 2025: Lemon Grove Business Association meeting at Lemon Grove Cafe. • September 22, 2025: Sprouts employee appreciation week volunteer shift. • September 25, 2025: One Safe Place South tour.
• October 3, 2025: Meeting with a Lemon Grove business owner. • October 3, 2025: Meeting with Seth Smith at Lemon Grove Cafe. • October 7, 2025: Meeting with Lemon Grove School District Board President Javier Ayala.
Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza
• September 19, 2025: San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) joint Transportation, Regional Planning, and Borders Committee meeting. • September 20, 2025: Lemon Grove Food Distribution.
• September 20, 2025: St. John's Fall Festival with City Manager Lydia Romero. • September 21, 2025: St. John's Fall Festival with City Manager Lydia Romero. • September 23, 2025: Meeting with Peter Kennedy, labor representative for Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) railroad mechanics and engineers.
• September 24, 2025: San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Mobility Working Group meeting
• October 1 to 3, 2025: California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) Educational Forum.
• October 4, 2025: Interfaith Shelter Network planning meeting Mayor Snow
• September 17, 2025: East County Economic Development Council meeting. • September 18, 2025: Success Inside and Out planning meeting at Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility with National Association of Women Judges and partner organizations.
• September 18, 2025: Lemon Grove Farmers Market.
• September 19, 2025: East County Chamber of Commerce Coffee Connect at Lemon Grove Coffee.
• September 19, 2025: Lemon Grove Food Distribution preparation. • September 20, 2025: Lemon Grove Food Distribution.
• September 21, 2025: St. John's Catholic Church Fall Festival. • September 21, 2025: Lemon Grove Business Association meeting with President Stanley of Crucero Tattoo Shop and Community Development Manager Michael Fellows. • September 23, 2025: Meeting with County of San Diego Board of Supervisors staff member Joshua Dunn.
• September 25, 2025: Indoor soccer programming meeting with San Diego FC community coaches.
• September 25, 2025: San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Social Equity Working Group meeting.
• September 26, 2025: San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Board of Directors meeting.
• September 26, 2025: North County Lifeline Viva La Vida event. • September 29, 2025: Meeting with Regional Task Force on Homelessness CEO Tamera Kohler and Paulette Martinez.
• October 1, 2025: California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) meeting with Ann Carried Sanchez and Richard Covey.
• October 1, 2025: San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce Circle of Influence Reception at Meta.
• October 1, 2025: Senate Select Committee hearing on Social Determinants of Health at San Diego State University with Senator Akilah Weber Pierson. • October 2, 2025: Meeting with Broadway Pharmacy representatives.
• October 4, 2025: Majdal Community Center open house.
• October 7, 2025: Circulate San Diego Momentum Awards jury session.
City Manager's Report
City Manager Romero noted her attendance at the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) conference. Romero stated that she will return to the Council with a Staff Report with options regarding possible reallocation of the $250,000 dollars previously discussed for homelessness prevention and cleanup. She clarified coordination with the Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH): encampment residents in targeted areas should not be moved while housing placements are pending, and patience is requested as those placements proceed.
In response to Councilmember Altamirano, City Manager Romero clarified that the referenced $84,000 dollars is the City's in kind match estimate for weekly cleanups used to leverage the $o.4 million dollars Regional Task Force for Homelessness grant, not cash to the City. Lastly, she announced two City nominees for the East County Chamber Women in Leadership Luncheon:
Mayor Alysson Snow and Fire Engineer Susanna Hales.
Closed Session
City Attorney Steinke read the Council into Closed Session. The Council adjourned into Closed Session at 8:56 p.m.
a. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(2)) 1 case
b. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(4))) 1 case
Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Government Code §54957) Position: City Manager
The Council reconvened into open session at 10:27 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
City Attorney Steinke reported no reportable action on Item (a) and Item (c). City Manager Romero reported on Item (b) that the City Council met in Closed Session with Special Counsel Mona Ibrahimi; City Attorney Steinke recused herself. The Council provided direction to staff.
No reportable action.
Adjournment
Mayor Snow adjourned the meeting at 10:28 p.m. and announced that the next regular City Council meeting will be on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ›el G. Pab
City Clerk
Approved by City Council on Tuesday, November 4, 2025