City of Corona

City Council Minutes

-
Closed Session- Council Board Room
Council Present:
  • Jim Steiner, 
  • Jacque Casillas, 
  • Tom Richins, 
  • and Wes Speake 
Council Absent:
  • Tony Daddario 

1.
CONVENE CLOSED SESSION

 

Closed Session Convened at 4:00 p.m. for the purposes listed below. Present were Mayor Steiner, Vice Mayor Casillas, Council Member Richins, and Council Member Speake. Council Member Daddario was absent. Closed Session adjourned at 4:45 p.m.

1.1
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS

 

Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: 500 Corona Mall, 117-143-037  
Agency Negotiator: Jacob Ellis, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Main Barbershop, LLC
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment

1.2
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS

 

Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: 405 S. Corona Mall – 117-151-002, 518 S. Main Street – 117-143-040, 474 and 475 Corona Mall – 117-151-020, 425 Corona Mall -  117-151-019
Agency Negotiator: Jacob Ellis, City Manager
Negotiating Party: All American Karate, Corona Antique Gallery, Victor’s Studio Tailor Shop, Gainz Fitness, Islamic Society
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment

1.3
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION

 

Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) 
Significant exposure to litigation: (1 or more cases)

1.4
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION

 

Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: City of Corona v. Royal Ridge Investment Inc., et al.
Case Number: Riverside Superior Court Case No. RIC 2003117

2.
INVOCATION

 

The Invocation was led by Elijah Coombes.

3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Elijah Combes. 

4.
CONVENE OPEN SESSION

 

Mayor Steiner called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.

5.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/PRESENTATIONS

 

5.1
COMMENDATION: GARRETSON HEROES

 

Ivan Armes, Roberto Hernandez, and Margarita Sorto accepted the commendations. 

5.2
PROCLAMATION: “NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY”

 

Joe Dominguez, American Legion Post 741 accepted the Proclamation. 

5.3
RECOGNITION: SANTIAGO HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS TRACK TEAM

 

Santiago High School Girls Track Team and their coach accepted their recognitions. 

5.4
PRESENTATION: NORTHWEST MOSQUITO & VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT UPDATE

This item has attachments. 
1.2025Corona_Pres.pdf

Nancy Jimenez-Hernandez, Northwest Mosquito Control Board Vice President City of Corona, provided an update. Eric Ballejos, Public Information and Technology Officer, provided clarification. 

6.
CONSENT CALENDAR

 
  • Moved by:Wes Speake
    Seconded by:Tom Richins

    That the City Council approve the Consent Calendar. 

    Aye (4)Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, and Wes Speake
    Absent (1)Tony Daddario
    MotionAPPROVED (4 to 0)

6.1
MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 3, 2025

This item has attachments. 
1.Draft Minutes - City Council Meeting 09032025.pdf

THE MEETING MINUTES WERE APPROVED.

6.2
CITY COUNCIL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 3420, SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CORONA, CALIFORNIA

This item has attachments. 
1.Staff Report.pdf
2.Ordinance No. 3420.pdf

THIS ORDINANCE WAS ADOPTED. 

6.3
GRANT FUNDING FROM THE CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,840 FOR THE ZIP BOOKS PROJECT

This item has attachments. 
1.STAFF REPORT - GRANT FUNDING FOR ZIP BOOKS GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,840.pdf
2.Zip Books Grant Award Letter.pdf

THIS ITEM WAS APPROVED.

  • That the City Council:

    1. Accept grant funding in the amount of $15,840 from the California State Library for the Corona Public Library’s Zip Books grant project through the California Library Services Act funds.

       

    2. Authorize an appropriation and estimated revenue increase in the amount of $15,840 to the Community Services Department’s operating budget in the Library - Other Grants Fund 415.

       

    3. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to amend the budget accordingly if the California State Library distributes additional funds to Zip Book grant participants.

       

6.4
RESOLUTION CERTIFYING THE RESULTS OF AN ELECTION AND ADDING TERRITORY TO COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2016-1 (PUBLIC SERVICES) OF THE CITY OF CORONA (ANNEXATION NO. 27)

This item has attachments. 
1.STAFF REPORT - CFD 2016-1 ANNEX NO. 27 RIVER ROAD CONDOS.pdf
2.Exhibit 1 - CFD 2016-1 Annexation No. 27 Project Map.pdf
3.Exhibit 2 - Resolution No. 2025-098.pdf

THIS ITEM WAS APPROVED. 

