Minutes — Mayor and City Council, October 15, 2025

City of San Bernardino
201 North E Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
http://www.sbcity.org

Mayor Helen Tran
Council Members
Theodore Sanchez
Sandra Ibarra
Juan Figueroa
Fred Shorett
Kim Knaus
Mario Flores
Dr. Treasure Ortiz

Minutes

FOR THE

REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO, MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ACTING AS

THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN

BERNARDINO ACTING AS THE SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, MAYOR AND

CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ACTING AS THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND MAYOR AND CITY

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ACTING AS THE SAN BERNARDINO JOINT POWERS FINANCING

AUTHORITY

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2025
3:30 PM

The Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino was called to order at 3:3 3 PM by Mayor Helen Tran on Wednesday, October 15 , 2025, at Feldheym Central Library, San Bernardino, CA.

CALL TO ORDER

Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Theodore Sanchez Council Member, Ward 1 Present
Sandra Ibarra Council Member, Ward 2 Absent
Juan Figueroa Mayor Pro-Tem, Ward 3 Present
Fred Shorett Council Member, Ward 4 Late 4:05
Kim Knaus Council Member, Ward 5 Late 3:41
Mario Flores Council Member, Ward 6 Present
Dr. Treasure Ortiz Council Member, Ward 7 Present
Helen Tran Mayor Present
Eric Levitt City Manager Present
Albert Maldonado Assistant City Attorney Present
Telicia Lopez Acting City Clerk Present
Courtney Bowen Deputy City Clerk Present

Regular Meeting Minutes October 15, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 2

3:30 P.M.

CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no public comments or requests to speak for Closed Session.

CLOSED SESSION
A) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL EXISTING LITIGATION (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) and (d)(1):
i.) Steven L. Watson v. City of San Bernardino, San Bernardino Superior Court Case No. CIVSB2505562
ii.
) Maria Segura, as Successor in interest to Nicholas Segura, et al. v.

City of S.B., United States District Court Case No.
5:22
-c
v-0
0277
-J
GB-S
P. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal Docket No. 24
-
244
5 B) CO
NFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – Significant Exposure to Litigation (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)): (1) Case C) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6)
Agency Designated Representative: City Attorney or other Mayor and City Council Designee
Unrepresented Employee: City Clerk
5:00 PM
The Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino was called to order at 5: 19 PM by Mayor Helen Tran on Wednesday, October 15 , 2025, at Feldheym Central Library, San Bernardino, CA.

Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Theodore Sanchez Council Member, Ward 1 Present
Sandra Ibarra Council Member, Ward 2 Absent
Juan Figueroa Mayor Pro-Tem, Ward 3 Present
Fred Shorett Council Member, Ward 4 Present
Kim Knaus Council Member, Ward 5 Present
Mario Flores Council Member, Ward 6 Present
Dr. Treasure Ortiz Council Member, Ward 7 Present
Helen Tran Mayor Present
Eric Levitt City Manager Present
Albert Maldonado Assistant City Attorney Present
Telicia Lopez Acting City Clerk Present
Courtney Bowen Deputy City Clerk Present

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pastor BJ Sims from Kingdom Culture Worship Center led the invocation, and Mayte Anderson from Hardy Brown College Prep Academy led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Regular Meeting Minutes October 15, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 3

CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Assistant City Attorney Albert Maldonado stated there was no reportable action from Closed Session.

PRESENTATIONS

1. Citizen of the Month Carlos Teran Civic Engagement The Mayor and City Council presented the certificate to Carlos Teran.

CITY MANAGER UPDATE
City Manager Eric Levitt provided the City Manager Update. Highlights included the State of the City Event on October 14 and the “Rendezvous Back to Route 66” on October 11 th.

PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ITEMS LISTED AND NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA Al Palazzo commented on the importance of creating local jobs and rebuilding downtown with small businesses, suggesting a promenade similar to Victoria Gardens or Citrus Plaza and proposing workshops to showcase development ideas.

Christian Shaughnessy thanked staff and the Police Department for a recent event and asked for clarification on Item 12 regarding the use and environmental impact of crushed debris, expressing concern about pollution and community health.

Charles Byrge explained that his small recycling business promotes environmental sustainability and requested leniency from code enforcement to allow time to relocate after receiving new violations.

Luis Ojeda praised the State of the City event and spoke in support of I tem 12, saying onsite crushing would minimize pollution and road damage, noting the area’s potential for investment and growth.

John “Tex” Williams, City of Barstow Council Member, thanked the council for its work, shared updates from Barstow, and reminded officials that challenges with funding and public expectations are common across cities.

