HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026_02_03 - RegularMINUTES
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic
Center, 35 Cajon Street, on February 3, 2026 at 5:00 P.M.
Present: Mario Saucedo, Mayor
Marc Shaw, Mayor Pro Tem
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; Phillip Doolittle, City Treasurer; Janice McConnell, Assistant
City Manager; Chris Boatman, Assistant City Manager/Interim Development Services
Director; Carl Baker, Public Information Officer; Danielle Garcia, Management
Services/Finance Director; Rich Sessler, Fire Chief; Rachel Tolber, Police Chief;
Tabitha Crocker, Facilities and Community Services Director; Robert Meteau, HR/Risk
Management Director; Ray Casey, Interim Municipal Utilities and Engineering 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 counsel: Existing Litigation - Government Code §54956.9(d)(1)
(City Attorney Garcia)
One Case:
Coyote Aviation v. City of Redlands, et al. San Bernardino County Superior
Court Case No. CIVSB2418252
1.
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 Victoria Elementary School.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Garcia announced that no reportable action was taken during the closed
session.
PRESENTATIONS
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PRESENTATIONS
Redlands Pet Adoption
Animal Services Supervisor Joe Alcarez and Kennel Attendant Hailey Stuck showed off
"Wizard", a three-year-old male German Shepherd mix, who is available for adoption, along
with twenty-four other dogs and four cats at the Redlands Animal Shelter. Mr. Alcarez
provided the Shelter statistics for December 2025 through January 2026, which included: 72
adopted dogs and 3 adopted cats.
Black History Month Proclamation
Mayor Saucedo presented Black History Month Proclamations to Redlands Community
Reunion Members, Jimmy Dixon, Sandra Dixon, Reggie Harrison, and Tony Smith.
PUBLIC COMMENT
First Amendment & Rule of Law - Tracy Wise thanked the City for their continued support
and protection of the First Amendment and the rule of law. She reminded everyone to act
with basic decency, and she proposed that Federal Agents should adhere to the following:
no masks allowed; must have identification; and must obtain warrants.
Food Shortages - With the end to the grocery gift card program, Bruce Laycook requested
the Council reevaluate the budget, shift dollars and find the funds to continue the program,
which has been a lifeline for those who lost their SNAP benefits. He added that food
collection locations have been targeted by ICE, only increasing food insecurities in the
community.
Traffic & Safety Concerns - Roberta Lehfeldt, Juan Carlos Ulora, Lucy Larriba, Jose Rojas,
and a Zoom caller urged the City to address their traffic and safety concerns on Clay Street.
They complained that employees of the Boys and Girls Club are severely impacting the
neighborhood, overtaking residential parking spaces from those who live on the street, and
creating congestion and unsafe double-parking hazards. They claimed the employees are
disrespectful and have been unwilling to cooperate with the neighborhood.
City Manager Duggan said that staff would investigate the matter.
Meeting Agenda Format - Andy Hoder questioned how staff reports are formatted. He
thought the motion language should follow discussion and be found at the end of the report,
instead of at the beginning.
RUSD Concerns - Raydon Rice cited the Redlands Unified School District has spent over
$50 million in the last decade regarding charges of sexual abuse of children, which he
claimed demonstrated a clear lack of care for students. He advocated for the community to
work together and create programs to engage young people and give them a sense of
purpose.
Citywide Mayoral Election - Steve Rogers recommended the Council approve a ballot
measure for 2026 allowing voters to determine the method for selecting the mayor, and he
supported a hybrid voting system, offering voters the ability to vote across districts.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the regular meeting minutes of
January 20, 2026, and the special meeting minutes of January 14, 2026, and January 23,
2026.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Electrical Infrastructure Capacity in District 2
Council Member Tejeda provided background on his proposal to consider sending a letter
to Southern California Edison (SCE) regarding electrical infrastructure capacity limitations
that may affect several City-approved commercial and residential development projects in
District 2. These limitations have the potential to delay both public and private projects.
The letter outlines concerns regarding insufficient electrical infrastructure to support
approved development projects, including commercial and residential developments. The
letter requests that Southern California Edison prioritize the planning and construction of
necessary electrical infrastructure in the affected areas and emphasizes the importance of
timely improvements to avoid extended delays that could adversely affect the community.
