CITY OF POWAY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
July 21, 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, Anita Edmondson, 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, City Clerk and Director of Finance shall be used to indicate Mayor/Chair, Deputy MayorNice Chair, Councilmember/Director, City Manager/Executive Director, Assistant City Manager/Assistant Executive Director, City Attorney/Counsel, City Clerk/Secretary and Director of Finance/Finance Officer.)
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.
1 of 10
City of Poway - Minutes - July 21, 2026
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Motioned by Councilmember Edmondson, seconded by Councilmember De Hoff to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 6. Motion carried 5/0 by the following roll-call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
De Hoff, Edmondson, Pikus, Maeda, 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 May 5, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
3. Award of Agreement to Bay City Equipment Industries Inc. dba Bay City Electric Works for Portable and Stationary Generators and Transfer Switchgear Maintenance Services
4. Approval of As-Needed Consultant Agreement with STC Traffic Inc. for Traffic Engineering Services; RFQ No. 26-011
5. Rejection of Received Bid for the 2026-2027 Street Maintenance Project, Bid No. 27-003, and Direction to Staff to Revise and Re-Advertise the Project
6. Approval of an Agreement with Fire Prevention Services, Inc. for Vegetation Management Services; RFP No. 26-013
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION:
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
7.-13. Resolutions Establishing Assessments for Poway Landscape Maintenance Districts 19-1, 83-1, 86-1 , 86-2, 86-3, 87-1 and the Poway Lighting District to be Collected on the San Diego County Property Tax Roll for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
Mayor Vaus opened the Public Hearings for Items 7 through 13 at 7:03 p.m.
Senior Management Analyst Jennafer Steffen presented Items 7 through 13 along with a PowerPoint presentation. She explained the Public Hearing is to consider approval of the annual levy to collect assessments for the City of Poway's six (6) Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMD's) and Poway Lighting District (PLO) in accordance with the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972 and Proposition 218. Ms. Steffen stated the City Council adopted resolutions declaring its intent to levy and collect assessments for Fiscal Year 2026-27 at the June 16, 2026 Regular City Council meeting. She noted annual Engineer's Reports are prepared for each district pursuant to the Act. Assessment rates and service levels for Fiscal Year 2026-27 are proposed to remain unchanged from Fiscal Year 2025-26 with the exceptions of LMD 86-28 and LMD 86-38 , which will increase by the annual change in the San Diego-Carlsbad Consumer Price Index (CPI) at 3.79%, and LMD 19-1, which includes a 2 of 10
City of Poway - Minutes - July 21, 2026
voter-approved 3% cap on annual CPI increases and will increase by 3%. Ms. Steffen stated landscape maintenance service levels for each LMD will remain unchanged.
Ms. Steffen stated the PLO consists of three (3) zones and noted assessments from Zones A and 8 fund street lighting throughout the City and assessments from Zone C fund maintenance and operation of traffic signals, flashing beacons, and related equipment.
Assessment rates for all three (3) PLO zones will remain unchanged from Fiscal Year 2025-
26. Public Comment:
Dan Krall provided a written comment in opposition to Item #9.
End of Public Comment.
Mayor Vaus closed the Public Hearing for Items 7 through 13 at 7:06 p.m.
7. Resolution Establishing Assessments for Poway Landscape Maintenance District 19-1 to be Collected on the San Diego County Property Tax Roll for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Motioned by Councilmember De Hoff, seconded by Councilmember Pikus to adopt Resolution No. 26-036 entitled "A Resolution of The City Council of The City of Poway, California, Establishing Assessments for Poway Landscape Maintenance District No. 19-1 to be Collected on the San Diego County Property Tax Roll for Fiscal Year 2026- 27". Motion carried 5/0 by the following roll-call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
De Hoff, Edmondson, Pikus, Maeda, Vaus
None
None
None
None
8. Resolution Establishing Assessments for Poway Landscape Maintenance District 83-1 to be Collected on the San Diego County Property Tax Roll for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Motioned by Councilmember De Hoff, seconded by Councilmember Pikus to adopt Resolution No. 26-037 entitled "A Resolution of The City Council of The City of Poway, California, Establishing Assessments for Poway Landscape Maintenance District No. 83-1 to be Collected on the San Diego County Property Tax Roll for Fiscal Year 2026- 27". Motion carried 5/0 by the following roll-call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
De Hoff, Edmondson, Pikus, Maeda, Vaus
None
None
None
None
9. Resolution Establishing Assessments for Poway Landscape Maintenance District 86-1 to be Collected on the San Diego County Property Tax Roll for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Motioned by Councilmember De Hoff, seconded by Councilmember Pikus to adopt Resolution No. 26-038 entitled "A Resolution of The City Council of The City of Poway, California, Establishing Assessments for Poway Landscape Maintenance District No. 3 of 10
City of Poway - Minutes - July 21, 2026
