1 City of Corona
City Council Minutes
Wednesday, October 07, 2026 at 06:00 PM
Closed Session - Council Board Room
Council Present: Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, Tony Daddario, Tom Richins and Jim Steiner
1. CONVENE CLOSED SESSION
Closed Session convened at 5:00 p.m. for the purposes listed below. Present were Mayor Casillas, Vice Mayor Speake, Council Member Daddario, Council Member Richins and Council Member Steiner. Closed Session adjourned at 5:28 p.m.
1.1 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8
AGENCY NEGOTIATOR: JACOB ELLIS, CITY MANAGER
PROPERTY: APN 117-172-001, 514 W Sixth Street and APN 110-280-013, 1621
FAIRMONT DRIVE
NEGOTIATING PARTIES: UNKNOWN
UNDER NEGOTIATION: PRICE & TERMS OF PAYMENT
1.2 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8
PROPERTY: 1100 RIVER ROAD
AGENCY NEGOTIATOR: JACOB ELLIS, CITY MANAGER
NEGOTIATING PARTY: AUDRIE ECHNOZ, CORONA-NORCO YMCA
UNDER NEGOTIATION: PRICE & TERMS OF PAYMENT
1.3 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
2 THIS ITEM WAS PULLED FROM THE AGENDA.
PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8
AGENCY NEGOTIATOR: JACOB ELLIS, CITY MANAGER
PROPERTY: APN 118-270-049, 815 W. SIXTH STREET
NEGOTIATING PARTIES: CHRISTIAN ARTS AND THEATER
UNDER NEGOTIATION: PRICE & TERMS OF PAYMENT
1.4 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(1)
NAME OF CASE: PECHANGA BAND OF INDIANS AND SOBOBA BAND OF LUISEÑO INDIANS V. CITY OF CORONA
CASE NUMBER: RIVERSIDE COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT CASE NO. CVRI 2306028
2. INVOCATION - Pastor Rodney Kyles, The Assembly Church The Invocation was led by Pastor Rodney Kyles.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Pastor Rodney Kyles.
4. CONVENE OPEN SESSION
Mayor Casillas called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/PRESENTATIONS
5.1 PROCLAMATION: RED RIBBON WEEK
Robin Jones and students accepted the proclamation.
5.2 PROCLAMATION: WATER PROFESSIONALS APPRECIATION WEEK Members of the Utilities Department accepted the proclamation. 3 5.3 RECOGNITION: PASTOR MARK A. & NADRA WILLIAMS – 25TH
ANNIVERSARY FAITH FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
Pastor Mark A. & Nadra Williams accepted the recognition.
5.4 RECOGNITION: BEDFORD FIREWISE COMMITTEE
The Bedford FireWise Committee accepted the recognition.
5.5 PRESENTATION: TRAFFIC SIGNAL OPTIMIZATION PROJECT UPDATE Aaron Cox, Principal Engineer, provided a presentation. Joe Morgan, resident, addressed the Council to provide comments regarding the update.
5.6 PRESENTATION: DOWNTOWN UPDATE
Joel Belding, Planning & Development Director, provided a presentation. Sylvia Edwards, City Clerk, stated there were written comments received regarding the update and they will be maintained with the meeting minutes. Chris McCoy and Joe Morgan provided comments on the update.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
Moved By: Jim Steiner
Seconded By: Wes Speake
Yes (5): Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, Tony Daddario, Tom Richins, and Jim Steiner Motion APPROVED (5 to 0)
The Consent Calendar was approved with the exception of Items 6.3, 6.4, 6.12, and 6.13, which were voted on separately.
6.1 6.2
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
That the City Council approve the minutes for the City Council, Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Corona, Corona Public Financing Authority, Corona Utility Authority, Corona Housing Authority City Council Meeting of September 16, 2026
THESE MINUTES WERE APPROVED.
2025 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE GRANT AWARD
4 That the City Council:
a. Authorize the acceptance of the Fiscal Year 2025 Emergency Management Performance Grant award in the amount of $15,856.
b. Authorize an appropriation and estimated revenue increase in the amount of $15,856 to the Fire Department’s grant budget within the Grant General Fund (FD_1111).
THIS ITEM WAS APPROVED.
6.3 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH SUPERB ENGINEERING, INC. FOR THE CITYWIDE SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS PHASE II PROJECT (ST-2027-04) Vice Mayor Speake had an inquiry and Jacob Ellis, City Manager, provided clarification.
