HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023_11_21 - RegularMINUTES
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic Center,
35 Cajon Street, on November 21, 2023 at 5:00 P.M.
Present:
Staff:
Eddie Tejeda, Mayor
Paul Barich, Mayor Pro Tempore
Denise Davis, Council Member
Jenna Guzman -Lowery, Council Member
Mario Saucedo, Council Member
Charles M. Duggan, Jr., City Manager; Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney; Jeanne
Donaldson, City Clerk; Phillip Doolittle, City Treasurer; Janice McConnell, Assistant City
Manager; Chris Boatman, Assistant City Manager; Danielle Garcia, Management
Services/Finance Director; John Harris, Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director;
Rich Sessler, Fire Chief; Rachel Tolber, Police Chief; Tabitha Crocker, Facilities and
Community Services Director
Mayor Tejeda called the meeting to order and explained that comments could be presented
in -person, via Zoom, via cell phone or landline. He offered the public an opportunity to provide
comment on any item on the agenda for the closed session.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Coyote Aviation - Seven people, including Eric Paul, Gil and Carol Brown, Brad Evans,
Michael Paisner, Dr. Pam Miller and Barry Neumayer voiced their displeasure with the City's
treatment of Coyote Aviation, stating they thought it seemed the City was determined to
unfairly shutter the local business. They questioned whether Council Members truly
supported local businesses when it appeared to them that this was not always the case. They
disputed the timeline of events and stated the City should review the facts and ultimately
renegotiate the lease. They asked for fair treatment, and an honest and open dialogue.
CLOSED SESSION
Conference with legal counsel: Existing Litigation - Government Code §54956.9(d)(1)
(City Attorney Garcia)
One Case:
a. City of Redlands v. Coyote Aviation, Inc., San Bernardino Superior Court, Case No.
LLTVA2200544
Conference with legal counsel: Initiation of Litigation - Government Code §54956.9(d)(4): One
(1) Case.
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Conference with real property negotiators - Government Code §54956.8
(Assistant City Manager Boatman)
Property: 204 E. Redlands Blvd (APN 0171-071-08-0000); 180 Ninth Street (APN
0171-088-06-0000, APN 0171-088-07-0000)
Agency Charles M. Duggan, City Manager; Christopher Boatman, Assistant City
Negotiators: Manager
Negotiating Party: Lance Lenhert, Redlands Community Investment Corporation
Under Negotiation: Terms of payment and price of possible purchase of property by the City
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The meeting reconvened at 6:22 P.M. with an invocation by Council Member Saucedo followed
by the pledge of allegiance to the American flag.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Garcia announced that no reportable action was taken during the closed session.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Pro Tem Barich presented a Proclamation declaring November 25, 2023, as Small
Business Saturday to Evan Sanford of Redlands Chamber of Commerce.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Thanks and No Thanks - Dennis Bell thanked Project Manager Ross Wittman for managing the
remote callers during all the council meetings and complimented city staff who maintain the
downtown area. He criticized Governor Newsom for patting himself on the back for the quick
reopening of an LA stretch of the I-10 freeway which was temporarily shut down due to a fire.
Homelessness - Gregory Brittain complained the state of California can't seem to get a handle
on solving the homelessness crisis, despite the millions of dollars being thrown at it.
He recommended cities across the nation incorporate the tactic used by Governor Newsom to
clean up San Francisco's homeless population in preparation for China's President, Xi
Jinping. He encouraged cities across the nation to invite dignitaries for a visit, as this would be
the most expedient way to clear the streets and make them safe again.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the regular meeting minutes of November
7, 2023.
