CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026, 3:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
111-223
PRESENT: Mayor Lock Dawson and Councilmembers Falcone, Cervantes, Robillard, Conder, Mill, Perry, and Hemenway
ABSENT: None
Mayor Lock Dawson called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
Ruben Greg Soto spoke regarding a vehicle being towed and community services that are needed. Mark Elliott spoke regarding public participation related to Project Homekey+ Grant. Brian McGrath spoke regarding The Riverside Police Department and obtaining a police report . Anthony Wahed spoke regarding the effects of social media.
MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Falcone reported on the 100th anniversary of the Lawn Bowling Club at Fairmount Park, Read Across America at Fremont and Victoria Elementaries, Downtown Farmer’s Market relocation to Main Street between Tenth and Twelfth Streets by the Courthouse, and Lincoln Park and Northside Improvement Association community meetings. Councilmember Cervantes reported on Mind the Gender Gap III Life Beyond the Muse event, Live Your Dream and Empowering Young Woman conferences, Civil Rights Institute, and Women’s History Month. Councilmember Robillard reported on hosting Beams Plus, University of California (UCR) Gluck Foundation event, Read Across America at Washington Elementary School, and Little League Opening Day in Ward 3.
Councilmember Conder reported on Homeless Forum, Grow Riverside Initiative Dinner, Celebration of America at Woodcrest Christian High School, and Fourth Airforce Trophy Dinner. Councilmember Mill reported on meeting with the Mayor of City of San Francisco regarding homelessness, Read Across America at Casa Blanca Elementary School, Casa Blanca Home and Neighborly Services event, and Community Connection at Hunt Park.
Councilmember Perry reported on Read Across America and tree planting event at Bryant Park. Councilmember Hemenway reported on Read Across America at Stokoe Elementary, Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful (KRCB) in Ward 7 Beautification Project at Rutland Park and La Sierra Park Little League Opening Day. Mayor Lock Dawson reported on a recent visit from Tohoku University students of Sendai, Japan, and thanked City staff for Homeless Forum event.
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026, 3:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
111-224
PRESENTATION
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Mayor Lock Dawson presented a proclamation recognizing March as Women's History Month.
COMMUNICATIONS
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
The City Council received an update on the Inspector General recruitment.
COUNCILMEMBERS DECLARATION OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND EX PARTE Councilmembers Conder and Mill recused from the Closed Session item regarding Phaedra Norton vs. City of Riverside.
CLOSED SESSIONS
The Mayor and City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 3:43 p.m. pursuant to Government Code (1) §54956.9(d)(1) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning Phaedra Norton vs. City of Riverside, Superior Court Case No. CVRI2500992; (2) §54956.9(d)(1) to confer with and/or receive from legal counsel concerning William Milligan v. City of Riverside, WCAB Claim No(s): 230178; ADJ18251354; (3) §54956.9(d)(1) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning City of Riverside v. Shell Oil Company, et al., San Francisco Superior Court Case No. CGC-20-588295; (4) §54956.9(d)(1) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning Nathan Cardenas v. City of Riverside, et al., U.S. Central District Court Case No. 5:26-cv-00237-SSS (SP); (5) §54956.9(d)(2) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning anticipated litigation regarding one case; (6) §54956.9(d)(4) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning the City Council deciding whether to initiate litigation regarding two cases; (7) §54957(a) for consultation with Larry Gonzalez, Riverside Chief of Police, or his respective deputy, and George Khalil, Chief Innovation Officer regarding threat to public services or facilities; (8) §54957.6 to review the City Council's position and instruct designated representatives regarding salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits of all Executive Management employees except the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk, all Management and Confidential employees as defined by PERS, Fire Management Unit, Riverside City Firefighters Association, Riverside Police Officers Association (Police and Police Supervisory Units), Service Employees
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026, 3:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
111-225
International Union #721, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers #47, and Riverside Police Administrators Association.
The Mayor and City Council reconvened at 6:15 p.m. with Mayor Lock Dawson presiding and all Councilmembers present.
Mayor Lock Dawson gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENTS IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
Pete Benevidez spoke regarding the City’s Inspector General recruitment and suggested hosting Saturday City Council meetings. Errol Koshewitz spoke regarding the City’s vendor list and tracking mechanisms for consultants. Rich Gardner spoke regarding Developmental Disability Month and Inspector General recruitment. Ugochi Anaebere- Nicholson, Alec Sandoval, Mirella Monroy, Camerin Delfin, Anna Gaissert, Samantha Chea, Alex Atilano Orozco, Nathan Valdivia, Urban Cross, Lance Vater, Mark Elliott, Vir Sinha, Ernesto Rangel, Ash Davis, and others spoke regarding Project Homekey+ Grant.
