Mayor Saucedo proudly presented the Proclamation declaring the week of April 19-25, 2026, as National Library Week, and he encouraged residents to visit A.K. Smiley Public Library and celebrate the adventures and opportunities the library unlocks every day.

On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the minutes of the regular meeting of April 7, 2026.

Vote: 5 - 0 Passed

On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of the Proclamation declaring April 24, 2026 as Arbor Day.

Vote: 5 - 0 Passed

On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the Proclamation declaring April 19-25, 2026, as National Library Week.

Vote: 5 - 0 Passed

On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council appointed, by roll call vote, Vanessa Annaguey Aranda to serve a four-year term on the Human Relations Commission for District 3 ending April 21, 2030; appointed Louisa Amis to serve a four-year term on the Human Relations Commission for District 4 ending April 21, 2030; and appointed Erin Stepien to serve a four-year term on the Human Relations Commission for District 5 ending April 21, 2030.

Vote: 5 - 0 Passed

On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council appointed, by roll call vote, Donald Craw, Zachariah Smith, and Stuart Miller to each serve a four-year term on the Citrus Preservation Commission ending April 16, 2030.

Vote: 5 - 0 Passed

On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8774 for a new connection to the City of Redlands water distribution system at 2789 Mill Creek Road in the unincorporated community of Mentone, Outside Service Case (OSC) No. 26-01, and determined that the adoption of Resolution No. 8774 is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Sections 15303(a) and 15319(b) of CEQA guidelines; and adopted Resolution No. 8775, approving Pre-Annexation No. 26-01 for the provision of water service to a 0.25 acre parcel located at 2789 Mill Creek Road in the unincorporated community of Mentone, and determined that adoption of Resolution No. 8775 is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Sections 15319 and 15303 of CEQA guidelines.

Vote: 5 - 0 Passed

On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council agreed, by roll call vote, to receive and file the 2025 Annual Progress Reports for the General Plan and the 2021-2029 Housing Element.

Vote: 5 - 0 Passed

On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8777 authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all documents necessary to implement the City of Redlands' participation in the new National Opioids Six Remnant Defendants Settlement.

Vote: 5 - 0 Passed

On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the First Amendment to the Agreement with Alliant Specialty Insurance Services, Inc. as Broker of Record for property and casualty insurance services to extend the term of the agreement for one additional year and increase the total compensation to an amount not-to-exceed to $133,514.

Vote: 5 - 0 Passed

On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8779 temporarily suspending enforcement of Sections 5.04.390 and 5.04.420 of the Redlands Municipal Code to allow a one-time proration of business license fees for certain businesses currently renewing in June, in order to transition those licenses to a calendar-year renewal cycle while minimizing financial burden.

Vote: 5 - 0 Passed

On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the Memorandum of Understanding between the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the City of Redlands Police Department for General Law and Traffic Enforcement Services for the Metrolink System within the City of Redlands.

Vote: 5 - 0 Passed

On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council determined, by roll call vote, that the authorization for the items associated with the event is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15311(c) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; authorized and approved the expenditure of City resources and in-kind support in the amount of $7,650.00; and authorized and approved the temporary street closures for the Stand-Up-to-Stigma 5k event to be held Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Vote: 5 - 0 Passed

On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council determined, by roll call vote, that the 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 $17,012.52; approved temporary street closures related to the event along East State Street and Citrus Avenue; and authorized the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages at the 27th Annual Redlands Fire Fighter Car Show event hosted by the Redlands Community Foundation in support of the Professional Fire Fighters Association on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

Vote: 5 - 0 Passed

Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Heredia introduced Wastewater Utility Manager Joe Hamburger who announced the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) selected the City of Redlands Wastewater Treatment Plant in the medium-sized Plant of the Year Award category. This award recognizes accomplishments in compliance, innovative practices, cost-effectiveness, and superior plant performance within the Santa Ana River Basin Section (SARBS). The City received 1^st place for medium-sized plants out of eight wastewater treatment plants in the local section (SARBS) and 4^th place within the State of California. He commended staff at the wastewater treatment plant for earning this award and for receiving statewide recognition.

Facilities and Community Services Department Director Crocker highlighted Resolution No. 8735 adopting the Arts and Culture Master Plan. She introduced the City's consultant, David Plettner-Saunders, of Cultural Planning Group, who provided a detailed presentation regarding the evolution of the Plan. The Cultural Arts Commission held a special meeting on August 11, 2025, and unanimously recommended the City Council approve the Arts and Culture Master Plan, with the following changes: 1) The plan should call for a developer impact fee for public art; and 2) The plan should call for a full-time position for the arts, either city or contracted staff. 

