HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-17-2025 MCC Regular
City of San Bernardino
201 North E Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
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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, DECEMBER 17, 2025
4:00 PM
The Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino was
called to order at 4:00 PM by Mayor Helen Tran on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at
Feldheym Central Library, San Bernardino, CA.
CALL TO ORDER
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Theodore Sanchez Council Member, Ward 1 Present
Sandra Ibarra Council Member, Ward 2 Absent
Juan Figueroa Mayor Pro-Tem, Ward 3 Present
Fred Shorett Council Member, Ward 4 Present
Kim Knaus Council Member, Ward 5 Present
Mario Flores Council Member, Ward 6 Present
Dr. Treasure Ortiz Council Member, Ward 7 Present
Helen Tran Mayor Present
Eric Levitt City Manager Present
Albert Maldonado Deputy City Attorney Present
Telicia Lopez 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 December 17, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 2
4:00 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no public comments or requests to speak for Closed Session.
Council Member Ortiz announced that she would be recusing herself from Items A)iii and
C of Closed Session, as they pertained to her.
CLOSED SESSION
A) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (Pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(a) and (d)(1):
i. Brian Pellis, et al. v. City of San Bernardino, et al., San Bernardino Superior Court Case No. CIVSB2226731
ii. City of San Bernardino, et al. v. Hangsing Li, et al., San Bernardino Superior Court Case No. CIVSB2528870
iii. Treasure Ortiz v. City of San Bernardino, et al, United States District Court Case No. 2:25-cv-10650
B) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - Significant Exposure to Litigation (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)): (2) Cases
C) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - Initiation
of litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): (1) Case
5:00 PM
The Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino was
called to order at 6:36 PM by Mayor Helen Tran on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at
Feldheym Central Library, San Bernardino, CA.
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Theodore Sanchez Council Member, Ward 1 Present
Sandra Ibarra Council Member, Ward 2 Absent
Juan Figueroa Mayor Pro-Tem, Ward 3 Present
Fred Shorett Council Member, Ward 4 Present
Kim Knaus Council Member, Ward 5 Present
Mario Flores Council Member, Ward 6 Present
Dr. Treasure Ortiz Council Member, Ward 7 Present
Helen Tran Mayor Present
Eric Levitt City Manager Present
Albert Maldonado Deputy City Attorney Present
Telicia Lopez City Clerk Present
Perla Lopez Deputy City Clerk Present
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Dr. Reginald L. Woods with Life Changing Ministries led the invocation, and Jovani
Barrios from Mt. Vernon Elementary School led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 3
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Deputy City Attorney Albert Maldonado stated there was reportable action from Closed
Session regarding Item B. The council voted unanimously to release results of two
confidential third-party investigations. The motion was made by Council Member
Sanchez, and seconded by Council Member Kim Knaus, to allow the Deputy City
Attorney to read out the allegations and the findings of said investigations.
Attorney Maldonado provided details of ten allegations that were found to be either
substantiated or not substantiated. Attorney Maldonado clarified that in this context,
“substantiated” or “substantiated” was defined as the factual investigator determining that
the allegation did happen. “Unsubstantiated” or “not sustained” means that there were no
facts determined to support that the alleged action did happen.
Details were announced as follows for Investigation One:
A. Four allegations were made by former Acting City Manager Rochelle Clayton.
1. Alleged that the City owes Ms. Clayton “back pay” compensation for the time she
worked as Acting City Manager.
- Allegation was unsubstantiated
2. Alleged that former Deputy City Manager Susie Soren tampered with or
manipulated an investigation involving former Parks and Recreation Director Lydie
Gutfeld and instructed or pressured a third-party investigator to look at Ms.
Gutfeld’s city credit card purchases after the investigator found that allegations
against Ms. Gutfeld for a hostile work environment were unsubstantiated.
- Allegation was unsubstantiated
3. Alleged that City Attorney Sonia Carvalho made inappropriate and unprofessional
comments about Ms. Clayton at a September 2024 Zoom meeting with City staff.
- Allegation was unsubstantiated
4. Alleged that City Attorney Sonia Carvalho harassed Ms. Clayton through the
negotiation of Ms. Clayton’s settlement agreement.
- Allegation was unsubstantiated
B. Two allegations were made by Council Woman Treasure Ortiz:
1. Alleged that Ms. Rochelle Clayton was not entitled to severance pay, because she
voluntarily resigned from her employment
- Allegation was unsubstantiated
2. Alleged that City Attorney Sonia Carvalho had a conflict of interest with respect to
negotiating the Clayton settlement agreement, because Ms. Clayton previously
made claims against Ms. Carvalho.
