(909) 864-6861 www.highlandca.gov
Penny Lilburn, Mayor
District 3
Jimmy Saldana, Mayor Pro Tem
District 2
Gregory Hogan, Councilmember
District 1
Larry McCallon, Councilmember
District 5
John P. Timmer, Councilmember
District 4
City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Agenda
April 28, 2026 at 6:00 PM
City Hall Donahue Council Chambers
27215 Base Line, Highland, CA 92346
Staff
Carlos Zamano, City Manager
Lawrence Mainez, Community Development Director
Leticia Nava-Cruz, Director of Administrative Services/City Treasurer Octavio Duran Jr., Public Works Director/City Engineer
Maricela Marroquin, City Attorney
Alondra Muñoz, City Clerk
Mission Statement
Highland is dedicated to the betterment of the individual, the family, the neighborhood and the community. The City Council and the staff of Highland are dedicated to providing the quality of public facilities and services that its citizens are willing to fund and will do so as efficiently as possible.
City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Agenda April 28, 2026
In compliance with the Brown Act, any writings or documents provided to a majority of the legislative body regarding any item on this agenda, that are not exempt from disclosure under the California Public Records Act, will be made available for public inspection at City Hall, 27215 Base Line Highland, CA 92346, during normal business hours. Such documents will also be made available on the City’s website at www.highlandca.gov.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (909) 864-6861, ext. 226, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting for any requests for reasonable accommodations, including interpreters.
Levine Act: Pursuant to Government Code Section 84308, any party to a City proceeding must disclose on the record any campaign contributions made to a member of the City Council (or commission) in excess of $500 in the past 12 months. This disclosure requirement includes contributions by the party’s agent and aggregated contributions from persons or entities related to the party. Please make the disclosure as soon as possible, but no later than the beginning of the proceeding.
Call to Order
Roll Call
Report From Closed Session
Public Comment
To address the City Council, please complete a speaker form located at the entrance and give it to the City Clerk prior to the beginning of the meeting. Your name will be called when it is your turn to speak.
State Law prohibits the City Council from acting on any item not on the agenda. Individual speakers are limited to three (3) minutes each. For those wishing to make public comments by email, please submit your comments by 5:00 p.m. on April 28, 2026, to [email protected]. If you are submitting a public comment pertaining to an item on the agenda, please identify the agenda item number. Members of the public may submit comments on public hearing items at any time before the meeting, as well as during the meeting up until the close of the public hearing for the respective item.
City Council Consent Calendar
1. Waive the Reading of All Ordinances
Wave the reading of all ordinances in their entirety and read by title only.
2. Claim Considerations
George Hills recommends the City Council reject the claims.
3. Community Works Design Group LLC, Service Rate Increase (City's Landscape Architect)
1. Approve Addendum No. 1 to the Professional Services Contract with Community Works Design Group, LLC to reflect a change in the billing rate schedule; and
2. Authorize the Mayor to sign the Addendum.
City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Agenda April 28, 2026
City Council Public Hearing
The order of business for Public Hearings shall be:
1. Mayor opens Public Hearing;
2. Staff presentation;
3. Applicant/Representative presentation;
4. Speakers in favor of proposal;
5. Speakers in opposition to proposal;
6. Applicant rebuttal;
7. Mayor closes Public Hearing;
8. Council discussion, motion and vote.
Once the Public Hearing is closed, no further testimony is taken.
4. Public Hearing and Second Reading of Ordinance No. 483, Amending Section 2.04.010 (Compensation of Councilmembers) of the Highland Municipal Code to Increase Compensation of City Council Members
Conduct a public hearing and second reading and subsequently adopt Ordinance No. 483, amending Section 2.04.010 (Compensation of Councilmembers) of the Highland Municipal Code to increase compensation of City Councilmembers.
5. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 8.58 (Fireworks) Pertaining to Penalties and Enforcement of Fireworks Violations and Amending Chapter 2.56 (Admin Citation Process) Allowing for Third- Party Administration and Collection of Administrative Citation Fines
1. Introduce and conduct a first reading of City Council Ordinance No. _____, amending Chapter 8.58 (Fireworks) pertaining to penalties and enforcement of fireworks violations and amending Chapter 2.56 (Administrative Citation Process) allowing for third-party administration and collection of administrative citation fines; and
2. Direct staff to file a CEQA Notice of Exemption with the County Clerk of the Board of Supervisors.
City Council Legislative
6. Purchase of a New Ford F250 4X4 Truck for 2nd Battalion Chief
1. Waive formal contract procedures per Municipal Code Section 2.40.100 for which the City's best interests are served;
2. Approve the purchase (using the State Contract 1-22-23-20F | CLIN: 36) and equipping of a new 2026 Ford F250 Supercab pickup 4x4 for the second Battalion Chief;
3. Authorize the City Manager to sign purchase and build-out agreements; and
4. Approve the following budget adjustment: Transfer $150,000 from 029-2512 (Vehicle Replacement Reserves) to be expended from 029-2100-6060 (Vehicles).
