REGULAR CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY JOINT MEETING MINUTES
25541 Barton Road, Loma Linda, CA 92354
October 14, 2025, 7:00 PM - October 14, 2025, 8:33 PM
Roll Call: (The following members were in attendance)
Phillip Dupper, Mayor/Chairman
Ronald Dailey, Mayor pro tempore/Vice Chairman
Rhodes Rigsby, Councilmember/Boardmember
Ovidiu Popescu, Councilmember/Boardmember
Rhonda Spencer-Hwang, Councilmember/Boardmember
1. Call to Order
1.A. Call to Order - City Council [CC], Housing Authority Board [HA], and Successor Agency [SA]- 7:00 PM
The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm.
1.B. Roll Call- 7:00 PM
All Councilmembers present.
Staff present: T. Jarb Thaipejr, City Manager/HA Executive Director ; Diane Robbins, City Attorney/HA General Counsel; Lynette Arreola, City Clerk/HA Secretary; Sonia Fabela, Finance Director; Dan Harker, Fire Chief; Lorena Matarrita, Community Development Director; Hugh Campa, Information Systems Specialist; and Lt. David Frayeh, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department
1.C. Closed Session- 7:01 PM
No Items.
1.D. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance - Council Member Popescu- 7:01 PM The Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance were led by Council Member Popescu.
1.E. Items to be Added or Deleted- 7:01 PM
City Manager Thaipejr requested to move Agenda Item 5L to 4B.
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, Housing Authority or Successor Agency)- 7:02 PM
Andrea De Leon, Executive Director for Chamber of Commerce, spoke on two upcoming events: 1) Golf Tournament, October 22, 2025; and 2) Loma Linda Leadership Summit 2025 - AI in the IE, November 7, 2025, 8:30am - 2:30pm. She invited the City Council and the community to attend.
2. Presentation(s)
No items.
3. Public Hearing Items
3.A. Public Hearing - Adopt the California Fire Codes as Recommended (Fire) [CC]- 7:07 PM Public Hearing was opened at 7:10 PM and closed at 7:10 PM Fire Marshall Ingalls explained that the California Building Standards Commission adopts and amends the California Building Standards Code, California Code of Regulations, Titles 19 and 24 incorporating the latest editions of model codes for use throughout the State, after which the City will update and adopt the Loma Linda Municipal Code accordingly. He noted a significant change in the current cycle is California's adoption of its edition of the Wildland-Urban Interface Code, eliminating the need to adopt editions of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code. These new codes will be effective beginning January 1, 2026.
The public hearing was opened and closed with no public participation.
Mayor pro tempore Dailey understood that the Code updates are standard protocol, but had general questions that he would address with the Fire Marshall prior to the second reading and adoption.
Motion by Ovidiu Popescu, seconded Ronald Dailey, passing by a vote of 5-0-0-0-0, to Introduce as recommended Council Bill O-2025-04 on first reading and set the second reading to November 18, 2025 waiving the reading in its entirety and read by title only: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMA LINDA ADOPTING AND AMENDING THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, ADOPTING AND AMENDING THE 2024 EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE AND REPEALING CHAPTER 15.28 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE; to introduce as recommended Council Bill #O-2025-05 on first reading and set the second reading to November 18, 2025 waiving the reading in its entirety and read by title only: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMA LINDA ADOPTING AND AMENDING THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA WILDLANDURBAN INTERFACE CODE.
4. Scheduled Agenda Items
4.A. Appeal of Staff Decision by Christopher Jueden-pytel, Property Owner, 25624 State Street - Owner Request for Consideration of the Removal of a City Street Tree Due to Damage to the Property’s Water Line [CC]
City Manager Thaipejr stated the City received an appeal from the property owner at 25624 State St. regarding staff's recommendation on addressing a property water leak. He explained that through the City's meter software system, the City suspected a leak on the property. The City investigated and determined that there were no leaks on the City side of the water lines, but that the leak would be on the homeowner's property. He noted that the property owner suspects the leak is caused by the roots from a city street tree and would like the tree removed.
He explained that the tree is mature and healthy, and, historically, the Council has preferred maintenance solutions, such as trimming roots and rerouting utilities, over removing city trees. However, the homeowner disagrees with this approach and is appealing to the Council for its removal.
Chris Jueden-pytel, property owner at 25624 State Street, stated that he is appealing City staff's decision noting that the tree roots have broken his water main to his property, risking contamination of their drinking water and has caused damage to the sidewalk. He also expressed concern that the roots of the tree might cause damage to his natural gas line. He noted that the repair recommended by the City would be a temporary solution, as the issue could reoccur. He was informed by his plumber that the leak was underneath the sidewalk and that the repair could not be fixed without removing the tree. He noted that he had an arborist advise that the roots do not extend deep but extend laterally that provide tree stability, which is a concern. He noted that other neighbors in his neighborhood have had trees removed due to similar issues.