John Schollenberger commented on I tem 12, attributing the Oxbow concrete issue to past leadership and supporting removal of the debris to protect residents’ health and neighborhood safety.

Erick Marquez made personal remarks about council member Fred Shorett, referenced campaign season, and invited the public to a private event.

Mike Layne invited the community to the San Bernardino Valley College 100th Anniversary Gala event, noting that proceeds will benefit student scholarships.

Scott Olsen reflected on the State of the City event, encouraged elected officials to act authentically, and criticized certain council members for political behavior and past decisions.

Delores Armstead commented on the State of the City event, criticized council communication, and requested additional environmental reviews for Item 12, asserting that the Oxbow site is contaminated.

Alexis Teodoro advocated for creating a day laborer center to provide resources and policy input for workers.

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Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 4

Hank Mitchell opposed removing protections related to Item 12, stating that debris removal should occur and expressing concern about the project’s lack of public input and financial transparency.

Mary Jay addressed concerns about youth violence and urged the city to expand after - school programs to provide constructive activities for local students.

Bernice Altamirano asked what actions have been taken to improve city sanitation and provide support for the unhoused population.

Richard Hernandez spoke about Item 12, expressing health concerns related to the Oxbow concrete, describing neighborhood impacts, and urging the city not to allow onsite crushing or reuse of potentially contaminated material.

Barbara Sky spoke about delays and inconsistencies with the Oxbow project, questioned the validity of environmental reports, and urged the city to remove the concrete and stop favoring developers.

Ray Blum congratulated the city on a recent event, encouraged the council to act responsibly regarding Oxbow, and shared updates on the Downtown Neighborhood Association’s community efforts.

Henry Nickel urged the council not to repeal protections related to item 12, recounted the project’s history, and emphasized accountability and resident safety.

Ron Alvarado spoke about Oxbow, urging the council to prioritize residents’ health and respect for neighborhoods, and announced his candidacy for the First Ward.

Harry Hatch commented on item 12, stating that jurisdiction over health and safety matters should fall to the county and recommending that debris be removed from the Oxbow site.

Laila Gomulka thanked participants and sponsors of a recent pickleball tournament, including city officials who attended.

Chris Gribble commented that he lives near the Oxbow site and has seen the debris pile continue to grow even after the project was halted. He stated that allowing grinding would worsen the situation and urged the city to remove the concrete and uphold environmental standards.

Shareef Awad stated that he is the new owner of the Oxbow property, and he is willing to work with the community and City staff to discuss options and implement a plan for removal of the debris.

Lydia Zavala complimented recent street improvements and council conduct, encouraged professionalism during meetings, and asked when a new animal services director would be hired with greater transparency in data reporting.

Kim Calvin thanked staff for the State of the City event but criticized the council for political behavior during election season and for making poor decisions inconsistent with community interests.

Regular Meeting Minutes October 15, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 5

Claire Rieger expressed concern about animal welfare, stating that current policies prevent animal control from assisting with stray or suffering animals and recommending more humane practices.
‘Les’ played a news clip about homelessness, questioned the city’s progress on shelters, and raised concerns about Oxbow, public safety in the 5th Ward, and the need for city hall repairs and audits.

CONSENT CALENDAR
Items on the Consent Calendar are considered routine and are voted on in a single motion unless a council or staff member has pulled the item for more discussion.

Council Member Shorett temporarily left the dais prior to the vote of the Consent Calendar.

RESULT: APPROVED THE CONSENT CALENDAR [50]
MOVER: Mario Flores, Council Member, Ward 6
SECONDER: Kim Knaus, Council Member, Ward 5
AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz
NOES: None
ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra, Fred Shorett

2. Approval of Various Mayor and City Council Meeting Minutes Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, approve the meeting minutes for the following dates:

1. February 10, 2025 Special Meeting Draft Minutes

2. February 21, 2025 Special Meeting Draft Minutes

3. August 6, 2025 Regular Meeting Draft Minutes

RESULT: APPROVED STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION [50]
MOVER: Mario Flores, Council Member, Ward 6
SECONDER: Kim Knaus, Council Member, Ward 5
AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz
NOES: None
ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra, Fred Shorett

3. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with MNS Engineers, Inc. for Grant Consulting Services in an amount not to exceed $665,010 (All Ward)
Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California:

1. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement between the City of San Bernardino and MNS
Engineers, Inc. for grant consulting services in an amount not to exceed $665,010, with up to $443,340 available for the first two Regular Meeting Minutes October 15, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 6

years of the Agreement and up to $221,670 for an optional one
-y
ear period; and

2. A
uthorize the City Manager to enter into future amendments related to substantial changes to the scope of work, so long as those changes are in furtherance of and do not frustrate the purpose of the agreement

4. Resolutions updating the Bank and Investment Account Signature Authority: Citizens Business Bank, Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF), and Computershare Trust Company (All Wards)
Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, and the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California acting in its capacity as the Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency of the City of San Bernardino adopt the attached Resolutions updating the City’s and Successor Agency’s bank and investment account signature authority.

