MINUTES
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35 Cajon Street, on Tuesday, May 5, 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. City Attorney Garcia announced that due to an illness, Council Member Tejeda would participate remotely during tonight's meeting.
B. Public Comment
No public comment.
C. Recess City Council Meeting to a Closed Session
1. Conference with legal counsel: Existing Litigation - Government Code §54956.9(d)(1)
(City Attorney Abich Garcia)
Two Cases:
a. Holzer v. City of Redlands, et al., San Bernardino Superior Court, Case No. CIVSB2322787
b. Wagner Zemming Christensen, LLP v. City of Redlands, San Bernardino Superior Court, Case No.CIVSB2529490
D. Reconvene City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Mayor Saucedo reconvened the meeting at 6:04 P.M. Council Member Tejeda announced that due to an illness, he would participate remotely during tonight's meeting.
E. Invocation by Council Member Tejeda - Pledge of Allegiance by Lugonia Elementary
F. Closed Session Report
City Attorney Garcia announced that no reportable action was taken during the closed session.
G. Presentations
1. Redlands Pet Adoption
Animal Services Supervisor Joe Alcarez and Kennel Attendant Hailey Stuck showed off "Gordy", a one- year-old male Australian Cattle Dog, who is available for adoption, along with forty-four other dogs and five cats at the Redlands Animal Shelter. Mr. Alcarez provided the Shelter statistics for March 2026, which included 41 adopted dogs, and 4 adopted cats.
2. Presentation of Certificate of Recognition to Redlands High School student Jiarui Li for receiving a $50,000 scholarship from Southern California Edison
No presentation was made.
3. Presentation of the Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Proclamation to Sabre Foster and Kevin Suzuki with the Redlands Japanese Cultural Center
Mayor Saucedo presented the proclamation.
4. Presentation of the National Day of Prayer Proclamation presented to Kawa Shwaish, President, Redlands Area Interfaith Council
Mayor Saucedo presented the proclamation.
H. Public Comment - City Council
Teamster Negotiations - Teamster's Business Agent Andrew Coleman requested the City continue to bargain in good faith with a strong emphasis on investing in its employees. He noted again that City employees are, on average, paid 12% below market.
Seeking to Serve - Lucille Yglesias, who recently retired, said she was ready and willing to volunteer in a part-time capacity as a way to serve the community.
Open Government - Stephen Rogers raised concerns about the City's reporting through the Notice of Department Designation (NODD) filed with the State for Development Services and Municipal Utilities and Engineering Departments.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Mayor Saucedo reported that Council Member Tejeda was unable to continue participating remotely. A quorum was established and the meeting continued.
I. Consent Calendar
1. Approve minutes of the regular meeting of April 21, 2026
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the minutes of the regular meeting of April 21, 2026.
Vote: 3-0 Passed
2. Authorize issuance of a proclamation declaring May 7, 2026, as National Day of Prayer in the City of Redlands
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the Proclamation.
Vote: 3-0 Passed
3. Authorize issuance of a proclamation declaring the month of May 2026, as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the Proclamation.
Vote: 3-0 Passed
4. Approve Side Letter between the City of Redlands and the Redlands Association of Department Directors
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the Side Letter of agreement between the City and the Redlands Association of Department Directors. Sean Reilly was promoted to the position of Development Services Director on March 16, 2026. The RADD MOU provides for annual leave with a cap of 900 hours. The Side Letter provides Director Reilly up until December 31, 2027, to utilize or sell his earned leave while continuing to accrue leave. All other provisions of the MOU are unaffected by this side letter of agreement.
Vote: 3-0 Passed
5. Adopt Resolution No. 8776, Rescinding Resolution No. 8105 and Establishing Updated Terms for Portal-to-Portal Compensation for Fire Department Personnel
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8776, rescinding Resolution No. 8105, and establishing updated terms and conditions for portal-to-portal compensation for Fire Department personnel.
