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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021_03_16 - RegularMINUTES Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35 Cajon Street, on March 16, 2021 at 5 00 P M Present Staff Paul Barich, Mayor Eddie Tejeda, Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Foster, Council Member Denise Davis, Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, Council Member Charles M Duggan, Jr , City Manager, Dan McHugh, City Attorney, Robert Dawes, City Treasurer, Jeanne Donaldson, City Clerk, Carl Baker, Public Information Officer, Chris Catren, Police Chief, Danielle Garcia, Management Services/Finance Director, Chris Boatman, Facilities and Community Services Director, Brian Desatnik, Development Services Director, Jim Topoleski, Fire Chief, John Harris, Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director, Janice McConnell, Assistant City Manager This was conducted as a teleconference meeting in the City Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35 Cajon Street, Redlands, California Mayor Pro Tempore Tejeda and Council Members Foster, Davis and Guzman -Lowery were present via teleconferencing All votes during the meetings were conducted by roll call In compliance with public health recommendations to limit public gatherings during the Covid-19 pandemic and acting as the City of Redlands Emergency Services Director, City Manager Charles M Duggan Jr , directed meetings of the City Council/Successor Agency of the former Redevelopment Agency of the City of Redlands be closed to the public until further notice or until the current local State of Emergency has been lifted The City Council will continue to meet to conduct essential business Public comments, up to 250 words and received by 5 00 P M the day before the meeting, were read aloud by the City Clerk Mayor Banch called the meeting to order at 5 00 P M and a quorum was established PUBLIC COMMENT No public comments related to Closed Session agenda items were received pnor to the start of the Closed Session CLOSED SESSION Conference with legal counsel Anticipated Litigation - Government Code §54956 9(d)(4) (City Attorney McHugh) One case a Possible initiation of litigation by the City Conference with legal counsel Anticipated Litigation - Government Code §54956 9(d)(2)(e)(2) (City Attorney McHugh) One case a Facts and circumstances Consideration of a claim by Joe Miller CC_March 16, 2021 Page 1 Conference with real property negotiators - Government Code §54956 8 (Facilities and Community Services Director Boatman) Property APN 0168- 031-12 0000 Agency Negotiators Charles M Duggan, Jr and Chris Boatman Negotiating Party Gil Brown, Coyote Aviation Under Negotiation Terms of payment and price of possible lease of City property RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING The meeting reconvened at 6 00 P M but due to technical difficulties, the Mayor called for a brief recess to resolve audio issues The meeting reopened at 6 20 P M and was conducted with all Council Members and staff participating remotely Council Member Davis provided the invocation, which was followed by the pledge of allegiance to the American flag CLOSED SESSION REPORT City Attorney McHugh announced that the City Council unanimously directed staff to terminate the Coyote Aviation lease PUBLIC COMMENT Comments received by 5 00 P M the day before the meeting were read into the public record Comments related to specific agenda items are incorporated into the item discussion Pedestrian Safety, Vacant Buildings & Restaurant Openings - Dennis Bell listed various concerns including an observation that he thought Redlands was not very safe for pedestrians, a question pondering whether the empty Union Bank building will sit vacant like the Chase Bank building has for over two years, and he said it's no secret that many restaurants have already been offering indoor dining despite the County only Just moving to the red tier CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes On motion of Council Member Paul Foster, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the minutes of the special meeting of February 17, 2021, and regular meeting of March 2, 2021 Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Proclamation American Red Cross Month On motion of Council Member Paul Foster, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a Proclamation declaring the month of March 2021 as Amencan Red Cross Month Vote 5 - 0 Passed CC_March 16, 2021 Page 2 Proclamation Cesar Chavez Day Mayor Pro Tem Tejeda summarized the important role played by Cesar Chavez, a major voice in American History, who wholeheartedly championed the cause of the farmworker and strove to better their plight He requested staff forward Proclamation copies to the Cesar Chavez Foundation, Common Vision Coalition, Northside Impact Committee and Amencan Legion Post 650 He stated this Proclamation represented added significance for Redlands because of the City's agricultural heritage and important role of farm laborers