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Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Small Business Saturday Proclamation
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, a Proclamation declaring November 25,
2023 as Small Business Saturday.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Student Commissioner Appointments
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously appointed, by roll call vote, Ryan Chau, Citrus Valley High School, to
serve as the student commissioner on the Human Relations Commission for calendar year 2024;
appointed Benjamin Daniel Perez, Redlands East Valley High School, to serve as the student
commissioner on the Traffic and Parking Commission for calendar year 2024; and appointed
Noah Nguyen, Redlands High School, to serve as the student commissioner on the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Commission for calendar year 2024.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Annual Maintenance Payment Dispatch/Records Management System
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, an annual maintenance payment to
Motorola Solutions, Inc. in the amount of $103,633 for the Police Department's Spillman
Computer Aided Dispatch/Records Management System.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
License Agreement SBCTA Rights -of -Way
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of a License Agreement
with San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) for City utilities is exempt from
environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the
California Environmental Quality Act; and approved a License Agreement with San Bernardino
County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) for City utilities within SBCTA rights -of -way.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
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2023 JAG Grant Award Distribution & Interlocal Agreement
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the Interlocal Agreement between
the Town of Apple Valley, the Cities of Adelanto, Barstow, Chino, Colton, Fontana,
Hesperia, Highland, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Rialto, San
Bernardino, Twentynine Palms, Upland, Victorville, and the County of San
Bernardino concerning distribution of the 2023 Justice Assistance Grant Award; and
approved an additional appropriation of $19,851 to the Police Department.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
ABC / Office of Traffic Safety Grant Agreement
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the agreement between the City
and the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC-OTS) grant concerning the
distribution provided by the Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration in the amount of $30,000; approved the additional appropriation of
$30,000 in grant funds to the Police Department; and authorized the Chief of Police to sign
and execute any agreements concerning the grant.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Agreement for City Park Shade Sail Replacements
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich,
the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the agreement
with R.E. Schultz Construction, Inc. is exempt from the state's California Environmental
Quality Act pursuant to Section 15301; and approved the non-professional services
agreement with R.E. Schultz Construction, Inc., for an amount not to exceed $115,500 for the
replacement of shade sails at seven (7) city parks.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
License Agreement City's Corporate Yard Food Truck
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich,
the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the License
Agreement with Juan Morales, "The Dog House", is exempt from environmental review
pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines; and
approved the License Agreement with Juan Morales, "The Dog House", for a food truck at
the City's Corporate Yard, 1270 W. Park Avenue.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
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Amend Agreement Redlands Bowl Electrical & Theatrical Lighting Project
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the agreement is
exempt from an environmental review pursuant to Section 15061 of the State's CEQA
guidelines; and approved the Third Amendment to the Public Works Contract with My
Electrician Inc. for the Redlands Bowl Electrical and Theatrical Lighting Upgrade Project to
extend the time for completion by sixty (60) calendar days ending January 29, 2024.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
In -Kind Support Redlands Turkey Trot
Facilities and Community Services Director Crocker introduced the request by Phoenix Hope
International to hold The Redlands Turkey Trot event on November 23, 2023, within Sylvan
Park and the surrounding area, which included street closures and a request for in -kind support
in the amount of $12,649 related to the event. The application states the event proceeds will be
used to further mission goals, which include building schools and health clinics in Guatemala,
and half of the event proceeds are donated to Redlands -based charities. In the past, the
organization has donated to the Redlands Educational Partnership (REP), YouthHope, and to
elementary, middle, and high schools in the Redlands Unified School District. As public
comment, Dennis Bell was opposed to granting in -kind support to out-of-state organizations
and questioned why the support amount increased 105% from last year's event. Mayor Pro Tem
Barich voiced opposition to the request due to the organization's out-of-state status and
questioned the benefit to the City. Assistant City Manager Boatman added that organizations
requesting in -kind support must show a community benefit to the City in order for the Council
to approve.
On motion of Mayor Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the event is exempt from environmental
review pursuant to Section 15311(c) of the State's guidelines implementing the California
Environmental Quality Act; authorized the closure of E. High Ave., Division St., E. Park Ave.,
N. University St., Sylvan Blvd., N. Grove St., E. Brockton Ave., and Chapel St.; and authorized
the expenditure of city resources and in -kind support in the amount of $12,649 related to this
event.
