CITY OF PERRIS
MINUTES:
Date of Meeting:
March 10, 2026
06:30 PM
Place of Meeting:
City Council Chambers
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Vargas called the Closed Session to order at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Rabb, Vallejo (arrived at 5:31 p.m.), Nava, Corona, Vargas Staff Member's present: City Manager Miramontes, Assistant City Manager Bugtai, Assistant City Manager Reyna, City Attorney Sunny Soltani, Director of Development Services Phung, City Engineer Pourkazemi.
A.
Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation – Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1); 3 cases:
1. Panattoni Development Company, Inc. v. City of Perris CVRI 2203028
2. City of Menifee v. City of Perris CVRI 2203040
3. City of Perris v. City of Menifee, et al CVRI 2303456 B.
Conference with Legal Counsel - Potential Litigation - Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2) – 2 cases
City Attorney Soltani noted that the City Council would meet in Closed Session to discuss the items listed on the agenda.
There was no public comment.
Mayor Vargas noted, that Councilwomen Vallejo arrived at 5:30 p.m.
The City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 5:31 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 P.M.
Mayor Vargas called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 6:49 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL:
Present: Rabb, Vallejo, Nava, Corona, Vargas
Staff Members Present: City Manager Miramontes, Assistant City Manager Bugtai, Assistant City Manager Reyna, City Attorney Soltani, City Engineer Pourkazemi, Police Captain Lamb, Fire Chief Scoville, Director of Finance Schenk, Director of Parks and Community Services Ramirez, Director of Economic Development and Workforce Ogawa, Director of Development Services Phung, Director of Administrative Services Amozgar, Director of Municipal Enforcement Services Robert Trejo, Director of Public Works Hill, Assistant City Clerk Haughney and City Clerk Salazar.
3. INVOCATION:
In the absence of Pastor Chris Vargas, Councilmember Rabb gave the invocation.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Councilmember Rabb led the Pledge of Allegiance.
5. REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS:
City Attorney Sunny Soltani reported that the City Council met in Closed Session to discuss the items listed on the agenda. She noted the following:
Item A. No reportable action was taken.
Item B. No reportable action was taken.
6. PRESENTATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
A.
Presentation of a Proclamation recognizing the Perris Station Explorer Post #522 on their recent accomplishments.
B.
Presentation of $10,000.00 sponsorship for the Motlagh Scholarship Foundation by Scott Hilderbrandt, Albert A. Webb and Associates.
C.
Presentation by California Department of Insurance under Commissioner Ricardo Lara.
7. YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS:
The report was given by Youth Advisory Committee Vice President Amy Reynoso.
8. PUBLIC COMMENT/CITIZEN PARTICIPATION:
The Mayor called for Public Comment. The following people spoke at Public Comment:
Mohammad Rahman
Kevin Sood
9. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A.
Approved the minutes of the Special Joint Meeting held on February 17, 2026 of the City Council, Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency, Public Finance Authority, Public Utility Authority, Housing Authority, Perris Community Economic Development Corporation and the Perris Joint Powers Authority.
The Mayor called for a motion.
M/S/C: Moved by
David Starr Rabb, seconded by
Malcolm Corona to Approve the minutes of the Special Joint Meeting held on February 17, 2026 of the City Council, Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency, Public Finance Authority, Public Utility Authority, Housing Authority, Perris Community Economic Development Corporation and the Perris Joint Powers Authority, as presented.
AYES:
David Starr Rabb, Elizabeth Vallejo, Marisela Nava, Malcolm Corona, Michael Vargas NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
B.
Approved the minutes of the Regular Joint Meeting held on February 24, 2026 of the City Council, Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency, Public Finance Authority, Public Utility Authority, Housing Authority, Perris Community Economic Development Corporation and the Perris Joint Powers Authority.
Mayor Vargas noted, that there was a minor revision to the February 24, 2026 minutes and that copies of the revised minutes had been distributed to the City Council.
