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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-19-2025 MCC Regular City of San Bernardino 201 North E Street San Bernardino, CA 92401 http://www.sbcity.org 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, MARCH 19, 2025 3:30 P.M. The Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Mayor Helen Tran on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Feldheym Central Library, San Bernardino, CA. CALL TO ORDER Theodore Sanchez Council Member, Ward 1 Present Sandra Ibarra Council Member, Ward 2 Late 3:40 p.m. Juan Figueroa Mayor Pro-Tem, Ward 3 Present Fred Shorett Council Member, Ward 4 Present Kim Knaus Council Member, Ward 5 Late 3:55 p.m. Mario Flores Council Member, Ward 6 Present Dr. Treasure Ortiz Council Member, Ward 7 Present Helen Tran Mayor Present Bill Gallardo Interim City Manager Present Albert Maldonado Assistant City Attorney Present Telicia Lopez Chief Deputy City Clerk Present Courtney Bowen Deputy City Clerk Present Mayor Helen Tran Council Members Theodore Sanchez Sandra Ibarra Juan Figueroa Fred Shorett Kim Knaus Mario Flores Dr. Treasure Ortiz Regular Meeting Minutes March 19, 2025 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 2 3:30 P.M. CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENT Christian Shaughnessy spoke about Item B and the risk of litigation. He discussed past behavior of Council Members and possibility of censure. CLOSED SESSION A) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ­ EXISTING LITIGATION (PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(A) AND (D)(1): i. Jose Alvarado, et al. v. City of San Bernardino, et al., United States District Court Case No. 5:24-cv-00088 ii. Dennis Houser v. City of San Bernardino, Workers’ Compensation Case No.ADJ15488028 iii. Thomas Shank v. City of San Bernardino, Workers’ Compensation Case No. ADJ15724149; ADJ15724051; ADJ16655896; ADJ15724050; ADJ13174538; ADH11237727; ADJ39990589; ADJ1710432; ADJ39990589; ADJ153836; AND ADJ4205384 iv. Sherry, Vasilis v. City of San Bernardino, Workers ’ Compensation Case No. ADJ18537573; ADJ18191924; ADJ14378758; and ADJ7270414 v. Michael Paluzzi v. City of San Bernardino, Workers’ Compensation Case No. ADJ16428063; and ADJ16428064 vi. Ronel Newton v. City of San Bernardino, Workers’ Compensation Case No. ADJ16142895; and ADJ12116625 vii. City of San Bernardino v. Arrowhead Lodge No. 896 et al., San Bernardino Superior Court, Case No. CIVSB2221041. B) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)): Two (2) Cases C) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): One (1) Case D) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION PROCESS (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957) Titles: City Attorney, City Clerk E) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957) Titles: City Manager (Meet with Recruiter) Appointment of Interim City Clerk F) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6): Agency Designated Representative: City Manager or Designee Employee Organization: General Unit – Teamsters Local 1932, Management Confidential Group – SBCMA, Mid Management Unit – Teamsters Local 1932, Police Dispatch Unit – SBPDA, San Bernardino Police Civilian Association – AFSCME Local 4710, Police Management Unit – PMA and Police Safety Unit – SBPOA Regular Meeting Minutes March 19, 2025 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 3 5:00 P.M. The Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino was called to order at 5:41 PM by Mayor Helen Tran on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Feldheym Central Library, San Bernardino, CA. Attendee Name Title Status Arrived INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pastor Mason Jones from Generations Church led the invocation, and Lisa Mahan from Jefferson Hunt Elementary School led the Pledge of Allegiance. CLOSED SESSION REPORT Assistant City Attorney Albert Maldonado announced that the Mayor and City Council had discussed all Closed Session Items except for the first portion of Item E) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT: City Manager (Meet with Recruiter) and Item F) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR, which would be brought back at a future meeting. Regarding Item C) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, the Mayor and City Council voted unanimously (Motion by Council Member Shorett, Second by Council Member Sanchez) to initiate litigation in this Code Enforcement receivership action. Regarding the second portion of Item E) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT: Appointment of Interim City Clerk, the Mayor and City Council voted unanimously (Motion by Council Member Shorett, Second by Council Member Knaus) to appoint Chief Deputy City Clerk Telicia Lopez as Acting City Clerk, effective April 5, 2025, commensurate with the current City Clerk leaving the City on April 4, 2025. PRESENTATIONS 1. Proclamation for National Senior Games Week in the City of San Bernardino – March 17­23, 2025 (All Wards) Mayor Tran announced that this item was being removed from the agenda and would return to a future meeting, confirmed by Interim City Manager Gallardo. Regular Meeting Minutes March 19, 2025 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 4 2. Certificate of Recognition for Aquinas Boys Basketball Division 3A CIF Champions (Ward 4) The Mayor and City Council presented certificates to the Aquinas Boys basketball team and their coaches. Council Member Ortiz congratulated the team on their recent championship. Head Coach Daryl Pegram thanked the City for the recognition. 