CITY OF POWAY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
June 16, 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; Lieutenant Colin Hebeler, 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 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 in remembrance of the victims of the recent aircraft crash at Edwards Air Force Base, acknowledging the tragic loss of life and extending condolences to the families and all those affected.
PRESENTATIONS:
None.
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PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Councilmember De Hoff to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 19. 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 April 7, 2026 Regular and April 16, 2026 Special City Council Meeting Minutes
3. November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election to adopt Resolution Nos. 26-019, 26-020, and 26-021 calling for the November 3, 2025 General Municipal Election, consolidating the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election with the Statewide General Election, and establishing regulations for candidate statements
4. Review of the City's Local Conflict of Interest Code
5. Award of Agreement to Ardurra Group, Inc., for Construction Management Services for the Treated Water Facilities and Redundant Pipeline Project, RFP No. 26-009
6. Engineer's Report and Resolution No. 26-022 Declaring the Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments within Poway Landscape Maintenance District 19-1 for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and Set Date for Public Hearing
7. Engineer's Report and Resolution No. 26-023 Declaring the Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments within Poway Landscape Maintenance District 83-1 for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and Set Date for Public Hearing
8. Engineer's Report and Resolution No. 26-024 Declaring the Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments within Poway Landscape Maintenance District 86-1 for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and Set Date for Public Hearing
9. Engineer's Report and Resolution No. 26-025 Declaring the Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments within Poway Landscape Maintenance District 86-2 for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and Set Date for Public Hearing
10. Engineer's Report and Resolution No. 26-026 Declaring the Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments within Poway Landscape Maintenance District 86-3 for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and Set Date for Public Hearing
11. Engineer's Report and Resolution No. 26-027 Declaring the Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments within Poway Landscape Maintenance District 87-1 for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and Set Date for Public Hearing
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12. Engineer's Report and Resolution No. 26-028 Declaring the Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments within Poway Lighting District for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and Set Date for Public Hearing
13. Acceptance of the FY 2024-25 Water Valve Replacement Project with M -Rae Engineering, Inc., as Complete
14. Acceptance of the FY 2025-2026 Street Maintenance Project with Pavement Coatings Co., as Complete
15. Acceptance of the FY 2025-26 Citywide Striping Project with Payco Specialties, as Complete
16. Award of Contract to CPM Project Management LLC, for the MCCC Kitchen Hood Replacement Project, Bid No. 26-003 and Determination the Project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
17. City's Investment Report as of March 31, 2026
18. Capital Asset Policy Consideration and Adoption
19. Acceptance of the Poway Center for the Performing Arts Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Controls Replacement Project, RFP No. 21-013 with Sunbelt Controls, Inc., as Complete
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION:
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
20. Report on Vacancies, and Recruitment and Retention Efforts Mayor Vaus opened the Public Hearing at 7:02 p.m.
Director of Human Resources and Risk Management Jodene Dunphy presented the item. Ms.
Dunphy addressed compliance with Assembly Bill (AB) 2561, a California law effective January 1, 2025, which requires public agencies to present information on vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts annually prior to budget adoption. Ms. Dunphy noted both the Poway Firefighters Association and Teamsters Local 986 respectfully declined invitations to provide presentations to the City Council.
Ms. Dunphy reported all City bargaining groups remain well below the law's 20% vacancy threshold. As of June 1, 2026, vacancy rates were 4.17% for the Poway Firefighters Association, 1.89% for Teamsters Local 986, and 6.9% for the Management Confidential group, with an overall City vacancy rate of 4.15%, down from 7% the previous year. She noted ongoing recruitment and retention efforts include competitive compensation and benefits, expanded outreach through social media and professional organizations, employee recognition programs, and regular reviews of staffing structures and classifications.
Ms. Dunphy identified the high cost of living in San Diego County and competition from the private sector as ongoing recruitment challenges. She concluded her presentation by stating 3 of 9
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that continued collaboration among employees, management, labor groups, and the City Council will support the City's ability to maintain low vacancy rates.
Public Comment.
None.
End of Public Comment.
Mayor Vaus closed the Public Hearing at 7:07 p.m.
Council discussion ensued. Council expressed appreciation for the City's organizational culture, noting that staff consistently demonstrate a commitment to respect, service, and excellence. Council recognized these values as contributing to a positive workplace environment and high -quality service to residents, businesses, and employees.
Council credited City Manager Hazeltine and staff throughout the organization for fostering and sustaining a culture of excellence. Council noted the City's low employee turnover rate reflects the strength of the organization and its ability to attract and retain quality employees.
Council thanked staff for their dedication and service, attributing the City's continued success to the collective efforts of the entire team.
This was an informational item. No action was taken.
