MINUTES
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35 Cajon Street, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 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:
Danielle Garcia, Assistant City Manager; Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney; Jeanne Donaldson, City Clerk; Phillip Doolittle, City Treasurer; Kurt O. Wilson, Assistant City Manager; Carl Baker, Public Information Officer; Rich Sessler, Fire Chief; Rachel Tolber, Police Chief; Tabitha Crocker, Facilities and Community Services Director; Sean Reilly, Development Services Director; Monica Heredia, Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director; Gina King, Human Resources/Risk Management Director
A. Call City Council Meeting to Order
Mayor Saucedo called the meeting to order and explained that comments could be presented in-person, via Zoom, via cellphone or landline. He offered the public an opportunity to provide comment on any item on the agenda for the closed session.
B. Public Comment
There was no public comment.
C. Recess City Council Meeting to a Closed Session
1. Conference with legal counsel: Existing Litigation - Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1) (City Attorney Garcia)
Two Cases:
a. Armstrong Cal Builders, Inc. v. City of Redlands, San Bernardino Superior Court, Case No. CIVSB2505450 b. Coyote Aviation v. City of Redlands, et al. San Bernardino County Superior Court Case No. CIVSB2418252
2. Conference with legal counsel: Anticipated litigation pursuant to California Government Code § 54956.9 (d)(2) and (d)(3)
(Human Resources and Risk Management Director King)
One Case: a. Ramon Rodriguez adv. City of Redlands, Worker’s Compensation Claim Nos. 23-169240, 21- 158520, and 22-164399
3. Conference with labor negotiator - Government Code § 54957.6 (Human Resources and Risk Management Director King)
Agency Negotiators: John Bakhit, Jay Trinnaman, Gina King, Jorge Castillo Employee Organizations:
Redlands Association of Department Directors
Redlands Association of Management Employees
Redlands Association of Mid-Management Employees
Redlands Association of Safety Management Employees
Redlands Association of Fire Management Employees
Redlands Police Officers Association
Redlands Professional Firefighters Association
Redlands Civilian Safety Employees
Teamsters Local 1932 Redlands Chapter
D. Reconvene City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 6:00 PM. Mayor Saucedo announced that Mayor Pro Tem Shaw would run the meeting tonight.
E. Invocation by Council Member Tejeda - Pledge of Allegiance F. Closed Session Report
City Attorney Garcia announced that no reportable action was taken during the closed session.
G. Public Comment - City Council
LGBTQIA+ Display - Based on his strong religious beliefs, Samuel Vasquez objected to the month-long LGBTQIA+ book display at Smiley Library and called for it to be taken down and not reinstalled in the future.
Musings - Dennis Bell highlighted an article which noted a controversy with LA Police Department and their use of Flock automated license plate readers. People are concerned that Flock is doing more than just tracking cars, and he was curious what Redlands Police were doing with the data they collect from Flock. He pointed out the City is pouring millions of dollars into the new Citrus Center, and yet he said there is still a parking problem. He wondered where people will park when attending meetings or conducting business there.
Dirty Game of Politics - Andy Hoder expressed disappointment with the state of politics today. He warned that even at the local level, politics can become vindictive and cruel. He said he is choosing to stay engaged, attend council meetings, and to continue to show up and speak up where he is able.
WELCOME
Mayor Pro Tem Shaw introduced Kurt O. Wilson as the new Assistant City Manager and Gina King as the new Human Resources/Risk Management Director. He welcomed them to Redlands, stating that their extensive experience makes them a valuable addition to the team. He also congratulated Danielle Garcia in her new role as Assistant City Manager.