Vote: 3-0 Passed
6. Approve a Sole Source Three-Year Agreement with Fifth Asset Inc., dba Debtbook, for the provision of Debt Management Software and Lease/Subscription Management Software in the amount of $52,500
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the sole source three-year agreement with Fifth Asset Inc., dba Debtbook, for the provision of debt management software and lease/subscription management software in the amount of $52,500.
Vote: 3-0 Passed
7. Reject all bids for the Redlands Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades - Phase 2, Project No. 521006, and direct staff to solicit new bids for the project
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council rejected, by roll call vote, all bids received for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades, Phase 2; and directed staff to solicit new bids. All bids significantly exceed the construction cost estimate and available Project funding.
Vote: 3-0 Passed
8. Approve a Purchase Order Modification in the amount of $87,000 with Flock Group, Inc. for the remainder of the fiscal year
Deputy Chief Jeremy Floyd explained that the City approved a sole-source renewal with Flock Group, Inc on November 4, 2025, for automated license plate recognition (ALPR) camera leases and related subscription/licensing services. These cameras have helped law enforcement with investigations in serious crimes and continue to support public safety.
The additional request of $87,000 covers service for 29 deployed ALPR cameras across multiple phases, based on renewal invoices and subscription quotes, including coverage for the 2026–2027 service period. The funding will keep services uninterrupted and maintain compliance with contractual obligations. The total purchase order will rise from $133,500 to $220,500, funded through the City’s Citizens’ Option for Public Safety (COPS) program budget.
As public comment, Kathy Sadanala pointed out the cameras are sold as crime fighting tools but she insisted that instead, they silently undermine constitutional rights, violate the Fourth Amendment, and are used far beyond their intended use. John Malcolm described certain controversies surrounding Flock Group and suggested this item be tabled and brought back to a future meeting for a more thorough public discussion. He added there are a number of national and local agencies who have voiced their distrust of what they perceive as an expanding surveillance infrastructure which could potentially be used to target individuals. Deputy Chief Floyd offered clarification that the Police Department is permitted access to the database only when there is an active investigation associated with a case number.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, seconded by Mayor Mario Saucedo, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, a purchase order modification in the amount of $87,000 with Flock Group, Inc. for the remainder of fiscal year 2025-26.
Vote: 3-0 Passed
9. Approve a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Los Angeles Police Department for Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit and authorize the Chief of Police to sign the agreement
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Los Angeles Police Department for Internet Crimes Against Children Unit; and authorized the Chief of Police to sign the agreement.
Vote: 3-0 Passed
10. Adopt Resolution No. 8759 Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Apply for and Accept Caltrans Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Matching Grant Funds
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8759, authorizing the City Manager or designee to apply for California Department of Transportation grants related to the Redlands Municipal Airport.
Vote: 3-0 Passed
11. Adopt Resolution No. 8769 initiating proceedings to continue levying assessments, appointing an assessment engineer, and ordering the preparation of the Engineer's Reports for Street Lighting District No. 1 and Landscape Maintenance District No. 1, rescind Resolution No. 8651, and determine that adoption of the resolution is exempt from environmental review pursuant to the general rule of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8769, initiating proceedings to continue levying assessments, appointing an assessment engineer, and ordering the preparation of Engineer's Reports for Street Lighting District No. 1 and Landscape Maintenance District No.1; and determined adoption of Resolution No. 8769 is exempt from environmental review pursuant to the general rule of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines.
Vote: 3-0 Passed
12. Approve the request of an in-kind support in the amount of $11,448.00 related to the Annual Redlands Festival of Arts event hosted by Redlands Art Festival Association, Inc., on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24, 2026; approve temporary street closures of South 4th Street and Eureka Street; authorize sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages at the event; and determine that the event is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15311(c) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council determined, by roll call vote, that the approval of the Redlands Festival of Arts 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 $11,448.00; and approved the temporary street closures on South 4th Street and Eureka Street; and authorize the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, for the Annual Redlands Festival of Arts event to be held on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Vote: 3-0 Passed
13. Approve the request of an in-kind support in the amount of $54,212.28 related to the Summer Music Festival hosted by Redlands Bowl Performing Arts (RBPA), beginning June 19, 2026, and continuing through August 14, 2026; approve temporary street closures of Eureka Street and Grant Street; and determine that the event is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15311(c) of the state's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the event is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15311(c) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environment Quality Act; approved the request for in-kind support in the amount of $54,212.28; and approved the temporary street closures of Eureka Street and Grant Street for the Summer Music Festival event, beginning June 19, 2026 and continuing through August 14, 2026.
