[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6567615,"mediaKeyId","3289757-3d7245dd1637c9b25495969ed1e6d919","parentId",3289757,"title","Resident raises hidden-camera concerns at Fire Station 8; mayor and police say criminal investigation opened immediately","audioSeconds",222,"startMs",1318000,"endMs",1540000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3289757-3d7245dd1637c9b25495969ed1e6d919&start=1318&end=1540","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3289757-3d7245dd1637c9b25495969ed1e6d919/thumbnail_1318000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6567615/El-Cajon/San-Diego-County/California/Resident-raises-hidden-camera-concerns-at-Fire-Station-8-mayor-and-police-say-criminal-investigation-opened-immediately","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567615-78ac0c7f956fe4fd79f353898d5dd7a5/orig.mp4?Expires=1776055588&Signature=PHdp5C-7pwBB3z8NHfIIA91X~Jh3MrVdoppDdOflIfwM8VYSTrVi2GRIIYsyWtb9HfC-aWSH6B9ufqsIxHF-gf5e2vy-rNKD6WWX8-f526gSJUYcE4SHUSY362-l8yfawOxhB4FcPqWH9kniegVhau8Ro~lP03MPJ7Px6I4DfoYbfMb3tz4ff~YuNM-EKTOk-X3uYPLRnqWfbC4qvw6~K8SetB~M1QqwsqMpNuHjQovFcgB-NGDdqfh0SEZoUPqsJ2Mf~HZ9Y4wlpUxwRmEMqoM7oNBSGwJYDNRurg51HeV8wEAKcDLjRMsjR0w~1zuYR~v~Fau9VYudu9KB1vPTZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Elcajon","date","2025-05-13T00:00:00Z","article","A member of the public told the El Cajon City Council during public comment on May 13 that women had alleged concealed cameras were discovered in bunk rooms at Fire Station 8 on Feb. 2 and said the city should have acted sooner. Mayor Bill Wells and council members responded that the police department opened a criminal investigation immediately upon notification.

The commenter said \"the city should have immediately addressed this issue on February 3, not May 5,\" and alleged the presence of cameras raised civil-rights concerns for women who work at the station. The mayor replied that the police opened an investigation \"within less than an hour\" of notification and that evidence (the cameras) had been turned over to law enforcement. The mayor said the department had not delayed and that criminal investigators have been handling the matter since then.

Nut graf: The exchange in public comment centered on the timing of the city's response to alleged concealed cameras at a fire station. City officials told the council the department began an investigation immediately after notification; no additional operational details or outcomes of the investigation were disclosed at the meeting.

What was said on the record

- Public commenter: raised concerns about a lawsuit alleging civil-rights violations connected to concealed cameras found in Fire Station 8 bunk rooms, criticized timing of the city's public response.

- Mayor Bill Wells (as recorded): said the police department opened a criminal investigation within less than an hour of being notified and that the city has been \"on top of this thing.\" He urged the public to understand law enforcement had taken immediate steps.

Follow-up and limits

Council and staff did not provide additional investigative details in open session. The city attorney had earlier reported that the council met in closed session on three legal matters, two described as existing litigation and one as a workers' compensation claim; the attorney reported that no direction was given on the first two matters and that direction was given to the city's workers' comp adjusting agent on the third. The city did not state whether any of the closed-session items correspond to the public comment allegations.

No decisions or votes were taken in open session specifically on this matter during the May 13 meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Elcajon - City Council Meeting 3pm - May 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","During public comment a resident said women alleged concealed cameras were discovered in Fire Station 8 bunk rooms on Feb. 2. Mayor Bill Wells and the city said police opened a criminal investigation within an hour of notification; council members stressed the city took action promptly.","taxTitle","El Cajon, San Diego County, California","taxId",2845,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6567620,"City staff outlines multiple California bills that could affect El Cajon, from housing to public works exemptions",429,2065000,2494000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3289757-3d7245dd1637c9b25495969ed1e6d919&start=2065&end=2494","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3289757-3d7245dd1637c9b25495969ed1e6d919/thumbnail_2065000.jpg","/articles/6567620/El-Cajon/San-Diego-County/California/City-staff-outlines-multiple-California-bills-that-could-affect-El-Cajon-from-housing-to-public-works-exemptions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567620-07a409530c76bad03c4c5cdffc69f07f/orig.mp4?Expires=1776055588&Signature=Wamdt~6NaVjy3gZBFan0WMtRBcfnAFPTq7nwewx-X37sYQpAEbDKn7u8HD2zWnR-c6a4OwTgUk4SjNsa77Ix0H5uaKS2yjK7Zw443PY5~HlUl76alMDcUeEvZ~njrBIaAWpr1LC9fHkRsK6QzzzRliyeKbCoy5~6~mu2Z30AU496wEMGjEGpLwb2keNiExjzYOJ-MYxqVOmJ3HQAhA6c4pDSTHj5SGD7qmXl~em~1rXQdeCunI5jbecO~UGvUyE3GCxyrYJBgQCHA0m6-sdyiNr2iTZoixrTXBFebKm3ZJ-0yTYBPTPM1CZ~~1oZ0tFhqlUnKvLoe~K-1DLP68CC1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Assistant City Manager Vince DiMaggio gave the council a legislative update on May 13, reviewing several state bills that staff are tracking for potential local impacts ranging from housing and land use to public safety and public works operations.

