City of Corona

City Council Minutes

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 6:00 P.m. - 7:00 P.m.

Closed Session- Council Board Room

Council Present:

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

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1.

CONVENE CLOSED SESSION

Closed Session convened at 4:40 p.m. for the purposes listed below. Present were Mayor Steiner, Vice Mayor Casillas, Council Member Daddario, Council Member Richins, and Council Member Speake. Closed Session adjourned at 5:05 p.m. 

1.1

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION

Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: Yolanda Guzman v. City of Corona
Case Number: Riverside Superior Court Case No. CVRI 2300468

1.2

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

1.3

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION

Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: City of Corona v. C.P.I. Properties, LLC et al.
Case Number: Riverside Superior Court Case No. RIC 2002846

2.

INVOCATION - Pastor Shannon Scott, Grace Baptist Church

None.

3.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Steiner.

4.

CONVENE OPEN SESSION

Mayor Steiner called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.

5.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/PRESENTATIONS

5.1

PROCLAMATION: ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

Rashad Al-Dabbagh, Executive Director of Arab American Civic Council, accepted the proclamation. 

5.2

RECOGNITION: ROCKY THE CFD SUPPORT CANINE

Fire Captain Sean Harmon and Rocky received the recognition. 

Maddie Paxton, resident, addressed the Council to provide a brief overview of the Corona Fire 2024 Annual Report. 

5.3

RECOGNITION: CALIFORNIA PARK & RECREATION SOCIETY AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

Past President Kyla Brown, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Tomas Munoz, and Madelyne Black, Community Services Program Coordinator, accepted the recognition. 

5.4

RECOGNITION: CORONA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS WRESTLING TEAM

The Corona High School Girls Wrestling Team accepted the recognition. 

5.5

PRESENTATION: MCKINLEY GRADE SEPARATION UPDATE

Alan Zhang, Senior Engineer, and Josh Cosper, Consultant Program Manager, provided a presentation.

6.

MEETING MINUTES

6.1

MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 2, 2025

Approval of Minutes for the City Council, Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Corona, Corona Public Financing Authority, Corona Utility Authority, Corona Housing Authority City Council Meeting of April 2, 2025.

• Moved by: Tom Richins
  Seconded by: Wes Speake

  Aye (5)

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

  MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)

7.

CONSENT CALENDAR

The Consent Calendar was approved with the exception of Items 7.1 and 7.3, which were voted on separately. 

• Moved by: Wes Speake
  Seconded by: Tom Richins

  Aye (5)

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

  MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)

7.1

CONTRACT WITH FLOCK SAFETY TO PROVIDE HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, TRAINING, AND REGULATORY SERVICES FOR DRONE AS A FIRST RESPONDER PROGRAM

Police Chief Newman and Gary Griffitts, Police Lieutenant, provided a report. 

The Council had inquiries and Mr. Griffitts provided clarification. 

• Moved by: Wes Speake
  Seconded by: Tony Daddario
  1. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute an agreement with Flock Safety for a 36-month contract through June 30, 2028, to provide Drone as a First Responder hardware, software, training, and regulatory services the amount of $1,528,662.

  2. Make a determination under Corona Municipal Code 3.08.140(E) that competitive bidding has been otherwise accomplished as provided for in the “Basis for Determination of Competitive Bidding” section of this agenda report.

  3. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to issue purchase orders to Flock Safety: in the amounts of $341,258 for FY 2026 and $593,702 for FY 2027 and FY 2028.

  4. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to negotiate and execute any non-substantive extensions, amendments, and change orders up to $152,866 or 10% of the original purchase order amount as provided by the Corona Municipal Code (CMC) Section 3.08.060(j).

  5. Authorize the elimination of three (3) part-time vacant Public Safety Dispatcher II Flex positions and two (2) full-time vacant Public Safety Dispatch Call Taker positions.

  6. Authorize the creation of a new Capital Improvement Project (CIP) titled, “DFR Infrastructure Upgrades.”

  7. Authorize a budgetary transfer in the amount of $100,000 from the salaries/benefits category in the Police Department’s operating budget to the newly created DFR Infrastructure Upgrades Capital Improvement Project within the General Fund 110 due to the elimination of vacant positions for required infrastructure upgrades to unmanned aerial vehicle launch sites and a radar deployment site.

