Minutes
Santee City Council
Council Chamber - Building 2
10601 Magnolia Avenue
Santee, California
April 26, 2023
This Regular Meeting of the Santee City Council was called to order by Mayor John W.
Minto at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present: Mayor John W. Minto, Vice Mayor Laura Koval and Council Members Ronn Hall, Rob McNelis and Dustin Trotter - 5
Officers present: City Manager Marlene Best, City Attorney Shawn Hagerty, and City Clerk Annette Ortiz
INVOCATION was given by Lead Pastor Scotty James, The Village Church SD PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Sam Rensberry, Public Services Manager.
PROCLAMATION: Bike Anywhere Day - May 18, 2023
Mayor Minto presented the Proclamation to the Engineering Director.
PRESENTATION: Presentation by the East County Advanced Water Purification Joint Powers Association on the East County Advanced Water Purification Project
Rebecca Abbott and Ken Simmons of the East County Advanced Water Purification Joint Powers Authority provided a PowerPoint presentation and responded to Council questions.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Agenda was Revised April 25, 2023, at 7:48 p.m. to withdraw Item 11.
The City Clerk requested Items 1, 2, 3, and 10 be pulled for discussion. (1) Item Pulled for Discussion.
(2) Item Pulled for Discussion.
(3) Item Pulled for Discussion.
(4) Adoption of a Resolution Accepting the Walker Preserve Fence Repairs (RFB-20066) Project as Complete and Finding the Action is Not a Project Subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"). (Engineering - Schmitz) (Reso 035-2023)
Santee City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of April 26, 2023 Page 2 of 8 (5) Adoption of a Resolution Accepting the Public Improvements for the Castlerock Project as Complete, and Finding this Acceptance is Not a California Environmental Quality Act ("'CEQA") Project. Location: Mast Boulevard at Weston Road. (Engineering - Schmitz) (Reso 036-2023) (6) Adoption of a Resolution Declaring the City Council's Intention to Vacate a 35-Foot-Wide Corridor Open Space Easement (VAC 2023-01) Excepting and Reserving Easements and Rights for Existing Drainage Facilities; Setting a Time and Place for Public Hearing; and Finding the Action is Not a Project Subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") or is Otherwise Exempt Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(b)(3). (Engineering - Schmitz) (Reso 037-2023)
(7) Adoption of a Resolution Initiating Proceedings and Ordering the Preparation of an Engineer's Report for the FY 2023-24 Santee Roadway Lighting District Annual Levy of Assessments; Finding the Action is Statutorily Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("'CEQA") Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15262 (Feasibility and Planning Studies). (Finance - Jennings) (Reso 038-2023) (8) Adoption of a Resolution Initiating Proceedings and Ordering the Preparation of an Engineer's Report for the FY 2023-24 Santee Landscape Maintenance District Annual Levy of Assessments; Finding the Action is Statutorily Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15262 (Feasibility and Planning Studies). (Finance - Jennings) (Reso 039-2023) (9) Adoption of a Resolution Initiating Proceedings and Ordering the Preparation of an Engineer's Report for the FY 2023-24 Town Center Landscape Maintenance District Annual Levy of Assessments; Finding the Action is Statutorily Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("'CEQA") Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15262 (Feasibility and Planning Studies). (Finance - Jennings) (Reso 040-2023) (10) Item Pulled for Discussion.
(11) [WITHDRAWN]
Authorize the Award of a Contract for Electrical Repairs and Related Maintenance and Repair Services to Advanced Railway Innovations DBA Advanced Electrical Innovations Per RFB #23/24-20067 and Finding the Action is Not a Project Subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"). (Community Services - Chavez)
[ITEM 11 WAS WITHDRAWN]
(12) Claim Against the City by Jose Tanega; Finding the Action is Not a Project Subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"). (Human Resources - Bishop)
Santee City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of April 26, 2023 Page 3 of 8 ACTION: Council Member McNelis moved approval of the Consent Calendar and Agenda as amended.
Vice Mayor Koval seconded the motion, which carried by the following vote: Mayor Minto:
Aye; Vice Mayor Koval: Aye; and Council Members Hall: Aye; McNelis: Aye; and Trotter:
Aye. Ayes: 5. Noes: 0.
