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Fontana to front construction of regional navigation center; city says county will reimburse third‑party costs
Summary
City staff told the council the city retained and expanded architectural work for a Regional Navigation Center and will front construction costs (including an added sobering center) with reimbursement by San Bernardino County after escrow closes; council approved the related contract change on the consent calendar.
The Fontana City Council approved consent‑calendar items that include a change order expanding architectural services for the city's Regional Navigation Center, and staff and the city manager described how the city will advance construction and be reimbursed by the county after completion.
Phil Burn summarized the arrangement: the city acquired the property to expedite renovations and retained an architect; as the county planned to operate and later acquire the facility, the scope of architectural services expanded to accommodate potential county offices and additional program elements. "So the city is effectively, thanks to your leadership, cash flowing this to expedite the development and construction of this facility," Burn said, adding the county will reimburse the city for third‑party costs when it closes escrow.
Council and staff clarified the facility's scope: Burn said the project includes 100 recuperative‑care beds (with some medical care) and 100 navigation/wellness beds — for 200 beds total — and that an 8‑unit sobering center was added at the county's request. Asher Jones, a public commenter and formerly unhoused resident, urged the council to ensure the navigation center includes mental‑health wraparound services, substance‑use treatment and education and case management to support transitions to permanent housing.
City staff said the architect change order was necessary because floor plans and program elements expanded after collaboration with the county; the item was on the consent calendar and was approved as part of the council's consent vote.
What happens next: Staff said construction will proceed and the county will reimburse documented third‑party costs upon closing; the city indicated it will continue outreach about the project and return with implementation details.
