MINUTES
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35 Cajon Street, on April 1, 2025 at 5:00 P.M.
Present: Mario Saucedo, Mayor
Marc Shaw, Mayor Pro Tempore
Paul Barich, Council Member
Eddie Tejeda, Council Member
Denise Davis, Council Member
Staff: Charles M. Duggan, Jr., City Manager; Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney; Jeanne Donaldson, City Clerk; Phillip Doolittle, City Treasurer; Janice McConnell, Assistant City Manager; Carl Baker, Public Information Officer; Danielle Garcia, Management Services/Finance Director; Brian Desatnik, Development Services Director; Rich Sessler, Fire Chief; Rachel Tolber, Police Chief; Tabitha Crocker, Facilities and Community Services Director; Robert Meteau, HR/Risk Management Director
Mayor Saucedo called the meeting to order and explained that comments could be presented in- person, via Zoom, via cell phone or landline. He offered the public an opportunity to provide comment on any item on the agenda for the closed session.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None forthcoming
CLOSED SESSION
1. Conference with legal counsel: Existing Litigation - Government Code §54956.9(d)(1) (City Attorney Garcia)
Two Cases:
a. Miller & Associates, LLC v. City of Redlands, San Bernardino Superior Court, Case No. CIVSB2203755
b. Harper v. City of Redlands, et al., U.S. District Court Central District of California, Case No. 5:23-cv-00695-SSS-KKy
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The meeting reconvened at 6:00 P.M. with an invocation by Mayor Pro Tem Shaw followed by the pledge of allegiance to the American flag.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Garcia announced that no reportable action was taken during the closed session.
PRESENTATIONS
Dolores Huerta Day Proclamation
Mayor Saucedo presented a Proclamation to Jenna Aquirre, declaring April 10, 2025 as Dolores Huerta Day.
Earth Day Proclamation
Council Member Davis presented a Proclamation to Linda Hamilton and other members of ANCA, declaring April 22, 2025 as Earth Day.
Arbor Day Proclamation
Mayor Saucedo presented a Proclamation to Erik Reeves, Field Services Superintendent of Facilities and Community Services, declaring April 25, 2025 as Arbor Day in the City of Redlands.
Autism Acceptance Month Proclamation
Mayor Saucedo presented a Proclamation to Regina Frazer (President), Arrissia Owen, (Vice- President), and Carren Garcia (Incoming President) from the Redlands Special Education Parent Teacher Association declaring April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month.
Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation
Mayor Saucedo presented a Proclamation to Jeany Glasgow, Director of San Bernardino County Children & Family Services, declaring the month of April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention month.
National Library Week Proclamation
Council Member Barich presented a Proclamation to Rosa Gomez, Vice President of the Library Board, Rebecca McCurdy, Friends of the Library President, and Nathan Gonzales, Library Archivist/Curator, declaring the week of April 6-12, 2025, as National Library Week. As public comment, Michael Paisner praised the work of librarians and urged the community to pay close attention to the discussions at the Redlands Unified School District Board meetings, where they have considered a policy to ban certain books from school libraries.
PUBLIC COMMENT
AQMD Rebate Program - Todd Warden, of SCAQMD, promoted various rebate programs offered by the district for garden and lawn equipment, reminding everyone that replacing older polluting equipment with electric models was a great way to help reduce air pollution.
Bicycle Classic Signs - Dennis Bell pointed out he had seen multiple Redlands Bicycle Classic signs throughout the city that were posted improperly and violated city code. He insisted the Council needs to focus on growing programs that generate revenue.
City's Defense Counsel - Stephen Rogers questioned the city's choice of Best Best & Krieger LLP, to act as special counsel for the litigation with Coyote Aviation, since he thought there appeared to be a conflict of interest.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the regular meeting minutes of March 18, 2025.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation declaring the month of April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Proclamation April 2025 as Arts, Culture, & Creativity Month
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation declaring the month of April 2025 as Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Proclamation April 2025 National Autism Acceptance Month
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation declaring the month of April 2025 National Autism Acceptance Month.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Proclamation April 6-12, 2025 National Library Week
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation declaring the week, April 6-12, 2025, as National Library Week.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Proclamation April 10, 2025 Dolores Huerta Day
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation declaring April 10, 2025, as Dolores Huerta Day.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Proclamation April 6-12, 2025 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation declaring April 6-12, 2025 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Proclamation April 22, 2025 Earth Day
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation declaring April 22, 2025, as Earth Day.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Proclamation April 25, 2025 Arbor Day
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation declaring April 25, 2025, as Arbor Day in the City of Redlands.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Proclamation Commending Ken and Judith Stanford
Council Member Barich was pleased to recognize and commend the work of Ken and Judith Stanford for their service to the Redlands Bowl. The Stanfords have shown great devotion to the mission of the Redlands Bowl Performing Arts, have faithfully attended the Bowl for decades, and have been generous sponsors of Bowl performances for eighteen consecutive years.