As public comment, Ray Kayacan, representing Regency Centers, said they were recently
informed by SCE there is insufficient power available for their project located at
Tennesse Street and Lugonia. He stressed the critical need for the electrical infrastructure
for the project to be successful, and yet he said that SCE has not been responsive. Bruce
Laycook wondered how the Planning Commission could approve projects in an area where
there was not enough electrical output and suggested a moratorium on any future projects
coming for review. Stephen Rogers listed what he considered to be certain deficiencies with
the City's General Plan, contested the procedures employed by the Council for project
approvals, and reminded the City of their role to protect the public's health and safety. Matt
Jordan stated that SCE's electrical capacity shortage is a statewide crisis, and not just a
regional one. He stressed the community's need for the planned projects in District 2 and
thanked the Council for their assistance.
City Manager Duggan added that SCE informed staff they have plans to upgrade
distribution lines in 2028. Mayor Pro Tem Shaw and Council Member Barich expressed
dissatisfaction with the response from SCE and fully endorsed the letter as a means to
leverage necessary access.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, Mayor Saucedo to sign a letter to
Southern California Edison requesting immediate attention regarding electrical infrastructure
capacity in District 2.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
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February 2026 Black History Month Proclamation
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, the
City Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation
declaring the month of February 2026 as Black History Month in the City of Redlands.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Airport Advisory Board Appointment
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, the
City Council unanimously appointed, by roll call vote, Austin Crane to serve the remainder
of a four-year term on the Airport Advisory Board, ending May 1, 2028.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Traffic and Parking Commission Appointments
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, the
City Council unanimously appointed, by roll call vote, Dr. Iyan Barrera-Sandri to serve the
remainder of a four-year term on the Traffic and Parking Commission, ending December 21,
2029; and appointed Jake Mayuga-Allen to serve the remainder of a four-year term on
the Traffic and Parking Commission, ending December 20, 2028.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Cultural Arts Commission Appointments
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, the
City Council unanimously reappointed, by roll call vote, Daniel Gohman to serve a second
four-year term on the Cultural Arts Commission ending January 6, 2030; reappointed Daniel
Rodriguez to serve a second four-year term on the Cultural Arts Commission ending January
6, 2030, and appointed Robert Schooley to serve a four-year term on the Cultural Arts
Commission ending January 6, 2030.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8748 New Water Distribution Connections & Sewer Collection Systems
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8748 for new
connections to the City of Redlands water distribution and sewer collection systems for seven
vacant parcels located at the northeast corner of the intersection Nice Avenue and Turquoise
Avenue and identified as county of San Bernardino Assessor’s Parcel Numbers
0298-103-14-0000 through 0298-103-20-0000 in the unincorporated community of Mentone
within San Bernardino County; and determining that approval of the Resolution is exempt
from environmental review pursuant to Sections 15303 and 15319 of the California
Environment Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
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Mills Act Contract for 1106 West Highland Avenue
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, the
City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of this Mills Act
Contract with the property owners for the single-family residence located at 1106 West
Highland Avenue is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of
the California Environmental Quality Act; and approved the Historic Property Contract by
and between the City of Redlands and Jaret Fischer for the residential property located at
1106 West Highland Avenue, within the West Highland Avenue Historic and Scenic District
(Historic District No. 7).
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Cooperative Purchase Getac Mobile Data Computers
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the Cooperative Purchase of Getac
Mobile Data Computers for the Police Department from Code 3 Technologies in the amount
of $94,386.50.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Grant Award for RESA
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, the
City Council unanimously accepted, by roll call vote, the grant award from the Yuhaaviatam
of San Manuel Nation to fund the Redlands Emergency Services Academy in the amount of
$60,000 for FY2025-26 and FY2026-27; and authorized an additional appropriation of the
same amount to the Police Department.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8746 MOU Redlands Police & U of R
Police Chief Tolber introduced Resolution No. 8746 approving a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) pursuant to Penal Code Sections 830.7(b) and 836, outlining the
authority and responsibilities of University of Redlands and the Redlands Police
Department (RPD) in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Act and California Act and
California Education Code Section 67381. The University and RPD have had a continuous
Memorandum of Understanding since March 19, 1996, allowing the University's
Department of Public Safety, which includes non-sworn Public Safety Officers, to exercise
powers of arrest during the course of their employment. This updated MOU will
incorporate the grant of limited authority available to Public Safety Officers as outlined in
California Penal Code Sections 830.7(b) and 836 on the University's campus located
at 1200 East Colton Avenue in Redlands and will strengthen law enforcement on and near
the University Campus.
