ADJOURNED CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY JOINT
MEETING MINUTES
25541 Barton Road, Loma Linda, CA 92354
November 18, 2025, 7:07 PM - November 18, 2025, 10:18 PM Roll Call: (The following members were in attendance)
Phillip Dupper, Mayor/Chairman
Ronald Dailey, Mayor pro tempore/Vice Chairman
Ovidiu Popescu, Councilmember/Boardmember - participated via teleconference Rhodes Rigsby, Councilmember/Boardmember
Rhonda Spencer-Hwang, Councilmember/Boardmember
1. Call to Order
1.A. Call to Order - PLEASE NOTE that each agenda item will specify the applicable governing body to take action using the corresponding abbreviation:
The meeting was called to order at 7:07pm.
1.B. Roll Call
All City Councilmember present with Councilmember Popescu participating via teleconferencing.
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 - None
None.
1.D. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance - Councilmember Spencer-Hwang The Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance were led by Councilmember Spencer.
1.E. Items to be Added or Deleted
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, Housing Authority or Successor Agency)
Fred Ramos thanked City Staff for their work coordinating the Veterans Memorial Dedication Ceremony on November 11, 2025, at Bryn Mawr Veterans Memorial Park and shared historical insights about veterans from the Bryn Mawr area. Council Members acknowledged and thanked Mr. Ramos for his contributions to the community.
Kapree, 24666 University Avenue, noted the pedestrian hazards with vehicular traffic at the crosswalk at University & Campus St. and the fire lane curbs that require repainting.
Andrea De Leon, thanked all attendees for attending the Leadership Summit. She also thanked City Staff members involved in organizing the Leadership Summit and the contributions from businesses in making the Summit a success. Council Members thanked all involved and acknowledged it was an informative session.
Emilie Duisberg inquired about the closure of the two pedestrian bridges that crossed over the SB County Flood Control Channel and the maintenance in those area. It was explained the purpose of the closures, and City Manager Thaipejr stated he would work with the SB County Flood Control on the maintenance.
Ghani Ayesh requested for City Council to allow him to submit an appeal of his project since he missed the deadline. It was explained to Mr. Ayesh that the discussion of his request would be scheduled at an upcoming meeting.
2. Presentation(s)
2.A. Check Presentation to the IERCD Grant Recipients [CC]:
Lucia Ceja and Melanie Garcia, Inland Empire Resource Conservation District (IERCD), presented a Powerpoint Presentation discussing the background of their organization, how IERCD are governed and who they serve in the community. They discussed their grant programs from the Sustainable Agriculture Department and Forestry Department. They acknowledged that the City of Loma Linda was a recipient of Forest Fire Community Capacity for Community Wildfire Protection Plan in the amount of $75,000 and Loma Linda Community was a recipient of the Loma Linda Intergenerational Garden Program in the amount of $26,792.31.
Amy Jones, Community Garden, shared information and garden partnership with the Growing Hope Project, Sheryl Anderson, Co-Founder and CEO. She discussed the Intergenerational Garden Program grant, noting the Primary Focus will be on economic stability, supporting heart health, and promoting emotional and social well-beling. The target population will be on senior citizens and students. She acknowledged key individuals, presenting a plaque to Nate Boucher for support of the garden program and assisting in the grant writing. Certificates of Recognition were presented to IERCD from Assemblymember Garcia and Senator Ochoa Bogh, and to the Loma Linda Fire Department from Supervisor Baca, Jr. and Assemblymember Garcia. Councilmember Spencer recognized Tom Ingalls, Nate Boucher, and Amy Jones for their contributions.
3. Public Hearing Items
3.A. Public Hearing - Council Bill #O-2025-06 - Introduce on First Reading and Set Second Reading to December 9, 2025, an Ordinance Adopting the 2025 California Building Codes with Amendments to Chapter 15.08 of the Loma Linda Municipal Code for the following Codes: 2025 California Building Code, Volumes 1 and 2; 2025 California Historical Code; 2025 California Energy Code; 2025 Administrative Code; 2025 California Referenced Standards Code; 2025 California Residential Code; 2025 California Green Building Standards Code; 2025 California Mechanical Code; 2025 California Electrical Code; 2025 California Plumbing Code; 2024 International Property Maintenance Code; and 1997 Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings (Community Development/Building Department) [CC]
Public Hearing was opened at 8:04 PM and closed at 8:04 PM Patrick Johnson, Acting Building Official, presented the first reading of the 2025 California Building Codes as they pertain to the Building and Safety Division, noting that every three years jurisdictions are mandated to update their building codes and make necessary amendments. He noted that all the curent changes are editorial.