- Allegation was unsubstantiated
Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 4
C. One allegation was made by former Deputy City Manager Susie Soren.
1. Alleged that Rochelle Clayton breached the mutual non-disparagement clause in
Ms. Soren’s settlement agreement, by falsely alleging that Ms. Soren manipulated
and altered investigative reports while she worked as Deputy City Manager.
- Allegation was substantiated
Details were then announced as follows for Investigation Two:
Allegation No. 1: Did Helen Tran yell at Genoveva Rocha and accuse her of
incompetence?
- Allegation was sustained
Allegation No. 2: Did Helen Tran attempt to influence Council Members Treasure Ortiz
and/or Kim Calvin to terminate Ms. Rocha’s contract?
- Allegation was sustained
Allegation No. 3: Did Helen Tran treat Genoveva Rocha poorly and interfere with her
role?
- Allegation was sustained in part
Allegation No. 4: Did Treasure Ortiz treat Genoveva Rocha poorly and interfere with her
role?
- Allegation was not sustained
Allegation No. 5: Did Helen Tran and/or Treasure Ortiz treat Sonia Carvalho poorly and
interfere with her role?
- Allegation was sustained as to Tran; Not sustained as to Ortiz
Allegation No. 6: Did Helen Tran or Treasure Ortiz direct public attacks on Sonia
Carvalho?
- Allegation was not sustained
The Closed Session report was then concluded.
APPOINTMENTS
1. Personnel Commission Appointment of Jeanine M. Ferrell (Mayor’s
Appointment)
RESULT: APPOINTED JEANINE M. FERRELL TO THE PERSONNEL
COMMISSION [7-0]
MOVER: Juan Figueroa, Mayor Pro Tem, Ward 3
SECONDER: Kim Knaus, Council Member, Ward 5
AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz, Mayor Tran
ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra
City Clerk Lopez administered the oath of office to Ms. Ferrell, and the Mayor and City
Council presented her with the appointment certificate.
Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 5
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
City Manager Eric Levitt provided city-wide updates. Highlights included a new Director
of Animal Services, the re-opening of the Cross Street Bridge, and the upcoming
Homeless Point-In-Time Count.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ITEMS LISTED AND NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA
Al Palazzo shared holiday greetings and reflected on past community service.
Lydia Savala commented that animal shelter life save rate data lacks transparency, and
excludes certain information, and urged verification of accuracy and legality before
approving a raise for the new director.
Christian Shaughnessy spoke about homelessness, concerns regarding the 450 North G
Street property and urged collective action to address citywide issues.
Ulyzes Benitez also spoke about 450 North G Street and asked the City to support the
affected residents.
Kathleen Castellanos, a resident of “Step-Up San Bernardino”, stated she is facing
displacement due to rent increases and asked the City to investigate the situation.
Keith Benitez urged the City to prevent 450 North G Street residents from becoming
homeless and to work with the County to address housing needs.
“Frederick” stated he received notice requiring him to vacate or accept a rent increase at
450 North G Street and said his lease terms were not being honored.
Maelena Enriquez commented on lighting conditions at the tree lighting ceremony at
Court Street Square, and echoed other commenters’ concerns about 450 North G Street.
Victor Suarez stated that a special meeting was held to remove him as commissioner,
and announced his commission resignation.
Ashley Dial also spoke about conditions at 450 North G Street and the City’s housing
obligations.
Carmen Gallegos raised concerns about unsafe chemical use, illegal dumping, fireworks,
vandalism, and general public safety issues affecting neighborhoods and children.
Esther Gonzalez also spoke about 450 North G Street and the impact on seniors and
low-income residents.
John Shollenberger commented on prior litigation involving council members, City legal
expenses, and the use of public funds for legal defense.
Jane Hunt-Ruble opposed the proposed truck routes due to long-term impacts on quality
of life in Muscoy.
Dolores Armstead criticized recent council actions and City conditions, raised concerns
about truck route enforcement, and asked about future changes.
Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 6
Angel Huerta commented on the vandalism of a freeway billboard and expressed
support for the San Manuel tribe.
Stephanie Lenfestey, a volunteer at the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter, spoke
about the need for improved supplies and care at the shelter to protect young and sick
animals.
Mike Hartley criticized meeting time management, expressed concerns about recent
development along Highland Avenue, and called for increased code enforcement to
address neighborhood conditions.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Items on the consent calendar are considered routine and are voted on in a single
motion unless the mayor and city council or a staff member has pulled the item for more
discussion.