Patrick Maloney thanked the City Council for changing the meeting time, Neighbors of the Woodstreets event, Battle of the Bands, and parking ticket payment options. Kevin Bernadt spoke regarding Riverside Office of the Deaf and Disability Support. Caller spoke regarding foreign affairs. Caller spoke regarding the new Victoria Grove Project. Lewis Allen spoke regarding the City Council meeting cancellation on March 17, 2026.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Councilmember Hemenway and seconded by Councilmember Perry to approve the Consent Calendar as presented affirming the actions appropriate to each item. The motion carried unanimously.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS APPOINTMENTS, REDESIGNATIONS, RESIGNATIONS The Mayor and City Council (1) appointed (a) Tola Perkins to the Board of Ethics Citywide seat for a term through March 1, 2027; (b) Kristina Gordon to the Human Relations Commission Citywide seat for a term through March 1, 2028; (2) redesignated Rico Alderette from the Airport Commission Citywide seat to the Planning Commission Ward 3 seat for a term through March 1, 2029; and (3) filed the resignation of Kiera B. Vincent-Rose from the Commission of the Deaf Youth Ex Officio seat; effective immediately.
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026, 3:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
111-226
CITY COUNCIL MEETING CANCELLATION
The City Council cancelled the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
FISCAL YEAR 2026 BETTER UTILIZING INVESTMENTS TO LEVERAGE DEVELOPMENT (BUILD)
GRANT - PARKING LOT, ROAD IMPROVEMENTS, AND TRAFFIC OPERATIONS AND SAFETY
IMPROVEMENTS - RIVERSIDE AIRPORT
The City Council (1) authorized the submittal of a Fiscal Year 2026 BUILD grant application to the United States Department of Transportation for a total estimated project cost of $7.5 million including approximately $1.5 million in required City match funds, to construct improvements at Riverside Airport’s interior parking lot, roadway improvements on Flight Road, Airport Drive, Gemende Drive, Doolittle Avenue, and Central Avenue, and various traffic operations and safety improvements surrounding the Riverside Airport; and (2) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to sign any grant-related documents, including making minor and non-substantive changes as necessary.
AMENDMENT AGREEMENT - FIRE DEPARTMENT STATION UNIFORMS AND ACCESSORIES The City Council (1) approved the Fifth Amendment to the Services Agreement for the Fire Department uniforms and accessories with Galls, LLC., Lexington, Kentucky, extending the contract term through August 2, 2026, and increased the annual compensation to $180,000 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $663,923.16; and (2) authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Fifth Amendment, including making minor and non-substantive changes.
HUMAN RESOURCES POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL REVISIONS
The City Council adopted revisions to the City’s personnel policies, contained in the Human Resources Policy and Procedure Manual to Policy I-16 Equal Employment Opportunity Policy, Policy II-6 - Overtime Compensation for Employees in Non-Safety Unrepresented Groups and Administrative Leave Approval for all Benefitted Employees Policy, and Policy V-4 - Family, Medical, Military Caregiver, and/or Pregnancy Disability Leave Policy.
AMENDMENT AGREEMENT - INTERIM EMERGENCY PARK TREE REMOVALS AND
MAINTENANCE SERVICES
The City Council (1) approved the First Amendment to the Interim Emergency Tree Removal Services Agreement with West Coast Arborists, Inc., to increase compensation in the amount of $466,831 for a revised total contract amount of $565,831, for the
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026, 3:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
111-227
contract term ending June 30, 2026; and (2) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the First Amendment, including making minor and non-substantive changes.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL 2491 AGREEMENT - GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES FOR VARIOUS
WATER UTILITY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
The City Council (1) approved a Professional Consultant Services Agreement from Request for Proposal 2491 for Geotechnical Services for Water Utility Capital Improvement Projects with NV5, Inc., Riverside, for a term until December 31, 2028, in a not-to-exceed amount of $400,000 annually on an as-needed basis with the option to extend for two additional one year terms; and (2) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Professional Consultant Services Agreement and any other documents necessary to effectuate the project described in the staff report, as well as the ability to make minor non-substantive changes, in accordance with all purchasing policies, including the ability to extend the agreement for two additional one year terms.
AGREEMENT AMENDMENT - OUTDOOR LIGHTING DIRECT INSTALLATION PROGRAM The City Council (1) approved the third amendment to the agreement with Richard Heath and Associates, Fresno, for additional funding of $ 2,500,000, for Outdoor Lighting Direct Installation Program for total contract amount of $5,000,000; and (2) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the amended Professional Consultant Services Agreements, including making minor and non-substantive changes to the agreement.
JOINT USE AND REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENTS - ELECTRONIC GATE SYSTEM AND
MISCELLANEOUS PEDESTRIAN AND FENCING IMPROVEMENTS - WHITTIER PLACE BETWEEN
VACATED PORTION OF CHESTNUT/MARKET STREETS
The City Council (1) approved the proposed joint use agreement with the Riverside Community College District and adjoining University Avenue property owner; (2) approved the proposed reimbursement agreement with the Riverside Community College District to construct an electronic gate system and miscellaneous pedestrian and fencing improvements along Whittier Place; (3) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the joint use and reimbursement agreements including any minor non-substantial changes; and (4) directed staff to return to Council to award a bid for construction of all improvements associated with the alleyway vacation, alongside formal adoption of the proposed vacation.
