Minutes
Santee City Council
Council Chamber - Building 2
10601 Magnolia Avenue
Santee, California
June 26, 2024
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 Dustin Trotter, and Councilmembers Ronn Hall, Laura Koval, and Rob McNelis - 5 Officers present: City Manager Marlene Best, City Attorney Shawn Hagerty, and City Clerk Annette Ortiz
INVOCATION was given by Pastor Jerry Phillips - Sonrise Community Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Kathy Valverde
ADJOURNMENT IN MEMORY: Sergeant Major Bill Paxton
Mayor Minto read the Adjournment to the community.
PROCLAMATION: Proclaiming July 2024 as Parks and Recreation Month - Where You Belong
Mayor Minto presented the Proclamation to Santee Parks and Recreation Committee Members
PRESENTATION: Presentation from the County of San Diego Regarding the New County Animal Shelter to be Built in Santee.
Steve Schmidt, Mark Zabonik and Steve Lujan provided a PowerPoint presentation and responded to Council questions with the assistance of Daniel Hoff with F&H Construction, the Engineering Director and the Principal Traffic Engineer.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
(1) Approval of Reading by Title Only and Waiver of Reading in Full, of Ordinances and Resolutions on the Agenda. (City Clerk - Ortiz) (2) Approval of Payment of Demands as Presented. (Finance - Jennings) (3) City Conflict of Interest Code - Biennial Review. (City Clerk - Ortiz) (4) Adoption of a Resolution Accepting the Fanita Drive and Mission Gorge Road Asphalt Repairs (CIP 2024-11) Project as Complete and Finding the Action is Not a Project Subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"). (Engineering - Schmitz) (Reso 076-2024)
Santee City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of June 26, 2024 Page 2 of 7 (5) Adoption of a Resolution Establishing the Appropriations Limit for FY 2024-25. (Finance - Jennings) (Reso 077-2024)
(6) Adoption of a Resolution Levying Charges for Fire Suppression Service ("Fire Benefit Fee") for Fiscal Year 2024-25. (Finance - Jennings) (Reso 078-2024)
(7) Adoption of a Resolution Levying Special Taxes to be Collected During Fiscal Year 2024-25 to Pay the Annual Cost of Municipal Maintenance Services within Community Facilities District No. 2015-1 (Municipal Maintenance Services) of the City of Santee. (Finance - Jennings) (Reso 079-2024)
(8) Adoption of a Resolution Levying Special Taxes to be Collected During Fiscal Year 2024-25 to Pay Costs Related to the Authorized Public Improvements within Community Facilities District No. 2017-1 (Weston Infrastructure) of the City of Santee. (Finance - Jennings) (Reso 080-2024) (9) Adoption of a Resolution Levying Special Taxes to be Collected During Fiscal Year 2024-25 to Pay the Annual Cost of Municipal Services within Community Facilities District No. 2017-2 (Weston Municipal Services) of the City of Santee. (Finance - Jennings) (Reso 081-2024) ACTION: Councilmember McNelis moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
Vice Mayor Trotter seconded the motion, which carried by the following vote: Mayor Minto: Aye; Vice Mayor Trotter: Aye; and Councilmembers Hall: Aye; Koval: Aye; and McNelis: Aye. Ayes: 5. Noes: 0.
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT (15 minutes):
(A) Leza Hutchinson, United Sovereign Americans, spoke about a handout "Resolution for a Legally Valid 2024 General Election." (B) Susan Schroeder, United Sovereign Americans, spoke about a "Resolution for a Legally Valid 2024 General Election."
(C) Susan Kennedy, United Sovereign Americans, spoke about a handout "Resolution for a Legally Valid 2024 General Election." (D) Jackie Zoellick, United Sovereign Americans, spoke about a handout "Resolution for a Legally Valid 2024 General Election." (E) Bill Davies, United Sovereign Americans, spoke about a handout "Resolution for a Legally Valid 2024 General Election."
(F) Skip Hammann, United Sovereign Americans, spoke about a handout "Resolution for a Legally Valid 2024 General Election." PUBLIC HEARING:
(10) Public Hearing for the FY 2024-25 Santee Landscape Maintenance District (SLMD) Annual Levy of Assessments. (Finance - Jennings) (Reso 082- 2024)
Santee City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of June 26, 2024 Page 3 of 7 The Public Hearing was opened at 7:34 p.m. The Finance Manager provided a PowerPoint presentation and responded to Council questions.
ACTION: Councilmember McNelis moved approval of staff recommendation.