The public hearing was opened and closed with no participation.
Brief discussion on the amendments, noting that there are updates with EV charging stations on the commercial side.
Motion by Ronald Dailey, seconded Rhodes Rigsby, passing by a vote of 5-0-0-0-0, to introduce Council Bill #Council Bill #O-2025-06 on first reading and set the second reading to December 9, 2025, waiving the reading in its entirety, and read by title only AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMA LINDA, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTERS 15.08 OF
THE CITY OF LOMA LINDA MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION BY ADOPTING THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE INCLUDING THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE VOLUMNES 1 & 2 , 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL CODE, 2025 ENERGY CODE, 2025 ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERRANCED STANDARD CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE, 2024 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE, 1997 UNIFORM CODE FOR ABATEMENT OF
DANGEROUS BUILDINGS
3.B. Public Hearing - Adopt Council Bills - 1) A Resolution approving the City of Loma Linda Fee Study Update establishing new and revised fees for City services; and 2) An Urgency Resolution authorizing the Fees to Take Effect Immediately Upon Adoption. (Administration) [CC]- 8:09 PM
Public Hearing was opened at 8:31 PM and closed at 8:31 PM City Manager introduced Eric Johnson, Revenue & Cost Specialists, who will present the item and who has worked with the City to prepare the User Fee Study which is due every three years.
Community Director Mataritta explained that the City has significant development projects in the next 60 days, and the increased user fees are necessary to process the requests effectively.
Eric Johnson, President of Revenue & Cost Specialists, provided a company background and the working relationship with the City of Loma Linda. He explained the process and steps taken to prepare the User Fee Study.
He noted that they have to identify all overhead costs associated with various permits and services, ensuring that the City is recovering the cost for their services. He stated that they made adjustments removing and adding services fees. He noted that it is cruicial that the fees are legally defensible and do not exceed the cost reasonably borne. He explained that he met and worked with all City staff to assess and establish services and time allocations. The assessments are used to determine the applicable fees. He explained each service has a report detailing the current and proposed new fees along with jusdifications, Councilmember Popesu departed the meeting at 8:20pm.
Councilmember Spencer inquired about the implementation of fees to property owners for maintaining unoccupied retail spaces over a specified period. In response, Mr. Johnson stated that to develop this fee, the City would have to develop a code because it doesn't currently exist. The Mayor proposed that the staff explore the feasibility of creating a code and then report their findings back to the Council.
The public hearing was open and closed with no public participation.
Motion by Rhodes Rigsby, seconded Rhonda Spencer-Hwang, passing by a vote of 4-0-0-0-1, Absent was Ovidiu Popescu
to Adopt, as recommended, Council Bill #R-2025-35, waiving the reading in its entirety, and read by title only A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMA LINDA, CALIFORNIA, TO ADOPT THE FEE STUDY UPDATE REPORT DATED NOVEMBER 2025, ESTABLISHING NEW AND UPDATED FEES FOR CITY SERVICES, AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 3170; and to Adopt, as recommended, Council Bill #R-2025-40, waiving the reading in its entirety, and read by title only AN URGENCY
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMA LINDA, CALIFORNIA, TO ADOPT THE FEE STUDY UPDATE REPORT DATED NOVEMBER 2025, ESTABLISHING NEW AND UPDATED FEES FOR CITY SERVICES, AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 3171. THESE FEES SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.
