HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025_04_15 - RegularMINUTES
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic
Center, 35 Cajon Street, on April 15, 2025 at 5:00 P.M.
Present: Mario Saucedo, Mayor
Marc Shaw, Mayor Pro Tempore
Paul Barich, Council Member
Eddie Tejeda, Council Member
Denise Davis, Council Member
Staff:Charles M. Duggan, Jr., City Manager; Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney; Jeanne
Donaldson, City Clerk; Chris Boatman, Assistant City Manager; Carl Baker, Public
Information Officer; Danielle Garcia, Management Services/Finance Director; Brian
Desatnik, Development Services Director; John Harris, Municipal Utilities and
Engineering Director; Rich Sessler, Fire Chief; Rachel Tolber, Police Chief; Tabitha
Crocker, Facilities and Community Services Director; Robert Meteau, HR/Risk
Management Director
Mayor Saucedo 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
Claim Against the City - Steve Rogers asked about the timing of the claim submitted by Travis
Martinez and urged the Council to use a law firm other than Best Best & Krieger LLP on this
matter.
CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNCIL- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 54956.9(d)(2) and (e)(3): A point has been reached where,
in the opinion of the legislative body of the local agency on the advice of its legal counsel, based
on existing facts and circumstances, there is a significant exposure to litigation against the local
agency, based on the receipt of a government claim from claimant Travis Martinez threatening
litigation (copy available for public inspection in City Clerk’s Office).
Conference with legal counsel: Existing Litigation - Government Code §54956.9(d)(1)
(City Attorney Garcia)
One Case:
California Department of Housing and Community Development v. Shangri-la Industries,
LLC, et al., Los Angeles Superior Court, Case No. 24STCV00629
a.
Conference with real property negotiators - Government Code §54956.8
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Conference with real property negotiators - Government Code §54956.8
(Assistant City Manager Christopher Boatman)
Property:APN 0292-063-38-0000
Agency
Negotiators:
Charles M. Duggan, City Manager; Christopher Boatman, Assistant City
Manager
Negotiating
Party:
Seth Davis; Managing Director, Arixa Capital
Under
Negotiation:
Terms of payment and price for possible purchase of property by the City.
Conference with real property negotiators - Government Code §54956.8
(Facilities and Community Services Director Crocker)
Property: 0168031120000, 0168031100000, 0168031080000, 0291201110000,
0291201170000, 0168041190000, 0168041250000, 0168041490000,
0168041600000, 0291201060000, 0291201050000, 0291201040000,
0291201030000, 0168041210000, 0168311080000, 0297111050000,
029711107000
Agency
Negotiators:
Charles M. Duggan, City Manager; Tabitha Crocker, Facilities and
Community Services Director
Negotiating Party:San Bernardino County
Under Negotiation: Terms of property transfer.
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The meeting reconvened at 6:35 P.M. with an invocation by Mayor Saucedo followed by the
pledge of allegiance to the American flag.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Garcia announced Item No. C.1. - The City Council approved a settlement
agreement and release of all claims between the City of Redlands and Travis Martinez pursuant
to the following material terms: 1-Martinez shall file the required application for retirement
within 10 days of the effective date of the settlement agreement; 2-City shall pay Martinez the
sum of $871,956 plus the payout of accrued leave time and other accruals within 30 days of the
effective date of the settlement agreement; 3-Within 30 days from the effective date of the
settlement agreement City shall: 1) issue a retiree "flat badge"; 2) return to Martinez personal
property in the department and retrieve personal photos and contacts from his city-issued cell
phone; 3) make Martinez' personnel file available for his review; and 4-City and Martinez shall
release each other for any and all current and future claims each may have against the other.
Once fully executed, the agreement will be on file with the City Clerk's Office. The motion to
approve the settlement agreement and release of all claim was made by Council Member Davis
seconded by Council Member Tejeda and passed as follows: YES: Tejeda, Saucedo and Davis;
NO: Shaw and Barich; Absent: None
City Attorney Garcia added there was no reportable action taken on Items C.2.; C.3.; and C.4.