City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Agenda April 28, 2026
7. City Manager Report and Comments (Work Program, Regional/Legislative/ Development Issues, Subcommittees, etc.)
Discussion and possible action.
8. Councilmember Comments (Agency/Committee/AB 1234 Reports, District Updates, etc.) Discussion and possible action.
Announcements
Closed Session
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - POTENTIAL LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4)
A point has been reached, where, based on existing facts and circumstances, the City needs to decide whether to initiate litigation.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)
Title: City Manager
Adjourn
Regular Meetings
Effective March 1, 2022, pursuant to Resolution No. 2022-001, the regular City Council meetings will be held once a month on the second Tuesday of each month. The next regular meeting of the City Council is scheduled for May 12, 2026.
Certification
I, Alondra Muñoz, City Clerk, or my designee, hereby certify that the foregoing agenda was posted on our website at www.highlandca.gov and in the following designated areas: Highland Branch Library (7863 Central Avenue), Fire Station No. 1 (26974 Base Line), and City Hall (27215 Base Line) at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to the meeting per Government Code Section 54954.2.
Staff Report
to the City Council
Agenda
Item
No.1.
Date: April 28, 2026
From: Carlos Zamano, City Manager
Reviewed By: Alondra Muñoz, City Clerk
Prepared By: Lissette Nock, Deputy City Clerk
Subject: Waive the Reading of All Ordinances
Recommendation:
Wave the reading of all ordinances in their entirety and read by title only.
Fiscal Impact:
None
Public Notice:
The agenda for this item was posted at the three locations per Resolution No. 2011-047 and on the City’s website.
Background:
Under California Government Code Section 36934, before adopting an ordinance, the title of the ordinance must be read in full or by title only. Government Code Section 36933 further allows the legislative body to waive the reading of the ordinance in full, provided that the ordinance has been made available to the public and the Council by title and in writing. Copies of all proposed ordinances are included in the City Council agenda packet, made available to the public in advance, and posted on the City’s website.
Attachments:
None
Staff Report
to the City Council
Agenda
Item
No.2.
Date: April 28, 2026
From: Carlos Zamano, City Manager
Reviewed By: Alondra Muñoz, City Clerk
Prepared By: Alondra Muñoz, City Clerk
Subject: Claim Considerations
Recommendation:
George Hills recommends the City Council reject the claims.
Fiscal Impact:
None.
Public Notice:
The agenda for this item was posted at the three locations per Resolution No. 2011-047 and on the City’s website.
Background:
The following claims were received by the City Clerk's Office on the corresponding dates below. They were then sent to the City's claim adjuster, George Hills Company, who is recommending the claimss be rejected.
Claimant Date Received
Lucia Cruz 8/22/2024
Lubedia Dennis
Colquitt 3/26/2026
Attachments:
1. Claim - Cruz, Lucia
2. Claim - Colquitt, Lubedia
Attachment 1
April 16, 2026
Alondra Munoz
City of Highland
RE:
Client:
City of
Highland
Claim Number:
GHC00
785020
Date of Loss:
A
ugust 01, 2024
Claimant:
Lucia Cruz
Dear M
s.
Munoz
:
We have reviewed the above captioned claim
s
and request that you take the action indicated below:
Please issue
a
standard rejection to commence the statute of limitation s
.
Please provide us with a copy of the notice
s
sent.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the undersigned.
Kindest Regards,
George Hills Company,
Jennifer Arellano
Claims
Supervisor
Direct
Dial:
(916)
352.7793
Email:
Attachment 2
Staff Report
to the City Council
Agenda
Item
No.3.
Date: April 28, 2026
From: Carlos Zamano, City Manager
Reviewed By: Lawrence Mainez, Community Development Director Prepared By: Lawrence Mainez, Community Development Director Subject: Community Works Design Group LLC, Service Rate Increase (City's Landscape Architect)
Recommendation:
1. Approve Addendum No. 1 to the Professional Services Contract with Community Works Design Group, LLC to reflect a change in the billing rate schedule; and
2. Authorize the Mayor to sign the Addendum.
Fiscal Impact:
The City's Landscape Architect, Community Works Design Group LLC (CWDG), is requesting to increase their 2021 hourly service rates competitively, with an increase averaging three (3%) percent per year going forward. Applying their proposed rate increase to the four (4) most common rate classifications used by their firm for services rendered for the City Highland, the increase for 2026 would be as follows:
Professional Service: Current 2021
Hourly Rates:
Proposed 2026
Hourly Rates:
Average Annual Increase (%)
(last 5 years):
Principal Certified Access
Specialist
$225.00/hr $245.00/hr 1.75%
Principal Landscape Architect $195.00/hr $235.00/hr 4.1% Senior Landscape Architect $155.00/hr $195.00/hr 5.16% Landscape Designer $115.00/hr $140.00/hr 4.3%
Weighted Average increase: 3.8%
The impact to the City's General Fund is negligible, due to the fact the services provided by CWDG are recovered through the Development and Planning Entitlement Application "Deposit Fees", such as a Conditional Use Permit Application, Major Design Review Application, and Tentative Tract Map Application fees. CWDG estimated time for review of development
applications is included in the City's Fee Study as updated from time to time. The proposed CWDG hourly rate increases will be reflected in the City's next Fee Study in the near future.