H. Consent Calendar
1. Approve minutes of the regular meeting of July 7, 2026 On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the minutes of the regular meeting of July 7, 2026.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
2. Approve One Limited-Term Administrative Analyst Position within the City Manager’s Office to Provide Capital Project Coordination Support for a Term Not to Exceed Two Years from the Date of Hire
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, one limited-term Administrative Analyst position within the City Manager’s Office to provide capital project coordination support for a term not to exceed two years from the date of hire.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
3. Approve a Procurement Waiver and Professional Services Agreement with Tilden-Coil Constructors, Inc., for Master Construction Management Services for Fire Station 264 Construction for an amount not to exceed $125,000, approval of an additional appropriation, and determination that this action is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council determined, by roll call vote, that approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Tilden-Coil Constructors, Inc., for Master Construction Management Services for Fire Station No. 264 Relocation Project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; waived competitive procurement procedures and authorized the City to contract directly with Tilden-Coil Constructors, Inc. for pre-construction services for the Fire Station No. 264 Relocation Project; approved the Professional Services Agreement with Tilden-Coil Constructors, Inc. for pre- construction services for the Fire Station No. 264 Relocation Project in an amount not to exceed $125,000; and approved an additional appropriation in the same amount.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
4. Approve a Funding Agreement with the Redlands Historical Museum Association for Part-Time Administrative Assistant Staffing of the Museum Store and Event Pavilion, and determination that approval of the agreement is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the Funding Agreements with the Redlands Historical Museum Association is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines; and approved the Funding Agreements with the Redlands Historical Museum Association for professional event coordination services for the Museum of Redlands Store and Event Pavilion and for part- time administrative assistant staffing of the Museum Store and Event Pavilion.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
5. Approve an Agreement Modification extending Local Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement Between the City of Redlands and the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, San Bernardino National Forest; and authorize the Mayor and the Fire Chief to execute the modification.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the modification to the Local Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement between the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service, San Bernardino National Forest extending the period of performance to September 18, 2030; and authorized the Mayor and the Fire Chief to execute the agreement modification and any related documents.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
6. Approve an Automatic Aid and Mutual Aid Agreement Between the City of Redlands Fire Department and the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the Automatic Aid and Mutual Aid Agreement between the City of Redlands Fire Department and the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District for a term commencing on July 21, 2026 (the effective date) and continuing through June 30, 2031.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
7. Adopt Resolution No. 8814, establishing a salary schedule and compensation plan for City employees and rescinding Resolution No. 8813
Human Resources/Risk Management Director King presented Resolution No. 8814, establishing a salary schedule and compensation plan for City employees. This resolution incorporates new salary range structures negotiated with each respective bargaining unit for the Redlands Police Officers Association, the Redlands Professional Firefighters Association and Teamsters Local 1932. In addition, the title of Management Services Director has been changed to Finance Director in the salary resolution.
An error was identified on page 16 of the range table for the Redlands Professional Firefighters Association and Redlands Association of Fire Management Employees. Corrections have been made and are accurately reflected in the Amended range table which has been incorporated into the online agenda packet and is available for viewing in the City Clerk's office.
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8814, as amended, establishing a salary schedule and compensation plan for City employees and rescinding Resolution No. 8813.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
8. Adopt Ordinance No. 3003 and Ordinance No. 3004 Amending Chapters 3.52 and 3.62 of the Redlands Municipal Code relating to Water Utility and Wastewater Utility Rate Adjustments On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council adopted, by roll call vote, Ordinance No. 3003 and Ordinance No. 3004 amending Chapters 3.52 and 3.62 of the Redlands Municipal Code relating to Water Utility and Wastewater Utility Rate Adjustments.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
9. Adopt Resolution No. 8812 approving a Summary Vacation of a Public Service Easement located at 1780 Country Club Drive, Redlands, California, on Assessor's Parcel No. 0176-211-11-0000; and determine approval of the Resolution is exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council determined, by roll call vote, that adoption of Resolution No. 8812 approving a Summary Vacation is exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and adopted Resolution No. 8812, approving a Summary Vacation of a Public Service Easement located at 1780 Country Club Drive, Redlands, California, on Assessor's Parcel No. 0176-211-11-0000.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
