CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2026, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
111-316
PRESENT: Mayor Lock Dawson and Councilmembers Falcone, Cervantes, Robillard, Mill, Perry, and Hemenway
ABSENT: Councilmember Conder
Mayor Lock Dawson called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
Ruben Soto spoke regarding bible verses. Errol Koshewitz spoke regarding public records request regarding city issued purchase credit cards. Aurora Chavez spoke regarding City Attorney agreement, city claims, and Janet Goeske Center new butterflies logo. Gary Stark spoke regarding America’s 250th Birthday Bash. Jason Hunter spoke regarding Measure Z, public trust and public employees’ salaries. Keith Nelson spoke regarding conflict of interest in the City Manager’s Office. Ernie spoke regarding electric vehicle chargers. Judge William Bailey spoke regarding public participation in city affairs.
MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Falcone reported on Concerts in the Park at Fairmount Park and Senior Forum at Dale Seniors Center. Councilmember Cervantes reported on graduations throughout the city. Councilmember Robillard reported on the Vendor Forum, UCR Public Policy year-end celebration, Inside Magnolia Center Chamber of Commerce event and Sweet Moments in Midtown. Councilmember Mill reported on Building Trades meeting, opening day of the World Cup event with County Supervisors and acknowledged Juneteenth, Father’s Day, wedding anniversary and upcoming Town Hall meeting at the Arlington Library and Movies in the Park. Councilmember Hemenway congratulated the graduates of La Sierra University and reported on Concerts in the Park and Drone Show at La Sierra Park. Mayor Lock Dawson thanked the public for their patience with challenges that exist internally at City Hall and noted that City Council was not briefed regarding the Code Enforcement investigation and requested a comprehensive review of the Community and Economic Development Department (CEDD) and reported on Big City Mayors efforts with HHAP funding for Round 7.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS
The City Council Safety, Wellness and Youth Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 1 p.m. in the Art Pick Council Chamber.
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2026, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
111-317
The City Council Economic Development Committee is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 3 p.m. in the Art Pick Council Chamber.
The City Council Housing and Homelessness Committee is scheduled for Monday, June 22, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. in the Art Pick Council Chamber.
COMMUNICATIONS
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
The City Council received an update on illegal fireworks.
COUNCILMEMBERS DECLARATION OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND EX PARTE There were no conflicts of interest nor ex parte communications declared at this time.
PRESENTATIONS
POLICE DEPARTMENT
The City Council received an overview of the Police Department and employee recognition presentation.
HOUSING ON FAITH LANDS HANDBOOK
The City Council received and filed the Housing on Faith Lands Handbook update developed in partnership with the Blue Zones Project Riverside.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
MISSING MIDDLE HOUSING - DUPLEX AND BUNGALOW UNITS - RESOLUTION Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Robillard and seconded by Councilmember Cervantes to (1) receive and file an update on the preparation of pre- approved plans for missing middle housing; and (2) adopt the resolution approving the duplex and bungalow unit plans consistent with the REAP 2.0 grant requirements. One person spoke on the matter.
Whereupon, the title having been read and further reading waived, Resolution No. 24380 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, adopting the pre-approved housing plans for Missing Middle Housing - Duplex and Bungalow Unit Plans was presented and adopted. The motion carried unanimously with Councilmember Conder absent.
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2026, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
111-318
WAIVE SUNSHINE ORDINANCE - CITY ATTORNEY EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Robillard and seconded by Councilmember Mill to waive the Sunshine Ordinance pursuant to Riverside Municipal Code Section 4.05.050(D)(1)(a) determining the need to take immediate action in consideration of the City Attorney Employment Agreement with James Johnson. Two people spoke on the matter. The motion carried unanimously with Councilmember Conder absent.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - CITY ATTORNEY
Four people spoke on the matter.