Vote: 3-0 Passed
14. Approve the request of an in-kind support in the amount of $10,854 for the street closures related to the Jagannath Rath Yatra (Summer Float Festival) event held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, hosted by Shri Darshan, and determine that the event is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15311(c) of the state's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, 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 Environment Quality Act; approved the request for in-kind support in the amount of $10,854.00; and approved the temporary street closure of Church Street, East Colton Avenue, division Street, and East High Avenue for the Jagannath Rath Yatra, which will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
Vote: 3-0 Passed
J. Communications
1. Consideration of a Letter of Support for San Bernardino County’s Active Transportation Program Application for Safe Routes to School Improvements Serving Redlands East Valley High School
Mayor Saucedo explained that San Bernardino County is preparing an application for Active Transportation Program (ATP) funding to implement Safe Routes to School improvements serving Redlands East Valley High School. While the project is located in an unincorporated area adjacent to the City, it will benefit Redlands students and families traveling to the school. Proposed improvements include sidewalks, bicycle facilities, enhanced crossings, and traffic-calming measures to improve safety and connectivity.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council authorized, by roll call vote, the Mayor to sign a letter of support for San Bernardino County's Active Transportation Program (ATP) application for Safe Routes to School improvements serving Redlands East Valley High School.
Vote: 3-0 Passed
2. City of Redlands Food Security Task Force Update and Provide Direction to Staff
Homeless Solution Manager David Rabindranath reported that the City Council adopted Resolution No. 8732 on November 4, 2025, creating the City of Redlands Food Security and Child Nutrition Support Initiative and directing staff to form a Food Security Task Force. The Task Force met with local nonprofit and faith-based providers to identify food access challenges, including rising food costs, reduced funding, transportation barriers, limited distribution capacity, and coordination issues.
The Task Force recommended several possible strategies for Council consideration: donating tote bags and boxes for food distribution, evaluating shared cold storage options, creating a mini-grant program for food providers, exploring transportation assistance such as a vehicle or bus passes, and improving coordination and communication among providers.
Assistant City Manager Boatman expressed his appreciation to everyone who participated in the Task Force meetings, which offered a valuable opportunity for open, meaningful, and substantive dialogue. Staff is now seeking City Council direction on which options to pursue and whether further analysis or detailed program proposals are needed.
In a lengthy discussion, Council Members offered their thoughts and perspectives regarding the recommendations and how best to move forward. Council Member Davis was grateful to be a part of this program and said she supported all the Task Force's recommendations, especially the development of a mini-grant program. Mayor Saucedo stressed the importance of establishing a coordinated outreach effort that could leverage the strengths of each and every organization. His vision called for the City to serve as a central clearinghouse of information for non-profit organizations. Mayor Pro Tem Shaw pointed out that several groups were capable of doing the work, and he was hesitant to place the funding burden solely on the City.
As public comment, Kawa Shwaish of Redlands Area Interfaith Council, agreed that many resources are available, but it was essential to harness these resources through a coordinated approach. Mayor Saucedo was in support of tabling the item. He added that Fair for Change, a community event designed to connect people with meaningful ways to give back, was continuing to encourage greater participation and bring more people to the table.
Council Member Denise Davis motioned to direct staff to create a discussion item for the Food Insecurity Task Force recommendation into the Fiscal Year 2027-2028 City Council budget discussions. With no second, the motion failed.
On motion of Mayor Mario Saucedo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, the City Council agreed, by roll call vote, to table this item to allow more time to hear from various stakeholders and non-profit partners.
