SUMMARY MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OFTHE
LEMON GROVE CITY COUNCIL
LEMON GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER
3146 SCHOOL LANE, LEMON GROVE' CA9l945
TUESDAY, MARCH 17,2026 AT 6:00 P.M
Call to Order
Mayor Snow convened the regular City Council meeting to order at 6:09 p.m.
Roll Call
Present: MayorAlysson Snow, Mayor Pro Tem Jessyka Heredia, Councilmember Seth Smith, Councilmember Yadira Altamirano, Councilmember Jennifer Mendoza Staff Present
Interim City Manager Tony Winney, City Clerk Joel G. Pablo, City Attorney Kristen Steinke, San Diego SherifPs Office Lt. Patrick Fox, Heartland Fire & Rescue's Fire Chief Bent Koch, Finance Director Stacey Tang, Community Development Manager Michael Fellows, Public Works Director Izzy Murgtia, Public Works Operations and Administrative Manager Tom Martin.
Pledee of Allesiance
The Assembly recited the Pledge ofAllegiance.
Chanses to the Agenda
Mayor Snow announced and recommended that Public Hearing Item No. 2 would need to be removed from the agenda and continued to the next Regular City Council Meeting scheduled for April7 ,2026.at 6:00 p.m. due to technical issues with the audio system.
Mayor Snow provided the Appellant Chris Williams the option of either continuing the hearing to a future date or waiting until later in the meeting to determine whether the technical issues could be resolved.
Appellant Chris Williams indicated that he preferred the matter be continued to April 7,2026 Mayor Snow opened Public Hearing: Item No. 2.
Action: Moved by CouncilmemberAltamirano, second by Councilmember Mendoza to continue Item No. 2 to the Regular City Council meeting on April 7,2026.
The motion was approved by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Smith, Altamirano, Mendoza, Heredia, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Due to technical difficulties with the microphones and audio recording system, the meeting could not be recorded.
March l7,2026
Action: Moved by Mayor Pro-Tem Heredia, second by Councilmember Smith to approve the change in the order of the agenda to hear Item No. 3 first followed by the remaining items as they appear on the agenda.
The motion was approved by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Smith, Altamirano, Mendoza, Heredia, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Presentations - None
Public Comment
Mayor Snow opened the general public comment period.
Joe Smith: Spoke regarding the upcoming Multicultural Fair, Family Day, and Chess Tournament to be held on the third Saturday in March at 3131 School Lane from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. He stated the event had been planned over several months, highlighted youth cultural performances and activities, and provided City Council with a handout and bingo card invitation.
Regular City Council Meeting Page 2
John L. Wood: Commented that a lawn mower repair shop had been displaced by Raising Canes and that residents must now travel outside Lemon Grove, including to Spring Valley or El Cajon to obtain service or parts. He also referenced a vacant building at the corner of Central and Federal that was expected to become a cannabis business but remained unopened, stating the property was not generating benefit to the community.
Victoria: Stated that she had reviewed written comments submitted to the City and wanted to specifically highlight Jacqueline Clark's written comment. She urged the City Council to take time to consider it, stating that the interests of tenants were lost during the prior Council meeting.
Brenda Hammond: Commented concerning personal experiences, alleged medical experimentation, lack of consent, and concerns about being used as a subject of research.
Her comments reflected frustration with what she described as County-related conduct.
Chris Williams: Stated it was an honor to be part of the community and referred to the vacant dispensary property on Central. He expressed concern regarding what he believed to be preferential treatment of other dispensaries and urged the City Council to ask appropriate questions and ensure transparency, accountability, fairness and equal treatment.
Ilka Weston: Identified herself as a local advocate active throughout the County and State. She expressed strong disapproval of the prior meeting's walkout by two Councilmembers, characteizing it as disrespectful to the Mayor, colleagues and the public. She stated that disagreement should be voiced openly rather than by leaving the dais. She also referenced concern regarding the death of Irma Espinosa. o
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March 17,2026 Regular City Council Meeting Page 3
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Minola Clark-Manson: Stated that large amounts of paper distributed at meetings were not easily accessible to the public and expressed a desire for such materials to be made available on the City's website. She stated the City Clerk may not currently have sufficient capacity to accomplish that and suggested that additional personnel or resources be considered during the budget process to improve public access and transparency.
