MINUTES
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35 Cajon Street, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 5:00 P.M.
A. Call City Council Meeting to Order
Mayor Saucedo called the meeting to order and explained that comments could be presented in-person, via Zoom, via cell phone or landline. He offered the public an opportunity to provide comment on any item on the agenda for the closed session.
B. Public Comment
There was no public comment.
C. Recess City Council Meeting to a Closed Session
1. Performance Evaluations of Public Employees – Government Code §54957(b)(1) Position: City Manager
2. Conference with labor negotiator - Government Code §54957.6
Staff requested Item C.2 be removed from the Closed Session agenda. Consideration of this matter will be scheduled for a future meeting.
3. Conference with legal counsel: Existing Litigation - Government Code §54956.9(d)(1) (City Attorney Garcia)
D. Reconvene City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Mayor Saucedo reconvened the meeting at 6:00 P.M. He announced the City Council agreed to continue Closed Session discussion and to reconvene Closed Session following the conclusion of the City Council meeting.
E. Invocation by Mayor Pro Tem Shaw - Pledge of Allegiance by Kingsbury Elementary School
F. Closed Session Report
See below.
G. Presentations
In honor of Cesar E. Chavez, Mayor Saucedo read aloud from the official proclamation declaring March 31, 2026 as Cesar E. Chavez Day in Redlands.
H. Public Comment
Burro Attacks - Dorre Yamashiro raised attention to a series of mutilations in the wild burro population that live in San Timoteo and Reche Canyon areas. The injuries sustained have been catastrophic and there is a reward for information leading to the capture of those committing these crimes. She urged the City to partner with Donkeyland, a sanctuary for burros, to protect these animals.
I. Consent Calendar
1. Approve minutes of the regular meeting March 3, 2026
On motion of Council Member Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Shaw, the City Council, by roll call vote, approved the regular meeting minutes of March 3, 2026.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
2. Authorize issuance of a proclamation declaring March 31, 2026, as Cesar E. Chavez Day
On motion of Council Member Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Shaw, the City Council, by roll call vote, authorized the issuance of a proclamation declaring March 31, 2026, as Cesar E. Chavez Day.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
3. Approve the purchase of a 2014 Chevrolet Van Ambulance from the Big Bear Fire Authority in the amount of $20,000 and approve a supplemental appropriation for the same amount from the General Fund unassigned fund balance
On motion of Council Member Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Shaw, the City Council, by roll call vote, approved the purchase of the 2014 Chevrolet Van Ambulance from the Big Bear Fire Authority in the amount of $20,000, and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to complete the transaction; and approved an additional appropriation in the amount $20,000 from the unassigned fund balance in the General Fund to cover the cost of the purchase.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
4. Adopt Resolution No. 8756 dissolving the Redlands Financing Authority and terminating the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement dated May 1, 1999
On motion of Council Member Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Shaw, the City Council, by roll call vote, adopted Resolution No. 8756 dissolving the Redlands Financing Authority (RFA); and approved the termination of the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement dated May 1, 1999 creating the RFA.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
5. Approve the Termination of License Agreement with Avis Budget Car Rental, LLC for the use of 30 parking spaces on City-owned property located at 1625 W. Redlands Blvd. and Authorize the City Manager or designee to sign the Letter of Termination of a License Agreement
On motion of Council Member Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Shaw, the City Council, by roll call vote, terminated the License Agreement with Avis Budget Car Rental; and authorized the City Manager or designee to sign the Letter of Termination of a License Agreement with Avis Budget Car Rental.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
6. Approve a $50,000 contribution for the 2026 Fourth of July Celebration to the Redlands 4th of July Committee and determine that the financial support serves a public benefit and approve the additional appropriation in the amount of $50,000
On motion of Council Member Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Shaw, the City Council, by roll call vote, approved a contribution of $50,000 for the 2026 Fourth of July Celebration to the Redlands 4th of July Committee and determine that the financial support serves a public benefit; and approved the additional appropriation in the amount of $50,000.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
J. Communications
1. Discussion and possible action relating to the designation of Voting Delegates to represent the City at the 2026 Regional Conference of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and General Assembly
Mayor Saucedo opened the discussion to consider designating a Voting Delegate to represent the City.
