CITY OF POWAY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
April 7, 2026
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: Christopher J. Pikus, Jenny Maeda, Steve Vaus
Absent: Peter De Hoff
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
City Manager Chris Hazeltine; Assistant City Attorney Alisha Patterson; City Clerk Carrie Gallagher; Director of Development Services Julie Procopio; 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 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:
Dr. Betsy Busch voiced concerns regarding potential health impacts associated with pickleball- related noise and distributed a supporting handout.
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Vanessa Springett spoke in opposition to pickleball courts at The Farm and requested an updated, site -specific noise study.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Motioned by Councilmember Pikus, seconded by Mayor Vaus to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 7. Motion carried 3/0/1 by the following roll -call vote:
Ayes: Pikus, Maeda, Vaus
Noes: None
Abstained: None
Absent: De Hoff
Disqualified: None
1. Approval of Reading by Title Only and Waiver of Reading in Full of Ordinances on this Agenda
2. Approval of the January 20, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
3. Acceptance of the FY 2024-25 Americans with Disabilities Act Barrier Removal — Buckley Street Phase I with A.B. Hashmi, Inc., as Complete
4. Acceptance of the FY 2024-25 Street Overlay Project with Quality Construction & Engineering Inc., as Complete
5. Award of Agreement to Brightview Landscape Services for Starridge Park Turf and Path Improvement Project and Appropriation of Funds
6. Award of Agreement to SCA of CA, LLC for Street Sweeping Services
7. Acceptance of Public Improvements for the McKee Orchard, Improvement Plan 22-0002 ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION:
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
None.
STAFF REPORTS:
8. Amendment to the Contract between the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CaIPERS) and the City of Poway to Incorporate Language from the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013 Director of Human Resources and Risk Management Jodene Dunphy presented the item. Ms.
Dunphy stated the City contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CaIPERS) for public employee retirement benefits, noting the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) became effective January 1, 2013, and, among other provisions, established a third tier of retirement benefits as part of statewide pension reform. 2 of 6
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Ms. Dunphy explained at the time PEPRA was implemented, CaIPERS did not require formal contract amendments to incorporate the reduced benefit changes mandated by the law. She reported CaIPERS has recently contacted City staff requesting an amendment to the City's contract to formally reflect the PEPRA-related changes, noting CaIPERS is undertaking similar updates with over 200 cities statewide.
Ms. Dunphy emphasized the proposed amendment is administrative in nature and does riot enhance, reduce, or otherwise modify existing retirement benefits.
Public Comment.
None.
End of Public Comment.
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Deputy Mayor Maeda to: adopt Resolution No. 26-007 entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, to Approve an Amendment to Contract between the Board of Administration California Public Employees' Retirement System and the City of Poway"; and to proceed with the first reading of Ordinance No. 881 entitled "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Authorizing an Amendment to the Contract between the City Council of the City of Poway and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CaIPERS)", waive further reading, and schedule the adoption of the ordinance for the May 5, 2026 Regular City Council meeting. Motion carried 3/0/1 by the following roll -call vote:
Ayes: Pikus, Maeda, Vaus
Noes: None
Abstained: None
Absent: De Hoff
Disqualified: None
9. Approval of a Three -Year Agreement with Fireworks America to Provide the Annual July 4th Fireworks
Director of Community Services Audrey Denham introduced the item. Ms. Denham stated the item is a request to approve a three-year agreement with Fireworks America to secure pricing for the City's annual Independence Day fireworks event.
Recreation Area Manager Sarah Becker then presented the item along with a PowerPoint presentation. Ms. Becker reported the Old -Fashioned Fourth of July celebration at Old Poway Park will feature traditional activities, including train rides, live entertainment, food vendors, pony rides, and family games, along with historical interpreters portraying figures such as Uncle Sam, Susan B. Anthony, and Betsy Ross.
She outlined additional elements recognizing Americas 250th birthday, including a ceremonial train arrival by George Washington, a commemorative program, and living history presentations featuring reenactors portraying past U.S. presidents throughout the day.
Ms. Becker also introduced "Red, White and Wow!" patriotic decorating contest, a citywide initiative inviting residents and businesses to participate through themed decorations. She 3 of 6
City of Poway — Minutes — April 7, 2026
noted the program includes multiple participation categories, judging by current and retired military service members, and community voting through an online platform, with participating locations displayed on the City's website. Ms. Becker stated winners will receive recognition and be announced during the event's opening ceremonies. She acknowledged the coordination among City departments and expressed appreciation to the Mayor and City Council for their support.