Other services that the City may request of CWDG are rendered as funding is available through grants or budgeted as part of the City's Capital Improvement Program.
Public Notice:
The agenda for this item was posted at the three locations per Resolution No. 2011-047 and on the City’s website.
Background:
On October 9, 1990, the City Council approved a Service Contract with CWDG (called Elliott/Maloney Landscape Architecture at that time), to assist the City's Community Development Department and City Engineering Department in the performance of reviewing, plan checking, and inspecting landscape planting and irrigation plans submitted to the city in conjunction with residential development, commercial and industrial development, public facility projects, and other related projects.
The 1990 service fees charged by CWDG remained in place until a rate increase was approved by the City Council in 2010. The weighted annual average increase for the 2010 rate increase was approximately 1.5 percent per year.
In 2019, the CWDG's contract was amended and approved by the City Council to include Certified Accessibility Specialist Services (CASp). This service is intended to enhance public knowledge and compliance with state accessibility requirements through a program referred to as "Certified Accessibility Specialist (CASp)" (in accordance with AB1379, passed in 2013). No changes to the service fees were proposed at that time except for the addition of a Certified Accessibility Specialist position.
On April 13, 2021, CWDG was approved to provide environmental, design, and right-of-way services for the City's Natural Parkland Trail Renovation project, which was funded in part from a $1.5 million State Recreational Trails Program Grant. At that time, CWDG also updated their service rates, which are partially summarized in the fiscal impact section above.
In addition to their request to increase service rates, CWDG informed the City that they had recently expanded through a merger with the firm RHA Landscape Architects and Planners, Inc. They will continue to operate under the name of "Community Works Design Group, LLC".
The merger has doubled their staff size and has greatly increased their range of services to the advantage of the City of Highland. They now have ten (10) licensed landscape architects on their team for a total of twenty (20) staff members.
Their request to increase their service rate fees with an anticipated annual increase of 3% is reasonable and standard in the industry (see Attachment 1 , Community Works Design on-call service letter/2026 Hourly Rate Schedule dated April 17, 2026). The new rates will be reflected in the City's next Fee Study as it relates to the deposit-based fees charged for new development applications. All other services requested will be based on funding availability through grants or budgeted as part of the City's Capital Improvement Program.
Over the last 36 years, CWDG has served the city well with exceptional customer service and landscape expertise. Their contribution has made a significant difference to the aesthetic quality of the City's built environment.
Attachments:
1. Community Works Design Group on-call landscape service letter dated 4-17-26
2. Community Works Design Group Professional Service Agreement Addendum No 1 - Billing Schedule 4-28-26
Staff Report
to the City Council
Agenda
Item
No.4.
Date: April 28, 2026
From: Carlos Zamano, City Manager
Reviewed By: Carlos Zamano, City Manager
Maricela Marroquin, City Attorney
Prepared By: Tish Nava-Cruz, Director of Administrative Services/City Treasurer Subject: Public Hearing and Second Reading of Ordinance No. 483, Amending Section 2.04.010 (Compensation of Councilmembers) of the Highland Municipal Code to Increase Compensation of City Council Members
Recommendation:
Conduct a public hearing and second reading and subsequently adopt Ordinance No. 483, amending Section 2.04.010 (Compensation of Councilmembers) of the Highland Municipal Code to increase compensation of City Councilmembers.
Fiscal Impact:
The fiscal impact is an increase of $48,240.60 per year. There are sufficient funds in the FY 2025-2026 budget to cover this increased cost.
Public Notice:
The agenda for this item was posted at the three locations per Resolution No. 2011-047 and on the City’s website.
Background:
Government Code Section 36516 authorizes General Law cities, like the City of Highland, to compensate City Council Members up to the statutory limits based on population. The City Council’s current monthly salary of $795.99, established by Ordinance No. 381 in 2013, has not kept pace with inflation. Senate Bill 329, signed into law in 2023, updated the allowable compensation amounts and modified the process for adjusting council salaries to reflect increased costs of living and support broader access to public service. As amended, Government Code Section 36516 allows the City of Highland to compensate its City Council Members up to $1,600 per month, which is based on the City’s population.
The City Council has shown long-standing fiscal restraint in applying salary adjustments.
Although State law allows increases of up to 5% per year, the City Council has adopted such increases only three times since the passage of Ordinance No. 58, which initially established a compensation amount of $300 in 1989. Specifically, compensation increased from $300 to $593.98 per month in 2006, to $654.86 per month in 2008, and to $795.99 per month in 2013.
As a result, the City Council’s current monthly compensation of $795.99 is significantly below both the Government Code maximum and the amount the City Council members would have
received had the allowable annual adjustments been taken each year.
Historical tracking compiled by staff over the years indicates that consistent 5% annual adjustments would have brought City Council compensation to approximately $1,500 per month, which closely aligns with the maximum permitted under State law.