On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a Proclamation declaring March 31, 2021, as Cesar Chavez Day Vote. 5 - 0 Passed Proclamation Women's History Month Council Member Davis and Council Member Guzman -Lowery highlighted the importance of Women's History Month which coincides with the United Nations' sponsorship of International Women's Day on March 8th to commemorate women's nghts and peace and acknowledge the accomplishments and contributions of all women of every race, class, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and ability Women have been leaders in movements such as, abolitionist, emancipation, industrial labor, civil rights, peace and more with the aim to create a more fair and just society so that all can be free from barriers and discnmmation On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a Proclamation declaring the month of March 2021 as Women's History Month Vote 5 - 0 Passed Street Tree Committee Appointments On motion of Council Member Paul Foster, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously reappointed, by roll call vote, Paul Hodson to serve an additional four-year term on the Street Tree Committee ending February 16, 2025, and appointed Jessica Barrios to serve a four-year term on the Street Tree Committee ending February 16, 2025 Vote• 5 - 0 Passed Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission Appointments On motion of Council Member Paul Foster, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously appointed, by roll call vote, Linda Macleod to serve a four-year term on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission ending March 1, 2023, and appointed Bradley Billings to serve a four-year term on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission ending March 15, 2023 Vote: 5 - 0 Passed CC_March 16, 2021 Page 3 MOU Firefighters Grant Program On motion of Council Member Paul Foster, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, a Memorandum of Understanding between several fire agencies to submit a regional application to the FY2020 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program for the purchase of safety communication equipment and authorize its execution by the Fire Chief Vote. 5 - 0 Passed Resolution No 8188 Investment Authority Delegation On motion of Council Member Paul Foster, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No 8188, delegating investment authonty to the City Treasurer pursuant to Government Code Section 53607 Vote 5 - 0 Passed Gateway Landscape Rehabilitation Contract On motion of Council Member Paul Foster, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that the project is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to Sections 15304(b) and 15311(a) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act, approved the contract with Three Peaks Corporation in the amount of $82,989 for the 6th Street Gateway Landscape Rehabilitation Project, and approved an additional appropriation of the same Vote 5 - 0 Passed 2020 General Plan Annual Progress Report On motion of Council Member Paul Foster, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the 2020 General Plan Annual Progress Report as prepared, and authorized the submittal to the Department of Housing and Community Development and the State Office of Planning and Research Vote 5 - 0 Passed 2020 Housing Element Annual Progress Report As public comment, Dennis Bell said the City is woefully short in its very low and low-income housing stock, which he thought was by design He added that he will be watching to see how the City finesses this in the updated Housing Element On motion of Council Member Paul Foster, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the 2020 Housing Element Annual Progress Report as prepared, and authorized the submittal to the California Department of Housing and Community Development and the State Office of Planning and Research Vote 5 - 0 Passed CC_March 16, 2021 Page 4 Mission Zama Channel Assessment On motion of Council Member Paul Foster, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of this Professional Services Agreement with Carollo Engineers, Inc is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act, approved a Professional Services Agreement with Carollo Engineers, Inc for an amount not to exceed $206,875 00 to assess portions of the Mission Zanja Channel, and approved an additional appropriation of the same Vote: 5 - 0 Passed COMMUNICATIONS COVID-19 Update Fire Chief Topoleski provided a COVID-19 update, reporting the numbers continue to drop as we move from the more restrictive purple tier and into the red tier Preventative efforts include the partnerships with Redlands Community Hospital, University of Redlands, Esri and Redlands Unified School District to provide vaccinations within the community To date, this partnership has administered over 17,000 vaccinations After meeting with the San Bernardino County Vaccination Task Force, the City received the direction needed to work with the third party administrator, Blue Shield, to