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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-01 2026 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, APRIL 01, 2026 4:30 PM The Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino was called to order at 4:31 PM by Mayor Helen Tran on Wednesday, April 1st, 2026, at Feldheym Central Library, San Bernardino, CA. CALL TO ORDER Theodore Sanchez Council Member, Ward 1 Present Sandra Ibarra Council Member, Ward 2 Late 4:32 p.m. Juan Figueroa Council Member, Ward 3 Present Fred Shorett Council Member, Ward 4 Present Kim Knaus Mayor Pro Tem, Ward 5 Late 4:41 p.m. 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 Vanessa Alvarado 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 April 1, 2026 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 2 4:30 P.M. CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENT There were no public comments or requests to speak for Closed Session. CLOSED SESSION A) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ­ ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2): i.) Notice of Claim, Mandeville Modular, Inc., dated March 17, 2026, Claim No.GHC0095108 5:00 PM The Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino was called to order at 5:03 PM by Mayor Helen Tran on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Feldheym Central Library, San Bernardino, CA. Attendee Name Title Status Arrived INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pastor Dan Roth from the Rock Church and World Outreach led the invocation, and Council Member Sandra Ibarra led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. CLOSED SESSION REPORT Deputy City Attorney Albert Maldonado stated there was no reportable action from Closed Session. APPOINTMENTS There were no public comments regarding Appointments. There was a consensus amongst the Council Members to vote on Item Nos. 1 through 3 in one vote. Council Member Fred Shorett stepped off the dais at 5:06 p.m. and returned after the vote was taken. Regular Meeting Minutes April 1, 2026 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 3 RESULT: APPROVED ITEMS NOS. 1,2, AND 3 [7­0] MOVER: Theodore Sanchez, Council Member, Ward 1 SECONDER: Sandra Ibarra, Council Member, Ward 2 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz, Tran ABSENT: Fred Shorett 1. Arts and Historical Preservation Commission Appointment of Denise Salas (Ward 5) Recommendation: It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, approve the appointment of Denise Salas to the Arts and Historical Preservation Commission representing Ward 5 with the term ending December 2028. Denise Salas will replace a vacant position formerly held by Michael J. Segura. Council Staff has verified that appointee is a registered voter within the city. RESULT: APPROVED ARTS AND HISTORICAL PRESERVATION COMMISSION APPOINTMENT OF DENISE SALAS [7­0] MOVER: Theodore Sanchez, Council Member, Ward 1 SECONDER: Sandra Ibarra, Council Member, Ward 2 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz, Tran ABSENT: Fred Shorett 2.Charter Review Committee Appointment of Andy Garcia (Ward 5) Recommendation: It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, approve the appointment of Andy Garcia to the Charter Review Committee representing Ward 5 with the term ending December 2028. Andy Garcia will replace a vacant position formerly held by Michael A. Lara. Council Staff has verified that appointee is a registered voter within the city. RESULT: APPROVED CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT OF ANDY GARCIA [7­0] MOVER: Theodore Sanchez, Council Member, Ward 1 SECONDER: Sandra Ibarra, Council Member, Ward 2 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz, Tran ABSENT: Fred Shorett 3.Measure S Citizens’ Oversight Committee Appointment of Angelique Weathersby (Ward 5) Recommendation: It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, approve the appointment of Angelique Weathersby to the Measure S Citizens’ Oversight Committee representing Ward 5 with the term ending December 2028. Regular Meeting Minutes April 1, 2026 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 4 Angelique Weathersby will replace Anthony J. Roberson. Council Staff has verified that appointee is a registered voter within the city. RESULT: APPROVED MEASURE S CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT OF ANGELIQUE WEATHERSBY [7­0] MOVER: Theodore Sanchez, Council Member, Ward 1 SECONDER: Sandra Ibarra, Council Member, Ward 2 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz, Tran ABSENT: Fred Shorett There was a consensus among the Mayor and City Council Members to reorder the agenda to conduct business items prior to the public hearing. CITY MANAGER UPDATE City Manager Eric Levitt provided the City Manager Update. Highlighted the groundbreaking of a new permanent supportive housing project for homeless veterans. He also reported the installation of traffic gates on Victoria Avenue, in partnership with Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel. Additionally, the