City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
The regularmeetingof the CityCouncilofthe Cityof Highlandwas calledto orderat 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Lilburn at the Donahue Council Chambers, 27215 Base Line, Highland, California.
The invocation was given by Pastor Scott Stevenson, Immanuel Baptist Church and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tem McCallon.
ROLL CALL
Present: Hogan, Lilburn, McCallon, Saldana, Timmer
Absent: None
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
None
PUBLIC COMMENT (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA)
Chris Nielsen and Jane Bouch representing the Highland Area Chamber of Commerce spoke regarding upcoming events.
CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
A MOTION was made by Mayor Pro Tern McCallon, seconded by Councilmember Saldana, to approvethe consentcalendaras submittedwiththe exceptionof pullingItem No. 9 for discussion. Motion carried on a roll call vote, 5-0.
CouncilmemberTimmerproposeda PublicSafetySubcommitteemeetingto coordinate with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department to place Automatic License Plate RecognitionCameras (ALPR) mobileunitsin twovehiclesusedbytraffic officers.
A MOTION was made by Councilmember Timmer, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern McCallon, to approve Item No. 9 with a condition to propose a Public Safety Subcommittee meeting to coordinate with the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department to place Automatic License Plate Recognition Cameras (ALPR) mobile units in two vehicles used by traffic officers. Motion carried on a roll call vote, 5-0.
1. Waive the Reading of All Ordinances
Waivedthe readingof all Ordinancesintheirentiretyand readby title only.
2. Minutes - July 8, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Approved the Minutes as submitted.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025
3. Warrant Register
Approved Warrant Register No. 780 for August 12, 2025, in the amount of$ 4,323, 858. 20 and Payroll of$ 332, 131. 23.
4. Treasurer' s Report for June 2025
Received and filed the Treasurer' s Report for June 2025.
5. Claim Consideration - Amado Galva Badillo
Rejected claim.
6. Resolution No. 2025-038 a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Highland, California, ReaffirmingandExtendingProclamationofa LocalEmergencyintheCityof Highland as a Result of the Line Fire
Adopted Resolution No. 2025- 038 continuing to extend the Proclamation of a Local Emergency in the City of Highland as a result of the Line Fire.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 038
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND,
CALIFORNIA, PROCLAIMING THE CONTINUED EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL
EMERGENCY AS A RESULT OF THE LINE FIRE
7. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 473 Municipal Code Amendment to Chapter 12.06. An OrdinanceAmendingSection12.06PertainingtoCampingandStoringPersonalProperty on Public Property
City Clerk Munoz conducted a second reading, read by title only, and waived further reading of Ordinance No. 473.
ORDINANCE NO. 473
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 12.06 OF THE HIGHLAND MUNICIPAL CODE
PERTAINING TO CAMPING AND STORING PERSONAL PROPERTY ON PUBLIC
PROPERTY AND MAKING A FINDING OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
8. DeclareOne (1) SeatVacanton the CommunityTrailsCommittee 1) Declaredone (1) SeatVacantonthe CommunityTrailsCommittee; and 2) Directedthe City Clerkto advertisethe vacancieson the CommunityTrails Committee.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025
9. Approval of Agreement with Flock Group, Inc. for the Purchase and Installation of Automated License Plate Recognition ( ALPR) Cameras at Designated Locations Throughout the City
1) Approvedand authorizedthe Mayorto executean agreementwith FlockGroup, Inc. ( Flock Safety) for the phased purchase and installation of ALPR (Automated LicensePlateRecognition) camerasoncethe agreementis approvedby the City Attorney;
2) Approved Resolution No. 2025-039 authorizing the City Manager to dispense with competitive solicitation requirements for the purchase and installation of automated license plate recognition cameras; and
3) Proposed a Public Safety Subcommittee meeting to coordinate with the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department to place Automatic License Plate RecognitionCameras (ALPR) mobileunitsintwo vehiclesusedby trafficofficers.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 039
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO DISPENSE WITH COMPETITIVE
SOLICITATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF
AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION CAMERAS
10. Design Award for Elder Gulch Storm Drain Project ( Project No. sdr19001) 1) Approved the proposal from Engineering Resources of Southern California ERSC) to provide design services for the Elder Gulch Storm Drain Project in the amount of$ 155, 765; and
2) Authorized the City Manager to approve contract amendments up to 10% of the contract amount.