Thelma Martinez Monter: Stated she had lived in Lemon Grove for 50 years and raised concems regarding potholes, lack of sidewalks, trash, street obstructions, and homeless encampments, particularly near Walgreens. She stated conditions on her street and nearby corridors were dangerous for pedestrians, including children, and urged the City to keep watch over those areas.
Written Jacquelyn Clark
Joshua Klein
Kenneth King
Stephanie Klein
Truth
Interim City Manager Winney responded to public comments and stated the City was aware of the encampments near Walgreens and was working with the property owner to have them cleaned up. He stated the City had previously coordinated a cleanup effort with homeless service providers and had issued a citation to the property owner.
Interim City Manager Winney also responded to Ms. Clark-Manson's comment stating that the City was moving forward with the Council Chambers audio visual upgrade project and evaluating an agenda management system that could improve public access to agenda materials, minutes, and written comments received prior to meetings.
City Clerk Pablo announced that written public comments had been received and were available at the table at the front of the room.
CityAttorney Steinke added that written comments pertaining to continued Item No. 2 would be carried over to the April 7,2026 City Council meeting.
Mayor Snow closed public comment.
Consent Calendar
Action: Moved by Councilmember Mendoza, second by Mayor Pro Tem Heredia to approve the Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1.A through 1.C.
The motion passed by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Smith, Altamirano, Mendoza, Heredia, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
March 17,2026 Regular City Council Meeting Page 4
l.A Waive the Full Text Reading of All Ordinances on theAgenda 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 February 6,2026 to February 19,2026
1.C Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes
Action: Approved the minutes of the Lemon Grove City Council meeting held on March 3,2026.
Public Hearine
2. Public Hearing to Consider an Appeal (,4,\2-500-0001) of the Community Development Manager's Decision to Deny Minor Use Permit (MUP-250-0001), a Request for Early Separation Findings for a Cannabis Dispensary at 8280 Broadway in the Heavy Commercial Zone. APN 499-2 00 -22-00.
This item was continued to April 7,2026 under Changes to the Agenda.
Reports to Council
3. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year Ended June30,2025 Mayor Snow introduced Finance Director Stacey Tang who provided introductory remarks and introduced Ahmed Badawi, CPA and President of Badawi & Associates.
Mr. Badawi provided an overview of the audit process, the City's financial statements, internal controls and required auditor communications. He reported that the City received an unmodified opinion, meaning the financial statements were fairly stated in all material respects. He also discussed the City's assets, liabilities, net position, general fund performance, pension and OPEB liabilities, and the City's improved audit readiness and timeliness.
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period. City Clerk Pablo announced that no speaker slips were submitted and no written comments were received on the item.
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Councilmember Comments
Councilmember Smith noted concern that a significant share of top tax producing businesses were service stations and commented that changes in the State's electric vehicle direction could affect local revenues in the future.
CouncilmemberAltamirano asked about audit findings from Fiscal Year 2024 that were no longer present in Fiscal Year 2025. Mr. Badawi responded that the prior issues largely related to readiness and timeliness for the audit and had improved significantly.
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Councilmember Mendoza thanked Finance Director Tang for her work stating the City had experienced difficult staffing-related years and that the absence of findings in the current report refl ected si gnificant improvement.
Mayor Pro-Tem Heredia noted the stronger audit results compared with prior years, referenced a typographical issue on one slide, and asked about the increase in compensated absences. Mr. Badawi explained that anew accounting standard now requires cities to recognize leave benefits as they are earned.
Mayor Snow thanked the auditors and City staff and noted that the government-wide financial statements reflected that the City did not have a structural deficit and was living within its means.
A speaker slip was submitted by Chris Williams during Council deliberations; however, it was received after the public comment period had closed. The slip was accepted as received, but his comment could not be taken due to its late submission.
Interim City Manager Winney also commended the Finance Department and stated the City had applied for a Government Finance Offrcers Association (GFOA) award related to the ACFR. Finance Director Tang stated that notification of an award from the GFOA would occur within six (6) months.
