REGULAR CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY JOINT
MEETING MINUTES
25541 Barton Road, Loma Linda, CA 92354
June 24, 2025, 5:35 PM - June 24, 2025, 8:00 PM
Roll Call: (The following members were in attendance)
Phillip Dupper, Mayor (CC, SA)/Chairman (HA) via Teleconferencing Ronald Dailey, Mayor pro tempore(CC, SA)/Vice Chairman (HA) Rhodes Rigsby, Councilmember (CC, SA)/Board Member (HA) Ovidiu Popescu, Councilmember(CC, SA)/Board Member (HA) Rhonda Spencer-Hwang, Councilmember (CC, SA)/Board Member (HA)
1. Call to Order
1.A. Call to Order - City Council (CC), Housing Authority Board (HA), and Successor Agency (SA)- 6:13 PM
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm and immediately recessed into closed session.
1.B. Roll Call- 5:35 PM
All Councilmembers present. Mayor Dupper participated via teleconferencing.
Staff present: T. Jarb Thaipejr, City Manager/Executive Director; Diane Robbins, City Attorney/Counsel; Lynette Arreola, City Clerk/Secretary; Sonia Fabela, Finance Director; Dan Harker, Fire Chief; Lorena Matarrita, Community Development Director; Andy Ramirez, Assistant City Manager; Andrew Sanchez, Customer Support Technician; and Lt. Kaysie Smith, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department
1.C. Closed Session - 5:30 pm - Council Board Room- 7:03 PM — Conference with Legal Counsel on Labor Negotiations (Government Code Section 54957.6) - Agency Labor Counsel - Kevin Dale; Agency Representative - City Manager T. Jarb Thaipejr and Employee Organizations - Teamsters (Public Works); Teamsters (Administration); Loma Linda Professional Firefighters, Local 935; Unrepresented Safety (Fire) Management/Confidential Employees; and Unrepresented Management/Confidential Employees The City Council meeting reconvened at 7:03 pm.
City Attorney Robbins announced that the City Council met in closed session on the item listed on the agenda. She stated that direction was provided to staff.
1.D. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance - Councilmember Spencer-Hwang- 7:03 PM The Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance were led by Councilmember Spencer-Hwang.
1.E. Items to be Added or Deleted- 7:03 PM
No items were added or deleted.
1.F. Oral Reports/Public Participation - Non-Agenda Items (Each Speaker limited to 3 minutes. Pursuant to the Brown Act, no action or discussion can be taken by City Council)- 7:03 PM
No oral participation upon invitation by the Mayor.
2. Presentation(s)
No scheduled items.
3. Public Hearing and Scheduled Items
3.A. Public Hearing - Recruitment Update in Accordance with AB 2561 Government Code 3502.3 [Administration]- 7:04 PM
(CC)
Public Hearing was opened at 7:08 PM and closed at 7:08 PM Assistant City Manager Ramirez presented the report, explaining that it is required under Assembly Bill 2561 (AB 2561), which was signed into law in September 2024, for public agencies to provide an annual update to the City Council on job vacancies, as well as recruitment and retention efforts. He noted that the City has three recognized bargaining units, and that none currently meet or exceed the 20% vacancy threshold that would trigger enhanced reporting requirements under AB 2561. He reviewed the current vacancy levels within each bargaining group and that compensation was the primary reason for the employees' departure. He concluded that no action is required at this time; only that the City Council accept the report for filing.
The public hearing was open and closed with no public participation. The report was accepted for filing.
3.B. CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE CITY'S FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 BUDGET- 7:08 PM
No action item.
3.C. Budget Committee's Recommendation for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget [Budget Committee]- 7:08 PM
(CC/HA)
Budget Committee Member Jay Gallant presented the Committee’s recommendation to the City Council, emphasizing that the City is not currently in a financially sustainable position. He noted that the City's growing population is increasing the demand for services, yet staffing levels have remained limited for several years, requiring many employees to wear multiple hats. This places the City at risk, particularly as staff members retire or resign. Those multiple positions will need to be filled. He also pointed out the broader economic challenges the City faces, including rising costs.
With limited revenue growth and a tight budget, he noted that the City will need to make difficult decisions either by reducing staff and services, increasing taxes, or identifying new sources of revenue.
Mayor Pro Tempore Dailey commended the Budget Committee's Analysis and asked to elaborate on the Committee’s recommendation regarding opportunities lost due to restrictive regulations. Mr.
