Santee council approves $18,500 for conceptual design work for potential theater parcel; one council member objects

SANTEE, Calif. — The Santee City Council on Aug. 13 voted 4–1 to appropriate $18,500 from the general fund reserve to fund a professional-services agreement with urban designer Howard Blackson to prepare interim activation concept plans for a potential theater parcel.

The staff report described the agreement as funding conceptual design services and interim activation ideas for the parcel. Council voted to approve the appropriation and agreement; the vote was recorded as four ayes and one no from Councilmember Koval.

Public comment: A public speaker identifying themselves as Truth criticized the consultant and their affiliated firm’s online materials during public comment, questioning the firm’s values and national urban‑planning viewpoints and saying the company’s language did not merit public funds. Truth said in part, “Their values or lack thereof doesn't deserve 1 tax dollar from the city of Santee.” That criticism was part of public comment and did not affect the council’s vote.

Why it matters: The appropriation funds concept‑level design work ahead of any formal development application and is intended to help the city evaluate activation options for a parcel the council has been studying. The $18,500 is a one-time professional-services appropriation from the city’s general fund reserve for the consultant engagement.

Next steps: Staff will execute the professional‑services agreement and proceed with concept designs; any subsequent project approvals or funding beyond this conceptual phase would require further council action.