86-1 to be Collected on the San Diego County Property Tax Roll for Fiscal Year 2026- 27". Motion carried 5/0 by the following roll-call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
De Hoff, Edmondson, Pikus, Maeda, Vaus
None
None
None
None
10. Resolution Establishing Assessments for Poway Landscape Maintenance District 86-2 to be Collected on the San Diego County Property Tax Roll for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Motioned by Councilmember De Hoff, seconded by Councilmember Pikus to adopt Resolution No. 26-039 entitled "A Resolution of The City Council of The City of Poway, California, Establishing Assessments for Poway Landscape Maintenance District No. 86-2 to be Collected on the San Diego County Property Tax Roll for Fiscal Year 2026- 27". Motion carried 5/0 by the following roll-call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
De Hoff, Edmondson, Pikus, Maeda, Vaus
None
None
None
None
11. Resolution Establishing Assessments for Poway Landscape Maintenance District 86-3 to be Collected on the San Diego County Property Tax Roll for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Motioned by Councilmember De Hoff, seconded by Councilmember Pikus to adopt Resolution No. 26-040 entitled "A Resolution of The City Council of The City of Poway, California, Establishing Assessments for Poway Landscape Maintenance District No. 86-3 to be Collected on the San Diego County Property Tax Roll for Fiscal Year 2026- 27". Motion carried 5/0 by the following roll-call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
De Hoff, Edmondson, Pikus, Maeda, Vaus
None
None
None
None
12. Resolution Establishing Assessments for Poway Landscape Maintenance District 87-1 to be Collected on the San Diego County Property Tax Roll for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Motioned by Councilmember De Hoff, seconded by Councilmember Pikus to adopt Resolution No. 26-041 entitled "A Resolution of The City Council of The City of Poway, California, Establishing Assessments for Poway Landscape Maintenance District No. 87-1 to be Collected on the San Diego County Property Tax Roll for Fiscal Year 2026- 27". Motion carried 5/0 by the following roll-call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
4 of 10
De Hoff, Edmondson, Pikus, Maeda, Vaus
None
None
None
None
City of Poway - Minutes - July 21, 2026
13. Resolution Establishing Assessments for Poway Lighting District to be Collected on the San Diego County Property Tax Roll for Fiscal Year 2026-27
Motioned by Councilmember De Hoff, seconded by Councilmember Pikus to adopt Resolution No. 26-042 entitled "A Resolution of The City Council of The City of Poway, California, Establishing Assessments for Poway Lighting District to be Collected on the San Diego County Property Tax Roll for Fiscal Year 2026-27". Motion carried 5/0 by the following roll-call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
De Hoff, Edmondson, Pikus, Maeda, Vaus
None
None
None
None
14. Development Review 25-0002 and Tentative Tract Map 25-0002, a Request to Construct 47 Townhomes and Four Ground-Floor Commercial Spaces within the Town Center Land Use District of the Poway Road Corridor Specific Plan Located at 13044 and 13056 Poway Road (APNs 317-101-04 and 317-101-05); and Determine the Project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
The Public Hearing for Development Review 25-0002 and Tentative Tract Map 25-0002 was continued from the February 17, 2026 Regular City Council meeting.
Mayor Vaus continued the Public Hearing at 7:08 p.m.
Associate Planner Mary Piscitelli presented the item along with a PowerPoint presentation.
She provided an overview of the proposed Development Review and Tentative Tract Map applications submitted by lntracorp Homes for the development of a mixed-use project located at 13044 and 13056 Poway Road within the Town Center Land Use District of the Poway Road Corridor Specific Plan. She explained the project site consists of two vacant commercial parcels totaling 2.06 acres and is proposed for the development of 47 market-rate, three-story town homes within 10 buildings, including four ground-floor commercial storefronts along Poway Road.
Ms. Piscitelli described the project design, noting the incorporation of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture , pedestrian-oriented features, landscaped courtyards, and commercial storefronts intended to support the vision of the Poway Road Corridor Specific Plan (PRSP).
She explained the proposed lot consolidation would reduce curb cuts, improve circulation, and allow the project to qualify for a Tier One height incentive. Ms. Piscitelli noted the applicant is not requesting a density bonus and is proposing the project below the maximum allowable density.
Ms. Piscitelli reviewed the project's evolution following community and City feedback, including revisions to increase commercial space, add storefronts and courtyard areas, reduce building massing, provide separate conveyance of commercial units, and enhance privacy screening along the rear property line. She highlighted the project's consistency with the Town Center development standards, requested administrative adjustments related to commercial storefront requirements , and conditions related to commercial readiness, traffic improvements, and Housing Element requirements . Ms. Piscitelli concluded by stating the project complies with applicable General Plan, Poway Road Corridor Specific Plan, and 5 of 10
City of Poway - Minutes - July 21, 2026
zoning requirements and qualifies for a Class 32 categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act.