  • That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-098, certifying the results of an election and adding territory to Community Facilities District No. 2016-1 (Public Services) of the City of Corona (Annexation No. 27).

6.5
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR REIMBURSING OFF-DUTY PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT AT SPECIAL EVENTS FOR CORONA NORCO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

This item has attachments. 
1.MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING - REIMBURSING OFF-DUTY PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT AT EVENTS FOR CNUSD.pdf
2.Exhibit 1 - CNUSD MOU FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF OFF-DUTY PERSONNEL FOR SPECIAL EVENTS.pdf

THIS ITEM WAS APPROVED.

  • That the City Council:

    a. Authorize the City Manager, or their designee, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding regarding the reimbursement of off-duty personnel and equipment at special events between the City of Corona Police Department and the Corona-Norco Unified School District, effective July 2, 2025, through July 1, 2026.

    b.Authorize the Police Department to provide off-duty police personnel to assist with security, public safety, traffic control, and crowd management services at district special events, subject to departmental availability and operational needs.

    c.Authorize the Police Chief or designee to review and approve individual requests for services based on departmental capacity and operational requirements, with no obligation to fulfill requests that would create undue hardship or material impact regular public safety services within the City’s jurisdiction.

    d.Implement the mutual indemnification provisions outlined in Section 6 of the agreement.

6.6
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2024 POWER SOURCE DISCLOSURE PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT

This item has attachments. 
1.STAFF REPORT - APPROVING 2024 POWER SOURCE DISCLOSURE PROGRAM REPORT.pdf
2.Exhibit 1 - Resolution No. 2025-097.pdf

THIS RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. 

  • That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-097, approving and attesting to the accuracy of the 2024 Power Source Disclosure Program Annual Report to the California Energy Commission for the year ending December 31, 2024.

6.7
FISCAL YEAR 2025 YEAR-END BUDGETARY ADJUSTMENTS

This item has attachments. 
1.FISCAL YEAR 2025 YEAR-END BUDGETARY ADJUSTMENTS.pdf

THIS ITEM WAS APPROVED.

  • That the City Council:

    1. Authorize a total appropriation in the amount of $8,000 ($5,000 in the CFD 97-1 Landscape Maintenance Fund 248 and $3,000 in the LMD 84-2 Zone 6 Fund 457) to address year-end shortfalls resulting from increased water and recycled water expenditures.

       

    2. Authorize an appropriation in the amount of $2,480,000 from the Workers’ Compensation Fund 683 to the Legal and Risk Management Department’s operating budget to adjust for an accounting entry related to the updated value of projected claims.

7.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Chris McCoy, resident, addressed the Council and expressed concerns about pulled agenda items and the cost of fees. 

Don Fuller, resident, addressed the Council to acknowledge the no kings protest. 

Maddie Paxton, resident, addressed the Council to announce the Trauma Intervention Program. 

Victoria Pacheco, GRID Alternatives Inland Empire, addressed the Council to announce Grant funding for Solar instillation to Corona residents. 

Joe Morgan, resident, addressed the Council to express concerns with the McKinley Grade Separation and Downtown Revitalization.

8.
PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

8.1
PUBLIC HEARING AND ELECTION FOR ANNEXATION NO. 42 INTO COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2016-3 (MAINTENANCE SERVICES)

This item has attachments. 
1.STAFF REPORT - PUBLIC HEARING CFD 2016-3 ANNEX NO. 42 RIVER ROAD CONDOS.pdf
2.Exhibit 1 - CFD No. 2016-3 Annexation No. 42 Project Map.pdf
3.Exhibit 2 - CFD No. 2016-3 Annexation No. 42 Recorded Boundary Map.pdf
4.Exhibit 3 - Resolution No. 2025-095.pdf
5.Exhibit 4 - Resolution No. 2025-096.pdf

Mayor Steiner opened the Public Hearing. Sylvia Edwards, City Clerk, confirmed she had proof of publication and mailing of the notice of the Public Hearing. She confirmed that she had not received any written protests. Ms. Edwards stated there are no registered voters within the area to be annexed to the CFD, and the owners of all property proposed to be annexed to the CFD agreed to hold a special election on September 17, 2025. Ms. Edwards also agreed to hold a special election on September 17, 2025. Mayor Richins closed the Public Hearing. Ms. Edwards confirmed she received one ballot and all votes cast are in favor of levying the special taxes.