Vote: 4 - 1 Passed
NAY: Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich
YMCA Holiday Home Tour Event In -Kind Support
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the in -kind support and
temporary street closure is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15311(c) of
the state's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; approved the
request for in -kind support in the amount of $1,800 related to this event; and authorized the
temporary street closure of Valle Vista Drive, from Rossmont Drive to Sunset Drive for the
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YMCA Holiday Horne Tour event to be held on December 3, 2023.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
COMMUNICATIONS
2023 National Community Survey Results
Project Manager Ross Wittman provided a brief report regarding the 2023 National
Community Survey (NCS) and introduced Brandon Barnett, of Polco, who presented an
overview of the survey results. In order to effectively gauge Redlands residents' continued
satisfaction with City services, in August 2023, the City released the 2023 NCS. During the
months of August and September, Polco compiled the results into the report, highlighting
trends over the three NCS periods, noting areas where the City received positive feedback from
Redlands' residents, while also identifying areas where City services can improve.
Mr. Barnett reviewed the procedures for undertaking the survey and listed five key findings:
1) Overall, Redlands residents enjoyed a positive quality of life; 2) Ratings for safety were on
the rise, and residents continued to emphasize its importance; 3) There were many positive
reviews regarding community design, but residents identified a need for improvement related to
the availability of affordable quality housing; 4) Overall economic health of Redlands was
rated good or excellent; 5) Residents showed a renewed appreciation for education, arts, and
culture. Special topics were also addressed in the survey, including homelessness and
downtown parking and ease of travel in Redlands.
Council Member Saucedo stated the results were good news, indicating city services were
running well, but he pointed out there was a need for improvement regarding homelessness,
protecting small businesses, code enforcement and sustainability issues. Council Member
Guzman -Lowery said the results seemed to line up with email communications she had
received, and she saw a need to create more infrastructure throughout the City. Council
Member Davis recommended the City continue to focus on promoting transparency and
encouraging open government policies. Mayor Pro Tem Barich invited the public to suggest
ways in which the City could improve. Mayor Tejeda was pleased with the results.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, to receive and file
the presentation on the results of the 2023 National Community Survey (NCS) conducted by
Policy Confluence, Inc. dba Polco.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
HELPER Act Letter of Support
Mayor Tejeda briefly reviewed the HELPERS Act which aims to provide favorable mortgage
terms and conditions for eligible first responders, including law enforcement officers,
firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and teachers. By establishing
a dedicated mortgage insurance program, the bill eliminates the traditional mortgage down
payment requirement and monthly mortgage insurance premiums, which can be substantial
barriers to homeownership. The legislation has received endorsements from mayors of several
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California municipalities.
As public comment, Gregory Brittain admitted this program might look good on paper, but
he complained the national debt was spiraling out of control, and he urged for more fiscal
responsibility. Michael Paisner said there is a need for fiscal responsibility, but he pointed out
the source of the nation's debt came mostly from Social Security and Medicare and defense
spending and people should keep it all in perspective.
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, Mayor Tejeda to
sign a letter on behalf of the City of Redlands in support of the HELPER Act (S. 1514 / H.R.
3170).
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
January 2, 2024 City Council Meeting Cancellation
Mayor Tejeda recommended the cancelation of the January 2, 2024, regular meeting of the
City Council in light of the holiday closure. The next regular meeting will be held on January
16, 2024.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the cancelation of the January 2, 2024,
regular meeting of the City Council in light of the holiday closure.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
American Rescue Plan Act Progress Report
Grants Coordinator Selena Sanchez provided an overview and progress report of the American
Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) program and explained the City received a total allocation of
$11,508,106 of the $350 billion SLFRF funding through ARPA. ARPA funds must be
obligated by December 31, 2024, and fully expended by December 31, 2026. Staff
recommended the reallocation of $1,857,000 from the Small Business Gift Card Match
Program and $55,000 from the Nonprofits Assistance Program to fund a second round of the
Grocery Gift Card Program. Staff further recommended approval of two limited -term, full-time
Administrative Assistants I/II positions effective January 8, 2024, for the administrative
support and facilitation of the community programs under the American Rescue Plan Act
SLFRF allocation. Council Members strongly supported the continuation of the gift card
program as it has proven to be an effective way to assist those in need.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the reallocation of
$1,625,000 from the Small Business Gift Card Match Program and $55,000 from the Nonprofits
Assistance Program to fund a second round of the Grocery Gift Card Program; and approved two
limited -term, full-time Administrative Assistants I/II positions effective January 8, 2024, for the
administrative support and facilitation of the community programs under the American Rescue
Plan Act SLFRF allocation and the reallocation of $232,000 from the Small Business Gift Card
Match Program to fund the positions.
