CITY OF POWAY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
December 16, 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 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; 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, City Attorney, City Clerk and Director of Finance shall be used to indicate Mayor/Chair, Deputy MayorNice Chair, Councilmember/Director, City Manager/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 in remembrance of the victims of the December 14, 2025 Bondi Beach terror attack in Sydney, Australia.
PRESENTATIONS:
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
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CONSENT CALENDAR:
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Deputy Mayor De Hoff to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 7. Motion carried 4/0 by the following roll -call vote:
Ayes: Maeda, Pikus, De Hoff, Vaus
Noes: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
Disqualified: None
1. Approval of Reading by Title Only and Waiver of Reading in Full of Ordinances on this Agenda
2. Approval of the September 16, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
3. Resolution No. 25-053 Declaring the Result of the City of Poway District 2 Special Municipal Recall Election Held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Mayor Vaus expressed appreciation to and recognized the community leaders and volunteers who organized the recent recall effort for their service in protecting the City, noting that over 80 percent of Poway residents supported their efforts.
4. Approval of Local Appointments List of City Council Appointed Committees for 2026
5. Approval of Consultant Agreement Amendment No. 2 with Kitchell CEM, Inc. for the Design of the Community Park Restroom Project; RFP No. 25-001
6. Approval of Parcel Map for Tentative Parcel Map 23-0003 (Espola Urban Lot Split); Ben Lund Engineering, Applicant (APN 321-020-68)
7. Acceptance of Public Improvements for the Sage at Old Coach Subdivision, Improvement Plan 22-0001
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION:
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
8. Development Review 25-0001 and Tentative Tract Map 25-0001, a Request for an Additional West Village Multi -Family Building and Private Dog Park (Fairfield II) within the Town Center Land Use District of the Poway Road Corridor Specific Plan located at 12947 Poway Road, (APN 317-490-68-00)
Mayor Vaus opened the Public Hearing at 7:03 p.m.
Senior Planner Kevin Parker presented the item along with a PowerPoint presentation. He stated the request includes demolition of an existing commercial building and construction of a three-story multifamily residential building with 16 market -rate units, a Tentative Tract Map for future individual ownership, and a private dog park. 2 of 8
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He provided the project site location and noted it was within the Town Center land use district of the Poway Road Corridor Specific Plan (PRSP) formerly occupied by a Big O Tires facility, previously closed for business in 2024. Surrounding uses include condominiums. Mr. Parker provided background on the previously approved West Village Poway Apartments (Fairfield Poway), noting the proposal would expand the development from five to six buildings and increase the total unit count from 212 to 228, with shared access to amenities.
Mr. Parker explained the proposed building is consistent with the PRSP Town Center development standards. The project requests a Tier One height incentive, allowing up to three stories and an average building height of 38 feet; the proposed building is shorter than the adjacent Fairfield Poway buildings. Revisions were made following a Pre -Development Conference, including meeting the required front setback along Poway Road and removal of private patios from the setback area. As conditioned, the consolidated project exceeds the PRSP minimum requirement for ground -floor commercial frontage, achieving approximately
77.2 percent.
Staff determined the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (Class 32, Infill Development) and is consistent with the PRSP Program Environmental Impact Report. The project is subject to the Housing Accountability Act.
Following Staff's presentation, the applicant Trevor Boucher of Fairfield Residential presented along with a PowerPoint presentation. He provided a brief background on the company and stated the project redevelops an underutilized site, maintains architectural consistency with the existing development, provides shared amenities including a private dog park, and is consistent with the Specific Plan.
Public Comment:
The following individuals spoke in opposition to Item #8:
Nick Carruthers
Vanessa Springett
The following individuals submitted written comment cards in opposition to Item #8:
Carl Browning
Esta Browning
End of Public Comment.
Mayor Vaus closed the Public Hearing at 7:24 p.m.
Council discussion ensued. Council recognized staff efforts to make improvements aimed at filling vacant commercial spaces and noted the applicant's responsiveness to community feedback, including increased setbacks and revised patios. Council discussed ongoing impacts from Phase One, including privacy concerns, traffic congestion, limited parking, and empty retail spaces, while emphasizing the importance of adherence to the Poway Road Specific Plan and state housing law requirements. Council emphasized the plan's objectives of concentrating higher -density development along the corridor, preserving neighborhood character, promoting walkability, and ensuring eventual occupancy of commercial spaces as 3 of 8
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residential units are built out. Council noted denying a compliant project could create legal and financial risks, and current vacancies reflect post -pandemic market conditions rather than deficiencies in the plan.
Responding to Council questions, staff clarified that Phase Two seeks only tier one incentives, which allow a third story on the rear of the building, and the private dog park is an added community amenity. Fairfield staff explained commercial leasing has been challenging, but multiple broker rounds, biweekly meetings, and collaboration with staff are ongoing to attract tenants.
Motioned by Councilmember Pikus, seconded by Deputy Mayor De Hoff to determine the Project is consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Class 32 Categorical Exemption environmental determination made for this Project and adopt Resolution No. 25-054 entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Approving Development Review 25-0001 and Tentative Tract Map 25-0001 for an Additional West Village Multi -Family Building within the Poway Road Specific Plan, Town Center District. Assessor Parcel Number 317-490-68-00". Motion carried 3/1 by the following vote:
Ayes: Pikus, De Hoff, Vaus
Noes: Maeda
Abstained: None
Absent: None
Disqualified: None
STAFF REPORTS:
9. Discussion and Possible Action to Fill City Council Vacancy City Attorney Alan Fenstermacher presented the item. He stated Council directed staff to proceed forward with calling a special election and to obtain cost estimates from the San Diego County Registrar of Voters (ROV) following the November 7, 2025 Special City Council meeting regarding the District 2 vacancy.