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation commending Ken and Judith Stanford for their service to the Redlands Bowl.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Settlement Agreement Disclosure
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the disclosure of details of a Settlement Agreement and Release of All Claims between the City of Redlands and Milton Price. Under the terms of the agreement, the City agrees to pay Mr. Price $75,000 to settle and dispose of disputes and controversies associated with civil action in the San Bernardino Superior Court and entitled Milton Price v. City of Redlands; Case No. CIVSB 2218802.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8672 One-year Time Extension CRA No. 931
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8672, authorizing a one-year Extension of Time to the expiration date of Commission Review & Approval No. 931, with associated entitlements, to merge two parcels into one single parcel for the construction of a 40,415 square-foot hotel with 90 guest rooms, four stories high, and related on-site improvements including parking lot, landscaping, lighting, and utilities on a 1.52-acre site. The project site is located on the south side of West Colton Avenue at Columbia Street and 719 N. Eureka Street (APN’s: 0169-155-05-0000 and 0169-142-07-0000) in the Village General (VG) District of the Transit Villages Specific Plan.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Construction of Public Improvements Lien Release
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the lien release is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; approved the public improvements constructed at 1001 Columbia Street as complete and accepted those improvements as satisfaction of the obligation to construct public improvements required by the lien agreement entered into with the City by the owner of the property; and approved a Release of Lien for construction of improvements at 1001 Columbia Street.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8671 One-year Extension of Time CRA No. 950
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8671 approving a one-year Extension of Time to the expiration date for Commission Review & Approval No. 950 for the construction of an RV sales, storage, and service facility on a 4.6-acre property. The approved project includes an approximately 3,000 square-foot sales office and caretaker’s residence as well as an approximately 1,500 square-foot vehicle service area. The project site is located at 1060 Nevada Street (APN: 0292- 063-57-0000) in the Commercial Transition (EV/TC) district of the East Valley Corridor Specific Plan.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Stand-Up to Stigma 5K In-kind Request
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that authorization for the items associated with Stand Up to Stigma 5k on Sunday, May 04, 2025, are exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15311(c) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; authorized and approved the expenditure of city resources and in-kind support in the amount of $1,800 for the Loma Linda University Behavioral Health Institute Stand Up to Stigma 5k to be held Sunday, May 4, 2025; and authorized and approved the temporary street closures as detailed in the staff report for the Stand Up to Stigma 5k to be held Sunday, May 4, 2025.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Agreement for California Street Landfill Phase 5 Expansion
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the Agreement is exempt from environmental review pursuant to 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and approved the agreement with Geo-Logic Associates Inc. for design, engineering, and construction support for the California Street Landfill for the Phase 5 expansion in the amount of $198,936.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Amending Agreement Fire Station 262 Renovation Project
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, an amendment to the Professional Services Agreement for Architectural and Engineering Services with Wolff/Lang/Christopher Architects, Incorporated, doing business as PBK-WLC, to extend the contract term and increase the total contract amount by $50,000, bringing it to $275,000, for the completion of the Fire Station 262 Renovation Project.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
COMMUNICATIONS
SCAQMD Proposed Rule 1111 & Rule 1121
Mayor Pro Tem Shaw explained that his request for Council to consider taking action regarding South Coast Air Quality Management District's (SCAQMD) Proposed Amended Rule 1111 (PAR 1111) and Proposed Amended Rule 1121 (PAR 1121) was originally introduced during the March 18, 2025 meeting. The Council agreed to table the matter to allow additional time to review the revised SCAQMD proposals. The PARs seek to transition to zero-emission space and appliances, based on future effective dates when existing appliances need to be replaced.