City Manager announced that Tariq Ramani joined the City’s leadership team as Finance Director, bringing nearly 25 years of municipal finance experience PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ITEMS LISTED ON CONSENT CALENDAR Due to the City Council’s consensus to reorder the agenda and hear business items prior to the public hearing, public comments for Consent Calendar items were heard at this time. The following speakers expressed support for Items No. 7 in support for the Route 66 resolution, recognition of Route 66’s historical and economic significance, encouragement to pursue grant opportunities, and Cheryl Brown expressed concerns regarding the historical accuracy of information included in the item specifically the map of the route. 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 ITEM NO. 6 WAS PULLED FOR QUESTIONS [7­0] MOVER: Juan Figueroa, Council Member, Ward 3 SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz NOES: None Regular Meeting Minutes April 1, 2026 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 5 5. 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. October 27, 2022 Special Meeting Draft Minutes 2. February 12, 2026 Special Meeting Draft Minutes 3. March 4, 2026 Regular Meeting Draft Minutes 4. March 6, 2026 Special Meeting Draft Minutes RESULT: APPROVED STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION [7­0] MOVER: Juan Figueroa, Council Member, Ward 3 SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz NOES: None 6. 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report (All Wards) Recommendation: It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, receive and file the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report (Attachment 1). Mayor Pro Tem Knaus pulled this item to emphasize that ongoing budget concerns and inefficiencies in processes are hindering economic development and revenue growth for the city. RESULT: APPROVED STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION [7­0] MOVER: Kim Knaus, Mayor Pro-Tem, Ward 3 SECONDER: Theodore Sanchez, Council Member, Ward 1 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz NOES: None 7. Resolution In Support of The California Historic Route 66 Association And The Route 66 Centennial Year (All Wards) Recommendation: It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California adopt Resolution No. 2026-032 expressing support for the California Historic Route 66 association and the Route 66 Centennial year. Regular Meeting Minutes April 1, 2026 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 6 RESULT: ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2026­032 [7­0] MOVER: Juan Figueroa, Council Member, Ward 3 SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz NOES: None 8. Rejection of Construction Bids for the Villasenor Library ­ Parking Lot Surfacing Project and Amendment of Measure S Funds to the Encanto Park Improvements (Ward 1) Recommendation: It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, adopt Resolution No. 2026-033: 1. Rejecting all construction bids received for the Villasenor Library - Parking Lot Surfacing Project; and 2. Amending the DY 2025/26 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget to reallocate $247,933.16 in Measure S funds from The Villasenor Library Parking Lot Surfacing Project to the Encanto Park Improvements. RESULT: ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2026­033 [7­0] MOVER: Juan Figueroa, Council Member, Ward 3 SECONDER: Treasure Ortiz, Council Member, Ward 7 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz NOES: None DISCUSSION Prior to hearing the Discussion Items, City Manager Levitt announced that staff was removing Item No. 10 from consideration. There were no public comments regarding on Discussion Items. 9. Consideration of Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) Participation in the San Bernardino Regional Housing Trust (SBRHT) (All Wards) Recommendation: It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California: 1. Authorize the City to join the San Bernardino Regional Housing Trust; and 2. Authorize the City to join the San Bernardino Regional Housing Trust; and 3. Appoint a representative to serve as the City’s Director on the San Bernardino Regional Housing Trust Board of Directors and designate an Alternate representative to serve in the Director’s absence. The City may appoint the Mayor or a member of the City Council; and Regular Meeting Minutes April 1, 2026 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 7 4. Authorize the City Manager, subject to review by the City Attorney, to make or agree to any modifications to the Joint Powers Agreement that are in furtherance of the overall goal of resolution approved herein and the intent of the agreement without creating any additional financial obligations or liability for the City. Deputy Director of Housing & Homelessness, Cassandra Searcy provided the Mayor and City Council a presentation Staff presented an item recommending the City join the