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El Cajon council adopts new fee schedule, moves to amend CalPERS contract and introduces lift-assist and fire-hazard ordinances
Summary
Councilors approved an annual update to the city's fee schedule, authorized initiation of a CalPERS contract amendment for police pensions, and introduced ordinances to charge non-emergent "lift assist" calls at licensed care facilities and to adopt updated state fire-hazard severity maps.
The El Cajon City Council on April 22 approved the city's annual fee update, authorized a resolution of intention to amend the city—s CalPERS contract for police bargaining units, and introduced two ordinances: one to set a fee for non-emergency "lift assist" responses at licensed care facilities, and another to adopt Cal Fire—s updated fire hazard severity zone maps.
City staff explained the annual fee review and said changes are timed to take effect at the start of the fiscal year; the council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution that updates the schedule of miscellaneous fees.
"This is the annual review of fees and charges," a staff presenter said, noting adjustments spread across multiple departments. Staff highlighted building-permit valuation changes tied to nationally recognized code updates and a newly proposed non-emergent lift-assist fee slated to begin July 1.
Separately, the council unanimously approved a resolution of intention to amend the CalPERS contract for classic members of the Police Officers Association and the Police Officers Association Management Group; staff said the change formalizes negotiated increases in employer/employee contributions that were part of recent labor contracts.
Councilmembers also introduced two ordinances for later final action: one to implement a fee for non-emergency lift assistance at licensed congregate care facilities, and another to designate fire-hazard severity zones consistent with Cal Fire—s mapping. Fire Marshal Ken King summarized the state maps, saying they "identify 3 levels, moderate, high, and very high," and described resulting building-standards and defensible-space obligations for areas mapped as high or very high.
Why it matters: The fee schedule affects a wide range of residents and development customers and is timed to the fiscal year. The CalPERS amendment starts a formal process required to change pension contract contribution terms. The lift-assist fee targets non-emergency emergency-medical responses at licensed care facilities, and the fire-hazard ordinance brings the city into compliance with state mapping that can affect building standards and sale disclosures in higher-risk areas.
Decisions: The council adopted the fee resolution and the CalPERS resolution by unanimous votes. Council members introduced the lift-assist and fire-hazard ordinances and scheduled second readings per the standard ordinance timeline. Staff said the new lift-assist fee and related ordinance will take effect July 1, 2025.
Looking ahead: The ordinances will return for second readings on the council calendar; staff will implement the fee updates and notify affected departments and the public.
