DRAFT
1 City of Corona
City Council Minutes
Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
Closed Session- Council Board Room
Council Present: Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, Tony Daddario, Tom Richins, Jim Steiner
_____________________________________________________________________
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): Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, Tony Daddario, Tom Richins, and Jim Steiner DRAFT
2 MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)
6.1 MINUTES - SPECIAL MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2025
THE MEETING MINUTES WERE APPROVED.
6.2 MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2025
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
THIS ORDINANCE WAS ADOPTED.
6.4 CITY COUNCIL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 3424, SECOND READING
OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CORONA, CALIFORNIA
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
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
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 Vice Mayor Speake provided comments in support of the proposed item.
Moved by: Wes Speake
Seconded by: Jim Steiner
That the City Council:
a. 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.
DRAFT
3 b. 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.
c. 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. d. 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).
e. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to issue a purchase order to Copp Contracting, Inc., in the amount of $570,464.
f. 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): Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, Tony Daddario, Tom Richins, and Jim Steiner
MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)
6.8 AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF 1 PIERCE FIRE ENGINE (PUMPER) FROM
SOUTH COAST FIRE EQUIPMENT VIA SOURCEWELL CO-OP
Don Fuller, resident, addressed the Council to provide comments in support of the proposed item.
Moved by: Wes Speake
Seconded by: Tom Richins
a. Authorize the purchase of one (1) new vehicle from South Coast Fire Equipment for the Fire Department in the amount of $1,453,033. b. 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 DRAFT
4 amendments up to the amount authorized by Corona Municipal Code
3.08.080(J), which is equivalent to 10% or $145,303.
c. 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): Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, Tony Daddario, Tom Richins, and Jim Steiner
MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)
6.9 ADOPTION OF THE 2026 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM AND FINANCIAL
PRIORITIES
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
Kim Sitton, Finance Director, provided a report.
That the City Council:
a. Acting as the Pension Stabilization Trust Board, receive the presentation about the updated pension liabilities and Pension Stabilization Trust. b. 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): Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, Tony Daddario, Tom Richins, and Jim Steiner
MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)
DRAFT
5 9.2 FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH SVA ARCHITECTS AND BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR THE NORTH
MALL ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
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:
a. Pursue the Surplus Land Act exemption for a mixed use project of at least 300 housing units with 25% of units affordable.
b. 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.
c. 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). d. 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.
e. 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): Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, Tony Daddario, Tom Richins, and Jim Steiner
MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)
9.3 NONCONFORMING USES IN DOWNTOWN CORONA
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.
DRAFT
6 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): Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, Tom Richins, and Jim Steiner 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.
DRAFT
7 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): Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, Tony Daddario, Tom Richins, and Jim Steiner
MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)
14.2 APPOINTMENTS TO REGIONAL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
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): Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, Tony Daddario, Tom Richins, and Jim Steiner
DRAFT
8 MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)
14.3 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2026
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): Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, Tony Daddario, Tom Richins, and Jim Steiner
MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)
14.4 REAPPOINTMENT TO THE NORTHWEST MOSQUITO AND VECTOR
CONTROL BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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): Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, Tony Daddario, Tom Richins, and Jim Steiner
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
DRAFT
9 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.