Nancy Wolf, 25623 State Street, experienced issues with tree roots lifting the sidewalk, which created driveway problems and safety hazards. She was particularly concerned for the safety of her elderly parents who lived with her, especially after one of them tripped due to a significant raise in the sidewalk. After working with the City, the tree was eventually removed.
Mayor pro tempore Dailey commented that the trees in that neighborhood were very dense and should be trimmed.
City Manager Thaipejr noted that it is significant cost to remove the tree, approximately $20,000. He noted that the City allocates money each year for tree maintenance. He stated trees are typically trimmed every 3 years. He would schedule the trees in this neighborhood to be trimmed.
Discussion ensued pertaining to the high costs and implications of removing trees, emphasizing the need to maintain trees especially if the tree being healthy and the potential precedent a removal could set. It was noted that there are experts making determinations from above ground without actually conducting any repair.
Councilmember Popescu commented that there is a debate to the location of the leak and whether the leak can be repaired without removing the tree. He noted that if the leak is by the water meter, it may be worthwhile for the City to break into the sidewalk by the meter to locate the leak and determine if it can be fixed without the removal of the tree. He noted that if it is determined that the leak is caused by the tree roots, the City should make repairs around the root and ensure the water line will not be an issue in the future.
Councilmember Rigsby agreed to have the City investigate and repair the leak with the intention of saving the tree if possible If the City cannot save the tree, he asked staff to report back to Council. He does not want this to set a precedent. He stated this recommendation would be a special circumstance that applies only to this situation.
Mr. Jueden-pytel asked if the concern of the gas line be affected would be addressed. Mayor Dupper stated that the gas line was not part of the recommendation by Council.
Motion by Rhodes Rigsby and seconded by Ovidiu Popescu to Recommend that the City investigate and repair the leak with the intention of saving the tree, if possible, and to report report back to Council if the tree cannot be saved, emphasizing that this is a special circumstance unique to this situation and is not intended to set a precedent. Passing by a vote of 4-1-0-0-0. Opposed by Ronald Dailey. 4B. Consider and Provide Direction to Staff to Proceed with Improvements Along the Auto Center Corridor Using Special Projects Construction Funds with Eligible Improvements that may include Landscaping Enhancements, Repairs to Private Access Roads Where Necessary to Support Circulation and Safety, and Coordinated Signage Updates (Administration) [CC]
City Manager Thaipejr reported that he and Community Development Director Matarrita met with the business owners of Spreen Honda, Mazda, Quaid Harley Davidson, and the new Hyundai owner regarding potential enhancements along Redlands Boulevard, situated in front of the Auto Center. The representatives from the dealerships requested the City's assistance in upgrading the private road along the Auto Center corridor and improving the signage. City Manager Thaipejr emphasized the City's willingness to partner with the business owners on these enhancements along Redlands Boulevard. However, he requested for the Council's authorization to utilize the Special Project Construction Fund, a governmental fund, to support these upgrades and negotiate with the dealers for improvements to the signage.
Mayor Dupper pointed out the significance of these dealerships as a major revenue source for the City of Loma Linda.
Discussion ensued regarding the uncertain costs associated with these improvements, but would be brought back to City Council. It was noted that such enhancements could potentially attract more businesses to the City. The Council emphasized the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships with business owners. There was also a discussion about the lots adjacent to the dealerships, considering a collaboration to develop that land in a way that would benefit both the dealers and the City.
Councilmember Rigsby requested that the staff initiate discussions with the dealerships to explore the possibility of combining the adjacent dirt and paved lots into one dealership space. If so, the plan may necessitate the rerouting of the current paved road.
It was the Consensus of City Council for staff to work with and assist the dealers on site enhancements for the dealerships along the Auto Center corridor using the Special Project Construction fund.
5. Consent Calendar
Motion by Rhodes Rigsby, seconded Rhonda Spencer-Hwang, passing by a vote of 5-0-0-0-0, to Approve the Consent Calendar as submitted with the exception of Agenda Item 5L, which was voted on separately.
5.A. Approve Minutes of September 9, 2025, and Approve Corrected Minutes of August 12, 2025 (City Clerk) [CC/HA]
Approved the minutes of September 9, 2025, and the corrected minutes of August 12, 2025, as presented.
5.B. Approve the Demands Registers Dated September 23, and October 14, 2025 (Finance) [CC/HA]
Approved by City Council the Demands Registers dated September 23, 2025, with commercial demands totaling $4,353,234.96, and Payroll dated September 10, 2025, totaling $54,079.95 and Payroll dated September 11, 2025, totaling $589,866.86; and the Demands Register dated October 14, 2025, with commercial demands totaling $1,129,140.90, and Payroll dated September 25, 2025, totaling $559,125.71.
