Redlands council approves several public-works contracts, tract map and $45M wastewater loan; approves settlement disclosure

The Redlands City Council on Tuesday approved several construction and maintenance contracts, accepted a final subdivision map, authorized steps to pursue a $45 million State Water Resources Control Board loan for wastewater improvements and approved the disclosure of a settlement agreement related to a former employee.

The actions were taken after presentations and public comment that included objections to meeting notice and transparency around personnel settlements and questions about environmental review for the wastewater project. Councilmember Denise Davis participated remotely under AB 2449 and the city attorney reported there was "no reportable action" from the closed session earlier in the meeting.

Why it matters: The package of approvals commits the city to near-term public-works construction and maintenance projects and advances financing steps for a major wastewater treatment project that city staff estimated could be funded by a $45 million low-interest loan. Several members of the public urged clearer notice and more transparency about settlements and environmental review as the council considered those items.

The council approved five contracts and related actions in the consent and action calendar:

Votes at a glance - Disclosure and settlement: Approved the "Disclosure, Settlement Agreement and Release of All Claims" between Travis Martinez and the City of Redlands. Vote: 4–1 (Council member Barich recorded a no vote; Council members Tejeda, Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Shah and Mayor Saucedo recorded yes votes). The motion approved placing the settlement disclosure on the public record as an open-session agenda item.

- Final Tract Map No. 20473: Adopted and approved on the consent calendar. Vote: unanimous (5–0). The council approved recording the final map for a 98-unit…