The Mayor and City Council recessed at 2:44 p.m. and reconvened at 2:49 p.m. with Mayor Lock Dawson presiding and all Councilmembers present.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Perry and seconded to Councilmember Mill to (1) approve the Employment Agreement with James Johnson for the Charter Officer position of City Attorney commencing on July 17, 2026; and (2) authorize the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem to execute the Employment Agreement. The motion carried with Councilmembers Cervantes, Robillard, Conder, Mill and Hemenway voting aye and Councilmembers Falcone and Perry voting noe.
The Mayor and City Council recessed at 2:55 p.m. and reconvened at 3:00 p.m. with Mayor Lock Dawson presiding and all Councilmembers present.
PUBLIC HEARING
WOODEN PALLET STORAGE YARDS MORATORIUM - URGENCY ORDINANCE ADOPTED Public hearing was held to extend Urgency Ordinance No. 7769 establishing a moratorium on the establishment or expansion of wooden pallet storage yards within City limits. One person spoke on the matter. The public hearing was officially closed.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Perry and seconded by Councilmember Mill to adopt an ordinance extending the 45-day moratorium on the establishment or expansion of wooden pallet storage yards within the City by an additional 10 months and 15 days. The motion carried unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2026, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
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Whereupon, the title having been read and further reading waived, Ordinance No. 7775 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, to extend Urgency Ordinance No. 7769, establishing a moratorium on the establishment or expansion of wooden pallet storage yards within city limits was presented and adopted.
CLOSED SESSIONS
The Mayor and City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 3:07 p.m. pursuant to Government Code (1) §54956.9(d)(1) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning Jane Doe v. City of Riverside, et al., United States District Court, Case No. 5:25-cv-02181-JGB (Ex); (2) §54956.9(d)(2)/54956.9(e)(3) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning Susan Freeman v City of Riverside, Claim No.: 26-06-14; (3) §54956.9(d)(2) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning anticipated litigation regarding three cases; (4) §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; (5) §54956.8 to instruct City’s Negotiator, Charles M. Futrell, regarding price and terms of payment for the purchase, sale, exchange, or lease of property at 3750 University Avenue, Suite 175, APN: 215-371-005, by Sweet Trio Incorporated, dba Urban Dripp, Gil Rubalcaba, Negotiator; (6) §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 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 International Union #721, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers #47, and Riverside Police Administrators Association, and all Executive Management employees except the City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, and Inspector General; (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 for performance evaluation of City Clerk; and (9) §54957 for public employee discipline of City Manager.
The Mayor and City Council returned to open session at 6:58 p.m. with Mayor Lock Dawson presiding and all Councilmembers present
Councilmember Mill gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2026, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
111-320
PRESENTATIONS
JUNETEENTH
Mayor Lock Dawson presented a Proclamation to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Eta Nu Omega Chapter recognizing June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth.
RIVERSIDE PROSPERS
The Riverside Prospers Success report was continued to the June 23, 2026, City Council meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
Errol Koshewitz spoke regarding city vendors list and public records requests. Pete Benavidez spoke regarding Inspector General and DEI.
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.
BOARD AND COMMISSION RESIGNATION
The Mayor and City Council filed the resignation of Tyler Madary from Transportation Board Ward 1 seat.
RIVERSIDE MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT - CHAPTER 5. 66 - ORDINANCE INTRODUCED The City Council introduced an ordinance amending Chapter 5.66 of the Riverside Municipal Code regarding ambulances.
Whereupon, an Ordinance entitled “An Ordinance of the City of Riverside, California, amending sections of Chapter 5.66 of the Riverside Municipal Code regarding ambulances” was presented and introduced.
MAGNOLIA CORRIDOR ENCAMPMENT RESOLUTION PROJECT - RESOLUTION The City Council (1) adopted a resolution authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to submit an application to the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development for $8,423,448.45 of Encampment Resolution Funding Program Round 5 Rolling funds for the Magnolia Corridor Encampment Resolution Project; (2) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to sign any documents that may be required to apply
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2026, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
111-321
for, accept, and administer Encampment Resolution Funding Program Round 5 Rolling funds, including the Standard Agreement and Subrecipient Agreements, certifications, amendments, reports, and other related documents, and to make minor or non- substantive changes necessary to complete the application and grant administration process; and (3) authorized the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record an increase in revenue in the amount of $8,423,448.45, or the amount of the grant award and upon receipt of the award, and appropriate expenditures in the same amount in the Grants and Restricted Programs Fund, Encampment Resolution Funding Program project accounts.