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Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Resolution No. 8522 Fee and Service Charge Revenue/Cost Comparison
Mayor Tejeda opened the public hearing and called on Management Services/Finance Director
Garcia who announced that staff requested the public hearing be continued to a date certain of
December 5, 2023 in order to compile more information on the background of the fees, related
to Resolution No. 8522.
On motion of Mayor Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, the
City Council unanimously agreed, by roll call vote, to continue the public hearing to a date
certain of December 5, 2023, to allow for additional time to compile more information on the
background of the fees related to Resolution No. 8522, approving the Fee and Service Charge
Revenue/Cost Comparison System, establishing the amounts of fees and charges levied In
connection with the City's provision of services.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8523 Participation in Statewide Community Infrastructure Program
This item was pulled from tonight's agenda. Staff will reschedule the matter for the City Council
meeting held on December 5, 2023.
NEW BUSINESS
City Branding
Project Manager Ross Wittman briefly reported on the agreement with Pastilla, Inc for City
Branding. He introduced Rudy Manning, of Pastilla who described the branding effort intended
to embody Redlands' unique characteristics, strengths, and identity and clearly identify and
differentiate Redlands and its inimitable assets, culture, environment, and location within
Southern California and California as a whole. Mr Manning provided background on the
company's team, qualifications and experience. The goal of the branding effort was to create an
effective and professional brand, giving Redlands a strong and easily identifiable presence in
media, marketing, and economic development endeavors.
Pastilla has developed a tried and tested process to create an elevated brand identity, that
includes community engagement, identifying the community's values and strengths and
building a brand strategy. Anticipated deliverables from the branding initiative include
alternative logos, colors, wordmarks, fonts and insignias. Template materials will be developed
to create standardized city letterhead, business cards and email signatures. Finally, a brand
implementation guide will be created for City staff outlining the standards and rules for the use
of the brand. A brief discussion included the difference between city seals versus city logos.
The timeline for full completion was anticipated at 6 to 9 months.
Council Members were enthusiastic about the presentation and appreciated the fact that Mr.
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Manning had attended schools in Redlands. The desire was to create cohesion within the
community and give people a consistent message. City Manager Duggan added that the goal
was to unify messaging, so the public could easily recognize the city brand. As public
comment, Andy Hoder was opposed to spending taxpayer dollars to develop a brand image
when there were so many other pressing needs, such as tree trimming and repairing cut stone
curbs. Dennis Bell also considered this a waste of money, and he said the City's image can't be
changed by simply changing the branding images.
On motion of Mayor Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the agreement with Pastilla, Inc. in the amount
of $82,075 for City Branding.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Police Department Portable Radios Purchase
Police Chief Tolber explained the need for the sole source purchase for 800 MHz APX 6500
and APX 6000 portable radios from Motorola Solutions to replace current aging equipment, in
an amount not to exceed $684,650.96.
On motion of Mayor Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, the City
Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the sole source purchase for 800 MHz APX
6500 and APX 6000 portable radios from Motorola Solutions to replace current aging
equipment, in an amount not to exceed $684,650.96.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Fire Department All -Band Portable Radios Purchase
Fire Chief Sessler reviewed the sole source purchase of 800 MHz APX NEXT XN all -band
portable radios from Motorola Solutions to replace current aging equipment, for an amount not
to exceed $805,692.46.
