CITY OF POWAY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
May 19, 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: Peter De Hoff, Christopher J. Pikus, Jenny Maeda, Steve Vaus STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
City Manager Chris Hazeltine; Assistant City Manager Tracy Stevens; 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 and City Clerk and Director of Finance shall be used to indicate Mayor/Chair, Deputy Mayor/Vice 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 in remembrance of victims of the San Diego Mosque shooting, he briefly recounted the tragedy which struck close to home in the Poway community, and encouraged those affected be kept in thoughts and prayers.
PRESENTATIONS:
None.
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PUBLIC COMMENT:
Juzar Merchant voiced concerns regarding noise thresholds in the Poway Municipal Code and those analyzed in The Farm parcel Environmental Impact Report.
Joe St. Lucas commented on the enforcement of fencing regulations related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and the allocation of fence -related costs between neighboring property owners.
Anita Edmondson commented on constituent engagement.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Motioned by Councilmember De Hoff, seconded by Deputy Mayor Maeda to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 10. Motion carried 4/0 by the following roll -call vote:
Ayes: De Hoff, Pikus, Maeda, 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 March 17, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
3. Award of Contracts for the Annual Supply of Chemicals for the Lester J. Berglund Water Treatment Plant; Bid No. 26-011
4. Approval of City of Poway's 2026-2027 Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment
5. Resolution No. 26-013 Confirming Adjustments to EDCO Waste and Recycling Services' Rate Schedule, Rescinding Prior Resolution No. 25-018.
6. Award of Agreement to BrightView Landscape Services, Inc. for Landscape Maintenance Services; RFP No. 26-012
7. Approval of the Ninth Amendment to the Agreement with Kennedy/Jenks Consultants Inc., Program Management Services for Poway's Water Infrastructure Improvement Program
8. Resolution No. 26-014 Adopting a List of Projects for Fiscal Year 2026-27, Funded by Senate Bill 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017
9. Approval of Seventh Amendment to Employment Agreement for City Manager
10. Approval of Second Amendment to the Agreement for City Attorney Services ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION:
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
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11. Conduct a Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of a Resolution of the City of Poway, California, Repealing Resolution P-18-12 While Adopting an Interim Inclusionary Housing In - Lieu Fee, and Authorize the Release of a Request for Proposals to Update Various In -Lieu, Mitigation, and Impact Fees
Mayor Vaus opened the Public Hearing at 7:12 p.m.
Director of Finance Craig Schmollinger presented the item. He explained developers or property owners have the option to pay the Inclusionary Housing In -Lieu Fee in lieu of providing affordable housing units within multifamily residential developments. He noted the fees are deposited into a dedicated housing fund and may be used to support affordable housing projects elsewhere throughout the City.
Mr. Schmollinger stated the current fee was established in 2018 by Council Resolution at a flat rate of $500 per newly constructed residential unit. He explained staff is recommending an interim update to $5 per square foot for newly constructed residential developments containing two or more units pending completion of a comprehensive fee study. He noted the proposed fee would not apply to single-family residential development or accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
He further explained staff is requesting authorization to release a Request for Proposal (RFP) to update the Inclusionary Housing In -Lieu Fee and other City mitigation, impact, and in -lieu fees. He noted drainage impact fees would be addressed separately through a future Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project because additional planning work is needed before those fees can be updated.
Public Comment.
The following individuals submitted a written comment card in support of Item #11:
Joe St. Lucas
End of Public Comment.
Mayor Vaus closed the Public Hearing at 7:15 p.m.
Council discussion ensued. Council expressed support for conducting a comprehensive fee study and for the proposed interim increase to the inclusionary housing in -lieu fee, noting the approach balances immediate action with longer -term policy decisions supported by updated analysis. Council further discussed aligning the effective date of the interim fee with other proposed fee changes and expressed support for a 60 -day implementation period to provide consistency and clear expectations for applicants, staff, and the public.
Responding to Council questions, staff clarified that approval of the item would authorize issuance of a Request for Proposals for the fee study and noted the study is anticipated to take approximately six to nine months to complete following award of an agreement before returning to Council for consideration.
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Councilmember Pikus to adopt Resolution No. 26-015 entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Amending the Master Fee Schedule to Adopt an Interim Inclusionary Housing In -Lieu 3 of 9
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Fee", as amended to make the Interim Inclusionary Housing In -Lieu Fee become effective 60 days after the adoption date, instead of immediately; and to authorize the release of a Request for Proposals to update various City In -Lieu, Mitigation, and Impact fees. Motion carried 4/0 by the following roll -call vote:
Ayes: De Hoff, Pikus, Maeda, Vaus
Noes: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
Disqualified: None
12. Conduct a Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of a Resolution of the City of Poway, California, to Approve Citywide Fee Updates
Mayor Vaus opened the Public Hearing at 7:19 p.m.
