REDLANDS, Calif. — Students from Mentone Elementary School opened the March 18 Redlands City Council meeting by leading the Pledge of Allegiance, as city leaders addressed a range of issues, including budget adjustments, sign regulations and emissions rules.
Council members honored multimedia production coordinator Cheryl Williams, who is retiring after 23 years as a full-time city employee. Williams also spent several years as a volunteer, televising City Council and Planning Commission meetings and producing videos highlighting city events and programs.
City Council presents flowers to multimedia production coordinator Cheryl Williams, who is retiring after 23 years as a full-time city employee(Courtesy: City of Redlands)
Emma Osterberg, executive director of the Trinity Community Foundation, presented a plaque to the council in recognition of the city’s support of Micah House, a local nonprofit.
(Courtesy City of Redlands)
Council Actions
Council received and file the Annual Report from the Measure T Citizens’ Oversight Committee for FY 2024. Measure T is a one-cent sales tax that was approved by Redlands voters and became effective April 1, 2021. The council received a report from the Measure T Citizens Oversight Committee, which reviewed the city’s use of revenue from the Measure T 1% sales tax. The tax generated more than $20 million last year, and audits confirmed the funds were spent appropriately on voter-approved priorities. However, the committee raised concerns about the timing of its involvement in the budget process. “We reiterate a recommendation that we be given the opportunity to weigh in between the budget adoption and the audit,” said Scott Welsh Vice Chair of the oversight committee. “When we don’t meet, it compromises our ability to fulfill the oversight presence that this measure was campaigned on.” Follow CFR for additional coverage on the Measure T Citizen Oversight Committee in the coming week. Read the report here.
City Council adopted Resolution No. 8663, which establishes a formal policy for issuing proclamations, certificates and awards. The policy aims to provide clear guidelines for recognizing individuals, organizations and events that contribute to the Redlands community. Following public comment and Council discussion, the resolution was amended to allow any council member to add an item to the agenda and to present items they sponsored. Read more here.
By a 4-1 vote, the council tabled a motion to issue a formal letter opposing new Southern California Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) regulations on emissions from residential gas-fired furnaces and water heaters. Council members opted to review recent changes to the proposed rules before taking a position. Council Member Denise Davis voted in opposition to tabling the measure because she said she does not think a letter should be sent at all. Follow CFR for additional coverage on SCAQMD emission regulations. Read more here.
Council discussed and approved adjustments to the FY 2025 Mid-Year General Fund Budget. Management Services and Finance Director Danielle Garcia presented a mid-year review of the Fiscal Year 2025 General Fund budget. With revenues exceeding projections and expenditures lower than expected, the council approved several budget adjustments, including funding for:
Repairs to the 6th Street parking structure
Additional command and support vehicles for the Fire Department
Replacement of in-car police radios and security cameras
A public hearing was held to discuss a proposed amendment to the Transit Villages Specific Plan. The council approved amendments updating sign regulations within the Transit Villages Specific Plan, providing more flexibility for signage, particularly for multi-tenant developments.The amendment focuses on updating sign regulations, including requiring uniform sign programs for multi-tenant developments, allowing freestanding multi-tenant signs under certain conditions and easing restrictions on mural reviews and sign placements. The Planning Commission previously reviewed the proposal and recommended approval with no modifications. Read more about the amendment here.
Next Meeting
The next regular meeting of the Redlands City Council is scheduled for April 1, 2025, at City Council Chambers, 35 Cajon St. The closed session begins at 5 p.m., followed by the public meeting at 6 p.m. The meeting will also be available via Zoom.