Moved By: Wes Speake
Seconded By: Tony Daddario
That the City Council:
a. Adopt Plans and Specifications for the Citywide Sidewalk Improvements Phase II Capital Improvement Project No. ST-2027-04, Notice Inviting Bids 27- 003CA.
b. Award Notice Inviting Bids 27-003CA to Superb Engineering, Inc., the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, for the total bid amount of $4,501,236.94, and waive all minor irregularities in the bidding document as submitted by the said bidder.
c. Approve the construction contract with Superb Engineering, Inc. for the Citywide Sidewalk Improvements Phase II Project (ST-2027-04) in the amount of $4,501,236.94.
d. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the construction contract with Superb Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $4,501,236.94, including any non- substantive extensions, change orders, purchase orders, and amendments up to 10%, which is equivalent to $450,123.69. e. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to issue a purchase order to Superb Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $4,501,236.94. 5 Yes (5): Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, Tony Daddario, Tom Richins, and Jim Steiner
Motion APPROVED (5 to 0)
6.4 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR OPERATIONS, MARKETING, AND SPECIAL EVENT SERVICES AT THE HUB.
Sylvia Edwards, City Clerk, stated there were written comments received regarding the proposed item and they will be maintained with the meeting minutes. Chris McCoy and Joe Morgan provided comments regarding the proposed item. Joel Belding, Planning and Development Director provided clarification regarding the proposed item.
Moved By: Jim Steiner
Seconded By: Wes Speake
That the City Council:
a. Approve the Professional Services Agreement with Ground Review Corona, LLC, for operations, marketing, and special events services for a term of five (5) years in the not-to-exceed amount of $3,111,696, and waive any and all minor irregularities in the proposal.
b. Authorize an Exception to Bid pursuant to Section 3.08.140(D) of the Corona Municipal Code - Purpose of bidding is otherwise accomplished, as outlined in the Determination for Competitive Bidding section of this staff report. c. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Professional Services Agreement with Ground Review Corona, LLC, in the not-to-exceed amount of $3,111,696, including any non-substantive extensions, change orders, purchase orders, and amendments up to 10% of the contract amount ($311,169).
d. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to issue purchase orders annually to Ground Review Corona, LLC, in the annual amounts outlined within the Professional Services Agreement.
e. Authorize an appropriation in the amount of $315,000 in the Economic Development Department’s Operating Budget within the Corona Mall Properties Fund (FD_1130) for FY 2027.
6 Yes (5): Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, Tony Daddario, Tom Richins, and Jim Steiner
Motion APPROVED (5 to 0)
6.5 FIRST AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ALBERT A. WEBB ASSOCIATES FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES That the City Council:
a. Approve the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Albert A. Webb Associates for Consulting Design Services increasing the agreement by $250,197 for a total not to exceed amount of $648,278. b. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement for Consulting Design Services with Albert A. Webb Associates for a total agreement amount of $648,278 through June 30, 2029, with no additional change order authority. c. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to issue a Purchase Order to Albert A. Webb Associates in the amount of $648,278 for the Water Reclamation Facility 1A Blower and Digester Piping and Equipment Upgrade, Capital Improvement Project No. UT-2026-09.
That the Corona Utility Authority review, ratify and to the extent necessary, direct the City Council to take the above actions.
THIS ITEM WAS APPROVED.
6.6 SECOND AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH NARASIMHAN CONSULTING SERVICES, INC. FOR DESIGN AND
ENGINEERING SERVICES
That the City Council:
a. Approve the Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Narasimhan Consulting Services, Inc. for 1,2,3-Trichloropropane and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances remediation and treatment increasing the agreement by $292,890 for a total not to exceed amount of $622,890. b. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Second 7 Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Narasimhan Consulting Services, Inc. for 1,2,3-Trichloropropane and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances remediation and treatment for a total agreement amount $622,890, including the ability to negotiate and execute nonsubstantive changes and extensions, purchase orders and amendments up to $62,289 or 10% of the contract amount as authorized by Corona Municipal Code Section 3.08.070(G).
c. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to issue a Purchase Order to Narasimhan Consulting Services, Inc. in the amount of $622,890. d. Authorize an appropriation in the amount of $336,812 from the Water Utility Fund (FD_1570) to the PFAS and 1, 2, 3-TCP Remediation, Capital Improvement Project No. UT-2024-10.
