El Cajon, California Development News
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City of El Cajon City Council - 07/14/2026
Published: Jul 14, 2026
Elkhorn City Council Unanimously Declines Proposed Salary Increase
The City Council discussed a potential 5% salary increase for themselves, which would not take effect until January 2027. Staff presented an analysis showing that a 5% increase aligns with the general CPI increase and is equivalent to an average of 2.5% per year, following a two-year period without raises. This would amount to a monthly increase of $169 for the Mayor and $117 for council members. However, citing city budget constraints and recent departmental cuts, Councilmember Kendrick proposed not accepting the increase, emphasizing the negative optics and the need to show solidarity with struggling residents. The council unanimously voted against accepting the salary increase at this time.
Public Comment Highlights Homelessness, Governance, Community Recognition Issues
During the Public Comment section, several residents and community advocates addressed the council. Captain Jeff Lashid, a retired fire department member, spoke about his ongoing battle for disability retirement benefits, alleging miscommunication and requesting to speak with the Personnel Commission. Brenda Hammond expressed gratitude for city concerts. Gary Jordina reported an incident where sheriffs allegedly dumped a homeless person at the trolley station, questioning neighboring cities' practices and requesting investigation. Rich Riyle continued his criticism of the city's PBID governance, alleging mismanagement, Brown Act violations, and misuse of taxpayer funds, demanding an FBI investigation. Ray Justice expressed surprise and gratitude as a problematic wall on his property was removed, thanking the city for its unexpected resolution. Dr. Ryan Fan and Zam Zam Fedil, representing the Arab Community Center and Medall Center respectively, urged the council to agendaize a resolution recognizing the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) community, highlighting their invisibility in data and contributions to the city. They referenced the California MENA Inclusion Act and the importance of representation.
Elkhorn City Council Awards Contract for Wildfire Mitigation in Open Spaces
The City Council awarded a contract to Nema General Contracting for the restoration of open space, parks, and wildfire-prone areas at Fletcher Hills Open Space and Hillside Park. This project, funded by a $3.1 million grant from the San Diego River Conservancy, aims to reduce wildfire risk by treating vegetation, stabilizing roadways, and improving emergency vehicle access. The project includes vegetation treatment within 10 feet of fire access roads, removal of invasive species, widening of driveway entrances to 20 feet, and roadway stabilization. Nema General Contracting was the lowest responsive bidder, with bids from two other companies found non-responsive. Concerns were raised about Nema's experience in vegetation treatment, but the contract includes requirements for a biologist to monitor treatment areas and daily inspections by city staff. The project is anticipated to begin in October 2026 and conclude by March 2027.
Elkhorn City Council Declines $5.3 Million Homeless Encampment Grant Due to Restrictions
The City Council considered applying for the Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) grant, a $5.3 million program administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development, intended to help local jurisdictions resolve homeless encampments by connecting individuals with services and housing. The grant application included a proposed project area along Interstate 8 and State Route 67, with partner organizations including East County Transitional Living Center, Crisis House, and others. Grant requirements included adopting a citywide housing-first approach, providing 48-hour notice for encampment cleanups, and ensuring storage for personal items. Staff presented the pros and cons, including potential operational costs and the need to update current policies. After discussion about the grant's restrictions and potential benefits, the council voted 4-1 to direct staff to withdraw the application, citing concerns that the restrictions might be too onerous.
Elkhorn City Council Approves Annual Sewer Charges Without Rate Increase
The City Council approved the annual sewer charge for fiscal year 2026-2027 without an increase, marking the second consecutive year without a rate hike. Staff reported that projected revenues remain sufficient despite a slight decrease attributed to commercial water conservation. The city plans to contract a consultant for an updated wastewater rate study to incorporate operational, maintenance, and capital improvement costs. Future wastewater treatment costs related to the East County Advanced Water Purification Project (ECAP) are also being studied. Public commenters raised questions about pool water usage for sewer rate calculations and potential homeowner liability for sewer lateral failures. The council also voted to adopt a resolution related to the sewer charges, with discussions highlighting the positive financial impact of the ECAP project, which will allow the city to sell purified wastewater, potentially stabilizing rates for generations.
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