MINUTES
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35 Cajon Street, on Tuesday, September 15, 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:
Charles M. Duggan, Jr., City Manager; Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney; Jeanne Donaldson, City Clerk; Phillip Doolittle, City Treasurer; Danielle Garcia, Assistant City Manager; Kurt O. Wilson, Assistant City Manager; Carl Baker, Public Information Officer; Rich Sessler, Fire Chief; Jeremy Floyd, Deputy Police Chief; Tabitha Crocker, Facilities and Community Services Director; Monica Heredia, Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director; Gina King, Human Resources/Risk Management Director; James Garland, Finance Director
A. Call City Council Meeting to Order
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) Three Cases:
a. Coyote Aviation, Inc. v. City of Redlands, et al. San Bernardino County Superior Court Case No. CIVSB2418252 b. Simpson v. City of Redlands, San Bernardino Superior Court, Case No. CIVSB2435099 c. Orozco v. City of Redlands, San Bernardino Superior Court, Case No. CIVSB2527564 D. Reconvene City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Mayor Saucedo reconvened the Regular Meeting of the Redlands City Council and called to order the Special Meeting of the Redlands Housing Corporation. He recessed the Special Meeting of the Redlands Housing Corporation. The Housing Corporation will reconvene immediately following the conclusion of the Redlands City Council meeting.
E. Invocation by Council Member Tejeda - Pledge of Allegiance by eAcademy/RISE Elementary F. Closed Session Report
City Attorney Garcia announced there was no reportable action taken in Closed Session.
G. Presentations
1. Presentation of the Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation to Lucille Saldaña Mayor Saucedo presented the Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation to Lucille Saldaña.
2. Presentation of the California Native American Day Proclamation to Venessa Brierty, District Director, State Assemblymember James Ramos' Office
Mayor Saucedo presented the California Native American Day Proclamation to State Assemblymember James Ramos.
3. Presentation of the University of Redlands Softball Championship Proclamation presented to the University of Redlands Softball Team and Coaching Staff
Council Member Davis presented the Softball Championship Proclamation to the University of Redlands Softball Team and Coaching Staff.
4. Presentation of Montessori in Redlands 50th Anniversary Proclamation presented to Jenny Davidson, Head of School, Montessori in Redlands
Council Member Davis presented the Proclamation honoring Montessori's 50th anniversary in Redlands to Jenny Davidson, Head of School.
H. Public Comment - City Council
There was no public comment.
I. Consent Calendar
1. Approve minutes of the regular meeting of September 1, 2026 On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the minutes of the regular meeting of September 1, 2026.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
2. Authorize issuance of a proclamation declaring September 15 through October 15, 2026, as Hispanic Heritage Month
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council authorized, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation declaring September 15 through October 15, 2026 as Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Redlands.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
3. Authorize issuance of a proclamation declaring September 25, 2026, as California Native American Day
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council authorized, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation declaring September 25, 2026 as California Native American Day in the City of Redlands.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
4. Authorize issuance of a proclamation to the University of Redlands Women's Softball Team On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council authorized, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation to the University of Redlands Women’s Softball Team
Vote: 5-0 Passed
5. Authorize issuance of a proclamation celebrating Montessori in Redlands' 50th Anniversary On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council authorized, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation celebrating Montessori in Redlands’ 50 Anniversary.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
6. Disclosure of Settlement and Release Agreement – Armstrong Cal Builders, Inc. v. City of Redlands On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council disclosed, by roll call vote, the Settlement Agreement and Release between the City of Redlands and Armstrong Cal Builders, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement the City agrees to pay Armstrong Cal Builders, Inc a total of $108,698.49 to settle and dispose of disputes associated with civil action in the San Bernardino Superior Court , Case No. CIVSB2505450.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
7. Adopt Resolution No. 8832 rescinding Resolution No. 8663 and adopting a revised City Council Recognition Policy
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8832 rescinding Resolution No. 8663, adopting a revised City Council Recognition Policy to revise the proclamation request deadline from five weeks to three weeks prior to the scheduled City Council meeting.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
8. Approve a Memorandum of Understanding with University of Redlands for Paramedic Standby Services
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Redlands for standby paramedic services during university football games and other special events as needed.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
9. Approve the First Amendment to Agreement between Consolidated Fire Agencies (CONFIRE) and the City of Redlands for Ground Ambulance Transport Services On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the First Amendment to the Agreement between the City of Redlands and Consolidated Fire Agencies (CONFIRE) for the provision of Ground Ambulance Transport Services.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