Approved by the Housing Authority Board the Demands Registers dated September 23, 2025, with commercial demands totaling $4,893.90; and the Demands Register dated October 14, 2025, with commercial demands totaling $467.18.
5.C. Accept the Treasurer's Report - September 2025 (Finance) [CC] Accepted the September 2025 Treasurer's Report for filing.
5.D. Accept the Fire Department's Activity Report - September 2025 (Fire) [CC] Accepted the September 2025 Fire Department's Activity Report for filing.
5.E. Award Contract to Jacob Green and Associates (JGA) to Develop a Community Wildfire Protection Plan for $144,950 (Fire) [CC]
Awarded, as recommended, a contract to Jacob Green and Associates for $144,950.00 to develop a Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
5.F. Adopt Council Bill #R-2025-37 - A Resolution Modifying Conditions of Employment, Benefits, and Salary for the Members of the Teamsters (Public Works) and Teamsters (Administration) Effective October 19, 2025 (Administration) [CC] Adopted, as recommended, Council Bill #R-2025-37,
RESOLUTION 3274
A RESOLUTION OF THE LOMA LINDA CITY COUNCIL, MODIFYING CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT, BENEFITS, AND SALARY FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE TEAMSTERS (PUBLIC WORKS); TEAMSTERS (ADMINISTRATION) EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 19, 2025.
5.G. Adopt Council Bill #R-2025-38 - A Resolution to Authorize Submittal of Applications for all City Eligible Community Development Block Grants (Administration) [CC] Adopted, as recommended, Council Bill #R-2025-38,
RESOLUTION 3275
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMA LINDA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF
A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION TO SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING
5.H. Accept a Grant of Easement for Access and Parking Purposes at Parcel Map 20389, Lot 1, and Parcel Map 20270, Lot A (Public Works) [CC]
Accepted, as recommended, the easement offered by Citrus 2020, LLC,
5.I. Authorize a Supplemental Appropriation from the Water Enterprise Fund Balance of $555,800 for Emergency Water Purchases Related to the Richardson Treatment Plant Outage (Public Works) [CC]
Authorized, as recommended, a supplemental appropriation from the Water Enterprise Fund Balance of $555,800 for emergency water purchases related to the Richardson Treatment Plant outage.
5.J. Authorize Purchase from SHI International for Replacement Security Cameras for $20,457.16 (Information Systems) [CC]
Authorized, as recommended, the purchase from SHI International for replacement security cameras for $20,457.16 with a 10% contingency.
5.K. Consider Issuing a Letter of Support for Assembly Bill (AB) No. 63 - Restores a Compassionate, Victim-Centered Tool for Law Enforcement to Help Individuals At Risk of Trafficking or Exploitation (Mayor) [CC]
Approved the Letter of Support for Assembly Bill 63.
5.L. Consider and Provide Direction to Staff to Proceed with Improvements Along the Auto Center Corridor Using Special Projects Construction Funds with Eligible Improvements that may include Landscaping Enhancements, Repairs to Private Access Roads Where Necessary to Support Circulation and Safety, and Coordinated Signage Updates (Administration) [CC]
Discussion on this Item was moved from Consent Calendar to Scheduled Agenda Items, Item 4B.
6. New Business
No Items.
7. Reports
7.A. Reports of Council Members- 8:18 PM
Councilmember Popescu attended the League of California Cities (LOCC) Conference, noting the valuable sessions and the opportunities networking with other cities and organization obtaining beneficial information. He pointed out that LOCC is a valuable resource for the City.
Mayor Dupper attended the conference and agreed it is an exceptional and worthwhile conference. During the event, he engaged in discussions about the "Big One," where experts emphasized that cities will rely on mutual aid during such events and cannot manage alone. This prompted him to consider the city's budget and the possibility of increasing sales tax. The Mayor expressed interest in exploring this option further and requested a report from the City.
Councilmember Spencer-Hwang thanked staff for cleaning the homeless camp on the wash and wanted to know additional clean up can be done. She received comments/concerns from the community:
on the traffic signal coordination on Anderson St. and Redlands Blvd.; on the limited voting locations for the Special Elections; and Status report on the new fire station
Councilmember Popescu asked City staff to place an item on the December agenda for City Council to consider granting an exception of an appeal by an applicant where the original appeal period had expired.
7.B. Reports Of Officers- 8:29 PM
City Attorney clarified that there was a consensus from the Council to add the item requested by Councilmember Popescu on the December Agenda. The Mayor confirmed.
8. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:29pm
The minutes were approved on November 18, 2025.