San Bernardino Regional Housing Trust through a Joint Powers Authority (JPA). Staff explained that the Housing Trust would serve as a regional financing tool to help participating jurisdictions leverage funding for affordable housing production, preservation, and rehabilitation while maintaining local control over land use and zoning decisions. Staff noted the item was time-sensitive due to upcoming SCAG REAP 2.0 funding deadlines and stated participation would allow the City to help shape future policies, funding priorities, and program guidelines. Staff also outlined the proposed governance structure, estimated annual membership costs, and withdrawal provisions. Discussion ensued regarding voting representation, membership costs based on population, governance structure, and eligibility for regional funding. Staff explained that jurisdictions not participating in the JPA would be ineligible for funding opportunities established through the partnership and noted that membership costs are expected to decrease as additional jurisdictions join Monique Ariano, Director of the Council of Governments for the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority Council of Governments (SBCTA COG) introduced herself and responded that future funding priorities and eligibility criteria would be determined by the Housing Trust Board. RESULT: APPROVED STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION ADOPTING RESOLUTION 2026­021 AND APPOINTED COUNCIL MEMBER JUAN FIGUEROA AS A REPRESENTATIVE AND MAYOR PRO TEM KIM KNAUS AS THE ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVE; [7­0] MOVER: Theodore Sanchez, Council Member, Ward 1 SECONDER: Fred Shorett, Council Member, Ward 4 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores, Ortiz NOES: None 10. Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) with Montebello Housing Development Corporation (MHDC) for the Development of Surplus Land Act Site 6 for Affordable Housing (Ward 2) Recommendation: It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California: 1. Approve the Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) between the City of San Bernardino and Montebello Housing Development Corporation (MHDC), a nonprofit affordable housing developer, for the development of approximately Regular Meeting Minutes April 1, 2026 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 8 0.15 acres of city-owned surplus land, identified as site 6 for affordable housing; and 2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the DDA, along with any subsequent amendments, extensions, and other necessary documents to complete the transaction. RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN; REMOVED FROM CONSIDERATION BY STAFF. PUBLIC HEARING 4. CENSURE OF COUNCILMEMBER TREASURE ORTIZ BY CITY COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council decide whether to adopt a Resolution of Censure A point of order was raised by Council Member Ortiz expressing concern that presenting information related to a pending criminal matter could constitute improper trial publicity and potentially prejudice ongoing judicial proceedings. Reference was made to Rule 3.6 regarding extrajudicial statements by attorneys and Penal Code Section 849.5, with a request for clarification that the presentation would not violate applicable legal or ethical standards. City Attorney Alber Maldonado stated there was no legal impediment preventing the Council from proceeding with the censure hearing despite the related criminal case and federal lawsuit. He further noted that he had spoken with the lead District Attorney on the criminal matter, who had not raised any objection to moving forward with the hearing or presentation of the information. Mayor Tran opened the Censure Public Hearing at 5:45 p.m. City Clerk Lopez swore-in the speakers. City Attorney Maldonado outlined the procedures for the censure hearing, including notice requirements, public hearing procedures, presentation time limits, opportunities for rebuttal, and public comment. He emphasized that the hearing was being conducted in open session in compliance with the Brown Act and that Council Member Ortiz would be afforded an opportunity to respond. In accordance with the notice that was provided to Council Member Ortiz, both the City legal counsel and the appellant were allotted 60 minutes to speak, with the option to reserve a portion of that time for rebuttal. Outside City Legal Counsel Mr. Stephen Larson presented the City’s Case to the Mayor and City Council reserving 10 minutes for his rebuttal. He presented the City’s case in support of the proposed censure resolution, citing allegations of unlawful recordings, use of the recordings to support false claims regarding CLETS misuse, a pattern of deceptive conduct, including misrepresentations regarding her arrest history, public availability of arrest records, and alleged impersonation of law enforcement personnel in seeking Regular Meeting Minutes April 1, 2026 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 9 confidential