3. Animal Services Department Projects and Programs Update (All Wards) Director of Animal Services Kris Watson provided the update. Key topics included staff training, partnerships with nearby cities, 2024 department statistics, and introduction of new programs at the shelter. CITY MANAGER UPDATE Interim City Manager Bill Gallardo provided the City Manager Update. Highlights included street repairs, renovations at Seccombe Lake park, and new businesses opening in the City. PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ITEMS LISTED AND NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA Richard Mendoza spoke about concerns with illegal truck parking and dust near The Rock Church and school, asking for code enforcement action and better communication. Jim Smith expressed pride in local institutions and appreciation for recent city and animal shelter updates. Al Palazzo shared a personal story and spoke about his commitment to improving San Bernardino through his professional experience. Mike Hartley welcomed the new Interim City Manager, noted improvements in safety, and spoke about the need for more code enforcement. Kim Calvin spoke about the city’s allocation of funds for a recent legal settlement and raised concerns about legal compliance and transparency. Joe Salas encouraged community participation in the new City Manager survey and highlighted the importance of engaging young people and the public. Luis Ojeda spoke about positive police work and highlighted the need for proactive code enforcement regarding absentee property owners. John Shollenberger spoke about accountability related to the handling of investigations and claims. Christian Shaughnessy spoke in support of homelessness efforts by City staff, but suggested that some council members should be investigated. Donald Monti with San Bernardino Development Company informed the council about his company’s previous role in city development and reiterated his commitment to revitalization despite past termination. Regular Meeting Minutes March 19, 2025 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 5 Georgia L. commented in opposition to the animal services report, questioning reported successes and the leadership’s effectiveness. Lynne Wear spoke in support of emergency preparedness efforts and encouraged neighborhood-level readiness. Rikke Van Johnson spoke about concerns regarding an investigation into city officials and welcomed new city leadership while noting ongoing legal issues. Martha Romero commented about the animal shelter update. She requested additional transparency for the public. Junior Carrillo spoke in honor of a fallen officer and highlighted positive achievements within the police department. Page Miller spoke in support of law enforcement efforts, advocated for homeless care courts, and emphasized improvements in animal services. Lydia Savala questioned the accuracy and transparency of animal shelter data and spoke about the need for better documentation. Tammy Valdivia commented about concerns in the handling of an emaciated dog case and the enforcement of spay/neuter laws. Dima Giedraitis spoke about animal euthanasia practices and suggested donating animal cadavers for science. Jan Robinson expressed concerns regarding city leadership and the use of investigations, urging citizens to remain aware. Christopher Chebeleu informed about a local parking issue involving commercial zoning and narrow streets. 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. RESULT: APPROVED THE CONSENT CALENDAR AND PULLED ITEM NO. 9 FOR A SEPARATE VOTE [7­0] MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4 SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz 4. Approval to allocate $600,000 from the General Fund for a Rapid Rehousing Program in partnership with the Salvation Army (All Wards) Recommendation: It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California: Regular Meeting Minutes March 19, 2025 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 6 1. Approve Resolution No. 2025 -265 to am end the FY 2024/2025 Operating Budget, authorizing the allocation of $600,000 from the General Fund’s fund balance for Rapid Rehousing Services. 2. Approve The Salvation Army as the single-source provider for Rapid Rehousing Services, based on their expertise and established infrastructure. 