Action:. Moved by Mayor Snow, second by CouncilmemberAltamirano to receive and file the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30,2025 The motion passed by the following voteo to wit:
AYES: Smith, Altamirano, Mendoza, Heredia, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
4. Amendment No. 6 to the Agreement with Rick Engineering Company Mayor Snow introduced Public Works Director lzzyMurgaia to present the staffreport.
Public Works Director Murguia provided an overview ofAmendment No. 6 to the Agreement with Rick Engineering Company including the proposed increase in the notto-exceed amount. He outlined key project areas supported under the agreement, including storm drain improvements, sidewalk design, work associated with the Downtown Village Specific Plan and SB 79 implementation analysis.
Public Works Director Murguia discussed the timeline associated with the Downtown Village Specific Plan grant and emphasized the importance of completing eligible work within the required timeframe to ensure compliance with grant requirements.
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period. No comments were directed to the City Council.
March 17,2026 Regular City Council Meeting Page 6
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period
Councilmember Comments
Mayor Snow asked about the amount included for the Downtown Village Specific Plan and how it related to the grant funding.
Councilmember Smith requested clarification on the meaning of a "not to exceed" amount. Mr. Murguia explained that it sets a maximum compensation ceiling but does not guarantee that the full amount will be expended.
Councilmember Altamirano inquired about the timeline for use of the $300,000 grant funds and noted that if the funds are not expended by the end of December, they would need to be returned. She emphasized that the work must be completed within the calendar year and acknowledged staffs assessment that the work can be completed within the required timeframe. She also noted that the funding would support an expanded scope for the Downtown Village Specific Plan and requested an update from the City Manager regarding the use of Measure T funds for related efforts.
Councilmember Mendoza clai'fred that funding for storm drain improvements and sidewalk design is derived from Measure T funds rather than the General Fund. She also noted the importance of meeting San Diego Association of Govemments (SANDAG) deadlines, stating that materials should be submitted by November in advance of the December deadline. She further requested that Councilmembers receive copies of the Downtown Village Specific Plan that was not ultimately adopted.
Mayor Pro-Tem Heredia thanked staffand Interim City Manager Tony Winney for their work on the projects and securing timeline flexibility for the grant.
Mayor Snow inquired about outreach eflorts related to the Downtown Village Specific Plan including whether mailers or other notifications would be distributed and how outreach would align with the project timeline.
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-4157 and considered the three staff recommendations separately approving each action unanimously (5-0). a. Action: Moved by Mayor Snow, second by Mayor Pro Tem Heredia: Approve appropriating $300,000 to the Sundry Grants Fund (08) for the Downtown Village Specific Plan grant project.
The motion passed by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Smith, Altamirano, Mendoza, Heredia, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
March 17,2026 Regular City Council Meeting Page 7
5 b. Action: Moved by Mayor Snow, second by Councilmember Smith to:Approve appropriating $59,120 from the General Fund unassigned fund balance to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Community Development budget line item "Professional Seryices" (0 1 -40-08- 6200).
The motion passed by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Smith, Altamirano, Mendoza, Heredia, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
c. Action: Moved by Mayor Snow, second by CouncilmemberAltamirano to:Approve Amendment No. 6 to the Agreement (No. 2019-17) with Rick Engineering Company increasing the agreement's annual not-to-exceed amount from $800,000 to $1,531, 500 and authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary documents.
The motion passed by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Smith, Altamirano, Mendoza, Heredia, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Amending Urgency Ordinance 472 to Repeal the 120-day Notice of Termination of Tenancy Requirement
Mayor Snow introduced Interim City Manager Tony Winney and CityAttorney Kristen Steinke to present the report.
Interim City Manager TonyWinney presented the item regarding proposed amendments to Urgency Ordinance No. 472. He stated that following adoption of the urgency ordinance, staff and the City Attorney identified legal concerns with the ),20-day notice provision and therefore recommended repeal of that portion of the ordinance. He explained that the enhanced relocation payrnent provisions would remain in eflect unless separately amended. He also announced two upcoming tenant protection workshops scheduled forMarch 24,2026 andApril 9,2026.
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period. No verbal comments'were directed to the City Council.
Written: Truth
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period
Action 1: Moved by Mayor Snow, seconded by Councilmember Mendoza to approve staffrecommendation.
