MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LEMON GROVE CITY COUNCIL
LEMON GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER
3146 SCHOOL LANE, LEMON GROVE, CA 91945
TUESDAY, MAY 19,2026 AT 6:00 P.M.
Call to Order
Mayor Alysson Snow convened the Regular City Council meeting to order at 6:42 P.m Roll Call
pro"trf. fufayor Alysson Snow, Mayor Pro Tem Jessyka Heredia, Councilmember Seth Smith, Councilmember Jennifer Mendoza, Councilmember Yadira Altamirano.
Staff Present
ftrt".t- gity Vf anagil Tony Winney, City Attorney Kristen Steinke, City Clerk Joel G. Pablo, Interim Finance Director Darlene Morrow-Truver, Public Works Director Izzy Murgtia, Heartland Fire and Rescue Fire Chief Bent Koch, San Diego County Sheriff s Office Lieutenant patrick Fox, and Sergeant Price, Human Resources Manager Roberto Hidalgo, Community Development Manager Michael Fellows, Public Works Operations and Administrative Manager Tom Martin and Accounting Analyst Marco Rodriguez.
Pledee of Alleeiance
The Assembly recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Changes to the Asenda
City Clerk Pablo stated there were no changes to the agenda.
Mayor Snow announced that Item No. 2: Discuss and Provide Direction to City Staff on Tenant protections policy would be taken later in the agenda so that the City Council could first hear the Fiscal Year 2026-27 GenerulFund Draft Operating Budget, the Recommended Measure T Spending Plan and the certification of sufficiency for the proposed citizen-initiative measure. [Items 3-5 are heard first; Item No.2 appears later in these minutes.] Mayor Snow also requested moments of silence in memory of former Lemon Grove City Councilmember Howard Cook and in honor of the victims of a recent community tragedy affecting the local Islamic community.
Presentations
,
* Introduction - Matt Sanford, President & CEO, East County Economic Development Council
Mayor Snow introduced Matt Sanford, President and CEO of the East County Economic Development Council (ECEDC) and provided an overview of ECEDC programs and services.
Public
Mayor Snow opened public comment and set the speaking time at two minutes per speaker May 19,2026 Regular City Council Meeting - Minutes Page 2 In Person: Matthew Soler
Ricky Nunez
Brenda Hammond
Ken King
John L Wood
Carleton Overstreet Jr
Minola Clark Manson
Sandy R.
Written: Truth
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Consent Calendar
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person: Minola Clark Manson (Item No' 1.E)
Written Jeremy Ogul (Item No. 1.8)
Truth (Item No. 1.C and 1.J)
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Public Works Director Murguia responded to the public comment regarding Mount Vernon and stated that Mount Vernon between Washington Street and Lawton Drive was included in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 streetrehabilitation project which was out to bid with the project due June 2 and acontract expected to be before the City Council on June 16.
Action: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Heredia, seconded by Mayor Snow to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1.A through 1.J.
The motion passed by the fotlowing vote, to wit:
AYES: Smith, Altamirano,Mendoza, Heredia, Snow
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
l.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.
l.B City of Lemon Grove Payment Demands
Action: Ratified demands covering April 17, 2026 tbrough April 30,2026 l.C Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes
eciion: Approved the minutes of the Lemon Grove City Council meeting held on April 2I,2026 and May 5,2026.
Engineer's Report and Resolutions Declaring the Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments within the Wildflower Landscape Maintenance Assessment District 97-l fot Fiscal Year 2026-27 and Setting the Date for Public Hearing l.D
May 19,2026 Regular City Council Meeting - Minutes Page 3
1.E
1.F
1.G
1.H
1.I
1.J
Action: Adopted the Resolutions authoizinginitiating proceedings and ordering the preparation of an Engineef's Report (Resolution No. 2026'4174), preliminarily approving the Engineer's Report (Resolution No. 2026-4175), and declaring intention to levy and collect assessments for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and setting the public hearing (Resolution No. 2026-417 6).
Resolution Adopting a List of Projects for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Funded by Senate Bill 1:
The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2026-4177 approving the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Road Maintenance Rehabilitation Account funding allocation.
Opportunity Zone 2.0 Program
Riiion: Adopted Resolution No.2026-4178 supporting the designation of downtown Lemon Grove Census Tract0607301440 for the federal Opportunity Zone 2.0 Program First Amendment to the Agreement for Legal Services with Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP
Action: Approved the First Amendment to the Agreement for City Attorney Legal Services with Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP.
Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement with Hoch Consulting
Action: Adopted Lemon Grove Sanitation District Resolution No.2026 - 03 approving Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2026-08 with Hoch Consulting and authorized the General Manager to execute any necessary documents.