The Mayor called for a motion.
M/S/C: Moved by
David Starr Rabb, seconded by
Marisela Nava to Approve the minutes of the Regular Joint Meeting held on February 24, 2026 of the City Council, Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency, Public Finance Authority, Public Utility Authority, Housing Authority, Perris Community Economic Development Corporation and the Perris Joint Powers Authority, as presented.
AYES:
David Starr Rabb, Elizabeth Vallejo, Marisela Nava, Malcolm Corona, Michael Vargas NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
10. CONSENT CALENDAR:
The Mayor called for Public Comment. The following people spoke regarding Item 10.C:
Mohammed K. Rahman
Felix Fernandez
Luz Gallegos
Katie Keys
Nina Raey
Vanessa Delgado
Kevin Wolf
Councilmember Rabb left the City Council Chambers at 7:36 p.m. and returned at 7:38 p.m.
Jerry Sepulveda
Karla Cervantes
Julio Flores
Councilmember Rabb requested that Item 10.E. be pulled for a separate vote.
Councilmember Nava requested that Items 10.C. and 10.D be pulled for separate votes.
A.
Approved an agreement with Perris Elementary School District for Mass Care and Sheltering Services during an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation.
B.
Approved Amendment No. 3 to the Amended and Restated Agreement for Professional Services between the City of Perris and EPIC Land Solutions, Inc., for the Perris Valley Storm Drain Channel Trail Phase 2 Segment 2 Project (CIP P040), to amend the scope of services for rights-of-way acquisition in the amount of $45,334.62, increasing the agreement amount from $241,905.79 to $287,240.41, and retroactively extending the term of the agreement through December 30, 2027.
C.
This item was continued until the April 14, 2026 City Council meeting -Consideration to adopt the Second Reading of Proposed Ordinance Numbers 1471 and 1472 approving Zone Change 24-05176 and Development Agreement Amendment 17-05136 to facilitate the comprehensive update of the Harvest Landing Specific Plan, including Phase 1 development as follows: 1) Zone Change to rezone 5.64 acres in the northerly area of the Harvest Landing Specific Plan from AI Zone to Specific Plan (SP) land use designation and to apply the MBU Overlay to 10.66 acres currently developed with the Val Verde Elementary School, and 2) Development Agreement Amendment for specific project improvements/community benefits. (Applicant: HIP SoCal Properties, LLC) The Second Reading of Proposed Ordinance Numbers 1471 and 1472 are entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PERRIS, COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, APPROVING ZONE CHANGE (ZC) 24-05176 TO REZONE 16.2 ACRES GENERALLY LOCATED NORTHERLY OF ORANGE AVENUE, SOUTHERLY OF PLACENTIA AVENUE, EASTERLY OF INTERSTATE 215 AND FRONTAGE ROAD, AND WESTERLY OF INDIAN AVENUE TO HARVEST LANDING SPECIFIC PLAN, BASED UPON THE FINDINGS NOTED HEREIN AND SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL Councilwoman Nava requested that item 10.C. be pulled for a separate vote.
The following Councilmember's spoke:
Nava
Rabb
Director of Development Services, Kenneth Phung, gave the presentation for this item.
The following Councilmember's Spoke:
Corona
Rabb
Vallejo
Councilmember Nava left the City Council Chambers at 8:15 p.m. and returned at 8:16 p.m.
Rabb
Vargas
Councilmember Rabb left the City Council Chambers at 8:42 p.m. and returned at 8:44 p.m.
Mayor Vargas called on Tim Toward, applicant, to speak.
Applicants Attorney, clarified that the applicant will accept the first condition to never request warehouses in the Harvest Landing Specific Plan Area. In addition, he petitioned for the Council to allow them to either remove the 68 acres, with the removal of Section 4.6 within the Development Agreement, or separately to remove the 40 acres from the specific plan area.