Director of Finance Craig Schmollinger presented the item along with a PowerPoint presentation. Mr. Schmollinger stated a Citywide comprehensive Master Fee Schedule study was last completed in December 2007; he noted various incremental fee adjustments had occurred since that time however updates provided no inflationary adjustment to keep up with the cost of providing the services over the years. He explained the proposed update was based on a two-phase project conducted by Matrix Consulting. The first phase was the completion of a Cost Allocation Plan update which occurred in December 2025.
Mr. Schmollinger explained the study reviewed nearly 500 fees, resulting in updates to over 800 fees and fee components through consolidation, restructuring, and cost adjustments. He noted the analysis incorporated full cost accounting, including staff time, salaries, benefits, overhead, and service costs, and identified an overall Citywide cost recovery rate of approximately 59 percent, representing an estimated $2.2 million gap between current fee revenues and the full cost of providing services.
Mr. Schmollinger stated the proposal included policy considerations balancing full cost recovery with maintaining reasonable access to City services. He explained the recommendations distinguished between individual user -benefit services and broader community benefits, with partial cost recovery recommended for certain community and discretionary services and full cost recovery generally applied to development -related services. He further noted the recommendation sought to provide subsidies in certain areas to avoid creating financial barriers which could potentially limit community use.
Mr. Schmollinger explained the update included annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflationary adjustments beginning on an annual basis starting July 1, 2027 with increases capped at five percent, including a recommendation to conduct a study update every five to seven years.
Mr. Schmollinger noted the proposal included a 60 -day implementation period following adoption to allow for system updates, website modifications, and public communication efforts, with the updated fees becoming effective on July 20, 2026.
Public Comment.
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None.
End of Public Comment.
Mayor Vaus closed the Public Hearing at 7:35 p.m.
Council discussion ensued. Council expressed appreciation to staff for the comprehensive fee update, noting it improves cost recovery transparency and aligns City fees more closely with service costs and typical jurisdictional practices.
Responding to Council questions, staff clarified appeals of staff decisions may be filed by both residents and developers, with a current fee of $765 proposed to increase to $1,500. Council discussed distinguishing between residential and development -related appeals and supported an amendment modifying the fee categories, so the lower fee applies to residents and applicants for single-family homes, and the higher fee applies to applicants of non- residential projects and residential developments of two or more units.
Council emphasized the adjustments are cost -based fees rather than taxes and expressed support for maintaining lower impacts on individual residents while ensuring appropriate cost recovery from development and commercial applicants.
Motioned by Councilmember De Hoff, seconded by Councilmember Pikus to adopt Resolution No. 26-016 entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Amending the Master Fee Schedule as Included In Exhibit A", amended to modify the fee category for "Appeals to City Council" so that the fee for residents and applicants for single family homes is $765, and an the updated fee for applicants of non-residential and residential developments of two or more units "Appeals to City Council" at the updated fee amount of $9,500 per occurrence. Motion carried 4/0 by the following roll -call vote:
Ayes: De Hoff, Pikus, Maeda, Vaus
Noes: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
Disqualified: None
13. Public Hearing and Resolution Adopting the City of Poway's 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan and 2025 Urban Water Management Plan
Mayor Vaus opened the Public Hearing at 7:42 p.m.
Utilities Administrator Carlos Cortes presented the item along with a PowerPoint presentation.
Mr. Cortes explained the Urban Water Management Plan is a state -mandated planning document that evaluates the City's water supply and demand over a 25 -year planning horizon and includes the Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
Mr. Cortes stated the City is required to update and adopt the plans every five years and submit the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan to the California Department of Water Resources by July 1, 2026. He noted the plans are 5 of 9
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required to maintain eligibility for certain state grant funding and the City remains in compliance with applicable water use efficiency requirements.
Mr. Cortes reported the City currently serves approximately 14,500 service connections with a service area population of 49,335. He noted recent trends show declining per -capita water use and stated projected water demands are expected to remain generally stable through 2050.
Mr. Cortes explained that approximately 97 percent of the City's water supply is imported through the San Diego County Water Authority, whose supplies are sourced from the Colorado River, the State Water Project (SWP), and local water supplies. He noted no water supply shortages are anticipated during projected dry -year scenarios. He also reviewed the City's ongoing water conservation and water shortage response programs.
Public Comment.
None.
End of Public Comment.
Mayor Vaus closed the Public Hearing at 7:51 p.m.
Council discussion ensued. Responding to Council questions, staff clarified that the gallons - per -capita -per -day metric reflects the average amount of potable water consumed per resident each day, including irrigation where potable water is used. Staff further noted water use audits are available through partner agencies, and a substantial number were conducted during the previous five-year planning period.
Council expressed support for the City's long-term water reliability planning and ongoing conservation and efficiency efforts, noting the importance of maintaining reliable water service during projected drought conditions.