Vote: 3-0 Passed
3. Consideration of the recommendation for appointment of one (1) representative to the San Bernardino Regional Housing Trust Board
Assistant City Manager Boatman reported on Resolution No. 8766 authorizing the City of Redlands to participate in the Joint Powers Authority (JPA) establishing the San Bernardino Regional Housing Trust (SBRHT). The formation of the SBRHT followed several years of regional coordination led by the San Bernardino Council of Governments (SBCOG), beginning in 2021 with the creation of an ad hoc subcommittee to evaluate the feasibility of a regional housing trust. Subsequent outreach, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement throughout 2022 and 2023 resulted in the recommendation to form a regional JPA to support affordable housing production, preservation, and financing efforts across San Bernardino County.
As part of the approved governance structure, participating member agencies may appoint a representative to serve on the SBRHT Board of Directors. This item returns to the City Council for consideration of appointing the City of Redlands’ representative to the Board, allowing the City to participate in regional decision-making, funding priorities, and policy direction related to affordable housing initiatives.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, seconded by Mayor Mario Saucedo, the City Council appointed, by roll call vote, Council Member Denise Davis to serve as the City of Redlands' representative to the San Bernardino Regional Housing Trust Board.
Vote: 3-0 Passed
K. New Business
1. Consideration of the First Amendment to the Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF-2) Agreement with the California Interagency Council on Homelessness (Cal ICH) and Approval of Amendments to Sub-recipient Agreements
Homeless Solutions Manager David Rabindranath presented the First Amendment to the Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF-2 Agreement with the California Interagency Council on Homelessness (Cal ICH) and approval of amendments to sub-recipient agreements. The amendment updates administrative terms, aligns the contract with the current State requirements, and extends the agreement by 13 months, moving the end date from March 31, 2027 to April 30, 2028. This gives the City and its partners more time to implement the program and spend the awarded $4,529.069 in ERF-2 funds. It also revises exhibits such as the scope of work, budget, and terms and conditions, while keeping the overall grant amount and approved program scope unchanged.
Sub-recipient agreements are extended to match the revised timeline, and the Church of Religious Science agreement increases by $5,000 to a total of $185,000. The Family Service Association and Salvation Army agreements are also extended. Overall, the amendment is intended to maintain compliance, ensure continuity of services, and support outreach, case management, housing navigation, and other supportive services for people experiencing homelessness.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the First Amendment to the Encampment Resolution funding (ERF-2) Agreement with the California Interagency Council on Homelessness (Cal ICH); approved the Amendments to Sub-recipient Agreements; approved the four (4) amended agreements for the ERF-2 sub-recipients agreements; authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the amendment and all related documents; and authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute and administer sub-recipient agreements necessary to implement the ERF-2 program.
Vote: 3-0 Passed
2. Consideration of Approval of Citywide Annual Purchase Orders for miscellaneous supplies with Fastenal, Home Depot, Lowe's and Office Depot for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, in an amount not to exceed $1,080,000
Management Services/Finance Director Garcia reviewed the Citywide Annual Purchase Order for miscellaneous supplies with Fastenal, Home Depot, Lowe's and Office Depot for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, in an amount not to exceed $1,080,000. By leveraging purchasing power and economies of scale, the annual estimated savings to the City is roughly $115,000.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the Citywide Annual Purchase Orders with Lowe’s, Fastenal, Home Depot, and Office Depot for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, in a total amount not to exceed $1,080,000.
Vote: 3-0 Passed
L. Individual Council Member Announcements and/or Reports on Activities
1. Individual Council Member Report on Activities for April 2026 from Mayor Pro Tem Shaw
In lieu of individual announcements and reports, Mayor Saucedo, Mayor Pro Tem Shaw, Council Member Davis, and staff took the opportunity to recognize the many accomplishments and significant contributions made by Assistant City Manager Chris Boatman throughout his years of dedicated service to Redlands. He will be greatly missed. Mr. Boatman expressed his gratitude to everyone and shared that his time with the City has been deeply rewarding and it's been a privilege for him to serve in the city where he grew up.
M. Adjournment
There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 7:19 P.M. The next regular meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on May 19, 2026.