10. Approve a request for in-kind support in the amount of $16,655, related to the 14th Annual Oktoberfest event hosted by Redlands Optimist Club on October 3, 2026, and October 4, 2026; authorize sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages at the event; and determine that the event is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15311(c) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council determined, by roll call vote, that 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 request for in-kind support in the amount of $16,655.63 and authorized the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, related to the Redlands Optimist Club Oktoberfest event on October 3rd and October 4th, 2026.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
11. Approve the in-kind support request in the amount of $7,094 related to the Downtown Redlands Artwalk event hosted by the Kid's Cures Foundation on October 25, 2026; approve temporary street closures related to the event; and determine that the event is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15311(c) of the State's Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council determined, by roll call vote, that 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; and approved the in-kind support request in the amount of $7,094.00 and authorized the temporary street closures related to the Downtown Redlands Artwalk event on October 25, 2026.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
12. Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Acton Architecture, Inc. for on-call general architectural services in an amount not to exceed $150,000; and determine that approval of the agreement is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council determined, by roll call vote, that approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Acton Architecture, Inc. for general architecture design services is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines; and approved a professional services agreement with Acton Architecture, Inc. for on-call general architecture design services in an amount not to exceed $150,000 for a term of two years, ending June 30, 2028.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
I. Public Hearings
1. Public Hearing to consider Resolution No. 8807 - Delinquent Weed Abatement Enforcement Cost Report Resolution No. 8807 will approve the Delinquent Weed Abatement Enforcement Costs Report and submittal of the report to the San Bernardino County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector for Processing
Mayor Pro Tem Shaw declared the meeting open as a public hearing and called on Fire Chief Sessler, for a summary of Resolution No. 8807 approving a delinquent Administrative Citations Fine and Weed Abatement Enforcement Cost Report. The property owners identified in the attached report are associated with either unpaid administrative citations or weed abatement enforcement services. The unpaid administrative citations were issued for violations of the Redlands Municipal Code related to the possession, use, discharge, sale, or facilitation of illegal fireworks within the City of Redlands.
The weed abatement enforcement service costs are related to the enforcement actions and compliance measures conducted at identified parcels. Property owners were provided notice of the City Council's consideration of this report and advised of their right to submit written objections or appear before the City Council to present objections or protests. With no further discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Shaw closed the public hearing.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8807 approving a Delinquent Administrative Citations Fine and Weed Abatement Enforcement Cost Report, and authorizing the Submittal of Notices of Lien to the San Bernardino County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector for Processing Against the Properties Listed in This Report
Vote: 5-0 Passed
J. New Business
1. Consideration of the Formation of the Redlands Housing Corporation, a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation, and Approval of the Articles of Incorporation and Corporation Bylaws to Support the Acquisition, Ownership, and Operation of the Property Located at 1675 Industrial Park Avenue Assistant City Manager Garcia presented the California nonprofit public benefit corporation named the Redlands Housing Corporation, to support the acquisition, ownership, and operation of the property located at 1675 Industrial Park Avenue. On July 6, 2021, the City Council directed staff to explore potential housing solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness. Through the State's Homekey Program, the City partnered with Shangri-La Industries, LLC and Step Up on Second, Inc. to convert the former Good Nite Inn at 1675 Industrial Park Avenue into permanent supportive housing. The project opened in early 2023 and continues to provide housing and supportive services to vulnerable members of the community.
Following completion of the project, Shangri-La defaulted on its contractual obligations, resulting in State litigation and foreclosure of the property. Since that time, the City and the current property owner have worked cooperatively to maintain uninterrupted operations while pursuing a long-term ownership solution that preserves the public purpose of the Homekey investment.
The City, State, and other public agencies have discussed providing significant support in service of a transfer of the property to the City. Outside counsel has recommended the formation of a California nonprofit public benefit corporation. The nonprofit corporation would serve as the legal entity through which the property may be acquired, owned, governed and operated consistent with the public purposes associated with the transaction and any applicable funding, regulatory and operational requirements.
The proposed action is organizational in nature. Approval of the formation of the nonprofit corporation, together with approval of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, will allow the City, with the assistance of outside counsel, to complete the legal steps necessary to establish the nonprofit and position it to participate in the acquisition and ownership structure for the property located at 1675 Industrial Park Avenue.