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Councilmember Discussion
CouncilmemberAltamirano proposed a substitute motion to remove the additional relocation payment requirement for properties with fewer than 15 units and requested future discussion regarding exemptions, family trusts, enforcement capacity, and available City resources.
Councilmember Mendoza requested clarification regarding the interplay between the City ordinance and State law exemptions.
No second was made to the substitute motion. The motion failed due to a lack of a second.
Councilmembers Altamirano and Mendoza requested that staffprovide additional information at theApril2l't City Council meeting including an overview of real estate trust types and applicable exemptions, clarification regarding the 1S-unit threshold, an assessment of current City resources, identification of any additional resources needed for enforcement, and a summary presentation of these items at the Ap1rl2I meeting.
Mayor Snow encouraged public attendance at the upcoming tenant workshops and stated they would provide an opportunity for fuller education and discussion.
Action 2: Moved by Mayor Snow, second Councilmember Mendoza to: Receive the staff report and to approve an amendment to Urgency Ordinance 472 repealing that portion of the Ordinance that requires notice of termination of tenancy at least 120 days before termination is effective.
The motion passed by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Smith, Mendoza, Heredia, Snow
NOES: Altamirano
ABSENT: None
CouncilmemberAltamirano requested inclusion of a l5-unit minimum discussion and asked that staff provide information at a future City Council meeting summarizing outcomes from the tenant workshops to help inform the public.
Citv Council Reports on Meetings Attended at the Expense of the Citv Councilmember Smith
a February 19,2026: Attended the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Meeting Councilmember Altamirano
o March 4,2026: Attended the City / School Collaboration Meeting.
Councilmember Mendoza
o March 4,2026: Attended the City / School Collaboration Meeting.
March 17,2026 Regular City Council Meeting Page 9
Mayor Pro-Tem Heredia
o March 2,2026: Attended azoomMeeting with California Consulting Grant Writing Team with Councilmember Altamirano.
o March 3,2026: Meals on Wheels ride along with Community Members and Staff. o Date Not Specified:Attended the CalCities In Person Meeting Mayor Al Snow
o March 3,2026: Meals on Wheels RideAlong
o March 3,2026: Attended a Lemon Grove Historical Society Meeting o March 6,2026: Attended the San Diego Association of Governments Meeting o March 7,2026: Attended the Lemon Grove Little League Opening Day o March 7,2026: Attended a Leadership Event SupportingYoung Women o March 9,2026: Meeting with Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer regarding County Consumer Protection Initiative.
o March 9,2026: Uncounted Workshop regarding Deaths in County Jails Custody o March I1,2026: Meeting with Rob Howard with Califomia EnergyAlliance Representative.
e March 12,2026: Meeting with San Diego Senior Community Foundation with City Manager Tony Winney.
o March 17,2026: Attended the East County Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee Meeting.
o Date Not Specified: Meeting with Jordan Barker regarding Monroe Lighting Alternatives Main Street Project.
Citv Manager's Report
Interim City Manager Winney reported on upcoming community events, including Coffee with the Community scheduled for March 24,2026 with Lt. Fox, a Bulky Item E-Waste Drop-Off Event on March 28,2026 atTreganzaPark, a Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Event on March 28,2026 in partnership with EDCO. Mayor Snow also announced the upcoming Eggstravaganzaevent and noted that more information will follow on the City's website.
Closed Session
CityAttorney Steinke read the Council into Closed Session at 8:09 p.m. and stated that she will be recusing herself from both items.
. CS I - Performance Evaluation (Government Code $54957): City Attorney o CS 2 - Anticipated Litigation (Government Code $54956.9(dX4)) 1 case The City Council reconvened in open session with all Councilmembers present at9z34 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
Interim City Manager Winney reported out from closed session.
Regarding Item No. 1: Directed that the City Council subcommittee meet with the City Attorney to discuss additional terms regarding her performance over the past year. a
March 17,2026 Regular City Council Meeting Page l0
a Regarding Item No. 2:Anticipated Litigation, there was no reportable action.
Adiournment
Snow adj the meeting at 9:35 p.m.
J , City Clerk
A by the City Council on Tuesday, April 712026