HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025_11_04 - RegularMINUTES
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35
Cajon Street, on November 4, 2025 at 5:00 P.M.
Present: Marc Shaw, Mayor Pro Tempore
Paul Barich, Council Member
Eddie Tejeda, Council Member
Denise Davis, Council Member
Absent:Mario Saucedo, Mayor
Staff: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; 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 Pro Tem Shaw 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 counsel: Existing Litigation - Government Code §54956.9(d)(1)
(City Attorney Garcia)
One (1) Case:
a. Wagner Zemming Christensen, LLP v. City of Redlands, San Bernardino Superior Court, Case
No. CIVSB2529490
Conference with legal counsel: Initiation of Litigation -Government Code §54956.9(d)(4)
(City Attorney Garcia)
One (1) Case:
Conference with Legal Counsel: Anticipated Litigation -Government Code §54956.9(d)(2) and
(e)(1):
(City Attorney Garcia)
One (1) Case
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 as determined on October 22,
2025, there is a significant exposure to litigation against the local agency. Facts and circumstances
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that might result in litigation against the local agency but which the local agency believes are not yet
known to a potential plaintiff or plaintiffs, which facts and circumstances need not be disclosed.
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The meeting reconvened at 6:00 P.M. with an invocation by Council Member Barich. The Pledge of
Allegiance to the American flag was conducted by Judson and Brown Elementary School.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Garcia announced that no reportable action was taken during the closed session, and
she noted that Mayor Saucedo and Council Member Davis were absent.
PRESENTATIONS
Redlands Pet Adoption
Animal Services Supervisor Joe Alcarez and Kennel Attendant Hailey Stuck showed off "Scooter",
an eleven-year-old male Beagle mix, who is available for adoption, along with thirty-five other dogs
at the Redlands Animal Shelter. Mr. Alcarez provided the Shelter statistics for October 2025, which
included: 26 adopted dogs and 4 adopted cats.
Redlands Police Community Foundation Donation
Representing the Redlands Police Community Foundation, President Chris Martin and Vice
President Terry Vines presented a check in the amount of $20,217.41 to Police Chief Tolber and
Officer Mazi Shahabi, with K-9 Jake by his side.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Health Concerns - David Holtzclaw explained that after the replanting of England Grove, his
daughter, who lives on Alvarado Street, noticed raw sewage bubbling up. She filed a claim against
the City and was told a response would be provided within 45 days. He pointed out they had still
not heard anything, yet, this open cesspool was unsafe and a public safety issue. He thought it
seemed like a simple fix, and he urged the Council to take appropriate action.
Traffic Safety - Elizabeth and Rimon Shaker requested the City install a traffic signal or at the very
least a 3-way stop sign for the intersection at Reservoir Road and Ford Street. Ms. Shaker said this
area near the I-10 westbound on-ramp is extremely unsafe, due to limited visibility, steep downhill
approach, and inadequate traffic control. She was aware of multiple accidents occurring over the
years and asked the City to review recent collision data and MUTCD signal warrants.
Redlands Historical Glass Museum - Andy Hoder, Board Member of the Redlands Historical Glass
Museum, highlighted the many reasons why the Glass Museum deserves more attention. He said it
is less well known than the Museum of Redlands (MOR) but still deserves recognition. He
suggested the Glass Museum could possibly have a permanent exhibit at MOR, and he encouraged
everyone to visit the Museum to see its many treasures.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City
Council approved, by roll call vote, the minutes of the regular meeting of October 21, 2025.
Vote: 3 - 0 Passed
Executive Evaluation Services Agreement
As public comment, Dennis Bell thought that residents should be included in the survey to
determine what they expect from their city manager, and if stakeholders are asked to be a part of
the evaluation process, he recommended they be impartial voices.