CLETS-related information from the California Department of Justice. Council Member Treasure Ortiz waived her presentation and reserved her 60 minutes for the rebuttal. There were thirty (31) public comments. The following speakers supported the proposed Censure Resolution, defended Chief Darren Goodman and the San Bernardino Police Department, and emphasized the importance of accountability, ethical governance, and maintaining public trust in City leadership. Tucker Weems Valdivia Hernandez The following speakers spoke in opposition of the Censure, and expressed concerns regarding due process, alleged political retaliation, and the City’s priorities, while several speakers voiced support for Council Member Ortiz and criticized the censure process. Lawanda Rangel stated that Council Member Ortiz violated her oath of office and should be focused on protecting and serving the City rather than pursuing actions against it, and requested for Council Member Ortiz to resign. Amy Malone stated that the City should be prioritizing more pressing community issues and that the matter should instead be addressed through the judicial process. Pluto Arazo voiced concerns regarding a potential abuse of power. Zazette Scott, civil rights and domestic violence advocate requested that a slide containing information related to a domestic violence report be removed, expressing concern that the presentation of the information could discourage victims from coming forward. James Penman, former City Attorney, spoke in support of Chief Darren Goodman, commending his leadership and noting reductions in crime during his tenure. He also stated that information discussed during the Seventh Ward campaign was based on public records and denied receiving any confidential law enforcement information. Mr. Larson provided his rebuttal reiterating that multiple investigations found no wrongdoing related to the alleged CLETS misuse and asserting that Council Member Ortiz used illegally obtained recordings to promote false claims against the Police Department and City leadership. Regular Meeting Minutes April 1, 2026 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 10 Council Member Treasure Ortiz provided her rebuttal, responded to the proposed censure, citing that the investigations were one-sided and conducted without reviewing her evidence or interviewing her witnesses. She maintained that she acted based on information provided to her regarding alleged unlawful CLETS access, denied wrongdoing, characterized the proceedings as retaliation and political misconduct, and called for an independent investigation into the matter The public hearing was closed at 8:19 p.m. The meeting recessed at 8:20 p.m. and reconvened at 8:35 p.m. Council Members expressed support for the proposed censure, stating that multiple investigations found no evidence of unlawful CLETS access and emphasizing the Council’s responsibility to uphold accountability and professional conduct. Councils discussion also addressed concerns regarding ongoing allegations against the City and Police Department, the impact of litigation on City resources, and the need for the Council to move forward and focus on serving the community. There was a motion to have the City Clerk introduce Resolution 2026-035, read by title only and waive further reading of Resolution 2026-035, and read Section 5 imposing a one year revocation period: (1) Councilmember Ortiz is hereby removed from her discretionary assignments for which she was appointed by the Mayor and City Council, specifically, the City’s Homeless Initiatives Ad-Hoc Subcommittee and the alternate for San Bernardino County Continuum of Care, San Bernardino County Central Valley Regional Steering Committee, and San Bernardino County Central Valley Network, for a temporary period of (1) year, effective immediately upon adoption of this Resolution. (2) In order to prevent future misuse of public resources for non-official purposes, such as a past instance of Councilmember Ortiz giving a news media interview conducted in an office at San Bernardino City Hall that she was given the privilege to use, for the purpose of promoting her frivolous claim against the City, and in order to protect City facilities and the integrity of City operations, Councilmember Ortiz’s privilege to use an assigned office at City Hall is hereby withdrawn for a temporary period of (1) year, effective immediately upon adoption of this Resolution. (3) The City Council hereby requests that Councilmember Ortiz voluntarily resigns from her elected seat, as continued service in an elected position, based upon her past conduct, is incompatible with the interests of the public and the effective governance of the City. Regular Meeting Minutes April 1, 2026 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 11 RESULT: ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2026­035; IMPOSING A ONE­YEAR REVOCATION OF CERTAIN PRIVILEGES IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 5 SUBSECTION 1 AND 2 OF THE RESOLUTION. MOVER: Theodore Sanchez, Council