City of Corona

City Council Minutes

Wednesday, January 07, 2026 at 6:00 P.m. - 8:00 P.m.

Closed Session- Council Board Room

Council Present:

• Jacque Casillas, 
• Wes Speake, 
• Tony Daddario, 
• Tom Richins, 
• and Jim Steiner 

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1.

CONVENE CLOSED SESSION

Closed Session convened at 5:06 p.m. for the purpose listed below. Present were Mayor Casillas, Vice Mayor Speake, Council Member Daddario, Council Member Richins, and Council Member Steiner. Closed Session adjourned at 5:49 p.m.

1.1

CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS

PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6
AGENCY DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE: JACOB ELLIS, CITY MANAGER
EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION: CORONA UTILITIES EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION

2.

INVOCATION

None. 

3.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Maddy Paxton.

4.

CONVENE OPEN SESSION

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

5.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/PRESENTATIONS

None.

6.

CONSENT CALENDAR

The Consent Calendar was approved with the exception of Items 6.7 and 6.8, which were voted on separately. 

• Moved by: Tony Daddario
  Seconded by: Jim Steiner

  That the City Council approve the Consent Calendar. 

  Aye (5)

  Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, and Tony Daddario

  MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)

6.1

MINUTES - SPECIAL MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2025

THE MEETING MINUTES WERE APPROVED. 

6.2

MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2025

THE MEETING MINUTES WERE APPROVED. 

6.3

CITY COUNCIL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 3423, SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CORONA, CALIFORNIA

THIS ORDINANCE WAS ADOPTED. 

6.4

CITY COUNCIL ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 3424, SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CORONA, CALIFORNIA

THIS ORDINANCE WAS ADOPTED. 

6.5

CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CORONA, CORONA PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY, CORONA UTILITY AUTHORITY, AND CORONA HOUSING AUTHORITY TO RECEIVE AND FILE THE MONTHLY FISCAL REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2025

THIS FINANCIAL REPORT WAS RECEIVED AND FILED.

• That the City Council receive and file the monthly fiscal report for October 2025. 

6.6

CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CORONA, CORONA PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY, CORONA UTILITY AUTHORITY, AND CORONA HOUSING AUTHORITY TO RECEIVE AND FILE THE MONTHLY INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2025

THIS FINANCIAL REPORT WAS RECEIVED AND FILED.

• That the City Council receive and file the monthly investment portfolio report for October 2025.

6.7

CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH COPP CONTRACTING, INC. FOR THE SIDEWALK GAP CLOSURE AT EAST CHASE DRIVE AND SMITH AVENUE

Vice Mayor Speake provided comments in support of the proposed item. 

• Moved by: Wes Speake
  Seconded by: Jim Steiner

  That the City Council:

  1. Adopt Plans and Specifications for the Sidewalk Gap Closure at Chase Drive and Smith Avenue, Capital Improvement Project No. ST-2022-14, Notice Inviting Bids NIB 26-014AT.

      

  2. Award Notice Inviting Bids 26-014AT to Copp Contracting, Inc., the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, for the total bid amount of $570,464, and waive any and all minor irregularities in the bidding document as submitted by said bidder.

      

  3. Approve the construction contract with Copp Contracting, Inc. for the Sidewalk Gap Closure at Chase Drive and Smith Avenue, Capital Improvement Project No. ST-2022-14, in the amount of $570,464.

      

  4. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the construction contract with Copp Contracting, Inc., in the amount of $570,464, including any non-substantive extensions, change orders, purchase orders, and amendments up to 10%, which is equivalent to $57,046 as authorized by Corona Municipal Code 3.08.050 (H).

      

  5. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to issue a purchase order to Copp Contracting, Inc., in the amount of $570,464.

      

  6. Authorize a budgetary transfer in the amount of $377,015 from the Citywide ADA and Sidewalk Improvements, Capital Improvement Project No. ST-2025-05 to the Sidewalk Gap Closure at Chase Drive and Smith Avenue, Capital Improvement Project No. ST-2022-14 within the Measure X Fund 120 to cover the increase in construction cost due to inflation and the addition of streetlights to the Project.

  Aye (5)

  Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, and Tony Daddario

  MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)

6.8

AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF 1 PIERCE FIRE ENGINE (PUMPER) FROM SOUTH COAST FIRE EQUIPMENT VIA SOURCEWELL CO-OP

Don Fuller, resident, addressed the Council to provide comments in support of the proposed item.  