Chief Tolber announced there was a typo in the MOU, in the insurance section, found on
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page 8 - 20. b. The corrected amounts have been updated to read as follows:
Comprehensive General Liability insurance in the minimum amount of One Million Dollars
($1,000,000) per occurrence and Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) aggregate, for public
liability, property damage and personal injury is required, instead of the numbers originally
listed in parentheses as $2,000,000 and $4,000,000. As public comment, Bruce Laycook
supported updating the MOU but suggested this item did not belong on the Consent
Calendar. He thought this important matter deserved a thorough review and discussion.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8746 approving a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as amended, pursuant to Penal Code Sections
830.7(b) and 836, outlining the authority and responsibilities of University of Redlands and
the Redlands Police Department in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Act and California Act
and California Education Code Section 67381; and adopted the Resolution rescinding the
MOU between the City of Redlands and the University of Redlands dated October 18, 2005.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Consulting Agreement Zero Emission Vehicle Fleet Review
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, the
City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the Professional
Services Agreement with ICF Consulting, LLC. dba ICF Consulting Group, Inc., is exempt
from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061 (b)(3) of the State's guidelines
implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and approved the Professional
Services Agreement with ICF Consulting, LLC. dba ICF Consulting Group, Inc., for an
amount not to exceed $137,896.93 for Zero Emission Vehicle Fleet Review and Assessment
Services.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
COMMUNICATIONS
Annual Report Street Tree Commission
Chairwoman Chris Sedmack was unable to attend tonight's meeting to provide the Annual
Report for the Street Tree Commission.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously agreed, by roll call vote, to receive and file the Annual Report for
the Street Tree Commission.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Food Security Task Force
Homeless Solutions Manager David Rabindranath offered background on the Food
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Homeless Solutions Manager David Rabindranath offered background on the Food
Security Task Force program. On November 4, 2025, the City Council adopted Resolution
No. 8732 establishing the City of Redlands Food Security and Child Nutrition Support
Initiative. The resolution directed staff to take a series of coordinated actions, including
convening a Food Security Task Force, identifying City-owned sites for food access
programs, expanding youth nutrition partnerships, exploring community mini-grants, and
pursuing external funding and advocacy opportunities,
Based on feedback received during the inaugural Food Security Task Force meeting, staff is
seeking City Council direction on suggested next steps that reflect the issues and needs
identified by community partners. Those potential next steps include continuing to convene
the Food Security Task Force to support coordination and further explore ways for the City
to assist with information-sharing, including aggregating and disseminating updates related
to federal and state nutrition programs, benefit changes, and funding opportunities. Assistant
City Manager Boatman highlighted the biggest takeaway was the need for the City to act as
a central repository, a collaborative hub to centralize information and resources.
Council Member Davis thanked staff for their efforts and was pleased with the community's
support. She proposed the task force meet regularly and work towards developing a
concrete framework to offer guidance as they move forward. She emphasized that food
insecurity is inextricably linked to housing instability, and she advocated for a
comprehensive strategy to support city residents. Council Member Barich asked about
funding sources and suggested the City engage local stakeholders to supplement municipal
funding. Mayor Saucedo supported the Task Force and agreed to make the City a
"clearinghouse of resources", but he expressed concerns about placing additional burdens
on City staff. He recommended the City rely heavily on our community action partners to
work closely with staff. As public comment, Bruce Laycook passionately urged the City to
prioritize food security for all residents, especially our young people. He argued that the
Council should reallocate resources to protect the most vulnerable members of the
community.
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously directed staff, by roll call vote, to continue convening and
coordinating with local nonprofit, faith-based, and school partners to address food insecurity
and related basic needs in the City of Redlands, and to return to the City Council with
periodic updates and recommended next steps.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Ordinance No. 2999 Keeping of Hens
Mayor Saucedo declared the meeting open as a public hearing and called on Associate
Planner Jazmin Serrato, who presented Ordinance No. 2999 amending Title 6 (Animals)
and Title 18 (Zoning Regulations), and Resolution No. 8747 amending residential specific
plans, to update permitted and accessory land uses and development standards for the
keeping of hens within single-family residential zoning districts.
On November 4, 2025, the Council voted to direct staff to prepare an ordinance to amend
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the City's zoning regulations to allow for the keeping of hens on lots in single-family
residential zones and districts. Currently, hens are only allowed in two residential zoning
districts: the Rural Residential Animals (R-R-A) District and the Rural Estate Animals
(R-A-A) District (see Attachment A). The proposed code amendment would allow the
incidental keeping and raising of chickens (hens only) in all single-family residential zoning
districts as well as single-family districts of Specific Plans.
Regulations will also be updated governing the number of hens permitted (based on lot
size) and other reasonable standards to ensure compatibility with surrounding properties.
