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HomeMy WebLinkAbout100196-ccrev_CCv0001.pdf MINUTES of a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35 Cajon Street, at 3:00 P.M. on October 1, 1996. PRESENT Swen Larson, Mayor Pat Gilbreath, Mayor Pro Tem William E. Cunningham, Councilmember Gilberto Gil, Councilmember Geni A. S. Banda, Councilmember Gary M. Luebbers, City Manager Daniel J. McHugh, City Attorney Lorrie Poyzer, City Clerk Beatrice Sanchez, Deputy City Clerk Michael Reynolds, City Treasurer Marjie Pettus, Administrative Services Director Jeffrey L. Shaw, Community Development Director Steven M. Chapman, Finance Director John Habant, Fire Division Chief Gary G. Phelps, Municipal Utilities Director Lewis W. Nelson, Police Chief Ronald C. Mutter, Public Works Director John Andrews, Redlands Daily Facts Sulipsa Luque, San Bernardino County Sun (evening session only) ABSENT None The meeting was opened with an invocation by Mayor Larson followed by the pledge of allegiance. PRESENTATIONS Cultural Diversity Month - Mayor Larson presented a proclamation to Ed Sagmeister, Chairman of the Redlands Human Relations Commission, and Joan Silver, member of the Redlands Human Relations Commission, declaring the month of October as the "Third Annual Cultural Diversity Month" and encouraged all residents to reflect on the richness and uniqueness of opportunity that is available to us through the multiplicity of cultures in our community. Fire Prevention Week - Mayor Larson presented a proclamation to Fire Marshal Leonard Temby declaring the week of October 6-12, 1996, as Fire Prevention Week and urged the residents of Redlands to participate in fire prevention October 1, 1996 Page 1 activities at home, work, and school, and to heed the message: "Test Your Detectors!" Open Houses will be held at the Fire Stations on Saturday, October 12, 1996, and there will be a display at the Redlands Mall during the week. Name Badges - On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Larson expressed appreciation to City Clerk Poyzer for providing metal name badges for each member of the City Council. Birthday Wishes - Mayor Larson wished Mike Huffstutler, Water Resources and Utility Operations Chief, a happy birthday on this first day of October, 1996. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Council- member Gil, the minutes of the regular meeting of September 17, 1996, were unanimously approved as submitted. Bills and Salaries - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Gil,bills and salaries were unanimously ordered paid. Contract Monitoring Reports - Public Works Director Mutter presented contract monitoring reports updated through September 24, 1996, administered by the Public Works Department. The report covered three projects currently under contract administration. The traffic signal at Colton Avenue and Industrial Park Road has been completed. The other two projects are the cemetery grading and the Colton Avenue/University Street improvements. A report for City-wide project prioritization of all capital improvement projects included in the FY 1996-97 budget and scheduled for administration by the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department was also presented. This report showed the general status of any project through the design and construction phases. Fee Waiver - Showmobile - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Gil, the City Council unanimously authorized a waiver of $350.00 in fees for the Smiley Elementary School Parent Teacher's Association for one day's use of the City Showmobile providing that certain other requirements noted in the rental contract are met for towing, set-up, a deposit, insurance coverage, and rental period. Resolution No. 5322 - COPs - Water Treatment Facilities Refunding - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Gil, the City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 5322, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redlands approving a supplement to the Official Statement and certain related matters in connection with the remarketing of October 1, 1996 Page 2 Certificates of Participation (1993 Water Treatment Facilities Refunding Project). Resolution No. 5323 - Salary - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Gil, the City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 5323, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redlands amending Resolution No. 5295 to bring full-time Administrative Services Division personnel into alignment. Fee Waiver - Community Center - On behalf of the Your Friendly Home Club, Inc., Tony Martinez asked the City Council to waive the fees totaling $100.00 for the use of the Community Center multi-purpose room on Saturday, September 28, 1996, for a fund-raising event. He also asked the City Council to consider waiving this fee every three months so that his group could hold fund- raisers for community projects. Mayor Larson noted the second portion of his request could be placed on a future agenda. Councilmember Cunningham said he would like to see the paperwork for the 501(c) charitable tax exempt status. Councilmember Gilbreath moved to approve the waiver of fees for the event held on September 28, 1996, contingent upon receipt of their IRS exemption. Motion seconded by Councilmember Cunningham and carried unanimously. PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Planning Commission Actions - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Gil, the report of the Planning Commission. meeting held on September 24, 1996, was unanimously acknowledged as received. COMMUNICATIONS Citrus Plaza Regional Mall - Councilmember Cunningham had no comments at this meeting on this matter. Casa Loma Hotel Mural - Administrative Services Director