  Aye (5)

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

  MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)

7.2

TERMINATE CONTRACTED EMERGENCY TRANSMISSION WATER MAIN AND PARKING LOT REPAIRS AT 515 SOUTH PROMENADE AVENUE AND RATIFY MAINTENANCE/GENERAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS WITH MERLIN JOHNSON CONSTRUCTION, INC. AND CT&T CONCRETE PAVING, INC. FOR THE REPAIRS

THIS ITEM WAS APPROVED.

• That the City Council:

  1. Terminate the emergency action for contracted emergency transmission water main line break and parking lot repairs at 515 South Promenade Avenue pursuant to Corona Municipal Code (CMC) Section 3.08.130(A).

      

  2. Ratify the Maintenance/General Services Agreement with Merlin Johnson Construction, Inc. of Mentone, CA, in the amount of $110,909.23, including any non-substantive extensions, change orders, purchase orders, and amendments up to the amount authorized in Corona Municipal Code (CMC) Section 3.08.060(J), which is equivalent to 10% or $11,090.92, for performing the emergency repair of the transmission water line at 515 South Promenade Avenue.

      

  3. Ratify the Maintenance/General Services Agreement with CT&T Concrete Paving, Inc. of Diamond Bar, CA, in the amount of $95,243.54, including any non-substantive extensions, change orders, purchase orders, and amendments up to the amount authorized in Corona Municipal Code (CMC) Section 3.08.060(J), which is equivalent to 10% or $9,524.35, for parking lot asphalt and concrete repairs at 515 South Promenade Avenue.

      

  That the Corona Utility Authority review, ratify, and to the extent necessary, direct the City Council to take the above actions.

7.3

CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH ALFREDO BALANDRA DBA BALANDRA DEMOLITION IN THE AMOUNT OF $379,000 FOR THE NORTH MALL PROPERTIES DEMOLITION – PHASE 1 PROJECT; NOTICE INVITING BIDS 25-043SB

Council Member Speake had inquiries and Savat Khamphou, Public Works Director, provided clarification. 

• Moved by: Wes Speake
  Seconded by: Tony Daddario

  That the City Council:

   

  1. Adopt the Specifications for the North Mall Demolition Properties – Phase 1 Project, Notice Inviting Bids 25-043SB.

      

  2. Award Notice Inviting Bids 25-043SB, to Alfredo Balandra DBA Balandra Demolition, the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, for the total bid amount of $379,000 and waive any and all minor irregularities in the bidding document as submitted by said bidder.

      

  3. Approve the Construction Contract with Alfredo Balandra DBA Balandra Demolition for the demolition of the North Mall Properties – Phase 1 Project in the amount of $379,000.

      

  4. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Construction contract with Alfredo Bandara DBA Balandra Demolition in the amount of $379,000, including any non-substantive extensions, change orders, purchase orders, and amendments up to 10% of total contract cost or $37,900 as authorized in Section 3.08.050(H) of the Corona Municipal Code.

      

  5. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to issue a purchase order to Alfredo Balandra DBA Balandra Demolition in the amount of 379,000.

      

      

  6. Authorize an appropriation in the amount of $473,750 from the Measure X Fund 120 to the North Corona Mall Acquisitions and Improvements Project, No. 78390.

  Aye (5)

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

  MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)

7.4

RESOLUTION INITIATING PROCEEDINGS TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 FOR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 84-2, ZONE 14, APPOINTING ENGINEER OF RECORD, AND ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF THE ENGINEER’S REPORT

THIS RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. 

• That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-024, initiating proceedings to levy and collect assessments for FY 2026 for Landscape Maintenance District No. 84-2, Zone 14 pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, appointing Engineer of Record, and ordering preparation of an Engineer’s Report.

7.5

RESOLUTION INITIATING PROCEEDINGS TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 FOR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 84-2, ZONE 20, APPOINTING ENGINEER OF RECORD, AND ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF THE ENGINEER’S REPORT

THIS RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. 

• That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-025, initiating proceedings to levy and collect assessments for FY 2026 for Landscape Maintenance District No. 84-2, Zone 20 pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, appointing Engineer of Record, and ordering preparation of an Engineer’s Report.

7.6

RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CITY OF CORONA UTILITIES DEPARTMENT 10-YEAR ENERGY EFFICIENCY TARGETS PURSUANT TO PUBLIC UTILITIES CODE § 9505

THIS RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. 

