HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026_04_21 - RegularMINUTES
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35 Cajon
Street, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 5:00 P.M.
Present:Mario Saucedo, Mayor
Marc Shaw, Mayor Pro Tempore
Paul Barich, Council Member
Eddie Tejeda, Council Member
Denise Davis, Council Member (Remote Participation)
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; 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; Sean Reilly, Development Services Director; Monica Heredia, Municipal Utilities and
Engineering Director
A. Call City Council Meeting to Order
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.
B. Public Comment
Game Changers Leadership Institute - Kevin Anthony encouraged the Council to support programs like Game Changers
Leadership Institute, which helps young people, ages 16 through 24, build leadership skills. The organization is deeply
committed to developing the next generation of young leaders use their talents and skills to impact change in their
community.
C. Recess City Council Meeting to a Closed Session
1. Conference with legal counsel: Existing Litigation - Government Code §54956.9(d)(1)
2. Conference with real property negotiators - Government Code §54956.8
D. Reconvene City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 6:00 P.M. Council Member Davis announced that she would participate remotely as she was
traveling on behalf of UC Riverside, on official business and was unable to attend the meeting in person.
E. Invocation by Council Member Barich - Pledge of Allegiance
F. Closed Session Report
City Attorney Garcia announced that no reportable action was taken during the closed session, and she noted that Council
Member Davis was absent from closed session.
G. Presentations
1. Presentation of the Arbor Day Proclamation to Erik Reeves, FCS Field Services Superintendent
Mayor Saucedo presented the Proclamation to Erik Reeves, declaring April 24, 2026 as Arbor Day, and he
encouraged residents to protect our trees and woodlands for future generations.
2. Presentation of the National Library Week Proclamation presented to Don McCue, Library Director, Dr. Rosa Gomez,
Library Vice President, Les Kong, President Friends of the Library, Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Coordinator, Ciara
Lightner, Library Specialist, and Kristina Naftzger, Librarian
Mayor Saucedo proudly presented the Proclamation declaring the week of April 19-25, 2026, as National Library
Week, and he encouraged residents to visit A.K. Smiley Public Library and celebrate the adventures and
opportunities the library unlocks every day.
H. Public Comment - City Council
Teamster Negotiations - Teamster's Business Agent Andrew Coleman was pleased to report that negotiations with the City
have noticeably improved in tone and professionalism, but he pointed out there is still important work ahead. He said City
employees are paid, on average, 12% below market. Andrew Guerrero, of Teamsters 1932, highlighted the dedication with
which employees serve the City and he encouraged the Council to approve a fair and equitable contract for the Teamsters.
James Estrada, Teamster's Chief Steward, acknowledged several City divisions which are represented with Teamster
members. He voiced concerns regarding the rate of employee turnover and urged the Council to honor the data from the
Compensation and Classification Study and approach the bargaining table in good faith.
Various Musings - Dennis Bell complained about the parking, or lack thereof, during the Redlands Bicycle Classic. He
suggested the contract for the new Police Station should have been accomplished 20 years ago, attributing the delay to
failed leadership and misguided priorities. He congratulated Chris Boatman on his new appointment as City Manager of
Beaumont, noting that while it was a loss for Redlands, it was a gain for Beaumont.
One Concert One Cause - Rosselia Leonardi invited everyone to support and attend a benefit concert for Kleefstra
syndrome, a genetic cause of autism. The event will feature the Kalama Brothers and is scheduled for May 22 at the
University of Redlands Memorial Chapel.
Clay Street Traffic & QoL Concerns - Roberta Lehfeldt again pressed the City to address the ongoing traffic and safety
concerns on Clay Street. She complained that the employees of the Boys and Girls Club are continuing to severely impact
the neighborhood, overtaking residential parking spaces, and causing noise and lighting disturbances.
Big Thank You - Redlands Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Evan Sanford offered heartfelt congratulations to
Chris Boatman on his new appointment as City Manager of Beaumont and expressed deep gratitude for his many years of
dedicated service to Redlands.
Downtown Public Safety - Bea Hamilton described how walking alone from the downtown area to the four-story parking
structure at night can be a frightening experience. The area is dark with limited lighting and no security presence, adding the
City should consider a shuttle service.