continue to push forward with vaccination efforts The Fire and Police departments are coordinating efforts in order to reach the underserved communities of Redlands Mayor Barich encouraged everyone to obtain their vaccination shots Annual Report Redlands Police Community Foundation Chief Catren introduced Redlands Police Community Foundation (RPCF) President Stan Weisser, Vice President Judy Cannon, Treasurer Kathy Johnson, and Director Donna Ferracone who presented the 2020 Annual Report Each member highlighted a different aspect of the Foundation's work Since its inception, the Foundation has given back directly to the Redlands Police Department and the Redlands community totaling $257,592 With the upcoming retirement of K9 Duke, due to age and medical issues, the RPCF donated a police K9 to the RPD valued at $11,852 50 The K9 was given the name "Jake" and is cross -trained in apprehension and bomb and explosion detection He and his handler, Officer Shahabi, will provide enhanced protection to the community during daily patrols of the city and in the future at special events The Citizen Volunteer Unit is made up of about 50 members, who work alongside the Police Department staff and assist with many nonhazardous duties Volunteers donate approximately 12,000 hours of service annually Public health restrictions of 2020 brought about unique challenges for many of the RPD community youth activities this year, but many events were modified to be virtual or non -contact, including coloring contests, the Street Smart self-defense program, and numerous holiday events Mr Weisser expressed deep appreciation for all the donors and pointed out that despite the pandemic and fundraising limitations, donations remained strong in 2020 He added this was a reflection of the positive ways in which the community views the Police Depaitiiient Video Series Working for You Public Information Officer Baker presented a new video from the video series "Working for You Making Redlands a Better Place " This month's video highlighted Cindy Tryon, Utility Customer Service Supervisor Filming and production work was performed by Cheryl Williams, Multimedia Production Coordinator CC_March 16, 2021 Page 5 Congressman Aguilar Update American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Mayor Barich introduced Congressman Pete Aguilar for an update on resources available through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and the estimated funding allocation for the City of Redlands He was optimistic the state and local government components of the package will address many needs, greatly benefit the Redlands area and be a backstop for economic losses Redlands' share will be $13 4 million, with the City slated to receive 50% of the share within 90 days and the remaining balance to be received 12 months later The goal is to guard against the next fiscal years The Plan is meant to be broad and flexible, offering different ways in which the funds can be utilized, in order to best meet the specific needs of each municipality He highlighted some key pieces of the legislation, stating they anticipated child poverty will be cut in half through the earned income tax credit, the expansion of the child tax credit, plus direct contributions of $1,400 per individual There will be money for food banks, supplemental nutrition and vaccine distribution Also in the package is a "restaurant revitalization" program, which will be run by the Small Business Administration, with the goal of protecting independent restaurants Each Council Member thanked Congressman Aguilar for his time and advocacy efforts for the region Method of Conducting Public Comment City Manager Duggan summarized the survey results taken from twenty-four incorporated cities within San Bernardino County to determine what methods are currently being utilized by cities to facilitate public comment at City Council meetings Three options were presented including continuing the current practice of receiving written public comments that are read aloud into the record, facilitating live in -person public comment in the Chambers, taking all necessary safety precautions, and facilitating live public comment through Zoom Mayor Pro Tem Tejeda and Council Members Foster, Davis and Guzman -Lowery concurred that the way in which public comments were currently being handled allowed people the ability to participate remotely without jeopardizing the health and well-being of others It was pointed out that the City should remain cautious for a time until more residents have been vaccinated Mayor Barich added that he respected the wishes of Council in this matter and all were in agreement to continue the current system of receiving written public comments that are read aloud into the record As public comment, Dennis Bell thought it presumptuous of the City to assume people will come to the Council meeting to present their comments, then immediately exit and go home He inquired as to who would enforce masks and social distance rules, and he said that he has found zoom to be unreliable with