Vice Mayor Trotter seconded the motion, which carried by the following vote: Mayor Minto: Aye; Vice Mayor Trotter: Aye; and Councilmembers Hall: Aye; Koval: Aye; and McNelis: Aye. Ayes: 5. Noes: 0.
The Public Hearing was closed at 7:35 p.m.
(11) Public Hearing for the FY 2024-25 Town Center Landscape Maintenance District (TCLMD) Annual Levy of Assessments. (Finance - Jennings) (Reso 083-2024)
The Public Hearing was opened at 7:35 p.m. The Finance Manager provided a PowerPoint presentation and responded to Council questions.
ACTION: Councilmember McNelis moved approval of staff recommendation.
Vice Mayor Trotter seconded the motion, which carried by the following vote: Mayor Minto: Aye; Vice Mayor Trotter: Aye; and Councilmembers Hall: Aye; Koval: Aye; and McNelis: Aye. Ayes: 5. Noes: 0.
The Public Hearing was closed at 7:36 p.m.
(12) Public Hearing for the FY 2024-25 Santee Roadway Lighting District (SRLD) Annual Levy of Assessments. (Finance - Jennings) (Reso 084- 2024)
The Public Hearing was opened at 7:36 p.m. The Finance Manager provided a PowerPoint presentation and responded to Council questions.
ACTION: Councilmember McNelis moved approval of staff recommendation.
Vice Mayor Trotter seconded the motion, which carried by the following vote: Mayor Minto: Aye; Vice Mayor Trotter: Aye; and Councilmembers Hall: Aye; Koval: Aye; and McNelis: Aye. Ayes: 5. Noes: 0
The Public Hearing was closed at 7:36 p.m.
(13) Resolution Approving the Annual Levy, as a Successor Agency to County Services Area (CSA) 69, a Special Tax within the Santee-Lakeside Emergency Medical Services Authority Boundary for FY 2024-2025 and Collection on the Property Tax Roll. (Finance - Jennings) (Reso 085- 2024)
Santee City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of June 26, 2024 Page 4 of 7 The Public Hearing was opened at 7:36 p.m. The Finance Manager provided a PowerPoint presentation and responded to Council questions.
ACTION: Vice Mayor Trotter moved approval of staff recommendation.
Councilmember McNelis seconded the motion, which carried by the following vote: Mayor Minto: Aye; Vice Mayor Trotter: Aye; and Councilmembers Hall: Aye; Koval: Aye; and McNelis: Aye. Ayes: 5. Noes: 0
The Public Hearing was closed at 7:37 p.m.
CONTINUED BUSINESS:
Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Santee Municipal Code Title 13, "Zoning" (Case File ZOA-2024-0002), and Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Santee Municipal Code Title 3, "Revenue and Finance", Title 8, "Streets, Sidewalks and Public Property", Title 10, "Vehicles and Traffic", and Title 12, "Subdivision of Land, Development Fees, and Dedications" , and Finding that the Actions are Exempt from Environmental Review Under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"). (City Attorney - Hagerty) (Ord 615 & 616) The City Attorney introduced the item, and the Assistant City Attorney provided a PowerPoint presentation and responded to Council questions.
ACTION: Councilmember Hall moved approval of staff recommendation.
Councilmember McNelis seconded the motion, which carried by the following vote: Mayor Minto: Aye; Vice Mayor Trotter: Aye; and Councilmembers Hall: Aye; Koval: Aye; and McNelis: Aye. Ayes: 5. Noes: 0.
(15) Continued Discussion Regarding the General Fund Reserve Policy. (Finance - Jennings)
The Finance Manager provided a PowerPoint presentation and responded to Council questions with assistance from the Fire Chief, City Manager and The City Attorney.
MOTION: Mayor Minto moved approval of staff recommendation Option 1.
AMENDMENT: After discussion, Mayor Minto requested an amendment to Option 1, affecting the next budget cycle with one-to-three-year repayment in the event the reserves are used. Councilmember Hall seconded the motion.
ACTION: The motion carried by the following vote Mayor Minto: Aye; Vice Mayor Trotter:
Aye; and Councilmembers Hall: Aye; Koval: Aye; and McNelis: Aye. Ayes: 5. Noes: 0.
Santee City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of June 26, 2024 Page 5 of 7 Continued Review of the Proposed Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25, and Resolution Adopting the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and Taking Related Actions. (City Manager/Finance - Best/ Jennings) (Reso 086-2024)
The Finance Manager provided a PowerPoint presentation and responded to Council questions.