(1) Approval of Reading by Title Only and Waiver of Reading in Full of Ordinances and Resolutions on the Agenda; Finding the Action is Not a Project Subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"). (City Clerk - Ortiz)
PUBLIC SPEAKER:
• Truth
ACTION: Council Member Trotter moved approval of staff recommendation.
Council Member McNelis seconded the motion, which carried by the following vote: Mayor Minto: Aye; Vice Mayor Koval: Aye; and Council Members Hall: Aye; McNelis: Aye; and Trotter: Aye. Ayes: 5. Noes: 0
(2) Approval of Payment of Demands; Finding the Action is Not a Project Subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"). (Finance - Jennings)
PUBLIC SPEAKER:
• Truth
ACTION: Council Member McNelis moved approval of staff recommendation.
Vice Mayor Koval seconded the motion, which carried by the following vote: Mayor Minto:
Aye; Vice Mayor Koval: Aye; and Council Members Hall: Aye; McNelis: Aye; and Trotter:
Aye. Ayes: 5. Noes: 0.
(3) Approval of the Expenditure of $102,254.37 for March 2023 Legal Services and Reimbursable Costs and Finding the Action is Not a Project Subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"). (Finance - Jennings)
PUBLIC SPEAKER:
• Truth
ACTION: Council Member McNelis moved approval of staff recommendation.
Council Member Trotter seconded the motion, which carried by the following vote: Mayor Minto: Aye; Vice Mayor Koval: Aye; and Council Members Hall: Aye; McNelis: Aye; and Trotter: Aye. Ayes: 5. Noes: 0
Santee City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of April 26, 2023 Page 4 of 8 (10) Adoption of a Resolution Approving the City of Santee Investment Policy and Delegating Authority to the City Treasurer, and Finding the Action is Not a Project Subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"). (Finance - Jennings) (Reso 041-2023)
PUBLIC SPEAKER:
• Truth
ACTION: Council Member McNelis moved approval of staff recommendation.
Vice Mayor Koval seconded the motion, which carried by the following vote: Mayor Minto:
Aye; Vice Mayor Koval: Aye; and Council Members Hall: Aye; McNelis: Aye; and Trotter:
Aye. Ayes: 5. Noes: 0.
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT (15 minutes):
(A) Kristen Miller spoke about her experience working in the Santee School District. (B) Truth spoke about the City's active transportation plan, titles and freedom for all.
Lynda Marrokal spoke about public comment at Council Meetings and the need for a new Santee Library.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Public Hearing to Adopt a Resolution Approving the Program Year 2023 Annual Action Plan and Authorizing the City Manager to Submit a Grant Application for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Finding the Action is Not a Project Subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"). (Engineering - Schmitz) (Reso 042-2023)
The Public Hearing was opened at 7:08 p.m. The Senior Management Analyst provided a PowerPoint presentation and responded to Council questions.
PUBLIC SPEAKER:
• Truth
ACTION: Council Member Hall moved approval of staff recommendation.
Council Member McNelis seconded the motion, which carried by the following vote: Mayor Minto: Aye; Vice Mayor Koval: Aye; and Council Members Hall: Aye; McNelis: Aye; and Trotter: Aye. Ayes: 5. Noes: 0.
The Public Hearing was closed at 7:15 p.m.
Santee City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of April 26, 2023 Page 5 of 8 (14) Public Hearing for Development Review DR2022-6 and Variance V2022-4 for a Four-Story Hotel Consisting of 97 Guestrooms at 381 Town Center Parkway in the Town Center (TC) Zone and Art and Entertainment Overlay District, and to Consider a Supplemental Environmental Checklist and Addendum (AEIS2022-6) to Previously Adopted Environmental Impact Reports (State Clearinghouse Numbers 1985012314 and 1999031096) Prepared for the Project in Accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"). (Planning - Coyne) (Resos 043-2023 and 044-2023) The Public Hearing was opened at 7:15 p.m. The Associate Planner provided a PowerPoint presentation and responded to Council questions with the assistance of the City Manager and City Attorney.
PUBLIC SPEAKERS:
• Truth
• Anthony Santo, Santee Trolley Square Shopping Center
ACTION: Council Member Hall moved approval of staff recommendation.
