CITY OF POWAY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
June 17, 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: Jenny Maeda, Christopher J. Pikus, Peter De Hoff, Steve Vaus
Absent: Tony Blain
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; Captain Claudia Delgado, 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 Mayor/Vice 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:
Recognition — FIRST Robotics Competition Team 6995, NOMAD 1 of 7
City of Poway — Minutes — June 17, 2025
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Michael Yehilevsky voiced concerns and over signature gathering efforts for the Recall Tony Blain campaign.
Dan Krall voiced concerns regarding Councilmember Blain's lack of transparency surrounding failure to communicate with his constituents by way of City email, his recent NO vote on an EDCO agenda item and refuted Mr. Blain's claims of having attended the May 21 Budget Review Committee meeting.
John Couvrette called for Councilmember Blain's resignation, provided updates on Recall Tony Blain campaign, and raised concerns about Mr. Blain's upcoming absences and the resulting lack of representation for District 2.
Anita Edmondson raised concerns about Councilmember Blain's upcoming absences and the resulting lack of representation for District 2 and requested clarification on possible alternative representation options.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Motioned by Councilmember Pikus, seconded by Councilmember Maeda to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 9. Motion carried 4/0/1 by the following roll -call vote:
Ayes:
Maeda, Pikus, De Hoff, Vaus
Noes:
None
Abstained:
None
Absent:
Blain
Disqualified:
None
1. Approval of Reading by Title Only and Waiver of Reading in Full of Ordinances on this Agenda
2. Approval of the April 1, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
3. Resolution No. 25-019 Authorizing the Acceptance of the 2024 State Homeland Security Grant Program Funds
4. Resolution No. 25-020 Authorizing the Acceptance of the 2024 Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Program Funds
5. Award of Contract to M-Rae Engineering, Inc. for the FY 2024-25 Water Valve Replacement Project, Bid No. 25-013, and Determination the Project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
6. Award of Contract to Vullutini Corporation DBA Royal Electric Company for the Water Pump Station 8 (PS-8) Motor Control Center (MCC) Upgrades Project, Bid No. 25-008 and Determination the Project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
7. Resolution No. 25-021 Adopting a List of Projects for Fiscal Year 2025-26, Funded by Senate Bill 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017
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8. Award of Contract to Payco Specialties, Inc., for the 2025-2026 Citywide Striping Project, Bid No. 25-011 and Determination the Project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
9. Award of Contract to Pavement Coatings Co., for the 2025-2026 Street Maintenance Project Bid No. 25-012 and Determination the Project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION:
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
10. Report on Vacancies, and Recruitment and Retention Efforts Mayor Vaus opened the Public Hearing at 7:18 p.m.
Director of Human Resources and Risk Management Jodene Dunphy presented the item along with PowerPoint. Ms. Dunphy addressed compliance with Assembly Bill (AB) 2561, a California law effective January 1, 2025, which requires public agencies to present information on vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts annually prior to budget adoption. She noted, as of June 1, 2025, Poway's vacancy rates for both the Teamsters and Poway Firefighters Association were well below the state's 20% reporting threshold. Since then, the Teamsters vacancy rate has dropped from 7.6% to 3.8%, and the overall City vacancy rate has decreased from 7% to 5.4%, with further reductions expected in July as new firefighter paramedics begin work. She explained the new law requires agencies to identify any barriers to hiring; Poway has continued to assess and adjust its hiring practices to remain competitive.
Moving forward, the City will continue to monitor vacancy rates monthly and notify bargaining units if their rates reach 20% or more. The City remains committed to attracting and retaining skilled, community -focused employees.
Ms. Dunphy provided a short video and concluded her presentation by stating continued collaboration among staff, leadership, and City officials will contribute to maintaining low vacancy rates.
Public Comment:
No speakers.
End of Public Comment.
Mayor Vaus closed the Public Hearing at 7:31 p.m.
Council discussion ensued. Council expressed appreciation for the City's quality of leadership and staff, noting internal promotions as a testament to the strength and health of the organization. Council highlighted raising the pay scale as a necessary investment in maintaining a quality workplace, and the six -year labor agreements were recognized as further evidence of a well -managed and supportive workplace culture —one built and sustained by the efforts of City Manager Hazeltine, Assistant City Manager Kaserman, and 3of7
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the entire leadership team. Council responded positively to the video presentation, noting the authenticity and pride shown by those participating. Council thanked staff, attributing Poway's low vacancy rate and overall organizational health to dedicated individuals serving the City each day.
Motioned by Deputy Mayor De Hoff, seconded by Mayor Vaus to receive and file the report. Motion carried 4/0/1 by the following vote:
Ayes:
Maeda, Pikus, De Hoff, Vaus
Noes:
None
Abstained:
None
Absent:
Blain
Disqualified:
None
11. Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program, Including a Resolution Adopting an Amendment to the TransNet Local Street Improvement Program List of Projects for Fiscal Years 2024-25 through 2028-29 Mayor Vaus opened the Public Hearing at 7:34 p.m
Director of Finance Craig Schmollinger presented the Operating Budget Program and City Engineer Tracy Beach presented the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) item along with a PowerPoint presentation.
Mr. Schmollinger provided an overview of the City's proposed operating budget, citing operating expenditures by fund. He discussed the General Fund, including revenues and expenditures, and outlined benefits realized from prior budget decisions, impacts to the budget including inflation, and potential tariff impacts.
He discussed proposed new programs and expenditure requests and provided additional information on maintaining staffing levels for the next fiscal year. He noted the proposed budget includes funding for five position reclassifications across four different departments, including Finance, Public Works, Legislative/Administrative, and Community Services. There is a total of less than one (1) new full-time equivalent (FTE) being added City-wide with the proposed budget.