DiMaggio said roughly 2,300 bills met the filing deadline and that staff are watching those with municipal implications. He highlighted a selection of measures: a proposed statewide California Housing Authority (AB 1154) that could produce and finance housing counting toward RHNA allocations; bills limiting local parking requirements for small accessory dwelling units; proposals to impose training or education standards for police officers; bills addressing K-9 policies and use; and a measure (SB 634) originating from an El Cajon proposal to exempt designated public works vehicles from electrification mandates so they remain operational during power outages.

Nut graf: The update signaled potential changes that could affect planning, zoning, municipal service delivery and first-responder logistics. DiMaggio told the council staff will continue to monitor bills as they move through committees and will return for policy direction if a bill becomes particularly relevant to the city's interests.

Notable items DiMaggio discussed

- SB 346/SB 4906: proposals concerning K-9 policies and requirements for law enforcement agencies to adopt standards consistent with POST guidance.

- SB 634 (sponsored out of the city table): amendment to exempt certain public works vehicles from electrification mandates so first-responder-capable equipment remains operable during power shutoffs.

- AB 1154: creation of a California Housing Authority with the ability to produce housing that counts toward jurisdictional RHNA obligations.

- AB 1154 and SB 767: other bills that would change local zoning or ministerial review rules, including upzoning near transit or relaxed setback/parking requirements in certain conversion proposals.

Council members asked for clarification on specific bills' effects, prevailing wage language, and enforcement implications for tent encampments and designated shelters. Staff said some bills remain in early committee stages; a few could be amended, and the city may request League of California Cities assistance or bring items back to council for action if needed.

Action taken: none required during the meeting; the presentation was informational and the council did not take immediate policy positions.","Assistant City Manager Vince DiMaggio briefed the council on a range of state bills — including AB 1154 (housing authority), SB 4906 (public works vehicle exemption from electrification mandates), AB 1154, SB 634 (homeless encampment rules), and several bills addressing housing density and K-9 policies — and described potential local impacts.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6567625,"After public hearing, council authorizes liens for delinquent refuse/recycling accounts",218,1535000,1753000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3289757-3d7245dd1637c9b25495969ed1e6d919&start=1535&end=1753","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3289757-3d7245dd1637c9b25495969ed1e6d919/thumbnail_1535000.jpg","/articles/6567625/El-Cajon/San-Diego-County/California/After-public-hearing-council-authorizes-liens-for-delinquent-refuserecycling-accounts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567625-2aa779b1b82b23088448b68ff9c3ce46/orig.mp4?Expires=1776055588&Signature=RCex1KUdSMPxn-z7elrCrrRD1GyCkl-8iA~FQ3ZjxCJ9E0WjAIRR17M8S8wWTDXwpCrUvNPpfk7jcZxATMjZPNj2EOr4QI0LXuFCsZJ-cmfaMZRlFnHhVFFzFlG361Gul3ZxQcy7a0WOL6h8C~Jp-evLmyFj4jAiSSk9Er-Gn1Xx5KTTwxDHd1YGF6P0AEWnuOZC1Qgwp4Co-oAm7T5id2lGLYz5K8swWTCBHOa359owNg~~mvElpv-JIjfFDwXYH56T4bwK2VLcZ3ZttUIB9bULWOhKq4crUtSlQKLtjCT5KjWRU1BaPI49xui4aK4hNjdTg3q-46nVomTdjp8msw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The El Cajon City Council on May 13 held a public hearing and authorized staff to record liens on properties with unpaid refuse and recycling charges collected by EDCO under the city's franchise agreement.

EDCO staff, including CEO Steve South and General Manager Carl Sherbaum, joined Cindy Horn (director of revenue management) and city staff to answer council questions about the lien process and collection efforts. City staff said the lien program began in 2021 under the current franchise agreement with EDCO and that outreach has reduced delinquencies from more than 1,000 accounts in early 2025 to roughly 149 at the time of the staff report.

Nut graf: The council confirmed the city's use of property liens to recover unpaid residential refuse and recycling bills where customers have not paid and do not qualify for exemptions; council members emphasized that service is not suspended for delinquent accounts and that commercial accounts are handled separately and are generally current.