erratic sound quality Will comments submitted by e-mail or in writing continue to be read out loud and included in the meeting minutes? NEW BUSINESS Resolution No 8180 Lease Purchase Fire Engines & Ladder Truck Fire Chief Topoleski reviewed the Depai tinent's analysis identifying a cntical need to replace two Type I Fire Engines and one Tractor Drawn Quint Aerial Ladder Truck The engines are used as the primary means for fire suppression and emergency response but are well outside the recommended standard for front line service These units are currently out of service more than they are in service because of ongoing maintenance and costly repairs The overall costs of repairs and maintenance are neanng the onginal purchase price of these units The engines have a total service life of 15 years and will replace engines at the busiest locations in the City The department's current frontline aerial ladder truck is over 10 years old and is approaching the end of its frontline service status It will be stationed at Fire House CC_March 16, 2021 Page 6 261, at Citrus and Redlands Blvd , and has a total service life of 20 years As public comment, Dennis Bell was frustrated he was unable to access all the backup documentation related to the staff report, indicating two of the attachments were unreadable, at least on the Library's computers He asked what the projected hfe span of these vehicles would be and wondered if the City would replace these with new ones at the end of the ten years of payments On motion of Council Member Paul Foster, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No 8180, authorizing a new Payment Schedule under the existing Master Equipment Lease -Purchase Agreement with Holman Capital Corporation, for the lease purchase of two Type I Fire Engines and one Tractor Drawn Quint Aerial Ladder Truck in the total amount of $3,614,377 68 Vote• 5 - 0 Passed Seismic and Structural Assessment Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris offered details of a professional services agreement with Richard Brady & Associates, Inc to perform a seismic and structural assessment of the City's water infrastructure to bring the City in compliance with the California State Water Resources Control Board, who recently issued a mandate for utility providers to assess and evaluate the condition, ability to resist seismic failure, and structural security of water infrastructure assets The City's water infrastructure has been in place for almost a century, with the oldest operating reservoir dating to 1924 On motion of Council Member Paul Foster, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the agreement is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act, approved the professional services agreement with Richard Brady & Associates, Inc to perform a seismic and structural assessment of the City's water infrastructure for an amount not -to -exceed $1,495,555 50, and approved an additional appropriation of the same Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Wastewater Rate Increase - Proposition 218 Notice Issuance Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris introduced John James, Chairman of the Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC), who detailed the Commission's study and analysis regarding wastewater, potable water and non -potable water rates He provided a timeline of events leading up to today and explained that with the assistance of Raftelis Financial Consultants, the UAC reviewed the operating, maintenance, and capital financials necessary to maintain reliable utility systems and to provide high quality services to Redlands' utility customers The financial analysis included multi -year revenue projections, target reserve balances, and annual labor and materials cost escalations In the summer 2019, imminent catastrophic failures of critical Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) components were identified and as a result, the focus shifted on making the necessary improvements to keep the WWTP operating (Phase 1A) The remaining scope of work tasks (Phase 1B) were delayed until Phase 1A engineering was completed On January 27, 2021, the UAC recommended the following wastewater rate increases 15% rate increase in fiscal year 2021-2022, and 15% rate increase in fiscal year 2022-2023 On February 22, 2021, the Municipal Utilities & Public Works Commission unanimously supported the UAC recommendations, which also included, no rate increases for two years for potable and non -potable water Costs and funding sources Membrane Bioreactor Train Replacement from existing reserves - $7 8MM, Phase 2 funding source from rate adjustments and issuance of $20MM in debt to cover initial Phase 2 project costs, for a total of $53MM Mr James suggested the UAC reconvene at the end of 2021 CC_March 16, 2021 Page 7 to re-evaluate capital expenditures and other infrastructure betterment per new master plans, review cash and reserves and recommend rate adjustments for years 3 and 4 As public comment, Dennis Bell thought the City's residents weren't