City Council Meeting - January 07, 2026
1. CONVENE CLOSED SESSION
Closed Session convened at 5:06 p.m. for the purpose listed below. Present were Mayor Casillas, Vice Mayor Speake, Council Member Daddario, Council Member Richins, and Council Member Steiner. Closed Session adjourned at 5:49 p.m.
1.1 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6
AGENCY DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE: JACOB ELLIS, CITY MANAGER EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION: CORONA UTILITIES EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION
2. INVOCATION
None.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Maddy Paxton.
4. CONVENE OPEN SESSION
Mayor Casillas called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/PRESENTATIONS
None.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
The Consent Calendar was approved with the exception of Items 6.7 and 6.8, which were voted on separately.
Moved by:
Tony Daddario
Seconded by:
Jim Steiner
That the City Council approve the Consent Calendar.
Aye (5)
Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, and Tony Daddario MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)
6.1 MINUTES - SPECIAL MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2025
1. Draft Minutes - Special Meeting 12032025.pdf
THE MEETING MINUTES WERE APPROVED.
6.2 MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2025
1. Draft Minutes - City Council Meeting 12032025.pdf
THE MEETING MINUTES WERE APPROVED.
6.3 CITY COUNCIL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 3423, SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CORONA, CALIFORNIA
1. STAFF REPORT - CMC 12.24.60 AMENDMENT .pdf
2. Ordinance No. 3423.pdf
THIS ORDINANCE WAS ADOPTED.
6.4 CITY COUNCIL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 3424, SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CORONA, CALIFORNIA
1. STAFF REPORT - ADOPTION OF ENTERTAINMENT ZONE ORDINANCE.pdf
2. Ordinance No. 3424.pdf
THIS ORDINANCE WAS ADOPTED.
6.5 CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CORONA, CORONA PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY, CORONA UTILITY AUTHORITY, AND CORONA HOUSING AUTHORITY TO RECEIVE AND FILE THE MONTHLY FISCAL REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2025
1. STAFF REPORT - THE MONTHLY FISCAL REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2025.pdf
2. Monthly Fiscal Report October 2025-Signed.pdf
THIS FINANCIAL REPORT WAS RECEIVED AND FILED.
That the City Council receive and file the monthly fiscal report for October 2025.
6.6 CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CORONA, CORONA PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY, CORONA UTILITY AUTHORITY, AND CORONA HOUSING AUTHORITY TO RECEIVE AND FILE THE MONTHLY INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2025
1. STAFF REPORT-MONTHLY INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO REPORT OCTOBER 2025.pdf
2. October 2025 Investment Report.pdf
THIS FINANCIAL REPORT WAS RECEIVED AND FILED.
That the City Council receive and file the monthly investment portfolio report for October 2025.
6.7 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH COPP CONTRACTING, INC. FOR THE SIDEWALK GAP CLOSURE AT EAST CHASE DRIVE AND SMITH AVENUE
1. STAFF REPORT - CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH COPP CONTRACTING INC FOR THE SIDEWALK GAP CLOSURE .pdf
2. Exhibit 1 - Construction Contract.pdf
3. Exhibit 2 - Location Map.pdf
Vice Mayor Speake provided comments in support of the proposed item.
Moved by:
Wes Speake
Seconded by:
Jim Steiner
That the City Council:
Adopt Plans and Specifications for the Sidewalk Gap Closure at Chase Drive and Smith Avenue, Capital Improvement Project No. ST-2022-14, Notice Inviting Bids NIB 26-014AT.
Award Notice Inviting Bids 26-014AT to Copp Contracting, Inc., the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, for the total bid amount of $570,464, and waive any and all minor irregularities in the bidding document as submitted by said bidder.
Approve the construction contract with Copp Contracting, Inc. for the Sidewalk Gap Closure at Chase Drive and Smith Avenue, Capital Improvement Project No. ST-2022-14, in the amount of $570,464.
Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the construction contract with Copp Contracting, Inc., in the amount of $570,464, including any non-substantive extensions, change orders, purchase orders, and amendments up to 10%, which is equivalent to $57,046 as authorized by Corona Municipal Code 3.08.050 (H).
Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to issue a purchase order to Copp Contracting, Inc., in the amount of $570,464.
Authorize a budgetary transfer in the amount of $377,015 from the Citywide ADA and Sidewalk Improvements, Capital Improvement Project No. ST-2025-05 to the Sidewalk Gap Closure at Chase Drive and Smith Avenue, Capital Improvement Project No. ST-2022-14 within the Measure X Fund 120 to cover the increase in construction cost due to inflation and the addition of streetlights to the Project.
Aye (5)
Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, and Tony Daddario MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)
6.8 AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF 1 PIERCE FIRE ENGINE (PUMPER) FROM SOUTH COAST FIRE EQUIPMENT VIA SOURCEWELL CO-OP
1. AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF 1 PIERCE FIRE ENGINE (PUMPER) FROM SOUTH COAST FIRE EQUIPMENT VIA SOURCEWELL CO-OP.pdf
2. Exhibit 1 - Oshkosh Sourcewell Contract.pdf
3. Exhibit 2 - Oshkosh Contract Awarded.pdf
4. Exhibit 3 - Sourcewell Request for Proposals.pdf
5. Exhibit 4 - Sourcewell Proposal Opening Record.pdf
6. Exhibit 5 - Sourcewell Proof of Publication.pdf
7. Exhibit 6 - Sourcewell Comment and Review.pdf
8. Exhibit 7 - South Coast Fire Equipment Price Letter.pdf
9. Exhibit 8 - Pierce Manufacturing Specification.pdf
10. Exhibit 9 - Pierce Manufacturing CAD Drawing.pdf
11. Exhibit 10 - Apparatus Assessment 63002.pdf
Don Fuller, resident, addressed the Council to provide comments in support of the proposed item.
Moved by:
Wes Speake
Seconded by:
Tom Richins
Authorize the purchase of one (1) new vehicle from South Coast Fire Equipment for the Fire Department in the amount of $1,453,033.
Authorize the City Manager, or his designee,
to issue a purchase order to
South Coast Fire Equipment in the amount of $1,453,033, including any non-substantive extensions, change orders, purchase orders, and amendments up to the amount authorized by Corona Municipal Code
3.08.080(
J)
, which is equivalent to 10% or
$145,303
.
Authorize an appropriation in the amount of $1,598,337 from the Fleet Replacement Fund 684 to the Vehicle Procurement-Fire Operating and Maintenance Project No. 68342.
Aye (5)
Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, and Tony Daddario MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)
6.9 ADOPTION OF THE 2026 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM AND FINANCIAL PRIORITIES
1. STAFF REPORT - ADOPT THE 2026 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM AND FINANCIAL PRIORITIES.pdf
2. Exhibit 1 - 2026 Legislative Platform - CLEAN.pdf
3. Exhibit 2 - 2026 Financial Priorities CLEAN.pdf
THIS ITEM WAS APPROVED.
That the City Council adopt the 2026 Legislative Platform and Financial Priorities, as previously presented at the December 3, 2025, City Council meeting.
7. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
The following residents addressed the Council: Maddy Paxton, Joe Morgan, Rory Connell, Alfredo Reza, Jesse Sojo, Nancy Jimenez-Hernandez, Colin Marleovich, David Herandez, Jocelyn Galindo, and Flor Shabgahi.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
9.1 PRESENTATION ABOUT THE CITY’S UPDATED CALPERS UNFUNDED LIABILITIES AND APPROVAL OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 PENSION STABILIZATION TRUST CONTRIBUTION
1. STAFF REPORT-PENSION STABILIZATION TRUST.pdf
2. Exhibit 1 - Pension Stabilization Trust Presentation 01.07.26.pdf Kim Sitton, Finance Director, provided a report.
That the City Council:
Acting as the Pension Stabilization Trust Board, receive the presentation about the updated pension liabilities and Pension Stabilization Trust.
