HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026_03_03 - RegularMINUTES
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35
Cajon Street, on March 3, 2026 at 5:00 P.M.
Present: Mario Saucedo, Mayor
Paul Barich, Council Member
Eddie Tejeda, Council Member
Denise Davis, Council Member
Absent:Marc Shaw, Mayor Pro Tem
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; 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.
Conference with Legal Counsel: Initiation of Litigation - Government Code §54956.9(d)(4)
(City Attorney Garcia)
Two (2) Cases
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The meeting reconvened at 6:00 P.M. with an invocation by Mayor Saucedo. The Pledge of Allegiance
to the American flag was conducted by Highland Grove Elementary School.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
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CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Garcia announced the following actions were taken during the closed session:
Item 1 - No reportable action
Item 2 - The City Council authorized its legal counsel to initiate litigation in two cases. The defendants
and other details of the case shall, once formally commenced, be disclosed upon inquiry. Motion to
authorize the litigation was made by Council Member Tejeda and seconded by Council Member Barich
and passed unanimously. She noted that Mayor Pro Tem Shaw was absent from closed session tonight.
PRESENTATIONS
Redlands Pet Adoption
Animal Services Supervisor Joe Alcarez and Kennel Attendant Hailey Stuck showed off "Sourdough", a
one-year-old male German Shepherd, who is available for adoption, along with twenty-six other dogs
and seven cats at the Redlands Animal Shelter. Mr. Alcarez provided the Shelter statistics for February
2026, which included 16 adopted dogs and 14 dogs returned to their owner.
Proclamation Women's History Month
Mayor Saucedo presented the Women's History Month Proclamation to Gayle Howard, recognizing all
her accomplishments and activities within the community, and he gave praise to all women.
Proclamation Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Mayor Saucedo presented the Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Proclamation to Nathan and
Lisa McCool.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Downtown Altercation - Baron Bowman was deeply shaken by the recent altercation outside his
establishment on Citrus Avenue, on Sunday, February 22, that resulted in an attempted vehicular
homicide and shots fired. He has implemented enhanced security protocols, making safety the top
priority, and has continued to work with the Redlands Police Department.
Super Rock Star Walk n Roll Event - Arrisa Owen and Careen Garcia, of the Redlands Special
Education PTA, invited everyone to attend the "Super Rock Star Walk n Roll" event scheduled for
March 28 at Citrus Valley High School from 10:00 to 2:00. This high-energy music-themed walking,
rolling, and strolling experience is open to all abilities designed to celebrate inclusion and build
community engagement. The event is co-sponsored by Common Vision Coalition
Downtown Altercation - Dennis Bell commended the owner of The Underground for his efforts to
mitigate unwanted activity near his establishment, and he thanked the police for quickly arresting the
alleged driver of the hit-and-run.
Maintaining a Safe Downtown - David Williams and Jose Ugarte expressed serious concerns about the
recent violence on Citrus Avenue. They found it alarming and asked the City to consider instituting
foot patrols, increasing regular patrols, and closing Citrus Avenue to vehicles at night. They urged the
Council to preserve and maintain a family-friendly downtown, where everyone feels safe.
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Licensed Engineer - Stephen Rogers urged the City to hire a licensed engineer to oversee the
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Department, and he voiced concerns about the ongoing
construction of ADUs on Hilltop.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the regular meeting minutes of February 17, 2026.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Women's History Month Proclamation
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation declaring the month
of March 2026 as Women's History Month.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
March 2026 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Proclamation
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation declaring the month
of March 2026 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8754 Local Officials to Complete Fiscal & Financial Training
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8754 designating Local Agency
Officials required to complete Fiscal and Financial Training pursuant to Senate Bill 827 (Government
Code Section 53238, et seq.).
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8755 Local Officials to Complete Ethics Training
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8755 designating Local Agency
Officials required to complete Ethics Training in compliance with Assembly Bill 1234 (Government
Code Section 53234, et seq.), as expanded by Senate Bill 827.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Accept 2023 Homeland Security Grant Program Funding Award
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Accept 2023 Homeland Security Grant Program Funding Award
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council unanimously accepted, by roll call vote, the Federal Emergency Management Agency 2023
Homeland Security Grant Program funds in the amount of $14,501 for the purchase of portable radios,
and approved an additional appropriation for the same.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8753 Delegating Investment Authority to the City Treasurer
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8753 delegating Investment Authority
to the City Treasurer pursuant to Government Code Section 53607.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
First Amendment Systems & Software
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the First Amendment with Systems & Software, Inc.
for Software License, Services, Support, Maintenance, and Hosting Services, to amend Section 2.1.1
clarifying the licensing language by explicitly distinguishing between perpetual and subscription-based
licenses and confirming that the software stated in the agreement is perpetually licensed. The
amendment is clarifying in nature and does not modify the scope of services, term, or cost of the
Agreement.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Ordinance No. 3000 Electric Bicycles
Police Chief Tolber briefly explained Ordinance No. 3000, amending Chapter 10.56 of the Municipal
Code relating to bicycles to establish regulations governing the use of electric bicycles was initially
discussed during the February 17, 2026 City Council meeting. She said the ordinance is intended to
address public safety concerns associated with increased e-bike usage, align local regulations with
California state law, and provide clear operational standards for e-bike users, ensuring consistency and
facilitating enforcement. This alignment is crucial for maintaining public safety and supporting state
objectives.
