HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025_10_21 - RegularMINUTES
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic
Center, 35 Cajon Street, on October 21, 2025 at 5:00 P.M.
Present: Mario Saucedo, Mayor
Marc Shaw, Mayor Pro Tempore
Paul Barich, Council Member
Denise Davis, Council Member
Absent:Eddie Tejeda, Council Member
Staff:Charles M. Duggan, Jr., City Manager; Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney; Jeanne
Donaldson, City Clerk; Phillip Doolittle, City Treasurer; 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; 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
None forthcoming
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 Martha Farquhar threatening litigation (copy available for
public inspection in City Clerk’s Office).
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The meeting reconvened at 6:00 P.M. with an invocation by Council Member Davis followed
by the pledge of allegiance to the American flag.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
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CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Garcia announced the following action was taken during the closed session for
Item C.1. - Pursuant to government code section 54957.1(a)(3)(a) the City Council took
action to approve a proposed settlement of a government claim filed by Martha Farquhar
based on the following terms: City of Redlands shall pay $254,341.90 to claimant, Martha
Farquhar. Claimant shall release all claims, known and unknown, against the City of
Redlands. Motion to approve the settlement was made by Council Member Barich, seconded
by Mayor Pro Tem Shaw, and passed unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Traffic Safety - Erik Breazile, Roy Miller and Peter Assad urged the Council to consider
conducting a traffic survey in response to a fatal traffic accident that occurred near the
intersection of Cypress Avenue and Alvarado Street, when an 82-year-old woman was
struck and killed by a car as she crossed Cypress Avenue. They represented the
neighborhood and said they have witnessed many other serious accidents in the area and
cars can be seen driving well over the 35 mph posted limit. They recommended the City
install a 4-way stop with a lighted crosswalk in order to implement appropriate safety
measures for the community.
Neighborhood Noise & Code Violations — Kameryn Grijalva submitted a petition signed
by several concerned residents of Villa Bonita Apartments, located on Orange Avenue. She
identified several areas of possible code violations regarding property at 11030 Nevada
Street, which include ongoing noise disturbances and possible unpermitted or illegal
occupancy. Despite any efforts to notify the property owners of their complaints, the
situation has continued to impact the peace, comfort and safety of the neighborhood, and
they asked that Code Enforcement investigate this matter.
Various Musings - Dennis Bell voiced displeasure with the state's decision to ban all
single-use plastic bags at grocery stores, effective January 1, 2026. He thought paper bags
were a sad alternative and cloth bags were a breeding ground for germs. After seeing the
Notice of Inviting Bids regarding the Citrus Center Project, he wondered how the City
intended to pay for what he considered to be a financial "black hole".
Vibrant FC - Reuben Stadler introduced himself and his organization, Vibrant FC, which he
described as a life-changing movement. He invited everyone to attend a celebration on
October 22, designed to mark the beginning of this new movement to create a brighter
future for foster children.
Parking Violation - Bruce Laycook received a parking violation in the mail, yet no ticket
was left on his vehicle. For procedural consistency and to be fair to the vehicle owner, he
requested tickets be placed on windshields.
Engineering Analysis - Stephen Rogers insisted that in general, City projects were advanced
for Council approval without the necessary engineering analysis.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes
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Minutes
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 of
October 7, 2025.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8728 Declaring Surplus Land
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that adoption of Resolution No.
8728 is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's
guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and addopted Resolution
No. 8728, pursuant to Government Code Section 54221 declaring that certain real property
located at 21 N. Church Street (APN: 071-089-13-0000) is surplus land, authorizing the City
Manager, or his designee, to send notices of availability as to the surplus land.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
MOU CAL FIRE Conservation Camp Program
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the Memorandum of Understanding
between the City of Redlands and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE) Conservation Camp Program for the provision of labor and support on
conservation, fuels management, and hazard reduction projects.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8729 Workers' Compensation Payments & Settlements
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8729 authorizing the
City Manager to approve certain workers' compensation payments and settlements.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Planetbids eProcurement First Amendment
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the First Amendment to the
Agreement with Planetbids for an eProcurement System to add multiple authorized users.
The total agreement amount for the five-year term will increase from $130,894.66 to
$140,495.19.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Sole Source Agreement Construction Engineering Support Services
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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 a Professional
Services Agreement with CDM Smith Inc. is exempt from environmental review pursuant to
Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental
Quality Act; agreed to waive competitive procurement procedures and award a $155,420
Professional Services Agreement to CDM Smith Inc. for construction engineering support
services for the construction phase of the Joint Utilities Laboratory Building Renovation and
Expansion Project Phase 1, and bidding support services for Phase 2 of this project.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
In-Kind Request Redlands Christmas Parade
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 event is exempt
from environmental review pursuant to Section 15311(c) of the State's guidelines
implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; authorized and approved a request
for in-kind support in the amount of $53,140.71; and approved the temporary street closures
related to the Redlands Christmas Parade event hosted by the Kiwanis Club to be held on
December 6, 2025.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Pest Abatement Services Agreement
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the Agreement with Wildlife Control
Service, Inc. to provide pest abatement services for an amount not-to-exceed $225,000.60 for
a term of three years.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
COMMUNICATIONS
League of California Cities Annual Conference Report
Mayor Pro Tem Shaw reported on his attendance at the League of California Cities Annual
Conference and Expo held October 8-10, 2025 in Long Beach. He was proud to represent
the City, and he highlighted a few sessions that were quite informative: Coordinating
Emergency Response, Who Does What and How to Prepare, focusing on extreme weather
and natural disasters; and "Proactive Wildfire Preparedness Programs for Municipalities", as
presented by the City's very own Fire Marshal, Vince Anderson. He also attended the
session regarding homelessness, as presented by the Redlands delegation.