11. Notice of Completion for Bid No. 2024- 03, " Highland Regional Connector Project" ( Project No. str22002)
1) Accepted Bid No. 2024- 03, " Highland Regional Connector Project" ( Project No. str22002) as complete;
2) Authorized the Mayor to sign the Notice of Completion; and 3) Directed the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion.
12. Notice of Completion for Bid No. 2022- 02, " 3rd Street/ 5th Street Corridor Improvement Project" ( Project No. str18001)
1) Accepted Bid No. 2022- 02, " 3rd Street/ 5th Street Corridor Improvement Project" Project No. str18001) as complete;
2) Authorized the Mayor to sign the Notice of Completion; and 3) Directed the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025
13. Measure I 5- Year Capital Improvement Plan ( 2025/ 2026- 2029/ 2030) 1) Approved the Measure I Capital Improvement Plan Expenditure Strategy 2025/ 2026- 2029/ 2030); and
2) Approved Resolution No. 2025- 040 adopting the Measure I 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan ( 2025/ 2026- 2029/ 2030).
RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 040
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE MEASURE I FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR FY 2025/ 2026 THROUGH FY 2029/ 2030
CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING
14. Municipal Code Amendment .( MCA 25- 002) to Consider Amending Chapter 16.76 FloodplainManagementof the HighlandMunicipalCode with FederalEmergency Management Agency ( FEMA) Requirements
Mayor Lilburn opened the public hearing.
PublicWorksDirector/CityEngineerDuranJr. statedfloodingis oneof the mostcommon natural disasters and can be costly. At the federal level, the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA) is responsiblefor managingthese events. They have establishedthe NationalFloodInsuranceProgramto providehomeownerswithaffordable insurance options. FEMA encourages cities to update their codes and development standards to better protect both current and future development. FEMA reviewed the City's Municipalcode and recommendedclarificationsto existingdefinitions, in addition to new definitions, minor changes overall.
MayorLilburnaskediftherewereanyquestionsfromthe public? Seeingnone, sheclosed the public hearing and brought it back to City Council for deliberation.
A MOTION was made by Mayor Pro Tern McCallon, seconded by Councilmember Saldana to open a public hearing, take testimony and conduct a first reading and introduce Ordinance No. 474.
City Clerk Munoz introduced Ordinance No. 474.
ORDINANCE NO. 474
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND, AMENDING THE CITY'S MUNICIPAL CODE, TITLE 16 LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT, CHAPTER 16.76 FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT AND MAKE A FINDING OF
EXEMPTION PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT SECTION 15061( B)( 3) ( MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT MCA 25- 002) Which title was read.
Page4of13
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025
15. An Application by East Highland Land, LLC for the Development of an 113-unit Single- Family Planned Residential Community Requiring a General Plan Amendment (GPA 24- 002) andZoneChange (ZC24-002) fromLowDensity/Single-FamilyResidential (LD/R1- 10, 000) to Planned Development ( PD); Conditional Use Permit ( CUP 24- 006) for the Adoption of a Planned Development; Design Review Application ( DRA 24- 009) for a Related Site Plan, Building Elevations, Conceptual Landscapingand Grading Plan; Tentative Tract Map No. 20721 (TTM 24-003) for the Subdivision of Two Parcels into 113 Residential Lots and Common Areas; and Adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (ENV 24-003) Mayor Lilburn opened the public hearing.
Assistant Community DevelopmentDirector Stater stated the item before you is a proposal for an infill residential development on approximately 12 acres located at the intersectionof GreenspotRoad and Alta Vista. The site is currentlyvacant but was previously used for citrus farming. The development plan, submitted by applicant DiversifiedPacific, includesa subdivisionof 113single-familyhomes, privatestreets, two parks, and water quality features. Typically, a residential tract would not require consideration by the City Council; however, this proposal involves an amendment to the GeneralPlan, landusedesignations, andzoningcodes. Itseekstomodifythedesignated use from Low- Density ( LD) Single- Family Residential, with 10,000 square- foot lots, to Planned Development ( PD). This change would facilitate an individualized development standard, allowingincreaseddensityfrom approximatelysix units per acre to about9.5 units per acre and enable modifications to lot sizes and configurations. The PD entitlement will be processed through the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit ( CUP).