On motion of Mayor Saucedo, seconded by Council Member Barich, the City Council unanimously designated, by roll call vote, Mayor Pro Tem Shaw to serve as the voting delegate at the 2026 Regional Conference of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG); and designated Council Member Davis to serve as the alternate voting delegate at the 2026 Regional Conference of SCAG.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
2. Annual Report of the Cultural Arts Commission given by Chairman Daniel Gohman
Chairman Daniel Gohman provided the Annual Report of the Cultural Arts Commission, identifying Commission members and the Commission's Mission and Initiatives. These include efforts to collaborate and promote public interest in the arts, recommend new art programs, and recommend policies to encourage, develop, and support the Arts in Redlands. Initiatives consist of the Art on Loan Program, Artlands REACH (Regional Eco-Arts Community Hub), Artist-In-Residency Program and the Community Garden at Sylvan Park. In collaboration with the City's consultant, the Commissioners dedicated significant time and effort to the development and approval of the Art and Culture Master Plan. He provided an overview of the plan's objectives and stated the plan has been proposed to the City Council for their final endorsement. Mayor Saucedo and Council Member Davis thanked Chair Gohman and expressed their appreciation of the Commission's work.
3. Receive and file the Annual Report from the Measure T Citizens' Oversight Committee for FY 2025
Chairwoman Ruth Cook and Committee Member Ed Millican presented the annual report of the Measure T Citizens' Oversight Committee for FY 2025. During FY 2025, the City collected $20,337,840 from Measure T sales tax, surpassing the budget estimate by about $194,840, which indicates a stable local economy. The Measure T Citizens' Oversight Committee reviewed the City Manager's Proposed Budget and confirmed that funds were spent according to budget plans. The review included updates on homelessness initiatives, infrastructure improvements, public safety staffing, and park enhancements. The Committee recognizes the importance of Measure T in supporting city services and infrastructure projects. Overall, the funds have been used as intended, with transparent information provided by City staff. The Committee appreciates the residents' support, which ensures stable funding for essential services and infrastructure improvements, and looks forward to continued progress.
Council Members thanked the Committee Members for their dedication and commitment to the City. The City Council agreed, without objection, to receive and file the annual report from the Measure T Citizens' Oversight Committee for FY 2025.
4. Receive and file FY 2026 Mid-Year General Fund Review
Management Services/Finance Director Garcia gave a broad overview of the Mid-Year General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2026. She explained the review provided an opportunity to evaluate the City’s financial performance in the current fiscal year relative to the Adopted FY 2026 Budget, using actual results from the first seven months of FY 2026. She reviewed the recommendations, analyzed the financial outcomes from FY 2025, assessed the City’s current fiscal standing, and considered the broader economic conditions and other key factors that may influence the General Fund going forward. The City enters the second half of FY 2026 on solid financial footing. Through January 31, 2026, the City's revenues and expenditures are generally tracking consistent with historical seasonal patterns. No material year-end variances are currently anticipated.
Looking ahead, three significant commitments will define the City's near-term fiscal course. First, the City is entering into negotiations with all nine employee bargaining units, whose MOUs are approaching expiration. Combined with an ongoing Classification and Compensation Study, labor costs (the City's largest General Fund expenditure) will require careful and fiscally responsible deliberation. Second, construction of the long-awaited Safety Hall at 1625 W. Redlands Boulevard, the former Kmart site, is scheduled to begin in July 2026, with completion anticipated in summer 2028. This investment marks a generational commitment to the Redlands Police Department and the community it serves. Third, formal deliberations and presentations to the City Council and public on the FY 2027 & 2028 Biennial Budget will begin in May and June 2026, providing the appropriate forum to address all emerging cost pressures in a structured and transparent manner.
Mayor Saucedo expressed his appreciation for the thorough presentation and report. The City Council agreed, without objection, to receive and file this report.