Following staffs presentation, Sarah Klaustermeier, Senior Director of Development for lntracorp Homes (the applicant), presented an overview of the proposed project. She described the proposed townhome layout, ground-floor commercial storefronts, and pedestrian-oriented design features, including courtyards, landscaping, storefront windows, and Spanish Colonial Revival architectural elements.
Ms. Klaustermeier discussed the applicant's collaboration with the City and community throughout the review process, including the pre-development conference, community workshop, and meetings with neighboring residents. She noted revisions made in response to community feedback, including increasing the height of the rear wall to enhance privacy.
Ms. Klaustermeier thanked Council and staff for their input and stated the project has evolved through an iterative process to create a mixed-use development consistent with the vision of the Poway Road Corridor Specific Plan.
Public Comment .
The following individuals spoke in support of Item 14:
Himanshu Upadhyaya
Kenny Furchner
Lisa Dumolt
Guy Asaro
Utpal Parikh
Angela Furchner
The following individual spoke neutrally on ltem14 :
Joe St. Lucas
The following individuals spoke in opposition to Item 14:
Chris Cruse, participating remotely
Ana Chambers, participating remotely
Bob Walder
End of Public Comment.
Mayor Vaus closed the Public Hearing at 7:51 p.m.
Council discussion ensued and questions arose regarding viewsheds, construction impacts, commercial space, and Housing Element requirements. Responding to Council questions, staff explained the Environmental Impact Report evaluated scenic corridors and determined the project would not result in significant impacts. Staff noted the proposed buildings would be similar in height to existing development in the area and surrounding properties would continue to maintain views of Iron Mountain.
Responding further, the applicant explained construction would occur in phases with measures including dust control, street sweeping, and compliance with construction 6 of 10
City of Poway - Minutes - July 21, 2026
regulations . Staff noted the project would require completion of grading and building plan review prior to construction and that coordination would occur to minimize conflicts with other active projects and traffic impacts.
Council discussed the proposed commercial frontage and courtyard areas, recognizing the courtyards support the intent of the Poway Road Specific Plan by activating the frontage, providing gathering spaces, and enhancing commercial viability. Staff explained the City has sufficient surplus capacity within its Housing Element sites inventory to accommodate the project's affordable housing requirements .
Council recognized the applicant's responsiveness to community feedback and noted improvements made throughout the review process, including increased commercial space, dedicated commercial parking, enhanced setbacks, architectural articulation, and additional site amenities. Council discussed the project's consistency with the Poway Road Specific Plan, General Plan, and Municipal Code, noting the project balances housing requirements, commercial activation, and community character.
Council acknowledged the importance of the public review process and collaboration between residents, staff, and the applicant in refining the project. Council further discussed State housing laws and potential alternative development scenarios, recognizing the importance of considering the project within the applicable regulatory framework .
Motioned by Councilmember Pikus, seconded by Mayor Vaus to: 1) find and determine the Project is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15332 (Class 32: In Fill Development Projects); 2) determine the Project offers a superior design which justifies approval of the Applicant's request for administrative adjustments for the ceiling height and depth of commercial spaces and Tier 1 height incentive and is in conformance with the PRSP; and adopt Resolution No. 26-043 "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Approving Development Review 25-0002 and Tentative Tract Map 25-0002 to Construct 47 Townhomes and Four Ground Floor Commercial Spaces Within the Poway Road Corridor Specific Plan, Town Center District, Assessor Parcel Number 317-101-04 and 317-101-05". Motion carried 4/1 by the following roll-call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
De Hoff, Edmondson, Pikus, Vaus
Maeda
None
None
None
15. Resolution Renewing the Fire Protection Special Tax to be Collected on the Property Tax Roll for Fiscal Year 2025-26
Mayor Vaus opened the Public Hearing at 8:43 p.m.
Director of Finance Craig Schmollinger presented the item. He stated the City must renew its Fire Protection Special Tax as required by the County of San Diego to be placed on the property tax roll for Fiscal Year 2026-27. Mr. Schmollinger noted the tax was originally approved by an 84% vote of the people in 1997 and is designated as a Special Tax. He added the tax may only be used for fire protection, including personnel, expenses, and equipment 7 of 10
City of Poway - Minutes - July 21, 2026
related to fire protection services, and explained each parcel's tax is determined by a point system based on land use and the required fire flow to serve the parcel. The amount to be collected has remained unchanged since its adoption at $3.12 per point, resulting in an estimated total collection of $658,000 for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
Mr. Schmollinger added the Fire Protection Special Tax generated $535,000 in Fiscal Year 1997-98, representing approximately 17% of the Fire Department's $3.2 million budget. He noted the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Fire Department budget is $18. 7 million, with the estimated $658,000 in Special Tax revenue representing approximately 3.5% of the total budget.