The CUPspecifiesprojectconfiguration, includingthe numberof units, lot sizes, street sections, open space, and overall standards. Plans include the tentative tract map, grading, and site plan, which subdividesthe propertyinto 113 residentiallots and 22 landscape parkways, open spaces, landscaping, - and water quality basins. Lot sizes range from approximately 1,920 to 5,186 square feet, with an average of about 2,700 square feet per lot. Development standards outlined in the CUP stipulate a minimum lot size of 1,900 square feet, minimum lot width of 40 feet, minimum depth of 50 feet, front yardsetbacksof threefeet, anda minimumof 10feetof usablebackyardspace. Each unitwill includeatwo-cargarage, withadditional67 parkingspacesdistributedthroughout the development.
Privatestreetwidthsareslightlyreducedfromstandarddimensions, featuringrolledcurb inmostlocations. Theprojectwillimprovepublicright-of-wayalongitsfrontageonSanta Ana Canyon Road, including the installation of a 6.5-foot sidewalk and 4.5-foot landscape parkway strips.
Internal roads will be private and maintained by the Homeowners Association ( HOA).
Thedevelopmentfeaturestwoparks: oneactiveparkatthewesternentrance, equipped withashadestructure, BBQarea, openplayspace, andbenches; anda passiveparkon theeasternside, withturf, shadetrees, benches, walkingpaths, andexerciseequipment.
The project proposes three floor plans with three architectural styles, Spanish, cottage, andfarmhouse, eachtwostoriestall, rangingfromapproximately1,566to 1,932square feet, plus garage and porch areas. Exterior color schemes and materials are included in the application.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025
Approximately 23% of the site will be landscaped, utilizing drought- tolerant plant materials, trees, shrubs, andgroundcover, in compliancewith localandstateguidelines.
Fencing around the perimeter will include a six-foot split-face concrete block wall on the northeast, south, andwest boundaries, with a raisedstemwall andtube steelfencingon the west side, which has significant grade differences. Interior fencing will consist of block wallsvisiblefromthe right-of-way andvinylfencingfor privacywithinthe tract.
A sectionof the southeastcornerof the siteindicatesan areacurrentlywithinthe city right-of-way. While not part of the project, discussions with the applicant and staff have ledto an agreementto pursuecityvacateproceduresfor this area, allowingit to be developed as a cohesive part of the project. This area aligns with the Greenspot Road corridor and would connect to the city trail system and the Plunge Creek Levee Trail, subject to approval from the city and flood control agencies. The HOA will be responsible for maintainingthe slopes, openspaces, andwaterbasinsaroundthe perimeter.
A subsequent radio frequency impact assessment was conducted, and the report concludesthat the nearby radiotransmissiontowers are unlikelyto pose any adverse healtheffectsto futureresidents. ThePlanningCommissionreviewedtheproposaland recommended approval by the City Council, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
Following the Planning Commission meeting, staff received an additional comment letter froma residentexpressingconcerns. Theseconcernshavebeenaddressedandincluded for review.
Mayor Pro Tern McCallon inquired if this will be part of the East Highland Ranch Homeowners Association ( HOA).
Assistant Community Development Director Stater confirmed this will be a separate HOA.
Mayor Pro Tern McCallon stated parking arrangements meet the specified requirements, however, thereareconcernsthattheremaynotbesufficientparkingspaceavailablefor vehicles.
AssistantCommunityDevelopmentDirectorStater stated projectsoften includea provisionrelatedto ensuringavailabilityof parking, typicallymandatedbythe HOAfor property owners. Therefore, we can consider adding a condition.
MayorPro Tern McCalloninquiredaboutthe heightof the fencingthroughoutthe perimeter.
AssistantCommunityDevelopmentDirectorStaterstatednofencingexceeds6 feet.
MayorProTernMcCallonstatedtheChairofthe PlanningCommissionabstainedfrom approvingthedesignreviewapplication. Havetheconcernsbeenadequatelyaddressed to resolve his objections?
Assistant Community Development Director Stater indicated if staff follow all directives provided by the Planning Commission and work with the applicant to implement the necessary changes, staff will be able to proceed accordingly.
MayorLilburnaskedwhethertherewereany objectionsfrom residents?
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025
Assistant Community Development Director Stater stated three residents contacted the citywith their concerns. Theirfeedbackprimarilyfocusedon issuesrelatedto residential parking and increased density resulting from zoning changes. Some residents expressed concerns the higher density might negatively impact the neighborhood and overall property values. They felt lots should remain at approximately 10,000 square feet. Staff responded and addressed all concerns.