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City
Council approved, by roll call vote, an agreement with Jacob Green and Associates for executive
evaluation services for an amount not-to-exceed $29,600.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Settlement Agreement Disclosure
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council approved, by roll call vote, the public disclosure of details of an Agreement of Settlement
and General Release between the City of Redlands and Miller & Associates, LLC. The City shall
have the option to either purchase the property at 611 W Redlands Blvd for $3.4 million; or pay
plaintiff $2.1 million to settle the matter of Miller & Associates, LLC v. City of Redlands. The
Plaintiff shall release all claims, known and unknown, against the City and dismiss its lawsuit
against the City, with prejudice.
Vote: 3 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8733 Homeless Solutions Division Expenses
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8733 to ratify the City Manager's approval for
the Memorandum for Public Benefit of Homeless Solutions Division Expenses authorizing the
Finance Department to process specific, limited expenditures incurred by the Homeless
Solutions Division that may not typically be funded with public funds, but which are necessary to
further the City's legitimate public purpose of reducing homelessness and supporting the transition
of unhoused individuals into safe, stable housing and which, thereby, provide a public benefit to the
community.
Vote: 3 - 0 Passed
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Fire Station 264 Future Location & Funding
Council Member Davis announced that due to property ownership within 500 feet of the site being
considered as the future location for Fire Station 264 at Heritage Park, she recused herself from
voting and discussion on this item. As public comment, Dennis Bell agreed that Fire Station 264
desperately needed a new home, but he questioned the location, raising concerns about traffic and
road conditions. Richard O'Donnell supported the efforts to find a new location for Fire Station 264
but wasn't convinced this particular site was the best choice, and he opposed using open space
funds to accomplish that goal. He suggested instead that funding should come from Measure
T revenues.
Assistant City Manager Boatman offered some background, explaining that Heritage Park was
ultimately selected due to the availability of land, favorable site configuration, and
cost-effectiveness. Relocating Station 264 to the site will allow the department to close current
service gaps in the surrounding area and improve response times for residents and businesses in the
southwest region. This new location also positions the station well for long-term growth and future
community development.
In 2012, the City Council approved the expenditure framework for the proceeds generated from
the sale of the Nevada Palmetto Grove. That policy directed the use of funds toward public benefit
purposes in five general categories: Parks and Recreation, Trails, Agricultural Open Space, Natural
Open Space, and Other Public Benefit Improvements. Since that time, the vast majority of those
proceeds have been invested in community-serving projects consistent with that policy, providing
lasting improvements across multiple sectors.
While the policy framework has been largely fulfilled, two categories—Trails and Agricultural
Open Space—retain uncommitted balances of approximately $658,000 and $557,000 ($1,215,000
combined), respectively. These remaining funds have no pending projects or anticipated
expenditures, and other potential funding sources exist for future projects. Staff recommended that
the remaining undesignated funds be reallocated to support the design phase of a new Fire Station
No. 264.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the City
Council designated, by roll call vote, 1.5 acres at Heritage Park as the future location of Fire Station
264; and reallocated $1,215,000 reserved from the Palmetto Grove Proceeds to the Future Facilities
Reserve for fire station design services.
Vote: 3 - 0 Passed
Other:Council Member Denise Davis (RECUSE)
Ordinance No. 2992 Flood Damage Prevention and Floodplain Management
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council adopted, by roll call vote, Ordinance No. 2992, amending Title 15, Chapter 15.32 of the
Redlands Municipal Code relating to Flood Damage Prevention and Floodplain Management.
Vote: 3 - 0 Passed
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Automated License Plate Recognition Cameras Lease Renewals
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council approved, by roll call vote, the sole source purchase order with the Flock Group, Inc. to
renew leases of automated license plate recognition cameras in the amount of $133,500.
Vote: 3 - 0 Passed
Redlands Police Department K9 Unit Donation
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council accepted, by roll call vote, the donation of $20,217.41 from the Redlands Police
Community Foundation for operational expenses of the Redlands Police Department's K9 Unit; and
authorized an additional appropriation of the same amount.
Vote: 3 - 0 Passed
Grant Award Office of Traffic Safety
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council approved, by roll call vote, the Grant Agreement with the Office of Traffic Safety relating
to the distribution of a grant award for local law enforcement agencies in an amount not-to-exceed
$105,000; authorized the Chief of Police to sign and execute agreements implementing the grant;
and approved an additional appropriation of the same.
