MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LEMON GROVE CITY COUNCIL
LEMON GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER
3146 SCHOOL LANE, LEMON GROVE, CA 91945
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2025 AT 6:00 P.M.
Call to Order
Mayor Snow convened the Regular City Council meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
Roll Call
Mayor Alysson Snow, Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Mendoza, Councilmember Jessyka Heredia, Councilmember Yadira Altamirano.
Staff Present
City Manager Lydia Romero, City Attorney Kristen Steinke, City Clerk Joel G. Pablo, Public Works Director Izzy Murguia, Dexter Wilson with Metro JPA (Engineering), Heartland Fire & Rescue's Fire Chief Bent Koch, San Diego Sheriff's Office Lt. Joseph Barry, Communications Specialist Greg Jackson, Senior Management Analyst Portland Bates, Community Development Manager Michael Fellows.
Pledge of Allegiance
The Assembly recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Changes to the Agenda
City Clerk Pablo announced that City Council Appointee Seth Smith has pulled Consent Calendar Item No. 1.C.
Planning Commissioner Minola Clark Manson to Administer the Oath of Office to Appointed City Councilmember Seth Smith
Administration of the Oath of Office to Seth Smith by Planning Commissioner Minola Clark Manson. Remarks by Councilmember Seth Smith.
Roll Call
Mayor Alysson Snow, Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Mendoza, Councilmember Jessyka Heredia, Councilmember Yadira Altamirano, Councilmember Seth Smith.
Presentation
Plaque - Recognition of Outgoing Planning Commissioner Seth Smith Mayor Snow presented a resolution of appreciation to outgoing Planning Commissioner Seth Smith in recognition of his service from April 17, 2018 through December 10, 2025. Comments were provided by Planning Commissioner Clark, Planning Commissioner Clark Manson, Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza and Mayor Snow.
Public Comment
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person: John L. Wood
Jay Bass
Ann Stapleton
Victoria
Written: Ken King
Written public comment was received and distributed to the full council and copies of those letters can be found at the public review table.
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Consent Calendar
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period. City Clerk Pablo confirmed with the Council that no speaker slips for public comment were submitted. Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Action: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza, second by Mayor Snow to approve Consent Calendar excluding Item No. 1C.
The motion passed on a vote of:
AYES: Altamirano, Smith, 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 November 14, 2025 to November 27, 2025.
1.C Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes
Action: Removed via Changes to the Agenda.
1.D Call for Applications and Setting Interview Date to Fill Two Planning Commissioner Vacancies
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2025 - 4139 calling for applications to fill two vacancies on the Lemon Grove Planning Commission and setting January 20, 2026 as the date to conduct interviews of qualified applicants. The appointments will fill two partial terms: a term beginning February 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2026; and a term beginning February 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027.
1.E Award of Agreement (No. 2026-11) to Michael Baker International for Construction Management and Inspection Services
Action: Adopted Lemon Grove Sanitation District Resolution No. 2025 - 08 to award an agreement (No. 2026-11) for construction support, environmental mitigation, and survey services to Michael Baker International in the amount not-to-exceed $276,565, and authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary documents.
1.F Award of Agreement (No. 2026-08) to Hoch Consulting for Construction Management and Inspection Services
Action: Adopted Lemon Grove Sanitation District Resolution No. 2025 - 09 to award an agreement (No. 2026-08) for construction management and inspection services to Hoch Consulting in the amount not-to-exceed $293,920, and authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary documents.
1.G Acceptance of The San Diego Regional Fire Foundation Grant Award and Cost Share Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2025 - 4140 accepting The San Diego Regional Fire Foundation Grant, approving the 30% and 20% cost shares, and authorizing the City Manager, or designated appointee, to execute appropriate agreements and/or grant documents.
1.H Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 Action: Adopted Successor Agency to the Lemon Grove Community Development Agency Resolution No. 2025 - 01 approving the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
Reports to Council
Resolutions Approving the Second Amended and Restated Regional Wastewater Disposal Agreement and Administrative Agreement No. 1 with the City of San Diego Chair Snow introduced Public Works Director Izzy Murguia and Dexter Wilson with Metro JPA (Engineering) to present the staff report.
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person: Jerry Jones
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Round 1: Councilmembers directed questions/comments to staff.
Round 2: Councilmembers directed questions/comments to staff.
