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Redlands council reports settlements, adopts multiple ordinances and resolutions in broad July meeting
Summary
City council approved two closed‑session settlements, adopted a climate action plan and a set of zoning and administrative code updates, introduced two ordinances and approved several contract and budget items at a meeting that included public comment on immigration‑related enforcement, housing and wildfire insurance concerns.
The Redlands City Council approved two closed‑session settlements and a series of ordinances, resolutions and contract adjustments during a meeting that included extended presentations and public comment on housing, wildfire risk and the city's climate plan.
The council reported in open session that it had unanimously approved a $300,000 settlement in Justin Harper v. City of Redlands and a separate $55,000 settlement in Flynn Restaurant Group, Apple SoCal LLC v. City of Redlands. During the evening session the council approved code changes to implement the city's housing element, introduced a new ordinance to adopt 2025 fire hazard severity zones, adopted the city's Climate Action Plan 2050 and authorized several department purchases and contract modifications.
The settlements were read into the record by the city attorney. The city attorney said, "Plaintiff shall release all claims, both known and unknown, of any kind whatsoever against the city of Redlands and dismiss all other defendants in the case. In exchange for the release of all claims, the city shall pay a total of $300,000 to plaintiff and his attorneys, inclusive of all attorneys fees and costs." The Flynn Restaurant Group settlement was summarized as a $55,000 payment and mutual dismissal with prejudice. The city manager was authorized to sign each agreement once fully executed.
Why it matters: the closed‑session approvals conclude two pending lawsuits against the city, and the series of code and budget votes will shape near‑term implementation of housing, wildfire and climate policies as staff prepares follow‑up regulations, permit changes and capital work.
Most consequential votes and formal actions - Settlements approved in closed session: Justin Harper v. City of Redlands — $300,000 payment and dismissal with prejudice; Flynn Restaurant Group, Apple SoCal LLC v. City of Redlands — $55,000 payment and dismissal with prejudice. Both motions passed unanimously in closed session (motion: Council member Tejeda; seconds: Tejeda/Davis and Tejeda/Berridge respectively). - Ordinance/resolution for housing code updates: Council approved Resolution No. 8700 and introduced Ordinance No. 2985 to update housing definitions and zoning text to implement the 2021 housing element work program; council found the proposal exempt from CEQA (motion and second; passed unanimously). - Ordinance re: 2025 fire hazard severity zones: Council introduced Ordinance No. 2986 to adopt CAL FIRE's 2025 fire hazard severity designations into the municipal code and found the proposal exempt from CEQA; motion passed unanimously. - Climate action plan adoption: Council adopted Resolution No. 8696 to adopt the Climate Action Plan 2050 after staff and consultant presentations and public comment (motion passed unanimously). Adoption directs staff to return with specific policies, programs and analyses for implementation. - Consent and administrative items: Resolution No. 8684 (procedures for nonprofit placards on welcome monuments) approved; Resolution No. 8694 (delinquent administrative citations report) adopted; purchase order contingency for Fire Station 262 increased from 10% to 15%; fiscal year 2025–26 Facilities & Community Services annual agreements and purchase orders approved; introduction of Ordinance No. 2984 (purchasing code updates) approved; professional services agreement for SCADA upgrades with Advanced Integration Controls approved (initial one‑year value $673,000; up to $2,019,000 with two one‑year extensions).
Process notes: In each instance where staff recommended regulatory changes (housing code updates, fire hazard zones, and the climate plan), council voted to approve or introduce measures and directed staff to return with implementing ordinances, permitting thresholds or program details where required. Council members and members of the public raised questions about insurance, grid capacity and program costs; council retained the measures and asked staff to investigate implementation and funding options.
Next steps: Staff will post executed settlement agreements with redactions as required, finalize ordinance text and bring implementing regulations or permit checklists to future meetings (housing and public works staff for zoning changes; planning and building staff for housing and climate code items; utilities staff for SCADA procurement). The climate plan adoption directs staff to return with the specific policy and budget implications of each proposed measure for council review.
Votes at a glance: all recorded motions reported in open session were approved by unanimous roll call where recorded. Several motions were seconded and passed without recorded dissents.
Ending: The council concluded the meeting after a number of additional routine administrative approvals and member announcements; staff noted that executed settlement agreements would be available from the city clerk once fully executed.
