MINUTES
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35 Cajon Street, on March 3, 2026 at 5:00 P.M.
Present: Mario Saucedo, Mayor
Paul Barich, Council Member
Eddie Tejeda, Council Member
Denise Davis, Council Member
Absent: Marc Shaw, Mayor Pro Tem
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; Chris Boatman, Assistant City Manager; Carl Baker, Public Information Officer; Danielle Garcia, Management Services/Finance Director; Rich Sessler, Fire Chief; Rachel Tolber, Police Chief; Tabitha Crocker, Facilities and Community Services Director; Robert Meteau, HR/Risk Management Director; Ray Casey, Interim Municipal Utilities and Engineering 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
Conference with legal counsel: Existing Litigation - Government Code §54956.9(d)(1) (City Attorney Garcia)
One Case:
1. Coyote Aviation v. City of Redlands, et al. San Bernardino County Superior Court Case No.
CIVSB2418252
Conference with Legal Counsel: Initiation of Litigation - Government Code §54956.9(d)(4) (City Attorney Garcia)
Two (2) Cases
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The meeting reconvened at 6:00 P.M. with an invocation by Mayor Saucedo. The Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag was conducted by Highland Grove Elementary School.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Garcia announced the following actions were taken during the closed session:
Item 1 - No reportable action
Item 2 - The City Council authorized its legal counsel to initiate litigation in two cases. The defendants and other details of the case shall, once formally commenced, be disclosed upon inquiry. Motion to authorize the litigation was made by Council Member Tejeda and seconded by Council Member Barich and passed unanimously. She noted that Mayor Pro Tem Shaw was absent from closed session tonight.
PRESENTATIONS
Redlands Pet Adoption
Animal Services Supervisor Joe Alcarez and Kennel Attendant Hailey Stuck showed off "Sourdough", a one-year-old male German Shepherd, who is available for adoption, along with twenty-six other dogs and seven cats at the Redlands Animal Shelter. Mr. Alcarez provided the Shelter statistics for February 2026, which included 16 adopted dogs and 14 dogs returned to their owner.
Proclamation Women's History Month
Mayor Saucedo presented the Women's History Month Proclamation to Gayle Howard, recognizing all her accomplishments and activities within the community, and he gave praise to all women.
Proclamation Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Mayor Saucedo presented the Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Proclamation to Nathan and Lisa McCool.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Downtown Altercation - Baron Bowman was deeply shaken by the recent altercation outside his establishment on Citrus Avenue, on Sunday, February 22, that resulted in an attempted vehicular homicide and shots fired. He has implemented enhanced security protocols, making safety the top priority, and has continued to work with the Redlands Police Department.
Super Rock Star Walk n Roll Event - Arrisa Owen and Careen Garcia, of the Redlands Special Education PTA, invited everyone to attend the "Super Rock Star Walk n Roll" event scheduled for March 28 at Citrus Valley High School from 10:00 to 2:00. This high-energy music-themed walking, rolling, and strolling experience is open to all abilities designed to celebrate inclusion and build community engagement. The event is co-sponsored by Common Vision Coalition Downtown Altercation - Dennis Bell commended the owner of The Underground for his efforts to mitigate unwanted activity near his establishment, and he thanked the police for quickly arresting the alleged driver of the hit-and-run.
Maintaining a Safe Downtown - David Williams and Jose Ugarte expressed serious concerns about the recent violence on Citrus Avenue. They found it alarming and asked the City to consider instituting foot patrols, increasing regular patrols, and closing Citrus Avenue to vehicles at night.
They urged the Council to preserve and maintain a family-friendly downtown, where everyone feels safe.
Licensed Engineer - Stephen Rogers urged the City to hire a licensed engineer to oversee the Municipal Utilities and Engineering Department, and he voiced concerns about the ongoing construction of ADUs on Hilltop.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the regular meeting minutes of February 17, 2026.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Women's History Month Proclamation
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation declaring the month of March 2026 as Women's History Month.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
March 2026 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Proclamation
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation declaring the month of March 2026 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8754 Local Officials to Complete Fiscal & Financial Training
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8754 designating Local Agency Officials required to complete Fiscal and Financial Training pursuant to Senate Bill 827 (Government Code Section 53238, et seq.).
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8755 Local Officials to Complete Ethics Training
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8755 designating Local Agency Officials required to complete Ethics Training in compliance with Assembly Bill 1234 (Government Code Section 53234, et seq.), as expanded by Senate Bill 827.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Accept 2023 Homeland Security Grant Program Funding Award
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously accepted, by roll call vote, the Federal Emergency Management Agency 2023 Homeland Security Grant Program funds in the amount of $14,501 for the purchase of portable radios, and approved an additional appropriation for the same.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8753 Delegating Investment Authority to the City Treasurer
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8753 delegating Investment Authority to the City Treasurer pursuant to Government Code Section 53607.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
First Amendment Systems & Software
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the First Amendment with Systems & Software, Inc. for Software License, Services, Support, Maintenance, and Hosting Services, to amend Section
2.1.1 clarifying the licensing language by explicitly distinguishing between perpetual and subscription-based licenses and confirming that the software stated in the agreement is perpetually licensed. The amendment is clarifying in nature and does not modify the scope of services, term, or cost of the Agreement.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Ordinance No. 3000 Electric Bicycles
Police Chief Tolber briefly explained Ordinance No. 3000, amending Chapter 10.56 of the Municipal Code relating to bicycles to establish regulations governing the use of electric bicycles was initially discussed during the February 17, 2026 City Council meeting. She said the ordinance is intended to address public safety concerns associated with increased e-bike usage, align local regulations with California state law, and provide clear operational standards for e-bike users, ensuring consistency and facilitating enforcement. This alignment is crucial for maintaining public safety and supporting state objectives.