ApplicantNolanLeggio, Vice Presidentof Planningat DiversifiedPacific, a developerand home builder based in Rancho Cucamonga introduced himself and his team. He thanked staffandinformedthe CityCounciltheyhosteda communitymeetingin June, during whichinvitationsweresentto everyonewithin300feet ofthe property. Attendanceof this community meeting was limited. They are here to answer any questions City Council have.
MayorLilburnreiteratedparkingconcernsandchallengesrelatedto streetparkingand inquirediftherewereanyconcernsraisedbyresidentsduringthecommunitymeeting. .
ApplicantLeggio indicatedthey will work with city staff to fulfill the necessary requirementsfor residentialparking. In addition, he statedthe meetingwas held at the Sterling Natural Resource Center ( SNRC) community room and there was only one attendee, the individual had no major concerns about the project.
Mayor Lilburn asked whether exercise equipment will be installed around the area? ApplicantLeggiostatedtherewillbeexerciseequipmentwithinthetwoparks.
MayorLilburnaskediftherewereanyspeakerslipsfromthepublic? ScottHousespokeregardingconcernswithparkinganddensityinthisnewdevelopment.
CityAttorneyMarroquinstatedconsideringthepubliccomment, CityCouncilshouldoffer the applicantthe opportunityto respond, shouldtheywishto do so.
Applicant Leggio stated the density of this development exceeds the average lot size of 10,000squarefeet. Theprimaryconsiderationis the affordabilitypoint. Thisapproach offersa morecost-effectivehousingoptionwithinthis community.
CouncilmemberTimmerstatedhehasconcernsregardingthedriveways. Willthecurbs in front of the houses be conventional or rolled curbs? Applicant Leggio stated they will be rolled curb.
CouncilmemberSaldanainquiredaboutthepricepointstheyaretargetingfortheseunits? ApplicantLeggiostateddeterminingthemarketvalueischallenging, asthedevelopment is notexpectedto beconstructeduntilafewyearsfromnow. Butif youlookatsimilar 10, 000 square foot products, they probably range from $ 500, 000 to $ 600, 000.
MayorLilburnaskedwhethertherewillbeaffordablehousingwithinthisdevelopmentor in- lieu fee?
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025
Assistant Community Development Director Stater indicated there are no covenanted affordable units within this development and the developer would be responsible for the in- lieu fee.
MayorLilburnaskediftherewereanyquestionsfromthepublic? Seeingnone, sheclosed the public hearing and brought it back to City Council for deliberation.
A MOTION was made by Councilmember Timmer, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern McCallon to:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-041 to approve a Mitigated Negative Declaration and adopt a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (ENV 24-003) and direct staff to file a Notice of Determination with the San Bernardino County Clerk of the Board of Supervisors;
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025- 042 to approve a General Plan Amendment ( GPA 24- 002) to changethe land usedesignationof the sitefrom LowDensityResidential LD) to Planned Development ( PD);
3) Introduce Ordinance No. 475 to approve a Zone Change ( ZC 24- 002) to change the zoning designation of the site from Single-Family Residential (R1-10,000) to Planned Development ( PD); and
4) Adopt Resolution No. 2025- 043 to approve a Conditional Use Permit ( CUP 24- 006), Design Review Application ( DRA 24- 009), and Tentative Tract Map No. 20721 (TTM-24-003) for a ResidentialPlannedDevelopmentconsistingof a 113- unit single- family development, design plans and subdivision of 11.98 acres subject to the Design Directives, Conditions for garage parking requirements enforced by the Homeowners Association ( HOA), including installation of standard curbs as opposed to rolled curbing where appropriate. Motion carried, 5-0.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 041
A RESOLUTION OF THE HIGHLAND CITY COUNCIL ADOPTING A MITIGATED
NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM, ENVIRONMENTAL FILE NO. ENV 24- 003, TO PERMIT THE DEVELOPMENT OF A 113- UNIT SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT LOCATED NORTH OF GREENSPOT ROAD, SOUTH OF SANTA ANA CANYON ROAD, EAST AND WEST OF ALTA VISTA. ASSOCIATED APPLICATIONS INCLUDE GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT ( GPA 24- 002), ZONE CHANGE ( ZC 24- 002), CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT ( CUP 24- 006), DESIGN REVIEW APPLICATION (DRA 24-009) AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP (TTM 24-003/TTM 20721), ASSESSOR' S PARCEL NUMBERS 1210- 371- 14 & 1210- 371- 16 RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 042
A RESOLUTION OF THE HIGHLAND CITY COUNCIL APPROVING_GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. GPA 24-002 TO CHANGE THE LAND USE OF TWO (2) PARCELS, APPROXIMATELY 11.98 ACRES, FROM LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL LD) TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT FOR A DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF 113
SINGLE-FAMILY LOTS AND COMMON AREAS, LOCATED NORTH OF GREENSPOT ROAD, SOUTH OF SANTA ANA CANYON ROAD, EAST AND WEST OF ALTA VISTA.