Action: Moved by Mayor Snow, second by Councilmember Heredia to: Adopt Lemon Grove Sanitation District Resolution No. 2025 - 10 approving the Second Amended and Restated Regional Wastewater Disposal Agreement (SARA); and
The motion passed on a vote of:
AYES: Altamirano, Smith, Heredia, Mendoza, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Action: Moved by Mayor Snow, second by Councilmember Heredia to: Adopted Lemon Grove Sanitation District Resolution No. 2025 - 11 approving the Metropolitan Sewerage System Administrative Agreement No. 1 between the Lemon Grove Sanitation District and the City of San Diego.
The motion passed on a vote of:
AYES: Altamirano, Smith, Heredia, Mendoza, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Mayor Pro Tem Rotation for Calendar 2026
Mayor Snow introduced City Manager Lydia Romero to present the staff report.
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person: None
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Round 1: Councilmembers directed questions/comments to staff.
Round 2: Councilmembers directed questions/comments to staff.
Action: Moved by Councilmember Altamirano, second by Councilmember Smith to:
Adopt Resolution No. 2025 - 4141 confirming the rotation of Councilmember Heredia to serve as Mayor Pro Tem commencing December 17, 2025 until December 15, 2026.
The motion passed on a vote of:
AYES: Altamirano, Smith, Heredia, Mendoza, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Appointment of City Council Members to Committees, Commissions and Boards for Calendar Year 2026
Mayor Snow introduced City Manager Lydia Romero to present the staff report.
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person: None
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Round 1: Councilmembers directed questions/comments to staff.
Round 2: Councilmembers directed questions/comments to staff.
Action: Moved by Mayor Snow, second by Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza to: Ratify Mayor Snow's 2026 committee, commission, and board assignments for City Council Members, with the following amendments: the Helix Water District primary seat assigned to Councilmember Heredia with Councilmember Altamirano as Alternate; and for the East County Economic Development Council, Councilmember Altamirano designated as Alternate.
The motion passed on a vote of:
AYES: Altamirano, Smith, Heredia, Mendoza, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
City Council Salary Increase
Mayor Snow introduced City Manager Lydia Romero to present the staff report.
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person: None
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Round 1: Councilmembers directed questions/comments to staff.
Round 2: Councilmembers directed questions/comments to staff.
Action: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza, second by Mayor Snow to: Consider and introduce an ordinance to increase their compensation to $950 per month.
The motion passed on a vote of:
AYES: Altamirano, Smith, Heredia, Mendoza, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Items Pulled from the Consent Calendar
1.C Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes
City Councilmember Smith provided his remarks.
Action: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza, second by Councilmember Heredia to approve the minutes of the Lemon Grove City Council meeting held on December 2, 2025.
The motion passed on a vote of:
AYES: Altamirano, Heredia, Mendoza, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Smith
City Council Reports on Meetings Attended at the Expense of the City Councilmember Smith
• December 2025: Met with former Councilmember Jerry Jones to discuss the Metro Wastewater SARA Agreement, Pure Water Project, and long-term cost savings and regional infrastructure impacts for residents.
Councilmember Altamirano
November 3, 2025: Attended a meeting with former Councilmember Jerry Jones. • November 11, 2025: Met with City Councilmember Vivian Moreno. • November 11, 2025: Participated in a staff briefing with the City Manager and City staff regarding grant funding, including over $4 million awarded to the City by San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG).
• November 18, 2025: Attended the Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee meeting via Zoom.
• November 22, 2025: Attended the Cheryl Jones memorial service. • November 25, 2025: Met with Todd Brinkman to discuss the history and future of Lemon Grove.
• November 25, 2025: Met with City of La Mesa Councilmember Laura Lothian to discuss collaboration opportunities between the two cities.
• December 1, 2025: Met with City Manager Lydia Romero. • December 5, 2025: Attended the 20th Annual Lemon Grove Bonfire with City staff and community members.
• December 13, 2025: Attended and volunteered at the Lemon Grove Community Toy Drive with community members Aubrey Lynn and Liana LeBaron. • December 13, 2025: Attended the First Annual Cookie Exchange at the Red Barn with community members.
Councilmember Heredia
• December 4, 2025: Attended the Metro Wastewater Joint Powers Authority meeting and Wastewater Management District meeting and was appointed Vice Chair. • December 4, 2025: Met with newly appointed Councilmember Seth Smith to discuss goals, priorities and vision for the City.
• December 5, 2025: Attended the Lemon Grove Bonfire with community members. • December 6, 2025: Participated in the Promenade native pollinator pathway planting with community volunteers.