interested in what ratepayers in other jurisdictions were paying, as discussed in the staff report, but instead were more concerned with what they will have to pay, and he said the increase was due to lack of leadership and the City's neglect of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Council Members and staff expressed their appreciation of the diligence of the UAC and their efforts to produce responsible rate recommendations which ensure high -quality water and wastewater utility services for all City customers Mayor Barich supported delaying the rate increase implementation date to September 1, 2021, rather than July 1, 2021 Council Member Foster requested that when this matter came back for Council approval, the City Manager provide a list of what impacts may be felt if the effective date was delayed Director Harris added that staff was prepared to issue a Public Hearing Proposition 218 notice and an ordinance for the public hearing, and he reviewed the anticipated schedule Proposition 218 Notices mailed March 20, 2021 Ordinance for Public Hearmg/First Reading May 4, 2021 Resolution Adoption and Second Reading of Ordinance May 18, 2021 Implementation July 1, 2021 On motion of Council Member Paul Foster, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that acceptance of the proposed wastewater rate increase is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act, accepted the recommendation of the Utilities Advisory Commission to implement a wastewater rate increase and direct staff to prepare an ordinance and resolution implementing the proposed rate increase of fifteen percent in fiscal year 2021-2022 and fifteen percent in fiscal year 2022-2023, and directed staff to prepare an ordinance and resolution implementing the proposed rate increase and issue the required Proposition 218 notice for a public heanng Vote. 5 - 0 Passed Resolution No 8165 Landmark Trees Designation Facilities and Community Services Director Boatman stated the City consists of approximately 46,900 trees located within the right-of-way or within easements abutting City streets In 2019, the Street Tree Committee (STC) discussed designating certain street trees as "Landmark Trees", with the desire to identify these trees for their unique historic attnbutes, location and beauty This is consistent with the City's General Plan and recognizes that trees on public property are among the most valuable resources in the community and seeks to ensure the longevity and health of the urban forest for both present and future generations On motion of Council Member Paul Foster, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that the adoption of the Resolution is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act, and approved Resolution No 8165 approving the designation of Landmark Trees within the City Vote 5 - 0 Passed CC_March 16, 2021 Page 8 University of Redlands' Donation Council Member Davis recused herself from this item due to her source of income relationship with the University of Redlands Management Services/Finance Director Garcia reviewed the voluntary generous contribution of $12,000 made by the University of Redlands, to support the City and the A K Smiley Public Library for the following projects $2,000 donation directly to the A K Smiley Public Library, for the purpose of funding titles in the online Flipster magazine database, The Redlands Police Department will receive $5,000 to partially fund the build out of a kennel area for the PD's K-9 at the Emergency Operations Center in order to enhance the protection of a soft target The Redlands Fire Department will receive $5,000 to fund the purchase of two Laerdal advanced life support baby mamkms and one Ambu clinical IV trainer On motion of Council Member Paul Foster, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously accepted, by roll call vote, $12,000 from the University of Redlands, authorized the expenditure of such funds on behalf of the City and the A K Smiley Public Library as designated by the University of Redlands, and approved an additional appropriation totaling ten thousand dollars for the corresponding expenditures in the Police and Fire Departments Vote 4 - 0 Passed Other Council Member Denise Davis (RECUSE) COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES Council Member Davis said she has had a busy time in zoom over the last few weeks, while reading to a Kingsbury 3rd grade class for Read Across Amenca, participating with a Citrus Valley High School English class for Women's History Month, speaking to the RUSD High School Change Group and representing the City at the Chamber's Rise and Shine meeting Mayor Banch announced he has been attending regular COVID-19 update meetings with San Bernardino Board Chairman Curt Hagman and at this point, the news continues to be very hopeful with numbers moving in the right direction ADJOURNMENT There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 7 49 P M The next regular meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on April 6, 2021 CC_March 16, 2021 Page 9