4. Scheduled Agenda Items
4.A. Supporting Submittal of Grant Application for Installation of Splash Pad at Citrus Trails Park (Public Works) [CC]
Field Superintendent John Trujillo stated that the City researched the installation of splash pad at Citrus Park, visited other cities' splash pads and grant opportunities. During his research, he visited other splash pads at other cities. An RFP was prepared resulting in three design proposals for a splash pad, noting that a restroom and shower is required by code. He discussed the Operations and Maintenance Plan covers daily operations and responsibilities, with maintenance being seasonal. Water management necessitates an additional certified staff member. The estimated annual cost for operations is approximately $43,000, and construction costs range from $756,500 to $918,000. The City seeks approval to apply for two grants: the California State Park grant and the Extreme Heat Community Resilience grant, to fund the construction.
Councilmember Spencer conducted research on the operations and interest for a splash pad. She pointed other cities who already have splash pads where Loma Linda is behind the time. She researched the hourly rates for a seasonal position, which she believes s affordable. She conducted a survey of over 100 moms and majority support splash pads. She stated that they can't deny their residents of activities.
Mayor Dupper has expressed concern that many park users come from neighboring cities. He worries that the splash pads might attract visitors from outside the city's limits. He is considering this issue from a different perspective, focusing on the safety and security implications related to increased traffic. Additionally, he is concerned about transient individuals utilizing the facility. He noted that by giving approval to submit the grant applications, there is an implicit commitment to undertake the construction. He expressed concern with the manner in which it was presented and the costs to manage the operations with the current budget of the City.
Discussion ensued on liability issues. Councilmember Spencer has researched the Liability Insurance that is approximately $1,000 - $5,000/year dependant on various factors. City Attorney stated that there is always a potential for liability.
Motion by Rhonda Spencer-Hwang, seconded Rhodes Rigsby, passing by a vote of 3-1-0-0-1, Opposed by Phillip Dupper Absent was Ovidiu Popescu
to Approve the submittal of grant application for installation of splash pad at Citrus Trail Park as recommended and authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all grant documents necessary and associated with said grant.
5. Consent Calendar
Mayor pro tempore Dailey pulled for discussion agenda items 5D; 5G; and 5I.
Item 5D - inquired about the medical aide responses from the Fire Department Activity Report. Chief Harker responded to his questions.
Item 5G - inquired about the purpose of the Consultant Contract. It was explained that the contract pertains to the LLCCP program with its primary purpose is to conduct a study and seek possible measures to reduce the debt. It was noted that the funds were borrowed from the Successor Agency for this program; however, the program has not generated revenue and the debt continues to increase. The consultant will conduct a study and provide recommendations to the City.
Item 5I - inquired to the changes with the position. After investigating the options to fill the position, Fire Marshall Ingalls explained that contracting the position would be cost nuetral, and the contractor is currently providing good service.
Motion by Rhodes Rigsby, seconded Rhonda Spencer-Hwang, passing by a vote of 4-0-0-0-1, Absent was Ovidiu Popescu
the Consent Calendar as recommended.
5.A. Approve Minutes of October 14, 2025 (City Clerk) [CC/HA] Approved minutes of October 14, 2025, as presented.
5.B. Approve the Demands Registers Dated October 28, and November 11, 2025 (Finance) [CC/HA/SA]
Approved by City Council the Demands Registers dated October 28, 2025, with commercial demands totaling $1,747,184.91, and Payroll dated October 9, 2025, totaling $476,447.82; and the Demands Register dated November 11, 2025, with commercial demands totaling $1,941,146.85, and Payroll dated October 23, 2025, totaling $447,706.61.
Approved by the Housing Authority Board the Demands Registers dated October 28, 2025, with commercial demands totaling $5,916.66; and the Demands Register dated November 11, 2025, with commercial demands totaling $5,945.21.
Approved by the Successor Agency the Demands Registers dated October 28, 2025, with commercial demands totaling $1,045.00; and the Demands Register dated November 11, 2025, with commercial demands totaling $1,995.00.
5.C. Accept the Treasurer's Report - October 2025 (Finance) [CC] Accepted the October 2025 report for filing.
5.D. Accept the Fire Department's Activity Report - October 2025 (Fire) [CC] Accepted the October 2025 report for filing.
