San Bernardino council approves settlement, authorizes litigation and clears multiple permits and contracts

The San Bernardino Mayor and City Council took a range of formal actions at the meeting, including closed‑session reportable items, land‑use approvals and contract awards.

Closed session outcomes - Settlement: The council reported a closed‑session settlement in the case Daniel Felix v. Andrew Sibini, et al., U.S. District Court case no. 5:24‑CV‑01494. The council authorized settlement in the amount of $1,800,000. The motion was made by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Charette, and approved 5‑1 with Council Member Ortiz recorded as voting no. - Litigation authority: Counsel reported the council unanimously authorized initiation of litigation for two receivership cases. The motion recorded was by Council Member Charette, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and passed 6‑0. Staff said details of the receivership cases will be made public when the cases are filed.

Key open‑session votes (high level) - Adaptive reuse (Item 2): The council approved Development Permit D‑23‑19 to convert an approximately 2,430‑square‑foot commercial building at 975 North D Street into four residential units (about 607 square feet each) and to construct covered parking. The Planning Commission had recommended approval; the council voted to adopt the resolution approving the adaptive reuse (voice/electronic vote recorded as unanimous). - Solid‑waste delinquent assessments (Item 4): The council confirmed assessments for delinquent solid‑waste collection service charges for FY 2025‑26 and approved placing the liens on the county tax roll if unpaid. Staff listed outreach and recent collection reductions; the vote to confirm assessments passed unanimously. - Midwest Veterinary Supply contract amendment (Consent Item 6): The council approved Amendment 2 to the goods purchase agreement with Midwest Veterinary Supply to increase the not‑to‑exceed amount (the contract began as a local vendor arrangement and later was purchased by Midwest). Council discussion noted the original RFP and that the vendor supplies a wide range of pharmaceuticals and vaccines; public comment urged transparency about how funds and mobile clinic services will be used. The council voted to approve the amendment. - Construction contracts and capital work (Consent Item 18 and others): The council awarded a sidewalk/curb project to the lowest responsive bidder (DM and G Construction) based on unit price per linear foot; the council also approved various consent items and pulled Item 9 (EV charging) for further legal review. - Park restrooms (Item 22): The council authorized staff to allocate $63,000 from measure funding to make minor repairs and authorized an RFP for contracted ongoing park restroom maintenance and janitorial service for a prioritized list of 14 parks. Staff said more extensive ADA and capital rehabilitation would need separate CIP funding.

Why it matters: The closed‑session settlement was a notable cash settlement reported publicly; the two litigation authorizations expand the city’s legal action in receivership matters, and multiple open‑session votes affect housing conversions, utility and public‑works projects, animal‑services purchasing and parks maintenance. Several items prompted public comment and questions about transparency, vendor selection and long‑term maintenance obligations.

Provenance: City attorney closed‑session report (transcript excerpt at 332.565–341.865 and 342.46–380.63), adaptive reuse presentation and public hearing (transcript excerpt at 1020.295–1318.58), and consent/action votes (various: adaptive reuse vote recorded near 1974.565; contract approvals and park allocation discussion at 7567.655–7778.400).