21. Resolution Amending the TransNet Local Street Improvement Program List of Projects for Fiscal Years 2024-25 through 2028-29; and Resolution Adopting the TransNet Local Street Improvement Program List of Projects for Fiscal Years 2026-27 through 2030-31 Mayor Vaus opened the Public Hearing at 7:10 p.m.
City Engineer Tracy Beach presented the item along with a PowerPoint presentation. She explained the first action was an amendment to the 2025 Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP) list of projects, funded through the TransNet half -cent sales tax program approved by San Diego County voters in 2004. Ms. Beach further noted local jurisdictions are required to adopt a five-year project list every two years, and that the current list was approved by the City Council on May 7, 2024.
Ms. Beach reported the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) recently adjusted revenue projections and now requires additional funds to be programmed by Council resolution. The amended list updates funding allocations for the current fiscal year, revises projections through Fiscal Year 2029, and reallocates unused funds from completed projects to ongoing RTIP projects. The City of Poway is estimated to receive approximately $11 million for Fiscal Years 2025 through 2029.
The second action was the 2027 five-year RTIP project list. Ms. Beach stated the City is anticipated to receive just over $11.5 million over the next five years for local transportation projects. She noted 30% of funding may be used for street maintenance, while 70% is allocated to eligible capital projects, including new or expanded facilities and major roadway rehabilitation and reconstruction. The proposed project list includes full funding for the annual street overlay project, partial funding for the annual street maintenance project, and full funding for traffic signal software maintenance. Ms. Beach also highlighted recently completed 4 of 9
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TransNet-funded projects, including the Fiscal Year 2025 street overlay project, the Fiscal Year 2026 street maintenance project, sidewalk construction along Garden Road near Garden Road Elementary School, and safety improvements along Poway Road and Midland Road.
Public Comment.
None.
End of Public Comment.
Mayor Vaus closed the Public Hearing at 7:13 p.m.
Council discussion ensued. Council expressed appreciation for the presentation, noting it helped clarify questions regarding the allocation and long-term use of street funds. Council recognized expenditures are appropriately directed toward needed roadway improvements and emphasized the importance of continued investment in maintaining City streets, which are highly valued by both residents and visitors.
Council noted interest in future improvements along Poway Road, including potential enhancements to traffic signal coordination to help address congestion. Council referenced regional traffic patterns as a contributing factor and expressed anticipation for implementation when feasible.
Motioned by Councilmember De Hoff, seconded by Councilmember Pikus to adopt Resolution No. 26-029 entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Amending the TransNet Local Street Improvement Program List of Projects for Fiscal Years 2024-25 through 2028-29"; and adopt Resolution No. 26-030 entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Adopting the Transnet Local Street Improvement Program List of Projects for Fiscal Years 2026-27 through 2030-31". Motion carried 4/0 by the following roll -call vote:
Ayes: De Hoff, Pikus, Maeda, Vaus
Noes: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
Disqualified: None
22. Proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program Mayor Vaus opened the Public Hearing at 7:14 p.m.
Director of Finance Craig Schmollinger presented the Operating Budget Program and Principal Civil Engineer Jonathan Schauble presented the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) item along with a PowerPoint presentation.
Mr. Schmollinger provided an overview of the City's proposed operating budget, including operating expenditures by fund. He discussed the General Fund, including revenues and expenditures, and outlined benefits realized from prior budget decisions, including pension obligation bond refinancing and other fiscally responsible financial management practices. He discussed several recently completed financial and organizational planning initiatives, including updates to the City's cost allocation plan, citywide fee study, water and sewer rate 5 of 9
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study, ongoing mitigation and impact fee study, and an organizational assessment and staffing study. He also discussed budget impacts, including inflationary pressures and potential tariff impacts.
Mr. Schmollinger discussed proposed new programs, expenditure requests, and staffing changes included in the budget. He noted the proposed budget includes six additional full- time equivalent (FTE) positions and four position reclassifications across multiple departments. He also highlighted a proposed one-time General Fund transfer of approximately $6.7 million to support high -priority community -facing capital projects throughout the City.
Mr. Schmollinger detailed the City's reserve balances, noting they provide resources for future capital replacement needs, pension obligations, revenue fluctuations, and unforeseen events.
He then provided an update on the City's Water Utility Fund, including revenues, expenditures, projected water cost increases, reserve utilization, and ongoing Water Infrastructure Improvement Program projects designed to improve system reliability and resiliency. He outlined the work of the Budget Review Committee and recognized City staff and department leadership for their contributions to developing the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 Operating Budget.
Principal Civil Engineer Jonathan Schauble discussed how the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is critical to maintaining and improving the quality of Poway's public infrastructure. He provided an overview of projects completed during Fiscal Year 2025-26, including water system, facility, street, sidewalk, drainage, and park improvements throughout the City.