This item does not, by itself, authorize or complete the acquisition of the property. Any additional agreements, funding actions, operating arrangements, or property acquisition documents requiring City Council approval will be brought forward separately as needed. As public comment, Dennis Bell worried that this would create a slippery slope and could easily devolve into what he called, a "money pit". In response to questions regarding total costs, Ms. Garcia explained that negotiations are ongoing, but the estimate is $700,000.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the formation of the Redlands Housing Corporation, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation, to support the acquisition, ownership and operation of the property located at 1675 Industrial Park Avenue; approved the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, each substantially in the form presented; authorized the appropriate City officials and/or outside counsel to take all actions necessary to complete the formation of the nonprofit corporation; and authorized the filing of the Articles of Incorporation with the California Secretary of State.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
2. Discussion and possible action relating to the City Clerk's compensation and consideration of Resolution No. 8815
Human Resources/Risk Management Director King introduced Resolution No. 8815 related to the City Clerk’s compensation. Resolution No. 8327, adopted in 2022, is the most recent resolution setting forth the City Clerk’s salary at $85,454 per year plus benefits. The Clerk's salary has remained unchanged since 2022.
Staff recommended implementing similar salary increases to those that the City Council approved for union represented employees. The new salary is approximately 6.5% higher, representing the 4% across-the-board increase approved for general employees along with a 2.5% step increase.
Mayor Pro Tem Shaw opened the discussion to consider further review of staff's recommendation. He studied survey results gathered by staff from surrounding cities to help correlate to the clerk's role with an already existing staff position. He suggested that the Public Information Officer role was a fairly similar position, one that demands a high level of independence and consists of a large amount of public facing work and handling of sensitive issues The salary range for that position falls under M-75.
In order to avoid overlooking the Clerk’s position in the future and having to bring forward a new resolution each year, he suggested including language that would tie the position to a bargaining unit, such as the Redlands Association of Management Employees (RAME). This would provide a structure for appropriately compensating the Clerk in a way that reflects the work load. He also pointed out that the Clerk is a full-time position and, as such, should be granted the benefits afforded to other full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Council Members agreed they were interested in seeing a new version of the resolution and directed staff to examine the M-75 classification, with a potential starting point around Step 4, along with the inclusion of medical, dental, and vision benefits. Director King understood and said the proposal will be brought back for consideration on September 1, 2026.
3. Consideration of Memoranda of Understanding between City of Redlands and the Redlands Police Officers Association, the Redlands Professional Firefighters Association and Teamsters Local 1932 Human Resources/Risk Management Director King reported on the Memoranda of Understanding between City of Redlands and the Redlands Police Officers Association, the Redlands Professional Firefighters Association and Teamsters Local 1932. Teamsters unit members will receive a four percent (4%) salary increase for the first year of the contract and three percent (3%) salary increases in both years two and three. RPOA and RPFA unit members will receive a seven percent (7%) salary increase for the first year of the contract and three percent (3%) salary increases in both years two and three. Other changes include three additional steps (Steps 5, 6, and 7) at two and one-half percent (2.5%) each to the top of the RPOA, RPFA and Teamsters salary ranges, increases to bilingual pay, medical contributions, and incentive pays.
Language revisions have also been made within the MOU for the purpose of cleanup and to reduce ambiguity and/or clarify how a benefit is administered. Ms. King thanked everyone involved in the negotiations for their shared commitment and collaborative spirit.
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the Memoranda of Understanding between the City of Redlands and the Redlands Police Officers Association, Redlands Professional Firefighters Association, and Teamsters Local 1932.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
4. Consideration of an Agreement with PBK Architects California, Inc. for architectural design services for the construction of Fire Station 264 in an amount not to exceed $1,486,100; and determine that the project is not subject to environmental review pursuant to Section 15301(d) of the State's Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act
Fire Chief Sessler detailed an Agreement with PBK Architects California, Inc. for architectural design services for the construction of Fire Station 264 in an amount not to exceed $1,486,100. The City is planning the construction of a new Fire Station 264 to be located at the Heritage Park site. The proposed project includes the design and construction of a new approximately 12,000 square-foot fire station and associated site improvements on approximately 1.5 acres. PBK specializes in the planning and design of public safety and essential service facilities and has designed more than 200 public safety facilities throughout California and nationally. The firm has also successfully completed multiple projects for the Redlands Fire Department, including prior fire station assessments and the renovation project for Fire Station 262.
