MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LEMON GROVE CITY COUNCIL
LEMON GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER
3146 SCHOOL LANE, LEMON GROVE, CA9l945
TUESDAI APRIL 21,2026 AT 6:00 P.M
Call to Order
MayorAlysson Snow convened the Regular City Council meeting to order at 6 03 p.m.
Roll Call
ffgsgll iulayorAlysson Snow, Mayor Pro Tem Jessyka Heredia, Councilmember Seth Smith, Councilmember Jennifer Mendoza, Councilmember Jennifer Mendoza.
Staff Present
ttt""nrctty lrt anagff Tony Winney, City Attorney Kristen Steine, City Clerk Joel G. Pablo, Management Analyst Christian Olivas, Public Works Operations and Administrative Manager Tom Martin, Public Works Director lzzyMurguia, Community Development Manager Michael Fellows, Senior Management Analyst Portland Bates, City Engineer (Contracted) Ed Walton, Heartland Fire and Rescue's Fire Chief Bent Koch, San Diego County Sheriff's Office Lt.
Patrick Fox, Interim Finance Director Darlene Marlow-Truver, Community Services Assistant Cameron Johnson.
Pledse of Alleeiance
Councilmember Smith led the Pledge ofAllegiance'
Chanees to the Agenda
City Clerk Pablo stated there are no changes to the agenda.
Presentations
* Proclamation -Arbor Day
Mayor Snow provided introductory remarks. Public Works Director Murguia presented an overview of Arbor Day. Mayor Snow then read a proclamation declaring April 28, 2026 asArbor Day.
* California Violence Intervention and Prevention Program (CalVIP) Collaborative Mayor Snow provided introductory remarks and introduced the following presenters:
o Shor Denny, CEO, Community Now
o Armand King, CEO, Walk With Me Impact
o Reginald Washington, CEO, ProjectAWARE
o Sunny Chang, SeniorYouth Programs Manager, Outdoor Outreach o Student MinisterAbdul Waliullah Muhammad, Founder/CEo, I Am My Brother's Keeper CDC
April2l,2026 Regular City Council Meeting - Minutes Page2 The presenters then provided the CaIVIP Collaborative presentation Public Comment
Mayor Snow open the public comment period.
In Person: Barbara Dwight
Krystle Johnson
Brenda Hammond
Written: Truth
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period'
Consent Calendar
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person: None
Written: Truth
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Action: Moved by Councilmember Mendoza, second by Councilmember Smith to approve the Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1.A through 1'K'
The motion passed by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Smith, Altamirano, Mendoza, Heredia, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
1.A Waive the Full Text Reading ofAll 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.
1.8 City of Lemon Grove Payment Demands
Action: Ratified demands covering March 6,2026 through Api12,2026.
1.C Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes
Rciion: Approved the minutes of the Lemon Grove City Council meeting held on December 3,2024, Api17,2026 andApril 14, 2026.
Receive Tenant Protections Community Workshop Meeting Minutes Action: Received the minutes of the Tenant Protections Community Workshop meeting held on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
1.D
April2l,2026 Regular City Council Meeting - Minutes Page 3
1.E Award ofAgreement (No. 2026-14) to Hoch Consulting for Construction Management and Inspection Services
ActionfAdopted Resolution No. 2026 - 4156 to award an agreement (No. 2026-14) for Construction Management and Inspection Services to Hoch Consulting in an amount notto-exceed $70,168 and authorizethe Interim City Manager to execute any necessary documents.
1.F Approval of Change Order No. 2 for the Fiscal Year 2022-2024 Street Rehabilitation Project (No. 2025-05)
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2026 - 4162 to authorize the Interim City Manager to approve Change Order No. 2 to the construction contract with Eagle Paving Company Inc. in the amount of $55,104 for additional street repairs.
1.G Award of Agreement (No. 2026-15) to Harris and Associates for Engineering and Annual Levy Services for Special Districts
Action:Adopted Resolution No. 2026 - 4163 to award an agreement (No. 2026-15) for Engineering and Annual Levy Services for Special Districts to Harris and Associates in an amount not-to-exceed $89,500 and authorize the Interim City Manager to execute any necessary documents.
l.H Approval of Amendment No. 3 to theAgreement with Brightview Landscape Services, Inc. (No. 2023-12)
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2026 - 4164 to authorize the Interim City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Landscape Maintenance Service Agreement (No. 2023- 12) with Brightview Landscape Services, Inc.