5. Approve a Five (5) Year Professional Services Agreement with HdL Coren & Cone for Property Tax Consulting Services in an amount not to exceed$121,180 (All Wards)
Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, approve a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with HdL Coren & Cone for Property Tax Consulting Services in an amount not to exceed $121,180 annually, for a term of five (5) years, plus contingent fees for revenue recovery services as outlined in the agreement.

Regular Meeting Minutes October 15, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 7

6. Investment Portfolio Report for August 2025 (All Wards) Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, receive and file the Monthly Investment Portfolio Report for August 2025.

7. Approval of Commercial and Payroll Disbursements and Purchase Card Transactions for August 2025 (All Wards)
Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California approve the commercial, payroll disbursements and purchasing card transactions for August 2025.

8. Amendments to Professional Services Agreements for Legal Services (All Wards)
Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute:

1. F
ifth Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo for the provision of legal services in connection with the case entitled Brian Pellis, et al. v.

City of San Bernardino, et al. US District Court Case No. CIVSB 2226731 increasing the not-t
o
-ex
ceed amount from $950,000 to
Regular Meeting Minutes October 15, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 8

$2,000,000. This case remains open.

2. S
econd Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo for the provision of legal services in connection with the case entitled Christina Nedrebo v.

City of San Bernardino, Superior Court Case No. CIVSB2402094 increasing the not-t
o
- e
xceed amount from $240,000 to $400,000. This
case remains open.

9. Approve a Task Order with Rick Engineering Company for Navigation Center Civil Engineering Design Work for a total amount not to exceed $250,000 (Ward 1)
Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California:

1. Approve the Task Order with Rick Engineering Company for the Navigation Center in the amount of $200,000 (Project); and

2. Authorize the Project design contingency costs for unforeseen conditions in the total amount of $50,000; and

3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents with Rick Engineering Company; and

4. Authorize t he City Manager to expend the contingency fund, if necessary, to complete the Project.

(continued on next page)
Regular Meeting Minutes October 15, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 9

DISCUSSION

10. Approve a City Clerk Employment Agreement (All Wards) Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California:

1. Approve a City Clerk Employment Agreement on behalf of the Mayor and City Council; and

2. Authorize the Mayor to execute the City Clerk Employment Agreement on behalf of the Council.

Council Member Ortiz stated that she would have preferred to c onduct a recruitment for the City Clerk position. She stated that the City should be hiring people who are competent and have enough experience. She also questioned the salary in light of the City adopting 5% budget cuts and a hiring freeze this fiscal year.

Council Member Shorett commented that a recruitment is not always necessary, and that Telicia Lopez is qualified and experienced.

Assistant City Attorney Maldonado read out the economic terms of the employment agreement, including the following change to the original terms:

Section 3.1: The base salary shall increase to $169,000 on April 5 th, 2026,
rather than January 15 th. This increase will be subject to evaluation by the Mayor and City Council.

Mayor Tran’s vote was cast in accordance with the City Charter for appointment of the City Clerk.

RESULT: APPROVED STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION WITH THE
REVISIONS NOTED [61]
MOVER: Theodore Sanchez, Council Member, Ward 1
SECONDER: Kim Knaus, Council Member, Ward 5
AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Tran
NOES: Treasure Ortiz
ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra

11. Approve Funding Commitment for Lutheran Social Services San Bernardino Community Wellness Campus with Lutheran Social Service of Southern California and Dignity Moves (All Wards)
Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California:

1. A
pprove a waiver of eligible City-im
posed development and permit fees
for the San Bernardino Community Wellness Campus, in an amount not to exceed $134,319, limited to City-c
ontrolled fees; and

2. A
pprove a Regulatory and Loan Agreement with Lutheran Social Services of Southern California, a Nonprofit Corporation, and Dignity Regular Meeting Minutes October 15, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 10

Moves, a Nonprofit Corporation, to ensure project completion and protect the $34,944,702 Homekey investments; and

3. A
dopt Resolution No. 2025
-3
77 authorizing the Finance and
Management Services to amend the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 operating and capital budget by $1,798,969, appropriating $1,798,969 in 2021
-202
3 Permanent Local Housing Allocation funds to fund the final construction cost to complete the San Bernardino Community Wellness, and $261,539.40 of PLHA for administration; and

4. A
uthorize the City Manager or designee to execute all regulatory agreements, loan agreements, and amendments with LSSSC
and Dignity Moves after review and approval by the City attorney and take any further action necessary to carry out the terms and objectives of the resolution and agreement.