AI Safety Protocols - Sara Aragon spoke of the critical need for AI safety training in the educational system.
Game Changers Leadership Institute - Ray encouraged the Council to support programs like Game Changers Leadership
Institute, which helps young people, ages 16 through 24, build leadership skills. He was looking forward to the networking
opportunities available through the program.
I. Consent Calendar
1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of April 7, 2026
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council approved,
by roll call vote, the minutes of the regular meeting of April 7, 2026.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
2. Authorize issuance of a proclamation declaring April 24, 2026, as Arbor Day in the City of Redlands
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council approved,
by roll call vote, the issuance of the Proclamation declaring April 24, 2026 as Arbor Day.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
3. Authorize issuance of a proclamation declaring the week of April 19-25, 2026, as National Library Week
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council approved,
by roll call vote, the Proclamation declaring April 19-25, 2026, as National Library Week.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
4. Approve recommendations for appointments to the Human Relations Commission
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council appointed,
by roll call vote, Vanessa Annaguey Aranda to serve a four-year term on the Human Relations Commission for
District 3 ending April 21, 2030; appointed Louisa Amis to serve a four-year term on the Human Relations
Commission for District 4 ending April 21, 2030; and appointed Erin Stepien to serve a four-year term on the Human
Relations Commission for District 5 ending April 21, 2030.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
5. Approve recommendations for appointments to the Citrus Preservation Commission
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council appointed,
by roll call vote, Donald Craw, Zachariah Smith, and Stuart Miller to each serve a four-year term on the Citrus
Preservation Commission ending April 16, 2030.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
6. Adopt Resolution No. 8774 for a new water service connection to the City of Redlands water distribution system at
2789 Mill Creek Road (APN: 0302-152-06-0000) in the unincorporated community of Mentone and adopt Resolution No.
8775 relating to Pre-Annexation Agreement No. 26-01
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council adopted,
by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8774 for a new connection to the City of Redlands water distribution system at 2789
Mill Creek Road in the unincorporated community of Mentone, Outside Service Case (OSC) No. 26-01, and
determined that the adoption of Resolution No. 8774 is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Sections
15303(a) and 15319(b) of CEQA guidelines; and adopted Resolution No. 8775, approving Pre-Annexation No. 26-01
for the provision of water service to a 0.25 acre parcel located at 2789 Mill Creek Road in the unincorporated
community of Mentone, and determined that adoption of Resolution No. 8775 is exempt from environmental review
pursuant to Sections 15319 and 15303 of CEQA guidelines.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
7. Receive and file the 2025 Annual Progress Reports for the General Plan and the 2021-2029 Housing Element
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council agreed, by
roll call vote, to receive and file the 2025 Annual Progress Reports for the General Plan and the 2021-2029 Housing
Element.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
8. Adopt Resolution No. 8777 Approving the City of Redlands’ Participation in the National Opioids Six Remnant
Defendants Settlement; Authorizing the City to Receive Direct Settlement Proceeds; and Authorizing the City Manager to
Execute All Related Settlement Documents
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council approved,
by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8777 authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all documents
necessary to implement the City of Redlands' participation in the new National Opioids Six Remnant Defendants
Settlement.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
9. Approve the First Amendment to the Agreement with Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. as Broker of Record for Property
and Casualty Insurance Services to extend the term for one additional year and increase the total compensation to an
amount not to exceed to $133,514
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council approved,
by roll call vote, the First Amendment to the Agreement with Alliant Specialty Insurance Services, Inc. as Broker of
Record for property and casualty insurance services to extend the term of the agreement for one additional year and
increase the total compensation to an amount not-to-exceed to $133,514.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
10. Adopt Resolution No. 8779 Temporarily Suspending Enforcement of Redlands Municipal Code Sections 5.04.390 and
5.04.420 for the Limited Purpose of Aligning Certain Business License Renewals with a Calendar-Year Renewal Cycle
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council approved,
by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8779 temporarily suspending enforcement of Sections 5.04.390 and 5.04.420 of
the Redlands Municipal Code to allow a one-time proration of business license fees for certain businesses currently
renewing in June, in order to transition those licenses to a calendar-year renewal cycle while minimizing financial
burden.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
11. Approve the Memorandum of Understanding for General Law and Traffic Enforcement Services for the Metrolink
