City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 11, 2026
CaII to Order
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Highland was called to order at 6:01 p.m. by Mayor Lilburn at the Donahue Council Chambers, 27215 Base Line, Highland, California.
Invocation
The invocation was given by Pastor Willie Hicks, Harvest Care Church.
Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Timmer.
Roll Call
Present: Hogan, Lilburn, McCallon, Saldana, Timmer
Absent: None
Special Presentations
Monique Reza-Arellano, Director of the San Bernardino Council of Governments/San Bernardino Transportation Authority gave an update on its program activities.
Public Comment
Marcia Lewis ( In person) expressed concerns regarding a tree removal within East Highland's Ranch on Base Line.
Curtis Toovey ( In person) expressed concerns regarding a tree removal within East Highland's Ranch on Base Line.
Jane Bouch ( In person) representing the Highland Chamber of Commerce listed upcoming events.
City Council Consent Calendar
A MOTION was made by Councilmember McCallon, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Saldana to approve the consent calendar as submitted. Motion carried on a roll call vote, 5-0.
1. Waive the Reading of All Ordinances
Waived the reading of all Ordinances in their entirety and read by title only.
2. Minutes - July 14, 2026 City Council Special Meeting Approved the Minutes as submitted.
3. Minutes - July 14, 2026 City Council Regular Meeting Approved the Minutes as submitted.
4. Minutes - August 3, 2026 City Council Special Meeting Approved the Minutes as submitted.
5. Treasurer's Report for June 2026
Received and filed the Treasurer's Report for June 2026.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 11, 2026
6. Warrant Register No. 792
Approved Warrant Register No. 792; Warrants in the amount of $ 1,856,273.24 and Payroll in the amount of $ 372,378.13.
7. Amendment to Resolution No. 2026-020 — Rules of Procedure for Council Meetings Adopted Resolution No. 2026-050 amending Resolution No. 2026-020 to revise Section
3.1(b) regarding the annual selection of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-050
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING RESOLUTION 2026-020, AND SETTING THE
DATE AND TIME FOR REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS, AND
READOPTING RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR COUNCIL MEETINGS AND
RELATED FUNCTIONS AND ACTIVITIES, AND ADOPTING REASONABLE
ACCOMMODATION, TECHNOLOGY DISRUPTION AND MEETING DISRUPTION
POLICIES
8. National Pollution Discharge Elimination System ( NPDES) Implementation Agreement with San Bernardino County, the San Bernardino County Flood Control District and the Cities of Big Bear Lake, Chino, Chino Hills, Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Highland, Loma Linda, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, Upland, and Yucaipa
1. Approved the National Pollutant Elimination System Stormwater Permit Implementation Agreement, Santa Ana Region between the City of Highland and the San Bernardino County Flood Control District; and
2. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement.
9. Easement Acceptance - 25553 Jane Street
1. Accepted the Grant of Easement for Jane Street Right -of -Way Dedication; and
2. Directed the City Clerk to record the Grant of Easement.
City Council Legislative
10. City Manager Report and Comments ( Work Program, Regional/Legislative/ Development Issues, Subcommittees, etc.)
City Manager Zamano stated the Highland Sheriffs Department for the month of July received 2,802 calls for service, made 354 reports, 138 arrests, issued 153 citations, conducted 408 traffic enforcement stops, responded to 51 traffic collisions which included hit and runs, 43 transient calls, and 47 towed vehicles.
The Highland Fire Department for the month of July received 610 calls for service, some of which included: 469 medical aids, 26 traffic collisions, 12 structure fires, 24 vegetation fires, 22 other fires, 3 vehicle fires, and 16 public service assistance.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 11, 2026
The Administrative Services/Finance Department for the month of July issued 41 new business licenses, renewed 74 business licenses, issued 108 dog licenses, 51 yard sale permits, and 80 issued account payable checks.
The Public Works Department announced the construction of a new 113 - unit residential development located at Alta Vista and Greenspot Road is underway by the developer, Lennar Homes. The developer anticipates beginning construction of a new 42 - inch storm drain facility along Greenspot Road, a key component of the City's Master Drainage Plan.
The new storm drain system will span approximately 2,500 linear feet, extending from Alta Vista to Weaver Street. Construction is expected to begin on August 17, 2026, and will take approximately 6 to 8 weeks to complete. Due to the nature of this work, 24 - hour traffic control measures will be in place throughout the duration of the project. FuII access to and from Alta Vista will be allowed during most of the project. However, a detour will be needed in the last 2 weeks of the work for the installation of the lateral connections. Motorists should expect traffic delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes whenever possible.
To keep the community informed, the City and developer will provide advance notice through Changeable Message Signs ( CMS) along Greenspot Road, mailers and door hangers delivered to impacted properties, city social media channels and articles in the city newsletter. Following completion of storm drain installation, the trenches will be repaired with temporary asphalt in preparation for construction of a raised median along the project frontage on Greenspot Road. Full - width permanent paving between Weaver Street and Alta Vista is expected to be completed by summer of 2027. We appreciate the public's patience and cooperation as these important infrastructure improvements are completed to support the community.
On Saturday, September 14, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the Highland Improvement Team ( HIT) will host a cleanup event.
