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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017_06_09 - Special MINUTES Special meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Orton Center, University of Redlands, 1200 E. Colton Ave., Redlands, California, on June 9, 2017 at 12:10 P.M. Present: Mayor Paul Foster Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich Council Member Pat Gilbreath Council Member Jon Harrison Council Member Eddie Teieda Staff: Enrique Martinez, City Manager; Dan McHugh, City Attorney; Jeanne Donaldson, City Clerk; Carl Baker,Public Information Officer; Jeff Frazier,Fire Chief, Mark Garcia,Police Chief, Danielle Garcia, Management Services/Finance Director; Chris Diggs,Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director; Chris Boatman, Quality of Life Director;Amy Martin,Human Resources Director; Brian Desatnik, Development Services Director; Janice McConnell,Assistant to the City Manager To address Brown Act considerations, Mayor Foster called this special meeting to provide the opportunity for all Council Members to attend a luncheon hosted by the City of Redlands Chamber of Commerce. COMMUNITY HEROES Janice McConnell read the citations and Mayor Foster presented awards recognizing individuals and organizations for their efforts in support of the Redlands community. In the category of Beautification Award, recognition was given to Tobias Miller for his restoration and beautification of the Redlands Lite House building, located at 360 N. Orange Street, adjacent to the Santa Fe railroad tracks. The University of Redlands was recognized for their ongoing beautification of the university's campus and gateways, featuring orange groves, stunning architectural landmarks and more than 1,700 trees, serving as a kind of park and botanical garden. In the category of Redlands Heroes, recognition was given to Mr. Rick Strobaugh, a retired Corporal of the Redlands Police Department,who has volunteered over 7,000 hours to the community since his retirement in 2007. Beverly Woolverton was recognized for her dedication to serving and improving the life of others as a volunteer for forty-three years for the Redlands Meals on Wheels program and as a strong advocate of senior programs. Ms. Jean Arnott was recognized for dedicating her life to serving others and her passion for reaching out and seeing a need and finding a way to fill it, and for creating a group called "Women of Faith", an interdenominational organization that seeks to bring women from all walks of life together in charitable enterprises. Since Ms. Kathy Behrens was unable to attend this event, she will be recognized at the City Council meeting of July 18, 2017. In the category of Employee Heroes, recognition was given to Ray Vidales,of the Quality of Life Department, for his tireless efforts to maintain and keep the downtown area clean and in good working order. Armed with his positive attitude, attention to detail and strong interpersonal skills, Ray is always ready to assist in any capacity needed. He is a true asset to not only the downtown but to the City family, as well. Recognition was also given to Tim Sullivan,who currently serves as Assistant Director of Quality of Life Department,with oversight of six department divisions. He transformed the City's Fleet Division into a highly efficient and productive operation saving the City hundreds of thousands of dollars and has continually applied his diverse range of skills and experiences to enhance services for the community in a variety of ways. Specia1_CC_Jme 9,2017 Page 1 STATE OF THE COMMUNITY: Council Member Presentations Through a combination of video and live presentations, each Council Member addressed a separate area of emphasis which occupied the City Council's attention during the previous year. Mayor Pro Tempore Barich highlighted the progress of the City's art initiatives and encouraged everyone to tour the recently purchased Mobile Command Center. Councilmember Gilbreath described the Healthy Redlands Program, listing it's many successes and accomplishments. Council Member Harrison discussed efforts to update the City's General Plan. Council Member Tejeda detailed the City's citrus preservation programs, as well as,the management of open space. Address by Mayor Paul Foster Mayor Foster described how the City's founders and benefactors provided the necessary vision as they established this City,now known as the Jewel of the Inland Empire. He pointed out wherever you look throughout the City,the vision is evident,whether you attend a Bowl performance,visit Smiley Library, or spend time in one of the beautiful parks. He went on to highlight the vision and current accomplishments of the City, including, fiscally conservative actions of this City Council and the recently passed balanced budget,the many enhancements made to the downtown area, on-going and planned, as a pedestrian-friendly environment encouraging economic development,the Orange Street Alley as it becomes a destination spot,the progress of infrastructure maintenance and repair, an update of plans for Redlands Crossing and the Redlands Mall site,the beautification efforts of the new I-10 Gateways into the City,the implementation of by-district elections to begin in 2018 and the concerted move towards open government,promoting transparency. Along with the opportunities that lie ahead for the City,the Mayor pointed to some of the challenges we face, including parking,and he highlighted the Council's efforts to keep pace with the current and future parking needs for the downtown area. In conclusion,the Mayor stressed the vision and leadership shown by this City Council,the City Manager,the executive team, right down to the line level employees, continues to foster a strong, optimistic community and he looks forward to the prosperity such vision will bring to the City. Medal of Valor Mayor Foster, along with Fire Chief Frazier,proudly presented the Medal of Valor to Fire Captain Terry Welsh for his true vision and commitment to service by aiding in the rescuing of multiple people from a deadly situation.While on vacation in Niles, Michigan, and at risk to his own safety, Captain Welsh exercised skilled paramedic leadership and treatment to save multiple lives. He demonstrated notable professionalism by effectively coordinating with first responders to manage the scene in the pursuit of safety and survival. As a conclusion to the meeting, Mayor Foster offered those present the opportunity to speak on any subject not included in the special meeting agenda and within the jurisdiction of the Redlands City Council. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None forthcoming ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 1:52 P.M. The next regular meeting of the City Council is scheduled at 5:00 P.M. on June 20, 2017. Specia1_CC_Jme 9,2017 Page 2