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PRESENTATIONS
Proclamation National Donate Life Month
Mayor Saucedo presented a Proclamation declaring the month of April 2025 as National Donate
Life Month to John Vancampen, One Legacy Ambassador.
Sister Cities Gift Presentation
Roy Cencirulo, Redlands Sister Cities Board President, thanked the City for their support of the
Sister Cities program and pointed out that the Redlands relationship with Hino, Japan, dated back
to 1963. Mr. Cencirulo, fellow Board Members, and several students and chaperons who recently
visited Hino, presented a lovely vase to Mayor Saucedo and the Council. They shared stories of
their experiences and were grateful for the City's partnership.
PUBLIC COMMENT
In Honor of Officer Seth Franklin - Redlands Police Officers Association President Jeff Frisch
spoke to the sadness felt by so many at the loss of Police Officer Seth Franklin. He pointed out
Officer Franklin's requests for presumptive work-related injuries had been denied, and he urged
the City to reconsider, as his young family had been left with no income or health benefits.
Bicycle Classic - Dennis Bell took an unofficial head count of Bicycle Classic attendees a few
different times throughout the weekend, and he said he could not come close to the
35,000–45,000 projected attendees as presented by the event organizers. He came up with about
1,200 people during the women's race on Saturday and about 300 people for the Sunday
afternoon races. He wondered why the prize amounts were much lower than in past years.
Bike Safety & Traffic Enforcement - SD2 complained that the bike lanes near Redlands High
School are often blocked by cars and are unsafe for cyclists. He said he had reported this, but he
claimed the Police Department had not been responsive to his requests to enforce parking
violations.
Claim Against the City - Steve Rogers raised questions regarding the Closed Session Report,
announcing the Council had approved a settlement agreement with Travis Martinez. He restated
his concerns about the City's choice to use Best Best & Krieger LLP, and he said there appeared
to be a conflict of interest.
Opposition to Political Violence - Gregory Brittain said that incidences of political violence
were increasing and, as an example, he described how recently someone had spray-painted a
swastika on a local church, and it appeared to be politically motivated. He pushed the Council to
officially condemn all violence.
Condemn Acts of Hatred - Michael Paisner put forth that one act of hate does not justify another
act of hate, and he added that all acts of hatred should be condemned.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes
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On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the regular meeting minutes April 1, 2025.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Proclamation National Donate Life Month
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation declaring
the month of April, 2025 as National Donate Life Month.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Proclamation May 1, 2025, National Day of Prayer
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation declaring
May 1, 2025, as National Day of Prayer in the City of Redlands.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8680 City Council Member Reference Handbook
City Manager Duggan provided background on Resolution No. 8680 and the establishment of
the proposed City Council Member Reference Handbook, which was intended to serve as an
orientation tool for new City Council members and as a reference manual. The Handbook is a
collection of City Council practices, policies and ordinances relevant to the roles and
responsibilities of City Council members, as well as state laws pertaining to legislative bodies
and elected officials, such as the Ralph M. Brown Act and the Political Reform Act of 1974.
The Handbook is an evolving document, and may be amended as needed. As public comment,
Steve Rogers was disappointed that a 'code of conduct' was not included in the Handbook. He
thought the document was lacking in other areas, as well, and suggested the handbook should
have included steps by which the public could file a formal complaint.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8680 approving the City
Council Member Reference Handbook.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8678 CUP No. 1107 Time Extension
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8678, authorizing a
one-year time extension to the expiration date of Conditional Use Permit No. 1107 and
associated entitlements for the adaptive reuse of a historic single-family residence as a medical
clinic and pediatrician’s office. The project site is located at 1605 Calvary Circle (APN:
0293-133-13-0000).
