Nearly 400 Redlands Unified students with disabilities participated in the annual Optimist Games, a decades-long event celebrating inclusion, movement and community support.
REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands City Council will meet Tuesday, April 21 to consider a proposed increase to water and wastewater rates, adopt a new arts and culture master plan and discuss potential updates to the city’s in-kind support policy.
Here’s how the meeting breaks down:
Closed Session
Before the public meeting, the council will hold a closed session, which is legally confidential except for any “reportable action” announced by the city attorney. Under California law, closed sessions cover sensitive matters such as litigation, human resources issues and property negotiations.
During the closed session beginning at 5:00 p.m. on April 21, the council will:
Confer with legal counsel on existing litigation in California Department of Housing and Community Development v. Shangri-la Industries, LLC, et al.
Confer with real property negotiators for the potential purchase of property.
Consent Calendar (I 1-13)
The consent calendar groups together routine, non-controversial items for approval in a single vote, unless a council member pulls an item for separate discussion or a public comment is submitted.
On this agenda, highlights include:
Approval of appointments to the Human Relations and Citrus Preservation commissions.
Approval of a new water service connection and pre-annexation agreement in Mentone.
Approval of Redlands’ participation in a national opioid settlement, allowing the city to receive funds.
Approval of an insurance services contract extension totaling up to $133,514.
Approval of a law enforcement agreement for Metrolink services.
Approval of city support and street closures for upcoming community events, including a mental health awareness walk and the annual Fire Fighter Car Show.
Communications (J 1-2)
This section typically includes formal updates or announcements to the council from staff, agencies, or the public.
On this agenda:
Consideration of a letter opposing state legislation related to the Gold Line.
Recognition of the city’s wastewater treatment plant as “Plant of the Year” by a regional water organization.
New Business (K 1-8)
The new business section addresses larger or more complex topics requiring individual council discussion and action.
Highlights include:
Consideration of a license agreement with the Redlands Historical Museum Association.
Adoption of the city’s Arts and Culture Master Plan.
Council will consider a notice of intent to increase water and wastewater rates and schedule a future public hearing. City staff and the Utility Advisory Committee are recommending phased increases to water and wastewater rates over the next three fiscal years. Water rates would rise 2.5% annually, with increases taking effect Jan. 1, 2027, followed by July 1 adjustments in 2027 and 2028. Wastewater rates would increase 7% annually on the same schedule, beginning Jan. 1, 2027, with additional increases in July 2027 and July 2028.
Consideration of a $370,436 purchase for upgraded police dispatch radio systems.
Consideration of a $185,000 increase for solid waste vehicle parts procurement.
Consideration of contract increases for fleet maintenance and repairs totaling more than $480,000 combined.
Consideration of the purchase of two flatbed trucks for up to $368,361.
Council will consider updates to the city’s in-kind support policy for special events.
Meeting information
5:00 p.m. Meeting open for public comment before closed session 6:00 p.m. Open Session
City Council Chambers 35 Cajon Street Redlands, California
To join via Zoom: Visit www.zoom.us, click Join a Meeting
Enter Meeting ID: 896 2789 8341 Audio-only Zoom access: Dial 1-877-853-5247, then enter the Meeting ID
Kathryne is a journalist and creative writer who has contributed to CFR since 2023. When she isn't reporting, she can be found curled up with a thick fantasy book.