Vote: 3 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8720 Grant Application Land Water Conservation Fund Program
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8720 authorizing the City Manager to apply for
the Land Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program grant, execute any agreement, amendments,
and all other related documents associated with the LWCF to be utilized for the redevelopment of
Texonia Park.
Vote: 3 - 0 Passed
In-Kind Support New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop Event
On motion of Council Member 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 expenditure of city resources, in-kind support in the
amount of $2,749.00 related to the New Year’s Eve (NYE) Beach Ball Drop event hosted by the
Redlands Visitor Center on December 31, 2025; and authorized the temporary street closures related
to this event.
Vote: 3 - 0 Passed
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PO Civic Center Temporary Chiller Rental
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council determined, by roll call vote, that the approval of the purchase order is exempt from
environmental review in accordance with Section 15304 of the state's guidelines implementing the
California Environmental Quality Act; rejected all previous bids received on May 19, 2025; and
approved the Purchase Order with Total Environmental Management, Inc., in the amount
not-to-exceed $183,600 for the rental of a temporary chiller for the Civic Center, for a period of up
to twenty-four months.
Vote: 3 - 0 Passed
Redlands Lawn Bowling Club Facility Use Agreement
Staff requested this item be pulled from the agenda. The item will be presented to the Council for
consideration at a future meeting.
COMMUNICATIONS
Resolution No. 8732 Food Security and Child Nutrition Support Initiative
Council Member Davis opened the discussion regarding Resolution No. 8732 to establish the City
of Redlands Food Security and Child Nutrition Support Initiative. Food insecurity has grown in
Redlands due to recent reductions in federal and state nutrition benefits, including Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and CalFresh. Local schools, food banks, and nonprofit
partners report increasing demand for emergency food and meal programs. The proposed Food
Security and Child Nutrition Support Initiative will coordinate local efforts and improve access to
nutritious food. Through the formation of a Food Security Task Force, the City can collaborate
with schools, nonprofits, and faith-based partners to identify barriers to food access as well as
develop and coordinate solutions.
If approved, staff would establish a citywide task force, identify City-owned sites for food access
programs, expand youth meal partnerships with Redlands Unified School District, explore
community mini-grants to support local efforts, and advocate for the restoration and expansion of
state and federal nutrition assistance programs.
As public comment, Kyra Stewart, Executive Director of Redlands Family Service Association
(FSA), was in full support of a task force and was deeply encouraged by the City's desire to
collaborate and work with all the local partners. She listed various actions already taken by FSA to
help fill the gaps that exist for those in need. Roberto Ceja said that it is difficult to see so many
people losing a portion of their SNAP benefits, but this task force could represent a beacon of hope
for those struggling. He was excited to be a part of the program and help in any way he could.
In general, Council Members were in support of forming a task force. Council Member Barich said
this was a starting point. Additionally, he said that the City is not the expert in these matters, and he
recommended we rely heavily on our local partners who do this kind of work every day. Council
Member Tejeda envisioned the City becoming a hub of information and utilizing the website as a
message board. Mayor Pro Tem Shaw said that information is the key. There are resources
available but getting the word out is critical. With the Grocery Gift Card program coming to an end
in December, Council Member Davis asked whether the Council could authorize a reallocation of
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funds for this emergency situation. City Manager Duggan and City Attorney Garcia clarified
that reallocating funds was outside the scope of the current agenda item and, if requested, could be
discussed at a future council meeting.
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8732 establishing the City of
Redlands Food Security and Child Nutrition Support Initiative, and directing staff to return to the
City Council in February 2026 with a progress update.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Citrus Preservation Commission Annual Report
Chair Michael Day presented the annual report of the Citrus Preservation Commission, providing a
recap of the Commission's accomplishments. He described how the City has finally come through
the industry-wide challenges associated with the oriental fruit fly infestation. He was pleased to
say that it appeared we survived the infestation, and farming is looking optimistically forward. The
groves are in good condition, staff continues to do an excellent job handling the day-to-day
operations, while Larry Jacinto and crew tackle all the bigger work. Educating the public remains
one of the Commission's priorities and the Citrus Commission's webpage offers various resources.
