Council approves routine business; public commenter warns outreach programs may exploit veterans

The El Cajon City Council voted unanimously on routine business at its June 11 meeting. After no items were pulled from the consent agenda and no speaker cards were submitted for consent, the mayor moved to approve the consent items; the clerk recorded the motion as carried by unanimous vote.

During public comment, Brenda Hammond thanked the city and volunteers for veterans events and said she had driven veterans to activities in the past. Hammond also raised a concern she said she had observed: that some homeless outreach programs may be taking advantage of veterans and that the monies they collect "are going to a campaign reelection," an allegation she said she did not support. The council did not take action on the comment; state law limits discussion or action on items not on the agenda but allows staff to provide follow-up or place items on a future agenda.

Later in the meeting, staff recommended canceling the second meeting in August (Aug. 27) unless necessary items arise. The mayor moved to approve the cancellation and the clerk recorded a unanimous vote to cancel that meeting. The council adjourned the joint meeting until Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 3 p.m.