A compensation update could possibly strengthen the candidate pool for the City Council by reducing financial barriers and attracting more diverse applicants. It also reflects the significant growth in City Council responsibilities since the original pay structure was set. Updating compensation aligns the City with state standards for similarly sized communities, and the associated annual cost remains a modest, predictable impact on the General Fund.
This item was presented for review and direction by the Finance/Personnel Subcommittee on December 9, 2025, and they recommended forwarding this item to the full City Council for discussion, without taking a position to approve or reject either option or provide alternative direction.
On January 13, 2026, the City Council was presented two options, discussed both options in open session, and directed staff to return with an ordinance increasing monthly compensation to $1,600, consistent with State law. Consistent with State law, the compensation increase would become operative following the next General Municipal Election in November 2026.
On April 14, 2026, the City Council held the first of the two public hearings regarding the Ordinance. The Ordinance was introduced and had a first reading by City Council. Staff recommends the City Council conduct a second public hearing, second reading and adopt the Ordinance as submitted.
Attachments:
1. Ordinance Council Compensation
Attachment 1
Or
dinance No. _____
483
1 ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HIGHLAND
,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING
SECTION 2.04.010 OF
THE HIGHLAND
MUNICIPAL CODE TO
INCREASE
THE COMPENSATION OF CITY
COUNCIL MEMBERS PURSUANT TO AND CONSISTENT WITH
SENATE BILL 329
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
WHEREAS
,
Government Code Section 36516
authorizes general law cities,
including the City of
Highland
, to pay city c
ouncil
members a monthly salary for their
service
up to a statutory limit based on city population;
WHEREAS
,
pursuant to Highland Municipal Code Section 2.04.010
(“
Compensation of councilmembers
”
),
the current City Council
monthly
salary is $
795.99
per month, which was last
adopted by Ordinance
No.
381
in 2013
;
WHEREAS
, on June 23, 2023, the Governor signed into law Senate Bill 329 (“SB 329”), which made changes both to the amount of salary council members may receive and changes to the manner in which salary adjustments can be made;
WHEREAS
, Senate Bill 329 was adopted to “reset” city council salaries to take into account that the salary amounts listed in the Government Code had not been
revised
since
1984 and thus had not kept pace with
inflation
.
Moreover, in adopting SB 329, the
State Legislature found and declared
that
allowing cities to adjust council member
salaries would help city councils become more diverse and would encourage more persons to consider public service as council members because the increased compensation could help individuals from across different income levels receive sufficient income to help ensure that they can continue to serve and support their families;
WHEREAS
, the City Council reviewed and discussed the purpose and
impact of
SB 329
on the future governance of the City of
Highland
at its
mee
ting of
January
13 ,
202
6 ;
and
WHEREAS
,
the
monthly
salary
for members of the City Council can be
increased
in accordance with Government Code Section 36516 as amended by SB 329.
NOW, THEREFORE,
the City Council of the City of Highland does hereby ordain as follows
:
S
ection 1
.
The City Council hereby specifically finds that
all of the facts set
forth in the recitals of this Ordinance are true and correct and are incorporated herein as if set forth in full
.
483
2 Section 2 . Pursuant to Government Code Section 36516(g)(2), the City Council makes the following findings demonstrating the need for the increased compensation as follows: (i) the statewide compensation schedule for city council members of general law cities, which includes the City of
Highland
, has not been
adjusted since
2013
, meaning that city council compensation has not kept pace with inflation; (ii)
according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
California has had an
approximate 40
% increase in the cost of living since
2013
; (iii
) the privilege to serve on
the city council requires the expenditure of significant time during weekdays and weekends to attend meetings of the City as well as other meeting assignments as well as attend events in the community; (iv) city council service also involves time and work in reviewing staff reports, other agenda reports, legal documents, and state legislation that would impact the city; attending to representative assignments at regional government body meetings; staying informed on current local and state issues;
an
d
reviewing financial materials, budgets and reports
among the many duties of a council
member
;
and (v) increasing city council compensation will reflect the time and work being performed by members of the city council but more importantly, will create opportunities to assist the city in encouraging that its council become more diverse as stated by the
findings of
SB
329 that increased compensation can help individuals from across different income levels receive sufficient income from their service to help ensure that they can continue to serve the public and support themselves and their families.
S
ection
3 .
Section
2.04.010 (“Compensation of councilmembers”)
of Chapter
2.0 4 (“City Council”) of Title 2 (Administration and Personnel”) of the Highland Municipal Code
is hereby
amended in its entirety as follows:
“
It is determined that each member of the city council shall receive a salary in the amount of $1,600 per month as provided for in Government Code Section 36516
,
which
shall be payable at the same time and in the same manner as salaries paid to other employees of the City
.”
Section 4
.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 36516.5, the adjustment in compensation for all City Council members provided by this ordinance shall not take effect until the commencement of the terms of any new City Council members or re
-
elected City Council members
following the general municipal election to be held in
November 2026
.
When such adjustment takes effect, Ordinance No.
381
shall be
repealed.
Section
5. Severability
.