3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with The Salvation Army for the Rapid Rehousing Program, including any necessary amendments, extensions, or related documents. RESULT: ADOPTED RESOLUTION 2025­265 [7­0] MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4 SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz 5. Right of Entry Agreement with BNSF Railway Company (Ward 1 and 6) Recommendation: It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, approve a Right of Entry Agreement with BNSF Railway Company; and authorize the City Manager to execute the Right of Entry Agreement in order to carry out certain maintenance and improvement obligations related to the BNSF Ono Lead Track Extension Project Completion Agreement. RESULT: APPROVED STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION [7­0] MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4 SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz 6. Approval of Commercial and Payroll Disbursements and Purchase Card Transactions for December 2024 (All Wards) Recommendation: It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California approve the commercial and payroll disbursements for December 2024. RESULT: APPROVED STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION [7­0] MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4 SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz Regular Meeting Minutes March 19, 2025 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 7 7. Receive and File the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for the Year Ended June 30, 2024 (All Wards) Recommendation: It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, receive and file City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for the Year Ended June 30, 2024. RESULT: APPROVED STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION [7­0] MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4 SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz 8. Authorize a Lease Agreement with Mobile Modular Management Corporation for the Verdemont Community Center for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $47,825.95 (Ward 5) Recommendation: It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California: 1. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a new agreement with Mobile Modular Management Services for the lease and extension of the Verdemont Community Center (temporary) building for a period of 12 months at a monthly cost not to exceed $1,944.47. 2. Authorize the Director of Finance and Management Services to issue an annual purchase order to Mobile Modular Management Corporation in the amount of $47,825.95 with four option years to be exercised at the City’s discretion for the lease agreement. This amount includes $24,492.31 for payment of prior-year monthly leasing fees incurred due to staff oversight resulting from personnel turnover. RESULT: APPROVED STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION [7­0] MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4 SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz Regular Meeting Minutes March 19, 2025 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 8 9. Award an Agreement to Resource Environmental, Inc. to Demolish and Abate the property located at 796 E. 6th Street to prepare the site for construction of the future Navigation Center for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $177,200 (Ward 1) Recommendation: It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California: 1. Authorize the City Manager or designee to approve the award of an agreement with Resource Environmental, Inc., in the amount of $177,200 for abatement of hazardous materials and demolition of the existing School of Hope buildings; and, 2. Authorize the Director of Finance and Management Services to approve contingencies in the amount of $35,440 for unforeseen conditions that may arise during the abatement or demolition processes, for a total not to exceed budget of $212,640.00; and, 3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents with Resource Environmental, Inc.; and, 4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to expend the contingency fund, if necessary, to complete the project. RESULT: APPROVED STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION [7­0] MOVER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7 SECONDER: Theodore Sanchez, Council Member, Ward 1 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz 10. Award of Construction Agreement to Prestige Paving Company Inc., for the Re­ Paving of the Ruben Campos Community Center Parking Lot for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $292,993.27 (Ward 1) Recommendation: It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino California: 1. Approve the award of a Construction Agreement with Prestige Paving Company Inc., in the amount of $244,161.06 for the Re-Paving of the Ruben Campos Community Center Parking Lot (Project); and 2. Authorize construction contingencies, construction management, and administrative costs in the total amount of $48,832.21 for construction of the project; and 3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents with Prestige Paving Company Inc.; and 4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to expend the contingency fund, if necessary, to complete the project; and 5. Find the Project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines § 15302 (“Replacement or Reconstruction”). Regular Meeting Minutes March 19, 2025 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 9 RESULT: APPROVED STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION [7­0] MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4 SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz 11. Approval of Task Order Number 002 to Rick Engineering for a total amount not to exceed $70,260 for Design Services on the Pepper Street Storm Drain from Lynwood Drive South to Piedmont Drive (Lynwood Drive Storm Drain) (Ward 4) Recommendation: It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, adopt Resolution 2025-266: 1. Approving Task Order Number 002 with Rick Engineering Company, Inc,. in the amount of $58,550.00 for Storm Drain design services for Pepper Street Storm Drain from Lynwood Drive South to Piedmont Drive (Lynwood Drive Storm Drain) Project; and 2. Authorizing design contingencies, project management, and administrative costs in the amount of $11,710.00; and 3. Authorizing the Director of Finance and Management Services to amend the FY 2024/25 Capital Improvement Plan by re-allocating $70,260.00 from the Storm Drain Upgrade project to the Pepper Street Storm Drain from Lynwood Drive South to Piedmont Drive (Lynwood Drive Storm Drain) Project; and 4. Authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute an all documents necessary for the Task Order with Rick Engineering Company; and 5. Authorizing the City Manager or designee to expend the contingency fund, if necessary, to complete the project. RESULT: ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2025­266 [7­0] MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4 SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz Regular Meeting Minutes March 19, 2025 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 10 12. Approval of Task Order Number 003 with Rick Engineering for Design Services for Baldridge Canyon Drive Storm Improvements (Pleasant Hill Drive Storm Drain) from Baldridge Canyon Drive to Drainage Channel for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $126,060 (Ward 4) Recommendation: It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California adopt Resolution 2025-267: 1. Approving Task Order Number 003 with Rick Engineering Company, Inc,. in the amount of $57,300.00 for design services for Baldridge Canyon Drive Storm Improvements (Pleasant Hill Drive Storm Drain) from Baldridge Canyon Drive to Drainage Channel (Project); and 2. Authorizing design contingencies, project management, and administrative costs in the amount of $11,460.00; and 3. Authorizing the Interim Director of Finance and Management Services to amend the FY 2024/25 Capital Improvement Plan by re-allocating $68,760.00 from the Storm Drain Upgrade project to the Baldridge Canyon Drive Storm Improvements (Pleasant Hill Drive Storm Drain) from Baldridge Canyon Drive to Drainage Channel project; and 4. Authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute an all documents necessary for the Task Order with Rick Engineering Company; and 5. Authorizing the City Manager or designee to expend the contingency fund, if necessary, to complete the project. RESULT: ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2025­267 [7­0] MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4 SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz DISCUSSION 13. Fiscal Year 2024/25 Mid­Year Financial Update (All Wards) Recommendation: It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California receive and file the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Mid-Year Financial Update. Finance and Management Services Interim Director C. Jeannie Fortune, Budget Division Manager Zuyva Ruiz, and Interim City Manager Bill Gallardo presented the financial update. Council Members discussed the staff class and compensation study, the Fiscal Reserve policy, and fiscal responsibility regarding the general fund balance. Regular Meeting Minutes March 19, 2025 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 11 RESULT: APPROVED STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION [7­0] MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4 SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR FUTURE MEETINGS 14. Establishing a Homelessness Initiatives Community Committee (All Wards) (Council Member Ortiz) RESULT: APPROVED TO BE INCLUDED ON A FUTURE AGENDA [7­0] MOVER: Mario Flores, Council Member, Ward 6 SECONDER: Juan Figueroa, Council Member, Ward 3 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL UPDATES/REPORTS ON CONFERENCES & MEETINGS At this time, the Mayor and City Council provided updates to the community. Highlights included upcoming Town Hall meetings, and condolences to the family of Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr., who was a law enforcement officer that lost his life in the line of duty. Council Members Figueroa and Flores attended the National League of Cities Conferences in Washington, D.C. ADJOURNMENT The meeting of the Mayor and City Council was adjourned on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 8:15 p.m. The Mayor and City Council and the Mayor and City Council Acting as the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency will adjourn to the next Regular Meeting on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Feldheym Central Library located at 555 West 6th Street, San Bernardino, California 92401. Closed Session will begin at 4:00 p.m., and Open Session will begin at 5:00 p.m. Telicia Lopez, CMC, Acting City Clerk