1.I Consideration of a Resolution Reappointing Jacquelyn Clark and Jennifer Morrissey to the City of Lemon Grove Planning Commission forTerms Beginning July 1,2026 and Ending June 30, 2030
Action: Adopted Resolution No.2026 -4165 of the City Council of the City of Lemon Grove reappointing Jacquelyn Clark and Jennifer Morrissey to the Planning Commission for terms beginning July l, 2026 and ending June 30, 2030.
1.J Authorization to Submit a Grant Application to the Department of Justice for the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant for Fiscal Year 2025
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2026 - 4166 authorizing the submittal of a grant application to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the Edward Byrne JusticeAssistance Grant (JAG) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, and direct the City Manager or his designee to execute any grant related documents.
1.K Continuation of Emergency ProcurementActions for Emergency Storm Drain Repairs Near 3281 College Place - Update 1
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2026 - 4167 by the required four-fifths vote for the continuance of emergency repairs to the storm drain system near 3281College Place.
April2I,2026 Regular City Council Meeting - Minutes Page 4 Public llearins
2. Master Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2026-27
Mayor Snow introduced the item by title.
City Clerk Pablo indicated that all notices, documents, exhibits and correspondence have been provided as required by law.
City Attorney Steinke requested that each Councilmember disclose any conflicts of interest or ex parte communications. Councilmembers Smith, Altamirano, Mendoza, Heredia and Mayor Snow each indicated that they have no conflicts or ex parte communications.
Mayor Snow opened the public hearing at approximately 6:40 p.m. and introduced Interim Finance Director Darlene Marrow-Truver to present the report.
Interim Finance Director Marrow-Truver presented the staffreport and explained that the Master Fee Schedule is a consolidated reference document listing City fees, deposits, and direct charges for City services. She stated that the fee schedule is reviewed annually as part of the budget process and that the proposed fees and deposits would become effective July 1, 2026.
The presentation included proposed updates to general fees, public works fees, community services fees, community development fees, AppendixA for City staffhourly rates, and Appendix C for contract staffhourly rates.
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
ln Person
Written:
None
None
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Round 1: Councilmembers directed questions/comments to staff.
Round 2: Councilmembers directed questions/comments to staff.
City Council discussed proposed updates to the Master Fee Schedule, including:
o Removal of passport service fees due to discontinuation of services o Addition of a $5,000 encroachment permit deposit to ensure proper completion of work in the public right-of-waY
o Clarification that the encroachment permit deposit would serve as surety and would be returned upon successful completion and inspection of the work, and that ongoing inspection costs would not be deducted from the deposit Aprrl2l,2026 Regular CiW Council Meeting -Minutes Page 5 . Updates to facility rental fees and structures, including nonprofit and hospitality rate tiers
. Reopening Lemon Blossom Hall and Citrus Circle for public rentals o Revision of the security fee from $100 per event to $38 per hour for events where alcohol is available
o Increase to planning appeal fees to better reflect stafftime and cost recovery Comparison of planning appeal fees with other jurisdictions, including La Mesa, El Cajon, National City, the County of San Diego, and Santee o Removal of the one-day youth camp fee due to low registration, while continuing to allow three-day and weekly youth camp registration options o Adjustment to the Regional Transportation Congestion Improvement Program fee based on the annual SANDAG-approved increase
o Adjustments to staff and contract service hourly rates . Update to Appendix C contract staff hourly rates to better recoup City contract costs
Council also provided general direction to:
. Explore future options for reduced or flexible facility rental fees, particularly for community-based and nonprofit organizations
. Consider alternative structures for cleaning fees at City facilities to improve accessibility
. Review opportunities to prioritize or incentivize use of facilities by Lemon Grove residents
. Ensure future fee schedules are reviewed for clarity, consistency, and formatting accuracy
. Bring back additional discussion regarding whether cleaning fees for City facilities could be converted to, or incorporated into, a refundable deposit structure
. Exclude any immediate adjustment to the facility cleaning fee or deposit structure at this time, with direction for staff to return with additional analysis and discussion regarding possible cleaning fee, deposit, nonprofit and resident-rate options.
. Include, if availabl e, dataregarding facility rentals by Lemon Grove residents versus nonresidents when evaluating future resident-based rental rates or discounts
Mayor Snow closed the public hearing at7z20 p.m.
Action: Moved by Mayor Snow, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Heredia to adopt Resolution No. 2026-4L68 approving the City of Lemon Grove Master Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2026-27, as amended to incorporate the following corrections and adjustments discussed by the City Council:
1) Remove the proposed "new" gazebo fee lines under the Park Gazebos section' Council clarified that the gazebo rental should remain the existing $80/$100 April2l,2026 Regular City Council Meeting - Minutes Page 6 weekend rental structure, and staffconfirmed the extra "new" language under that section should be removed.