  • Moved by:Jacque Casillas
    Seconded by:Jim Steiner

    That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-095, calling a special election and submitting to the qualified electors of the territory proposed to be annexed to Community Facilities District No. 2016-3 (Maintenance Services) of the City of Corona the question of levying special taxes within the territory proposed to be annexed (Annexation No. 42).

    Aye (4)Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, and Wes Speake
    Absent (1)Tony Daddario
    MotionAPPROVED (4 to 0)
  • Moved by:Jacque Casillas
    Seconded by:Jim Steiner

    That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-096, declaring the results of the special election for Community Facilities District No. 2016-3 (Maintenance Services) of the City of Corona on the proposition of the annual levy of special taxes within the territory proposed to be annexed to said Community Facilities District to pay the costs of certain services to be provided by the Community Facilities District, determining that the territory proposed to be annexed is added to and part of said Community Facilities District with full legal effect (Annexation No. 42).

    Aye (4)Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, and Wes Speake
    Absent (1)Tony Daddario
    MotionAPPROVED (4 to 0)

8.2
AFFORDABLE HOUSING DENISTY BONUS 2024-0001 FOR 57 RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUMS CONSISTING OF THREE AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS, LOCATED AT 1717 VIA DEL RIO IN THE R-3 MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONE (APPLICANT: MERITAGE HOMES OF CALIFORNIA, INC.)

This item has attachments. 
1.STAFF REPORT - AFFORDABLE HOUSING DENSITY BONUS 2024-0001.pdf
2.Exhibit 1 - Affordable Housing Density Bonus Agreement.pdf
3.Exhibit 2 - Purchaser Covenant.pdf
4.Exhibit 3 - Site Plan.pdf
5.Exhibit 4 - Planning and Housing Commission staff report.pdf
6.Exhibit 5 - Draft minutes of the Planning and Housing Commission meeting dated August 25, 2025.pdf

The following residents address the Council and expressed their concerns with the proposed item: Chris McCoy, Maddie Paxton, Joe Morgan, Ray Haul, and Dan Watson. 

Mayor Steiner opened the Public Hearing. Sylvia Edwards, City Clerk, stated there was no correspondence received from the public. Mayor Steiner closed the Public Hearing.

The Council unanimously voted for items 8.2-8.4 to be continued to the October 1, 2025 Council meeting. 

  • Moved by:Tom Richins
    Seconded by:Wes Speake

    That the City Council:

    1. Approve the Affordable Housing Density Bonus Agreement 2024-0001 as recommended by the Planning and Housing Commission.

       

    2. Authorize the City Manager, or their designee, to execute the Affordable Housing Density Bonus Agreement between the City of Corona and Meritage Homes of California, Inc.

       

    3. Notwithstanding Corona Municipal Code Section 17.87.090, direct the Affordable Housing Density Bonus Agreement to be recorded in the Official Records of the County of Riverside before the recordation of Tentative Tract Map 38934.

8.3
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 38934 TO SUBDIVIDE 2.86 ACRES FOR RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUM PURPOSES LOCATED AT 1717 VIA DEL RIO IN THE R-3 MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONE (APPLICANT: MERITAGE HOMES OF CALIFORNIA, INC.)

This item has attachments. 
1.STAFF REPORT - TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 38934.pdf
2.Exhibit 1 - Locational and Zoning Map(1).pdf
3.Exhibit 2 - Site plan for Tentative Tract Map 38934.pdf
4.Exhibit 3 - Planning and Housing Commission staff report(1).pdf
5.Exhibit 4 - Draft minutes of the Planning and Housing Commission meeting dated August 25, 2025(1).pdf

This item is to be continued to the October 1, 2025 Council meeting.

  • That the City Council approve Tentative Tract Map 38934 based on the findings and conditions of approval as recommended by the Planning and Housing Commission.