The City Council hereby declares that, should any
provision, section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this Ordinance, or any part thereof, be rendered or declared invalid or unconstitutional by
any final court action in a court of competent jurisdiction or by reason of any preemptive
legislation, such decision or action shall not affect the validity of the remaining section
or
portions of the Ordinance or part thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it
would
have independently adopted the remaining provisions, sections, subsections,
paragraphs, sentences, clauses, phrases, or words of this Ordinance irrespective of
the
3 fact that any one or more provisions, sections, subsections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, phrases, or words may be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
S
ection
6 .
Certification and
Publication.
The City Clerk shall certify to the
adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause the same to be published or posted in the manner prescribed by
law.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED
, this
__
th d
ay of
________
, 202
6. AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
_________________________________
Penny Lilburn, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Alonda Muñoz
, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
___________________________________
Maricela Marroquin, City Attorney
Staff Report
to the City Council
Agenda
Item
No.5.
Date: April 28, 2026
From: Carlos Zamano, City Manager
Reviewed By: Lawrence Mainez, Community Development Director Maricela Marroquin, City Attorney
Prepared By: Barrie Owens, Senior Code Enforcement Officer Subject: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 8.58 (Fireworks) Pertaining to Penalties and Enforcement of Fireworks Violations and Amending Chapter 2.56 (Admin Citation Process) Allowing for Third-Party Administration and Collection of Administrative Citation Fines
Recommendation:
1. Introduce and conduct a first reading of City Council Ordinance No. ______, amending Chapter 8.58 (Fireworks) pertaining to penalties and enforcement of fireworks violations and amending Chapter 2.56 (Administrative Citation Process) allowing for third-party administration and collection of administrative citation fines; and
2. Direct staff to file a CEQA Notice of Exemption with the County Clerk of the Board of Supervisors.
Fiscal Impact:
The proposed code amendment will allow the city an option to use a third-party service for the administration and collection of administrative citation fines, therefore, it is unknown what the fiscal impact/cost will be at this time. Should staff opt to utilize a third-party service for firework citations, that service will be evaluated, inclusive of the fiscal impact to the city's General Fund prior to the City Council taking action on a service contract in the future.
Public Notice:
The agenda for this item was posted at the three locations per Resolution No. 2011-047 and on the City’s website.
Background:
In May 2025, the City Council amended the Highland Municipal Code related to illegal fireworks enforcement and, in part, increased the administrative fine to $2,000. Also, on July 4, 2025, the city conducted a fireworks enforcement pilot program which involved City staff teams patrolling the City during the evening of July 4, 2025. That pilot program resulted in the issuance of 40 citations (or approximately $80,000 in citation fines), and as of the date of this staff report only thirteen (13) citations have been paid in full (or $26,000 in citation fines). The following is a summary of the citation collection effort to date.
As illustrated above, almost one year later, the City's Code Enforcement Officers continue to attempt to collect the fines for citations issued during the July 4th 2025, fireworks enforcement pilot program. The outstanding fines total approximately $50,761. The City's internal collection process has become a time-consuming endeavor which takes time away from other Code Enforcement cases and assignments.
The proposed Municipal Code Amendment adds a provision to Municipal Code Section
2.56.110 authorizing the use of third-party services for administrative fines which will improve the City's ability to enforce its fireworks regulations and recover the lawfully imposed penalties.
Staff is contemplating the use of third-party services for the mailing of the administrative citations and the collection of the fines.
The proposed amendment includes a change to Section 2.56.100 to authorize payment of administrative fines to a third-party agency, at the City's election, and amends Section
2.56.170 to authorize the use of first class mail for subsequent notices sent by a third-party.
In addition, the Municipal Code Amendment also includes some minor code cleanup items recommended by the City Attorney which include an amendment to Section 8.58.060 to specify that city employees identified in Municipal Code Section 2.56.030 are authorized to enforce the fireworks ordinance. This is already covered in Municipal Code Section 2.56.030 which identifies the City Enforcement Officers that may issue administrative citations, but for ease of reference, it is recommended to be cross-referenced in Section 8.58.060 as well. The Municipal Code Amendment also amends Section 8.58.060 to clarify that a person who violates the fireworks ordinance is subject to prosecution as a misdemeanor and may also be issued an administrative citation. (see Attachment 1, Draft Ordinance).
There will be no modifications to the Appeals section of the Municipal Code. All appeals will continue to be administered by the City in accordance with Municipal Code Sections 2.56.130,
2.56.140, and 2.56.150.
a. Number of citations paid/Total fines collected: 13 Citations / $26,000 b. Number of citations with payment plans but stopped
payments/Amount of fines collected to date:
14 Citations / $17,628
c. Number of citations with no responses/Amount of fines pending:
13 Citation / $33,133
Attachments:
1. Draft Ordinance (Fireworks Penalties & Third-Party Collections)
ATTACHMENT 1
Draft Ordinance – Fireworks Penalties & Third-Party Collections
ORDINANCE NO. ___
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 8.58 (FIREWORKS) OF TITLE 8 (HEALTH
AND SAFETY) OF THE HIGHLAND MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO
PENALTIES AND ENFORCEMENT OF FIREWORKS VIOLATIONS AND
AMENDING CHAPTER 2.56 (ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION PROCESS) ALLOWING
FOR THIRD-PARTY ADMINISTRATION AND COLLECTION OF
ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION FINES
WHEREAS, the City of Highland pursuant to its police power, may adopt regulations to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public under California Constitution, Article XI, Section 7 and California Government Code Section 37100.