2) Correct and clean up Appendix A regarding the staffhourly rate schedule, where Councilmember Smith noted that theAssistant City Manager rate appeared higher than the City Manager rate. Staffstated they would review the schedule and ensure the salaries/rates are reflected correctly.
3) Make the discussed technical, formatting, and clarifying corrections to the Master Fee Schedule, including the attachment and fee schedule cleanup identified during the public hearing.
The motion passed by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Smith, Altamirano, Mendoza, Heredia, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Reports to Council
3. Discussion on City-wide Sidewalk Improvement Projects Mayor Snow introduced Public Works Director lzzyMvrguia to present the report Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person:
Written:
None
Truth
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Council discussed sidewalk priorities, feasibility constraints, right-of-way limitations, resident outreach, pedestrian safety, and potential sidewalk improvements on streets including Buena Vista Avenue, New Jersey Avenue, Mount Vernon Street and Washington Street. Council provided general direction to continue evaluating feasible sidewalk locations, consider pedestrian and bicycle safety and conduct additional outreach where aPProPriate.
Action: Received report and provided direction to staffregarding prioritization, feasibility review, resident outreach, and continued advancement of City sidewalk improvement projects.
Citv Council Reports on Meetines Attended at the Expense of the Citv Councilmember Smith
o April 9,2026:Attended the Heartland Fire Training FacilityAuthority meeting regarding budget matters.
o April 16,2026;Attended the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System meeting.
Aprll2l,2026 Regular CiE Council Meeting - Minutes Page 7 Councilmember Altamirano
o April 2026: Meeting with Stacy Stevenson regarding the City Manager hiring process' . April 17,2026:Attended theAcademy for Elected Officials Government Finance Workshop at SDSU.
o April 18,2026:Attended the Lemon Grove Food Distribution and Arbor Day event. . April 20,2026: One-on-one meeting with staff.
Councilmember Mendoza
o April 13,2026:Attended the Califomia League of Cities meeting. . April 15,2026:Attended the Revitalize Broadway workshop meeting. . April 16,2026: Attended the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) meeting. . April 17,2026: Attended the Transportation committee meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Heredia
. April 13,2026:Attended the California Cities virtual meeting. . April 15,2026:Attended the Padre Dam Board Meeting'
o April 17,2026;Attended the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Public Safety Committee meeting.
o April 18,2026: Attended theArbor Day event.
Mayor Snow
o April 8,2026: Meeting with Stacy Stevenson regarding the City Manager position. o April 9,2026: Attended the East County Task Force meeting. o April 9,2026:Attended the Tenant Protections community workshop. o April I0,2026:Attended the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Board Meeting
o April I0,2026: Toured Cuyamaca College
o April 13,2026:Attended the California League Cities meeting. o April 14,2026:Attended the Goal-Setting Workshop
o Had a Meeting with Melissa Morris of the Five Years Institute. o April 15,2026:Attended the San Diego Association of Govemments (SANDAG) Reconnecting Communities Event.
o April 16,2026:Attended a meeting regarding microtransit and rural roads. . April 16,2026:Attended a Celebrating Partners Event at the Lemon Grove School District.
o April 17,2026:Attended the Recreation Center Event and community musical/spoken word event.
. April 18,2026:Attended the Food Distribution and Arbor Day celebration events.
Citv Manager's Report
Irtrrt- Ctt)' M""ager Tony Winney stated that the County will hold an online community forum on April 23,2026 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the Troy Street tiny homes project. Winney said community members interested in learning more about the project design and upcoming April2l,2026 Regular City Council Meeting -Minutes Page 8 operations could find information about the forum on the County's website and the City's website.
Interim City Manager Winney also stated that the City will hold a household hazardous waste disposal event on May 2. Winney noted that appointments are required and may be scheduled by caliing 619-287-5696, extension4270. He explained that household hazardous waste includes items iuch as batteries, bulbs, electronics, paints, solvents, cleaners, motor oil, and similar materials. He said the event will be held at the Eco Disposal Facility and that the next event will take place on June 6. He added that additional information is available on the City's website and social media.
Closed Session
City Attorney Steinke read the Council into Closed Session. The Council recessed into Closed Session at 8:51 p.m.
No verbal comments were directed to the Council. Written Public Comment was received by Truth.
Public Employment (Government Code $54957): City Attomey Public Employment (Government Code $54957): City Manager The City Council reconvened into open session at 10:06 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
Interim City Manager Tony Winney stated there is no reportable action from closed session.
Adiournment
tvtuyo. Snow adjourned the City Council meeting at 10:07 p.m. and announced that the next Regular City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. , City Clerk
by the City Council on May 19,2026
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