As public comment, Stephen Rogers supported the ordinance but cited concerns about the
implementation and enforcement protocols. Michael Paisner wondered whether the proposed
regulations were in line with the recently approved California state E-bike law. Chief Tolber
clarified that while the California Vehicle Code covers general bicycle regulations, this local
ordinance, in part, addresses e-bike usage on city property, such as parks. She reiterated the proposed
ordinance aligns with state law.
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 unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Ordinance No. 3000 amending Chapter 10.56 of the
Redlands Municipal Code relating to bicycles to establish regulations governing the use of electric
bicycles.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Donation 2026 Toyota Highlander for Police Department Citizen Volunteers
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council unanimously accepted, by roll call vote, the donation of a 2026 Toyota Highlander for the
Redlands Police Department's Citizen Volunteers, valued at the amount of $50,675.00, from the
Redlands Police Community Foundation.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Sole Source PO with West Coast Lights & Sirens
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the sole source purchase order with West Coast Lights
& Sirens to purchase Getac mounts in the amount of $59,558.98.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
In-Kind Support Art-On-State-Street Event
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that the 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; approved the expenditure of city resources and in-kind support
in the amount of $2,565.00; and approved the temporary street closures detailed in the staff report for
the Art-On-State-Street Event, which will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
In-Kind Support Redlands Bicycle Classic Event
Facilities and Community Services Director Crocker introduced the request for in-kind support in the
amount of $130,607.96 for the Redlands Bicycle Classic event hosted by Redlands Bicycle Classic,
Inc., on April 9th through 12th, 2026. As a registered non-profit organization, the Redlands Bicycle
Classic, Inc. is requesting to host their annual Bicycle Classic in Redlands on April 9th through the
12th, 2026. This will be their 40th year holding this event. They intend to provide a family-friendly
atmosphere featuring different bicycle class races, rides, music, vendors, food and two beer gardens.
The in-kind support is for departmental resources, including Police, Fire and Facilities and Community
Services department personnel, and they anticipate 30,000 attendees, with participation from more
than 30 vendors.
As public comment, Dennis Bell thought the attendance figures in the staff report were inflated and did
not reflect the actual turnout. He likened the vendor area to a flea market, said the in-kind request
amount was excessive and should be used to fund more important, critical needs facing the city.
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Council Member Barich pointed out that the event brings tremendous value to the City by drawing
large crowds, filling hotels and restaurants, and the City directly benefits from the collection of the
Transient Occupancy Tax as a source of revenue, as well.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that the authorization for the items associated with
the Redlands Bicycle Classic event 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 $130,607.96;
authorized and approved the temporary street closures as detailed in the staff report for the Redlands
Bicycle Classic to be held on April 9th through April 12th, 2026; and authorized the sale and
consumption of alcoholic beverages at the event.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
License Agreement to Operate Food Truck at Cty's Corporate Yard
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the License Agreement with Fortino
Vizcaino, dba 4Tinos, is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15301 of the California
Environmental Quality Act Guidelines; and approved the License Agreement with Fortino Vizcaino, dba
4Tinos, to operate a food truck at the City's Corporate Yard.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Sole Source PO Mobile Crash Barriers
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 sole source purchase order with
Meridian Rapid Defense Group 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
sole source purchase order with Meridian Rapid Defense Group for the purchase of mobile crash
barriers in an amount not-to-exceed $71,343.34.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
First Amendment to Agreement for Code Enforcement Services
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the First Amendment to the Agreement with Willdan
Engineering to increase the total amount from $75,000 to $180,000 for the Professional Services
Agreement providing code enforcement services.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
NEW BUSINESS
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Resolution No. 8760 Measure I Continuation Expenditure Plan
City Manager Duggan introduced Otis Greer, Deputy Executive Director of San Bernardino County
Transportation Authority (SBCTA), who provided background on Measure I, explaining that it is a
one-half of one percent transactions and use tax originally approved by San Bernardino County voters
in 1989 and renewed in 2004. The measure provides dedicated funding for transportation
improvements throughout the County and is currently set to expire on April 1, 2040. The San
Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) is proposing a continuation of Measure I
beyond 2040, which is anticipated to be placed before voters on the November 3, 2026 ballot. If
approved by voters, the continuation would maintain the existing one-half of one percent sales tax rate
without increasing taxes and is estimated to generate approximately $7.5 billion over its first 30 years.
Revenues would remain within San Bernardino County and would continue to be dedicated
exclusively to transportation-related purposes.
The Expenditure Plan includes return-to-source provisions, annual local audits, biennial SBCTA
audits, and continued oversight by an Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee. Pursuant to Public
Utilities Code Section 180206, the Expenditure Plan must be approved by the County Board of
Supervisors and a majority of the cities representing a majority of the incorporated population in order
to place the measure before voters. Participating jurisdictions are being asked to consider the
Resolution in advance of the deadlines necessary to place the measure on the November 2026 ballot.