On motion of Mayor Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the sole source purchase of 800 MHz APX
NEXT XN all -band portable radios from Motorola Solutions to replace current aging equipment
for the Fire Department, in an amount not to exceed $805,692.46.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8521 New Payment Schedule for Lease Purchase 3 Type I Fire Engines
Fire Chief Sessler provided background of Resolution No. 8521 for a new payment schedule
under the existing Master Equipment Lease -Purchase Agreement with Holman Capital
Corporation, for the lease purchase of three Type I Fire Engines in the total amount of
$3,668,444.93. Per its Fleet Replacement Plan, the Fire Department has identified a critical
need for replacing two Type I Fire Engines (Medic Engines 262 and 264). These engines are
used as primary means for fire suppression and emergency response. Each of these units are
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outside the recommended standard for front line service.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No.
8521 authorizing a new Payment Schedule under the existing Master Equipment Lease -Purchase
Agreement with Holman Capital Corporation, for the lease purchase of three Type I Fire
Engines in the total amount of $3,668,444.93.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Agreement for Citrus Center Security Services
Facilities and Community Services Director Crocker presented the agreement with Universal
Protection Service, LP, doing business as Allied Universal Security Services for unarmed
security guard services at the Citrus Center in an amount not -to -exceed $355,206.30 for a
period of three years.
On motion of Mayor Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the agreement is exempt
from environmental review pursuant to Section 15301 of the State's guidelines implementing the
California Environmental Quality Act; and approved the agreement with Universal Protection
Service, LP dba Allied Universal Security Services for unarmed security guard services at the
Citrus Center in an amount not to exceed $355,206.30.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
License Agreement Zanja Trail Construction
Facilities and Community Services Department Director Crocker summarized the License
Agreement with Larry Jacinto Construction, Inc. authorizing construction of the Zanja Trail
between Church Street and 9th Street and a parking lot serving the Zanja Trail between 7th
Street and 9th Street. As public comment, Bruce Laycook asked if there was a cost for the City.
Assistant City Manager Boatman clarified a donation was received donating the trail and all the
construction for the trail and this agreement authorizes the contractor to perform the work on
the property.
On motion of Council Member Mario Saucedo, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of
the License Agreement with Larry Jacinto Construction, Inc. is exempt from California
Environmental Quality Act guidelines pursuant to Section 15061; and approved a License
Agreement with Larry Jacinto Construction, Inc. for the construction of the Zanja Trail between
Church Street and 9th Street and a parking lot serving the Zanja Trails between 7th Street and 9th
Street.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
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COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ed Hales Park - The event was a huge success and attended by Mayor
Tejeda, Mayor Pro Tem Barich, and Council Members Davis and Saucedo.
Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony - All the Council Members participated in the parade and
activities at Jennie Davis Park.
Mayor Tejeda enjoyed the Salvation Army's Red Kettle cook -off event, met with a mortgage
specialist for information related to the HELPER Act, toured District 2 with Police Chief Tolber,
and attended an event honoring the many years of pastoral service of Dr. Donald Robinson.
Mayor Pro Tem Barich enjoyed Thanksgiving Tuesday, sponsored by the RPOA, Police Officers
Foundation and Stater Bros, where over 300 people were fed a holiday feast at Sylvan Park. He
attended the recent Library Board meeting, the Chamber's Rise and Shine meeting and was happy to
participate in the 100th anniversary celebration of the Redlands Lawn Bowling club.
Council Member Davis thanked City Manager Duggan for addressing the Youth Council, with 35
students, participated in a parade in Fontana hosted by Assemblymember Eloise Gomez Reyes and
enjoyed the Benevolent Fund Bowling event.
Council Member Guzman -Lowery attended the Ark of Safety Community Resiliency Summit,
sponsored by Building Resilient Communities. The event showcased safety solutions for the
community.
Council Member Saucedo participated in a County level roundtable discussion related to
homelessness, and was proud to attend an event hosted by the San Bernardino County Schools
Superintendent, who awarded diplomas to veterans. He thoroughly enjoyed the ribbon cutting event
at Lugonia Groves celebrating the replanting of trees as a way to preserve the community's citrus
heritage. He added, the grove has been a vital part of the City's legacy.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 8:17 P.M. The next regular meeting
of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on December 5, 2023.
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