• That the City Council:

  1. Adopt Resolution 2025-019, approving the 10-Year Energy Efficiency Savings Targets for the Utilities Department.

  2. Authorize the Utilities Director, or his designee, to approve all future updates to the 10-Year Energy Efficiency Savings Targets.

7.7

RESOLUTIONS INITIATING PROCEEDINGS TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 FOR LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS NO. 84-1 AND 2003-1, APPOINTING ENGINEER OF RECORD, AND ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF ENGINEER’S REPORTS

THESE RESOLUTIONS WERE ADOPTED. 

• That the City Council:

  1. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-021, initiating proceedings to levy and collect assessments for Fiscal Year 2026 for Lighting Maintenance District No. 84-1 pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, appointing Engineer of Record, and ordering preparation of an Engineer’s Report.
  2. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-022, initiating proceedings to levy and collect assessments for Fiscal Year 2026 for Lighting Maintenance District No. 2003-1 pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, appointing Engineer of Record, and ordering preparation of an Engineer’s Report.

7.8

RESOLUTION INITIATING PROCEEDINGS TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 FOR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 84-2, ZONES 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 15, 17, 18, AND 19, APPOINTING ENGINEER OF RECORD, AND ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF ENGINEER’S REP

THIS RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. 

• That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-023, initiating proceedings to levy and collect assessments for FY 2026 for landscape Maintenance District No. 84-2, Zones 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 15, 17, 18, and 19 pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, appointing Engineer of Record, and ordering the preparation of an Engineer’s Report.

7.9

RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-022

THIS RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. 

• That City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-026, approving the Sewer System Management Plan and repealing Resolution No. 2023-022.
  
  That the Corona Utility Authority review, ratify, and to the extent necessary, direct that the City Council take the above actions.

7.10

RESOLUTION ORDERING THE SUMMARY VACATION OF UTILITY AND ACCESS EASEMENTS AND ACCEPTANCE OF A GRANT DEED FROM THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION FOR LAND GENERALLY LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF SHERMAN AVENUE, SOUTH OF STATE ROUTE 91

THIS RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. 

• That the City Council:

  1. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-027, ordering the summary vacation of a permanent exclusive utility easement and permanent non-exclusive access easement located generally on the west side of Sherman Avenue, South of State Route 91.

  2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Quitclaim Deed for the permanent exclusive utility easement and permanent non-exclusive access easement.

  3. Accept the grant deed for the real property in the City of Corona for the well site from the Riverside County Transportation Commission, a Public Agency of the State of California.

7.11

UPDATED CITY LOGO USAGE FOR YOUTH SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS POLICY 

THIS ITEM WAS APPROVED. 

• That the City Council approves the logo usage policy and application for nonprofit youth sports and ensures alignment with Council goals and City priorities.

8.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC

Joe Morgan, resident, addressed the Council and expressed his concerns regarding Fire Station 2.

Chad Miller, Corona Chamber of Commerce Board Chair, addressed the Council to provide a Corona Chamber of Commerce update.

9.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

None. 

10.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

10.1

PROPOSED OPERATIONS PLAN FOR THE HISTORIC CIVIC CENTER

Donna Finch, Community Services Director, provided a report. 

Jacob Ellis, City Manager, provided comments in support of the proposed item. 

The following residents addressed the Council regarding the proposed item: Kim Mabon, Becky Floyd, Amanda Kalkanis, Don Kindred, Don Fuller, Richard Winn, Doris Osko, Chad Miller, Mary Witten, and Joe Morgan. 

The Council provided comments. 

• That the City Council provide feedback on the proposed Historic Civic Center Operations Plan.

10.2

CORONA PUBLIC LIBRARY W.D. ADDISON HERITAGE ROOM POLICY

Daniell Whittington, Library Manager, provided a report.

The Council provided comments and had inquiries. Ms. Whittington provided clarification.  

• Moved by: Wes Speake
  Seconded by: Tom Richins

  That the City Council review and approve the W.D. Addison Heritage Room Policy.

  Aye (5)

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

  MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)

10.3

ATHLETIC FIELD RATES AD-HOC COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION FOR EVERYONE PLAYS YOUTH SPORTS GROUPS

Donna Finch, Community Services Director, provided a report. 