ASSESSOR' S PARCEL NUMBERS 1210- 371- 14 & 1210- 371- 16 Page8of13
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025
RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 043
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN APPLICATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A 113-
UNIT SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PLANNED DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. CUP 24- 006 FOR THE ADOPTION OF A PLANNED DEVELOPMENT, DESIGN REVIEW APPLICATION NO. DRA 24- 009 FOR THE
RELATED SITE PLAN, BUILDING ELEVATIONS, CONCEPTUAL LANDSCAPING AND GRADING PLAN, AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 20721/ TTM- 24- 003 FOR THE SUBDIVISION OF TWO PARCELS INTO 113 RESIDENTIAL LOTS AND
COMMON AREAS, LOCATED NORTH OF GREENSPOT ROAD, SOUTH OF SANTA
ANA CANYON ROAD, EAST AND WEST OF ALTA VISTA, ASSESSOR' S PARCEL NUMBERS 1210- 371- 14 & 1210- 37116
City Clerk Munoz introduced Ordinance No. 475.
ORDINANCE NO. 475
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND, APPROVING ZONE CHANGE ( ZC 24- 002) TO CHANGE THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF TWO (2) PARCELS FROM SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R1- 10,000) TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT ( PD) FOR AN 11.98 ACRE DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF 113 SINGLE-FAMILY LOTS AND COMMON AREAS, LOCATED
NORTH OF GREENSPOT ROAD, SOUTH OF SANTA ANA CANYON ROAD, EAST AND WEST OF ALTA VISTA. ASSESSORS PARCEL NUMBERS 1210- 371- 14 & 1210- 371- 16
Which title was read.
CITY COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE
16. Special Event Permit Application ( SEP 25- 004) by the Highland Area Chamber of Commercefor the "DiscoverHighland5K and 10KCommunityRun" and Requestfor Co- sponsorship
Assistant Planner Martinez gave a brief review of the staff report.
A MOTIONwas madeby CouncilmemberTimmer, secondedby CouncilmemberHogan to:
1) Approve Special Event Permit SEP 25-004 subject to the conditions of approval; 2) Authorize the use of the city logo for promotional items; and 3) Consider a request by the Highland Area Chamber of Commerce for co- sponsorship and waiving of Police fees and Public Works traffic control fees in the amount of approximately $ 9,558.56, with the understanding that this event will be the last event funded for the Highland Area Chamber of Commerce. Motion carried, 5- 0.
17. Discussion of General Sales Tax Increase Measure City ManagerZamanostatedthe item beforethe City Councilis an itemthat was recommended by the Public Safety Subcommittee back in April.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025
Therequestis for a GeneralSalesTaxIncreaseMeasureto primarilysupportpublic safety and major infrastructure projects.
Mayor Lilburn stated for the record, direction for the General Sales Tax Increase Measure presented at the Public Safety Subcommitteewas for public safety only not major infrastructure projects.
MayorProTernMcCallonstated, ifthecitydesignatesthemeasureforonlypublicsafety, thenyouwould needa 2/3 vote. If you addthe majorinfrastructureprojectsportion, it will require a majority vote.
CityManagerZamanostatedhowthemeasureispresentedwillbestrictlyuptotheCity Council and continued with the presentation.
MayorLilburnstatedthe PublicSafetyCommittee's recommendationwasforthepublic safety component only, however, this proposed recommendation includes discussion and consideration of local transactions for the sales tax and authorize staff to conduct additionalresearch, communityoutreach, andpollingforboththepublicsafetyandmajor infrastructureprojectscomponents. Whatthe communitywill supportis not the City Council's decision. Weshouldmotionto do researchandcommunityoutreachonwhat the publicthinksthe CityCouncilshoulddo. The PowerPointpresentationillustratesthat neighboring cities are either at 8. 75% or more and that is how they are being assisted in funding public safety, police, fire and infrastructure.