5.E. Appropriate $131,000 from Bond Proceeds then Award Contract to Copp Contracting Inc. for Mission Road Street Improvements for $115,329.08 (CIP 23-119) (Public Works) [CC]
Approved, as recommended, the appropriation from Bond Proceeds and awarded contract to Copp Contracting, Inc. For $115,329.08.
5.F. Award Contract to Morrow Trenchless LLC for Sewer Pipe Improvement on Rincon St. by Pipe Bursting Method and Sewer Pipe Joint Repair on Business Center Dr. for $268,580 (CIP 25-516) (Public Works) [CC]
Awarded, as recommended, the contract to Morrow Trenchless, LLC For $268,580.00.
5.G. Approve Agreement with The Broadband Group for Municipal Broadband Consulting Services for $36,780 with a 10% contingency. (LLCCP) [CC] Approve, as recommended, the agreement with the Broadband Group for $36,780.00.
5.H. Adopt Council Bill #R-2025-39 - A Resolution Approving the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) and Administrative Budget for the period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027 (Finance) [SA]- 9:06 PM
Adopted, as recommended, Council Bill #R-2025-39,
RESOLUTION NO. 3278
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE LOMA LINDA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY APPROVING THE RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE 26-27 A & B AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 2026 THROUGH JUNE 2027 AND APPROVING CERTAIN
RELATED ACTIONS
5.I. Adopt Council Bill #R-2025-41 - A Resolution to Approve to Permanently Contract Code Enforcement Services, Eliminate the Code Compliance Officer Position, and Update the Salary Schedule to reflect the changes (Administration) [CC] Adopted, as recommended, Council Bill #R-2025-41
RESOLUTION NO 3279
A RESOLUTION OF THE LOMA LINDA CITY COUNCIL, ELIMINATING THE CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICER POSITION
AND APPROVING AN UPDATED SALARY SCHEDULE
5.J. Declare as Surplus and Authorize Disposal of Various Technology Devices and Associated Equipment (Information Systems) [CC]
Declared surplus list and authorized appropriate disposal of devices and equipment.
5.K. Notice of Completion for Pavement Rehabilitation by Application of Bio-Based Pavement Preservation Product at Anderson St. and Barton Rd. for Fiscal Year 2025-26 for $233,312 (CIP 25-128) - Contractor: to Mike Roquet Construction Inc. (Public Works) [CC]
Accept the project as substantially complete and authorized the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion.
6. Old Business
6.A. Adopt Council Bills for the California Fire and California Wildland-Urban Interface Codes (Fire) [CC]
Fire Marshall Ingalls noted that this is the second reading for adoption of the Ordinance. He noted that there were no changes to the Ordinances, received no public comments and recommended adoption.
Motion by Rhodes Rigsby, seconded Rhonda Spencer-Hwang, passing by a vote of 4-0-0-0-1, Absent was Ovidiu Popescu
To Adopt, as recommended, Council Bill #R-2025-04 - ORDINANCE 787 - 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; and to Adopt, as recommended, Council Bill #R-2025-05 - ORDINANCE 788 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMA LINDA ADOPTING AND AMENDING THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN
INTERFACE CODE
6.B. Approve Supplemental Appropriation and Approval of Amendment No. 37 to Contract No. 94-523 (Schedule “A”) for Law Enforcement Services with the County of San Bernardino for FY 2025–2026 (City Manager) [CC]
Mayor Dupper recused himself from the discussion and action on this item due to a stated conflict of interest.
City Manager Thaipejr presented the report, noted the adjustments resulting from the Sheriff’s Employees’ Benefit Association (SEBA) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) increases; and approve a supplemental appropriation of $467,200 to fully fund the FY 2025–2026 Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Services contract.
Discussion ensued on the amendments to the contract and contract services. Council express interest on reports of law enforcement response times.
Motion by Rhodes Rigsby, seconded Rhonda Spencer-Hwang, passing by a vote of 3-0-0-1-1, Recused by Phillip Dupper Absent was Ovidiu Popescu
to Approve Amendment No. 37 to Contract Agreement No. 94-523, Schedule “A,” with the County of San Bernardino for law enforcement services for Fiscal Year 2025–2026, reflecting adjustments resulting from the Sheriff’s Employees’ Benefit Association (SEBA) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) increases; and to Approve a supplemental appropriation of $467,200 to fully fund the FY 2025–2026 Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Services contract; and Authorize the City Manager to execute two (2) original wet-signed copies.