RESULT: APPROVED THE CONSENT CALENDAR [6-0]
MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4
SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7
AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz
ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra
2. Adoption of Resolutions Associated with the June 2, 2026, City of San
Bernardino Primary Municipal Election
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino,
California, take the following actions to conduct the Primary Municipal Election on
June 2, 2026:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-400 calling for the holding of a
Primary Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday June 2, 2026, for
the election of certain officers as required by the provisions of the
San Bernardino City Charter;
2. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-401 Requesting the Board of
Supervisors of the County of San Bernardino consolidate a Primary
Municipal Election to be held on June 2, 2026, with the Statewide
Primary Election to be held on the date pursuant to 10403 of the
Elections Code;
3. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-402 adopting regulations for Candidates
for elective office pertaining to candidate statements submitted to
the voters at an election to be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 7
RESULT: ADOPTED RESOLUTION NOS. 2025-400, 2025-401, AND 2025-402
[6-0]
MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4
SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7
AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz
ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra
3. Approval of Various Mayor and City Council Meeting Minutes
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino,
California, approve the meeting minutes for the following dates:
1. May 30, 2024 Special Meeting Draft Minutes
2. January 15, 2025 Regular Meeting Draft Minutes
3. November 5, 2025 Regular Meeting Draft Minutes
RESULT: APPROVED STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION [6-0]
MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4
SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7
AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz
ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra
4. Adoption of Ordinance No. MC – 1657, Municipal Code Amendment (All Wards)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino,
California, Adopt Ordinance No. MC-1657 approving Municipal Code Amendment
to Title 10, Article I, Chapter 10.24, adding Section 10.24.195 to adopt Citywide
Truck Routes (Attachment 1).
RESULT: ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. MC-1657 [6-0]
MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4
SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7
AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz
ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra
5. Accept $60,000 in Additional Funds from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg
Center of Public Innovation 2.0 Project - Love Your Block Grant (All Wards)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino,
California, adopt Resolution No. 2025-403:
1. Authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to accept additional grant
award funds in the amount of $60,000.00 for the Bloomberg Center
of Public Innovation 2.0 Project (Love Your Block Grant); and
Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 8
2. Authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to amend the agreement
with Johns Hopkins University (JHU) for the Bloomberg Center for
Public Innovation 2.0 Project (Love Your Block Grant) to extend the
period for service deliverables through October 31, 2026; and
3. Authorizing the Director of Finance & Management Services to
amend and appropriate the $60,000.00 for the Love Your Block
Grant award in revenues and expenditures to the Fiscal Year
2025/26 & 2026/27 Operating Budget.
RESULT: ADOPTED RESOLUTON NO. 2025-403 [6-0]
MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4
SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7
AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz
ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra
6. Accept 2024 Homeland Security Grant in the amount of $59,941 (All
Wards)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino,
California adopt Resolution No. 2025-404:
1. Authorizing the City Manager to accept the 2024 Homeland Security
Grant Program funds in the amount of $59,941; and
2. Authorizing the Director of Finance and Management Services to
amend Fiscal Year 2025/26 Adopted Budget in revenues and
expenditures by $59,941.
RESULT: ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2025-404 [6-0]
MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4
SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7
AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz
ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra
7. Approval of Agreement with National Auto Fleet Group for the Purchase of One
(1) Freightliner Forestry Truck Utilizing Sourcewell Contract No. 032824-NAF (All
Wards) Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San
Bernardino, California:
1. Approve the Cooperative Goods Purchase Agreement with National Auto
Fleet Group for the purchase of one (1) 2026 Freightliner 114SD Plus
chassis with Versalift VO-256-REV aerial forestry body in the amount of
$370,496.74; utilizing Sourcewell Contract No. 032824-NAF; and
Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 9
2. Approve a contingency allowance in the amount of $18,524.84, or 5%,
to accommodate potential supplier-driven price increases and authorize
staff to increase the purchase order and amend the Cooperative Goods
Purchase Agreement as needed to reflect verified cost adjustments
associated with labor, material, and freight escalations; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all related documents necessary
to effectuate this purchase; and
4. Authorize the Interim Director of Finance and Management Services to
issue a purchase order in the amount of $370,496.74
RESULT: APPROVED STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION [6-0]
MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4
SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7
AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz
ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra
8. Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with
CREDE Construction Advisory LLC for Construction Management and
Construction Inspection Services for the SB HOPE Campus, Extending the
Contract Term and Increasing the Not-To-Exceed Amount by $1,272,363 (Ward
1)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California:
1. Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with
CREDE Construction Advisory, LLC (“CREDE”) for construction
management and construction inspection services for the San
Bernardino HOPE Campus (“Navigation Center”) increasing the not-to-
exceed amount by $1,272,363, for a new total contract amount not to
exceed $2,363,511, and extending the term of the Professional Services
Agreement; and
2. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute all necessary
documents with CREDE Construction Advisory LLC.