As public comment, Stephen Rogers supported the ordinance but cited concerns about the implementation and enforcement protocols. Michael Paisner wondered whether the proposed regulations were in line with the recently approved California state E-bike law. Chief Tolber clarified that while the California Vehicle Code covers general bicycle regulations, this local ordinance, in part, addresses e-bike usage on city property, such as parks. She reiterated the proposed ordinance aligns with state law.
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Ordinance No. 3000 amending Chapter 10.56 of the Redlands Municipal Code relating to bicycles to establish regulations governing the use of electric bicycles.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Donation 2026 Toyota Highlander for Police Department Citizen Volunteers
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously accepted, by roll call vote, the donation of a 2026 Toyota Highlander for the Redlands Police Department's Citizen Volunteers, valued at the amount of $50,675.00, from the Redlands Police Community Foundation.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Sole Source PO with West Coast Lights & Sirens
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the sole source purchase order with West Coast Lights & Sirens to purchase Getac mounts in the amount of $59,558.98.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
In-Kind Support Art-On-State-Street Event
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that the approval of the event is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15311(c) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; approved the expenditure of city resources and in-kind support in the amount of $2,565.00; and approved the temporary street closures detailed in the staff report for the Art-On-State-Street Event, which will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
In-Kind Support Redlands Bicycle Classic Event
Facilities and Community Services Director Crocker introduced the request for in-kind support in the amount of $130,607.96 for the Redlands Bicycle Classic event hosted by Redlands Bicycle Classic, Inc., on April 9th through 12th, 2026. As a registered non-profit organization, the Redlands Bicycle Classic, Inc. is requesting to host their annual Bicycle Classic in Redlands on April 9th through the 12th, 2026. This will be their 40th year holding this event. They intend to provide a family-friendly atmosphere featuring different bicycle class races, rides, music, vendors, food and two beer gardens. The in-kind support is for departmental resources, including Police, Fire and Facilities and Community Services department personnel, and they anticipate 30,000 attendees, with participation from more than 30 vendors.
As public comment, Dennis Bell thought the attendance figures in the staff report were inflated and did not reflect the actual turnout. He likened the vendor area to a flea market, said the in- kind request amount was excessive and should be used to fund more important, critical needs facing the city. Council Member Barich pointed out that the event brings tremendous value to the City by drawing large crowds, filling hotels and restaurants, and the City directly benefits from the collection of the Transient Occupancy Tax as a source of revenue, as well.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that the authorization for the items associated with the Redlands Bicycle Classic event 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 $130,607.96; authorized and approved the temporary street closures as detailed in the staff report for the Redlands Bicycle Classic to be held on April 9th through April 12th, 2026; and authorized the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages at the event.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
License Agreement to Operate Food Truck at Cty's Corporate Yard
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the License Agreement with Fortino Vizcaino, dba 4Tinos, is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines; and approved the License Agreement with Fortino Vizcaino, dba 4Tinos, to operate a food truck at the City's Corporate Yard.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Sole Source PO Mobile Crash Barriers
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of a sole source purchase order with Meridian Rapid Defense Group is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and approved a sole source purchase order with Meridian Rapid Defense Group for the purchase of mobile crash barriers in an amount not-to-exceed $71,343.34.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
First Amendment to Agreement for Code Enforcement Services
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the First Amendment to the Agreement with Willdan Engineering to increase the total amount from $75,000 to $180,000 for the Professional Services Agreement providing code enforcement services.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution No. 8760 Measure I Continuation Expenditure Plan City Manager Duggan introduced Otis Greer, Deputy Executive Director of San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA), who provided background on Measure I, explaining that it is a one-half of one percent transactions and use tax originally approved by San Bernardino County voters in 1989 and renewed in 2004. The measure provides dedicated funding for transportation improvements throughout the County and is currently set to expire on April 1, 2040.
The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) is proposing a continuation of Measure I beyond 2040, which is anticipated to be placed before voters on the November 3, 2026 ballot. If approved by voters, the continuation would maintain the existing one-half of one percent sales tax rate without increasing taxes and is estimated to generate approximately $7.5 billion over its first 30 years. Revenues would remain within San Bernardino County and would continue to be dedicated exclusively to transportation-related purposes.