James Rush, AYSO representative, addressed the Council and thanked staff and the Council for their work on this proposed item. 

Joe Morgan, resident, addressed the Council to provide comments on the proposed item. 

The Council provided comments and had inquiries. Ms. Finch provided clarification. 

• Moved by: Tony Daddario
  Seconded by: Tom Richins

  That the City Council:

  1. Receive an update on the Ad-Hoc Committee’s recommendations for Everyone Plays youth sports groups.
  2. Approve the proposed cost recovery target for Everyone Plays Youth Sports Groups of 20-30%.
  3. Approve the proposed athletic field reservation rates for Everyone Plays Youth Sports Groups of $7/hr. for FY 2026 and $10/hr. for FY 2027.

  Aye (5)

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

  MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)

10.4

FISCAL YEAR 2026 COMMUNITY EVENTS CO-SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM REQUESTS

Donna Finch, Community Services Director, provided a report.

The Council provided comments.  

• Moved by: Tom Richins
  Seconded by: Jacque Casillas

  That the City Council approve Phase I of the Co-Sponsorship Program Requests occurring July through December 2025.

  Aye (5)

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

  MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)

11.

LEGISLATIVE MATTERS

11.1

ORDINANCE ADDING SECTION 1.04.165 AND AMENDING 1.04.170 OF THE CORONA MUNICIPAL CODE TO REGULATE THE USE OF THE CITY LOGO AND WORDMARK

Justin Tucker, Assistant City Manager, provided a report.

• Moved by: Wes Speake
  Seconded by: Tom Richins

  That the City Council introduce by title only, and waive full reading of Ordinance No. 3415, first reading of an ordinance adding section 1.04.165 and amending of the Corona Municipal Code to regulate use of the City Logo and Wordmark.

  Aye (5)

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

  MotionAPPROVED (5 to 0)

12.

REPORTS FROM BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 

12.1

Library Board of Trustees

None.

12.2

Planning & Housing Commission

None.

12.3

Parks & Recreation Commission

None.

12.4

Regional Meetings

12.4.a

UPDATE FROM VICE MAYOR JACQUE CASILLAS ON THE WESTERN RIVERSIDE COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (WRCOG) MEETING OF APRIL 7, 2025

Vice Mayor Casillas provided an update. 

12.4.b

UPDATE FROM MAYOR JIM STEINER ON THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (RCTC) BOARD MEETING OF APRIL 9, 2025

Mayor Steiner provided an update. 

13.

CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORTS AND COMMENTS

None.

14.

CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS AND COMMENTS

None.

15.

CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS

Council Member Speake announced the 109th anniversary of the last 1960 Corona Road Race.

16.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

16.1

AUTOMATIC GATES AT PARKS (STAFF) MAY 7, 2025

16.2

CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY GIVING POLICY (STAFF) MAY 7, 2025

16.3

WRCRWA REPRESENTATIVE CHANGE (W. SPEAKE) – May 7, 2025

16.4

SKYLINE MASTER PLAN (STAFF) MAY/JUNE

16.5

UPDATE CMC 9.52.030, NO EXCEPTION - CERTAIN CCW PERMITS (T. DADDARIO) JUNE

16.6

INCLUSIONARY HOUSING ORDINANCE (W. SPEAKE) – JUNE/JULY

16.7

FUTURE CIP FOR DEDICATED RIGHT TURN LANE FOR WB BEDFORD TO CAJALCO (W. SPEAKE) TBD

16.8

FEATHER FLAG PERMIT AMENDMENTS (W. SPEAKE) TBD

16.9

EXPLORE CMC ORDINANCE CHANGES TO SET TIME LIMITS FOR SPECIFIC FOR TEMPORARY FENCING AND BOARDED UP WINDOWS (W. SPEAKE) TBD

16.10

EXPLORE CORDON PRICING OF THE FOOTHILL CORRIDOR TO DETER CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC (W. SPEAKE) TBD

16.11

REVIEW/AMEND SECTION 17.63.120 ALTERATION, RELOCATION OR DEMOLITION OF HISTORIC RESOURCES, SPECIFICALLY (D)(6) (W. SPEAKE) TBD

17.

ADJOURNMENT

The next scheduled meeting of the Council is on May 7, 2025. Council Member Daddario adjourned the meeting at 9:33 p.m. in honor of Thomas Phillips.