The following staff member spoke:
City Manager, Clara Miramontes
The following Councilmember Spoke:
Corona
Applicant, Tim Howard, agreed to the set conditions.
Moved by Rabb, Seconded by Vargas, to approve the Second Reading of Ordinance Numbers 1471 and 1472 with the two amendments, as discussed. The motion failed.
The Mayor called for a motion.
M/S/C: Moved by
David Starr Rabb, seconded by
Michael Vargas to Adopt the Second Reading of Proposed Ordinance Numbers 1471 and 1472, as presented, with the two amendments and terms and conditions discussed during the meeting.
AYES:
David Starr Rabb, Michael Vargas
NOES:
Elizabeth Vallejo, Marisela Nava
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Malcolm Corona
The following Councilmember's Spoke:
Vallejo
Corona
Rabb
Nava
Councilmember Corona proposed a substitute motion to continue Item 10.C. to the April 14, 2026, City Council meeting in order to allow additional time for Councilmembers to work with the applicant.
The Mayor called for a motion.
M/S/C: Moved by
Malcolm Corona, seconded by
Elizabeth Vallejo to Continue this item, to the April 14, 2026, City Council Meeting.
AYES:
Elizabeth Vallejo, Malcolm Corona, Michael Vargas
NOES:
David Starr Rabb, Marisela Nava
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
D.
Approved Final Parcel Map 24-05220 (FPM 38518) -Final approval of Tentative Parcel Map No. 38518 to consolidate six (6) parcels totaling 195 acres into 3 parcels to facilitate the construction of three industrial warehouse buildings totaling 3,316,317 square feet, located south of Mapes Road between “A” Street and Goetz Road, in the General Industrial Zone. (Applicant: Brian Caris, IDI Logistics) Councilmember Nava requested that item 10.D. be pulled for a separate vote.
The following Councilmember spoke:
Corona
The Mayor called for a motion.
M/S/C: Moved by
David Starr Rabb, seconded by
Malcolm Corona to Approve the Final Parcel Map 24-05220 (FPM 38518), as presented.
AYES:
David Starr Rabb, Elizabeth Vallejo, Malcolm Corona, Michael Vargas NOES:
Marisela Nava
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
E.
Adopted Resolution Number 6775 denying the certification of the EIR and adoption of the Statement of Overriding Consideration and denial of the associated cases for the Perris Gateway Commercial Center project: Specific Plan Amendment (SPA) 22-05280, Financing Tentative Parcel Maps: 22-05279 (TPM 38576) and 24-05150 (TPM 38985), Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) 22-05295, 24-05141, and 24-05142, and Development Plan Reviews (DPRs) 22-00028 and 23-00021 – A proposal to facilitate the construction of Perris Gateway Commercial Center in two phases on 20.28 acres, located on the north side of Ramona Expressway between the I-215 freeway and Webster Avenue within the Commercial Zone of the Perris Valley Commerce Center Specific Plan. (Applicant: Mike Naggar and Associates on behalf of Optimus Building Corp and the Pope Family Estate) Resolution Number 6775 is entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PERRIS, COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA: (1) DENYING CERTIFICATION OF THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (SCH 2024080050) AND ADOPTION OF THE MITIGATION AND MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM, FINDINGS OF FACT, AND STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS; AND (2) DENYING SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT (SPA) 22-05280, FINANCING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAPS 22-05279 (TPM 38576) AND 24-05150 (TPM 38985), CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS (CUP’S) 22-05295, 24-05141, and 24-05142, AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEWS (DPR’S) 22-00028 AND 23-00021, FOR THE PROPOSED PERRIS GATEWAY COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT CONSISTING OF MULTIPLE COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND A SELF-STORAGE FACILITY TOTALING 157,928 SQUARE FEET ON A 20.28 ACRE PROJECT SITE LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF RAMONA EXPRESSWAY BETWEEN THE I-215 FREEWAY ONRAMP AND WEBSTER AVENUE Councilmember Rabb requested that item 10.E. be pulled for a separate vote.