Resolution No. 8760, if adopted, would approve the Measure I Continuation Expenditure Plan
Developed by SBCTA.
City Manager Duggan and Mayor Saucedo highlighted the importance of Measure I revenues, which
have directly benefited the City. As public comment, Stephen Rogers said that when the voters
originally approved Measure I, they likely did not intend for SBCTA to become such a powerful force
and have control over all transportation work in the region. He raised concerns about two projects in
particular, the Express Lanes for Interstate 10 and the Arrow rail project.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the City
Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8760 approving the Measure I
Continuation Expenditure Plan developed by San Bernardino County Transportation Authority.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Contract Award Water Facilities Generators Project
Interim Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Casey reviewed the Public Works Construction
Contract with CSI Services for the Water Facilities Generators Project in an amount not-to-exceed
$3,477,000. The American Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) requires community water systems to
perform a risk and resiliency assessment to evaluate water utility best practices and potential
vulnerabilities to malevolent acts or natural hazards that threaten the security or resiliency of a
community water system. It was recommended that Redlands install emergency power supply systems
at the Agate Pump Station, 5th Avenue Pump Station, Country Club Pump Station, and Texas Street
Pump Station. As public comment, Stephen Rogers expressed concerns regarding the City's phased
approach to the project, suggesting a piecemeal review may violate CEQA's requirement for a
comprehensive analysis of the entire project.
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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 the contract and construction of the
Water Facilities Generators Project as categorically exempt from environmental review in accordance
with Section 15303 of the State’s guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act;
approved the Water Facilities Generators Project Plans and Specifications; and awarded a Public Works
Construction Contract to CSI Services for an amount not-to-exceed $3,477,000.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Real Property Purchase and Sale Agreement
Assistant City Manager Boatman detailed the Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA) with Sartin
Properties, LLC., for the sale of Assessor Parcel Number 0168-343-01-0000 in the amount of
$250,000. The City owns approximately 4.67 acres of real property located in the community of
Mentone, generally situated north of Mentone Avenue and south of Mill Creek Road. Staff negotiated
the PSA between the City, as seller, and Sartin Properties, LLC, as buyer, for the sale of the property
for $250,000. The agreement requires a $1,000 earnest money deposit and provides the buyer with a
30-day due diligence period during which the buyer may investigate the property and terminate the
agreement at its discretion. If the buyer proceeds, the deposit becomes non-refundable and is credited
toward the purchase price at closing. The property will be conveyed in its existing “as-is” condition by
grant deed. The buyer has stated that the intended use of the property is agricultural. Approval of the
agreement authorizes the transfer of ownership only and does not approve or entitle any future
development of the property. The Surplus Land Act (Government Code Sections 54220 et seq.)
applies to the disposition of land by a local agency. The proposed sale is subject to, and consistent
with, the applicable requirements of the Surplus Land Act.
As public comment, Trevor Casey of Regioncy Real Estate, was concerned with the language in
Section 6.1.6, stating the buyer was required to prepare and submit a written design and plans for a
mixed-use (commercial retail and residential, and public parking) project on the property. He
questioned whether a market analysis and appraisal had been conducted and claimed that the purchase
price, in his opinion, was well below market value. Stephen Rogers also stated the purchase price
seemed to be below market value, and he questioned if the City was in compliance with the Surplus
Land Act procedures. Assistant City Manager Boatman clarified that a local real estate broker
provided a market analysis and an appraisal was performed on the property. Additionally, the buyer
intends the property for agricultural use. City Attorney Garcia recommended that the language in
Section 6.1.6 be deleted and replaced with [Reserved].
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the Purchase and Sale Agreement
with Sartin Properties, LLC., 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
Purchase and Sale Agreement, as amended, with Sartin Properties, LLC., for the sale of Assessor Parcel
Number 0168-343-01-0000. The language in Section 6.1.6 is to be deleted and replaced with
[Reserved].
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
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COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Mayor Saucedo participated in the Family Service Association's Annual Board Installation and
Welcome event and attended the Light of the World Career Day,
Mayor Pro Tem Shaw submitted his report of activities for the month of February 2026, as available
online and attached to the staff report.
Council Member Barich was recovering from a cold.
Council Member Tejeda held his public safety "check-ins" with the police and fire departments, met
with a downtown business owner, and attended the community swearing-in and State of the District
event for Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes, held at San Bernardino Valley College.
Council Member Davis had a one-on-one meeting with Omnitrans CEO/General Manager Erin Rogers
and hosted the Youth Council meeting where students heard from Nicole Ramos, Director of
Marketing for Omnitrans. She attended the community swearing-in and State of the District event for
Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes, met with the Climate Policy group, and separately met with
Sustainability Coordinator, Kaitlyn Haberlin and Linda Richards of ANCA. She participated in the
Teamsters Power Hour radio show, and gave a presentation, with David Rabindranath, to Inland So
Cal Housing Collective about the City's Homekey Project.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 7:26 P.M. The next regular meeting of
the City of Redlands City Council will be held on March 17, 2026.
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