Redlands and San Bernardino County residents can pick up free sandbags ahead of this weekend’s storm, with city and county fire stations offering sand, bags and a self-serve fill site.
REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands City Council will meet Tuesday, Nov. 4, with a full agenda that includes a new fire station, a potential food security initiative and a proposal to expand residential zones allowing hens.
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 Nov. 4, the council will:
Confer with legal counsel for existing litigation in Wagner Zemming Christensen, LLP v. City of Redlands.
Consent Calendar
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 settlement agreement with Miller & Associates LLC: Authorize execution of a settlement and release agreement resolving litigation over alleged property damage at 611 W. Redlands Blvd. The agreement allows the city either to purchase the property for $3.4 million within 60 days or, if it declines, to pay $2.1 million to Miller & Associates in full settlement of all claims. The deal includes mutual releases of liability and a requirement that the case be dismissed once the purchase or payment is completed.
Adopt Resolution No. 8733 to Ratify Homeless Solutions Division Expenditures: The resolution authorizes the City Manager to approve certain program-related expenses by the Homeless Solutions Division that may not typically qualify for public funding but are necessary to help unhoused residents transition into stable housing. The accompanying memorandum sets controls to ensure all expenditures are reasonable, necessary, and tied to the city’s homelessness response efforts.
Designation of 1.5 acres at Heritage Park as the future site of Fire Station 264 and reallocate funds from Palmetto Grove proceeds for design work.
Approval of a $133,500 renewal with Flock Group, Inc. for automated license plate recognition cameras.
Accept a $20,217 donation from the Redlands Police Community Foundation to support the Police K9 Unit.
Approval a $105,000 traffic safety grant from the Office of Traffic Safety and authorize related agreements. The grant will fund DUI checkpoints, DUI saturation patrols, speeding, red light and stop sign enforcement, and pedestrian/bicycle enforcement.
Approval of a resolution allowing the city to apply for a Land Water Conservation Fund grant to help redevelop Texonia Park.
Approval of the use of city resources and street closures for the New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop event, hosted by the Redlands Visitor Center.
Communication
This section typically includes formal updates or announcements to the council from staff, agencies, or the public.
On this agenda:
Redlands Food Security and Child Nutrition Support Initiative: Councilmember Davis is proposing Resolution No. 8732 to create a citywide Food Security and Child Nutrition Support Initiative. The plan would form a task force to coordinate local efforts with schools, nonprofits, and food banks, identify City-owned sites for food access programs, and explore funding for community mini-grants and youth meal partnerships.
Annual Report from the Citrus Preservation Commission: Chairman Michael Day will present the commission’s annual report on preservation activities and program updates.
New Business
The new business section addresses larger or more complex topics requiring individual council discussion and action.
Expanding residential zones allowing hens (K-1): At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw, the council will consider whether to expand the number of residential zones that allow backyard hens. Hens are currently limited to the city’s two rural animal districts in southeast Redlands. The proposal would direct staff to draft an ordinance extending permission to all single-family residential districts, with limits on the number of hens per lot and standards to prevent nuisance impacts. Earlier this year, the city council upheld the approval of an emotional support chicken in a neighborhood near Downtown Redlands, citing federal and state housing laws.
Groundwater System Maintenance: Council will also consider a one-year, $500,000 agreement with General Pump Company for maintenance and repair of the city’s groundwater wells and booster pumps. The work is exempt from environmental review.
City Council Meeting Information
View full meeting agenda 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.