ACTION: Councilmember Hall moved approval of staff recommendation.
Councilmember Koval Seconded the motion, which carried by the following vote: Mayor Minto: Aye; Vice Mayor Trotter: No; and Councilmembers Hall: Aye; Koval: Aye; and McNelis: Aye. Ayes: 4. Noes: 1.
NEW BUSINESS:
Acceptance of Certificate of Sufficiency for a Half Cent Special Sales Tax Initiative Petition and Request for Further Direction from City Council Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9215. (City Clerk - Ortiz) (Reso 087- 2024)
The City Clerk provided a PowerPoint presentation and responded to Council questions.
PUBLIC SPEAKER:
• Patrick Henry, Santee Firefigher
ACTION: Councilmember McNelis moved approval of staff recommendation Option 1.
Councilmember Koval Seconded the motion, which carried by the following vote: Mayor Minto: Aye; Vice Mayor Trotter: Aye; and Councilmembers Hall: Aye; Koval: Aye; and McNelis: Aye. Ayes: 5. Noes: 0.
Resolution Rejecting the Bid Submitted by Pavement Coatings Co. and Awarding the Construction Contract to American Asphalt South, Inc. for the Citywide Slurry Seal and Roadway Maintenance Program 2024 (CIP 2024-02) Project and Determining the Project is Categorically Exempt from Environmental Review Under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") per State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(c). (Engineering - Schmitz) (Reso 088-2024)
The Engineering Director provided a PowerPoint presentation and responded to Council questions.
ACTION: Councilmember Hall moved approval of staff recommendation.
Councilmember Koval Seconded the motion, which carried by the following vote: Mayor Minto: Aye; Vice Mayor Trotter: Aye; and Councilmembers Hall: Aye; Koval: Aye; and McNelis: Aye. Ayes: 5. Noes: 0.
Santee City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of June 26, 2024 Page 6 of 7 NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT: (Continued)
(A) Aaron Hackett, Santee Firefighter Association, discussed the upcoming Demolition Derby at the San Diego County Fair on July 7th, highlighting that donations received will benefit the Burn Institute; he stated the Burn Institute provides support services, including Camp Beyond the Scars, a weeklong camp for children who are burn victims.
(B) Brenda Hammond spoke about being an East County resident and her experiences in the community.
(C) Mary Davis expressed how the changes in the upcoming Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) copper line affect citizens that ride public transit, and urged Council to consider the people the changes will impact.
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS:
Councilmember Hall reported about the MTS copper line coming to the Santee Trolley station; he also emphasized there would be increased security measures and that wait times are expected to decrease once the copper line is installed.
Councilmember Koval spoke about a San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) meeting she attended, and the Borders Committee meeting regarding the copper line and the safety and security of the riders.
Councilmember McNelis discussed meeting with the General Manager of SportsPlex USA while viewing the new field and requested that the extension of the contract be included on an upcoming Council Agenda.
Mayor Minto shared information about the discussions at the SANDAG Tribal Summit and mentioned his attendance at the upcoming League of California Cities meeting next month.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS:
The City Manager expressed gratitude to the City Council for their discussion and support of the Agenda items presented during the Council Meeting; she also reminded the community about the upcoming Santee Summer Concert on June 27th featuring Journeyman, and the Santee Salutes event on the 4th of July.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS:
The City Attorney provided an update on the California Supreme Court case regarding the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act, also known as the California Business Round Table Initiative; the initiative was slated for the November 2024 statewide ballot but was deemed a revision to the Constitution rather than an amendment by the California Supreme Court.; as a result, the initiative was removed from the ballot this decision has significant implications for the approved local ballot measure, which will now be subject to a simple majority standard.
Santee City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of June 26, 2024 Page 7 of 7 CLOSED SESSION:
Councilmembers recessed at 9:29 p.m. and convened in Closed Session at 9:34 p.m. (19) Conference with Legal Counsel-Existing Litigation
(Gov. Code section 54956.9(d) (1))
Name of Case: Hope for the Homeless Lakeside, Inc. et al. v. County of San Diego et al., USDC 24-cv-01009-L-MSB
(20) Threat to Public Services or Facilities
(Gov. Code section 54957)
Consultation with: City Attorney regarding threat to public services Councilmembers reconvened in Open Session at 10:11 p.m. with all members present.
Mayor Minto reported no action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:12 p.m.
Date Approved: July 10, 2024
Annette Fagan Ortiz, CMC, City Clerk