Pettus reported the Casa Loma Hotel mural was removed from the DRBA office and is now being stored in the A. K. Smiley Public Library. Cultural Arts Commissioners recommended the mural be placed in the City Council Chambers as it has proven to difficult to locate an artist capable of duplicating the colors and style present in the other murals. They also expressed appreciation for the historic value of the mural and consistency of presentation in the City Council Chambers. Delighted with this recommendation, Councilmember Cunningham moved to approve the restoration of the Casa Loma Hotel mural and authorized the Mayor to execute an agreement between the City and Vernon Dornbach for October 1, 1996 Page 3 restoration services which are to be limited to $250.00. .Motion seconded by Councilmember Gil and carried unanimously. CDBG Curb and Gutter Project - In response to Councilmember Gil's inquiry, Public Works Director Mutter reported that the re-advertised bids for the CDBG Curb and Gutter Project will be opened on Friday, October 4, 1996. He also reported staff is preparing the necessary documentation to acquire right-of-way from the Redlands Unified School District on Delaware Avenue. Depending on the results of the bids received, a change order to the contract could be issued for this addendum, or, if additional funds are needed, the City Council could consider a reallocation of the CDBG funds. CLOSED SESSION The City Council meeting recessed at 3:20 P.M. to a Redevelopment Agency meeting and reconvened at 3:21 P.M. to a closed session to discuss the following matter: 1. Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation - Government Code Section 54956.9(a) - San Berdoo Books v. City of Redlands The conference with legal counsel for one case of anticipated litigation under Government Code Section 54956.9(c) which was listed on the agenda will not be held. The City Council meeting reconvened at 7:00 P.M. Mayor Larson announced that according to the Redlands Daily Facts' Redlands yesterdays Community Development Director Jeff Shaw was hired ten years ago to replace retiring Community Development Director Bill Schindler. PUBLIC HEARING AB 3229 Funds - Public hearing was scheduled for this time and place to consider the use of AB 3229 which established the Citizens' Option for Public Safety (COPS) program and appropriated $100 million from the State General Fund for the 1996-97 fiscal year. Police Chief Nelson explained that COPS is a permanent on-going program. It will, however, require a new appropriation for continued funding each fiscal year. The State Controller allocates funds to each county by September 15, 1996; the funds in each county are to be allocated to the cities by October 15, 1996. Each city must establish a supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund for deposit of the funds received from the County, and the funds must be used for front line municipal police services and must supplement, not supplant, existing funding for these services. It was recom- mended that the City Council approve the use of the AB 3229 funds for the October 1, 1996 Page 4 contracting of detention facility security services, the purchase of a prisoner transport van, and overtime to increase specialized patrols. Mayor Larson declared the meeting open as a public hearing for any questions or comments. None being forthcoming, the public hearing was declared closed. On motion of Councilmember Cunningham, seconded by Councilmember Banda, the City Council unanimously approved the use of AB 3229 funds as follows: Wackenhut Detention Facility Security Services Contract $113,238.87 Transportation Van 20,500.00 Emergency Equipment 337.00 Radio 2,368.21 Vehicle modifications (security screens) 3,500.00 Radio and equipment installation 300.00 Overtime for Special Patrols 12,520.92 Total AB 3229 Expenditures $152,765.00 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Pharoah's Lost Kingdom Sign - Earlier this year, the operators of the Pharaoh's Lost Kingdom theme park submitted applications for several actions which, in combination, would allow the construction of a proposed 1,827- square-foot freeway-oriented sign at the theme park on California Street. Because the applications constituted a "project" under the California Environmental Quality Act, staff in the Planning Division prepared an Initial Study to determine whether the sign had the potential to result in any adverse environmental impacts. The conclusion of the Planning Division's analysis was that the sign had the potential for a significant adverse impact on the appearance of the I-10 freeway corridor. On June 10, 1996, the Environmental Review Committee agreed with the Initial Study prepared by the Planning Division and voted unanimously to recommend the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report to examine the impacts of a proposed freeway-oriented sign at Pharaoh's Lost Kingdom theme park based on the size and configuration of the proposed sign and its potential aesthetic and visual impacts. The theme park operators appealed this recommendation and the appeal was heard by the City Council on July 16, 1996. At that time, the City Council determined that sufficient information was not available and sent the issue to the Signs Ad Hoc Committee. Over the course of several meetings, the Signs Ad Hoc Committee discussed the issue of theme park sign standards. The Signs Ad Hoc Committee voted to recommend denial of the proposed 1,827-square-foot sign; voted to recommend allowance of freeway-oriented signs for theme parks; and voted to recommend that theme park freeway signs be limited to 1.20 square feet maximum size. Although the issue of the proposed "reader board" was not specifically voted on, the Signs Ad Hoc Committee's recommendation that