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Councilmember Pikus to approve necessary changes, and adopt Resolution No. 26-017 entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Adopting the City of Poway's 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan and 2025 Urban Water Management Plan", and authorizing staff to incorporate approved changes and submit the plans to the Department of Water Resources and to the California State Library. Motion carried 4/0 by the following roll - call vote:
Ayes: De Hoff, Pikus, Maeda, Vaus
Noes: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
Disqualified: None
14. General Plan Amendment (GPA) 26-0001, Update to GPA 93-01; a Request to Adopt the City of Poway 2026 Public Safety Element
Mayor Vaus opened the Public Hearing at 7:54 p.m.
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Associate Planner Mary Piscitelli presented the item along with a PowerPoint presentation.
She explained the proposed 2026 Public Safety Element is a citywide component of the General Plan developed to identify, mitigate, and respond to public safety and emergency hazards, and to ensure compliance with State law. The element is intended to align with existing emergency management, hazard mitigation, and public safety planning efforts.
Ms. Piscatelli summarized key focus areas, including wildfire risk, evacuation planning, flooding, emergency preparedness, and public safety services. She noted approximately 75 percent of the City is located within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and described strategies to reduce wildfire risk, including evacuation corridor identification, public education, vegetation management, updated building standards, and mutual aid coordination. She also reviewed flood hazard considerations and associated mitigation measures such as drainage improvements, channel maintenance, development standards, and floodplain management.
Ms. Piscatelli stated the update reflects a multi -year effort involving City departments, community outreach, public workshops, and coordination with State and regional agencies.
She noted the draft element was circulated for public review in 2026, including a community meeting, she stated no public comments were received specific to the Public Safety Update.
Public Comment.
None.
End of Public Comment.
Mayor Vaus closed the Public Hearing at 8:01 p.m.
Council discussion ensued. Council expressed appreciation to the Fire Department Admin team, the public safety team, and staff for their work in preparing the Public Safety Element.
Council noted the document appropriately recognizes the City's wildfire and evacuation challenges and emphasized the importance of considering emergency services, evacuation capacity, and overall public safety when planning for future growth and housing development.
Council further expressed appreciation for the thoroughness of the report, noting its detailed analysis of public safety considerations, including geology, seismic hazards, dam resilience, floodplain mapping, and evacuation routes.
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Deputy Mayor Maeda to adopt Resolution No. 26-018 entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Approving General Plan Amendment (GPA) 26-0001 for the Adoption of the City of Poway General Plan Public Safety Element Update". Motion carried 4/0 by the following roll -call vote:
Ayes: De Hoff, Pikus, Maeda, Vaus
Noes: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
Disqualified: None
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STAFF REPORTS:
None.
WORKSHOPS:
None.
COUNCIL -INITIATED ITEMS:
None.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS: Pursuant to AB1234 - (G.C. 53232(d))
Councilmember Pikus reported attending a recent Motown performance at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts. He announced the upcoming Bike Anywhere Day event coordinated by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), as well as EDCO's upcoming e -waste, document shredding, and mulch distribution event. Councilmember Pikus also acknowledged the upcoming Memorial Day holiday and encouraged residents to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation and noted the upcoming Special Election while encouraging residents to participate in the voting process.
Mayor Vaus recognized students who received awards through the North County Water Agencies (NCWA) Water Awareness Poster Contest, noting the talent displayed by participating Poway fourth -grade students. Mayor Vaus also acknowledged the longstanding educational program, which promotes water conservation awareness through student artwork and classroom engagement.
CITY MANAGER ITEMS:
City Manager Hazeltine expressed appreciation for City staff's efforts in preparing and presenting several significant agenda items, including the citywide fee update and Safety Element. City Manager Hazeltine noted the substantial staff work supporting those items and commended staff for their professionalism, efficiency, and continued dedication to serving the community.
CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS: (Including any public report of any action taken in closed session) City Attorney Fenstermacher reported no reportable action was taken.
CLOSED SESSION:
15. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation — Two (2) Cases Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Cases: Endangered Habitats League, v. City of Poway, San Diego County Superior Court, Case No. 25CU030278C; Preserve Wild Poway, et. al. v. City of Poway, San Diego County Superior Court, Case No. 25CU033019C
16. Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: 0 Boulder Mountain; APN: 275-470-02
City negotiators: Chris Hazeltine, Julie Procopio
Negotiating parties: Christian Cole, Jessica Cifelli
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Under negotiation: Price and terms
17. Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: APNs 321-260-20, 321-260-21
City negotiators: Chris Hazeltine, Julie Procopio
Negotiating parties: Carla and Ted De Bont/Smith Trust
Under negotiation: Price and terms
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was recessed into closed session at 8:08 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
Carrie Gallagher, CMC
City Clerk
City of Poway, California
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