Public Comment.
None.
End of Public Comment.
Council discussion ensued. Council thanked staff and expressed support for a citywide decorating contest aligned with the nation's 250th birthday and endorsed continuation of the City's two -fireworks -show format.
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Councilmember Pikus to approve the three-year Agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents associated with the Agreement between the City of Poway and Fireworks America to provide the July 4th fireworks. Motion carried 3/0/1 by the following roll -call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Pikus, Maeda, Vaus
None
None
De Hoff
Disqualified: None
10. Approving a CaIPERS 180 -day Waiting Period Exception to Hire a Retired Annuitant Director of Human Resources and Risk Management Jodene Dunphy presented the item. She stated the item is a request to approve and waive the 180 -day waiting period required by the California Public Employees' Retirement System prior to hiring a retired CaIPERS employee on a temporary basis.
Ms. Dunphy explained an urgent operational need exists to temporarily fill the Contract Specialist/Inspector position within the Facilities Maintenance Landscape Maintenance District Division of the Public Works Department during the incumbent's temporary leave of absence. She reported Jeffrey Zamora retired from the position on January 18, 2026, following more than 23 years of service to the City of Poway, and has agreed to return as a retired annuitant on a temporary basis. Ms. Dunphy noted Mr. Zamora possesses the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to ensure continuity of critical operations associated with the position.
Public Comment.
None.
End of Public Comment.
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Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Deputy Mayor Maeda to approve Resolution No. 26-008 entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, for a 180 -Day Waiting Period Exception to Hire a Retired Annuitant Pursuant to Government Codes Sections 7522.56 and 21221(g)", until staffing levels are restored. Motion carried 3/0/1 by the following roll -call vote:
Ayes: Pikus, Maeda, Vaus
Noes: None
Abstained: None
Absent: De Hoff
Disqualified: None
WORKSHOPS:
None.
COUNCIL -INITIATED ITEMS:
None.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS: Pursuant to AB1234 - (G.C. 53232(d))
Director of Public Works Eric Heidemann provided an update regarding the San Diego County Water Authority (Water Authority), including a June 2025 settlement with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan). He highlighted key provisions of the agreement, including a 10 -year fixed transportation (conveyance) costs providing rate predictability, and authorization to sell surplus water to Metropolitan member agencies.
Mr. Heidemann explained these efforts help offset fixed costs amid declining demand. He also noted the potential for interstate transfers through agreements with the Bureau of Reclamation, which may further stabilize costs.
Responding to Council questions, Mr. Heidemann confirmed the Water Authority is obligated to pay Metropolitan authority fees annually regardless of use and stated surplus sales and potential transfers are intended to offset excess supply and reduce cost pressures. He indicated these actions are expected to moderate upward pressure on water rates.
Councilmember Pikus reported attending recent San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) meetings, noting the agency received an unmodified audit opinion for fiscal year 2025, reflecting a clean audit and a significant improvement from prior years. He also reported participating in a two-day retreat focused on long-term planning and upcoming regional projects.
Additionally, Councilmember Pikus provided an update on the State Route 67 project.
Mayor Vaus commented on the State Route 67 project, expressing concern that the current scope is less extensive than what was originally presented to voters under TransNet. He noted his concerns regarding its effectiveness in improving safety and serving as an evacuation route for backcountry residents.
Mayor Vaus requested Council concurrence to direct staff to return for discussion and possible adoption of consideration of an immediate adjustment to the City's housing in - lieu fees at the May 19, 2026 Regular City Council meeting. 5 of 6
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CITY MANAGER ITEMS:
City Manager Chris Hazeltine acknowledged receipt of numerous public comments regarding pickleball-related concerns. He stated no development applications have been submitted for the referenced site and confirmed the City is not currently processing or discussing any proposals.
He noted any future application will be made publicly available and, in coordination with the Development Services Director, will require the applicant to engage with The Farm HOA and the surrounding neighborhood as part of the review process.
CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS: (Including any public report of any action taken in closed session) None.
CLOSED SESSION:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
Carrie Gallagher, CMC
City Clerk
City of Poway, California
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