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026, 3:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
111-228
AWARD BID 8202 - THIRD STREET SEWER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT The City Council (1) awarded Bid 8202 for the construction of the Third Street Sewer Improvements Project to Becker Pipeline Company, Riverside, in the amount of $1,611,570; and (2) authorized 20 percent change order authority of $322,314, for a total contract amount of $1,933,884, to address unknown underground crossings, unusual pavement and soils conditions, and unforeseen material and other cost overruns related to inflation and/or tariffs; and (3) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the construction contract with Becker Pipeline Company, including making minor and non-substantive changes, subject to the availability of budgeted funds.
BID 8156 TERMINATION OF CONTRACT - 14TH AND VINE STREETS STORM DRAIN
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
The City Council (1) approved the termination of contract for Bid 8156 for the 14th Street and Vine Street Storm Drain Improvements Project with ACC & Engineering, LLC., Anaheim; (2) authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Termination of Contract with ACC & Engineering, LLC.; and (3) authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to release the Payment and Performance Bonds with ACC & Engineering, LLC., for Bid 8156.
AMENDMENT - CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF RECYCLING RESOURCES AND RECOVERY - ORGANICS GRANT PROGRAM GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION PROGRAM CYCLE 6 -
RESOLUTION
The City Council adopted a resolution amending Resolution No. 24228 and authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to execute all grant-related documents, including but not limited to, applications, payment requests, agreements, and amendments necessary to secure grant funds and to implement the approved California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) Organics Grant Program, Cycle 6 through April 2027.
Whereupon, the title having been read and further reading waived, Resolution No. 24358 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Amending Resolution No. 24228 and Authorizing Submittal of a Regional Application for Which the City of Riverside is Eligible, was presented and adopted.
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026, 3:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
111-229
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES RECYCLING AND RECOVERY - GRANT
PROGRAMS - RESOLUTION
The City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to execute and submit documents necessary to apply for funds under all grant programs offered and administered by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) for five years from the date of adoption.
Whereupon, the title having been read and further reading waived, Resolution No. 24359 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute on Behalf of the City of Riverside all Necessary Applications, Contracts, Payment Requests, Agreements and Amendments for Individual Grant Applications and Related Authorizations for All Grant Programs Under the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), was presented and adopted.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
BALLOT MEASURE OPTIONS AND PROPOSED LANGUAGE - ELECTION TIMELINE AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS - POTENTIAL LOCAL REVENUE MEASURES FOR PLACEMENT ON JUNE 2, 2026,
BALLOT - RESOLUTION - ORDINANCE INTRODUCED
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Falcone and seconded by Councilmember Mill to (1) adopt the resolution calling for a municipal election to be held June 2, 2026, for a measure entitled, "City of Riverside Services Renewal Measure" and requesting consolidation with the statewide election; (2) introduce and subsequently adopt the ordinance amending Chapter 3.08, entitled “Transaction and Use Tax” (sales), of the Riverside Municipal Code to extend and update the existing transaction and use (sales) tax, to become operative and enforceable upon approval by the voters of the City of Riverside of the measure entitled, "City of Riverside Services Renewal Measure;” (3) consent to the Registrar of Voters rendering election services to the City as requested by the City Clerk and as stated in the Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Riverside; (4) direct the City Clerk to transmit a copy of the measure to the City Attorney for preparation of an impartial analysis; (5) determine if the Mayor or Members of the City Council wish to author ballot arguments; and (6) direct City staff to develop and implement a stakeholder/outreach plan to educate and inform residents and businesses of the proposed revenue measure. Nine people spoke on the matter. The motion carried unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026, 3:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
111-230
Whereupon, the title having been read and further reading waived, Resolution No. 24360 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Ordering, Calling, Providing for and Giving Notice of a Municipal Election to be Held on June 2, 2026, for the Placement of a General Tax Measure on the Ballot for the Purpose of Submitting to the Qualified Electors of the City of Riverside, a Measure to Renew the City’s Transaction and Use Tax (Sales Tax) at an Updated One and One Quarter Percent Rate Until Ended by the Voters, was presented and adopted.
Whereupon, an Ordinance entitled “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, amending Chapter 3.08 of the Riverside Municipal Code regarding the City of Riverside Transaction and Use Tax”, was presented and introduced.
COMMUNICATIONS
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION DISCUSSIONS
City Attorney Rebecca Reimbold-McKee announced there were no reportable actions taken in Closed Session.
ITEMS FOR FUTURE CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION AS REQUESTED BY MAYOR OR MEMBERS
OF THE CITY COUNCIL - CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY REPORT There were no items for future consideration requested.
The City Council adjourned the meeting at 8:52 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
DONESIA GAUSE
City Clerk