AG EN DA REPORT City of Poway
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
July 15, 2025
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Carrie Gallagher, City Clerk ~
(858) 668-4535 or [email protected]
CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Approval of the April 15, 2025, and July 1, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Summary
The City Council Meeting Minutes submitted hereto for approval are:
• April 15, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
• July 1, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
The Poway City Council sits as the Poway Planning Commission, the Poway Housing Authority, the Public Financing Authority, and the Successor Agency to the Poway Redevelopment Agency.
Recommended Action:
It is recommended the City Council approve the April 15, 2025, and July 1, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes.
Public Notification:
None.
Attachments:
A. April 15, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
B. July 1, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Reviewed/Approved By:
~~~
Assistant City Manager
1 of 14
Reviewed By:
Alan Fenstermacher
City Attorney
Appr~
c{(k:
City Manager
July 15, 2025, Item #2
CITY OF POWAY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
April 15, 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 (via teleconference), Jenny Maeda, Christopher J. Pikus, Peter De Hoff (via teleconference), Steve Vaus
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
City Manager Chris Hazeltine; 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; Fire Chief Brian Mitchell; Captain Claudia Delgado, San Diego County Sheriff's Office.
(Note: Hereinafter the titles Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councilmember, 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:
Councilmember Maeda led the Pledge of Allegiance.
MOMENT OF SILENCE:
Mayor Vaus led a moment of silence.
PRESENTATIONS:
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
2 of 14 ATTACHMENT A
July 15, 2025, Item #2
City of Poway - Minutes - April 15, 2025
Michael Camacho, representing San Diego Art Matters, spoke in recognition of Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month in April.
Brenna Maienschein, representing A-List Theater, spoke in recognition of Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month in April.
Dave Grosch reflected on his tenure and responsibilities as a Poway Councilmember and voiced concerns over Councilmember Blain's behavior.
Peter Neild provided updates regarding his neighborhood representation project.
Yuri Bohlen shared an oveNiew and details about his attendance at a town hall meeting with Assemblymember Carl DeMaio.
John Mullin provided an oveNiew of Brown Act violations committed by Councilmember Blain and concerns over the Councilmember's conduct.
John Couvrette provided updates on Recall Tony Blain committee activities.
Anita Edmondson spoke about Councilmember Blain's violations of the Code of Ethics and expressed her support for the Recall Tony Blain campaign.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Councilmember Maeda to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 3 and 5 through 9. Motion carried 510 by the following roll-call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
Blain, Maeda, Pikus, De Hoff, Vaus
None
None
None
None
Motioned
by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Councilmember Maeda to approve Consent Calendar Item 4. Motion carried 4/0/1 by the following roll-call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
Blain, Maeda,
De Hoff, Vaus
None
Pikus
None
None
1. Approval of Reading by Title Only and Waiver of Reading in Full of Ordinances on this Agenda
2. Award of Agreement to EKI Environment & Water, Inc. for Preparation of the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan Update, RFP No. 25-009
3. Award of Agreement to The Arc of San Diego for Parks Ground Maintenance Services
4. Authorization to Purchase City Hall Servers Utilizing NASPO ValuePoint Purchasing Program Contract #7-15-70-34-002 from Nth Generation Computing, Inc. 3 of 14
July 15, 2025, Item #2
City of Poway - Minutes - April 15, 2025
5. Set Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of FY 2025-26 Solid Waste Rate Increase for EDCO Waste and Recycling Services
Yuri Bohlen spoke neutrally regarding Item #5.
6. Award of Contract to Mansfield Oil of Gainesville, Inc. for Various Fuels Utilizing Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Program Contract No. 121522-MNF
7. Award of Agreement to United Site Services of California, Inc. for Portable Toilet Services; RFP No. 25-010
8. Resolution No. 25-006, Approving a 6% Increase in the Regional Transportation Congestion Improvement Program Traffic Mitigation Fee for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26, as required by the TransNet Ordinance
9. Award of Contract to Sunbelt Controls, Inc., for the Poway Center for the Performing Arts Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Controls Replacement Project, RFP No. 21-013, and Determination the Project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
At this juncture, Mayor Vaus reordered the agenda to hear Staff Report Item #11 prior to Ordinances for Introduction.
