Redlands approves settlement with former officer; council backs several contracts and a business-license amnesty

The Redlands City Council voted 3–2 to approve a settlement agreement and mutual release of claims between the city and former officer Travis Martinez during a closed-session report at the April meeting.

City Attorney (name not given) reported to the council that “the city council approved a settlement agreement and release of all claims between the city of Redlands and Travis Martinez.” The city attorney described the settlement’s material terms as requiring Martinez to file a retirement application within 10 days of the agreement’s effective date; allowing Martinez to retrieve personal property, photos and contacts from a city-issued phone; providing access to Martinez’s personnel file for review; issuing a retiree badge within 30 days of the effective date; and a mutual release of current and future claims. The reported announcement did not specify the monetary payment amount in open session.

The motion to approve the settlement was made by Councilmember Davis and seconded by Councilmember Tejeda. Councilmembers Tejeda, Salcedo and Davis voted yes; Mayor Salcedo and Councilmembers Shaw and Berridge were recorded as voting no. Once fully executed, the settlement agreement will be filed with the city clerk’s office, the city attorney said.

Public comment during the meeting included questions about the timing and counsel for the matter. Resident Steve Rogers told the council he was “perplexed” by the age of the claim documentation and raised concerns about the city’s use of outside counsel in multiple matters, saying, “I would encourage the city to not use Best Best & Krieger as defense counsel on this Martinez council lawsuit.” Rogers also said he was confused that the settlement had been prepared and reported without broader public notice about the terms.

Why it matters

The settlement and release end the city’s open litigation with Martinez as described in closed session, and the council’s vote — held behind closed doors under Government Code provisions for…