Continuation of Emergency Procurement Actions for Emergency Storm Drain Repairs Near 3281 College Place - Update 3 (4l5th Vote Required) Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2026 - 4179 by the required four-fifths vote for the continuance of emergency repairs to the storm drain system near 3281 College Place' Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing Display of the Juneteenth and Pride Flags on City Property
Aciion: Adopted Resolution No. 2026 - 4180 approving the display of the Juneteenth and Pride flags at City properties.
Reports Council
3. Fiscal Year 2026-27 General Fund Draft Operating Budget Mayor Snow introduced the item by title. Interim City Manager Winney provided introductory remarks. Interim Finance Director Darlene Morrow-Truver presented the staffreport.
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person: Minola Clark Manson
Written: Jill Baron
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
May 19,2026 Regular City Council Meeting - Minutes Page 4 Round 1: Councilmembers directed questions/comments to staff.
Round 2: Councilmembers directed questions/comments to staff.
City Council discussed the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Genercl Fund Draft Operating Budget, including the proposed Community Development Director position, code enforcement and community service officer needs, recreation and senior center programming, election cost estimates, Council training, Public Works staffing and compensation' and community-based organization partnership opportunities.
Council provided general direction to:
o Return with additional analysis regarding the fiscal impact of potential increases for non-management level staff/work groups, including salary, retirement, and related benefit costs.
o Leave the Community Development Director allocation in the draft budget for further discussion, with the position and other staffing options to be evaluated following completion of the classification and compensation study. o Retum with additional information regarding Community Development, Code Enforcement, and Community Service Officer staffing options and needs. o Explore creation of a community partnership or grant-style program, estimated at approximately $50,000, to support local nonprofit or community-based organizations that provide services aligned with City priorities'
o Consider additional City Council training funding and identifli opportunities for elected official training through available local government programs. o Continue discussions with Public Works staff regarding compensation and retention concerns raised during public comment.
No formal action was taken on this item. Staff will incorporate direction as appropriate and return with the final budget for City Council consideration.
4. Recommended Measure T Spending Plan for Fiscal Yeat 2026-27 Mayor Snow introduced the item by title and recognized members of the Measure T Oversight Committee who were present.
Interim Finance Director Morrow-Truver presented the staff report.
Karina Kravalis, Chair of the Measure T Oversight Committee presented the Committee' s recommendations.
Interim Finance Director Morrow-Truver also reviewed updated revenue projections and additional staff-identified projects that could potentially be funded if additional Measure T revenues or carryover funds are available, including sidewalk funding, deferred maintenance, utility truck funding, fire inspection vehicle funding, and possible up-front funding for a fire engine.
Fire Chief Bent Koch addressed questions regarding pending antitrust litigation involving fire apparatus manufacturers and explained the potential effect on fire engine pro"rr."-"nt, delivery timelines, available manufacturers, and the City's standardized fire apparatus needs.
May 19,2026 Regular City Council Meeting - Minutes Page 5 5 Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person: Minola Clark Manson
Mat Kostrinsky, American Federation of State, county and Municipal Employees Local127
Written: Victoria Couch
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Sergeant Price and Lt. Fox presented information regarding the COPPS proglam, including program activity, case follow-up, administrative work, and cost components for two deputies assigned to the program.
Councilmembers directed questions/comments to staff'
City Council discussed the Measure T Oversight Committee recommendations, the additional staff-identified funding options, the COPPS program, fire engine procurement, vehicle replacement, park and facility improvements, sidewalks, storm drain work and the importance of obtaining Measure T Oversight Committee review before allocating additional Measure T funds not previously reviewed by the Committee.
Council provided general direction to:
o Move forward with the Measure T Oversight Committee-recoilrmended spending plan for purposes of preparing the final budget.
o Postpone allocation of the additional staff-identified Measure T projects until the Measure T Oversight Committee has the opportunity to review the additional funding availability and provide a recommendation to the City Council. . Request the Measure T Oversight Committee meet before the next budget hearing, if possible, to review the additional funding options.
o Return to the Measure T Oversight Committee at midyear to review Measure T revenues, expenditures, fund balance, and potential additional funding recommendations.
o Have the City Attorney review the City's ability to participate in any appropriate fire apparatus manufacturer litigation or claims process, if the City proceeds with a purchase and suffers recoverable damages.
No formal vote was taken on this item. Staff indicated the additional Measure T funding options would be returned to the Measure T Oversight Committee for review before the next budget hearing, if possible.