Approve a Fiscal Year 2026 Pension Stabilization Trust contribution of $2,300,000 ($2.0 million from the Measure X Fund 120 and $0.3 million from the General Fund 110).
Aye (5)
Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, and Tony Daddario MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)
9.2 FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SVA ARCHITECTS AND BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR THE NORTH MALL ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
1. North Mall Architectural Design Services and Surplus Lands Act.pdf
2. Exhibit 1 – Location Map.pdf
3. Exhibit 2 – SVA Architects, Inc. – First Amendment PSA Agreement.pdf
4. Exhibit 3 - Final Updated Surplus Land Act Guidelines 2024.pdf
5. Presentation - North Mall Architectural Design and SLA - January 7th 2026.pdf Justin Tucker, Assistant City Manager, provided a report.
The following residents addressed the Council regarding the proposed item: Rory Connell, Jeremy Devine, Joe Morgan, Maddy Paxton, Victor Ramirez, Don Fuller, Karen Alexander, and Vanessa Villafan.
The Council provided comments and had inquiries. Mr. Tucker and Dean Derleth, City Attorney, provided clarification.
That the City Council:
Pursue the Surplus Land Act exemption for a mixed use project of at least 300 housing units with 25% of units affordable.
Approve the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with SVA Architects in the amount of $1,482,150 for Architectural Services for the North Mall Development.
Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with SVA Architects in the amount of $1,482,150 including any non-substantive extensions, change order, and amendments to 10% of the agreement amount, as authorized in Corona Municipal Code Section 3.08.070(I).
Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to issue a change order to the on-call purchase order with SVA Architects (B260001) for a total purchase order amount of $1,482,150.
Authorize an appropriation in the amount of $982,150 from Measure X Fund 120 to the North Corona Mall Acquisition/Improvements, Operating and Maintenance Project No.78390.
Aye (5)
Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, and Tony Daddario MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)
9.3 NONCONFORMING USES IN DOWNTOWN CORONA
1. Nonconforming Uses in Downtown Corona.pdf
THIS ITEM WAS TAKEN OUT OF ORDER.
Mayor Casillas motioned to withdraw the previous motion, which was to delay the conversation about amortization. She does not want a delay to engage with the business community and partner with the Chamber of Commerce.
The following residents addressed the Council to provide comments: Tim Gramling, Rory Connell, Joe Morgan, and Wayne Tallman.
The Council provided comments and had inquiries. Dean Derleth, City Attorney/LRM Director, and Jacob Elllis, City Manager, provided clarification.
Moved by:
Jacque Casillas
Seconded by:
Jim Steiner
That the City Council provide direction to staff on next steps and community engagement related to nonconforming uses in the Downtown Specific Plan boundaries.
Aye (4)
Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, and Wes Speake Nay (1)
Tony Daddario
MotionAPPROVED (4 to 1)
10. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS
None.
11. REPORTS FROM BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
11.1 Library Board of Trustees
None.
11.2 Planning & Housing Commission
None.
11.3 Parks & Recreation Commission
None.
11.4 Regional Meetings
11.4.a
UPDATE FROM COUNCIL MEMBER TONY DADDARIO ON THE WESTERN RIVERSIDE COUNTY REGIONAL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY (RCA) MEETING OF JANUARY 5, 2026 Council Member Daddario provided an update.
11.4.b
UPDATE FROM COUNCIL MEMBER TOM RICHINS ON THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY HABITAT CONSERVATION AGENCY (RCHCA) MEETING OF DECEMBER 11, 2025 Meeting was cancelled.