The Expenditure Plan includes return-to-source provisions, annual local audits, biennial SBCTA audits, and continued oversight by an Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee. Pursuant to Public Utilities Code Section 180206, the Expenditure Plan must be approved by the County Board of Supervisors and a majority of the cities representing a majority of the incorporated population in order to place the measure before voters. Participating jurisdictions are being asked to consider the Resolution in advance of the deadlines necessary to place the measure on the November 2026 ballot. Resolution No. 8760, if adopted, would approve the Measure I Continuation Expenditure Plan Developed by SBCTA.
City Manager Duggan and Mayor Saucedo highlighted the importance of Measure I revenues, which have directly benefited the City. As public comment, Stephen Rogers said that when the voters originally approved Measure I, they likely did not intend for SBCTA to become such a powerful force and have control over all transportation work in the region. He raised concerns about two projects in particular, the Express Lanes for Interstate 10 and the Arrow rail project.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8760 approving the Measure I Continuation Expenditure Plan developed by San Bernardino County Transportation Authority.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Contract Award Water Facilities Generators Project
Interim Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Casey reviewed the Public Works Construction Contract with CSI Services for the Water Facilities Generators Project in an amount not-to-exceed $3,477,000. The American Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) requires community water systems to perform a risk and resiliency assessment to evaluate water utility best practices and potential vulnerabilities to malevolent acts or natural hazards that threaten the security or resiliency of a community water system. It was recommended that Redlands install emergency power supply systems at the Agate Pump Station, 5th Avenue Pump Station, Country Club Pump Station, and Texas Street Pump Station. As public comment, Stephen Rogers expressed concerns regarding the City's phased approach to the project, suggesting a piecemeal review may violate CEQA's requirement for a comprehensive analysis of the entire project.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the contract and construction of the Water Facilities Generators Project as categorically exempt from environmental review in accordance with Section 15303 of the State’s guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; approved the Water Facilities Generators Project Plans and Specifications; and awarded a Public Works Construction Contract to CSI Services for an amount not-to-exceed $3,477,000.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Real Property Purchase and Sale Agreement
Assistant City Manager Boatman detailed the Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA) with Sartin Properties, LLC., for the sale of Assessor Parcel Number 0168-343-01-0000 in the amount of $250,000. The City owns approximately 4.67 acres of real property located in the community of Mentone, generally situated north of Mentone Avenue and south of Mill Creek Road. Staff negotiated the PSA between the City, as seller, and Sartin Properties, LLC, as buyer, for the sale of the property for $250,000. The agreement requires a $1,000 earnest money deposit and provides the buyer with a 30-day due diligence period during which the buyer may investigate the property and terminate the agreement at its discretion. If the buyer proceeds, the deposit becomes non- refundable and is credited toward the purchase price at closing. The property will be conveyed in its existing “as-is” condition by grant deed. The buyer has stated that the intended use of the property is agricultural. Approval of the agreement authorizes the transfer of ownership only and does not approve or entitle any future development of the property. The Surplus Land Act (Government Code Sections 54220 et seq.) applies to the disposition of land by a local agency.
The proposed sale is subject to, and consistent with, the applicable requirements of the Surplus Land Act.
As public comment, Trevor Casey of Regioncy Real Estate, was concerned with the language in Section 6.1.6, stating the buyer was required to prepare and submit a written design and plans for a mixed-use (commercial retail and residential, and public parking) project on the property. He questioned whether a market analysis and appraisal had been conducted and claimed that the purchase price, in his opinion, was well below market value. Stephen Rogers also stated the purchase price seemed to be below market value, and he questioned if the City was in compliance with the Surplus Land Act procedures. Assistant City Manager Boatman clarified that a local real estate broker provided a market analysis and an appraisal was performed on the property.
Additionally, the buyer intends the property for agricultural use. City Attorney Garcia recommended that the language in Section 6.1.6 be deleted and replaced with [Reserved].
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the Purchase and Sale Agreement with Sartin Properties, LLC., is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State’s guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and approved the Purchase and Sale Agreement, as amended, with Sartin Properties, LLC., for the sale of Assessor Parcel Number 0168-343-01-0000. The language in Section 6.1.6 is to be deleted and replaced with [Reserved].
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Mayor Saucedo participated in the Family Service Association's Annual Board Installation and Welcome event and attended the Light of the World Career Day,
Mayor Pro Tem Shaw submitted his report of activities for the month of February 2026, as available online and attached to the staff report.
Council Member Barich was recovering from a cold.
Council Member Tejeda held his public safety "check-ins" with the police and fire departments, met with a downtown business owner, and attended the community swearing-in and State of the District event for Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes, held at San Bernardino Valley College.
Council Member Davis had a one-on-one meeting with Omnitrans CEO/General Manager Erin Rogers and hosted the Youth Council meeting where students heard from Nicole Ramos, Director of Marketing for Omnitrans. She attended the community swearing-in and State of the District event for Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes, met with the Climate Policy group, and separately met with Sustainability Coordinator, Kaitlyn Haberlin and Linda Richards of ANCA. She participated in the Teamsters Power Hour radio show, and gave a presentation, with David Rabindranath, to Inland So Cal Housing Collective about the City's Homekey Project.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 7:26 P.M. The next regular meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on March 17, 2026.
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