STAFF REPORTS:
11. Water Infrastructure Improvement Program Update
Robert Weber presented the item along with a PowerPoint presentation. He explained Poway's water supply comes from the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) as untreated water which is then treated at the Lester J. Berglund Water Treatment Plant (WTP) prior to being distributed throughout the City.
Mr. Weber provided an overview of the City's water-related facilities. He noted the Water Infrastructure Improvement Program (Program) is the largest series of capital projects the City has undertaken since incorporation. He noted collectively the program will improve the resiliency and redundancy of Poway's water infrastructure system and provide safe and reliable water service to Poway residents for generations to come.
He presented slides showing the Clearwell Bypass Project and updates on the Clearwell Replacement Project and remaining projects related to the Water Infrastructure Improvement Program. He stated the bypass project is operationally successful and was completed under budget in November of 2022, with the construction of temporary bypass tanks, temporary pump station to supply those tanks and a permanent 36-inch below ground pipeline from the treatment plant out to the distribution system.
Mr. Weber then discussed the current phase of the project, replacement of the Clearwell. His presentation included project and design status, updates on the project timeline and details regarding the construction management contract. He noted construction for this phase of the project is 50% complete and staff anticipate commissioning of the new Clearwell facility in late Spring 2026. Mr. Weber shared slides highlighting the construction's progress. 4 of 14
July 15, 2025, Item #2
City of Poway- Minutes -April 15, 2025
The presentation included information on the final two projects known as the Treated Water Facilities Projects. Status updates and an overview of the scope of the projects were shared, including the completion of design work and the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a future negotiated water purchase agreement with the Ramona Municipal Water District (MWD). Final design is anticipated for late 2025. Other related projects include two Interconnections with the City of San Diego. Mr. Weber concluded his presentation with an 18-month look ahead of the Water Infrastructure Improvement Program.
Public Comment:
Yuri Bohlen spoke in support of Item #11.
End of Public Comment.
Council discussion ensued. The Council responded positively to the progress of the Water Infrastructure Improvement Program, acknowledging the project was long overdue and expressing satisfaction with the work completed and currently underway.
Councilmember Pikus suggested water rates in Poway are competitive to those of other San Diego cities and asked staff to confirm. City Attorney Fenstermacher concurred and further advised Council that only agendized items could be discussed and noted water rates were not agendized for this evening.
This was an informational item. No action was taken.
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION:
10. Ordinance to Amend Poway Municipal Code Regarding Conduct During Physical Attendance at City Council Meetings
Mayor Vaus introduced the item noting this is a Council-Initiated item originally introduced at the April 1, 2025 Regular City Council meeting.
Deputy Mayor De Hoff presented the item; he described the proposed Ordinance as straightforward, he stated a councilmember listed as present during roll call should be required to fulfill their duties and if they fail to do so, should not receive credit for their attendance.
He explained an important aspect of serving as a Councilmember involves addressing constituents and being held accountable for their decisions. He added that although not meant to be easy, the discomfort is an effective check to the exercise of governmental power.
The issue, he explained, is a sitting Councilmember leaving the dais during meetings and thus abdicating their responsibilities to the public. He described the behavior in question as unprecedented in Poway, unprofessional and unacceptable for any Councilmember. The proposed Ordinance is intended to return to basic standards and normalcy to the legislative process. The proposed Ordinance also includes provisions for medical emergencies. In addition, any request for recess or recesses shall be granted, unless the quantity or duration would materially disrupt the meeting. Leaving the dais without permission would therefore be considered an absence from the meeting without permission.