11.4.c
UPDATE FROM COUNCIL MEMBER JIM STEINER ON THE RIVERSIDE TRANSIT AGENCY (RTA) BOARD MEETING OF DECEMBER 18, 2025 Council Member Steiner provided an update.
11.4.d
UPDATE FROM VICE MAYOR WES SPEAKE ON THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SCAG) JOINT POLICY MEETING OF DECEMBER 4, 2025 Vice Mayor Speake provided an update.
11.4.e
UPDATE FROM VICE MAYOR WES SPEAKE ON THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (RCTC) MEETING OF DECEMBER 10, 2025 Vice Mayor Speake provided an update.
12. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORTS AND COMMENTS
None.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS AND COMMENTS
None.
14. CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
The Council provided comments.
14.1 CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SCAG) GENERAL ASSEMBLY DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE FOR THE MEETING OF MAY 7 - 8, 2026 Mayor Casillas nominated Vice Mayor Speake as the Delegate and Council Member Daddario as the Alternate.
Moved by:
Jacque Casillas
Seconded by:
Tom Richins
That the City Council approve Vice Mayor Wes Speake as the Delegate and Council Member Tony Daddario as the Alternate.
Aye (5)
Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, and Tony Daddario MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)
14.2 APPOINTMENTS TO REGIONAL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
1. STAFF REPORT - 2026 APPOINTMENTS TO REGIONAL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS.pdf Mayor Casillas appointed Council Member Steiner to serve the remainder of the term for Riverside County Transportation Commission and seconded by Council Member Daddario. No other changes were made to the Regional Boards and Commissions appointments.
Moved by:
Jacque Casillas
Seconded by:
Tom Richins
That the City Council approve the appointments with no changes.
Aye (5)
Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, and Tony Daddario MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)
14.3 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2026
1. STAFF REPORT - 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE.pdf
2. Exhibit 1 - Resolution No. 2026-001.pdf
3. Exhibit 2 - 2026 City Council Meetings.pdf
Kristian Duarte, Deputy City Clerk, provided a report.
That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-001, approving the City Council meeting schedule for calendar year 2026.
Aye (5)
Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, and Tony Daddario MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)
14.4 REAPPOINTMENT TO THE NORTHWEST MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL BOARD OF TRUSTEES
1. STAFF REPORT - REAPPOINTMENT TO THE NORTHWEST MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL .pdf THIS ITEM WAS TAKEN OUT OF ORDER.
Mayor Casillas reappointed Nancy Jimenez Hernandez to the Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control Board of Trustees.
Moved by:
Jim Steiner
Seconded by:
Tom Richins
That the City Council approve the appointment of Nancy Jimenez Hernandez to the Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control Board of Trustees.
Aye (5)
Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, and Tony Daddario MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)
15. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
15.1 CITY PARK FINAL DESIGN (STAFF) JANUARY 21, 2026
15.2 EXPLORE CORDON PRICING OF THE FOOTHILL CORRIDOR TO DETER CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC (W. SPEAKE) JANUARY 21, 2026
15.3 UPDATE OF CHAPTER 5.34 PEDDLERS AND SOLICITORS (W. SPEAKE) FEB/MARCH
15.4 PROVIDING THE USE OF CITY FACILITIES TO OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES FREE OF CHARGE (W. SPEAKE) FEB/MARCH
15.5 EXPLORE THE LEGALITIES OF REQUIRING CUP’S FOR OUTPATIENT DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CLINICS (W. SPEAKE) FEB/MARCH
15.6 PROVIDE THE NUMBER OF HOUSING UNITS APPROVED BY THE CITY OF CORONA SINCE 2019 (W. SPEAKE) MARCH/APRIL
15.7 CMC AMENDMENT PROHIBITING THE COMMERCIAL SALE OF KRATOM (STAFF) TBD
16. ADJOURNMENT
The next scheduled meeting of the Council is on January 21, 2026. Mayor Casillas adjourned the meeting at 8:34 pm in honor of Judy Horan.