System within the City of Redlands
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council approved,
by roll call vote, the Memorandum of Understanding between the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and
the City of Redlands Police Department for General Law and Traffic Enforcement Services for the Metrolink System
within the City of Redlands.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
12. Approve the use of City resources and the request for in-kind support in the amount of $7,650.00 related to the Stand-
Up-To-Stigma event hosted on May 17, 2026, by the Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center; approve
temporary street closures related to the event; and determine that the event is categorically exempt from environmental
review pursuant to Section 15311(c) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council
determined, by roll call vote, that the authorization for the items associated with 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 the expenditure of City resources and in-kind support in the
amount of $7,650.00; and authorized and approved the temporary street closures for the Stand-Up-to-Stigma 5k
event to be held Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
13. Approve the request for in-kind support in the amount of $17,012.52 related to the 27th Annual Redlands Fire Fighter
Car Show event hosted by the Professional Fire Fighters Association on May 24, 2026; approve temporary street closures
along East State Street and Citrus Avenue; authorize the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages at the event; and
determine that the event is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15311(c) of the State's
guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council 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 request for in-kind
support in the amount of $17,012.52; approved temporary street closures related to the event along East State
Street and Citrus Avenue; and authorized the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages at the 27th Annual
Redlands Fire Fighter Car Show event hosted by the Redlands Community Foundation in support of the Professional
Fire Fighters Association on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
J. Communications
1. Consideration of a Letter Supporting San Bernardino County Transportation Authority's decision to oppose Assembly
Bill 1678 related to the Gold Line
Mayor Saucedo requested this item be pulled from the agenda.
2. Recognition of the City of Redlands Wastewater Treatment Plant as Plant of the Year by the Santa Ana River Basin
Section of the California Water Environment Association
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Heredia introduced Wastewater Utility Manager Joe Hamburger who
announced the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) selected the City of Redlands Wastewater
Treatment Plant in the medium-sized Plant of the Year Award category. This award recognizes accomplishments in
compliance, innovative practices, cost-effectiveness, and superior plant performance within the Santa Ana River
Basin Section (SARBS). The City received 1 place for medium-sized plants out of eight wastewater treatment
plants in the local section (SARBS) and 4 place within the State of California. He commended staff at the
wastewater treatment plant for earning this award and for receiving statewide recognition.
K. New Business
1. Consideration of the License Agreement with Redlands Historical Museum Association and determine that approval of
the license agreement with the Redlands Historical Museum Association is exempt from environmental review pursuant to
Section 15061(b)(3) of the State’s guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act
Assistant City Manager Boatman provided background on the License Agreement with Redlands Historical Museum
Association. The License Agreement implements a component of the transfer agreement by establishing the
framework under which RHMA may conduct certain activities at the Museum. Specifically, the agreement provides
RHMA with an exclusive right to operate the museum store and a non-exclusive right to utilize the event pavilion and
associated outdoor areas for programming, fundraising, and third-party rentals. Under the License Agreement, the
City retains ownership and overall operational control of the Museum, while RHMA serves in a supporting role
focused on programming and revenue-generating activities that directly benefit the facility.
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded, by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council
determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the License Agreement with the Redlands Historical Museum
Association is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's CEQA Guidelines;
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and approved the License Agreement between the City of Redlands and the Redlands Historical Museum
Association.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
2. Consideration of Resolution No. 8735 Adopting the Arts and Culture Master Plan and determine that approval of the
Resolution is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15301 of the State's guidelines implementing the
California Environmental Quality Act
Facilities and Community Services Department Director Crocker highlighted Resolution No. 8735 adopting the Arts
and Culture Master Plan. She introduced the City's consultant, David Plettner-Saunders, of Cultural Planning Group,
who provided a detailed presentation regarding the evolution of the Plan. The Cultural Arts Commission held a
special meeting on August 11, 2025, and unanimously recommended the City Council approve the Arts and Culture
Master Plan, with the following changes: 1) The plan should call for a developer impact fee for public art; and 2) The
plan should call for a full-time position for the arts, either city or contracted staff.