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Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Terminate Agreement/Reject All Bids for WWTP Secondary Clarifier Rehab Project
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the termination of the Non-Professional
Services Agreement with Clean Infusion, LLC for cause, rejected all bids for the Wastewater
Treatment Plant Secondary Clarifier No. 1 Rehabilitation Project (Bid #20240923-FM), and
directed staff to solicit new bids for the project.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Temporary Street Closure for U of R Commencement
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that authorization for the items
associated with the University of Redlands commencement ceremony on April 25, 2025 are
exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15311(c) of the State's guidelines
implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and approved the temporary street
closure of E. Brockton Ave from University Street to Grove Street on April 25, 2025, for the
University of Redlands commencement ceremony.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
In-Kind Support Redlands Festival of Arts
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that authorization for the items
associated with the Redlands Festival of Arts to be held on Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May
25, 2025, are exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15311(c) of the State's
guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; authorized and approved the
expenditure of city resources and in-kind support in the amount of $7.587, the temporary street
closures, and the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages during the Redlands Festival of
Arts to be held on Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25, 2025.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
In-Kind Support Redlands Firefighter's Car Show Event
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that authorization for the items
associated with the Redlands Firefighter Car Show are exempt from environmental review
pursuant to Section 15311(c) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental
Quality Act; authorized and approved the temporary street closures, expenditure of city resources
and in-kind support in the amount of $16,507, and the sale and consumption of alcoholic
beverages relating to the Firefighter Car Show Event on May 25, 2025.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
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COMMUNICATIONS
Charter Review of City's Commissions, Boards and Committees
Mayor Pro Tem Shaw opened the discussion to consider the formation of an Ad Hoc
Committee of the City Council to review all charters for the City's Commissions, Boards and
Committees. The goal is to increase and improve consistency across the various Commissions,
Boards and Committees of the City. The Ad Hoc Committee, comprised of two Council
members, will review the charters and make recommendations to the Council in approximately
60 days (Regular Meeting of June 17, 2025) on any proposed language amendments. The
Committee will not be subject to the Brown Act as it will be limited in scope and duration and
once the work has been finalized, the Ad Hoc Committee will automatically dissolve.
As public comment, Steve Rogers saw the value in a review of the City's commissions and
boards, but urged the Council to review and examine the City Council itself. He added he
disliked the move to district representation and preferred a separate office of the mayor, giving
the final choice to the voters to select a mayor, and he supported a hybrid voting system,
offering voters the ability to vote across districts.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the formation of an Ad Hoc Committee of
the City Council to review all charters for the City's Commissions, Boards and Committees; and
appointed Mayor Pro Tem Shaw and Council Member Barich to the Ad Hoc Committee.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
NEW BUSINESS
Safety Hall Facility Design & Construction Management Services
Assistant City Manager Boatman reviewed the First Amendment to a Professional Services
Agreement with Holt Architects, Inc. for design and construction management services of the
City's new Safety Hall Facility and explained the need to increase the total agreement to an
amount not to exceed $4,537,563.
The initial contract, approved in February 2023, included space planning, design drawings, and
construction drawings. This amendment represents the entirety of the contract and reflects the
full scope of the project now that the space planning and design are complete. As the fee
schedule for the design and construction management services is based on a percentage of the
total project budget, an amendment to the agreement is required. To contribute to the success of
this project, Holt Architects has reduced the standard service fee from 5.79% to 4.25%. As
public comment, Steve Rogers questioned whether this project would ever be completed, and he
thought the public would suffer because the City was not properly utilizing licensed engineers
to act as project manager.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the
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On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the First Amendment to a Professional
Services Agreement with Holt Architects, Inc. for design and construction management services
of the City's new Safety Hall Facility to increase the total agreement to an amount not to exceed
$4,537,563; and approved an additional appropriation in the amount of $2,302,563 from the
General Fund Reserve for Future Facilities.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Ordinance No. 2981 & Resolution No. 8674 Selecting/Appointing Planning Commissioners
Development Services Director Desatnik presented Ordinance No. 2981, amending Section
2.36.020 of the Redlands Municipal Code relating to the appointment of members of the
Planning Commission and Resolution No. 8674 establishing procedures for the selection of
Planning Commissioners. An ad-hoc subcommittee of the City Council was formed in March
2025, to review and interview applicants and then make recommendations for appointments to
the full City Council. The ordinance will require that the terms of Planning Commissioners be
staggered such that two or three Commission terms terminate every two years. The resolution
establishes procedures for the selection process, and includes criteria to be considered in the
review of applications, to provide for a variety and diversity of backgrounds. It also discusses
training that new Commissioners should complete as they start their service on the Commission.