Details from the hearing

- EDCO said it pursues delinquent accounts through mailings, invoices, automated calls and personal calls. Cindy Horn said commercial accounts are actively pursued by a dedicated collection crew and that commercial delinquencies are rare.

- Staff confirmed that liens are recorded on the property tax roll and that once an account is paid the lien is removed. The council discussed that some property owners repeatedly allow accounts to go delinquent and then pay via property tax payments when they occur.

- City staff recommended adopting the resolution confirming liens on 149 accounts (staff noted the number continued to change as payments arrived after report publication) with an approximate total value of $46,000 including fees.

Action taken

The council closed the public hearing and adopted the resolution confirming lien placements; the motion carried unanimously.

Context and effect

Under the city's franchise agreement with EDCO, unpaid residential refuse charges may be collected via liens recorded against the property; the collected amounts are remitted to EDCO. City staff said service is not terminated for delinquent accounts while the lien process is used to secure payment.","EDCO and city staff reported a reduction in delinquent refuse/recycling accounts since January; the council held a public hearing and unanimously authorized placing liens on delinquent residential properties to recover unpaid fees.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6567629,"Council accepts ARPA final obligations, will return $167,246 that missed federal deadline",408,3428000,3836000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3289757-3d7245dd1637c9b25495969ed1e6d919&start=3428&end=3836","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3289757-3d7245dd1637c9b25495969ed1e6d919/thumbnail_3428000.jpg","/articles/6567629/El-Cajon/San-Diego-County/California/Council-accepts-ARPA-final-obligations-will-return-167246-that-missed-federal-deadline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567629-1ed4132043f0dbe567e3000e5b514699/orig.mp4?Expires=1776055588&Signature=JbvVLZhbWPniM8TH00Tb8dzycmlgUYRVp1sP87N2pUt~PmIsFYC-PwfmiAwlR42fO3NLo-kvRdTkp0eIpeDKGWfZJ8lWCrr7O0~NjabjeK4a2jAj0Ua0kFS7bFQynlZZh6Q2JNECvKdV~iZGOG8BTaEb6tiflKaFLPnyJY22RDAtZWMZel5C68-XrGkGQctnbhb8tf1WkquM5hKrKx53GZttXtiI~EwydYPkr~eV1393b877VGIJmFknOzoy4hYSbxMXDUjW1FcWxyqiMQLGiZmYku9BPbTLnmR9Nj1qVd8u1QL2O9MfTAIAnOi0q~tWLQjQeXMaTE2jEqDTkbgt6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The El Cajon City Council on May 13 accepted staff's final accounting of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and authorized the city manager to return any amounts required by federal rules.

City senior management analyst Ryan Villegas told the council that the city received $30,399,751 in ARPA funds in May 2021 and that final obligations now total $30,232,505, or 99.45% of the award. That leaves $167,246 that federal rules require to be returned because it was not legally obligated by the obligation deadline.

Nut graf: The action formally closes out the city's ARPA obligation accounting and authorizes the city to make the administrative appropriations and de-appropriations necessary to reconcile project budgets and return unspent funds to the federal government.

What staff presented

Ryan Villegas described 26 ARPA-funded projects: 13 were complete at the time of the report and others are nearing completion. Completed projects include business grants, vaccine outreach, street camera systems, park restroom repairs and ARPA administration audits. Projects nearing completion include recreation center HVAC upgrades, citywide street beautification, public safety and public works vehicles (43 of 51 received as of the report), and a new aerial platform fire truck ordered for delivery in spring next year.

Villegas said some projects came in under budget (for example a fire engine procurement), which allowed staff to shift funds into other eligible projects before the deadline. A small set of contract contingencies that were not obligated by the federal deadline accounts for the $167,246 the city must return.

Council questions and staff responses

Council members asked about the size and timing of the return and whether money could be shifted to complete other projects. Villegas and Assistant City Manager Vince DiMaggio said federal ARPA rules limited the city's flexibility after the obligation deadline; staff had attempted to identify eligible projects to absorb remaining funds but could not legally obligate additional sums before the deadline. Villegas said some project contingencies were deliberately left available and that engineering projects with contingencies are generally confident of meeting budgeted obligations.

Action taken

Council authorized the appropriations/de-appropriations and gave the city manager authority to return funds as required by ARPA. The motion passed unanimously.