Public Comment:
5 of 14
July 15, 2025, Item #2
City of Poway - Minutes -April 15, 2025
Joe St. Lucas spoke neutrally on Item #1 O and shared concerns regarding remote participation by teleconference.
Yuri Bohlen spoke in support of Item #10. He thanked Councilmember Blain for his military service but questioned his upcoming deployment as voluntary in order to avoid attending City Council meetings.
End of Public Comment.
Council discussion ensued. Council responded favorably to the proposed ordinance, describing it as straightforward and grounded in both common sense and common courtesy.
Members emphasized the importance of public comment as a cornerstone of local governance and expressed concern that leaving the dais undermines the voices of Poway voters.
Additionally, Council addressed emails sent by Councilmember Blain, disputing his claims and expressing concerns over his threats to meddle in upcoming elections and other potential Brown Act violations.
As requested by the Mayor, City Clerk Gallagher titled the Ordinance for introduction.
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Deputy Mayor De Hoff to introduce Ordinance No. 873 entitled "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Amending Chapters 2.18 (Meetings) of The Poway Municipal Code Regarding Physical Attendance at City Council Meetings," for first reading by title only, waive further reading and schedule the · adoption of the Ordinance at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. Motion carried 4/1 by following roll-call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
None.
STAFF REPORTS:
Maeda, Pikus, De Hoff, Vaus
Blain
None
None
None
12. Resolution to Adopt a City Council Policy Requiring all City Council Vacancies Occurring Within the First 18 Months of a Four Year Term to be Filled by Special Election Mayor Vaus introduced the item, identifying it as a Mayor-Initiated item from the April 1, 2025 Regular City Council meeting. Mr. Vaus explained vacancies occurring early in a four-year term differ from those occurring later, noting late-term vacancies lead to costly, short-term elections and can leave constituents unrepresented for extended periods due to state mandated election timelines. Early-term vacancies, when filled by election, allow the winner to serve the remainder of the term. He is seeking approval of a resolution requiring all vacancies within the first 18 months be filled by election. 6 of 14
July 15, 2025, Item #2
City of Poway- Minutes -April 15, 2025
Public Comment:
Joe St. Lucas spoke neutrally on Item #12 and inquired on hypotheticals regarding the timing of potential vacancies.
Yuri Bohlen spoke in support of Item #12. He inquired on the potential for a run-off election in certain cases due to an unscheduled vacancy.
End of Public Comment.
Council discussion ensued. Council discussed the proposed time frame to require a special election or appointment, and concerns over district representation during a vacancy. Council discussed scenarios which could trigger a special election.
Council clarified that because of this policy being more narrowly tailored than as written in Government Code (§ 36512(c)), it cannot be adopted as an amendment to the Poway Municipal Code (PMC). However, Council may adopt a resolution and City Council policy stating vacancies occurring within the first 18 months be filled by election.
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Deputy Mayor De Hoff to approve Resolution No. 25-007 entitled "A Resolution of The City Council of The City of Poway, California, Adopting a City Council Policy to Fill City Council Vacancies Occurring Within the First Eighteen Months of Office by Special Election." Motion carried 5/0 by the following vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
WORKSHOPS:
None.
Blain, Maeda, Pikus, De Hoff, Vaus
None
None
None
None
COUNCIL-INITIATED ITEMS:
None.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS: Pursuant to AB1234 - (G.C. 53232(d))
Councilmember Maeda provided an update on the League of California Cities. She noted they , have partnered with lawmakers to sponsor 5 new bills in addition to actively opposing SB79 which would require cities to approve higher density residential projects up to 7 stories high near public transit stops. She encouraged residents to voice their opinions by contacting their local representatives.