Council Member Davis was pleased to speak as part of the Redlands team that presented
"How Redlands Reduced Homelessness Through Strategy and Collaboration." Homeless
Solutions Manager David Rabindranath, acted as the moderator, while City Manager
Duggan, Assistant City Manager Boatman and Council Member Davis each tackled the
topic of describing how the City has taken a proactive and strategic approach to addressing
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topic of describing how the City has taken a proactive and strategic approach to addressing
homelessness that responds to both immediate and long-term needs. They explored how city
leadership worked collaboratively to develop policies, secure funding, and implement
targeted initiatives. The session was well received with an overflow capacity. Attendees
were highly engaged, asking many questions. Council Member Davis gave a brief nod to
Council Member Barich and former Council Member Jenna Guzman-Lowery for their
initial drive and commitment to solving the issues surrounding homelessness. She was also
able to attend the session: "Proactive Wildfire Preparedness Programs for Municipalities",
as presented by the City's Fire Marshal, Vince Anderson.
NEW BUSINESS
Urgency Ordinance No. 2991 & Ordinance No. 2992 Flood Damage Prevention
Development Services Director Desatnik provided an overview of Urgency Ordinance No.
2991 and Ordinance No. 2992 amending Title 15, Chapter 15.32 of the Redlands Municipal
Code (RMC) relating to flood damage prevention and floodplain management. The RMC
provides development standards and processing requirements regarding building permits for
structures located within areas of special flood hazard as identified by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the applicable flood insurance studies, Flood
Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and flood boundary and floodway maps.
The Urgency Ordinance is necessary to preserve the City's present ability to continue
participating in the National Flood Insurance Program, and is in conjunction with the
normal code amendment process. The proposed amendment will bring the RMC Chapter
15.32 into compliance with the minimum National Floodplain Program requirements.
As public comment, Stephen Rogers said he found deficiencies in the proposed ordinances,
and in his opinion, the City has failed to include adequate infrastructure plans to include a
CEQA-compliant master plan of drainage with its most recent updates to the Redlands
General Plan and Transit Villages Specific Plan amendments. He urged the City to openly
communicate with the State Department of Water Resources and the Federal Emergency
Management Agency to safeguard the community's public health, safety and welfare.
City Manager Duggan and Director Desatnik pointed out that, as the City's Chief Building
Official and registered civil engineer, John Thompson is highly qualified to oversee the
flood damage prevention and floodplain management program.
On motion of Mayor Mario Saucedo, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Urgency Ordinance No. 2991, and
determined that the Urgency Ordinance is exempt pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) and
15378(b)(5) of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines;
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
On motion of Mayor Mario Saucedo, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council unanimously introduced, by roll call vote, Ordinance No. 2992, and determined
that the ordinance is exempt pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15378(b)(5) of the
California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines.