• Moved by: Wes Speake
  Seconded by: Tom Richins
  1. Authorize the purchase of one (1) new vehicle from South Coast Fire Equipment for the Fire Department in the amount of $1,453,033.  

      

  2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to issue a purchase order to South Coast Fire Equipment in the amount of $1,453,033, including any non-substantive extensions, change orders, purchase orders, and amendments up to the amount authorized by Corona Municipal Code 3.08.080(J), which is equivalent to 10% or $145,303.

      

  3. Authorize an appropriation in the amount of $1,598,337 from the Fleet Replacement Fund 684 to the Vehicle Procurement-Fire Operating and Maintenance Project No. 68342.

  Aye (5)

  Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, and Tony Daddario

  MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)

6.9

ADOPTION OF THE 2026 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM AND FINANCIAL PRIORITIES

THIS ITEM WAS APPROVED. 

• That the City Council adopt the 2026 Legislative Platform and Financial Priorities, as previously presented at the December 3, 2025, City Council meeting.

7.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC

The following residents addressed the Council: Maddy Paxton, Joe Morgan, Rory Connell, Alfredo Reza, Jesse Sojo, Nancy Jimenez-Hernandez, Colin Marleovich, David Herandez, Jocelyn Galindo, and Flor Shabgahi. 

8.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

None. 

9.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

9.1

PRESENTATION ABOUT THE CITY’S UPDATED CALPERS UNFUNDED LIABILITIES AND APPROVAL OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 PENSION STABILIZATION TRUST CONTRIBUTION

Kim Sitton, Finance Director, provided a report.  

• That the City Council:

  1. Acting as the Pension Stabilization Trust Board, receive the presentation about the updated pension liabilities and Pension Stabilization Trust.

      

  2. Approve a Fiscal Year 2026 Pension Stabilization Trust contribution of $2,300,000 ($2.0 million from the Measure X Fund 120 and $0.3 million from the General Fund 110).

  Aye (5)

  Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, and Tony Daddario

  MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)

9.2

FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SVA ARCHITECTS AND BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR THE NORTH MALL ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES

Justin Tucker, Assistant City Manager, provided a report.

The following residents addressed the Council regarding the proposed item: Rory Connell, Jeremy Devine, Joe Morgan, Maddy Paxton, Victor Ramirez, Don Fuller, Karen Alexander, and Vanessa Villafan.

The Council provided comments and had inquiries. Mr. Tucker and Dean Derleth, City Attorney, provided clarification.

• That the City Council:

  1. Pursue the Surplus Land Act exemption for a mixed use project of at least 300 housing units with 25% of units affordable.
  2. Approve the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with SVA Architects in the amount of $1,482,150 for Architectural Services for the North Mall Development.

      

  3. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with SVA Architects in the amount of $1,482,150 including any non-substantive extensions, change order, and amendments to 10% of the agreement amount, as authorized in Corona Municipal Code Section 3.08.070(I).

      

  4. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to issue a change order to the on-call purchase order with SVA Architects (B260001) for a total purchase order amount of $1,482,150.

      

  5. Authorize an appropriation in the amount of $982,150 from Measure X Fund 120 to the North Corona Mall Acquisition/Improvements, Operating and Maintenance Project No.78390.

  Aye (5)

  Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, and Tony Daddario

  MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)

9.3

NONCONFORMING USES IN DOWNTOWN CORONA

THIS ITEM WAS TAKEN OUT OF ORDER.

Mayor Casillas motioned to withdraw the previous motion, which was to delay the conversation about amortization. She does not want a delay to engage with the business community and partner with the Chamber of Commerce. 

The following residents addressed the Council to provide comments: Tim Gramling, Rory Connell, Joe Morgan, and Wayne Tallman. 

The Council provided comments and had inquiries. Dean Derleth, City Attorney/LRM Director, and Jacob Elllis, City Manager, provided clarification. 

• Moved by: Jacque Casillas
  Seconded by: Jim Steiner

  That the City Council provide direction to staff on next steps and community engagement related to nonconforming uses in the Downtown Specific Plan boundaries.

  Aye (4)	Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, and Wes Speake
  Nay (1)	Tony Daddario

  MotionAPPROVED (4 to 1)

10.

LEGISLATIVE MATTERS

None. 