MayorProTernMcCallonstatedthemissionstatementofthecityistheCityCounciland Highlandstaff are dedicatedto providingthe qualityof publicfacilitiesand servicesthat the residentsare willingto fund andwill do so as efficientlyas possible. It is appropriate thatthe CityCouncilsubmitthis, andfind outwhatthe publicwants. Historically, we have gone to the Public Safety Subcommittee twice and have not reached the two- thirds threshold. Adding infrastructure and adding money into the General Fund, without specifically specifying projects could facilitate obtaining a majority vote on a tax measure.
As the Mayor mentioned, the survey that would be conducted to the public would determinewhetherthe measurecouldpasswith a two-thirdor majority. Infrastructure should be included; the new fire station would be part of that and would be considered publicsafetyand infrastructure. I supportdoingthe surveyand havingthe publicdecide whether they want the tax.
CouncilmemberTimmerstatedhewantedto focusonthetopic of additionalresearchand communityoutreach. There is some urgencywith this issue. It is goingto be a political decision the City Council has to make. The city does not need to spend $ 15, 000, $ 20, 000 or $
100,000, havinga consultanttell us what we want to hear. The City Councilis in a positionto solelymakethedecisionto goforwardandnotbedirectedby a consultant.
Relyingonconsultantscoulddelaytheprocessbyonetotwoyears, potentiallymissing the November election deadline. If the decision is to move forward, regardless of individualpositions, it issuggestedthatthisinformationshouldbesharedonthecity's websiteorthroughmailedmaterialsto informthe public. Thecity is capableof makingan informeddecisionto supportrevenuestabilityandavoida shortfall.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025
CityAttorneyMarroquinindicatedif it is a generaltaxit wouldneedto goonthenext GeneralElection, whichwill coincidewiththetwoCityCouncilmembercitiesin November 2026.
Mayor Lilburn stated the Public Safety Subcommittee moved this item forward to receive a four-fifthsvotefromthe CityCouncil. SheaskedCityAttorneyMarroquinif shecan make changes if she has a four- fifths vote.
CityAttorneyMarroquinstatedthecityis notat a pointto movea tax measureforward, butCityCouncilcangivedirectiontostafftocomebackwitha proposalforconsideration.
TheCityCouncilcandirecttherenotbe anystudiesor polling, andinstead, havestaff come back with a proposal for consideration.
MayorLilburnstatedresidentsare goingto directCityCouncil. CityCouncilworksfor them and they elect us to make decisions for them.
CouncilmemberTimmerstatedif the city is goingto moveforwardwith this, it needsto be done quickly. The directionto staffwouldbe to proposeelectiondatesand all things needed to meet the November election.
CityAttorneyMarroquinstatedshe wantedto clarifythat there is a motionand a second bytheCityCouncilto comeupwithascheduletoplacethisonforapotentialonepercent increasein the salestax for the GeneralFundfor thingslike publicsafetyand infrastructure.
MayorLilburnstatedanadhocshouldbeformedsothatsomeonefromthePublicSafety and Finance/Personnel Subcommittee can participate. Drafts will be reviewed with staff before presenting it to City Council.
A MOTION was made by Councilmember Timmer, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern McCallon to establish an Ad Hoc Committee for consideration of a measure for a one percentlocaltransactionsandusetax (salestax) anddrafta schedulefor placingthe measure on a future general election ballot. Motion carried on a roll call vote, 5-0.
18. CityManagerReportand Comments (WorkProgram, Regional/Legislative/ Development Issues, Subcommittees, etc.)
The FireDepartmentreceiveda 2023 Ram5500TypeVI FireApparatus (BrushPatrol).
It is housed at Fire Station No. 2. It contains a tank with a capacity of 300 gallons. This apparatus has a minimum staff of two ( 2) people but three ( 3) is standard. It has the capability to go through narrow roads and is utilized in situations where a larger medic engine cannot go and accessibility issues.