Staff incorporated these recommendations where feasible. The plan identifies possible funding options such as art in
private development, including a development impact fee, percent-for-art program, or similar approaches, and it also
contemplates strengthening arts administration through dedicated staffing. The Master Plan is a guiding, non-
binding policy document. Any future actions, such as creating a fee, adding staff, or allocating funding would require
separate City Council direction and approval through future policy actions, budget processes, or ordinance adoption.
As public comment, Dennis Bell said he was not opposed to the plan in general but was not in favor of funding any
proposed initiatives with taxpayer dollars. Alejandro Gutierrez, of the Arts Council of San Bernardino County, fully
supported the plan, which will serve as a valuable roadmap for the future. Mayor Saucedo agreed that this
document was a good starting point. Council Member Davis thanked the consultant, the Cultural Arts
Commissioners, and staff for their tireless efforts throughout the development of the plan. She hopes to secure more
permanent funding sources to support some of the proposed initiative.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council
determined, by roll call vote, that adoption of the Arts and Culture Master Plan is exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines; and approved Resolution No.
8735 adopting the Arts and Culture Master Plan.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
3. Consideration of Resolution No. 8778 providing notice of intent to increase water and wastewater rates, direct staff to
issue the required Proposition 218 notice establishing a public hearing date and location, and determine that
consideration of the proposed rate increases are exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of
the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Heredia presented Resolution No. 8778 providing notice of intent to
increase water and wastewater rates, direct staff to issue the required Proposition 218 notice establishing a public
hearing date and location to consider the proposed rate increases. She introduced Utilities Advisory Committee
(UAC) Chair John James who provided an overview of the Committee's work. Chapter 2.70 of the Redlands
Municipal Code establishes a framework for a citizen committee, the UAC, to help develop fair and equitable rates
to cover costs of services for the City's water and wastewater utilities. The seven member UAC worked with MUED
staff and the City's Utility Rate Consultant, Raftelis, to develop rate recommendations that provide adequate
revenue to recover costs for services, are equitable to all customer classes, comply with state and federal laws, and
are easily explained to customers.
The Committee analyzed overall financial needs to maintain safe, reliable systems and service to residents and
overall operations. They examined the Operation and Maintenance costs, capital investment, revenue projects at
current rates, reserve balances, reserve balance target, required revenue adjustments to maintain reserves, and the
desire to keep a high credit rating.
The Utility Advisory Committee and staff recommended the following water and wastewater rate increases:
Water:
A two-and-a-half percent (2.5%) rate increase effective January 1, 2027, in FY 26/27
A two-and-a-half percent (2.5%) rate increase effective July 1, 2027, in FY 27/28
A two-and-a-half percent (2.5%) rate increase effective July 1, 2028, in FY 28/29
Wastewater:
A seven percent (7%) rate increase effective January 1, 2027, in FY 26/27
A seven percent (7%) rate increase effective July 1, 2027, in FY 27/28
A seven percent (7%) rate increase effective July 1, 2028, in FY 28/29
As public comment, UAC Member Paul Toor stated the infrastructure needs are substantial. Council Members
thanked the UAC, the consultant and staff for their diligence and commitment to keeping rate increases below
double digits. Mayor Saucedo emphasized that rate increases are necessary due to the demands placed on the
Wastewater Treatment Plant, the rising cost of services and the need for infrastructure upgrades. City Manager
Duggan responded to Council Member Barich, clarifying that the first increase in January 2027 for combined
charges of water and wastewater is $8.32 for two months or $4.08 per month. It was noted that charges are tailored
to individual usage and vary by user.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Mayor Mario Saucedo, the City Council determined, by roll
call vote, that approval of the proposed water and wastewater rate increases is exempt from environmental review
pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State’s CEQA Guidelines; adopted Resolution No. 8778 providing notice of
intent to increase water and wastewater rates; and directed staff to issue the required Proposition 218 notice for a
public hearing, scheduled on July 7, 2026.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
4. Consideration of the sole source purchase of the Dispatch Console Radio upgrade to Command Central AXS in the
amount of $370,436.22 and authorization of an additional appropriation in the same amount
Police Chief Tolber reported on the sole source purchase of the Dispatch Console Radio upgrade to Command
Central AXS in the amount of $370,436.22 and authorization of an additional appropriation in the same amount.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, seconded, by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council approved,