WHEREAS, the City of Highland has adopted regulations governing the possession, use, and enforcement of fireworks within the City, including provisions establishing both administrative citation procedures and criminal enforcement mechanisms; and
WHEREAS, the City Council previously amended the Highland Municipal Code to strengthen enforcement of fireworks violations, including increasing administrative citation fines in order to deter unlawful activity; and
WHEREAS, despite these regulations, the unlawful use and discharge of fireworks continues to occur within the City, particularly during and around the Fourth of July and other events, posing risks to life, property, and public safety; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that certain provisions of the Highland Municipal Code related to penalties and enforcement may benefit from clarification to more clearly distinguish between enforcement mechanisms and to ensure consistent and effective application of the law; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that authorizing the use of third -party services for administrative fines will improve the City’s ability to enforce its regulations and recover lawfully imposed penalties; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that clarifying and refining these provisions will promote fairness, improve enforceability, and further the City’s interest in protecting the public health, safety, and welfare;
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Highland does hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. Code Amendment. Section 8.58.050 (Seizure and disposal) of Chapter 8.58 (Fireworks) of Title 8 (Health and Safety) of the Highland Municipal Code is hereby renamed as “Enforcement, seizure and disposal” and amended to read as follows , with additions shown in underlined text:
Ҥ 8.58.050 Enforcement, seizure and disposal.
“A. It shall be the duty of the fire chief and his or her authorized representatives and the police chief and his or her authorized representatives , or any of the city employees identified in HMC § 2.56.030 to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
Section 2. Code Amendment. Section 8.58 .060 (Penalties) of Chapter 8.58 (Fireworks) of Title 8 (Health and Safety) of the Highland Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows, with additions shown in underlined text and deletions shown in strikethrough text:
Ҥ 8.58.060 Penalties.
A. Any person who violates any provision of this chapter may be subject to prosecution as either an infraction or a misdemeanor as set forth in Chapter 1.24 HMC.
B. Any person who violates any provision of this chapter may be issued an administrative citation pursuant to Chapter 2.56 HMC.
1. A violation of any provision of this chapter is subject to an administrative citation in the amount of $2,000 for each violation. pursuant to the procedures set forth in Chapter
2.56 HMC. Such administrative remedy may be exercised in place of, or in addition to, any administrative, criminal, civil, or equitable remedy allowed by law.
C. If a person who violates any provision of this chapter is charged with a misdemeanor, upon conviction that person shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000, or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not exceeding one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
DC. A person is guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which he or she commits, continues or permits a violation of this chapter.
ED. Nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted to limit any of the penalties provided for under the California Health and Safety Code or Penal Code with regard to the sale, use, possession, delivery and/or transportation of dangerous fireworks.” Section 3. Code Amendment. Section 2.56.100 (Administrative citations) of Chapter
2.56 (Administrative Citation Process) of Title 2 (Administration and Personnel) of the Highland Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows, with additions shown in underlined text:
Ҥ 2.56.100 Administrative citations.
A. Any person violating any provision or failing to comply with any requirement of the municipal code or any other code adopted by the municipal code may be issued an administrative citation by an enforcement officer, as provided in this chapter. The issuance of an administrative citation shall not preclude prosecution of another offense in accordance with Chapter 1.24 HMC.
B. A continuing violation or failure to comply with any requirement of the municipal code or of any other code adopted by the municipal code constitutes a separate and distinct violation each and every day that said violation or failure exists.
C. A citation fine or penalty shall be assessed by means of an administrative citation issued by the enforcement officer and shall be payable directly to the city or, at the city’s election, to a third- party agency or other authorized entity, who shall collect the fine or penalty on the City’s behalf.
D. Fines or penalties assessed by means of an administrative citation shall be collected in accordance with the procedures specified in this chapter.
Section 4. Code Amendment. Section 2.56.110 (Administrative citation fines and penalties assessed) of Chapter 2.56 (Administrative Citation Process) of Title 2 (Administration and Personnel) of the Highland Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows , with additions shown in underlined text and deletions shown in strikethrough text:
Ҥ 2.56.110 Administrative citation fines and penalties assessed.
A. Unless a particular fine or penalty is otherwise specified within the relevant section or chapter of the municipal code or in subsection B of this section, fines and penalties shall be assessed as infractions as follows:
1. A fine of $100.00 for a first violation;
2. A fine of $200.00 for a second violation of the same ordinance or permit within one year from the date of the first violation; and
3. A fine of $500.00 for each additional violation of the same ordinance or permit within one year from the date of the first violation.