Mr. Schmollinger discussed a cost saving measure to pay off the 2012 Refunding Certificate of Participation debt early. The proposed measures will save the City over $780,000 in avoided interest costs and free up debt capacity in the future if needed. He noted, according to Poway's City Council -adopted Financial Policy and established best practices, the City is prohibited from using General Fund resources to cover enterprise fund expenses, including those related to water or sewer services.
Mr. Schmollinger detailed the City's reserve balances, noting they provide resources for future projects and unforeseen needs. He then provided an update on the City's Water and Wastewater Funds, including revenues, expenditures, projected cost increases, and fund balances.
Ms. Beach discussed how the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is critical to maintaining and improving the quality of Poway's public infrastructure. CIP projects are focused on improving critical public infrastructure such as parks, sidewalks, facilities, streety safety, drainage 4of7
City of Poway — Minutes — June 17, 2025
infrastructure enhancements, facility renovation and making necessary repairs throughout the City.
Ms. Beach discussed the FY 2025-26 CIP Program which includes 78 total active and proposed projects with a total appropriation of $100.98 million. She noted an overall increase in project costs, explaining the Construction Cost Indexes (both national and in California) continue to rise while the average number of project bidders declines.
Mr. Schmollinger then outlined the work of the Budget Review Committee and their contributions to developing the proposed 2025-2026 operating budget.
Public Comment:
Vanessa Springett, Budget Review Committee (BRC) Chair, provided a summary of the Budget Review Committee process, observations and their recommendations for the FY 2025-26 budget.
The following speakers spoke in support of Item #11:
Dan Krall
Anita Edmondson sought clarification on budgeted versus projected expenditures for various departments during FY 2024-25.
End of Public Comment
Mayor Vaus closed the Public Hearing at 8:31 p.m.
Council discussion ensued. In response to earlier public comment regarding budgeted versus projected expenditures, Mayor Vaus asked about increased operational expenses in the Legislative, City Clerk, and Human Resources budgets. Finance Director Schmollinger attributed the rise primarily to unanticipated legal and investigation costs, along with a surge in public records requests requiring additional staff. Assistant City Manager Kaserman clarified the City Clerk's budget increase was largely due to Measure H election expenses, which were not originally included in the FY 2024-25 budget since Council had yet to take action on Measure H, and were later reimbursed by Life Time.
Council responded positively to the proposal to pay off a portion of the City's debt early and the opportunities to reinvest those savings. Council highlighted the importance of investing in new projects, programs, and Citywide improvements outlined in the CIP. Council commented on the City's history of fiscal responsibility and noted its reserve fund balance and low tax rates. They specifically noted Poway's sales tax rate remains the same amount as when it was originally adopted, unlike many other surrounding cities who have raised their sales tax rates. Council emphasized the reserves are funded at some of the highest levels in the County. Council discussed Poway's financial discipline, contrasting it with nearby cities facing deficits and tax hikes due to lack of restraint. Council discussed the challenges the City faces with water rates and costs that are outside the City's control, as well as addressing long-term funding for the Landscape Maintenance Districts. In addition, they discussed the role of the BRC and thanked them for their time and input.
Council decried the unfortunate attempted politization of the BRC by Councilmember Blain, and the unnecessary legal expenses incurred by the City due his behavior and misconduct. 5of7
City of Poway — Minutes — June 17, 2025
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Deputy Mayor De Hoff to adopt Resolution No. 25-022, entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Approving Changes to the City of Poway Position Classification Plan, the City of Poway Management/Confidential Salary Schedule, the City of Poway Non -Safety Salary Schedule, the City of Poway Firefighters' Association Salary Schedule, the Part -Time Temporary/Seasonal Wage Schedule, and the Management/Confidential Salary and Benefits Plan Document"; adopt Resolution No. 25-023 entitled "A Resolution of the City Council, Housing Authority and Successor Agency to the Poway Redevelopment Agency of the City of Poway, California, Approving and Adopting the Annual Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2025-26 and Appropriating Funds"; adopt Resolution No. 25-024 entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Adopting an Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2026"; adopt Resolution No. 25-025 entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Adopting the TransNet Local Street Improvement Program List of Projects for Fiscal Years 2025 through 2029"; and to receive the Budget Review Committee report with recommendations. Motion carried 410/1 by the following vote:
Ayes:
Maeda, Pikus, De Hoff, Vaus
Noes:
None
Abstained:
None
Absent:
Blain
Disqualified: None
STAFF REPORTS:
None.
WORKSHOPS:
None.
COUNCIL -INITIATED ITEMS:
None
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS: Pursuant to AB1234 - (G.C. 53232(d))
Councilmember Pikus announced the annual Poway Chamber of Commerce Business Star Awards, scheduled for Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Heights Golf Club and noted the City of Poway has been nominated for the Large Business of the Year award.
CITY MANAGER ITEMS:
None.
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City of Poway — Minutes — June 17, 2025
CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS: (Including any public report of any action taken in closed session) City Attorney Fenstermacher reported out City Council voted 4/0/1 (Absent: Blain) to authorize the City Attorney to defend the City in Endangered Habitats League v. City of Poway, San Diego Case No. 25CU030278C.
CLOSED SESSION:
12. Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation (Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1))
Name of Case: Endangered Habitats League v. City of Poway, et. al., San Diego Superior Court, Case No. 25CU030278C
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Vaus recessed the Regular City Council meeting into Closed Session at 8:52 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 9*26 p.m.
Carrie Gallagher, CMC
City Clerk
City of Poway, California
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