These include links to the San Bernardino County Farm Bureau Federation and up-to-date
information regarding threats to California Citrus. Council Members thanked Chair Day and all the
commissioners for their dedication and service.
NEW BUSINESS
Residential Zoning Districts for the Keeping of Hens
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Shaw, Development Services Director Desatnik provided an
overview of residential zoning districts that permit the keeping of hens. Currently, hens are only
allowed in two residential zoning districts, which are generally located in the far southeast area of
the City. The regulations allow two hens on lots less than 7,200 square feet; three hens on lots
ranging in size from 7,201 to 9,999 square feet; four hens on lots ranging in size from 10,000 to
20,000 square feet; and on lots over 20,000 square feet, one hen for every 2,000 square feet of lot
area, not to exceed a total of nine hens.
The keeping and raising of hens has become increasingly popular, and experience in other
jurisdictions has shown that hens generally do not create nuisance conditions comparable to
roosters. Allowing hens in additional residential zones can support sustainability goals, promote
local food production, and align City regulations with evolving community preferences. With
Council's direction to move forward, staff would draft an ordinance and present it to the Planning
Commission for consideration that would allow the keeping and raising of hens in all single-family
residential zoning districts, with appropriate regulations governing the number of hens permitted
based on lot size and other reasonable standards to ensure compatibility with surrounding
neighborhoods.
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City
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On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City
Council directed staff, by roll call vote, to draft an ordinance to amend the City's Zoning Regulations
to allow for the keeping of hens on lots in single-family residential districts and present the
ordinance to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Groundwater Well & Booster Pump Maintenance & Repair Services Agreement
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Department Director Harris reviewed the Non-Professional
Service Agreement with General Pump Company to provide groundwater well and booster pump
maintenance and repair services. The City’s water production system includes forty-five potable
and non-potable groundwater wells, thirty-eight booster pumps and two surface water treatment
plants to serve more than 75,000 customers. The groundwater wells and booster pumps are
operated by high horsepower motors, which require frequent routine maintenance to reduce the
potential for malfunction and prevent equipment failure. During emergencies, staffing may be
limited, and support from a qualified groundwater well and booster pump contractor is often
necessary.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council determined, by roll call vote, that approval of a Non-Professional Service Agreement with
General Pump Company is exempt from environmental review pursuant to section 15301(b) of the
State's Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and approved the
Non-Professional Service Agreement with General Pump Company for groundwater well and
booster pump maintenance and repair services on an as-needed basis for an amount not-to-exceed
$500,000 per year with an initial term of one (1) year and options to extend the agreement for two
(2) additional one (1) year terms.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Mayor Pro Tem Shaw congratulated the efforts of City staff and Airport Supervisor Ted
Richardson, for hosting the Plane or Treat Event held on October 26. The event was packed with
families who enjoyed bounce houses, various dessert offerings, and, of course, lots of candy. What
a great way to highlight all the planes and show off the airport. He submitted his report of activities
for the month of October 2025, as available online and attached to the staff report.
Council Member Barich attended the Dia de Los Muertos event hosted by A.K. Smiley Public
Library. The event offered a variety of activities, including face painting, a costume contest, and
free books. He found it very informative. He also enjoyed the Olive Avenue Halloween
Extravaganza event.
Council Member Tejeda participated in the Dia de Los Muertos event hosted by Smiley Library,
which had about 400–500 attendees. Fun was had by all.
Council Member Davis kicked off the 5th season of Youth Council, participated in the Inland
Counties Legal Services dinner held at the Mitten Building, enjoyed an event celebrating 16 years
of Music Changing Lives held at Joe Gonzales Community Center, and attended the recent AAUW
Redlands meeting. She and her son enthusiastically enjoyed the Halloween Extravaganza event
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on Olive Avenue.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further action required, Mayor Pro Tem Shaw adjourned the meeting at 7:22 P.M.
The next regular meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on November 18, 2025.
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