He explained applicable law requires a special election occur on the next regularly established election date at least 114 days after an election is called. He stated an election called on or before December 20, 2025 would be held on April 14, 2026, while an election called after December 20, 2025 would be held on June 2, 2026, concurrent with the statewide primary.
He added a "small city" all -mail election would require prior Council authorization and would occur on May 5, 2026.
Mr. Fenstermacher reported the ROV having provided estimated costs ranging from $225,000 to $325,000 for the April 14, 2025 special election, $10,000 to $25,000 for the June 2, 2025 statewide primary election, and $150,000 to $250,000 for the May 5, 2025 all -mail election.
He noted staff recommends the June 2, 2026 election based on significant cost savings and higher anticipated voter turnout, consistent with Council discussion at the November 7 Special City Council meeting.
Public Comment:
The following individual spoke in support of Item #8:
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Vanessa Springett
The following individual submitted a written comment card in support of Item #8:
Joe St. Lucas
End of Public Comment.
Council discussion ensued. Council discussed the procedural requirements associated with calling the election. Council noted the significant cost difference between the two dates and emphasized the likelihood of higher voter engagement during the statewide primary. Council stressed the importance of voters exercising careful judgment in selecting a representative to fill the vacancy.
Responding to Council questions, staff confirmed the applicable election timing requirements and explained how selecting a preferred election date affects the timing of when Council must call the election.
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Deputy Mayor De Hoff provide direction to City staff on the timing of bringing back a resolution to call a special election to fill the vacant District 2 City Council seat. Based on the significant cost savings, staff recommends that the City Council direct staff to schedule a special City Council meeting and bring back a resolution calling the special election for the June 2, 2026 statewide primary. Motion carried 4/0 by the following vote:
Ayes: Maeda, Pikus, De Hoff, Vaus
Noes: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
Disqualified: None
WORKSHOPS:
None.
COUNCIL -INITIATED ITEMS:
10. Appointment of Deputy Mayor for 2026
Mayor Vaus presented the item. He announced the selection to appoint Councilmember Maeda as Deputy Mayor for 2026.
Public Comment:
None.
End of Public Comment.
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Councilmember Pikus to appoint Councilmember Maeda to serve as Deputy Mayor for the one-year term commencing December 16, 2025. Motion carried 4/0 by the following vote:
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Ayes: Maeda, Pikus, De Hoff, Vaus
Noes: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
Disqualified: None
11. Appointment to Regional Agencies' Boards, Commissions and Committees for 2026 Mayor Vaus presented the item. He announced the selection of the following appointments to the Regional Agencies' Board, Commissions and Committees for calendar year 2026:
Mayor Vaus noted the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) appointment expires April 22, 2026, therefore, the six -year term appointment will be extended to begin April 22, 2026 for Director of Public Works Eric Heidemann.
1. San Diego Division League of California Cities
a. Primary: Jenny Maeda
b. Alternate: Christopher J. Pikus
2. Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Board of Directors a. Primary: Steve Vaus
b. Alternate: Peter De Hoff
3. San Diego Association of Governments Board of Directors a. Primary: Steve Vaus
b. 1st Alternate: Peter De Hoff
c. 2nd Alternate: Christopher J. Pikus
4. Metro Wastewater Commission/Joint Powers Authority (JPA) a. Primary: Peter De Hoff
b. Alternate: Director of Public Works
5. San Dieguito Riverpark Joint Powers Authority (JPA)
a. Primary: Jenny Maeda
b. Alternate: Christopher J. Pikus
6. City of Poway/PUSD Joint Use Subcommittee for Interjurisdictional Cooperation a. Primary: Peter De Hoff
b. Alternate: Steve Vaus
7. Regional Solid Waste Association (RSWA)
a. Primary: Peter De Hoff
b. Alternate: Christopher J. Pikus
8. Goodan Ranch Policy Committee
a. Primary: Jenny Maeda
b. Alternate: Director of Community Services
9. San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA)
a. Primary: Eric Heidemann
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Public Comment:
None.
End of Public Comment.
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Deputy Mayor De Hoff to appoint Primary and Alternate members to the various Regional Agencies' Boards, Commissions and Committees for calendar year 2026, and adopt Resolution No. 25-055 entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Appointing Eric Heidemann as its Representative to San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors". Motion carried 4/0 by the following vote:
Ayes: Maeda, Pikus, De Hoff, Vaus
Noes: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
Disqualified: None
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS: Pursuant to AB1234 - (G.C. 53232(d))
Deputy Mayor Maeda expressed appreciation to Poway Fire Department personnel for hosting her family for a dinner at the Fire station.
Councilmember Pikus extended holiday greetings to the community, wishing all a Merry Christmas or joyful holiday season. He also provided an update on recent litigation against the City (Hiram Soto v. City of Poway) noting a quo warranto action challenging his Council appointment was denied by the California Attorney General. Councilmember Pikus emphasized the City's successful defense and reiterated his commitment to serving the community.
Deputy Mayor De Hoff spoke regarding the recent Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, commending Community Services staff for their leadership in managing an unexpected volunteer staffing shortage during the event. He noted the team's effective coordination ensured the event ran smoothly without disruption to the public.
Mayor Vaus reported on the Carols by Candlelight rental event held at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts (PCPA) on December 12 and 13, 2025, expressing appreciation for the PCPA team's support and noting the positive experience of attendees. He also extended holiday greetings to the community.
CITY MANAGER ITEMS:
None.
CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS: (Including any public report of any action taken in closed session) City Attorney Alan Fenstermacher confirmed the summary of the recent litigation by Councilmember Pikus noting the City's successful defense. 7 of 8
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CLOSED SESSION:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
Carrie Gallagher, C
City Clerk
City of Poway, California
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