This ordinance would encourage sustainable small-scale food production in residential
areas, protect public health and animal welfare, and prevent nuisances from noise, odor, and
sanitation. The keeping of hens would be ancillary/accessory to an existing primary
single-family dwelling unit, in accordance with the amended Redlands Municipal Code
(RMC) Section 18.29.030. On December 9, 2025, the Planning Commission voted 6 to 0 to
adopt Resolution No. 1728 recommending the text amendment Ordinance No. 371 to
update the zoning regulations to permit the keeping of chickens (hens only) in single-family
residential zones. There were no written comments received and with no further discussion,
Mayor Saucedo closed the public hearing.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, the
City Council unanimously introduced, by roll call vote, Ordinance No. 2999, amending Title
6 (Animals) and Title 18 (Zoning Regulations), adopted Resolution No. 8747, amending
residential specific plans, to update permitted and accessory land uses and development
standards for the keeping of hens within single-family residential zoning districts; and
finding that the proposal is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Sections
15061(b)(3) and 15378(b)(5) of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
NEW BUSINESS
2026-2027 CDBG Program Proposed Projects
Management Analyst Tricia Munoz presented staff's recommendation for FY
2026-2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program proposed project
listing. Staff recommended funding requests for projects based on an evaluation and
analysis of all the applications submitted, received and deemed eligible for the 2026-2027
CDBG Program Year, beginning on July 1, 2026. These include:
Sylvan Park Rehabilitation Project Phase II - Restroom Replacement & ADA
Improvements for $170,201
Family Service Association of Redlands - Housing and Food Assistance for $7,500
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Redlands - Riverside - Family Strengthening for $7,500
YMCA of the East Valley - Legal Aid Services for $7,500
Partners Against Violence - Supportive Services for Victims of Violence for $7,500
The estimated allocation for Redlands Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027 is $200,201, which
represents a decrease of $111,146 from the prior year, which is based on a projected 10%
reduction in program funding from the most current U.S. Census statistics for poverty,
overcrowded housing conditions and population estimates.
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As public comment, Bruce Laycook was concerned that $170,000+, earmarked for a park
bathroom, overshadowed the $7,500 for food assistance, and he thought this was
misaligned with the community's most urgent needs. Stephen Rogers said that engineering
staff should manage the public works project through all phases from design to construction.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously directed staff, by roll call vote, to prepare the 2026-2027
Community Development Block Grant Program Cooperating City of Recommended Projects
Form using the recommendations in this report and submit it to the County of San
Bernardino Community Development and Housing Division.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Contract Award Guardrail Installations Garden Street & Redlands Blvd
Facilities and Community Services Director Crocker reviewed a Public Works Contract
with Alcorn Fence Company for guardrail installations on Garden Street at Hilton Avenue
and at Redlands Boulevard between Ford Street and Palm Avenue, for an amount not to
exceed $293,195.95. Furthermore, she explained the request to reject the lowest bid from
R&J Construction in the amount of $290,575.25 as non-responsive. Staff evaluated each bid
and identified Alcorn Fence Company as the lowest responsive and responsible bid. As
public comment, Stephen Rogers reiterated his concern that an engineer should manage the
public works project through all phases from design to construction, and he noted the staff
report failed to include approval from engineering staff.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that the project is categorically
exempt from environmental review in accordance with Section 15301 of the State's
guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; rejected the bid from
R&J Construction in the amount of $290,575.25; and approved the Public Works Contract
with Alcorn Fence Company for an amount not to exceed $293,195.95.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Mayor Saucedo attended the Common Vision Coalition Disability Resource Luncheon, a
Measure I Ad Hoc Committee meeting, and the League of California Cities Community
Policy Planning meeting. He participated in the Disaster Council meeting, toured the
University of Medicine and Science in Colton, attended the League of California Cities
Divisional Regional Meeting in Grand Terrace, visited the Black Chamber of Commerce
Art Exhibit at the San Bernardino County Museum, and the Municipal Utilities and Public
Works Commission meeting held on February 2nd.
Mayor Pro Tem Shaw submitted his report of activities for the month of January 2026, as
available online and attached to the staff report.
Council Member Barich and Mayor Pro Tem Shaw enjoyed the Annual Kid's Fishing
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Derby at Ford Park on January 24. He praised staff for hosting such a great event that seems
to attract more participants every year.
Council Member Tejeda attended a council member briefing and enjoyed the Chamber of
Commerce Annual Civic Awards & Installation Dinner at the Orton Center.
Council Member Davis attended the Chamber of Commerce Annual Civic Awards &
Installation Dinner at the Orton Center, and she hosted the January Youth Council meeting,
where Josiah Bruny, CEO and Founder of Music Changing Lives, energized and engaged
the students.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 7:50 P.M. The next regular
meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on February 17, 2026.
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