B. Violations of any provision or failing to comply with any requirement of the California Building Code, the California Fire Code, the California Electrical Code, the California Plumbing Code, the California Mechanical Code, the California Residential Code, the California Green Building Standards Code, the California Energy Code, the California Existing Building Code, the California Historical Code, the Property Maintenance Code, and the Uniform Sign Code are exceptions to subsection A of this section, and fines and penalties for these violations or failures are to be assessed as misdemeanors as follows:
1. A fine of $500.00 for the first violation;
2. A fine of $750.00 for a second violation of the same section of the same code within one year from the date of the first violation; and
3. A fine of $1,000 for each additional violation of the same section of the same code within one year from the date of the first violation.
C. All fines and penalties assessed shall be payable to the city within 25 days from the date of service of the administrative citation.
D. Any person who fails to pay to the city any fine or penalty imposed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter on or before the date that the fine is due shall also be liable for the penalty of double the citation amount.
E. The city may collect any past due administrative citation fine or penalty or late payment charge by use of any available legal means. The city may recover its collection costs.
F. The city may, in its discretion, utilize a third-party agency or other authorized entity to collect any unpaid administrative fines, penalties, fees, and costs imposed pursuant to the code, FG. Any administrative citation fine or penalty paid pursuant to subsection A or B of this section shall be refunded in accordance with HMC § 2.56.130(F)(4) if it is determined upon appeal that the person charged in the administrative citation was not responsible for the violation or that there was no violation as charged in the administrative citation.
GH. The fine or penalty amount described in subsection A and B of this section as infraction or misdemeanor amounts shall have no bearing on the city attorney or district attorney's determination in Chapter 1.24 HMC to prosecute the matter as an infraction or a misdemeanor.” Section 5. Code Amendment. Section 2.56.170 (Administrative citation fines and penalties assessed) of Chapter 2.56 (Administrative Citation Process) of Title 2 (Administration and Personnel) of the Highland Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows , with additions shown in underlined text:
Ҥ 2.56.170 Notices.
A. Any and all notices or decisions required to be given by the provisions of this chapter shall be served on the property owner by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested as set forth in HMC § 2.56.040. The notices or decisions shall be addressed to the property owner, including the address provided on forms required by the provisions of this chapter. Personal service may be substituted for mailed notices. Actual notice shall be deemed adequate notice reg ardless of the method of service. Failur e to receive any notice shall not affect the validity of any proceedings conducted hereunder.
B. I f a third -party agency or other authorized entity is used to administer the administrative citations, the initial notice of the administrative citation required to be given by the provisions of this chapter shall be served on the property owner by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested as set forth in HMC § 2.56.040 and any subsequent notices, including notices of delinquent payment may be sent by first class mail.”
Section 6. CEQA.
The Ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the adoption of the Ordinance will have a significant e ffect on the environment.
Section 7. Severability.
If any one or more of the terms, provisions or sections of this Ordinance shall to any extent be judged invalid, unenforceable and/or voidable for any reason whatsoever by a court of competent jurisdiction, then each and all of the remaining terms, provisi ons and sections of this Ordinance shall not be affected thereby and shall be valid and enforceable.
Section 8. Publication.
The City Clerk is directed to publish this Ordinance as required by law prior to the expiration of fifteen (15) days after its passage.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this ___ day of May, 2026.
__________________________________
Penny Lilburn
Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Alondra Muñoz
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________________
Maricela Marroquin
City Attorney
Staff Report
to the City Council
Agenda
Item
No.6.
Date: April 28, 2026
From: Carlos Zamano, City Manager
Reviewed By: Carlos Zamano, City Manager
Prepared By: Tish Nava-Cruz, Director of Administrative Services/City Treasurer Subject: Purchase of a New Ford F250 4X4 Truck for 2nd Battalion Chief
Recommendation:
1. Waive formal contract procedures per Municipal Code Section 2.40.100 for which the City's best interests are served;
2. Approve the purchase (using the State Contract 1-22-23-20F | CLIN: 36) and equipping of a new 2026 Ford F250 Supercab pickup 4x4 for the second Battalion Chief;
3. Authorize the City Manager to sign purchase and build-out agreements; and
4. Approve the following budget adjustment: Transfer $150,000 from 029-2512 (Vehicle Replacement Reserves) to be expended from 029-2100-6060 (Vehicles).
Fiscal Impact:
Amount not-to-exceed $150,000. Attached is a quote from Downtown Ford Sacramento for a 2026 Ford F250 Supercab pickup in the amount of $58,058.07.
Public Notice:
The agenda for this item was posted at the three locations per Resolution No. 2011-047 and on the City’s website.
Background:
On June 24, 2025, the City entered into a five-year agreement with CAL FIRE for fire services covering the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2030. As part of this agreement, the City is responsible for funding a second Battalion Chief (BC) position beginning in Fiscal Year 2026/2027, effective July 1, 2026. The addition of a second BC will enhance supervisory coverage, improve incident management capacity, and support increasing service demands within the City.