He concluded by stating approval of the item would authorize collection of up to $700,000 to accommodate potential additions to the property tax roll during Fiscal Year 2026-27.
Public Comment:
None.
End of Pub/ ic Comment .
Mayor Vaus closed the Public Hearing at 8:45 p.m.
Motioned by Councilmember De Hoff, seconded by Councilmember Edmondson to adopt Resolution No. 26-044 entitled "A Resolution of The City Council of The City of Poway, California, Renewing the Fire Protection Special Tax to be Collected on the Property Tax Rolls for Fiscal Year 2026-27". Motion carried 5/0 by the following roll-call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
STAFF REPORTS:
None.
WORKSHOPS:
None.
De Hoff, Edmondson, Pikus, Maeda, Vaus
None
None
None
None
COUNCIL-INITIATED ITEMS:
16. Stand-Alone Commercial Data Centers in Poway
Mayor Steve Vaus introduced the item. He stated the item is intended to direct staff to prepare an ordinance prohibiting the development and operation of stand-alone commercial data centers in the City of Poway. Mayor Vaus explained the proposal is based on land use considerations, noting standalone commercial data centers require substantial electricity and water resources, generate continuous noise from cooling systems, and rely on backup diesel generators. He stated the City's limited commercial and industrial land should be preserved 8 of 10
City of Poway - Minutes - July 21, 2026
for uses that provide greater community benefit and employment opportunities, and emphasized the proposal is intended to provide certainty regarding future land use while protecting the character of the community.
Councilmember Edmondson noted the proposal is fundamentally a land use issue focused on the best use of the City's resources. She stated recent reports have highlighted increasing demands on electrical infrastructure associated with data centers and added those resource constraints reinforce the importance of proactively addressing the issue in Poway.
Public Comment.
The following individuals spoke in support of Item 16:
Hunter Ames
Joe St. Lucas
The following individuals spoke in opposition to Item 16:
Sean Ellis, representing UA Local 230
Cori Schumacher, representing /BEW 569
Cristina Marquez, representing /BEW 569
End of Public Comment.
Council discussion ensued. Council recognized the proposal as a proactive land use measure intended to preserve the City's limited commercial and industrial land for uses that provide greater long-term employment opportunities and community benefit. Council acknowledged the significant electricity and water demands associated with standalone commercial data centers and the potential strain on public resources.
Council referenced previous experience with battery energy storage facilities and emphasized the importance of proactively addressing emerging land uses. Council expressed interest in receiving additional information regarding the short and long-term employment impacts of standalone commercial data centers to assist with future consideration of an ordinance.
Discussion continued regarding the potential merits of both a temporary moratorium and a permanent prohibition, recognizing future technological advancements could warrant reconsideration of the issue. Council also requested staff evaluate whether a proposed ordinance should address smaller personal data centers in addition to standalone commercial data centers.
Motioned hy· Mayor VauS', second~d h>y Councilmember Edmondson to direct the City Manager and City 'Attorney to re.turn as soon as possible with a draft ordinance amending the Poway Municipal Code to prohibit the development and operation of stand-alone commercial data centers within the City of Poway. Motion carried 5/0 by the following roll-call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
9 of 10
De Hoff, Edmondson, Pikus, Maeda, Vaus
None
None
None
City of Poway - Minutes - July 21, 2026
Disqualified: None
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS: Pursuant to AB1234 - (G.C. 53232(d))
Council member Pikus reported attending the Fire Chiefs community picnic, highlighting presentations on the City's Class 1 Fire Department, Zone Zero wildfire preparedness requirements, and fire safety resources available to residents. He announced the upcoming Poway Community Chipping Event at Fire Station 2, encouraging residents to dispose of vegetation cleared during wildfire preparedness efforts. Councilmember Pikus also directed residents interested in recent land use discussions to view the City Council's April 21 meeting.
Councilmember Edmondson commended Fire Department staff for hosting a well-attended wildfire preparedness event and encouraged residents to attend future presentations. She also recognized the Parks and Recreation Department for hosting the recent Beatles tribute concert at Lake Poway, noting positive feedback from attendees regarding the event and park facilities.
Mayor Vaus reported accompanying Fire Department staff on an aerial wildfire preparedness assessment with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, highlighting the agencies' collaborative planning efforts for potential helicopter water drop locations. He encouraged residents to attend the upcoming Poway Valley Riders Association Gymkhana on August 15 at the Poway Rodeo Grounds, describing it as a family-friendly community event showcasing Poway's equestrian heritage.
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 9:16 p.m.
~~~ Carrie Gallagher,CMc
City Clerk
City of Poway, California
10 of 10