Staff incorporated these recommendations where feasible. The plan identifies possible funding options such as art in private development, including a development impact fee, percent-for-art program, or similar approaches, and it also contemplates strengthening arts administration through dedicated staffing. The Master Plan is a guiding, non-binding policy document. Any future actions, such as creating a fee, adding staff, or allocating funding would require separate City Council direction and approval through future policy actions, budget processes, or ordinance adoption.

As public comment, Dennis Bell said he was not opposed to the plan in general but was not in favor of funding any proposed initiatives with taxpayer dollars. Alejandro Gutierrez, of the Arts Council of San Bernardino County, fully supported the plan, which will serve as a valuable roadmap for the future. Mayor Saucedo agreed that this document was a good starting point. Council Member Davis thanked the consultant, the Cultural Arts Commissioners, and staff for their tireless efforts throughout the development of the plan. She hopes to secure more permanent funding sources to support some of the proposed initiative.

On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council determined, by roll call vote, that adoption of the Arts and Culture Master Plan is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines; and approved Resolution No. 8735 adopting the Arts and Culture Master Plan.

Vote: 5 - 0 Passed

Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Heredia presented Resolution No. 8778 providing notice of intent to increase water and wastewater rates, direct staff to issue the required Proposition 218 notice establishing a public hearing date and location to consider the proposed rate increases. She introduced Utilities Advisory Committee (UAC) Chair John James who provided an overview of the Committee's work. Chapter 2.70 of the Redlands Municipal Code establishes a framework for a citizen committee, the UAC, to help develop fair and equitable rates to cover costs of services for the City's water and wastewater utilities. The seven member UAC worked with MUED staff and the City's Utility Rate Consultant, Raftelis, to develop rate recommendations that provide adequate revenue to recover costs for services, are equitable to all customer classes, comply with state and federal laws, and are easily explained to customers. 

The Committee analyzed overall financial needs to maintain safe, reliable systems and service to residents and overall operations. They examined the Operation and Maintenance costs, capital investment, revenue projects at current rates, reserve balances, reserve balance target, required revenue adjustments to maintain reserves, and the desire to keep a high credit rating.

The Utility Advisory Committee and staff recommended the following water and wastewater rate increases:

Water:

• A two-and-a-half percent (2.5%) rate increase effective January 1, 2027, in FY 26/27
• A two-and-a-half percent (2.5%) rate increase effective July 1, 2027, in FY 27/28
• A two-and-a-half percent (2.5%) rate increase effective July 1, 2028, in FY 28/29

Wastewater:

• A seven percent (7%) rate increase effective January 1, 2027, in FY 26/27
• A seven percent (7%) rate increase effective July 1, 2027, in FY 27/28
• A seven percent (7%) rate increase effective July 1, 2028, in FY 28/29

As public comment, UAC Member Paul Toor stated the infrastructure needs are substantial. Council Members thanked the UAC, the consultant and staff for their diligence and commitment to keeping rate increases below double digits. Mayor Saucedo emphasized that rate increases are necessary due to the demands placed on the Wastewater Treatment Plant, the rising cost of services and the need for infrastructure upgrades. City Manager Duggan responded to Council Member Barich, clarifying that the first increase in January 2027 for combined charges of water and wastewater is $8.32 for two months or $4.08 per month. It was noted that charges are tailored to individual usage and vary by user.

On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Mayor Mario Saucedo, the City Council determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the proposed water and wastewater rate increases is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State’s CEQA Guidelines; adopted Resolution No. 8778 providing notice of intent to increase water and wastewater rates; and directed staff to issue the required Proposition 218 notice for a public hearing, scheduled on July 7, 2026.

Vote: 5 - 0 Passed

Police Chief Tolber reported on the sole source purchase of the Dispatch Console Radio upgrade to Command Central AXS in the amount of $370,436.22 and authorization of an additional appropriation in the same amount.

On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, seconded, by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the sole source purchase of the Dispatch Console Radio upgrade to Command Central AXS in the amount of $370,436.22 and authorization of an additional appropriation in the same amount.

