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September 1, 2026, Item #2
AGENDA REPORT CityofPoway
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
September 1, 2026
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Carrie Gallagher, City Clerk ~
(858) 668-4535 or cgallagher@pov¼y.org
CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Approval of the July 21, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Summary
The City Council Meeting Minutes submitted hereto for approval are:
• July 21, 2026 Regular 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 July 21, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes.
Public Notification:
None.
Attachments:
A. July 21, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Tracy e ens
Assistant City Manager
Reviewed By:
Alan Fenstermacher
City Attorney
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September 1, 2026, Item #2
ATTACHMENT A
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
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.
PRESENTATIONS: None. PUBLIC
COMMENT:
None
.
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September 1, 2026, Item #2
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 4 of 11
September 1, 2026, Item #2
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 B 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. 5 of 11
September 1, 2026, Item #2
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:
De Hoff, Edmondson, Pikus, Maeda, Vaus
None
None
None
None
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September 1, 2026, Item #2
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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 townhomes 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 7 of 11
September 1, 2026, Item #2
City
of
Poway
-
Minutes
-
July
21,
2026
project
complies
with
applicable
General
Plan,
Poway
Road
Corridor
Specific
Plan,
and
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
Item
14:
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
.
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Responding further, the applicant explained construction would occur in phases with measures including dust control, street sweeping, and compliance with construction 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 9 of 11
September 1, 2026, Item #2
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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 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 Public 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 10 of 11
September 1, 2026, Item #2
City of Poway -Minutes -July 21, 2026
generators. He stated the City's limited commercial and industrial land should be preserved 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 by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Councilmember Edmondson to direct the City Manager and City Attorney to return 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:
De Hoff, Edmondson, Pikus, Maeda, Vaus
None
None
11 of 11
September 1, 2026, Item #2
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Absent: None
Disqualified: None
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS: Pursuant to AB1234 -(G.C. 53232(d))
Councilmember 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