r CITY OF POWAY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
May 20, 2025
City Council Chambers
13325 Civic Center Drive, Poway, California
(Per Government Code 54953)
(Meeting Called to Order as City Council/City of Poway Planning Commission/Poway Housing Authority/Public Financing Authority and Successor Agency to the Poway Redevelopment Agency) CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Vaus called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m .
ROLL CALL:
Present: Tony Blain, Jenny Maeda, Christopher J. Pikus, Peter De Hoff, Steve Vaus STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
City Manager Chris Hazeltine; Assistant City Manager Wendy Kaserman; City Attorney Alan Fenstermacher; City Clerk Carrie Gallagher; Director of Development Services Julie Procopio; Director of Finance Craig Schmollinger; Director of Human Resources and Risk Management Jodene Dunphy; Director of Public Works Eric Heidemann; Director of Community Services Audrey Denham; Fire Chief Brian Mitchell; Lieutenant Colin Hebeler, San Diego County Sheriff's Office.
(Note: Hereinafter the titles Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councilmember, City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk and Director of Finance shall be used to indicate Mayor/Chair, Deputy MayorNice Chair, Councilmember/Director, City Manager/Executive Director, Assistant City Manager/Assistant Executive Director, City Attorney/Counsel, City Clerk/Secretary and Director of Finance/Finance Officer.)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Deputy Mayor De Hoff led the Pledge of Allegiance.
MOMENT OF SILENCE:
Mayor Vaus led a moment of silence.
PRESENTATIONS:
None .
1 of 7
City of Poway -Minutes -May 20, 2025
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Mike Leland, Poway Chamber of Commerce President provided updates recent activities and acknowledged the Chamber's 75th anniversary.
Gary Vineyard Sr. voiced concerns regarding building conditions along Poway Road and e-bike safety.
Frida Brunzel/ discussed provisions of the Poway Municipal Code specific to groups addressing Council under Public Comment.
Vanessa Springett requested the Council consider amending the Poway Road Specific Plan (PRSP) concerning building setbacks . She expressed concerns, alleging litigious threats made toward her by Councilmember Blain.
John Couvrette shared updates on the Recall Tony Blain efforts and voiced concerns from Poway residents regarding alleged harassing behavior by Councilmember Blain.
John Mullin voiced concerns regarding Councilmember Blain's behavior and pending lawsuit, and expressed support for the Recall Tony Blain efforts.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Deputy Mayor De Hoff to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 5. Motion carried 5/0 by the following roll-call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
Blain, Maeda, Pikus, De Hoff, Vaus
None
None
None
None
1. Approval of Reading by Title Only and Waiver of Reading in Full of Ordinances on this Agenda 2 . Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 87 4 entitled "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Amending Chapters 15.24 and 8.76 of the Poway Municipal Code, to Designate Fire Hazard Severity Zones as Recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and Consolidate Defensible Space Regulations"
3. Award of Agreement to West Coast Arborists, Inc . for Urban Forestry Maintenance Services 4 . Poway Housing Successor Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2023-2024
5. Award of Contract to Quality Construction & Engineering Inc . for the FY 2024-2025 Street Overlay Project; Bid No . 25-010
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION:
None.
2 of 7
i '
( '
I
City of Poway -Minutes -May 20, 2025
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
6. Conditional Use Permit 24-0003, a Request to Expand an Existing Residential Care Facility for the Elderly from Five to 11 Bedrooms at 14203 Midland Road (APN 314-193-47-00) Mayor Vaus opened the Public Hearing at 7:19 p.m.
Assistant Planner Chris Velasco presented the item . He confirmed the proposal complies with all permitted uses within the Poway Municipal Code (PMC) including parking space requirements . He described the facility including its proposed modifications and size. He confirmed the project maintains the historical architectural character and meets all operational standards for a residential care facility in the designated zoning districts . He added that the property is located within the Old Poway Specific Plan (OPSP) area and complies with the required setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage set forth in the design guidelines of the OPSP .
A neighborhood meeting was held on January 9, 2025 with a total of four (4) attendees. Mr.
Velasco noted staff's clarification regarding the garage conversion and height increase is within code limits, and no portion of the proposed addition exceeds the height of the existing 21 ft structure .
Nasrin Barbee , Architect and AIA member, spoke on behalf of Parkview Gardens Assisted Living, LLC . She outlined the scope of the project and presented additional design slides, including proposed roof and floor plans , as well as exterior elevations , highlighting the seamless integration of the expansion with the existing structure .
Terry Wery , Administrator of Parkview Gardens Ass isted Living, LLC, provided insight into his background in senior care and his long-standing connection to the Poway community, and expressed gratitude for the Council's consideration of the proposed project expansion.
Public Comment:
Vanessa Springett spoke in support of Item #6.
End of Public Comment.
Mayor Vaus closed the Public Hearing at 7 :33 p.m .
Council discussion ensued . Council responded positively to the cohesive architectural design of the project , the well-maintained property, and the preservation of the view corridor.
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Deputy Mayor De Hoff to adopt Resolution No. 25-009 entitled "A Resolution of The City Council of The City of Poway, California, Approving Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 24-0003, Assessor's Parcel Number 314-193- 47-00." Motion carried 5/0 by the following vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
3 of7
Blain, Maeda, Pikus, De Hoff, Vaus
None
None
None
None
City of Poway -Minutes -May 20, 2025
7. Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) 24-0002, a Request to Subdivide One Vacant Parcel into Two Single-Family Residential Parcels (APN 321-110-52)
Mayor Vaus opened the Public Hearing at 7:35 p.m.
