Christopher Boatman

The agenda for this special meeting included a call to order and opportunity for public comments not already scheduled. Key discussion items involved the approval of minutes from the September 11, 2025 regular meeting. Status reports were scheduled from individual commissioners, FCS staff concerning recreation and park activities, the Student Commissioner, and the RUSD Liaison. Old Business focused on discussion and possible action regarding the project priority list. New Business included the nomination and election of the PRC Chair and Vice-Chair positions, and a discussion regarding annual report presentations to the city council.

The meeting agenda was reordered to address New Business before Old Business. The Public Comment Period saw no public comments. Old Business included a design review for a revised proposal to construct an eight-unit residential condominium project in the Early Redlands Historic and Scenic Preservation District, where commissioners provided feedback favoring reduced mass and craftsman style, but suggested using natural materials over vinyl/plastic and modifying the roof design. Commissioners also reviewed a revised draft ordinance updating development standards for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), suggesting the inclusion of a hip roof style. New Business centered on a public hearing for a request to demolish an approximately 288 square-foot detached garage to be replaced with a two-story, one-bedroom ADU; the Commission approved the demolition permit, determining it exempt from environmental review. Informational items included staff updates on historical conferences and inquiries regarding the process for replacing historic district signs.

The regular meeting agenda included providing an opportunity for public comments on subjects within the Commission's jurisdiction. Key agenda items involved the approval of the minutes from the October 30, 2025, special meeting. Status reports covered bi-monthly reviews of new city parkway street trees in proposed developments, updates on trimmed, removed, or planted street trees, and the status of the Cypress Circle planting. Old Business included a discussion and possible action regarding tree removal at 1409 N. University Street. New Business featured the nomination and election of officers and an update on SCE funding for undergrounding high-voltage wires on W. Cypress Ave.

The committee convened to consider three Minor Exception Permit applications requiring public hearings, all related to constructing perimeter walls and gates that exceeded standard height limitations, necessitating exceptions under Redlands Municipal Code Section 18.168.050. The first item involved MEP Permit No. 686 at 1607 Smiley Heights Drive for a perimeter wall up to 15 feet high, which was approved with an added condition limiting the height of the retaining wall face to 20 feet. The second item, MEP Permit No. 684 at 1215 W. Lugonia Ave, concerned a combination wall (up to 8 feet) and guardrail along the side and rear property lines, which was approved. The final item, MEP Permit No. 689, involved a combination wall ranging from 7 to 9 feet high along the northeastern border of Tract 20528, intended to expand usable rear yard space and avoid a downslope area; this request was also approved.

The primary discussion centered on the consideration and acceptance of the California Inter Agency Council on Homelessness, ERF2R funds. Discussions highlighted the city's homeless services launched in April 2022, which have assisted over 500 people, noting a 30% decrease in the homeless population over the last year. Key components of the efforts include street outreach, partnerships with organizations like the Salvation Army, Step Up in Redlands, Goodwill Career Services, and the Redlands Chamber of Commerce, supported by approximately $10 million in grants over three years. Specific activities detailed include encampment cleanups, rapid rehousing assistance (housing 98 studios via a Home Key grant and over 300 people via rapid rehousing programs), providing rental assistance, and employment programs. The process for engagement involves outreach, securing documentation, linking clients to housing providers, and providing intensive case management and stabilization services. The council voted to approve the matter, with a motion passed unanimously.