WildfireswithinthecityaredispatchedforCALFIREthroughtheAssistancebyHigher ABH) Program. Underthisprogram, CALFIREcompensatestheCityof Highlandforthe useof cityapparatusto supportstatemissionsuppressionefforts, at a dailyrateof 150. 47 per hour when in use or $
3,611.28 per day when not in use by the city. It is
currently out in Phelan, California to assist with CAL FIRE's coverage for state missions.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025
Theapparatuscanbeusedasa medicsquad, orreserveapparatuswhenneededforcity incidents. It hasa multitudeof capabilitiesforawidevarietyof callsandisa greatasset to the Fire Department and the city.
CityManagerZamanostatedthe HighlandSheriff's Departmentfor the monthof July received 3, 347 calls for service, made 342 reports, 136 arrests, issued 73 citations, conducted 136 traffic enforcement stops, responded to 58 traffic collisions, 20 transient calls, and 29 towed vehicles.
The HighlandFire Departmentfor the monthof Julyreceived658 callsfor service, some of which included: 515 medical aids, 32 traffic collisions, 11 structure fires, 17 vegetation fires, 19 other fires, 2 vehicle fires and 22 public service assistances.
The AdministrativeServices/FinanceDepartmentfor the monthof July issued43 businesslicenses, renewed293businesslicenses, issued87doglicenses, 57yardsale permits, and 127 account payable checks.
The Human Resources Department onboarded Erik Araus, Maintenance Worker I, within the Public Works Department and will begin work August 11, 2025. He will be training underJackAvon, whois scheduledto retirein September. Additionally, BrianWolfeis the new Assistant Public Works Director, he started August 7, 2025. The Human ResourcesDepartmentiscurrentlyconductinginterviewsthisweektofilloneremaining vacancywithinthe PublicWorksDepartment. Oncethis positionisfilled, the department will be fully staffed.
TheEngineeringDepartmentintroduceda newelectronicencroachmentpermitsystem.
Thisenhancementhasstreamlinedproceduresforprojectsinvolvingworkinthepublic rightofway, includingsidewalkrepairs, utilityinstallations, anddrivewaymodifications.
Foradditionalinformation, pleasevisitthe city's website.
The PublicWorksDepartmentannouncedconstructionof the sidewalkprojecton 9th Street, eastof VictoriaAvenue, is nearingcompletion. In addition, pavingforthe2025 ArterialResurfacingProjectiscompleted. Thefinalsigningandstripingwillbecompleted within the next few weeks. The Natural Parkland Trail Project is scheduled to begin constructionat the end of August. LocatedalongBaseLinenearAplin Street, the project includestrailrepairs, newconnectiontrailheadfacilities, andnativelandscaping. This project is funded through grants.
OnThursday, August28, at5:30p.m. thecitywillhostitsStateoftheCityAddressatthe Sterling Natural Resource Center (SNRC) located at 25318 5th Street.
On Saturday, August 16, from 9: 00 a. m. to 2: 00 p. m., there will be a Used Oil Filter Exchange event at AutoZone located at 27292 Base Line.
ForthemonthofJuly, Burrteccompleted312illegaldumpingworkorders.
TheCommunityDevelopmentDepartmentannouncedDave's HotChickenofficially openedfor businesson July 18, 2025. The new2,200 squarefoot restaurantis located at27876GreenspotRoadwithintheGreenspotCrossingCenter.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025
19. Councilmember Comments (Agency/Committee/AB 1234 Reports, District Updates, etc.) CouncilmemberSaldanastatedheattendedtheNationalNightOuteventwithhisfamily, and it was a successful event. The community turnout was excellent, and it was encouraging to see residents engaging with community organizations and public safety resources. He also thanked city staff for their efforts removing graffiti around the community and the 2025 Arterial Resurfacing Project improvements are impressive.
MayorLilburnannouncedthe upcomingStateof the CityAddresswill be heldonAugust 28, 2025, and encourageseveryoneto attend. She announcedthe upcomingHighland Area Chamber of Commerce Networking Luncheon scheduled for August 26, 2025, featuring guest speaker Mark Gibbs, Director of San Bernardino International Airport. She also statedthere was an Ad Hoc CommitteeMeetingheld regardingthe airportflight patterns and a letter was sent to the Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA). She commendedtheSheriff's Departmentfortheircontinuedeffortsincommunitysafety.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
None
CLOSED SESSION
None
ADJOURN
MayorLilburnadjournedthemeetingat 7:49 p.m. in memoryof DarrellBrooksandRobert Leach.
Submitted By: Approved By:
Alondra noz Pe ny Lilbur
City Cler, Mayor