by roll call vote, the sole source purchase of the Dispatch Console Radio upgrade to Command Central AXS in the
amount of $370,436.22 and authorization of an additional appropriation in the same amount.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
5. Consideration of a Sole Source Purchase Order Modification with Ray Gaskin Service in the amount of $185,000, to a
total amount not to exceed $385,000, for the procurement of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts for Solid
Waste Division fleet vehicles
Facilities and Community Services Department Director Crocker summarized a Sole Source Purchase Order
Modification with Ray Gaskin Service in the amount of $185,000, to a total amount not to exceed $385,000, for the
procurement of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts for Solid Waste Division fleet vehicles.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Mayor Mario Saucedo, the City Council approved, by roll
call vote, a Sole Source Purchase Order Modification with Ray Gaskin Service in the amount of $185,000, to a total
amount not to exceed $385,000, for the procurement of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts for Solid
Waste Division fleet vehicles.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
6. Consideration of the First Amendment to an agreement with Kalmikov Enterprises, Inc., dba Fire Apparatus Solutions,
to increase total compensation by $93,600 to a total amount not to exceed $1,012,800; and a First Amendment to an
agreement with Wastebuilt Environmental Solutions, LLC., to increase total compensation by $390,000 to an amount not
to exceed $990,000, for fleet maintenance, parts and repairs
Facilities and Community Services Department Director Crocker explained the need to amend the agreement with
Kalmikov Enterprises, Inc. due to unanticipated repair costs for Medic Engine 264 after a June 28, 2025 collision in
which the City was found not at fault. The First Amendment with Kalmikov, dba Fire Apparatus Solutions, increases
the contract by $93,600 to a new total not to exceed $1,012,800, with $400,000, associated with the repair, allocated
for FY 2025-26 for the second extended term.
Wastebuilt Environmental Solutions, LLC, has become the sole provider of AMREP parts and services. The first
amendment to the agreement will increase the agreement to an amount not-to-exceed $390,000 for the second
extended term and $400,000 for the third and final extended term, resulting in a three-year total contract amount not
to exceed $990,000, an increase of $390,000. This increase accounts for the unanticipated costs resulting from
damage to Solid Waste Unit 850 and the loss of AMREP as a supplier of parts and services.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, the City Council approved,
by roll call vote, the First Amendment to an agreement with Kalmikov Enterprises, Inc., dba Fire Apparatus
Solutions, to increase the total compensation by $93,600 to a total amount not to exceed $1,012,800; and approved
the First Amendment to an agreement with Wastebuilt Environmental Solutions, LLC., to increase the total
compensation by $390,000 to an amount not to exceed $990,000, for fleet maintenance, parts and repairs.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
7. Consideration of a Cooperative Purchase of two Ford F-750 flatbed trucks from PB Loader Corporation for an amount
not to exceed $368,361.98
Facilities and Community Services Department Director Crocker presented a Cooperative Purchase of two Ford F-
750 flatbed trucks from PB Loader Corporation for an amount not to exceed $368,361.98. The proposed purchase
of a new flatbed truck and a flatbed concrete truck will replace existing units 423 and 460, both 2005 Chevrolet
Topkicks that have exceeded their useful service life. As a result, these vehicles are experiencing increasingly
frequent mechanical issues, leading to operational delays and higher maintenance costs.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, seconded, by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council approved,
by roll call vote, a cooperative piggyback contract request for the purchase of two Ford F-750 Flatbed trucks from
PB Loader Corporation for an amount not-to-exceed $368,361.98.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
8. Consideration of Resolution No. 8780 amending and restating Resolution No. 8220 to revise the City’s In-Kind Support
Policy for Special Events and determine that adopting Resolution No. 8780 is exempt from environmental review pursuant
to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines
Assistant City Manager Boatman introduced the recommendations to consider revising Resolution No. 8220,
adopted in 2021, to establish a formal policy for evaluating requests from nonprofit organizations seeking in-kind
support and City resources for special events. In general, these recurring community events contribute to the
character and vitality of Redlands. The revision responds to rising City service costs and the need to better manage
limited staff and budget resources while preserving core municipal services. Exhibit “A” lists the events eligible for
continued in-kind support and only those approved events would qualify under the new policy. Events not on the list
could still occur with permits and approvals, but they would no longer receive in-kind support and would instead be
subject to a fee-based model for City services.