RESULT: APPROVED STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION [6-0]
MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4
SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7
AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz
ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra
Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 10
9. Award Professional Design Services Agreement for The City Hall Parking
Structure (5 Level) Improvements Project to IDS Group, Inc. in the amount
of $140,633 and Contingency of $9,367 for a Total Amount of $150,000 (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 Professional Design Services Agreement with
IDS Group, Inc. in the amount of $140,633 for the City Hall Parking
Structure (5 Level) Improvements Project; and
2. Authorize a contingency amount in total of $9,367 for the project,
bringing the total project budget to $150,000; and
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents with IDS
Group; and
4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to expend the contingency fund,
if necessary, to complete the project.
RESULT: APPROVED STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION [6-0]
MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4
SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7
AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz
ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra
10. Approve Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with
Miller Architectural Corporation for the Encanto Community Center
Improvement Project for $73,400 and Professional Services Contingencies
in the amount of $26,600. (Ward 1) Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino,
California:
1. Approve Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement
with Miller Architectural Corporation in the amount of $73,400 for the
Encanto Community Center Project (Project), increasing the not-to-
exceed amount to $329,580, and extending the term to July 31, 2027;
and
2. Authorize Professional Services Contingencies in the amount of
$33,000 for a total Project professional services budget of $362,580;
and
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents with
Miller Architectural Corporation; and
Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 11
4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to expend the contingency fund, if necessary, to complete the project.
RESULT: APPROVED STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION [6-0]
MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4
SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7
AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz
ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra
11. Approve Amendment No. 2 to the Progressive Design Build Contract with Tilden-Coil Constructors for the California Theater Improvements Project in the amount of $125,000 (Ward 1)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino,
California:
1. Find Amendment No. 2 to the Progressive Design-Build Contract with
Tilden-Coil Constructors, Inc. in the amount of $125,000 for the
California Theater Improvements (Project) exempt from the
California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to State CEQA
Guidelines section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities)
2. Adopt Resolution 2025-405 Authorizing the Director of Finance and
Management Services to amend the FY 2024/25 Capital Improvement
Plan budget with an additional $125,000 from the Cultural
Development Construction Fund for the project; and
3. Approve Amendment No. 2 to the Progressive Design-Build
Contract with Tilden-Coil Constructors, Inc. in the amount of $125,000
for the California Theater Improvements (Project); and
4. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute all
necessary documents with Tilden-Coil Constructors.
RESULT: ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2025-405 [6-0]
MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4
SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7
AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz
ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra
12. Ratify the Acceptance of the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience
Program (EHCRP) Grant in the amount of $175,000, for San Bernardino
Community Resilience and Greening Planning Project (All Wards)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino,
California, adopt Resolution No. 2025-406:
Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 12
1. Ratifying the acceptance of the Extreme Heat and Community
Resilience Program grant award in the amount of $175,000.00 for
the project titled San Bernardino Community Resilience and
Greening Planning; and
2. Authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to execute the grant
agreement and any subsequent amendments with the Governor’s
Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation; and
3. Authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to execute all related
agreements and documents with Tinkercraft: Design & Advocacy
Group, the collaborative project partner, necessary to implement
the project in accordance with the grant requirements; and
4. Authorizing the Interim Director of Finance & Management Services
to establish all required revenue and expenditure accounts and to
process all financial transactions necessary to implement the grant.
RESULT: ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2025-406 [6-0]
MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4
SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7
AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz
ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra
13. Receive and File the City of San Bernardino Municipal Water
Department Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial
Report and Single Audit on Federal Awards (All Wards)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino,
California, receive and file the City of San Bernardino Municipal Water
Department Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Single Audit on
Federal Awards.
RESULT: APPROVED STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION [6-0]
MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4
SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7
AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz
ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra
DISCUSSION
14. Election of Mayor Pro Tempore (All Wards)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino,
California, open nominations for a member of the City Council to serve as Mayor Pro
Tempore.
Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 13
Council Member Shorett made a motion, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, to
elect Council Member Kim Knaus as Mayor Pro-Tem for 2026. The Mayor and City
Council Members also thanked Council Member Figueroa for his service during his
tenure as Mayor Pro-Tem.