Councilmember Pikus provided updates for the 'Sweep the Trails' volunteer event scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025 and announced he will attend the Garden Road Elementary School Leadership Awards program scheduled for April 23, 2025. 7 of 14
July 15, 2025, Item #2
City of Poway - Minutes -April 15, 2025
Mayor Vaus requested Council consensus for the following:
Motioned by Mayor Vaus to consider a Municipal Code amendment to add financial penalties for Councilmember violations including the Brown Act, attorney/client privilege, use of City email for political purposes, and violations of the Poway Municipal Code (PMC) pertaining to conduct of the City Council. Motion carried 4/1 by following roll-call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
Blain, Pikus, De Hoff, Vaus
Maeda
None
None
None
Mayor Vaus requested this item be agendized for the May 6, 2025, Regular City Council meeting.
CITY MANAGER ITEMS:
City Manager Hazeltine requested Council consideration and consensus to place an item on a future agenda relating to the discussion of guidelines and establish guard-rails to manage the overwhelming number of email communications received from Councilmember Blain at a future City Council Meeting.
Motioned by Mayor Vaus to consider request as presented. Motion carried 5/0 by the following vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
Blain, Maeda, Pikus, De Hoff, Vaus
None
None
None
None
CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS: (Including any public report of any action taken in closed session) None.
CLOSED SESSION:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 8: 15 p.m.
8 of 14
Carrie Gallagher, CMC
City Clerk
City of Poway, California
July 15, 2025, Item #2
CITY OF POWAY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
July 1, 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
Councilmember Blain joined the meeting at 7:01 p.m., via teleconference from the location noted on the Agenda.
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 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.
9 of 14 ATTACHMENT B
July 15, 2025, Item #2
City of Poway - Minutes - July 1, 2025
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Steve Wickens thanked staff for traffic safety enhancements on St. Andrews Drive, including newly painted lines and the installation of rumble edges.
Cathy Pieroni requested the City include statistical analysis regarding water affordability for Poway customers in their upcoming Cost of Service Study (COSS).
Yuri Bohlen voiced concerns regarding Councilmember Blain's conduct and Brown Act Violations and called for his resignation.
John Mullin shared emails from Councilmember Blain detailing repeated threats of legal action against residents.
Anita Edmondson voiced concerns regarding Councilmember Blain's unethical and abusive behavior and provided Recall Tony Blain committee updates.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Councilmember Pikus to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 2. 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. Approval of the June 12, 2025 Special City Council Meeting Minutes ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION:
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
None.
STAFF REPORTS:
None.
WORKSHOPS:
None.
COUNCIL-INITIATED ITEMS:
3. Public Discussion of Investigative Reports
10 of 14
July 15, 2025, Item #2
City of Poway - Minutes - July 1, 2025
Assistant City Manager Wendy Kaserman introduced the item. She stated in January 2025, the City received personnel complaints from City Manager Chris Hazeltine and City Attorney Alan Fenstermacher against Councilmember Tony Blain. Councilmember Blain also submitted complaints against both City Manager Hazeltine and City Attorney Fenstermacher.
On February 4, 2025, Council met in Closed Session to determine next steps. The City had a legal obligation to investigate the complaints.
Ms. Kaserman explained the City hired Special Counsel with the firm of Burke, Williams & Sorensen, not affiliated with the City Attorney's firm (Rutan & Tucker), to advise the City Council specifically on this matter and to oversee the investigation.
As reported out of the February 4 Closed Session, the Council provided direction to hire an outside investigator to conduct an independent investigation of the three personnel complaints. The investigation has concluded. Assistant City Manager Kaserman explained the investigator evaluated the complaints against the City's applicable personnel policies, including the Workplace Bullying Policy. The structure of the complaints and findings mirrors this policy.
A Special City Council Meeting was held on June 12, 2025, to review the investigative findings.
Council directed the executive summaries of the reports be publicly released and included as part of a Council Initiated item on the July 1, 2025, Regular City Council meeting.
Ms. Kaserman highlighted specific language included by the investigator in each summary noting he was given full discretion to conduct the investigation as he deemed necessary, unrestricted access to all requested witnesses and documents, and no person interfered or attempted to influence the findings in each summary.