K. Public Hearings
1. Public Hearing to consider the following applications for an approximately 8.5-acre site located at the northeast corner of Lugonia Avenue and Tennessee Street within the Special Development (EV/SD) District of the East Valley Corridor Specific Plan (APNs: 0167-171-16-0000, 0167-171-11-0000, and 0167-171-12-0000), by applicant Regency Centers: a) Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program in accordance with Section 15074 of the California Environmental Quality Act b) Measure U Socio-Economic Cost/Benefit Study c) Amendment to the East Valley Corridor Specific Plan to remove the project site (8.5 acres) from the boundaries of Specific Plan 40 and remove the Special Development (EV/SD) District designation d) To change the zoning designation 8.5-acre project site from Special Development (EV/SD) District to General Commercial (C-3) District e) A site plan approval and architectural design review to construct a commercial shopping center with approximately 71,400 square feet of commercial space consisting of one major tenant grocery building (36,000 square feet), one drive-through restaurant building (3,900 square feet), four multi-tenant shop buildings (6,600 to 10,000 square feet) and related on-site and off-site improvements including a parking lot, driveways, landscaping, lighting, utilities and drainage improvements f) A Conditional Use Permit to establish a Type 21 (Off-Sale General) Alcoholic Beverage Control license for a proposed 36,000 square-foot grocery store and to construct and operate a 3,900 square foot drive-through restaurant g) A request to merge three parcels within the project site into one parcel totaling approximately 8.5 acres
Mayor Saucedo declared the meeting open as a public hearing and called on Development Services Director Sean Reilly, who detailed the applications for an approximately 8.5-acre site, located at the northeast corner of Lugonia Avenue and Tennessee Street, by applicant Regency Centers. On January 13, 2026, the Planning Commission reviewed the proposed project and voted 7 to 0 to adopt Resolution No. 1732, recommending the City Council approve the proposed entitlements for the project. Four conditions of approval were added to address the Commissioners' concerns related to vehicle circulation within the project, pedestrian access, and the proposed architecture of the drive-through facing Tennessee Street.
The proposal includes approximately 71,400 square feet of commercial space divided between six buildings, which includes a grocery store anchor tenant (36,000 sq. ft.), a drive-through building (3,900 sq. ft.) and four multi-tenant shops buildings ranging in size from 6,600 to 10,000 sq. ft. The project also includes related on-site and off-site improvements such as parking lot improvements, access driveways, landscaping, lighting, utilities and drainage improvements.
Mayor Saucedo expressed concerns regarding the traffic flow as vehicles would exit the development onto Tennessee Street, and recommended the Applicant explore the possibility of incorporating public art and include elements from the City's citrus heritage, to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the plain walls at the drive-through site. Mayor Pro Tem Shaw also offered his concerns related to traffic and wondered about adding a protected left-turn pocket.
Regency Centers Traffic Engineering Consultant Rawad Hani responded to Council Member questions and proposed the idea of prohibiting left turns when exiting onto Tennessee. Additionally, he suggested the implementation of traffic calming measures to improve safety and manage traffic flow effectively. Ray Kayacan, representing Regency Centers, mentioned that the project includes a comprehensive landscaping design intended to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal and break up the appearance of plain walls, and he expressed a willingness to incorporate public art into the design.
As public comment, John Malcolm wondered how the developer was addressing the limited electrical infrastructure capacity at this project location. Mr. Kayacan reported that the developer is actively engaged in discussions with Southern California Edison to address the issue of insufficient infrastructure capacity, and they are in the process of seeking an economically viable power source. With no further comments, Mayor Saucedo closed the public hearing.
On motion of Council Member Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Shaw, the City Council, by roll call vote, adopted Resolution No. 8752 to approve entitlements for the Regency Centers Redlands Marketplace project; and introduced Ordinance No. 3001. It was noted the Applicant would work with staff to incorporate public art for certain areas of the project.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
2. Public Hearing to Consider Resolution No. 8758 Overruling Objections and Proceeding with the Weed Abatement of Subject Properties
Mayor Saucedo declared the meeting open as a public hearing and called on Fire Chief Sessler for a report on Resolution No. 8758. Beginning in February, Community Risk Reduction staff conducted inspections of parcels throughout the City to identify fire hazards, finding approximately 130 parcels that required abatement. Notice was provided to each affected property owner, allowing 14 days to abate the nuisance. Property owners were advised that failure to comply would result in the City abating the property, with associated costs assessed against the property as a lien until paid. Resolution No. 8758 will authorize the City to proceed with abatement of the identified parcels found to be in violation. Continued abatement efforts mitigate the threat of wildland fires, which can overwhelm firefighting resources and contribute to the destruction of homes and property. With no further discussion, Mayor Saucedo closed the public hearing.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Shaw, seconded by Council Member Davis, the City Council, by roll call vote, adopted Resolution No. 8758, overruling objections and proceeding with the abatement of subject properties.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
L. New Business
1. Consideration of Resolution No. 8757 Updating the City's Fund Balance Policy and Rescission of Resolution No. 7346
Management Services/Finance Director Garcia presented Resolution No. 8757 adopting an updated Fund Balance Policy. Resolution No. 8757 adopts an updated Fund Balance Policy to clarify that certain General Fund surplus set-asides are discretionary and subject to City Manager recommendation and City Council action. The proposed update is intended to clarify the policy framework and align the written language with the City’s established procedures, while maintaining consistency with GASB 54 fund balance classifications. Under the updated policy, year-end fund balance actions would continue to be implemented through City Council approval during the normal budget cycles.