RESULT: ELECTED 5TH WARD COUNCIL MEMBER KIM KNAUS AS MAYOR
PRO TEM [6-0]
MOVER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4
SECONDER: Theodore Sanchez, Council Member, Ward 1
AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz
ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra
15. Conditional Commitment of $5M in HOME Funds, a $1.2M Loan in Low-Mod
Funds for Impact Fees; and a Land Loan in the amount of $3.59 Million
for the Purchase Price of the City Property; and Approving an Option to
Purchase the Real Property to JHC Acquisitions LLC for the
Development of Affordable Housing at Surplus Land Act Site 12 located at
5th Street and Meridian Ave (Ward 6)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of San Bernardino, California
adopt Resolution No. 2025-407:
1. Authorize a Conditional Funding Commitment of $5 million in HOME
Investment Partnerships Program funds to West Fifth Street Housing
Partners LP, (“Partnership”) an affiliate of Jamboree Housing
Corporation, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation (“JHC”) for
the development of affordable housing. The 106 unit affordable housing
project (“Project”) will be located on approximately 3.5 acres of City-
owned surplus land, identified as Site 12 (the “Property”), along with an
adjacent privately owned parcel to be purchased by JHC (APN 0142-
522-10);
2. Authorize the issuance of a City Promissory Note to the Partnership in
the amount of $1.2 million to be funded with Low- and Moderate-Income
Housing Asset Funds (“Low-Mod Funds”), to cover eligible project-
related impact and permit fees, to be repaid from a portion of the
residual receipts of the Project’s operations;
3. Authorize the City to enter an Option to Purchase Agreement with the
Partnership for Site 12, to provide the Partnership with a right to
purchase the Property for fair market value ($3.59 million), using seller
carryback financing under which the purchase price will be paid from
residual receipts of the Project's operations in accordance with a
Promissory Note secured against the Property with a deed of trust. The
Option to Purchase Agreement is intended to provide “site control” of the
Property and thereby enable the Partnership to apply for necessary
project financing while the City will maintain ownership of the Property
until all Project financing is secured; provided, however, that the
Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 14
exercise of the option is subject to the City Council's approval of a final
disposition and development agreement; and
4. Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney, or their designees, to take
any further actions and execute any further agreements or documents
as necessary including minor and substantive changes; provided that a
final Disposition Development Agreement and the City HOME Loan, the
City Land Loan, and the City Impact Fee Deferral Loan shall return to
City Council for final approval.
Council Member Ortiz made a motion to approve the item. Council Member Sanchez
seconded the motion but asked staff to provide a brief presentation for the benefit of
the public. Housing Division Manager Trina Perez gave an overview of the affordable
housing project and the related agreements.
RESULT: ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2025-407 [6-0]
MOVER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7
SECONDER: Theodore Sanchez, Council Member, Ward 1
AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz
ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra
16. Property Tax Resolution for LAFCO 3275, a 26-acre totally surrounded island
generally located northerly of Meyers Road and easterly of Martin Ranch
Road, known as the Spring Trails Specific Plan project
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-408 of the Mayor
and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, determining the amount of
property tax revenue to be exchanged between the City of San Bernardino, the
County of San Bernardino, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District and its
Valley Service Zone and County Service Area 70, for the jurisdictional change
described in LAFCO 3275, a 26-acre island generally located southerly of LAFCO
3274, generally northerly of Meyers Road and easterly of Martin Ranch Road
(known as the Spring Trials Specific Plan Project).
Council Member Sanchez stated that this item will help to provide fire protection for the
homes within the Spring Trails Specific Plan project. Mayor Pro Tem Knaus and Council
Member Ortiz both stated that they did not approve of this item.
RESULT: ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2025-408 [4-2]
MOVER: Theodore Sanchez, Council Member, Ward 1
SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7
AYES: Sanchez, Figueroa, Shorett, Flores
NOES: Knaus, Ortiz
ABSENT: Sandra Ibarra
Regular Meeting Minutes December 17, 2025
Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 15
MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL UPDATES/REPORTS ON CONFERENCES & MEETINGS
At this time, the Mayor and City Council provided updates to the community. Important
topics included recent community meetings, new low income housing, the tree lighting
ceremony at Court Street Square, and the upcoming “Ho-Ho Parade”.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting of the Mayor and City Council was adjourned on Wednesday, December
17, 2025 at 8:24 p.m.
The next joint special meeting of the Mayor and City Council and the Mayor and City
Council Acting as the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency will be held on
January 21, 2026, at the Feldheym Central Library located at 555 West 6th Street, San
Bernardino, California 92410. Closed Session will begin at 4:00 p.m. and Open Session
will begin at 4:00 p.m.
Telicia Lopez, CMC
City Clerk