Mayor Vaus invited City Attorney Fenstermacher and City Manager Hazeltine to offer additional comments, noting the investigation had substantiated their complaints.
City Attorney Fenstermacher addressed the Council regarding the findings of the investigation . He emphasized the seriousness of the behavior described in the report, noting the complaints he filed against Councilmember Blain were sustained.
Mr. Fenstermacher encouraged interested members of the public to review the full investigative summaries, citing their detail and length. He stated the report confirms repeated instances of bullying and abuse directed at him by an elected official. He further shared the impacts of this conduct have been personal and significant.
Mr. Fenstermacher highlighted the following key points from the report: 1) the conduct in question was not based on "he said, she said" allegations, but largely on written communication from Councilmember Blain himself, primarily emails, making the findings clear and indisputable; 2) a specific April 2025 email contained demonstrably false and defamatory statements . The investigator himself concluded the email included knowingly false claims made with malice, including allegations related to campaign contributions, which were found to be untrue.
He concluded by noting the matter was not political in nature, but deeply personal and difficult, and expressed appreciation to Council for authorizing the investigation and for their support. 11 of 14
July 15, 2025, Item #2
City of Poway - Minutes - July 1, 2025
City Manager Hazeltine addressed the investigative findings into personnel complaints involving Councilmember Blain. He expressed the experience had been personally and professionally difficult, and the day was not one of relief, but of continued concern.
Mr. Hazeltine emphasized the investigation validated each of his claims, while none of Councilmember Blain's counter-complaints were sustained. He shared the emotional impact of revisiting the detailed documentation, describing the process of reliving the events as deeply challenging.
Mr. Hazeltine stated Mr. Blain's conduct intensified following his election to office. After much deliberation, he made the difficult decision to file a formal complaint once the situation became untenable. He noted Mr. Blain's conduct persisted throughout the investigation and beyond its formal end date, prompting him to submit several hundred pages of emails as additional material to this item in order to document its continuation.
Mr. Hazeltine explained during the investigation, contact between the involved parties was restricted. Communication responsibilities were shifted to Assistant City Manager Kaserman, who then became the target of similar abusive behavior. He expressed deep appreciation for her professionalism and resilience throughout the process.
Mr. Hazeltine also discussed previous efforts to address the situation, including an amendment to his employment contract and to the Poway Municipal Code. He explained these measures were intended to protect staff but were not successful, citing continued and repeated violations by Mr. Blain.
Mr. Hazeltine emphasized his duty as City Manager is to protect employees and to formally address misconduct. He acknowledged the Council's prompt and unanimous action in authorizing the investigation and expressed gratitude for their support, professionalism, and empathy throughout the process.
He concluded by acknowledging the investigator's report may not fully capture the severity of the conduct since it focused exclusively on complaints related to personnel policies. In addition to abusive behavior, the documented communications included defamatory, libelous, and slanderous content made with malice. He called for accountability and thanked Council and Staff for their continued support and dedication to maintaining a respectful and professional work environment in Poway.
Public Comment:
The following individuals spoke on Item #3:
Vanessa Springett addressed Councilmember Blain's abusive behavior and supported Recall Tony Blain efforts.
MJ Mohamad, speaking on behalf of Poway Teamsters Local 911, offered support for City Staff and City Management.
Yuri Bohlen addressed Counci!member Blain's conduct and requested he refrain from sending unsolicited emails moving forward.
12 of 14
July 15, 2025, Item #2
City of Poway - Minutes - July 1, 2025
Anita Edmondson addressed concerns regarding Councilmember Blain's legal liability to the City and supported Recall Tony Blain efforts.
John Mullin discussed the consequences of Councilmember Blain's actions and the reputational harm caused to City staff.
End of Public Comment.