10. Adopt Resolution No. 8828 amending the City's Conflict of Interest Code to include new designated positions and remove positions that no longer make or participate in governmental decisions, th
acknowledge the City Council's review of the Conflict of Interest Code, and rescind Resolution No. 8628
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8828 and acknowledged that this City Council has reviewed its Conflict of Interest Code and finds that the following amendments are necessary: (1) Include new positions that must be designated and (2) Delete positions that no longer make or participate in governmental decisions and rescinded Resolution No. 8628.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
11. Approve a purchase order with Evantec Corporation in the amount of $83,000 for joint utility laboratory supplies and determine 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 Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council determined, by roll call vote, that the approval of a purchase order with Evantec Corporation 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 purchase order with Evantec Corporation in the amount of $83,000.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
12. Approve a Grant Agreement with the Office of Traffic Safety relating to the distribution of a grant award in an amount not to exceed $94,300 and authorize the Chief of Police to sign and execute the grant agreement; and approve an additional appropriation of the same amount On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, a Grant Agreement with the Office of Traffic Safety relating to the distribution of a grant award in an amount not to exceed $94,300; authorized the Chief of Police to sign and execute agreements implementing the grant; and approved an additional appropriation in the amount of $94,300.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
13. Approve an agreement with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for the Alcohol Policing Partnership Program Grant, approve an additional appropriation of $27,000 in grant funds to the Police Department, and authorize the Chief of Police to execute the agreement and related documents
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the agreement between the City and the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) for the grant provided by the Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) Program; approved the additional appropriation of $27,000 in grant funds to the Police Department; and authorized the Chief of Police to execute any necessary agreements related to the grant.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
14. Accept the 2026-2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding award in the amount of $200,201 from the County of San Bernardino, approve an additional appropriation of the same, and adopt Resolution No. 8831 authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Grant Agreement and all other related documents
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council accepted, by roll call vote, the 2026-2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program year funding award in the amount of $200,201; authorized an additional appropriation of $200,201 for the 2026- 2027 Fiscal Year; and adopted Resolution No. 8831 authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to execute agreements, amendments and other related documents associated with the 2026-2027 CDBG Program Year.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
J. New Business
1. Consideration of Resolution No. 8833 Naming the Plaza at the New City Hall in Honor of Former City Attorney Dan McHugh
Council Member Barich suggested the City Council consider adopting Resolution No. 8833 naming the plaza located on the north side of the new City Hall at 300 E. State Street as “Dan McHugh Plaza,” in recognition of former City Attorney Dan McHugh's longstanding service and contributions to the City of Redlands. Mr.
McHugh served the City for approximately 35 years, including 28 years as City Attorney from 1994 until his retirement in 2022. During his tenure, he advised 18 City Councils and provided legal guidance on significant matters affecting the City. His extensive institutional knowledge, dedication to public service, and lasting contributions to the Redlands community were highlighted by all the Council Members.
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Mayor Mario Saucedo, the City Council waived, by roll call vote, the three-year requirement established by Resolution No. 7711; and adopted Resolution No. 8833 naming the plaza located on the north side of the new City Hall at 300 E. State Street as “Dan McHugh Plaza.”
Vote: 5-0 Passed
2. Consideration of a Funding Agreement with Redlands Housing Corporation providing a $1,650,000 nonrepayable capital contribution toward acquisition of 1675 Industrial Park Avenue for permanent supportive housing, determine that approval of the agreement is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, and authorize a related additional appropriation
Assistant City Manager Garcia summarized a Funding Agreement with Redlands Housing Corporation providing a $700,000 non-repayable capital contribution toward acquisition of 1675 Industrial Park Avenue for permanent supportive housing and a related additional appropriation. Following Shangri-La Industries, LLC’s default and the subsequent foreclosure of the Homekey permanent supportive housing property at 1675 Industrial Park Avenue, the City and current owner have worked to maintain uninterrupted operations while pursuing a long-term ownership solution. The City formed the Redlands Housing Corporation as a nonprofit public benefit corporation and City instrumentality to acquire, own, govern, and operate the property consistent with its public purpose and applicable funding and regulatory requirements.