PAR 1111, as currently proposed, after the applicable compliance date, no person shall manufacture, supply, sell, resell, offer for sale, import, or install, any furnace for use in the South Coast AQMD, that exceed the NOx emission limits. PAR 1121, as currently proposed, after the applicable compliance dates, no person shall manufacture, supply, sell, resell, offer for sale, import, or install a Water Heater for use in the South Coast AQMD that exceeds the NOx emission limits.
As public comment, Michael Krause, representing SCAQMD, reported on the recent revisions made to the proposed rules, stating the rules were not a ban on natural gas. He said any additional costs to the consumer were nominal, and he highlighted the rebate program. He requested the City hold off on a decision tonight and wait until the newest revisions are presented to San Bernardino Transportation Authority (SBCTA). Eight people, including Michael Paisner, Dick Corneille, of ANCA, Andrea Vidaurre, Yassi Kavezade, Pete Marsh, Jennifer Cardenas, of the Sierra Club, Ann Pemick, and Vanessa supported the SCAQMD proposed rules. They spoke of the need for programs that can reduce NOx emissions and addressed the importance of seeking ways to transition away from fossil fuels. They pointed out that each person must play a part in promoting a safer and cleaner community, especially because this region has the worst air pollution in the nation. Andy Hoder and Dale Broome were against the proposals, citing the rules do not promote their cause and the costs would be enormous. They wondered whether there would even be any available funding for rebates.
Council Member Davis thanked everyone who spoke. She thought that opposing the SCAQMD programs would put the City on the wrong side of history and would be in opposition to the City's Climate Action Plan. Council Members raised questions and concerns related to the overall costs, the viability of relying on one energy source, the timing of a decision and the value of waiting until the newest versions were presented to SBCTA and other agencies.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council unanimously agreed, by roll call vote, to table the matter to allow additional time to consider the revised proposals. There was consensus to wait and see how San Bernardino Transportation Authority (SBCTA) and other agencies intend to vote on the new version of Rule 1111 and Rule 1121.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution No. 8673 Naming Joslyn Senior Center Classroom
Facilities and Community Services Director Crocker introduced Resolution No. 8673 and the request to name the Joslyn Senior Center classroom in honor of Pete Serfass. The Senior Activities Advisory Board submitted recommendations to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission (PRC), who supported the naming, and it was recommended to the City Council. Mr. Serfass, whose legacy at the Joslyn Senior Center reflects over two decades of unparalleled service. He devoted more than 20 years to leading the center's Bridge Group, fostering camaraderie and connection among its members. He was a volunteer member of the Senior Activities Board for 10 years, and he played a pivotal role in shaping programs and advocating for the needs of seniors.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8673, naming of the classroom at the Joslyn Senior Center in honor of Pete Serfass.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
PO Modification Replacement Solid Waste Rear Loader Vehicle
Facilities and Community Services Director Crocker explained the need for a $62,583.80 purchase order modification with Rush Truck Centers for a replacement solid waste rear loader vehicle, for a total purchase order amount not to exceed $1,591,059.51.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the $62,583.80 purchase order modification with Rush Truck Centers for a replacement solid waste rear loader vehicle for a total purchase order amount not to exceed $1,591,059.51.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Fire Department Badge Pinning & Recognition Ceremony. - Council Members enjoyed the Fire Department's Recognition and Badge Pinning ceremony held on March 22nd and all agreed it was a great event.
Mayor Saucedo represented the City at a few ribbon-cutting events in town, participated in the League of Cal Cities subcommittee on community policy, and was honored to attend the Vietnam Veterans Memorial event held at Jennie Davis Park.
Mayor Pro Tem Shaw participated in the Chamber of Commerce Board meeting and the Leadership Redlands ribbon-cutting celebrating the "greetings" mural at Viva La Boba. He attended the League of Cal Cities divisional meeting and General Session, as well as the Public Safety Committee meeting. He also attended the Traffic and Parking Commission meeting and was proud to honor Vietnam Veterans at an event held at Jennie Davis Park.
Council Member Tejeda attended the ribbon-cutting event, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce in honor of Pink Hammer and enjoyed a ride-along with Fire Station 263.
Council Member Davis participated in a strategic planning workshop with Omnitrans, toured the Children's Museum in Rancho Cucamonga, and attended the Redlands Forum with guest speaker Dr.
Nicholas Reksten of the University of Redlands, who explored the topic of what it means to have a "healthy planet".
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 7:29 P.M. The next regular meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on April 15, 2025.