Council discussion ensued. Council discussed the scope, findings, and consequences of the investigation, which concluded Councilmember Blain engaged in repeated patterns of abusive, insulting, and unjustified behavior toward City staff. Council concluded the complaints were substantiated through a comprehensive, independent review including over 2,000 pages of documentation. Council emphasized they while they provided direction to hire an outside investigator, they had no role in selecting the investigator or influencing the process or findings.
Councilmember Blain characterized the investigation as politically motivated. He asserted it was an attempt for Mayor Vaus to maintain his seat on the City Council. He commented he was elected by voters to counteract corruption and term limits would be coming forward. He called for Mayor Vaus's resignation and claimed no wrongdoing occurred on his part. He claimed that while the report may demonstrate he can be abrupt and rude, it did not demonstrate anything illegal from an HR perspective.
Council affirmed the legitimacy of the investigation and its conclusions. Councilmembers expressed deep concern over the work environment created by Councilmember Blain, referencing ongoing impacts to staff and the City and described his behavior as shameful.
Council highlighted the professionalism and restraint demonstrated by staff despite Councilmember Blain's ongoing behavior.
Council outlined the known and unknown financial impacts of Councilmember Blain's behavior and expressed concern regarding his retaliatory complaints and public statements, including unsubstantiated and defamatory allegations against staff, and cautioned such actions could result in significant legal and financial consequences.
Council concluded that the severity of the findings warranted public accountability and affirmed their commitment to a safe and respectful workplace. Mayor Vaus explained that unlike a city employee who can be fired if they violate City policies or aren't performing their job, the voters of District 2 hold the power to remove Councilmember Blain from office. He thanked City Manager Hazeline and City Attorney Fenstermacher for serving with dignity, grace, and professionalism and apologized on behalf of the City Council for how they have been treated by Councilmember Blain. The Mayor further stated that he was supportive of a second resolution of censure based upon the findings of the personnel investigation.
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Deputy Mayor De Hoff to 1) accept and agree with the report and its findings; and 2) consider a formal Censure of Councilmember Blain at the July 15, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting. Motion carried 4/1 by the following vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
13 of 14
Maeda, Pikus, De Hoff, Vaus
Blain
None
None
None
July 15, 2025, Item #2
City of Poway - Minutes -July 1, 2025
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS: Pursuant to AB1234 - (G.C. 53232(d))
City Attorney Fenstermacher asked Councilmember Blain if he was still present at the posted teleconference meeting location, as he was seen leaving the meeting location at 7:52 p.m., Councilmember Blain confirmed he was no longer present at the noticed teleconferencing location, first claiming he was driving, but then stating that he was in the parking lot. City Attorney Fenstermacher advised Councilmember Blain that he needed to return to the posted teleconference meeting location if he wished to continue making comments. Councilmember Blain said he would do so, but he officially exited the teleconference meeting platform at 8:20 p.m. and did not return.
Councilmember Pikus highlighted Poway's upcoming Independence Day festivities including its two firework shows and the Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration at Old Poway Park.
Deputy Mayor De Hoff shared details of Poway's upcoming Independence Day festivities and noted having attended the Poway ham radio operators National Field Day event, hosted by Poway Amateur Radio Society (PARS) and Poway Neighborhood Emergency Corps (PNEC) on June 28th, 2025 at Lake Poway Park.
Mayor Vaus shared details about Poway's upcoming Independence Day celebrations and fireworks displays. He noted he will be attending the Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration at Old Poway Park and provided details regarding a special tribute honoring Roger Mehling for his contributions to Old Poway Park.
CITY MANAGER ITEMS:
City Manager Hazeltine thanked the City Council for their support and accepted the Mayor's apology on behalf of the Councilmembers physically present at the meeting.
CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS: (Including any public report of any action taken in closed session) None.
CLOSED SESSION:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p.m.
14 of 14
Carrie Gallagher, CMG
City Clerk
City of Poway, California
July 15, 2025, Item #2