March 17, 2026, Item #2
AG EN DA REPORT City of Poway
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
March 17, 2026
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Carrie Gallagher, City Clerk M
(858) 668-4535 or [email protected]
CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Approval of the December 16, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes and December 22, 2025 Special City Council Meeting Minutes
Summary
The City Council Meeting Minutes submitted hereto for approval are:
• December 16, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes • December 22, 2025 Special 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 December 16, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes and December 22, 2025 Special City Council Meeting Minutes.
Public Notification:
None.
Attachments:
A. December 16, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes B. December 22, 2025 Special City Council Meeting Minutes Reviewed/Approved By:
Assistant City Manager
1 of 12
Reviewed By:
Alan Fenstermacher
City Attorney
Approved By:
Ch~
City Manager
March 17, 2026, Item #2
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.
2 of 12 ATTACHMENT A
March 17, 2026, Item #2
City of Poway -Minutes -December 16, 2025
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:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
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 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. 3 of 12
March 17, 2026, Item #2
City of Poway -Minutes -December 16, 2025
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 4 of 12
March 17, 2026, Item #2
City of Poway -Minutes -December 16, 2025
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:
5 of 12
March 17, 2026, Item #2
City
of
Poway
-
Minutes
-
December
16,
2025
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: Noes: Abstained: Absent: Disqualified:
WORKSHOPS: None.
Maeda,
Pikus,
De
Hoff,
Vaus
None None None 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:
6 of
12 March 17, 2026, Item #2
City of Poway -Minutes -December 16, 2025
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
Maeda, Pikus, De Hoff, Vaus
None
None
None
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 lnterjurisdictional 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
7 of 12
March 17, 2026, Item #2
City of Poway -Minutes -December 16, 2025
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:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
Maeda, Pikus, De Hoff, Vaus
None
None
None
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. 8 of 12
March 17, 2026, Item #2
City of Poway -Minutes -December 16, 2025
CLOSED SESSION:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
9 of 12
Carrie Gallagher, CMC
City Clerk
City of Poway, California
March 17, 2026, Item #2
CITY OF
POWAY
CITY
COUNCIL
SPECIAL
MEETING
MINUTES
December
22,
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
Special
Meeting
to
order
at
10:30
a.m.
ROLL
CALL:
Present:
Peter
De
Hoff,
Christopher
J. Pikus,
Jenny
Maeda,
Steve
Vaus
STAFF
MEMBERS
PRESENT:
City
Manager
Chris
Hazeltine;
City
Attorney
Alan
Fenstermacher;
City
Clerk
Carrie
Gallagher.
(Note:
Hereinafter
the
titles
Mayor,
Deputy
Mayor,
Councilmember,
City
Manager,
City
Attorney,
and
City
Clerk
shall
be
used
to
indicate
Mayor/Chair,
Deputy
MayorNice
Chair,
Councilmember/Director,
City
Manager/Executive
Director,
City
Attorney/Counsel,
and
City
Clerk/Secretary.) PLEDGE
OF
ALLEGIANCE:
Deputy
Mayor
Maeda
led
the
Pledge
of
Allegiance.
MOMENT
OF
SILENCE:
Mayor
Vaus
led
a
moment
of
silence.
PRESENTATIONS: None. PUBLIC
COMMENT:
None. CONSENT
CALENDAR:
Motioned
by
Mayor
Vaus,
seconded
by
Councilmember
De
Hoff
to
approve
Consent
Calendar
Items
1 through
2. Motion
carried
4/0
by
the
following
roll-call
vote:
10 of
12 ATTACHMENT
B
March 17, 2026, Item #2
City of Poway -Minutes -December 22, 2025
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
De Hoff, Pikus, Maeda, Vaus
None
None
None
None
1. Approval of the October 7, 2025, and October 21, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
2. Request for Approval of Financing Plan and Ground Lease Amendments for Rehabilitation and Improvement of Haley Ranch Estates, Hillside Village, and Parkview Terrace Affordable Housing Communities
Council expressed appreciation for staff's efforts in advancing Item #2 within a challenging timeframe and acknowledged the significant effort required, noting approval of the item would have a positive impact on approximately 700 Poway residents.
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION:
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
None.
STAFF REPORTS:
3. Call a Special Municipal Election on June 2, 2026
City Attorney Alan Fenstermacher presented the item and provided an overview of the proposed actions related to calling a special election to fill the District 2 City Council vacancy.
He noted the item returns to the Council pursuant to their direction at the December 16, 2025 Regular City Council meeting, to call a special election in conjunction with the June 2, 2026, statewide primary election
Mr. Fenstermacher explained three resolutions are before the Council: resolutions calling the special election, consolidating the election with the County's June 2, 2026 election, and authorizing candidate statements. He noted all nomination periods, timelines, and related procedures would be conducted in accordance with state law and the Elections Code.
Public Comment:
None.
End of Public Comment.
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Councilmember De Hoff to adopt 1) Resolution No. 25-056 entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Calling for the Holding of a Special Municipal Election to be Held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, for the Election to Fill a Council Vacancy as Required by the Provisions of the Laws of the State of California Relating to General Law Cities"; 2) Resolution No. 25- 057 entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, 11 of 12
March 17, 2026, Item #2
City
of
Poway-
Minutes
-
December
22,
2025
Requesting
the
Board
of
Supervisors
of
the
County
of
San
Diego
to
Consolidate
a
Special
Municipal
Election
to
be
Held
on
Tuesday,
June
2,
2026,
with
the
Statewide
Primary
Election
to
be
Held
That
Date
Pursuant
to
§10403
of
the
Elections
Code";
and
3)
Resolution
No.
25-058
entitled
"A
Resolution
of
the
City
Council
of
the
City
of
Poway,
California,
Adopting
Regulations
for
Candidates
for
Elective
Office
Pertaining
to
Candidates
Statements
Submitted
to
the
Voters
at
an
Election
to
be
Held
on
Tuesday,
June
2,
2026".
Motion
carried
4/0
by
the
following
vote:
Ayes: Noes:
De
Hoff,
Pikus,
Maeda,
Vaus
None
Abstained:
None
Absent:
None
Disqualified:
None
WORKSHOPS: None. COUNCIL-INITIATED
ITEMS:
None. COUNCIL
COMMITTEE
REPORTS
and
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Pursuant
to
AB1234
-
(G.C.
53232(d)) No
announcements
were
made.
CITY
MANAGER
ITEMS:
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
10:34
a.m.
12 of
12 Carrie
Gallagher,
CMC
City
Clerk
City
of
Poway,
California