That the Corona Utility Authority review, ratify, and to the extent necessary, direct the City Council to take the above actions.
THIS ITEM WAS APPROVED.
6.7 REPLACEMENT OF TWO POLICE DEPARTMENT VEHICLES
That the City Council:
a. Approve the replacement of two Police Department emergency vehicles declared total losses following non-fault collisions.
b. Authorize an appropriation in the amount of $200,650.07 from the Fleet Replacement Fund (FD_1684) to the Vehicle Procurement-Police Operating and Maintenance Project No. PJ_00000491.
THIS ITEM WAS APPROVED.
6.8 NEW OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE PROJECT FOR WATER
RECLAMATION FACILITY 1 AUTOMATIC TRANSFER SWITCH AND
SWITCHGEAR REPAIRS
That the City Council:
a. Authorize the creation of a new Operating and Maintenance Project titled “Water Reclamation Facility #1 Automatic Transfer Switch and Switchgear Repairs.”
8 b. Authorize an appropriation in the amount of $150,000 from the Sewer Utility Fund (FD_1572) to the new project titled Water Reclamation Facility #1 Automatic Transfer Switch and Switchgear Repairs.
That the Corona Utility Authority review, ratify, and to the extent necessary, direct that the City Council take the above actions.
THIS ITEM WAS APPROVED.
6.9 CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER WITH COPP CONTRACTING INC. FOR THE
CHASE DRIVE AND SMITH AVENUE SIDEWALK GAP CLOSURE PROJECT That the City Council authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to issue Contract Change Order No.6 in the amount of $21,427.59 to Copp Contracting Inc., for total not-to-exceed contract amount of $646,137.82.
THIS ITEM WAS APPROVED.
6.10 ACCEPTANCE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY
SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM FEDERAL GRANT AWARD That the City Council:
a. Authorize the acceptance of the State of California Office of the Traffic Safety Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Federal Award grant number PT2738, of $137,000 for Local Law Enforcement Agencies. b. Authorize an appropriation and estimated revenue increase in the amount of $137,000 to the Police Department’s grant budget within the Grant General Fund (FD_1111) to be reimbursed from the State of California Office of Traffic Safety.
c. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute any required grant documents that are in compliance with the City Council’s actions hereunder.
THIS ITEM WAS APPROVED.
6.11 CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY DIGITAL LITERACY GRANT
That the City Council:
a. Accept grant funding from the California State Library’s federal LSTA funds awarded in the amount of $20,000 for the Digital Literacy and Access-Corona Public Library project.
9 b. Authorize an appropriation and estimated revenue increase in the amount of $20,000 to the Community Services Department’s grant budget within the Library-Other Grants Fund (FD_1415) for the Corona Public Library Digital Literacy and Access-Corona Public Library project.
c. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to adjust the budget accordingly if the grantor distributes additional funds to grant participants.
THIS ITEM WAS APPROVED.
6.12 RESOLUTION APPROVING A REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT FOR A
WATER MAIN EXTENSION IN STATE STREET, NORTH OF MARLIN WAY Vice Mayor Speake had inquiries and Tom Moody, Utilities Director provided clarification.
Moved By: Wes Speake
Seconded By: Jim Steiner
That the City Council:
a. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-098, establishing the reimbursement of 77% of eligible Total Costs to construct the water main extension on State Street, north of Marlin Way, with future cost recovery from benefiting parcels. b. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Reimbursement Agreement for Water Main Extension with Betty S. Madsen, and to take all actions necessary to implement the agreement.
c. Authorize the creation of a new Capital Improvement Project titled “State Street Water Main Extension”.
d. Authorize an appropriation in the amount of $128,860 from the Water Capacity Fund (FD_1507) to the new project titled “State Street Water Main Extension” for the reimbursement of eligible costs in accordance with the Reimbursement Agreement.
e. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to adjust the budget based on final verified eligible costs.
That the Corona Utility Authority review, ratify, and to the extent necessary, direct the City Council to take the above actions.
10 Yes (5): Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, Tony Daddario, Tom Richins, and Jim Steiner
Motion APPROVED (5 to 0)
6.13 WAIVER OF UNDERGROUNDING REQUIREMENT FOR OVERHEAD UTILITY WIRES LOCATED AT 675 AND 627 WEST RINCON STREET
Council Member Daddario provided comments. Justin Alvord, Project Developer, provided clarification. The Council had inquiries and Mr. Alvord, Rachel Rockwell, Counsel for Developer, and Jacob Ellis, City Manager, provided clarification.