Whereupon, the title having been read and further reading waived, Resolution No. 24381 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, authorizing the submission of an application to the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development for $8,403,977 of Encampment Resolution Funding Program round 5 for the Magnolia Corridor Encampment Resolution Project, was presented and adopted.
HUMAN RESOURCES POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL REVISIONS
The City Council adopted the proposed revisions to the City’s personnel policies, contained in the Human Resources Policy and Procedure Manual.
CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY GRANT APPLICATION - LUNCH AT THE LIBRARY - SUPPLEMENTAL
APPROPRIATION
The City Council (1) authorized a grant application for the Lunch at the Library in the amount of $56,309, or the actual grant award, by the California State Library; (2) authorized the Chief Financial Officer, or his designee, to record an increase in revenue and an appropriation in the amount of $56,309, or the actual grant award, in the Grants and Restricted Programs Fund, Lunch at the Library Fiscal Year 2025-2026 revenue and expenditure accounts, and (3) authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to execute grant documents with the California State Library, including making minor and non-substantive changes to documents associated with the grant as necessary.
AMENDMENT AGREEMENT - EXPLORE RIVERSIDE/RIVERSIDE ACTIVITY GUIDE The City Council (1) approved the Second Amendment to the Services Agreement with The Sauce Creative Services Corp; (2) increased the total agreement amount for the first one-year extension term by $237,837.87, for a revised total agreement amount of $1,047,340.47; and (3) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2026, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
111-322
Amendment with The Sauce Creative Services Corp, including making minor and non- substantive changes.
BID 8246 - PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AND RUBBER SURFACING - RIVERWALK PARK The City Council (1) rejected the bid submitted by Ortco, Orange, California, as non- responsive; (2) awarded Bid 8246 to R. E. Schultz Construction, Inc., Orange, California, for the installation of playground equipment and the purchase and installation of rubber surfacing for the Riverwalk Park playground for a total amount of $139,417; and (3) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute purchase orders, agreements, and other documents, including making minor and non-substantive changes.
AMENDMENT AGREEMENT - LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE AND IRRIGATION SERVICES - CITY
FACILITIES
The City Council (1) approved the Third Amendment to the Landscape Maintenance Agreement with Mariposa Landscapes, Inc., for the landscape maintenance and irrigation repair services at various City Facilities for the term of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $236,686.32; (2) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute a 5 percent change order authority in the amount of $11,834.32; and (3) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute optional term extensions to the Agreement with Mariposa Landscapes, Inc., including making minor or non- substantive changes, provided that the annual amounts are included in the subsequent approved budgets.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL 2517 AGREEMENT - JANITORIAL SERVICES - PARKS AND
RECREATION
The City Council (1) approved a Services Agreement from RFP 2517 with Guaranteed Janitorial Service, Inc., Chino, California, for Janitorial Services for the term of three years for $1,791,795.60 with the option to extend for one two-year term, in the amount of $1,194,530.40, plus a 10 percent change order authority in the amount of $298,632.60, for a total agreement amount of $3,284,958.60; and (2) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Agreement with Guaranteed Janitorial Service, Inc., including making minor and non-substantive changes, including an extension for one additional two-year term, subject to the availability of budgeted funds.
