City of San Bernardino

The Charter Review Advisory Committee meeting focused heavily on committee procedural items, including the call to order, the pledge of allegiance, and establishing a quorum following a roll call. Committee members expressed enthusiasm regarding the high level of public participation. Key discussion points during member comments included concerns over the committee's suspension in 2023 by the City Manager, the importance of citizen input, the council-manager form of government as a best practice for the city, and the need for consistency in commission operations. Public comments strongly emphasized the importance of charter review, the need for the mayor to have authority, and the potential for higher voter participation in the upcoming June election. A request was also made for live streaming and video recording of all commission meetings to improve accessibility.

The proceedings began with a closed session meeting to discuss significant exposure to litigation regarding outstanding invoices from Mandavville Modell, where the city disagrees with the claimed amount. Following this, a joint regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council, acting as the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency and other related bodies, commenced. Key items included a proclamation declaring July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month in the City of San Bernardino, presented to the acting director of Parks, Recreation, Community Services. The main focus of the regular session was a public hearing regarding proposed adjustments to maximum permitted service rates for integrated solid waste collection, processing, and disposal services, detailing historical rates, CPI adjustments, and regional comparisons for both residential and commercial services.

The meeting, following up on previous discussions, focused primarily on the Economic Development goals and policies for the General Plan. Key topics included the definition of Economic Development in the context of the plan, emphasizing the city's role versus the private sector. The committee discussed the five goals within the Economic Development element: the Economic Development Program (including the necessary strategic action plan), Local Economy and Regional Job Center, Economic Activity Centers/Districts/Corridors, Supporting Personal and Social Potential, and Fiscal Resilience. Discussions also touched upon the need for explicit responsibility assignment for the strategic action plan and providing economic development training for key city staff across various departments.

The meeting commenced with a closed session, followed by public comment during which a citizen raised concerns regarding a lawsuit filed after a denied claim, citing changing stories and inconsistencies concerning allegations of racism and the handling of misplaced documents. The official proceedings included the presentation and proclamation of July 2024 as Parks and Recreation Month in the City of San Bernardino, recognizing the department's integral role in community well-being and childhood development. Appointments were made to the Parks Recreation and Community Services Commission, including the swearing in of a new appointee. Further discussion involved continuing a public hearing for development permit appeals to a future date (August 21st). During subsequent public comments, neighborhood associations reported on various community activities such as candidate forums, cleanups, appreciation events for first responders, and upcoming picnics and tournaments. Additionally, speakers emphasized the need for stability with the hiring of a well-vetted City Manager and praised the current leadership and council members.

The meeting commenced with a roll call confirming all council members were present. Discussions included an update on the calendar for a closed session, where Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez took over several items due to a conflict of interest. During the open session, a Proclamation for National Public Works Week (May 17-23, 2020) was presented, acknowledging the contributions of Public Works professionals. Public comments addressed significant city issues, including criticism regarding a recent event that featured police presence and perceived political motivation, concerns over ongoing litigation allegedly caused by council member decisions, and the lack of police response to non-violent incidents. Furthermore, support was expressed for the San Bernardino County COVID-19 Emergency Hotel Motel Response Plan to shelter 50 homeless individuals for cleanliness and safe isolation during the pandemic. Other public comments focused on the city's financial status, litigation costs, and the need for leadership addressing homelessness, crime reduction, and reopening local businesses.