On motion of Mayor Mario Saucedo, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City
Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the introduction of Ordinance No. 2981,
amending Section 2.36.020 of the Redlands Municipal Code relating to the appointment of
members of the Planning Commission; and adopted Resolution No. 8674, establishing
procedures for the selection of Planning Commissioners; and determined that the Ordinance and
Resolution are exempt pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15378(b)(5) of the California
Environmental Quality Act Guidelines.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Solid Waste Collection Vehicles Purchase
Facilities and Community Services Director Crocker reported on the request to purchase and
replace two solid waste collection vehicles from Rush Truck Centers in an amount not to exceed
$968,279.76. She pointed out the City's inventory of solid waste vehicles does not include any
vehicles powered by diesel and instead, are powered by CNG or LNG.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the purchase and replacement of two solid
waste collection vehicles from Rush Truck Centers in an amount not to exceed $968,279.76.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
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Resolution No. 8677 Exempt Surplus Land
Assistant City Manager Boatman presented Resolution No. 8677, declaring that certain real
property located at 304 9th Street, Redlands, comprising approximately .48 acres (APN:
0169-321-03-0000) is exempt surplus land. The City desires to transfer interest in the
property to Redlands Unified School District. Adoption of the Resolution would declare the
city-owned Property as exempt surplus land and the City must submit the adopted
resolution to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) at
least 30 days prior to disposal so that HCD can review the exemption declaration.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8677, pursuant to
Government Code Section 54221 declaring that certain real property located at 304 9th
Street, Redlands, CA 92373 (APN: 0169-321-03-0000) is exempt surplus land; and
determined that such declaration is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section
15060(c)(3) under the California Environmental Quality Act.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8679 Redlands Personnel Rules and Regulations
Human Resources Manager Kisha McDonald reviewed Resolution No. 8679 approving the
City of Redlands Personnel Rules and Regulations. The City’s Personnel Rules and
Regulations were last revised in September 2021. Since that time, changes to labor laws
have required updates to ensure compliance and address the evolving needs of the
workplace, and it is essential that the City's policies remain up to date, providing clear
guidance to employees and management while ensuring alignment with best practices and
legal standards. Mayor Pro Tem Shaw and Council Member Barich raised questions
surrounding the section related to nepotism, and it was suggested that the current practice
was possibly a hindrance to the recruitment and retention of employees. Council Members
agreed the section should be reviewed again.
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously agreed, by roll call vote, to table Resolution No. 8679 indefinitely,
to allow staff time to review the section regarding nepotism, and develop new language and
guidelines that would allow family members to work within the same department.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Contract Award A.K. Smiley Library Lower Level Revive Project
A.K. Smiley Library Director McCue provided background on the Public Work
Construction Contract with Liftech Elevator Services for the A.K. Smiley Library Lower
Level Revive, Phase 1 project. This project is grant-funded and included in the current
Library Budget. The total project cost will be $276,100 ($251,000 plus 10% contingency).
Council Member Barich was pleased this project was moving forward as it will provide
everyone with the ability to access all areas of the library.
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On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the contract and
construction of the A.K. Smiley Lower Level Revive, Phase 1 Project is categorically exempt
from environmental review in accordance with Section 15301 of the State’s guidelines
implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; approved the A.K. Smiley Lower
Level Revive, Phase 1 Project; and awarded a Public Work Contract to Liftech Elevator
Services for an amount not-to-exceed $251,000.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8676 Business License Amnesty & Compliance Program
Sr. Customer Service Account Specialist Ashley Deem-Sepulveda highlighted the key
objectives of Resolution No. 8676, to establish a Business License Amnesty and
Compliance Program. An audit conducted by Hinderliter De Llamas & Associates (HdL)
suggested that hundreds of businesses within the City of Redlands may be operating
without a business license. The proposed Amnesty and Compliance Program seeks to create
a more business-friendly environment while improving compliance with the City’s business
licensing requirements. As public comment, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director
Evan Sanford announced the Chamber supported this item as it promotes fairness and equity
and holds everyone to the same standard. They will assist the City in identifying businesses
that may be out of compliance and encourage them to take advantage of the 6-month
amnesty program.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8676, establishing a
Business License Amnesty and Compliance Program.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Contract Award WWTP Improvement Phase 2 Project
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris explained the need for a
non-competitive Professional Services Agreement with Parsons Water & Infrastructure, Inc.