With Council Member's direction, staff will return within 90 days with a proposed fee schedule for special event
services, including coordination, public safety, street closures, traffic control, and other operational support.
A temporary 90-day pause on processing applications for non-listed events is recommended while the fee schedule
is developed, allowing the City to transition to a clearer and more sustainable framework.
As public comment, Dennis Bell said the bloated list of eligible events negatively affected the City budget and he
was uncomfortable with giving away taxpayer money without asking any questions. Redlands Chamber of
Commerce Executive Director Evan Sanford raised concerns about the policy despite being aware of rising costs
associated with these events. He argued the policy could stifle creativity and discourage organizers from creating
new events.
Council Member Davis did not want to dissuade organizers from holding community events which bring a vibrant
element to the community, and she was hesitant to support the policy. Council Members discussed the merits of the
proposal and agreed that events add value to the City in several ways, including generating increased sales tax
revenue.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council approved,
by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8780, establishing a revised policy for in-kind support and limiting eligibility to events
identified on Exhibit “A” (Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Approved Events List); and directed staff to return within ninety (90)
days with a proposed fee schedule establishing charges for City services associated with special events, including
but not limited to staff time, public safety services, street closures, traffic control, and operational support; and
directed that the City not accept or process applications for events not included on Exhibit “A” for a period of ninety
(90) days, to allow for the development and adoption of the fee schedule.
Vote: 4 - 1 Passed (Nay - Council Member Davis)
L. Individual Council Member Announcements and/or Reports on Activities
Redlands Animal Services Kennel Expansion - Council Members participated in the Ribbon Cutting event held on April 9
and toured the new kennels. They were thrilled with the results which enhance the Center's ability to care for animals.
Mayor Saucedo celebrated Earth Day, attended the unveiling of the new Garner Holt teen innovation center at the Boys and
Girls Club, inspiring entrepreneurship, the annual "Teachers of Excellence program, hosted by the LDS Church, raised a
shovel at the groundbreaking ceremony for the future home of the Police Department, and appreciated the annual Flag
Raising Ceremony, held at the Burrage Mansion in celebration of the Pledge of Allegiance tradition.
Mayor Pro Tem Shaw attended the annual "Teachers of Excellence program, hosted by the Church of Latter-day Saints
(LDS), honoring outstanding educators in the Redlands Unified School District and raised a shovel at the groundbreaking
ceremony for the future home of the Police Department.
Council Member Barich enjoyed the Redlands Benchwarmers Roast of Martha Green, attended Earth Day events,
participated in the Food Security Task Force Committee meeting, and appreciated the annual Flag Raising Ceremony, held
at the Burrage Mansion in celebration of the Pledge of Allegiance tradition. He spoke at the Smiley Public Library's Adult
Literacy Community Event and raised a shovel at the groundbreaking ceremony for the future home of the Police
Department.
Council Member Tejeda attended the Redlands Bicycle Classic, the annual "Teachers of Excellence program, hosted by
the LDS Church, honoring outstanding educators in RUSD, and participated in "Sunshine Day" at the Orange Show offering
a free event to children with special needs.
Council Member Davis celebrated Earth Day at the Library and toured Three Sisters Farm in San Timoteo Canyon.
M. Adjournment
There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 7:58 P.M. in honor of Thomas Breitkreuz, a member of the
Municipal Utilities and Public Works Commission, who recently passed away. He will be remembered for his dedication and
service to the community. The next regular meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on May 5, 2026.