As public comment, Steve Rogers stated that this was a highly complex project, one that he insisted should be under the purview of a professional engineer. He also raised objections to the selection process, which failed to allow for competitive bids. Chief Sessler added that all design work would be properly submitted through the city for a full vetting, review, and approval process.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the agreement with PBK Architects California, Inc. for architectural design services for the construction of Fire Station 264 in an amount not to exceed $1,486,100; and determined that the project is categorically exempt from environmental review in accordance with Section 15301(d) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
5. Consideration of approval of the California Street and Redlands Boulevard Intersection Widening Project plans and specifications; approval of a Public Works Construction Contract with Beador Construction Company, Inc. for the Project in an amount not to exceed $5,537,700; re-designation of $4,400,000 currently budgeted in the Arterial Street Fund 252 to the Local Transportation Fund 209, approval of an additional appropriation in the amount of $1,137,700 in the Local Transportation Fund 209; and determination that the Project is consistent with the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program adopted by Resolution No. 8645 and will not require additional environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Heredia summarized the California Street and Redlands Boulevard Intersection Widening Project and the approval of a Public Works Construction Contract with Beador Construction Company, Inc. for the Project in an amount not to exceed $5,537,700. California Street is classified as a Major Arterial and provides an important connection between residential neighborhoods, major activity centers, and the I-10 and I-210 freeways. The California Street and Redlands Boulevard Intersection Widening Project will widen the west side of California Street between Redlands Boulevard and about 500 feet south of the I-10 freeway. Under the Agreement, the County Flood Control District will reimburse the City for 50 percent of eligible Project costs, including engineering, permitting, utility relocation, construction, inspection, and contingency, as well as 50 percent of eligible Project cost overruns.
Council Member Barich questioned whether the warehouse developer who purchased the property located at 1101 California Street, formerly known as Splash Kingdom, contributed to the intersection widening costs.
Director Heredia stated the Project was mainly funded by Measure I and Development Impact Fees and this particular developer paid all required impact fees.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the California Street & Redlands Boulevard Project (Project) plans and specifications, and awarded a Public Works Construction Contract to Beador Construction Company, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $5,537,700; re-designated $4,400,000 currently budgeted in the Arterial Street Fund 252 to the Local Transportation Fund 209; approved an additional appropriation in the amount of $1,137,700 in the Local Transportation Fund (209); and determined that the environmental effects of the Project were previously analyzed in the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program adopted by Resolution No. 8645, and that no further environmental review is required pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act.
Vote: 4-1 Passed (Nay - Council Member Barich)
6. Consideration of a Public Works Construction Contract with B-81 Paving, Inc. for On-Call Pavement Repair Services for Water Utilities on an as-needed basis for an amount not to exceed $600,000, and determination that this action is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15301 of the State's Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Heredia highlighted a Public Works Construction Contract with B- 81 Paving, Inc. for On-Call Pavement Repair Services for Water Utilities on an as-needed basis for an amount not to exceed $600,000. The Municipal Utilities and Engineering Department annually performs approximately 250 repairs to water mains, service lines, valves, blow-offs, and other water utility infrastructure throughout the City’s water service area. These repairs typically require asphalt removal and trench excavation. The On-Call Pavement Repair for Water Utilities Project was developed to establish a comprehensive contract with clearly defined specifications and estimated quantities, enabling a contractor to provide permanent asphalt patching services for all eligible water utility repairs under a single contract.
Directors Heredia and Crocker confirmed that the scale of these projects surpasses what Facilities and Community Services can manage in-house..