Moved By: Wes Speake
Seconded By: Jim Steiner
That the City Council grant a waiver under Section 15.60.060 of the Corona Municipal Code for the undergrounding of poles and overhead utility wires located along the easterly property line of 675 and 627 West Rincon Street.
Yes (4): Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, Tom Richins, and Jim Steiner No (1): Tony Daddario
Motion APPROVED (4 to 1)
6.14 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF INDIVIDUAL GRANT
APPLICATIONS FOR ALL CALRECYCLE GRANTS
That the City Council:
a. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-097, authorizing submittal of individual grant applications for all CalRecycle grants.
b. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute grant applications and documents for a period of five years.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.
7. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Sylvia Edwards, City Clerk, stated there were written comments received and they will be maintained with the meeting minutes. The following residents addressed the Council: Joe Morgan, Maddy Paxton, Tamara Durot, Chris McCoy, Don Fuller, and Silvia. 11 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.1 ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT TO SECTION 17.98.030 OF THE ZONING
ORDINANCE TO GRANT ONE EXTENSION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMITS FOR
TEMPORARY STRUCTURES OR TRAILERS
Mayor Casillas opened the Public Hearing. Sylvia Edwards, City Clerk, stated there was no correspondence received from the public. Mayor Casillas closed the Public Hearing. The Council discussed the item and had inquiries.
Moved By: Jim Steiner
Seconded By: Wes Speake
That the City Council:
a. Approve Zone Text Amendment 2026-0003, as recommended by the Planning and Housing Commission.
b. Introduce, by title only, and waive full reading of consideration of Ordinance No. 3434, first reading of an ordinance amending Section 17.98.030 of Chapter 17.98 of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Corona Municipal Code to authorize one 180-day extension for Special Use Permits issued for temporary structures or trailers associated with the remodel or expansion of commercial or industrial development (ZTA2026-0003).
Yes (5): Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, Tony Daddario, Tom Richins, and Jim Steiner
Motion APPROVED (5 to 0)
9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
9.1 2027-2032 CITYWIDE STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE
Melanie Franceschini, Assistant to the City Manager, provided a report. The Council provided comments.
Moved By: Wes Speake
Seconded By: Jim Steiner
That the City Council confirm the process and timeline for developing an updated Strategic Plan, including robust community and stakeholder engagement, and return to the City Council with a draft plan for review and consideration prior to adoption. 12 Yes (5): Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, Tony Daddario, Tom Richins, and Jim Steiner
Motion APPROVED (5 to 0)
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 Historic Preservation Board
None.
11.5 Regional Meetings
11.5.a UPDATE FROM COUNCIL MEMBER TONY DADDARIO ON THE
REGIONAL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY (RCA) BOARD MEETING OF
OCTOBER 5, 2026
Council Member Daddario provided an update.
11.5.b UPDATE FROM MAYOR JACQUE CASILLAS ON THE WESTERN
RIVERSIDE COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (WRCOG) MEETING OF
OCTOBER 5, 2026
Mayor Casillas provided an update.
13 12. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Jamie Raymond, Assistant City Attorney, provided that the City Council voted unanimously to appeal the case of Pechanga Band of Indians and Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians v. City of Corona (RCSC Case No. CVRI 2306028) and, to enter into a professional services agreement to provide appellate legal services for the case with Michael Colantuono of Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley in an amount up to $250,000. A copy of the agreement will be available upon request once it is fully executed.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS AND COMMENTS
None.
14. CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
The Council provided comments.
15. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
15.1 (NEW) REVIEW OF CANNABIS TAX IN CORONA COMPARED TO COUNTY (J. CASILLAS)
The majority of the Council agreed to add to a future agenda.
15.2 SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER (STAFF) OCTOBER 21, 2026
15.3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE (STAFF) NOVEMBER 4, 2026
15.4 CUP FOR DRUG TREATMENT FACILITIES (STAFF) TBD
15.5 GARAGE SALE ORDINANCE REVIEW (T. DADDARIO) TBD
16. ADJOURNMENT
The next scheduled meeting of the Council is on October 21, 2026. Mayor Casillas adjourned the meeting at 8:42 p.m.