Context

Villegas noted that of the city's $30.4 million ARPA allocation, $30,232,505 is now obligated across 26 projects. Staff expects remaining work on capital projects to continue into next year and will return with progress reports as appropriate.","City staff reported $30,232,505 in final obligations of $30,399,751 ARPA funds (99.45% obligated); council authorized staff to return $167,246 that could not be obligated by the federal deadline and to adjust appropriations.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6567633,"Council approves lien placements, multiple ordinances and final ARPA obligations in unanimous votes",1218,3397000,4615000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3289757-3d7245dd1637c9b25495969ed1e6d919&start=3397&end=4615","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3289757-3d7245dd1637c9b25495969ed1e6d919/thumbnail_3397000.jpg","/articles/6567633/El-Cajon/San-Diego-County/California/Council-approves-lien-placements-multiple-ordinances-and-final-ARPA-obligations-in-unanimous-votes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567633-14c05aa05024239164e0df23270ef7a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1776055588&Signature=C6d~iyA-HAjyd3k~q~ZM5Z~LOOiE5ewBkS8ocHtxagqmwkkr0othEUR7yZkb5FDGqtJ5MyA~~Sf-ZyLeoZmv66wH5PDyIl~E3Ky5HuI5~uS-azcwVZeKmKVcMAK1Bh78NcprZ-Gy4CGkNWq9KugJcxGsaDHp2aKXVaLOkNHsx8AAWPVKntGdiPtbJ1Utl6f~WHEkewmL14JDdzk3NqsVru5W7Tw1ohT5UkG32ekNqBiJeqZuG8pMxtE0c7PjHRYVMWzR-N19czdAwQEP963e7bnnBVRRlEEcVU3EMhLmDeDhn55KJzbwyMe2TkEBoHmj4-SRf3v9Wh5tviUfwSoF3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The El Cajon City Council on May 13 approved a package of routine and policy items including the placement of delinquent refuse and recycling liens, several ordinance adoptions, and final obligations for American Rescue Plan Act funds. All recorded motions carried unanimously.

The council confirmed and authorized recording liens for delinquent refuse and recycling accounts after a public hearing and staff presentation from EDCO representatives. Council members then approved several second-reading ordinances, including a zoning code update; an amendment to the city's contract with CalPERS for police associations; a new fee for nonemergency lift assistance at licensed care facilities; and designation of fire hazard severity zones in line with the fire marshal's recommendations. The council also authorized staff to appropriate and de-appropriate final ARPA funds and to return unspent amounts required by federal rules.

Why it matters: The actions finalize a mix of administrative and policy measures. Lien placements recover unpaid service charges and allow EDCO to be reimbursed; the zoning and other ordinances change local regulatory requirements; and the ARPA item settles the city's accounting for nearly all of the $30.4 million in federal relief funds the city received in 2021.

Key votes and items

- Consent calendar: adopted by motion; no items pulled. Motion carried unanimously.

- Item 11 (delinquent refuse/recycling collection charges): council held a public hearing, heard staff from EDCO, and adopted the resolution authorizing lien placements on properties with delinquent accounts. Outcome: motion carried unanimously.

- Item 19 (zoning code amendment): council adopted an ordinance amending Title 17 of the El Cajon Municipal Code to streamline some housing and commercial land-use permits and make technical edits; council removed the previously proposed section 20 (emergency cabins) prior to passage. Outcome: motion carried unanimously.

- Item 20 (CalPERS contract amendment): council adopted an ordinance approving an amendment to the contract between the city and the California Public Employees' Retirement System for specified police bargaining units. Outcome: motion carried unanimously.

- Item (ordinance) enacting chapter 8.09 (nonemergency lift assistance fee): council adopted an ordinance creating a fee for nonemergency lift assistance at licensed care facilities. Outcome: motion carried unanimously.

- Designation of fire hazard severity zones: council adopted an ordinance designating fire hazard severity zones consistent with the state fire marshal's maps. City staff clarified to the council that the council was adopting the designated zones and not expanding them. Outcome: motion carried unanimously.

- ARPA final obligations and required returns: staff presented the final obligation report for American Rescue Plan Act funds, showing $30,232,505 in final obligations (99.45% of the $30,399,751 received) and $167,246 to be returned because it was not legally obligated by the federal deadline. Council authorized the city manager to return funds as required and to make the necessary appropriations/de-appropriations. Outcome: motion carried unanimously.

What the council recorded: Each of the above items was approved by motion and a recorded \"motion carries by unanimous vote\" was announced for each action. No roll-call vote breakdown by member name was provided in the public record for these items.

Looking ahead: Several projects funded with ARPA remain in progress and staff told the council they expect completion of outstanding capital and program items next year.","At its May 13, 2025 meeting the El Cajon City Council unanimously approved placing delinquent refuse/recycling liens, adopted several ordinances including zoning updates and a nonemergency lift-assistance fee, and accepted final obligations for American Rescue Plan Act funds, authorizing staff actions to return unspent amounts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident raises hidden-camera concerns at Fire Station 8; mayor and police say criminal investigation opened immediately

City staff outlines multiple California bills that could affect El Cajon, from housing to public works exemptions

After public hearing, council authorizes liens for delinquent refuse/recycling accounts

Council accepts ARPA final obligations, will return $167,246 that missed federal deadline

Council approves lien placements, multiple ordinances and final ARPA obligations in unanimous votes