Vice Mayor Koval seconded the motion, which carried by the following vote: Mayor Minto:
Aye; Vice Mayor Koval: Aye; and Council Members Hall: Aye; McNelis: Aye; and Trotter:
Aye. Ayes: 5. Noes: 0.
The Public Hearing was closed at 7:39 p.m.
Public Hearing to Consider a Resolution Approving a Hotel Operating Agreement with Excel Acquisitions, LP, Accepting the Accompanying Economic Development Subsidy Report Prepared Pursuant to Government Code Section 53083, and Finding that the Action is Not Subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"). (City Manager - Best) (Reso 045-2023)
The Public Hearing was opened at 7:40 p.m. The City Manager provided a brief report and responded to Council questions.
PUBLIC SPEAKER:
• Truth
ACTION: Council Member McNelis moved approval of staff recommendation.
Council Member Trotter seconded the motion, which carried by the following vote: Mayor Minto: Aye; Vice Mayor Koval: Aye; and Council Members Hall: Aye; McNelis: Aye; and Trotter: Aye. Ayes: 5. Noes: 0.
The Public Hearing was closed at 7:45 p.m.
Santee City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of April 26, 2023 Page 6 of 8 CONTINUED BUSINESS:
(16) Community Risk Assessment and Long-Range Master Plan Staff Updates; Finding the Action is Not a Project Subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"). (Fire - Matsushita) The Fire Chief and Finance Director provided a PowerPoint presentation and responded to Council questions.
PUBLIC SPEAKERS:
Truth
• Dustyn Garhartt, Santee Firefighters
Council Member McNelis urged Council to add a sunset clause to any proposed tax measure to ensure there would be an end date and the money would not be utilized for any other projects; he also stated that the Fire Benefit Fee needs to be reviewed.
Council Member Trotter expressed concerns with the risks of increasing the sales tax; he also requested the Fire Benefit Fee be reviewed and the need for a new Fire Station.
Vice Mayor Koval expressed concerns with the influx of calls for public service that should be utilizing County and private entity resources.
Council Member Hall expressed concerns with City resources being misspent at hospitals and requested a new sales tax study completed.
Mayor Minto stated he would support a sales tax measure; he urged staff to conduct a sales tax study.
Council Member Trotter requested a conversation on the possible options and for the item to return to Council with a plan.
After discussion, Council provided direction to staff.
NEW BUSINESS:
(17) Recommendation from the Salary Setting Advisory Committee Regarding Compensation for the Mayor and City Council and Finding the Action is Not a Project Subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"). (City Clerk - Ortiz)
The City Clerk introduced the Item and the Salary Setting Advisory Committee Chair, Justin Schlaefli, provided a brief report on the Committee's recommendation and responded to Council questions.
Santee City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of April 26, 2023 Page 7 of 8 PUBLIC SPEAKER:
• Truth
After discussion, a consensus was reached among Council for parity with staff increases and to postpone the discussion until the budget item is reviewed.
Appointment of Second Alternate to San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS); Finding the Action is Not a Project Subject to the California Environmental Quality ("CEQA"). (Mayor - Minto) Council Member Hall provided a brief report.
PUBLIC SPEAKER:
• Truth
ACTION: Council Member Hall moved to appoint Mayor Minto as Second Alternate.
Vice Mayor Koval seconded the motion, which carried by the following vote: Mayor Minto:
Aye; Vice Mayor Koval: Aye; and Council Members Hall: Aye; McNelis: Aye; and Trotter:
Aye. Ayes: 5. Noes: 0.
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT: (Continued)
None.
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS:
Council Member Hall spoke regarding MTS and the appointment of a new Chair.
Vice Mayor Koval sent sympathy to Karen Pearlman who recently lost her canine companion Chloe; she also spoke regarding homelessness and the results of the survey conducted by County Supervisor Joel Anderson.
Council Member Trotter thanked everyone who attended the District 4 Town Hall; he also spoke about the support from the public on the new River Ordinance.
Council Member McNelis spoke about County Supervisor Joel Anderson's community coffee event and the results from a survey the county conducted regarding homeless.
Mayor Minto spoke about a League of California Cities conference he attended and the fentanyl crisis.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS:
None.
Santee City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of April 26, 2023 Page 8 of 8 CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:48 p.m.
Date Approved: May 10, 2023
Apoca
Annette Fagan Ortiz, CMC, City Clerk