6.C. Follow-up Report on the City’s Repair Work at 25625 State Street (Public Works) [CC] City Manager Thaiper stated that City went out and made the repair in front of the property at 25624 State Street.
The City determined there was no water leak. He noted that the City trimmed the trees in the neighborhood and recommended that the tree in question that is in good health does not require removal.
Chris Jueden-Pytel, 25624 State St., stated there was a leak was fixed near the meter, and roots bent a valve. He said there's also a leaky sprinkler on the property that he said was unrelated. Upon his investigation, he found a gas line under the tree roots and asked for the tree's removal due to safety concerns.
Discussion ensued pertaining to the material of the gas line as well as setting a precendent of removing a tree for a potential hazard.
Mayor Dupper thanked the homeowner for their efforts. He noted the City Council directed city staff to make the repairs. The result of the repair wasn't as expected. With many homes and trees in the City, he is uncomfortable removing trees based on possibilities.
Mrs. Jueden stated the City is prioritizing tree preservation over possible resident hazards. Mayor pro tempore Dailey noted that the Council previously supported the issue and directed the City to make the repair. However, he noted making decisions based on low probabilities can be problematic.
The City Council accepted the report for filing; no formal action taken.
6.D. Authorize City Manager to Negotiate Leasing of Heritage Park Complex to Inland Temporary Homes (Administration) [CC]
City Manger Thaipejr stated that the City has leased various portions of Heritage Park, 25964 Mission Road, to Inland Temporary Homes (ITH). He noted that ITH proposed a rehabilittion and maintenance project of the property site with the request to extend the lease period to facilitate this project. He is returning this project request to City Council with a recommendation for approval.
During the discussion, the Council expressed concerns, including the length of the lease period and the absence of a business plan detailing how the rehabilitation will be funded. There was also concernt about the project's timeline. Following the discussion, it was advised that Inland Temporary Homes return to the City Council with a comprehensive business plan for this rehabilitation project at the January 2026 meeting.
7. New Business
7.A. Appoint Commission/Committee/Board Members (Administration) [CC] City Manager Thaipejr recommended the following appointments:
Budget Committee (1 seat) - Jay Gallant
Historic Commission (3 seats) - William Coffman, Cindee Nelson and Fred Ramos Planning Commission (2 seats) - Jay Nelson and John Nichols Personnel Board (1 seat) - Milford Harrison
Traffic Advisory Committee (3 seats) - Milford Harrison, Michael Stewart, Art Walls Parks, Recreation and Beautification Committee (4 seats) - Valerie Gallant, James Earsom. He stated City Council select and or speak to the applicants to select the last two members.
Councilmember Spencer stated that one of the applicants who applied for the Parks Committee had to leave the meeting. She wanted to give her an opportunity to speak to the Council.
City Council agreed that the current members are doing a phenomenal job and agreed with the recommendations by staff.
It was the Consensus to appoint Jay Gallant to the Budget Committee (1 seat); William Coffman, Cindee Nelson and Fred Ramos to the Historic Commission (3 seats); Jay Nelson and John Nichols to the Planning Commission (2 seats); Milford Harrison to the Personnel Board (1 seat); Milford Harrison, Michael Stewart, Art Walls to the Traffic Advisory Committee (3 seats); and Valerie Gallant, James Earsom to the Parks, Recreation and Beautification Committee (4 seats). For the final two seats of the Parks Committee, City Council is recommending to reschedule those appointments to the December 9, 2025, meeting. The item will be placed at the beginning of the agenda.
8. Reports
8.A. Reports of Council Members
No reports.
8.B. Reports Of Officers
Community Development Director Matarrita reminded the Council of the Christmas Tree Lighting Event on December 1, 2025.
Fire Chief Harker informed the Council of the Fire Department's Parade of Lights scheduled December 15-17, 2025, begining at 5:00pm each evening.
9. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:20pm.