Member, Ward 1 SECONDER: Sandra Ibarra, Council Member, Ward 2 AYES: Sanchez, Ibarra, Figueroa, Shorett, Knaus, Flores NOES: None PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ITEMS LISTED AND NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA At this time, public comments were heard. Al Palazzo spoke regarding a proposal he submitted to redevelop the former Carousel Mall site and portions of the Mount Vernon corridor. He requested that City leadership review his materials and consider his ideas and professional experience related to economic development and commercial revitalization. Sarah raised concerns regarding the handling and release of investigative reports, alleged disclosure of confidential information, and claims involving former City employees and the Police Department. The speaker also questioned the City’s response to related allegations and investigations. Andy Fuentes criticized the censure action as ineffective, accused the Council of ignoring community concerns, and expressed support for Council Member Ortiz and Seventh Ward representation. Christian Shaughnessy spoke regarding the censure vote and encouraged the Council to apply the same level of focus and effort toward addressing the City’s more pressing issues. Omar Williams a First Ward candidate, expressed concern regarding public safety and urged the Council and Police Department to work collaboratively to address community issues and improve public trust. Luis Ojeda urged the Council to move past political conflicts and focus on addressing ongoing community issues, including homelessness, blight, and public safety, while encouraging collaboration and meaningful action to improve the City. Delores Armstead criticized the time and resources spent on the censure proceedings and expressed concerns regarding homelessness, downtown conditions, economic development. Maelina Enriquez criticized the time spent on the censure proceedings and urged Council Member Sanchez and the Council to be more engaged with community issues and local events, while expressing support for Council Member Ortiz and community activism. Timothy Prince criticized the Council’s handling of the censure proceedings, expressed support for Council Member Ortiz, questioned the evidence presented against her, and stated that the matter should have been resolved through the court process rather than Council action. Regular Meeting Minutes April 1, 2026 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 12 Jogn Schollenberger expressed opposition to the censure proceedings, stated that elected officials are accountable to voters rather than the Council, criticized past Council decisions and former leadership, and argued that the proceedings were divisive and unproductive. Victor Suarez criticized the censure proceedings, questioned the involvement and responsiveness of City leadership and the Police Department, and expressed concerns regarding homelessness, public infrastructure, environmental issues, and overall City governance. Henry Nickels, former Council Member and Fifth Ward resident thanked Council Members Sanchez and Figueroa for their assistance in helping resolve a personal matter involving a family heirloom, commended the Police Department’s service, and encouraged the Council to remain focused on serving the community and addressing residents’ needs. Julene Colunga expressed gratitude to the San Bernardino Police Department, Officer Madrid, former Council Member Henry Nickel, and Council Members Figueroa and Sanchez for their assistance in recovering a lost engagement ring, commending their compassion, service, and dedication to the community. Ron Alvarado, a First Ward candidate, criticized the censure proceedings and Council leadership, expressing concerns regarding public safety, political conduct, and the City’s focus on addressing neighborhood and community issues. At 9:45 p.m., the Mayor and City Council reached consensus to continue the meeting past 9:00 p.m., in accordance with Resolution No. 2024-029. MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL UPDATES/REPORTS ON CONFERENCES & MEETINGS At this time, the Mayor and City Council provided updates to the community. Highlights included reports on recent meetings, community events, homelessness initiatives, park and neighborhood improvements, youth engagement efforts, and partnerships with community organizations and regional agencies. Updates also included recognition of the San Bernardino Police Department’s Baker to Vegas achievement, appreciation for City staff efforts addressing blight and community concerns, congratulations to the new Finance Director, and a moment of silence held in honor of Officer Levi Vargas. ADJOURNMENT The meeting of the Mayor and City Council was adjourned on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 9:58 p.m. Closed in honor of LA County Sheriff Deputy Levi Vargas. 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 April 15, 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 5:00 p.m. Telicia Lopez, CMC City Clerk