Mayor Snow called a brief recess of the City Council at 9:08 p.m. The City Council reconvened at 9:L8 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
Receive and File the Certification of Sufficiency of the Petition for the Proposed Cltizen' Initiative Measure Entitled "An Initiative Measure restricting the sale of birds in the City of Lemon Grove, requiring that birds be obtained exclusively from animal shelters, humane societies, or nonprofit rescue organizations and establishing related regulations." May 19,2026 Regular City Council Meeting - Minutes Page 6 Mayor Snow introduced the item by title. City Clerk/Elections Official Joel G. Pablo presented the staff report.
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person: William Richter
Lynn Ciani
Jenna Close
Dr. Athena Gianopoulos, Feathers and Fur Animal Hospital Isabelle Zapata
Valerie Traina
Kelly Flynn
Adelene Nelson
Amit Dhulesh
Vicky Snow
Written: Dr. Athena Gianopoulos, Feathers and Fur Animal Hospital Jenna Close, Founder with Moose's Flock
Dana Short, Director of Operations at LadyFreethinker'org Dez Brooks, Operations Director; Brook Durham, Executive Director; and Dr. Patricia Latas, Veterinarian with SoCal Parrot
Liz cabreraHoltz, Senior campaigns Manager with world Animal Protection
Nedda Janatpour on Behalf of Charlie Howard, Avian Rescue of Concord Nedda Janatpour
Sarah Lemail,Volunteer and Board Member with Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Councilmembers directed questions/comments to staff and the City Attorney regarding the Council's available options, the effect of direct adoption versus placement on the ballot, timing of enforcement, fiscal impacts, litigation risk and the Novembet 2026 election process.
Mayor Snow moved to adopt Option 1: Direct adoption of the initiative ordinance without alteration. Councilmember Mendoza seconded the motion and suggested an amendment regarding amortization, which was subsequently clarified as already addressed by the six-month enforcement delay included in the initiative. The motion was superseded by a substitute motion and did not come to a vote.
Action: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Heredia, seconded by Councilmember Altamirano to:
1f ; nr""i"e and file the City Clerk/Elections Official's certification of sufficiency, based on the signature verification results provided by the San Diego County Registrar of Voters, confirming that the initiative petition contains the requisite number of valid signatures to qualiff for City Council action; (2) Direct the City Clerk/Elections Official tolefund the $200 initiative filing fee to the proponent; and (3) Option 2: Submit the Initiative Ordinance to the voters, without alteration, pursuant to Elections Code section 1405.
il;4'ay 19,2026 Regular City Council Meeting - Minutes Pase 7 The motion passed by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Altamirano, Smith, Heredia
NOES: Mendoza, Snow
ABSENT: None
2. Discuss and Provide Direction to City Staff on Tenant Protections Policy Mayor Snow introduced the item by title. Interim City Manager Winney, City Attorney Steinke and Special Counsel Nazanin Salehi presented the staff report.
Mayor Snow opened the public comment period.
In Person: Guillermo Gonzalez
Richard Hammett
Jasmin Mendoza
Molly Kirkland, Director of Public Affairs with the Southern California Rental Housing Association
George Ching with Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors Written: Beto
Thomas L. Wall
Truth
Bonnie Watson
Brianna Bearce
Ken King
Melissa Schultz
Stephan Gaspar, Development Manager with KIRE Builders
Ginger Hitzke,President of the Hitzke Development Corporation Mary Sessom
Molly Kirkland, Director of Public Affairs with the Southem California Rental Housing Association
Peter Carlseen, Praecelsus Property Management; Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate - Clarity
Heidi Wolin
Mayor Snow closed the public comment period.
Mayor Snow stated that the item involved considerable discussion and requested that Council deliberation be continued to the second regular meeting in June 2026 to allow additional time to review the information received. A substitute motion was offered by Councilmember Altamirano to continue the item until after the current urgency ordinance expires in August 2026. The substitute motion failed for lack of a second.
Action: Moved by Mayor Snow, second by Councilmember Mendoza the City Council continued Item No. 2 to the second regular City Council meeting in June 2026.
The motion passed by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Mendoza, Smith, Snow
i|lday 19,2026 Regular City Council Meeting - Minutes Page 8 NOES:
ABSENT:
Altamirano, Heredia
None
Cifv Council Reports on Meetings Attended at the Expense of the Citv @atCityCouncilReportsonMeetingsAttendedattheExpenseoftheCity would be continued to the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Mayor Snow stated that the City Manager's Report would be continued to the next regularly schlduled meeting. Mayor Snow also announced PAWS in the Park on May 30, 2026 and noted that the next regular City Council meeting would be held on Tuesday, June 2,2026.
Citv Manager's Report - None
Closed Session - None
Adiournment
Muyor Sno* adjourned the meeting at approximately 1 1:08 p.m. in honor of former Councilmember Cook.
ty Clerk
Grove
the City Council on June 2,2026
Joel G. P
City of