• December 6, 2025: Volunteered at the Sunshine House restoring historic hardwood floors with community partners.
• December 6, 2025: Attended the Public Works Union holiday event with regional leaders.
• December 8, 2025: Attended the League of California Cities webinar regarding Senate Bill 707.
• December 8, 2025: Attended the League of California Cities Board meeting via Zoom. • December 9, 2025: Participated in a briefing with the City Manager and Mayor Pro Tem Mendoza.
• December 11, 2025: Met with City Attorney Steinke to discuss annual priorities and upcoming year planning.
• December 13, 2025: Attended the Lemon Grove Community Toy Drive organized by community member Aubrey Lynn.
• December 13, 2025: Attended the Community Cookie Exchange organized by Jasmin Mendoza.
• December 2025: Attended the Memories That Make Us Holiday Stories community event organized by Calvin Banson.
• December 2025: Appointed to the League of California Cities Community Services Policy Committee representing the San Diego region.
• December 15, 2025: Conducted a self-guided tour of speed humps to evaluate traffic calming measures.
Councilmember Mendoza
December 5, 2025: Attended the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Transportation Committee meeting
• December 5, 2025: Attended the Lemon Grove Bonfire with family. • December 8, 2025: Attended the League of California Cities meeting and continued service on the Transportation, Communications, and Public Works Committee. • December 15, 2025: Attended the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency Board meeting representing Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and approved a federal support letter for rail infrastructure improvements.
Mayor Snow
• December 3 & 4, 2025: Attended the League Leaders event in Rancho Mirage representing the San Diego County Division of the League of California Cities. • December 5, 2025: Attended the Helix Charter High School Supporters Breakfast. • December 5, 2025: Attended the Lemon Grove Bonfire.
• December 6, 2025: Participated in Promenade planning activities and attended AFSCME Local 127 Holiday Event.
• December 8, 2025: Met with the City Manager and conducted a telephone meeting with a community member regarding Elroy Street.
• December 9, 2025: Met with incoming Councilmember Seth Smith. • December 10, 2025: Met with a community member regarding a property on New Jersey Street in the Mt. Vernon area.
• December 11, 2025: Attended a City staff briefing.
• December 12, 2025: Attended the SANDAG Board meeting and approved the Regional Transportation Plan.
• December 15, 2025: Met with development representatives regarding the Dean Court project and with a community member from Elmira Street. • December 16, 2025: Met with County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer to discuss economic protections for families and potential development of a county consumer financial protection program.
City Manager's Report
City Manager Lydia Romero provided an update on the Encampment Resolution Funding Grant Phase Iwo, reporting that 39 households are currently on the By-Name List and 23 households have been successfully housed. She further reported that during Phase One, 31 of 32 individuals on the By-Name List were housed, bringing a combined total of 54 households placed into permanent housing with two years of wraparound supportive services. Phase Two is anticipated to conclude by mid-February or early March, and staff, along with the Regional Task Force on Homelessness and Senior Management Analyst Portland Bates will return to the City Council with a full program matrix and discussion regarding Phase Three. The City Manager also announced that the Request for Proposals for the Council Chambers Audio-Visual Upgrade Project has been released on PlanetBids and is available upon request through the City Clerk.
She noted that staff will review community feedback from the Lemon Grove Bontire survey, which was expanded this year to include public input and reported that staff is verifying an additional San Diego Association of Governments infrastructure planning grant related to improvements along the Broadway-Sweetwater corridor on the east side of the City. Lastly, she provided an update on the Winter Camp program, stating that it will begin the following week at the Recreation Center and continue through the end of the month, with experienced camp counselors leading the program and Senior Management Analyst Portland Bates serving as liaison during recruitment for the vacant Community Services position.
Closed Session
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period. No comments were directed to the City Council. Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
City Attorney Steinke read the Council into closed session. The Council adjourned to Closed Session at 7:57 p.m.
• Conference with Legal Counsel — Anticipated litigation (Govt Code §54956.9(d)(4))) 1 • case
• Public Employment (Government Code §54957): City Manager The Council reconvened into open session at 9:05 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
City Attorney Steinke reported on the Closed Session Items. • Conference with Legal Counsel -- Anticipated litigation (Govt Code §54956.9(d)(4)) 1 case
Action: No reportable action.
• Public Employment (Government Code §54957): City Manager Action: The City Council provided staff with general direction.
Adjournment
Mayor Snow announced that the next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Mayor Snow adjourned the meeting at 9:06 p.m.
Approved by the City Council on February 17, 2026