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Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Adopt Ordinance No. 2990 Amending CalPERS Contract
Human Resources/Risk Management Director Meteau explained that Ordinance No. 2990
was introduced at the September 16, 2025 City Council meeting, and authorizes an
amendment to the contract between the City Council of Redlands and the Board of
Administration of the California Public Employees' Retirement System.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich,
the City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Ordinance No. 2990, authorizing an
amendment to the contract between the City Council of Redlands and the Board of
Administration of the California Public Employees' Retirement System.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Contract Award WWTP Hillside Stabilization Project
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris summarized the Public Works
Construction Contract with Demo Leaders, Inc. for the WWTP Hillside Stabilization
Project for an amount not-to-exceed $299,828.44. The City's WWTP includes hillside and
slope areas that have experienced progressive erosion, creating sediment runoff issues and
impacting access routes for operational personnel. The proposed improvements consist of
constructing retaining walls of varying heights, v-ditch, v-drains, u-ditch, grate inlets, a
concrete block slough wall, and a reinforced concrete stairway. Landscaping and irrigation
will be incorporated to improve slope stability, control erosion, and integrate the
improvements into the surrounding environment.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich,
the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of a Public Works
Construction Contract with Demo Leaders, Inc. for the WWTP Hillside
Stabilization Project is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section
15301 of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act;
approved the WWTP Hillside Stabilization Project plans and specifications; and awarded a
Public Works Construction Contract to Demo Leaders, Inc. for an amount not-to-exceed
$299,828.44.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Contract Award Joint Utilities Lab Building Renovation & Expansion Project
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris reported on a Public Works
Construction Contract with Elegant Construction, Inc. for the Joint Utilities Laboratory
Building Renovation and Expansion Project for an amount not-to-exceed $3,097,000. The
Joint Utilities Laboratory (JUL) is an Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program
(ELAP) certified facility that samples, tests, and analyzes the City's water, wastewater, and
biosolids to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and to maintain public health and
safety. Since its original construction in 1988, the JUL facility has not been significantly
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upgraded or expanded, despite an increase in regulatory agency-mandated testing. It is
anticipated that the project will be completed within 270 working days after a Notice to
Proceed is issued.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of a Public Works
Construction Contract with Elegant Construction, Inc. is exempt from environmental review
pursuant to Section 15301(e)(1) of the State's guidelines implementing the California
Environmental Quality Act; approved the Joint Utilities Laboratory Building Renovation and
Expansion Project plans and specifications; and awarded a Public Works Construction
Contract to Elegant Construction, Inc. for an amount not-to-exceed $3,097,000.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Engineering Design & Permitting Services Agreement
City Manager Duggan presented the need for a Professional Services Agreement with Civil
& Environmental Consultants, Inc. for engineering design and permitting services for the
site integration of an ultra-low emissions flare at the California Street Landfill and
Wastewater Treatment Plant in an amount not-to-exceed $268,200. The existing landfill gas
flare system at the California Street Landfill and Wastewater Treatment Plant is over 25
years old and has become challenging to meet current operational and regulatory standards.
To ensure compliance and improve efficiency, the City has initiated the procurement
process for a new landfill gas blower skid and ultra-low emissions flare. This replacement
system will ensure the City remains in full regulatory compliance. The project involves
highly specialized technical requirements and strict regulatory compliance and Civil &
Environmental Consultants are qualified to provide engineering design and permitting
services for the site integration of the ultra-low emissions flare.
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Mayor Mario Saucedo, the City
Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, a Sole Source Professional Services
Agreement with Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. for engineering design and
permitting services for the site integration of an ultra-low emissions flare at the California
Street Landfill and Wastewater Treatment Plant in an amount not-to-exceed $268,200.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
PO Modification for Vehicle Lease & Maintenance Program
City Manager Duggan reviewed a purchase order modification with Enterprise FM Trust for
the vehicle lease and maintenance program resulting in a total purchase order amount not to
exceed $3,791,433.53 and a total contract amount not-to-exceed $8,519,823.38. In July
2019, the City entered into a Master Equity Lease Agreement with Enterprise Fleet
Management, Inc. for a light-duty and medium-duty vehicle lease and maintenance
program. This agreement has resulted in a structured and methodical vehicle replacement
program. Modifying the existing Purchase Order for the City’s vehicle lease program will
carry forward unspent funds from Fiscal Year 2024-25 into Fiscal Year 2025-26. The
unspent funds are attributable to vehicles ordered during Fiscal Year 2024-25 that have not
yet been delivered and, therefore, were not invoiced within the prior fiscal year.
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On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, a $725,210.49 purchase order
modification with Enterprise FM Trust for the vehicle lease and maintenance program
resulting in a total purchase order amount not to exceed $3,791,433.53 and a total contract
amount not-to-exceed $8,519,823.38.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Fire Department Open House - Council Members all enjoyed the Open House event held on
October 18, which proved to be a great success and fun for all.
Mayor Saucedo was proud to attend the 5th annual Redlands Coptober community fair, as
well as, a playground dedication at the Boys and Girls Club in Redlands, and supported by
District Supervisor Dawn Rowe, the Rochford Foundation and the Optimist Club. He
represented the City at the African Harvest of Hope fundraiser and participated in the
Measure I Ad Hoc committee meeting considering a possible ballot measure. He attended
the Family Services Award Gala, the SBCTA Metro study session, SBCTA Enhanced
Frequency Ad Hoc committee meeting, and the ribbon cutting for the Japanese Cultural
Center.
Council Member Barich enjoyed the annual fundraising gala event, hosted by Crafton Hills
College Foundation, in support of students and programs, including the paramedic program.
Council Member Davis spoke at an event hosted by Riverside County Now, a group
fighting for women's rights on the local and national level. She made a presentation to
ANCA, along with Kaitlyn Haberlin, the City's Sustainability Coordinator, attended the
University of Redlands Homecoming, and enjoyed the 5th annual Coptober community fair.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tem Shaw closed the meeting in honor of Richard "Dick" Jones, who passed
away on October 12 at 93 years of age. He will be remembered for his community service
and strong advocacy for education. He dedicated many years to the Community College
system, where he served as both president and chancellor of multiple campuses. He also
contributed greatly to the City through his service on the Airport Advisory Board. His deep
sense of civic duty will be remembered and missed by all. Mayor Saucedo adjourned the
meeting at 6:58 P.M. The next regular meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be
held on November 4, 2025.
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