The Mayor called for a motion.
M/S/C: Moved by
Marisela Nava, seconded by
Malcolm Corona to Approve the Resolution Numbers (next in order), as presented.
AYES:
Elizabeth Vallejo, Marisela Nava, Malcolm Corona
NOES:
David Starr Rabb, Michael Vargas
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
F.
Approved the City of Perris 2025 Annual Progress Report for the General Plan Housing Element.
G.
Approved the City’s Monthly Check Register for February 2026.
The Mayor called for a motion.
M/S/C: Moved by
Malcolm Corona, seconded by
Marisela Nava to Approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of items 10.C., 10.D. and 10.E., as presented.
AYES:
David Starr Rabb, Elizabeth Vallejo, Marisela Nava, Malcolm Corona, Michael Vargas NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A.
Major Modification 25-00007, Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) 25-00012 (TPM 39413) and Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 25-00009-A proposal to modify the site plan, building square footage and building elevations of the commercial component of the approved Expressway Commerce Center project located at the southwest corner of Ramona Expressway and Perris Boulevard in the Commercial Zone of the PVCC Specific Plan. (Applicant: Lars Andersen, Pacific Development Partners, LLC) Adopted Resolution Number 6776 adopting Addendum No. 1 to the previously certified Final Environmental Impact Report (SCH 2021050021) for the Expressway Commerce Center project, and approving Tentative Parcel Map 25-00009 (TPM 39413) and Major Modification 25-00007 to modify Development Plan Review 19-00012 to facilitate the construction of two (2) commercial buildings totaling 11,681 square feet on two parcels, and deny the approval of the Conditional Use Permit to add a drive-through use based on the findings contained herein and subject to the Conditions of Approval.
Resolution Number 6776 is entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PERRIS, COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA,APPROVING AN ADDENDUM(26-00001)TO THE PREVIOUSLY CERTIFIED FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT(SCH.NO.2021050021 AND CONDITIONALLY APPROVING: (1) MAJOR MODIFICATION 25-00007 OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW DPR 19-00012 FOR THE APPROVED EXPRESSWAY COMMERCE CENTER PROJECT ON 15.6 NET ACRES TO INCREASE THE SIZE OF THE TWO COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS FROM 2,010 AND 4,950 SQUARE FEET TO 4,300 AND 7,381 SQUARE FEET; (2) FINANCING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 25-00012 (TPM 39413) TO SUBDIVIDE ONE PARCEL INTO THREE (3) PARCELS SUBJECT TO THE FINDINGS NOTED HEREIN AND THE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL.
Director of Development Services, Kenneth Phung introduced this item and turned it over to Contract Planner Mathew Evans to present on this item. It was noted that the applicant had submitted a request to withdraw the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 25-00009 application for a drive-thru use related to Major Modification 25-00007.
The applicant did not have a presentation.
Mayor Vargas opened the Public Hearing at 9:17 p.m.
There was no public comment.
The Mayor closed the Public Hearing at 9:17 p.m.
The Mayor asked the representative of the applicant, Michael Naggar, if the applicant agreed with the Conditions of Approval for the project. Representative for the applicant, Michael Naggar, answered yes.
The following Councilmember's spoke:
Vargas
Corona
The Mayor called for a motion.
M/S/C: Moved by
Malcolm Corona, seconded by
Marisela Nava to Approve Resolution Number 6776, as presented.
AYES:
David Starr Rabb, Elizabeth Vallejo, Marisela Nava, Malcolm Corona, Michael Vargas NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
12. BUSINESS ITEMS:
There were no Business items.
13. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
The following Councilmember's spoke:
Rabb
Vallejo
Nava
Corona
Vargas
14. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT:
15. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business Mayor Vargas adjourned the Regular City Council meeting at 9:28 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
___________________________________
Nancy Salazar, City Clerk