Ms. Piscitelli provided an aerial image of the property site, noting a private access road and the adjoining properties . Before submitting the lot split application, the applicant received approval to build a single-family home. Grading on the proposed parcel is complete, and construction is currently underway. She showed the existing RR-A zoning for the property and surrounding parcels .
The proposal subdivides the property into two 20-acre parcels, which is the minimum lot size required under the Poway Municipal Code (PMC) for properties not connected to City water.
Since both parcels will rely on well water, the RR-A zoning regulations permit a maximum of one dwelling unit for every 20 net acres.
Ms. Piscitelli provided a map showing the Biological Conservation Easement (BCE) created for the approved Minor Development Review Application (MORA) and grading plan, noting the project mitigates the development of both parcels in accordance with the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP}, and the project complies with the objective design standards of the PMC and General Plan including lot width, depth, maximum building height, coverage and setbacks.
Ms. Piscitelli explained a private trail for public access was dedicated by a previously approved MORA and ensures adequate fire access to the area. Additionally, the project qualifies for a California Environment Quality Act (CEQA) exemption as it follows existing zoning and general plan density regulations covered by a certified Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and requires no further review .
A neighborhood meeting for the proposed project was held in Council Chambers with seven (7) attendees . In response to questions about allowable density, staff confirmed no further subdivision of the lot is permitted.
Staff noted one amendment to the proposed Resolution No. 25-010, to remove a condition which limited the rental of the primary residence, which does not apply to the project since no ADUs are proposed .
The applicant, Todd Wiersum, stated the proposed house is designed to have a low environmental impact, with minimal disturbance to both the environment and archaeological resources.
Public Comment:
Jeffrey Schmidt spoke in opposition of Item #7.
End of Public Comment.
Mayor Vaus closed the Public Hearing at 7:44 p.m.
Council discussion ensued. Responding to questions, staff confirmed the project is fully compliant with the HCP, noting over 88% of the property is being preserved and protected. 4 of 7
City of Poway -Minutes -May 20, 2025
Council discussed the HCP, its designations and rules governing the mitigation of those areas, as well as wildlife corridors. Staff noted the majority of the acreage within the proposed parcel(s) will remain undisturbed.
Motioned by Councilmember Blain, seconded by Councilmember Maeda to table the item, requesting the item be brought back at the June 17, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting. Motion failed 2/3 by the following vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
Blain, Maeda
Pikus, De Hoff, Vaus
None
None
None
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Councilmember Pikus to adopt Resolution No. 25-010 entitled "A Resolution of The City Council of The City of Poway, California, Approving Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) 24-0002, a Request to Subdivide One Vacant Parcel into Two Single-Family Residential Lots, Assessor's Parcel Number 321-110-52" amended to: remove a condition which limited the rental of the primary residence.
Motion carried 3/1/1 by the following vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
STAFF REPORTS:
None .
WORKSHOPS:
None.
Pikus, De Hoff, Vaus
Blain
Maeda
None
None
COUNCIL-INITIATED ITEMS:
None .
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS: Pursuant to AB1234 -(G .C. 53232(d))
Councilmember Blain recognized the efforts of the Community Food Connection organization in Poway and shared he will be attending Memorial Day Services at Dearborn Memorial Park on Monday, May 26, 2025. He also discussed fire prevention efforts, a Poway trail cleanup and the recent water workshop hosted by the Green Valley Civic Association . Mr. Blain noted the workshop did not address the issue of Councilmember salaries being funded through water fees.
He stated he has yet to receive a clear answer from City staff on the matter. He shared his intention to attend the next scheduled Budget Review Committee meeting per City Manager Hazeltine's recommendation .
5 of 7
City of Poway -Minutes -May 20, 2025
Councilmember Maeda provided updates on the Goodan Ranch Policy Committee and the League of California Cites monthly meeting.
Councilmember Maeda motioned for staff to provide a status update on all development projects associated with the Poway Road Specific Plan (PRSP) in the interest of increasing the Poway Road frontage setbacks and reducing building heights, and the impacts that amending the PRSP would have on future projects. Motion carried 5/0 by the following vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
Blain, Maeda, Pikus, De Hoff, Vaus
None
None
None
None
Councilmember Pikus discussed the recent 'Sweep the Trails' volunteer event that took place on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Mr. Pikus discussed the 11th Annual Emergency and Safety Fair, hosted by the Poway Neighborhood Emergency Corps and the Poway's Fire Safe Council, scheduled for Saturday, May 31, 2025 in Old Poway Park. He also noted he will be attending Memorial Day Services at Dearborn Memorial Park.
Deputy Mayor De Hoff provided updates from the free water workshop hosted by the Green Valley Civic Association on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Poway Library. The workshop discussed regional water management, water costs and water rate adjustments and its impact on local communities.
Mayor Vaus announced Poway has earned the 2024 Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation . He also shared he attended the grand opening celebration for Boot Barn, highlighting the positive momentum in revitalizing the City 's business corridor. Lastly , he recognized the Poway Community Foundation and the Poway Chamber of Commerce for hosting a ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the opening of the Chamber's new offices on Danielson Street.
CITY MANAGER ITEMS:
In response to earlier comments made by Councilmember Blain, City Manager Hazeltine clarified staff has repeatedly explained water service costs and cost allocation as it relates to Councilmember salaries to Mr. Blain, and has advised against City Councilmembers attending Budget Review Committee meetings since the budget will come before the City Council at a future meeting .
CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS: (Including any public report of any action taken in closed session) None.
CLOSED SESSION:
None.
6 of 7
City of Poway -Minutes -May 20, 2025
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
Carrie Gallagher, CMC
City Clerk
City of Poway, California
7 of 7