On Saturday, September 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., AutoZone will host an Oil Filter Exchange event located at 27292 Base Line.
For the month of July, Burrtec completed 303 illegal dumping work orders.
The Community Development Department announced, on August 4, the Planning Commission conducted two ( 2) public hearings to declare the existence of a public nuisance on the following two properties: 1) NDP Appliances, located at 25414 Base Line for continuing to operate their existing business without first obtaining the necessary building permits to rehab fire damaged structures on the property. NDP Appliance was given ninety ( 90) days to submit plans and obtain the necessary permits to rehab the damaged fire structures and remove all junk and debris from the property. 2) Abandoned single-family house, located at 7222 Church Avenue, generally north-west of Smart & Final for failure to board and secure the abandoned house, and the accumulated junk, trash, and debris. The property owner was given sixty ( 60) days to obtain necessary building permits to rehab the house and remove all accumulated junk, trash, and debris.
In May 2026, the Community Development Director denied a Land Use Application from WaterMill Express to install a freestanding water vending machine near the northeast
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 11, 2026
corner of Base Line and Sterling Avenue. The project was denied based on findings related to public health, safety, and general welfare, and objections from surrounding businesses and residents. WaterMill Express submitted an appeal to the Community Development Director's denial but withdrew their appeal application on Monday, August 10. WaterMill Express advised staff they would explore other potential locations.
11. Councilmember Comments ( Agency/Committee/AB 1234 Reports, District Updates, etc.' Mayor Pro Tem Saldana thanked the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District Board Members, President, Milford Harrison, Vice President, Gil Botello, Director, Jose Velasquez and the rest of the board members for lowering their Valorem Property Tax Rate for the following year from $ 0.11 to $ 0.04 per $ 100 of assessed property value. For Highland families, this represents an average savings of $ 300 per year, especially during these difficult times. It was helpful and grateful to have accomplished this.
Councilmember Hogan thanked City Council and the City of Highland for reaching out and sending him condolences and support. He stated his brother passed away. He can't say enough about how grateful he is for all the support.
Councilmember Timmer stated he had a statement he would like to announce. On July 14, 2026, a Final Map Amendment for Tract No. 20387 was on the City Council consent calendar for approval. He requested the item be pulled for discussion as it was his recollection that the developer of Crestwood Communities had committed to participate in the citywide Public Safety Community Facilities District ( CFD), and he had been informed by staff that they would no longer be doing so. During the Council meeting, he stated the developer had lied to the City Council about agreeing to participate in the CFD. He would like to make it clear that Crestwood Communities was not conditioned to participate in the CFD, and it was brought to his attention that Crestwood Communities did not in fact commit to participate in the CFD, but rather stated that it would consider participating in the CFD.
He would like to apologize to Crestwood Communities for stating that they lied, as it was based on his misremembering what transpired in the prior Council meeting. Based on his comment, it was totally inappropriate, so he would like to personally apologize to City Council, staff, the citizens of Highland, Terry Kent and the Crestwood Community. He used inappropriate language and is truly sorry and apologizes to all parties involved.
Councilmember McCallon stated this Thursday, August 13, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority ( SBCTA) will be issuing an invitation for a bid on the construction of the Highland/Redlands Regional Gap Connector Project. He represented the city at the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board meeting regarding a proposed temporary order that would cost the City of Highland about $ 445 million over the next 20 years. That's 64% of our annual General Fund. If implemented, not only will the City of Highland be impacted, but all cities in San Bernardino County will be affected. He testified in opposition along with San Bernardino County and other cities. This decision will take place on August 21, 2026, and hopes they make the right decision. Additionally, he represented the City of Highland at the ribbon cutting ceremony he attended for the American First Credit Union.
It was a great event and Councilmember Timmer attended as well.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 11, 2026
Mayor Lilburn thanked Councilmember McCallon for representing the City of Highland at the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board meeting and the ribbon - cutting ceremony at American First Credit Union. She also attended the National Night Out event.
It was a great turnout with a consistent flow of attendees throughout the evening. She thanked Marco's Pizza for donating the pizza for this event and thanked public safety for their resources. She thanked city staff, the Sheriffs Department and Fire Department for their efforts in ensuring a safe and engaging environment. All stations had fun clever games for children to enjoy. Additionally, she announced the upcoming State of the City event scheduled for October 22, 2026 taking place at the Sterling Natural Resource Center SNRC) and reminded East Valley Water District ( EVWD) to distribute announcements on the resident water bills. Lastly, she congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Saldana, on his unchallenged re-election, allowing him to continue serving as Councilmember for District
2. Announcements
None
Closed Session
At 6:43 p.m. City Attorney Marroquin read the City Council into closed session regarding the following:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
City of Highland v. Shahatit, San Bernardino County Court Case Number CIVSB2418718 At 6:55 p.m. City Council reconvened into open session.
City Attorney Marroquin stated the City Council met in closed session on the City of Highland v. Shahatit case. Direction was provided by City Council but no reportable action was taken.
Adjourn
Mayor Lilburn adjourned the meeting at 6:56 p.m. in memory of Al LeBrun.
Submitted By:
Alondra unoz, CMC
City CIe k
Approved By:
J
Penny Li
Mayor