theme park freeway signs be held to the same standards as all other freeway- October 1, 1996 Page 5 oriented signs would prohibit the installation of an animated "reader board," since reader boards are prohibited by the Redlands Sign Code. The Signs Ad Hoc Committee was asked to make a recommendation to the City Council on the appropriate environmental process, but declined to do so, stating in general that this particular issue was beyond their expertise. The determination of the appropriate environmental document for the proposed freeway-oriented sign at Pharaoh's Lost Kingdom theme park was then scheduled on this agenda for City Council consideration. Mayor Larson announced that following a meeting with the applicant this afternoon(Tuesday, October 1, 1.996), the Braswells withdrew their application and indicated they will submit a new application. No action was forthcoming on this matter. Ordinance No. 2302 - Outside City Connections - Ordinance No. 2302, an ordinance of the City of Redlands amending Chapter 13.60 of the Redlands Municipal Code relating to utility connections for residential development outside the City boundaries, was given its second reading of the title by City Clerk Poyzer, and on motion of Councilmember Cunningham, seconded by Councilmember Banda, further reading of the ordinance text was unanimously waived, and Ordinance No. 2302 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers Cunningham, Gil, Banda; Mayor Larson NOES: Councilmember Gilbreath ABSENT: None State Aviation Grant - Public Works Director Mutter explained that on September 3,1996, the City Council considered an item regarding the authorization of a State Aviation Grant project to install slag shoulders on the runway and taxiway at the Redlands Municipal Airport. The project required a commitment of a local match of 10 percent for the cost of the project or a maximum of$2,889.00. The City Council continued the item so that an inquiry could be made of Caltrans Aeronautics Divisions regarding he possibility of delaying a decision whether to go ahead with the project until after the Utility Users' Tax is voted upon in March, 1997. Michael J. Farmer, Chief, Office of Programs and Support Services was contacted by telephone and indicated a decision could be delayed until March. He requested that a letter be sent to him regarding the matter after a decision was made by the City Council. Mr. Mutter recommended the item be continued until the City Council meeting of March 18, 1997. Councilmember Cunningham moved to continue action on the acceptance of the State Aviation Grant for improvements at the Redlands Municipal Airport of March 18, 1997. Motion seconded by Councilmember Banda and carried unanimously. Chamber of Commerce Membership - City Manager Luebbers presented a letter from the Chamber of Commerce expressing concern as they had not yet received a check for the City's membership. Councilmember Larson moved to October 1, 1996 Page 6 pay the membership fees to the Redlands Chamber of Commerce. Motion seconded by Councilmember Gil and carried with Councilmember Cunningham voting NO as he did not support the Chamber of Commerce's involvement with political actions. NEW BUSINESS Resolution No. 5321 - Customer Service Program - Administrative Services Director Pettus explained that customer service has become a priority for the City Manager and Department Heads. These administrators recognize the importance of maintaining the characteristics that make Redlands unique. They also understand that by providing customers with positive responses, the quality of life for citizens and employees is enhanced. In order to ensure consistency in the levels of service provided, and demonstrate management's commitment to optimal customer services, a formalized program was developed. Councilmember Gil moved to approve Resolution No. 5321, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redlands approving and adopting the Customer Service Program. Motion seconded by Councilmember Banda and carried unanimously. Funds - Recycling Collection Vehicle - Municipal Utilities Director Phelps reported the Solid Waste Division has completed implementation of the new residential curbside recycling program. Initial field audits indicate that the participation rate is approximately 50 percent which exceeds expectations. The purchase of collection vehicles for this program came is well under budget. Due to the increased participation rate and the availability of previously budgeted (yet unspent) funds for implementation of this program, staff requested authorization to purchase a spare vehicle which is anticipated to cost approximately $43,000.00. The spare vehicles will reduce wear and tear on the existing fleet. Additionally, having a spare will minimize impacts to labor, reducing the need to run a rear-loader truck as a spare which requires two people rather than one. Councilmember Cunningham moved to authorize the Municipal Utilities Department to purchase an additional used recycling vehicle. Motion seconded by Councilmember Banda and carried unanimously. Agreement - SANBAG - City Attorney McHugh reviewed the latest revision (dated October 1, 1996) of a cooperative between the City of Redlands and SANBAG which will facilitate the design and construction, maintenance and security for a passenger rail station and the Eureka Street improvements. Councilmember Gil moved to approve this agreement and authorized the Mayor to execute said agreement on behalf of the City. Motion seconded by Councilmember Cunningham and carried unanimously. ADJOURNMENT October 1, 1996 Page 7 There being no further business, the City Council meeting adjourned at 7:27 P.M. The next regular meeting will be held on October 15, 1996, at 7:00 P.M. City Clerk October 1, 1996 Page 8