8.4
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2024-0003 TO ESTABLISH 57 TOWNHOUSE CONDOMINIUM UNITS ON 2.86 ACRES, LOCATED AT 1717 VIA DEL RIO IN THE R-3 MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONE (APPLICANT: MERITAGE HOMES OF CALIFORNIA, INC.)

This item has attachments. 
1.STAFF REPORT - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2024-0003.pdf
2.Exhibit 1 - Locational and Zoning Map.pdf
3.Exhibit 2 - Site Plan for Conditional Use Permit 2024-0003.pdf
4.Exhibit 3 - Planning and Housing Commission staff report.pdf
5.Exhibit 4 - Draft minutes of the Planning and Housing Commission meeting dated August 25, 2025.pdf

This item is to be continued to the October 1, 2025 Council meeting.

  • That the City Council:

    1. Take no action, thereby affirming the Planning and Housing Commission’s action granting CUP2024-0003, based on the finding contained in the staff report and conditions of approval.

       

      OR

       

    2. Set the item for review at a subsequent meeting.

       

9.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

 

9.1
REQUEST BY COUNCIL MEMBER RICHINS TO DISCUSS SAVE THE CORONA CLOCK

This item has attachments. 
1.STAFF REPORT - SAVE THE CLOCK.pdf
2.Save Coronas Clock Future Agenda Request.pdf

Joel Belding, Economic Development Director, provided a report. 

Joe Morgan, resident, addressed the Council and expressed his concerns with the proposed item.

Chris McCoy, resident, addressed the Council to provide comments and express his support with the proposed item. 

The Council provided comments and had inquiries. Mr. Belding provided clarification.

The Council unanimously agreed to receive and file this report. 

9.2
CONSIDER ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS AND OTHER OFFICIAL ACTIONS AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF THE CORONA UTILITY AUTHORITY 2025 WATER REVENUE BONDS AND 2025 WASTEWATER REVENUE BONDS

This item has attachments. 
1.STAFF REPORT - CUA 2025 WATER REVENUE BONDS AND 2025 WASTEWATER REVENUE BONDS.pdf
2.Exhibit 1 - Resolution No. 2025-001.pdf
3.Exhibit 2 - Water Revenue Bonds - Indenture of Trust.pdf
4.Exhibit 3 - Water Revenue Bonds - Purchase Contract.pdf
5.Exhibit 4 - Water Revenue Bonds - Preliminary Official Statement.pdf
6.Exhibit 5 - Water Revenue Bonds - Agency Agreement.pdf
7.Exhibit 6 - Resolution No. 2025-002.pdf
8.Exhibit 7 - Wastewater Revenue Bonds - Indenture of Trust.pdf
9.Exhibit 8 - Wastewater Revenue Bonds - Preliminary Official Statement.pdf
10.Exhibit 9 - Wastewater Revenue Bonds - Purchase Contract.pdf
11.Exhibit 10 - Wastewater Revenue Bonds - Escrow Deposit and Trust Agreement.pdf
12.Exhibit 11 - Wastewater Revenue Bonds - Agency Agreement.pdf

Kim Sitton, Finance Director, provided a report. 

  • Moved by:Wes Speake
    Seconded by:Jacque Casillas

    That the Corona Utility Authority Board of Directors:

    1. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-001 authorizing the issuance of the Corona Utility Authority 2025 Water Revenue Bonds in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $45,000,000 in connection with the financing of certain improvements to the water enterprise of the Corona Utility Authority, authorizing and directing execution of an Indenture of Trust, authorizing the sale of the Bonds, approving a purchase contract and an official statement and authorizing official actions and execution of related documents.
    2. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-002 authorizing the issuance of the Corona Utility Authority 2025 Wastewater Revenue Bonds in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $36,000,000 in connection with the financing and refinancing of certain improvements to the wastewater enterprise of the Corona Utility Authority, authorizing and directing execution of an Indenture of Trust and Escrow Deposit and Trust Agreement, authorizing the sale of the Bonds, approving a purchase contract and an official statement and authorizing official actions and execution of related documents.
    Aye (4)Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, and Wes Speake
    Absent (1)Tony Daddario
    MotionAPPROVED (4 to 0)

9.3
PARTNERSHIP WITH OC MARATHON LLC TO HOST THE CORONA 5000 ON MARCH 21, 2026

This item has attachments. 
1.STAFF REPORT - 5K RUN.pdf
2.Corona 5000 Council 9.17.25.pdf
3.Memorandum of Understanding with OC Marathon LLC.pdf

Donna Finch, Community Services Director, Gary Kutscher, OC Marathon Race Director, Lisa Stollman, OC Marathon Director of Operations, and Gary Griffitts, Police Lieutenant, provided a report. 

