Yucaipa councilmember asked to resign amid controversy over wife’s business contract with city – San Bernardino Sun

The Yucaipa City Council is asking Councilmember Bob Miller to resign in connection with a business contract the city entered into with his wife that may be in violation of state conflict-of-interest laws.

Following a closed session of the council on Monday, Oct. 6, City Attorney Steven Graham announced that the council had recently become aware of a professional services agreement entered into by the city and Miller’s wife, Kathlene Miller, a retired principal for the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District, where her husband formerly served on the school board.

Graham said the council will submit the matter to the city’s outside counsel for a determination on the contract’s validity under Government Code Section 1090 and the Political Reform Act. Government Code Section 1090 prohibits public officials from participating in making government contracts in which they have a financial interest. The Political Reform Act, adopted in 1974, sets rules for political campaign finance, lobbying and conflicts of interest.

“The City Council has also, by unanimous vote, requested Councilmember Miller resign from his position on the City Council,” Graham said.

Miller was appointed to the council on Dec. 9, 2024 to replace former Councilmember Matt Garner, who was recalled from his District 1 seat. During the contentious meeting, council members interviewed three candidates. Miller was selected after two rounds of voting.

Previously, Miller served on the Yucaipa-Calimesa school district Board of Education. He was elected in 2022 and served nearly two years before resigning to take the council seat.