Mr. Schauble discussed the Fiscal Year 2026-27 CIP Program, which includes 42 projects and programs with approximately $32.3 million in proposed funding. He noted the program includes new, recurring, and ongoing projects focused on streets, drainage infrastructure, public facilities, water systems, and sewer infrastructure improvements.
Mr. Schauble reviewed several proposed projects, including annual pavement maintenance, traffic signal and adaptive traffic management improvements, drainage rehabilitation projects, Community Park and Old Poway Park improvements, Poway Center for the Performing Arts maintenance projects, South Poway pickleball courts, water infrastructure improvements, and annual sewer rehabilitation and repair projects.
Public Comment.
Alec Huettinger, Budget Review Committee (BRC) Vice Chair, provided a summary of the Budget Review Committee process, observations and their recommendations for the FY 2026-27 budget.
End of Public Comment.
Mayor Vaus closed the Public Hearing at 8:04 p.m.
Council discussion ensued. Council expressed appreciation for staff and department directors for their work in preparing the budget document and recognized the coordination required across departments.
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Council expressed support for the proposed budget, noting it reflects continued investment in core services, infrastructure, and long-term fiscal discipline. Council emphasized budget decisions reflect deliberate policy choices and confidence in the City's approach to maintaining service levels while preserving financial stability. In addition, Council recognized the Budget Review Committee for their role in review of the budget and unanimous recommendation.
Responding to Council questions, Finance Director Schmollinger explained variances in departmental budgets are primarily the result of a revised cost allocation methodology, with costs now fully presented in the General Fund and offset through indirect cost recovery from enterprise funds.
Responding further, staff noted the City's ten-year forecast, including modeling of major contracts such as law enforcement services, indicates the City remains well -positioned to manage anticipated cost adjustments while maintaining core services.
Council discussed additions to staffing, recognized positions related to succession planning, state mandates, and expanded maintenance and community service needs as targeted operational investments. Council highlighted capital investments in parks, recreation facilities, and infrastructure through the Capital Improvement Program, noting continued implementation alongside fiscal stability and no tax increases and acknowledged regional fiscal pressures in other jurisdictions and emphasized the City's financial discipline in maintaining investment in public safety, infrastructure, and community services.
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Councilmember Pikus to adopt Resolution No. 26-031 entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Approving Changes to the City of Poway Position Classification Plan, the City of Poway Management/Confidential Salary Schedule, the City of Poway Non -Safety Salary Schedule, the City of Poway Firefighters' Association Salary Schedule, the Part -Time Temporary/Seasonal Wage Schedule and The Management/Confidential Salary and Benefits Plan Document"; adopt Resolution No. 26-031 entitled "A Resolution of the City Council, Housing Authority and Successor Agency to the Poway Redevelopment Agency of the City of Poway, California, Approving and Adopting the Annual Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and Appropriating Funds"; adopt Resolution No. 26-032 entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Adopting an Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2027"; and to receive the Budget Review Committee report with their recommendations. Motion carried 4/0 by the following roll -call vote:
Ayes: De Hoff, Pikus, Maeda, Vaus
Noes: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
Disqualified: None
STAFF REPORTS:
None.
WORKSHOPS:
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None.
COUNCIL -INITIATED ITEMS:
None.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS: Pursuant to AB1234 - (G.C. 53232(d))
Councilmember Pikus encouraged residents to visit the recently renovated San Diego Mormon Temple during its public open house, noting the opportunity to appreciate the building's architecture. He announced the upcoming Poway Community Theatre production of Glorious!, EDCO's upcoming e -waste collection, document shredding, mulch, and compost distribution event, and the annual Amateur Radio Field Day. Councilmember Pikus also reported an update from the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) regarding implementation of Senate Bill 79, noting Poway is not currently included in the agency's high -density housing planning map.
He concluded by recognizing the upcoming Fourth of July holiday and encouraged residents to reflect on the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary celebration.
Deputy Mayor Maeda reported attending the annual Goodan Ranch Policy Committee meeting, noting more than 300 trees were planted over the past year. She also announced the retirement of San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority (JPA) Executive Director Shawna Anderson after 26 years of service and welcomed Leanna Bulay as the new Executive Director.
Mayor Vaus welcomed visitors to the City's Fourth of July celebration at Old Poway Park, highlighting planned festivities commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary, including live entertainment, family activities, and patriotic programming. He recognized Public Works staff for exceptional customer service in assisting a resident with new landscaping damaged during maintenance activities, commending the Public Works team for their professionalism and dedication to serving the community.
CITY MANAGER ITEMS:
City Manager Hazeltine thanked the Mayor and City Council for their continued trust in City staff and support of the recommended budget. He expressed appreciation for the Council's consistent leadership and steady guidance contributing to the organization's success.
CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS: (Including any public report of any action taken in closed session) None.
CLOSED SESSION:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
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6-171°A
Carrie Gallagher, CMC
City Clerk
City of Poway, California
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