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2026, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
111-323
FISCAL YEARS 2026-2027 - 2027-2028 - OPERATION SPLASH PROGRAM GRANT -
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION
The City Council (1) accepted the Kaiser Permanente Operation Splash Program Grant in the amount of $85,000; (2) authorized the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record an increase in revenues in the amount of $85,000 and appropriate expenditures in the same amount to the Grants and Restricted Programs Fund, Operation Splash 2026-2027 grant revenue and expenditure accounts; and (3) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Kaiser Permanente Operation Splash Program Grant agreement including making minor, non-substantive changes, and to sign all documents and instruments necessary to complete the transaction, including, but not limited to agreements, payment requests and so on, which may be necessary to complete grant funded activities.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL 2494 AGREEMENT - WATER COST OF SERVICE ANALYSIS AND RATE DESIGN
The City Council (1) approved a Professional Consultant Services Agreement from Request for Proposal 2494 for Water Cost of Service Analysis and Rate Design with Carollo Engineers, Inc., Riverside, through December 31, 2027, in the amount of $271,960; and (2) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Professional Consultant Services Agreement and optional two-year extension, if necessary, including making minor, nonsubstantive changes.
EV CHARGER INSTALLATION PROGRAM AT PUBLIC FACILITIES - SUPPLEMENTAL
APPROPRIATION
The City Council (1) authorized the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record a supplemental appropriation in the total amount of $3,000,000 from the Electric Fund Low Carbon Fuel Reserve Account and appropriate expenditures to the EV Charger Install at Public Facilities Account; and (2) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Electrify Riverside Programs and take all necessary actions required or advisable to implement, administer, fund, and carry out the City of Riverside’s responsibilities under the Electrify Riverside Programs, including the ability to make minor and non-substantive changes and to execute future amendments to the Electrify Riverside Programs under substantially similar terms and conditions.
“PEACE POLE” DONATION
The City Council authorized the acceptance of a “Peace Pole” from the Riverside East Rotary Club to be installed on Main Street, valued in the amount of $300.
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2026, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
PUBLIC BENEFITS ENERGY SURCHARGE FUND
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Cervantes and seconded by Councilmember Falcone to (1) receive a presentation on the outcome of the Energy Efficiency and Public Benefits Fund Community Working Group and Board recommendations; and (2) approve the preferred spending plan for the Public Benefits Energy Surcharge Fund available reserves. Three people spoke on the matter. The motion carried unanimously.
WAIVE FORMAL PROCUREMENT PROCESS - PURCHASE OF 45 ELECTRIC VEHICLE
CHARGERS - SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Robillard and seconded by Councilmember Cervantes to (1) waive formal procurement in accordance with Purchasing Resolution 24101, Section 602(k), and approve the purchase of up to 45 electric vehicle chargers from Chaevi Co., Ltd., in the amount of $1,957,500; (2) authorize the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record a supplemental appropriation and interfund transfer in the amount of $1,957,500 from the General Fund Infrastructure Reserve Account to the Capital Outlay Fund, Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Project revenue and expenditure accounts; and (3) authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute any purchase orders, agreements, and other documents to effectuate the purchase of the electric vehicle chargers, including making minor and non-substantive changes. Six people spoke on the matter. The motion carried with Councilmembers Falcone, Cervantes, Robillard, Conder, Mill and Hemenway voting aye and Councilmember Perry voting noe.
COMMUNICATIONS
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION DISCUSSIONS
Interim City Attorney Rebecca McKee-Reimbold announced that in the matter regarding Tort claim 26-06-14 by Susan Freeman, the City Council voted unanimously, with Councilmember Conder abstaining, to approve a Settlement and Release Agreement that provides a mutual release and waiver with claimant in which she released all claims against the City in exchange for the City waiving all claims against claimant with no monetary payment.
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CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2026, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
111-325
Mayor Pro Tem Robillard announced that in the matter regarding the public employee discipline of City Manager, the City Council voted unanimously accepted the City Manager’s resignation, effective July 5, 2026, and approved an agreement with the City Manager that he will be placed on paid administrative leave, effective immediately, until effective date of resignation. As part of the agreement to accept the City Manager resignation, the City of Riverside has agreed to pay a severance to the City Manager in a lump sum equivalent to nine months regular salary, 401(A) contributions and one month of health benefits. The agreement provides there are no pending claims or actions between the City of Riverside or the City Manager. Both parties release each other from any claims during City Manager’s employment with the City of Riverside.
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 8:41 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
DONESIA GAUSE
City Clerk