On motion of Council Member Barich, seconded by Council Member Davis, the City Council, by roll call vote, approved Resolution No. 8757 adopting an updated Fund Balance Policy and rescinding Resolution No. 7346.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
2. Consideration of the recommendation for appointment of three (3) Trustees to the Board of the Redlands Public Improvement Corporation
Management Services/Finance Director Garcia explained that the Redlands Public Improvement Corporation (RPIC) is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation formed in 1985 to support public improvement financing and related municipal purposes. Its Bylaws were adopted in August 1985 and remain in effect. The Board is required to consist of three trustees, and the powers of the Corporation are exercised by that Board.
The City is currently advancing the construction of a new Redlands Police Department Safety Hall facility. As part of that process, the City is evaluating financing structures commonly used for municipal capital projects of this scale, including lease revenue bond or certificate of participation structures. Because the Corporation has not met in many years, all trustee positions are currently vacant. Pursuant to Article IV of the Bylaws, the Board must consist of three (3) trustees designated by the City Council.
Appointment of three trustees will allow the Corporation to:
On motion of Mayor Saucedo, seconded by Council Member Tejeda, the City Council, by roll call vote, appointed Mayor Pro Tem Shaw, Council Member Barich and Council Member Davis to serve as Trustees on the Board of the Redlands Public Improvement Corporation pursuant to its Bylaws.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
3. Consideration of Resolution No. 8767 Amending the Bylaws of the Redlands Public Improvement Corporation
Management Services/Finance Director Garcia introduced Resolution No. 8767 Amending the Bylaws of the Redlands Public Improvement Corporation. The Redlands Public Improvement Corporation (RPIC) was originally established to assist the City in facilitating the financing of public capital improvements. As the City prepares to advance the Redlands Police Department Safety Hall (RPDSH) project, the RPIC may serve an important role in supporting a potential Certificates of Participation (COPs) financing structure. In order for the RPIC to function effectively in this capacity, certain updates to its governing bylaws are necessary to align its structure with the City’s current administrative framework and operational practices.
The most significant change relates to the composition of the Board of Trustees. Under the original bylaws adopted in 1985, the Corporation was governed by a three-member board appointed by the City Council for staggered three-year terms. The amended bylaws instead provide that the members of the Redlands City Council shall serve ex officio as the members of the Board of Trustees, with each trustee’s term automatically tied to their service on the City Council. This change simplifies governance and ensures that the Corporation’s actions remain directly accountable to the City’s elected officials.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Shaw, seconded by Council Member Tejeda, the City Council, by roll call vote, adopted Resolution No. 8767.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
4. Consideration of a First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Tilden-Coil Constructors, Inc., for Master Construction Management Services for State Street City Hall to increase the total agreement to an amount not to exceed $2,108,510, approval of an additional appropriation, and determination that this action is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act
Assistant City Manager Boatman explained the need for a First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Tilden-Coil Constructors, Inc., for Master Construction Management Services for State Street City Hall to increase the total agreement to an amount not to exceed $2,108,510. In December 2024 City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement with Tilden-Coil Constructors, Inc. for Master Construction Management Services for State Street City Hall. Since that time, Tilden-Coil Constructors, Inc., has provided pre-construction evaluation of the designs as the development of the new City Hall Facility has progressed. The proposed First Amendment to the Agreement with Tilden-Coil Constructors reflects additional pre-construction services and associated cost adjustments resulting from an extended design period necessary to obtain fully biddable and approved construction documents.
