Council adopts new policy requiring council authorization before lease negotiations; 5–2 vote follows debate

The San Bernardino City Council voted 5–2 to adopt a standardized policy requiring council authorization before staff begin negotiations on new or renewal leases of city‑owned property, and requiring council approval before executing those leases.

Real Property Manager Michael Yarbrough told the council the policy is intended to centralize and standardize approvals for a range of city property (examples cited included theater properties and cell‑site leases). Councilmembers supporting the measure emphasized the need for greater council oversight and for staff to bring lease proposals forward in a consistent way.

Opponents warned that requiring early council authorization could politicize procurement and negotiations, allowing elected officials to become involved in negotiating terms that are typically handled administratively. Councilmember Ortiz proposed a substitute motion to retain administrative neutrality and improve internal processes instead; that substitute failed. The final vote was 5 in favor, 2 opposed (Councilmembers Figueroa and Ortiz).

Councilmembers also discussed removing a proposed six‑month automatic grace period after lease expiration so staff would proactively prepare renewals and RFPs ahead of time. The adopted motion included direction to staff to manage expirations proactively and avoid ad‑hoc extensions when possible.

The policy will require staff to provide council with a list of leases approaching expiration and to present proposed negotiation authorizations or RFPs for council consideration.