Gallant explained that the City of Loma Linda has certain regulations in place that reflect its vision of promoting a healthy lifestyle, which can limit the types of businesses allowed to operate within the City. While acknowledging the intent behind these policies, he stated that, whether good or bad, it should ultimately be the public’s choice which businesses they wish to support. He noted that such regulations come with opportunity costs, and the City must consider whether it is willing to accept those losses and are they willing to pay it maybe through increased taxes. He asked if the City wants to create a business-friendly environment to help generate revenue and offset the increased cost that the City will be experiencing.
Mayor Pro Tempore Dailey inquired about the reference to the "target budget." Mr. Gallant explained that the target budget is a planning concept that projects the City’s financial needs year over year.
He noted that it takes into account scenarios such as the departure of employees who currently fill multiple roles and the hidden costs of backfilling those positions. He emphasized the importance of identifying the actual revenue needed to maintain operations, rather than continuing to defer financial decisions from one year to the next.
The Mayor thanked the Budget Committee for their Analysis. The report will be received by the City Council.
3.D. Presentation of the Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget [Finance]- 7:17 PM (CC/HA)
Public Hearing was opened at 7:36 PM and closed at 7:41 PM Finance Director Fabela presented the 2025-2026 Budget into evidence, noting which included the General Fund – Unassigned, Assigned and Committed fund balances, including enterprise, special revenue, debt services, capital project funds and the Loma Linda Housing Authority Budget. She highlighted The top 7 General Fund revenues for the City is sales tax which makes up 23% of the city’s total general fund revenue of $28.6 million. The top revenue for the City is sales tax, it makes up 23% of the city’s total general fund revenue of $28.6 million. She discussed motor vehicle license fees, property taxes, and overhead charges by the General fund on City projects. In regard to the General Funds Expenditures, the City has not reached agreements with the labor groups, so any salary changes are not reflected. She discussed const changes with Administration, General Govt, Police and City Departments. She discussed the total ending fund balance, noting that it was necessary for the for FY 2025-26 to cover projected shortfall of $458,500 in the General Fund. She discussed the General Fund Unassigned and Assigned budget. She pointed out that if the current revenue streams continue to increase 2%-3% per year, the deficit will continue to grow as expenditures will outpace the revenue growth. With no sustainable revenue, the reserves can be depleted by 2034. She reviewed the comparison of all revenues and expenditures funds; the ending fund balance; the comparison of the beginning fund balance for all city funds adjusted from FY 2024- 25 to FY 2025-26 with an ending fund balance of $61,391,063; and the Loma Linda Housing Authority which has not much changes projected for FY 2025-26, noting that $600K is set aside to provide support of an existing housing project in need of building repairs.
In conclusion, Finance Director Fabela stated that that the total General Fund Reserve Balance (assigned and unassigned) is $18.9 million; that the General Fund shows a deficit of $458,500 that will be covered by reserves; and that future costs continue to rise without an increase in revenues.
She thanked all the department staff and her staff for their hard work and efforts to prepare the 2025-2026 Budget.
The public hearing was opened.
Budget Committee Member Gary Nelson noted that, since the projections of the deficit did not include any wage adjustments, he reiterated the City's need to look at revenue and expense reduction options.
Councilmember Popescu noted that last year’s budget was approved with a deficit, and this year’s budget reflects a similar shortfall, totaling approximately $1 million. He added that the City may face the same situation again next year.
The public hearing was closed.
3.E. Council Bill #R-2025-15 - A Resolution to Adopt the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Amended Appropriations Limit [Finance] - 7:41 PM
(CC/HA)
Public Hearing was opened at 7:43 PM and closed at 7:43 PM Finance Director Fabela stated that the GAN limit is a rule that prevents California state and local governments from spending more money than allowed. She noted that the City does not have excess tax revenue and are not spending below the tax revenue amount. The City has met the require limit restrictions.
The public hearing was open and closed with no participation.
Motion by Ovidiu Popescu, seconded Rhodes Rigsby, passing by a vote of 5-0-0-0-0, to Adopt as recommended Council Bill #R-2025-15 - RESOLUTION NO. 3257 - A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMA LINDA, CALIFORNIA ADOPTING AN AMENDED CITY APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF DIVISION 9 OF TITLE 1 OF THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE.