The proposed Funding Agreement documents the City's $1,650,000 non-repayable capital contribution toward the acquisition and closing of the property. The City's contribution is allocated as follows: $700,000 toward the purchase price, $600,000 toward payment of delinquent property taxes, $135,000 toward estimated Closing costs, $200,000 as a contingency for currently unknown costs that may arise before Closing, and $15,000 toward due diligence reports. Redlands Housing Corporation is intended to provide a separate nonprofit ownership structure that facilitates the continued operation of the Homekey property over the next several years and to serve as an interim owner until the property can be transferred in the coming years, subject to applicable State approvals and funding requirements, to an external, independent nonprofit organization for long-term operation as permanent supportive housing.
As public comment, Dennis Bell expressed concerns that funding could dry up, turning the project into a financial burden. Additionally, he questioned the property's valuation and the County Assessor's official assessment. As a way to increase the number of beds, he suggested the Council consider converting a few floors of the new city hall be dedicated to homeless housing.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the Funding Agreement with Redlands Housing Corporation providing a $700,000 non-repayable capital contribution toward acquisition of 1675 Industrial Park Avenue for permanent supportive housing; determined that approval of the agreement is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, and authorize a related additional appropriation; authorized the City Manager to execute the Funding Agreement; and approved additional appropriation of $700,000 in the Homeless Solutions Budget for deposit into escrow in accordance with the Funding Agreement.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
3. Consideration of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Permit Implementation Agreement for the Santa Ana Region, NPDES NO. CAS618036, Order No. R8-2010-0036 establishing the responsibilities with respect to compliance with NPDES Stormwater regulations and sharing costs associated with the order in the amount of $139,323 Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Heredia presented the need for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Permit Implementation Agreement, California Regional Water Quality Control Board (SARWQCB), Santa Ana Region NPDES NO. CAS618036, Order No. R8-2010-0036 establishing the responsibilities with respect to compliance with NPDES Stormwater regulations and sharing costs associated with the Order $139,323 annually.
California administers the NPDES program through nine regional water quality control boards, with Redlands located in Region Eight, the Santa Ana Region. An Implementation Agreement sets the structure for coordinated permit administration, compliance responsibilities, and cost-sharing among participating agencies. The agreement ends when a new approved agreement takes effect. Under this arrangement, the City must contribute 5.25% of the total program cost annually, beginning in FY 2026/27, totaling $139,323.
Mayor Saucedo asked whether the City's contribution amount will increase with the recent approval of a new permit by SARWQCB. Director Heredia clarified that during the SARWQCB meeting held September 11, 2026, a new permit was adopted, but at this time, it is unclear whether any additional contributions will be required of the City. An upcoming workshop scheduled for September 23 will provide more clarity.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Mario Saucedo, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the Implementation Agreement for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Permit in compliance with the Santa Ana Region, NPDES No. CAS618036, Order No.
R8-2010-0036.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
4. Consideration of a Professional Services Agreements with Hicks & Hartwick, Inc. to provide on-call general engineering services in an amount not to exceed $200,000 for the initial one-year term, with options to extend for one additional year for an amount not to exceed $200,000, for a total potential not to exceed value of $400,000; and determine that approval of the Agreement is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Heredia introduced a Professional Services Agreements with Hicks & Hartwick, Inc. to provide on-call general engineering services. The Agreement provides for the issuance of project-specific Task Orders which will define the project scope, required services, deliverables, schedule, and other applicable project requirements. Council Member Barich was pleased the engineering firm is local.
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, a Professional Services Agreement with Hicks & Hartwick, Inc. to provide on-call general engineering services in an amount not to exceed $200,000 for the initial one-year term, with an option to extend for one additional year in an amount not to exceed $200,000, for a total potential not to exceed value of $400,000; and determined that approval of the Agreement with Hicks & Hartwick, Inc. is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
K. Individual Council Member Announcements and/or Reports on Activities Mayor Saucedo attended the SBCTA meeting, a planning session for the Hispanic Heritage Month event, the Library Board meeting, and met with residents to discuss their concerns regarding property in San Timoteo Canyon.
Council Member Barich enjoyed some vacation time.
Council Member Tejeda attended the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting.
Council Member Davis toured the Feeding America warehouse in Riverside, and while there, also met with staff from the local Boys and Girls Club to review food security initiatives and the City's Food Security Task Force.
L. Adjournment
With no further action, the meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m. The next regular meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on October 6, 2026.