Vote: 5 - 0 Passed

Facilities and Community Services Department Director Crocker summarized a Sole Source Purchase Order Modification with Ray Gaskin Service in the amount of $185,000, to a total amount not to exceed $385,000, for the procurement of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts for Solid Waste Division fleet vehicles. 

On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Mayor Mario Saucedo, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, a Sole Source Purchase Order Modification with Ray Gaskin Service in the amount of $185,000, to a total amount not to exceed $385,000, for the procurement of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts for Solid Waste Division fleet vehicles.

Vote: 5 - 0 Passed

Facilities and Community Services Department Director Crocker explained the need to amend the agreement with Kalmikov Enterprises, Inc. due to unanticipated repair costs for Medic Engine 264 after a June 28, 2025 collision in which the City was found not at fault. The First Amendment with Kalmikov, dba Fire Apparatus Solutions, increases the contract by $93,600 to a new total not to exceed $1,012,800, with $400,000, associated with the repair, allocated for FY 2025-26 for the second extended term.

Wastebuilt Environmental Solutions, LLC, has become the sole provider of AMREP parts and services. The first amendment to the agreement will increase the agreement to an amount not-to-exceed $390,000 for the second extended term and $400,000 for the third and final extended term, resulting in a three-year total contract amount not to exceed $990,000, an increase of $390,000. This increase accounts for the unanticipated costs resulting from damage to Solid Waste Unit 850 and the loss of AMREP as a supplier of parts and services.

On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the First Amendment to an agreement with Kalmikov Enterprises, Inc., dba Fire Apparatus Solutions, to increase the total compensation by $93,600 to a total amount not to exceed $1,012,800; and approved the First Amendment to an agreement with Wastebuilt Environmental Solutions, LLC., to increase the total compensation by $390,000 to an amount not to exceed $990,000, for fleet maintenance, parts and repairs.

Vote: 5 - 0 Passed

Facilities and Community Services Department Director Crocker presented a Cooperative Purchase of two Ford F-750 flatbed trucks from PB Loader Corporation for an amount not to exceed $368,361.98. The proposed purchase of a new flatbed truck and a flatbed concrete truck will replace existing units 423 and 460, both 2005 Chevrolet Topkicks that have exceeded their useful service life. As a result, these vehicles are experiencing increasingly frequent mechanical issues, leading to operational delays and higher maintenance costs. 

On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, seconded, by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, a cooperative piggyback contract request for the purchase of two Ford F-750 Flatbed trucks from PB Loader Corporation for an amount not-to-exceed $368,361.98.

Vote: 5 - 0 Passed

Assistant City Manager Boatman introduced the recommendations to consider revising Resolution No. 8220, adopted in 2021, to establish a formal policy for evaluating requests from nonprofit organizations seeking in-kind support and City resources for special events. In general, these recurring community events contribute to the character and vitality of Redlands. The revision responds to rising City service costs and the need to better manage limited staff and budget resources while preserving core municipal services. Exhibit “A” lists the events eligible for continued in-kind support and only those approved events would qualify under the new policy. Events not on the list could still occur with permits and approvals, but they would no longer receive in-kind support and would instead be subject to a fee-based model for City services.

With Council Member's direction, staff will return within 90 days with a proposed fee schedule for special event services, including coordination, public safety, street closures, traffic control, and other operational support. A temporary 90-day pause on processing applications for non-listed events is recommended while the fee schedule is developed, allowing the City to transition to a clearer and more sustainable framework.

As public comment, Dennis Bell said the bloated list of eligible events negatively affected the City budget and he was uncomfortable with giving away taxpayer money without asking any questions. Redlands Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Evan Sanford raised concerns about the policy despite being aware of rising costs associated with these events. He argued the policy could stifle creativity and discourage organizers from creating new events. 

Council Member Davis did not want to dissuade organizers from holding community events which bring a vibrant element to the community, and she was hesitant to support the policy. Council Members discussed the merits of the proposal and agreed that events add value to the City in several ways, including generating increased sales tax revenue.

On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded, by Council Member Paul Barich, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8780, establishing a revised policy for in-kind support and limiting eligibility to events identified on Exhibit “A” (Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Approved Events List); and directed staff to return within ninety (90) days with a proposed fee schedule establishing charges for City services associated with special events, including but not limited to staff time, public safety services, street closures, traffic control, and operational support; and directed that the City not accept or process applications for events not included on Exhibit “A” for a period of ninety (90) days, to allow for the development and adoption of the fee schedule.

Vote: 4 - 1 Passed (Nay - Council Member Davis)