3.F. Approve the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Investment Policy and Adopt Resolutions Updating Authorized Positions for Investment Transactions with the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) for the City, Housing Authority, and Successor Agency [Finance]- 7:44 PM
(CC/HA/SA)
Public Hearing was opened at 7:45 PM and closed at 7:45 PM Finance Director Fabela stated that the City is required to review and approve an investment policy.
The policy has not changed; however, the City needed to add another position, Anna Briones, to draw down and make deposits into LAIF.
The public hearing was open and closed with no participation.
Motion by Ronald Dailey, seconded Rhonda Spencer-Hwang, passing by a vote of 5-0-0-0-0, to Approve the Investment Policy as presented: to Adopt as recommended Council Bill #R-2025-25 -
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMA LINDA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING
INVESTMENT OF MONIES IN THE LOCAL AGENCY INVESTMENT FUND (LAIF) AND DESIGNATING
POSITIONS AUTHORIZED TO DEPOSIT OR WITHDRAW MONIES IN LAIF AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2568; to Adopt as recommended Loma Linda Housing Authority Bill #R-2025-02 - A RESOLUTION
OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF LOMA LINDA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING INVESTMENT
OF MONIES IN THE LOCAL AGENCY INVESTMENT FUND (LAIF) AND DESIGNATING POSITIONS AUTHORIZED TO DEPOSIT OR WITHDRAW MONIES IN LAIF AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 4; and to Adopt as recommended Successor Agency Council Bill#R-2025-26 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMA LINDA, CALIFORNIA, SERVING AS SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE LOMA
LINDA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING INVESTMENT OF MONIES IN THE LOCAL AGENCY
INVESTMENT FUND (LAIF) AND DESIGNATING POSITIONS AUTHORIZED TO DEPOSIT OR WITHDRAW MONIES IN LAIF AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2726
3.G. Approve the Citizen Option for Public Safety (COPS) Grant Expenditure Plan for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget [Public Safety]- 7:47 PM
(CC/HA)
Public Hearing was opened at 7:48 PM and closed at 7:48 PM Finance Director Fabela stated that this is the expenditure plan for the Citizen Option for Public Safety (COPS) grant, noting that the funds cover the Sheriff's Service Specialist position, law enforcement programs and the contract for the 26 license plate reader cameras at various locations.
The public hearing was open and closed with no participation.
Motion by Rhonda Spencer-Hwang, seconded Ovidiu Popescu, passing by a vote of 5-0-0-0-0, to Approve the Citizen Option for Public Safety (COPS) Grant Expenditure Plan for Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 as presented.
3.H. Council Bill #R-2025-19 - A Resolution to Adopt the Wildland Fire Protection Contract No. 3CA07222 between the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) and the City of Loma Linda for $124,898.12 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and Authorize the Mayor or Mayor pro tempore to sign the Contract pursuant to Government Code 40601 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget [Fire]- 7:50 PM
(CC/HA)
Public Hearing was opened at 7:50 PM and closed at 7:50 PM Fire Chief Harker reported that this is the annual contract with Cal Fire.
The public hearing was open and closed with no participation.
Motion by Ovidiu Popescu, seconded Rhonda Spencer-Hwang, passing by a vote of 5-0-0-0-0, to Adopt as recommended Council Bill #R-2025-19 - RESOLUTION NO 3260 - A RESOLUTION BEFORE
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMA LINDA APPROVING THE DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE FOR SERVICES FROM .TTJLY 1, 2025, TO .TTJNE 30, 2026
3.I. Council Bill #R-2025-14 - A Resolution to Adopt and Approve the Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 Budget [Finance]- 7:51 PM
(CC/HA)
No further report to the presentation to Agenda Item 3C.
Motion by Ronald Dailey, seconded Rhonda Spencer-Hwang, passing by a vote of 4-1-0-0-0, Opposed by Ovidiu Popescu
to Adopt as recommended Council Bill #R-2025-19 - RESOLUTION NO 3261 - A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMA LINDA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE FINAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF LOMA LINDA FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2025, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2026
3.J. Loma Linda Housing Authority Bill #R-2025-01 - A Resolution to Adopt the Loma Linda Housing Authority Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget [Finance]- 7:53 PM (HA)
Public Hearing was opened at 7:53 PM and closed at 7:53 PM No further report.
The public hearing was open and closed with no participation.
