# Escondido City Council Meeting - November 4, 2026

At its November 4, 2026 meeting, the Escondido City Council approved a unanimous $15,000 settlement with KB Homes. On the consent calendar, it approved an agreement concerning shared parking rights for the former Chamber of Commerce property, now intended for Precision Club LLC; staff said the agreement requires council approval for any future transfer and that the expected use would require up to about 40 spaces. The council also approved, 3–1, conditional ground-lease amendments with mall operator Merlone Geier (referred to in the transcript as Mervyn’s Shops) for North County Mall parcels 2, 5, 7, and 8, tied to the proposed Costco project on parcel 1. The amendments extend leases to 2081 and require specified mall capital improvements; Council Member Martinez voted no, citing concerns about the length of the extension and the decision’s timing. Staff said vertical transportation and HVAC upgrades are prioritized. The Costco lease and amendments remain contingent on required parties’ consent and other conditions.

In its final ARPA report, staff said the city had fully spent its $38,808,509 allocation across more than 24 projects, including street and trail work, public-safety equipment, park improvements, digital-access efforts, and $1.5 million in grants to 117 nonprofits. The council approved the 2027 solid-waste rate adjustment, with residential bills projected to rise $1.20 per month and a common commercial account $5.54; the changes take effect January 1, 2027, and the franchise fee is scheduled to increase from 14% to 14.5%. The council also approved the public art annual work plan, supported by an estimated $155,420 in restricted development-impact-fee revenue. No funding or completion date was identified for the school-route fence repairs raised during public comment.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Environment, Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** November 04, 2026

### Sources
- [Escondido City Council Meeting - November 4, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apNuqBdQUjk) - City of Escondido