11.

REPORTS FROM BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 

11.1

Library Board of Trustees

None. 

11.2

Planning & Housing Commission

None. 

11.3

Parks & Recreation Commission

None. 

11.4

Regional Meetings

11.4.a

UPDATE FROM COUNCIL MEMBER TONY DADDARIO ON THE WESTERN RIVERSIDE COUNTY REGIONAL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY (RCA) MEETING OF JANUARY 5, 2026

Council Member Daddario provided an update. 

11.4.b

UPDATE FROM COUNCIL MEMBER TOM RICHINS ON THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY HABITAT CONSERVATION AGENCY (RCHCA) MEETING OF DECEMBER 11, 2025

Meeting was cancelled. 

11.4.c

UPDATE FROM COUNCIL MEMBER JIM STEINER ON THE RIVERSIDE TRANSIT AGENCY (RTA) BOARD MEETING OF DECEMBER 18, 2025

Council Member Steiner provided an update. 

11.4.d

UPDATE FROM VICE MAYOR WES SPEAKE ON THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SCAG) JOINT POLICY MEETING OF DECEMBER 4, 2025

Vice Mayor Speake provided an update. 

11.4.e

UPDATE FROM VICE MAYOR WES SPEAKE ON THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (RCTC) MEETING OF DECEMBER 10, 2025

Vice Mayor 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

The Council provided comments.

14.1

CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SCAG) GENERAL ASSEMBLY DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE FOR THE MEETING OF MAY 7 - 8, 2026

Mayor Casillas nominated Vice Mayor Speake as the Delegate and Council Member Daddario as the Alternate. 

• Moved by: Jacque Casillas
  Seconded by: Tom Richins

  That the City Council approve Vice Mayor Wes Speake as the Delegate and Council Member Tony Daddario as the Alternate.

  Aye (5)

  Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, and Tony Daddario

  MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)

14.2

APPOINTMENTS TO REGIONAL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Mayor Casillas appointed Council Member Steiner to serve the remainder of the term for Riverside County Transportation Commission and seconded by Council Member Daddario. No other changes were made to the Regional Boards and Commissions appointments. 

• Moved by: Jacque Casillas
  Seconded by: Tom Richins

  That the City Council approve the appointments with no changes. 

  Aye (5)

  Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, and Tony Daddario

  MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)

14.3

RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2026

Kristian Duarte, Deputy City Clerk, provided a report. 

• That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-001, approving the City Council meeting schedule for calendar year 2026.

  Aye (5)

  Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, and Tony Daddario

  MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)

14.4

REAPPOINTMENT TO THE NORTHWEST MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL BOARD OF TRUSTEES

THIS ITEM WAS TAKEN OUT OF ORDER. 

Mayor Casillas reappointed Nancy Jimenez Hernandez to the Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control Board of Trustees. 

• Moved by: Jim Steiner
  Seconded by: Tom Richins

  That the City Council approve the appointment of Nancy Jimenez Hernandez to the Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control Board of Trustees.

  Aye (5)

  Tom Richins, Jim Steiner, Jacque Casillas, Wes Speake, and Tony Daddario

  MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)

15.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

15.1

CITY PARK FINAL DESIGN (STAFF) JANUARY 21, 2026

15.2

EXPLORE CORDON PRICING OF THE FOOTHILL CORRIDOR TO DETER CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC (W. SPEAKE) JANUARY 21, 2026

15.3

UPDATE OF CHAPTER 5.34 PEDDLERS AND SOLICITORS (W. SPEAKE) FEB/MARCH

15.4

PROVIDING THE USE OF CITY FACILITIES TO OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES FREE OF CHARGE (W. SPEAKE) FEB/MARCH

15.5

EXPLORE THE LEGALITIES OF REQUIRING CUP’S FOR OUTPATIENT DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CLINICS (W. SPEAKE) FEB/MARCH

15.6

PROVIDE THE NUMBER OF HOUSING UNITS APPROVED BY THE CITY OF CORONA SINCE 2019 (W. SPEAKE) MARCH/APRIL

15.7

CMC AMENDMENT PROHIBITING THE COMMERCIAL SALE OF KRATOM (STAFF) TBD

16.

ADJOURNMENT

The next scheduled meeting of the Council is on January 21, 2026. Mayor Casillas adjourned the meeting at 8:34 pm in honor of Judy Horan.