Motion by Rhodes Rigsby, seconded Rhonda Spencer-Hwang, passing by a vote of 5-0-0-0-0, to Adopt as recommended Loma Linda Housing Authority Bill #R-2025-01 - RESOLUTION NO 57 - A
RESOLUTION OF THE LOMA LINDA HOUSING AUTHORITY ESTABLISHING A FINAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026
4. Consent Calendar
Motion by Rhodes Rigsby, seconded Ovidiu Popescu, passing by a vote of 5-0-0-0-0, to Approve the Consent Calendar items as submitted.
4.A. Demands Registers for the City Council and Housing Authority Approval dated June 24, 2025 [Finance] - 7:54 PM
(CC/HA)
Approved the following Demands Registers for:
4.B. Treasurer's Report - May 2025 [Finance]- 7:54 PM
(CC)
Accepted the May 2025 Treasurer's Report for filing.
4.C. Award a Contract to CMAX for Street Sweeping Services for City of Loma Linda for $143,541.00 per year [Public Works]- 7:54 PM
(CC)
Approved contract to CMAX for street sweeping services for $143,541.00 as recommended.
4.D. Award Contract to APL Professional Landscapes for Maintenance of the Landscape Maintenance District and Annexations Contract "B" for $282,928.00 [Public Works]- 7:54 PM
(CC)
Approved the contract to APL Professional Landscapes for $282,928.00 for Landscape Maintenance District and Annexations, Contract B, services.
4.E. Award Contract to Base Hill Inc., for Janitorial Services of City Buildings for $137,017.84 [Public Works]- 7:54 PM
(CC)
Approved contract to Base Hill, Inc. for janitorial services of City buildings for $137,017.84
4.F. Council Bill #R-2025-22 - A Resolution to Modify FLSA and Bargaining Unit Status of the Accountant Classification [Administration]- 7:54 PM (CC)
Adopted Council Bill No. R-2025-22 into:
RESOLUTION NO. 3262
the City Council regular run dated June 24. 2025, with commercial demands totaling $1,939,168.83, and Payroll dated June 18, 2025, totaling $558,106.46; and the Housing Authority dated June 24, 2025, with commercial demands totaling $7,313.98.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMA LINDA, CALIFORNIA, TO
MODIFY THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT (FLSA) STATUS AND BARGAINING UNIT
DESIGNATION OF THE ACCOUNTANT CLASSIFICATION
4.G. Council Bill #R-2025-24 - Modifying Conditions of Employment, Benefits, and Salary for Loma Linda Professional Firefighters, Local 935; and Unrepresented Management/Confidential Employees Effective July 1, 2025 [Administration]- 7:54 PM (CC)
Adopted Council Bill No. R-2025-24 into:
RESOLUTION NO. 3263
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMA LINDA, CALIFORNIA,
MODIFYING CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT, BENEFITS, AND SALARY FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE LOMA LINDA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS, LOCAL 935, AND UNREPRESENTED MANAGEMENT/CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025; and Approved the necessary budgetary adjustments to implement the agreed-upon changes; and affirmed the reclassification and anniversary date of Anna Katrina Briones from Senior Accountant/Financial Analyst to Finance Manager effective July 13, 2025.
4.H. Preliminary Commitment Letter with Mary Erickson Community Housing related to financing a portion of the rehabilitation of the 24-unit affordable apartment complex located at 25421 Cole Street, Loma Linda, California [Administration]- 7:54 PM (HA)
Accepted the Preliminary Commitment Letter and authorized the Executive Director of the Housing Authority Board to sign, on behalf of the Board, a preliminary commitment letter with Mary Erickson Community Housing related to financing a portion of the rehabilitation of the 24-unit affordable apartment complex located at 25421 Cole Street, Loma Linda, California.
5. Old Business
No scheduled reports.
6. New Business
No scheduled reports.
7. Reports
7.A. Reports of Council Members- 7:55 PM
Mayor pro tempore Dailey stated that over the weekend, a representative from SCE informed residents that power would be temporarily shut off as part of a project to bury electrical wires. City Manager Thaipejr confirmed that SCE is implementing an infrastructure plan to place their utility lines underground.
7.B. Reports Of Officers- 7:57 PM
City Attorney reminded Council that there will be a meeting next week on July 1. She noted that there will be a closed session at 5:30pm for Labor Negotiations. She said her On Boarding Brown Act presentation will be part of the regular meeting that evening.
8. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:57 pm. to the Special Joint Meeting of the City Council, Housing Authority and Successor Agency on July 1, 2025, at 5:30 pm.
Minutes approved as submitted on August 12, 2025.