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the Public Works Construction Contract with B-81 Paving, Inc. is exempt from environmental review pursuant to section 15301 of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act, and approved the Public Works Construction Contract with B-81 Paving Inc. for On-Call Pavement Repair Services for Water Utilities on an as-needed basis for an amount not to exceed $300,000 for the fiscal year 2026/27, and $300,000 for the fiscal year 2027/28, totaling $600,000.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
7. Consideration of a Public Works Construction Contract for the California Street Landfill Phase 5 Expansion project with Sukut Construction, LLC. in the amount of $5,095,919; waiver of minor irregularities contained within the bid received by Sukut Construction, LLC; and determination that the project is not subject to further environmental review pursuant to Section 15162 of the State's Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act Facilities and Community Services Department Director Crocker reviewed a Public Works Construction Contract for the California Street Landfill Phase 5 Expansion project with Sukut Construction, LLC. in the amount of $5,095,919.25. The Landfill is required to maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and county regulations governing daily operations, environmental monitoring, and reporting requirements.
Phase 5 of the Landfill will be developed in accordance with the JTD and applicable Construction Quality Assurance requirements. Phase 4 of the Landfill is projected to reach its interim disposal by early 2027. To ensure uninterrupted collections and landfill operations, staff has initiated the design, bidding, and construction process for Phase 5. Director Crocker added that the Landfill is projected to have thirty years of permitted capacity.
As public comment, Stephen Rogers said he was frustrated the City continues to ignore his concerns about assigning unqualified staff to public works projects and he urged the Council to refrain from approving any public works projects when there is no professional engineer in that department.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council determined, by roll call vote, that the award of a construction contract to Sukut Construction, LLC for the California Street Landfill Phase 5 Expansion Project is not subject to further environmental review pursuant to Section 15162 of the State's Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; waived the minor irregularities contained within the bid submitted by Sukut Construction, LLC for the California Street Landfill Phase 5 Expansion Project because the contractor corrected a calculation error in the original submission and worked with City staff to reduce project costs; approved plans and specifications, and awarded a construction contract to Sukut Construction, LLC for the California Street Landfill Phase 5 Expansion Project in the amount of $5,095,919.25.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
8. Consideration of approval of an agreement with Geologic Associates, Inc., to provide construction quality assurance, observation, testing, regulatory compliance and documentation for the Phase 5 Expansion at the California Street Landfill in a total agreement amount of $598,018 Facilities and Community Services Department Director Crocker detailed an agreement with Geologic Associates, Inc., to provide construction quality assurance, observation, testing, regulatory compliance and documentation for the Phase 5 Expansion at the California Street Landfill in a total agreement amount of $598,018.87. The Phase 5 expansion will be constructed in accordance with the approved Joint Technical Document (JTD) and will be subject to the requirements of a comprehensive CQA program. As existing disposal areas reach capacity, subsequent phases are constructed to maintain uninterrupted landfill operations. Phase 5 will be developed pursuant to the approved expansion plans, which require independent CQA monitoring, testing, and reporting by a qualified third-party consultant. The CQA program ensures that all construction activities comply with project specifications and applicable regulatory requirements, and that potential environmental impacts are appropriately addressed. Construction of Phase 5 is anticipated to begin in late July 2026, with completion expected in early February 2027.
As public comment, Stephen Rogers said that landfill projects are considered public works projects and this is the domain of engineers and should not be overseen by Facilities and Community Services. He added the landfill and the solid waste program should be classified as a utility and should fall under the purview of Municipal Utilities and Engineering Department. He again raised issues with the City's reporting of the Notice of Department Designation forms. Director Crocker clarified that her department collaborates closely with the engineers in MUED on projects such as this.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, an agreement with Geologic Associates, Inc., for the Phase 5 expansion at the California Street Landfill in a total agreement amount of $598,018.87.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
K. Individual Council Member Announcements and/or Reports on Activities Council Member Barich enjoyed the lovely retirement party held in honor of Janice McConnell. She will be greatly missed. He attended the RESA graduation event and the Library Board meeting.
Council Member Tejeda attended an event that was hosted by Tim Rochford at the Redlands Bowl and a separate event at the Bowl hosted by Congressman Pete Aguilar.
Council Member Davis was pleased to attend the lovely retirement party in celebration of the many years of service of Janice McConnell. She met with City Manager Duggan, Director Crocker, and a constituent to discuss the City's park fee structure.
L. Adjournment
There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 7:03 P.M. Due to the cancellation of the August 4 and August 18 meetings, the next regular meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on September 1, 2026.