The Council provided comments in support of the proposed item and had inquiries. Mr. Griffitts provided clarification. 

  • Moved by:Wes Speake
    Seconded by:Jacque Casillas

    That the City Council:

    1. Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the OC Marathon, LLC., to coordinate and produce the inaugural Corona 5000 5K Road Race subject to compliance with all applicable provisions of the Corona Municipal Code, including but not limited to Chapter 12.32 (Special Events and Street Closures), and any other relevant local, county, or state regulations.

       

    2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all necessary agreements and permits with OC Marathon LLC.

       

    Aye (4)Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, and Wes Speake
    Absent (1)Tony Daddario
    MotionAPPROVED (4 to 0)

9.4
REQUEST FROM COUNCIL MEMBER SPEAKE TO EXPLORE CORDON PRICING FOR THE GREEN RIVER ROAD/FOOTHILL PARKWAY CORRIDOR TO DETER CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC

This item has attachments. 
1.STAFF REPORT - REQUEST FROM COUNCIL MEMBER SPEAKE TO EXPLORE CORDON PRICING FOR GREEN RIVER ROAD FOOTHILL PARKWAY.pdf
2.Exhibit 1 - Presentation .pdf
3.Exhibit 2 - Future Agenda Item Request Form (Speake).pdf

THIS ITEM HAS BEEN PULLED FROM THE AGENDA. 

  • That the City Council provide feedback and direction regarding procurement of a consultant to prepare a preliminary feasibility study to determine Green River Road/Foothill Parkway Cordon pricing’s legal feasibility, constructability, pricing strategy, implementation costs, potential revenue, and possible partnerships with other agencies.

10.
LEGISLATIVE MATTERS

 

None.

11.
REPORTS FROM BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 

 

11.1
Library Board of Trustees

 

THIS REPORT WAS RECEIVED AND FILED.

11.2
Planning & Housing Commission

 

None.

11.3
Parks & Recreation Commission

 

THIS REPORT WAS RECEIVED AND FILED.

11.3.a
HALLOWEEKEND GHOST TOWN 

 

11.3.b
SANTANA SKATE PARK CLEANUP

 

Thursday, September 18, 2025

4:00pm - 6:00pm

11.4
Regional Meetings

 

11.4.a
UPDATE FROM VICE MAYOR JACQUE CASILLAS ON THE WESTERN RIVERSIDE COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (WRCOG) GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2025

 

Vice Mayor Casillas provided an update. 

11.4.b
UPDATE FROM VICE MAYOR JACQUE CASILLAS ON THE CAL CITIES RIVERSIDE COUNTY DIVISION GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2025

 

Vice Mayor Casillas provided an update. 

11.4.c
UPDATE FROM COUNCIL MEMBER TOM RICHINS ON THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY HABITAT CONSERVATIONAGENCY (RCHCA) MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2025

 

Council Member Richins provided an update. 

11.4.d
UPDATE FROM COUNCIL MEMBER WES SPEAKE ON THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SCAG) TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 4 2025

 

Council Member Speake provided an update. 

11.4.e
UPDATE FROM COUNCIL MEMBER WES SPEAKE ON THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (RCTC) MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 10, 2025

 

Council Member Speake provided an update. 

12.
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORTS AND COMMENTS

 

None. 

13.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS AND COMMENTS

 

None. 

14.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS

 

Council Member Speake acknowledged the passing of Kathy Right. 

15.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

 

16.
ADJOURNMENT

 

The next scheduled meeting of the Council is on October 1, 2025. Mayor Steiner adjourned the meeting at 7:48 p.m. in honor of Kathy Right. 

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