for construction plan consolidation and bid support services for the Wastewater Treatment
Plant Improvement Phase 2 Project. In anticipation of approval of a $45,000,000 Clean
Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan to construct this Project, additional support
services are required by Parsons, the Project Engineer of Record. MUED staff and Parsons
developed a scope of services for construction plan consolidation and bid support services
and negotiated a service fee not-to-exceed $694,473. As public comment, Steve
Rogers criticized the effort as piecemeal and said a full EIR should have been conducted.
Director Harris clarified that the project underwent a full CEQA review, with the state's
approval.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
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On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval a Professional
Services Agreement with Parsons Water & Infrastructure, Inc. for construction plan
consolidation and bid support services for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement
Phase 2 Project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the
State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; approved
an additional appropriation of $444,473 from the Wastewater Fund; and approved a
non-competitive Professional Services Agreement with Parsons Water & Infrastructure, Inc.
for an amount not-to-exceed $694,473.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Sunset Reservoir Replacement Project Agreement
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris presented a Professional Services
Agreement with Richard Brady & Associates, Inc. for the Engineering phase of the Sunset
Reservoir Replacement Project, and the request for an additional appropriation of
$1,305,910 from the Water Fund (501). He described the project as a high need. The Sunset
Reservoir is a 3.0 MG above-ground riveted steel potable water reservoir originally
constructed in 1967, which serves the 2,340 pressure zone and does not meet current seismic
resistivity standards.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of a Professional
Services Agreement with Richard Brady & Associates, Inc. for the Engineering phase of the
Sunset Reservoir Replacement Project 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 $1,305,910 Professional Services Agreement with Richard
Brady & Associates, Inc. and an additional appropriation of $1,305,910 from the Water Fund
(501).
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Celebration of Life - Several Council Members attended the Celebration of Life held at
Wildwood Calvary Chapel Church, in honor of Police Officer Seth Franklin, who passed
away on April 6, 2025.
Redlands Bicycle Classic Event - Several Council Members attended the 40th Annual
Bicycle Classic. The event was enjoyed by all and brought thousands together for another
successful year.
RPOA Go Fund Me - Mayor Saucedo and Council Member Barich asked Jeff Frisch to offer
the details of the RPOA Go Fund Me page where anyone can make a donation in honor of
Officer Seth Franklin.
Mayor Saucedo suggested Council Members may choose to submit their recent
activities/reports to the City Clerk in a written format. City Manager Duggan pointed out
this could be incorporated as a written policy, but should be agendized and discussed at a
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future meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Shaw reminded everyone to keep Officer Seth Franklin's family, including
his wife, two young sons, his parents and siblings in their thoughts and prayers.
Council Member Barich attended the Library Board meeting.
Council Member Tejeda and Council Member Davis requested the City consider revising
language in the Redlands Police Officers Association's Memorandum of Understanding
related to healthcare benefits and, as a starting point, Council may want to review the
proposal made a few years ago by the Redlands Professional Firefighter's Association. The
Council agreed the matter should be agendized for a proper discussion.
Council Member Davis proudly participated in the procession honoring Police Officer Seth
Franklin, and she attended the Omnitrans meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tem Shaw adjourned the meeting at 8:20 in honor of Redlands Police Officer
Seth Franklin, Badge No. 4888, End of Watch April 6, 2025. Officer Franklin served this
community with dedication and selflessness. He will be remembered as a loving servant to
his family and friends and anyone who met him. The next regular meeting of the City of
Redlands City Council will be held on May 6, 2025.
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