All Councilmembers present.

Staff present: T. Jarb Thaipejr, City Manager; Diane Robbins, City Attorney; Lynette Arreola, City Clerk; Sonia Fabela, Finance Director; Dan Harker, Fire Chief; Lorena Matarrita, Community Development Director; Andy Ramirez, Assistant City Manager; Andrew Sanchez, Customer Support Technician; and Lt. Kaysie Smith, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department

City Attorney Robbins announced that the City Council met in closed session on the item listed. Direction was provided to staff; there was no final action to report.

The Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Dupper.

No items were added or deleted.

No oral reports upon invitation by the Mayor.

None reported.

Approved the Demands Registers dated February 25, 2025, with commercial demands totaling $1,072,527.35, and Payroll dated February 13, 2025, totaling $425,830.19; and March 11, 2025, with commercial demands totaling $1,178,923.92, and Payroll dated February 27, 2025, totaling $444,452.60.

Approved the minutes of February 11, 2025, as submitted.

Received the Treasurer's Report for February 2025 for filing.

Received the Fire Department's Activity Report for February 2025 for filing.

Awarded contract to BearCom for a not-to-exceed amount of $99,377.26.

Approved the purchase of three emergency generators from General Power for $384,045.19, as recommended.

Approved purchase of outdoor electronic message sign and an equipment warranty to Daktronics, Inc., for $37,566.43 and Awarded contract to Custom Signs, Inc. for $12,410.40 to install the electronic message sign as recommended.

Approved Agreement with Troy & Banks, Inc. for Cable Franchise Audit services as recommended by staff.

Gil Garza, Code Enforcement/Animal Control Officer, stated that neither he nor Brandi Correa, Parking/Animal Control Officer, had received any prior communication regarding the contract with Willdan Engineering. He expressed concern to the high after-hours on-call contract rates with Willdan Engineering in comparison to staff's wages. He explained that they had provided the after-hours services for nearly 12 years and were willing to continue to do so. He noted that, at times, personal family matters had prevented him from being available for after-hours services. They appreciated the assistance from City of San Bernardino, as it allowed them a break.

Chief Harker explained that city staff initially managed the after-hours services. However, due to frequent staffing challenges for coverage, the City contracted with the City of San Bernardino for after-hours services on an as-needed basis. Later, that service became full-time. The City of San Bernardino had its own staffing issues and had to terminate the contract. As a result, the City has been without after-hours animal control services for the past two weeks. He confirmed that before the contract was brought before City Council, there was communication to the Human Resources Department, the City's Labor Attorney, and the Employee's Labor Representative.

Discussion ensued regarding the after-hours calls and the contract service rates. Motion by Dailey, seconded by Rigsby, to pull the item off the Agenda for further investigation.

City Manager Thaipejr requested City Council to approve the contract to ensure the City does not go without this service any longer. He stated that he would work with the Fire Department and report back to the City Council. City Attorney Robbins pointed out that the contract grants the City the right to terminate with 30 days' notice should the Council decide to do so. She advised Council that they could either continue the agenda item or approve the contract with the condition that staff conduct further investigation and return to the City Council with an update for a final decision.

The maker of the motion Mayor pro tempore Dailey with concurrence by Councilmember Rigsby withdrew their motion. It was the consensus by Council to take a new motion.

Appropriated $64,600 and awarded contract to Loma Linda Heating and Air Conditioning to purchase and install AC Unit for $48,522.51 and approved the purchase of a commercial stove from Johnson-Lancaster and Associates as recommended by staff.

Appropriated $25,000 from Water Enterprise Fund and Awarded contract to WaterworkForce, Inc. in an amount not to exceed of $25,000 for regulatory coverage for the Water Department as recommended by staff.

Adopted Council Bill #R-2025-04, Resolution No. 3243

RESOLUTION NO. 3243

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LOMA LINDA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING FINAL TRACT MAP 20467 (NORTH OF PARK AVENUE AND EAST OF COLOMA STREET)

Declared identified items as attached as surplus and Approved appropriate disposal.

Adopted Council Bill #R-2025-05 - Resolution No. 3244

RESOLUTION NO. 3244

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMA LINDA, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING THE NEED FOR EMERGENCY CONTRACTING PROCEDURES AND AUTHORIZING THE REPAIRS OF THREE WATERLINE LEAKS

Appropriated $35,700 from Sewer Fund Balance and Awarded contract to West Coast Arborist, Inc. for $35,700 as recommended by staff.

Councilmember Spencer-Hwang noted that a presentation on a Tobacco Retail License Ordinance was given at the previous meeting. She recommended that City Staff investigate the potential impacts and benefits of implementing a Tobacco Retailer License Ordinance and present their findings to the City Council.

Israel Fuentes, Chair for the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free San Bernardino County, Board Member and Clerk for Colton Joint Unified School District and Community Liasson for Young Visionaries; Laura Cores, Senior at Redlands High School; Briana Ramirez, Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy Student and Intern Pharmacist in Loma Linda, all supported the City to adopt a Tobacco Retailer License Ordinance and, also, encourage the City Council to phase out the sale of tobacco in Loma Linda.

Mayor pro tempore Dailey stated that he appreciated the binder on the Tobacco Policy Packet provided to City Council at the previous meeting. He stated that it was very informative.

Councilmember Spencer-Hwang placed this item on the agenda to obtain feedback from the City Council on strategies to embrace the City’s motto and how it can guide decision-making to generate revenue. She read an excerpt from Railway to the Moon by Loma Linda University and Loma Linda University Medical Center, by Dr. Lyn Behrens, former President of Loma Linda University, highlighting Loma Linda’s founding principles. She went on to note key historical moments of the City. She emphasized the relationship between the City and Loma Linda University and wanted to know how the City could ensure that desired types of businesses align with its values.

Mayor Dupper acknowledged the importance of maintaining the City's identity but cautioned against telling owners who they can and cannot have as tenants. He noted that as a resident of Loma Linda he wants to have safe neighborhoods, clean water, and well maintained parks. While Loma Linda is a health-focused City with unique opportunities to capitalize on its identity, he noted that the approach must be balanced and ensure they do not limit the opportunity for economic growth.

A discussion followed regarding the origins of the City’s motto, A City of Health and Prosperity, and how it connects to the City’s logo, which states Serving Man.

Mayor Pro Tempore Dailey expressed appreciation for Councilmember Spencer-Hwang’s efforts in forming the committee. He concurred with comments by the Mayor. He agreed with sustaining the core values of the community, but agreed that there has to be a balance especially with the City facing financial challenges.

Councilman Rigsby also concurred with the Mayor's comments. He interpreted the City’s motto as a reflection of its role as a beacon of service to the world and its responsibility to support the local community.

Mayor Pro Tempore Dailey suggested that at an appropriate time, the City Council should be included in discussions related to these initiatives.

Councilmember Spencer-Hwang thanked the Council for their comments.

No reports.