At the time the agreement was approved, CAL FIRE was evaluating whether a shared BC vehicle could be provided to the City. Due to significant growth in responsibilities and staffing needs in the past year for CAL FIRE's San Bernardino Unit, they are unable to supply a shared vehicle to the City. It is therefore necessary for the City to provide a dedicated vehicle to support the new BC position for the following reasons:
• Battalion Chiefs are frequently assigned to simultaneous incidents, requiring independent and immediate response capabilities;
• Coverage areas and shift assignments often place Battalion Chiefs in different geographic locations, making vehicle sharing impractical and potentially delaying emergency response times;
• Each Battalion Chief must have continuous access to specialized equipment, communications systems, and incident command tools that are installed in their assigned vehicle; and
• Operational readiness standards necessitate that command staff maintain dedicated vehicles to ensure uninterrupted service during emergency and non-emergency responses.
Based on prior procurement, staff estimates the cost of the vehicle and necessary outfitting to be approximately $150,000, broken down as follows:
• Vehicle Purchase: $58,058.07 (Process Purchase Order by May 1, 2026, to lock in quote from Downtown Ford Sacramento. Otherwise, we could be looking at a 2027 model that is 5% more expensive.
• Vehicle Build-Out and equipment: Approximately $91,940, including installation of a camper shell, command box, deck radios, lighting package (emergency lighting, sirens system and command-grade wiring), radios, battery management system, decals and identification, and minor contingency for price fluctuations and additions.
If approved, staff will place an order and the truck should be ready in approximately five to seven months (September – November). Should the new BC start prior to this timeframe, CAL FIRE has agreed to provide the City's Fire Department a loaner vehicle until the City receives delivery of the new vehicle.
Attachments:
1. Battalion Chief Vehicle Quote
Attachment 1
Battalion Chief
Ve
hicle Quo
te
ASW-040926-1355
Name DATE 4/9/2026
Address SALES REP AARON
City HIGHLAND State CA Zip 92346 PHONE 916-929-0577
Phone FOB SACRAMENTO
Qty Unit Price TOTAL
1 $48,792.00 $48,792.00
CLIN:
OPTIONS
1 $430.00 $430.00
1 $225.00 $225.00
1 $165.00 $165.00
1 $600.00 $600.00
1 $125.00 $125.00
1 $445.00 $445.00
1 $210.00 $210.00
1 $215.00 $215.00
1 $730.00 $730.00
1 $625.00 $625.00
1 $299.00 $299.00
1 $85.00 $85.00
SubTotal $52,946.00
DELIVERY $1,000.00
Cash SALES TAX $4,103.32
Check CA Tire Tax $8.75
Credit Card TOTAL $58,058.07
Name
CC #
Expires
PRICING BELOW SUBJECT TO CHANGE
BASED ON REGISTRATION ADDRESS
7.750%
DOC FEE
SALES TAX CALCULATED AT:
$500 DISCOUNT WITH PAYMENT IN 20 DAYS
67H - HD SERVICE SUSPENSION
LIZ BROWN - CITY OF HIGHLAND FIRE
26974 BASELINE ST
909-361-1251 // SEAN: 909-680-9526
Z1 - OXFORD WHITE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA CONTRACT:
Description
17X - FX4 OFF ROAD PACKAGE
Office Use Only
CKE - EXTRA KEY W/ KEY FOB
67B - DUAL EXTRA HEAVY DUTY ALTERNATOR
96D - XL DRIVER ASSIST PACKAGE
85S - SPRAY-IN BEDLINER
18B - RUNNING BOARDS
86M - DUAL BATTERY
2026 FORD F250 SUPERCAB PICKUP 4X4 6 3/4' BED
1-22-23-20F
36 TBM - ALL TERRAIN TIRES
43C - 110V / 400W OUTLET
EXTERIOR COLOR:
X4M - 4.30 ELECTRONIC LOCK REAR AXLE
525 N16TH STREET, SACRAMENTO, CA 95811
PHONE: 916-299-3529
QUOTE
Payment Details
Customer
Staff Report
to the City Council
Agenda
Item
No.7.
Date: April 28, 2026
From: Carlos Zamano, City Manager
Reviewed By: Alondra Muñoz, City Clerk
Prepared By: Lissette Nock, Deputy City Clerk
Subject: City Manager Report and Comments (Work Program, Regional/Legislative/ Development Issues, Subcommittees, etc.)
Recommendation:
Discussion and possible action.
Fiscal Impact:
None
Public Notice:
The agenda for this item was posted at the three locations per Resolution No. 2011-047 and on the City’s website.
Background:
Attachments:
None
Staff Report
to the City Council
Agenda
Item
No.8.
Date: April 28, 2026
From: Carlos Zamano, City Manager
Reviewed By: Alondra Muñoz, City Clerk
Prepared By: Lissette Nock, Deputy City Clerk
Subject: Councilmember Comments (Agency/Committee/AB 1234 Reports, District Updates, etc.)
Recommendation:
Discussion and possible action.
Fiscal Impact:
None
Public Notice:
The agenda for this item was posted at the three locations per Resolution No. 2011-047 and on the City’s website.
Background:
Attachments:
None