City Staff provided a correction memo to the Mayor and City Council for this item, correcting the subject of the staff report and the recommendation. The title was updated from “Approve Funding Commitment for Lutheran Social Services San Bernardino Community Wellness Campus with Lutheran Social Service of Southern California and Dignity Moves (All Wards) ” to “Approval of Conditional Funding Commitment for Lutheran Social Services San Bernardino Community Wellness Campus with Lutheran Social Service of Southern California and Dignity Moves (All Wards)”.

In Recommendation No. 2, the total amendment to the FY 2025/2026 budget was changed from $1,798,969 to $2,060,508.40.

A copy of the Correction Memo and Amended Staff Report were provided to the public and posted on the City’s website.

Housing Division Manager Trina Perez provided a presentation.

Council Member Knaus asked staff to advocate for more beds at the shelter to be prioritized and allocated to San Bernardino residents. City Manager Eric Levitt stated that staff could take that into consideration for future discussion with the providers and the County.

RESULT: ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 20253 77 [6 0]
MOVER: Theodore Sanchez, Council Member, Ward 1
SECONDER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4
AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz
NOES: None
ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra

Regular Meeting Minutes October 15, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 11

12. Oxbow Debris Removal – 6920 Palm Avenue (Ward 5)
Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Mayor of City Council of the City of San Bernardino take the following actions:

a. A
dopt Resolution No. 2025
-378 of t
he Mayor and City Council of the
City of San Bernardino, California, rescinding Resolution No. 2020
-265
, which prohibits the crushing of concrete on site within 1,000 feet of residentially zoned property; and
b. R
eview the three alternatives provided in the Oxbow Debris Removal Project Environmental Study dated May 22, 2025, select Alternative 3 which is concluded to result in least levels of impact to the community among the three alternatives, and adopt Resolution No. 2025 -379
m
emorializing that decision; and
c. Dir
ect the City Manager or his designee to prepare public outreach for the residents of Ward 5, regarding the removal of the Oxbow Debris

G
abriel Elliott, Director of Community Development and Housing, provided a presentation. He explained why “Alternative 3”, which included crushing the concrete on site and using it for a future development project, was being recommended by staff and the independent consultants who worked on the project. There was also input from Lynn Merrill, Public Works Director
; pr
operty owner Shareef Awad ; c
onsultant Kimley Horn
representative Ace Moses; a
nd City Engineer Azzam Jabsheh.

T
here was discussion amongst the Mayor and City Council regarding the choice of remedy. Council Member Knaus stated that as the Council Member representing and living in Ward 5, she supported Alternative 3. Council Member Ortiz said that she believes crushing the concrete onsite will be detrimental to residents’ health. She stated that the decision should have been left to the residents. Director Elliott confirmed that the public will be involved in discussions about when the crushing and grinding of the material will take place.

RESULT: ADOPTED RESOLUTION NOS. 2025378 AND 2025 3 79; AND SELECTED “ALTERNATIVE 3” FOR THE DEBRIS REMOVAL [51]
MOVER: Theodore Sanchez, Council Member, Ward 1
SECONDER: Kim Knaus, Council Member, Ward 5
AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores
NOES: Treasure Ortiz
ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra

Regular Meeting Minutes October 15, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 12

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL UPDATES/REPORTS ON CONFERENCES & MEETINGS The Mayor and City Council provided updates to the community. Highlights included the State of the City event, Route 66, and the recent pickleball tournament.

ADJOURNMENT
The meeting of the Mayor and City Council was adjourned on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 8:55 p.m.

The next joint regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council and the Mayor and City Council Acting as the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency will be held on November 5, 2025, at the Feldheym Central Library located at 555 West 6th Street, San Bernardino, California 92410. Closed Session will begin at 4:00 p.m. and Open Session will begin at 5:00 p.m.

Telicia Lopez, CMC, City Clerk

Mayor and City CouncilOctober 15, 2025

Mayor and City Council
October 15, 2025