On motion of Council Member Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Barich, the City Council, by roll call vote, determined that approval of the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Tilden-Coil Constructors, Inc., is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; approved the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Tilden-Coil Constructors, Inc. for Master Construction Management Services for State Street City Hall to increase the total agreement to an amount not to exceed $2,108,510; and approved an additional appropriation of $745,152.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
5. Consideration of a First Amendment to the Purchase and Sale Agreement with Sartin Properties, LLC
Assistant City Manager Boatman offered context surrounding the First Amendment to the Purchase and Sale Agreement with Sartin Properties, LLC, stating that on March 3, 2026, the City Council approved a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Sartin Properties, LLC for the sale of the property. The buyer has indicated that the intended use of the property will be agricultural. The proposed First Amendment to the Purchase and Sale Agreement increases the purchase price from $250,000 to $300,000 so that the purchase price aligns with the appraised value of the property. The amendment also provides that the City will pay customary closing costs associated with the transaction. All other terms of the previously approved agreement remain unchanged.
On motion of Council Member Barich, seconded by Council Member Tejeda, the City Council, by roll call vote, approved the First Amendment to the Purchase and Sale Agreement with Sartin Properties, LLC.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
M. Individual Council Member Announcements and/or Reports on Activities
Council Members expressed their deep gratitude for everyone involved with the Community Day of Service held on Saturday at Ford Park. There were close to 600 people working, shoveling, digging, and raking, making the park look beautiful. A big thanks went to Redlands Kiwanis Club for feeding the hungry workers.
N. Adjournment
The City Council meeting recessed to continue Closed Session discussion at 7:24 P.M.
The City Council reconvened at 8:00 P.M..
Closed Session Report: City Attorney Garcia announced the following actions: C.1 - No reportable action; C.2 - The item was removed from the agenda; C.3 - No reportable action.
There being no further action required, the meeting adjourned at 8:01 P.M. The next regular meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on April 7, 2026.
O. Redlands Public Improvement Corporation
1. Call regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Redlands Public Improvement Corporation
Chair Saucedo opened the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Redlands Public Improvement Corporation (RPIC) and offered the public an opportunity to address them on any subject within its jurisdiction, which is not already scheduled on the agenda.
2. Public Comment - Redlands Public Improvement Corporation
There was no public comment.
3. Consideration of Resolution No. 2026-01 Amending Bylaws of the Redlands Public Improvement Corporation
City Manager Duggan briefly reviewed Resolution No. 2026-01 amending and restating the Bylaws for the Redlands Public Improvement Corporation. The Redlands Public Improvement Corporation (“RPIC” or “Corporation”) is a nonprofit public benefit corporation established by the City of Redlands to assist the City in financing, acquiring, and constructing public improvements that benefit the health, safety, and welfare of the City and its residents. The Corporation may participate with the City in financing structures such as leases or other arrangements that support the delivery of municipal capital projects.
In connection with the potential use of the Corporation to support future municipal financing activities, Amended and Restated Bylaws for the Corporation were prepared. The amendments modernize the governance structure of the Corporation while maintaining the original organizational framework established when the Corporation was formed. Key updates include aligning the membership of the Board of Trustees with the members of the Redlands City Council, who will serve as ex officio, and designating the officers of the Corporation to correspond with existing City leadership positions, including the Mayor as Chair of the Board, the City Manager as President, the City Clerk as Secretary, and the City Treasurer as Treasurer.
The amended bylaws also clarify meeting procedures and administrative provisions, including establishing that the Board will hold at least one regular meeting annually and that all meetings will comply with the requirements of the Ralph M. Brown Act. These updates are intended to ensure that the Corporation can operate efficiently and transparently when needed to support City financing activities while maintaining alignment with the City’s governance structure. Adoption of the resolution will approve the Amended and Restated Bylaws and allow them to stand as the governing bylaws of the Corporation, subject to approval by the Redlands City Council as required by the bylaws.
On motion of Board Member Barich, seconded by Board Member Davis, the RPIC Board of Directors, by roll call vote, approved Resolution No. 2026-01 amending and restating the Bylaws for the Redlands Public Improvement Corporation.
Vote: 3 - 0 Passed
4. Adjourn Redlands Public Improvement Corporation
There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 8:04 P.M.