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HomeMy WebLinkAbout080597-cc_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 August 5, 1997. 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 Tina Kundig, Interim Finance Director Mel Enslow, Fire Chief Larry E. Burgess, A. K. Smiley Public Library Director Gary G. Phelps, :Municipal Utilities Director Lewis W. Nelson, Police Chief Peter A. Laaninen, Assistant Public Works Director Joshua Lowe, Redlands Daily Facts Alisa Slaughter, San Bernardino County Sun Valeria Godines, Press Enterprise ABSENT None The meeting was opened with an invocation by Mayor Pro Tem Gilbreath followed by the pledge of allegiance. The temperature outdoors was 113°; a small plane crashed in the high desert knocking the power out to the air conditioning unit in the complex; and the Council Chambers were very warm for the large audience present. PRESENTATIONS Employee Service - Assisted by the departments heads, Mayor Larson presented five year service pins to: Scott MacDonald, Fire Department; Kathy Knapp, Police Department; Dean Johnston, Police Department; and Karen Olsen, City Manager's Office-Personnel Division. Ten year service pins were presented to: Leonard Temby, Fire Department; Larry Butler, Public Works Department- August 5, 1997 Page 1 Engineering Division; and Donna Haslam, Municipal. Utilities Department- Administration. A fifteen year service pin was presented to: Bea Sanchez, City Clerk's Office. Twenty year service pins were presented to: Richard Murillo, Public Works Department-Electrical Division, and Percy Eubanks, Municipal Utilities Department-Solid Waste Division. Twenty-five year service pins were presented to: Joseph Bodnar, Police Department; Larry Burgess, Library Director; and Linda Larsen, Library. Employee of the Quarter - City Manager Luebbers introduced the following 14 nominees for the Employee of the Quarter: Category: Field D. Manuel Torres Municipal Utilities Department Equipment Maintenance Division Richard Ramos Municipal Utilities Department Solid Waste Division Category: Safety Stephen Dickey Police Department Dean Johnston Police Department Darren Means Police Department Jeff Spurlock Police Department Category: Administration Denise Ausherman Police Department John Caviness City Manager's Office Purchasing Division Lorraine Haislip A. K. Smiley Public Library Linda Little Public Works Department Peggy McVey City Treasurer's Office Evelyn Pedro Community Development Department Planning Division Lisa Poff Municipal Utilities Department Administration Brenda Sutton Human Services Department Mayor Larson presented a plaque with the City seal to the Employees of the Quarter as follows: D. Manuel Torres, Municipal Utilities Department - Mechanic Assistant D. Manuel Torres was nominated for this award because of the exemplary service he performs in connection with the Preventative Maintenance Inspection Program. Since he has been assigned as the inspector for this program, the City equipment has gone from an unsatisfactory rating six years ago to a full August 5, 1997 Page 2 satisfactory rating from the CHP inspector for the past four years. He makes a continuous effort to notice and make the necessary repairs and corrections to ensure that our vehicles are safe for the employees to operate on a daily basis. He is always willing, if necessary, to stop an inspection to assist with other jobs to meet the workload within the shop. Mr. Torres is an individual that gets along with all of his fellow employees and always shows respect for his seniors and his supervisor. Evelyn Pedro, Community Development Department - Evelyn Pedro, secretary for the Planning Division, was nominated five times this quarter. Some excerpts from those five nominations are as follows: Evelyn is always pleasant, understanding, willing to assist, and treats the customers properly even though they may not behave in civilized ways. She is steadfast in her duties in the face of change. She has assumed extra duties willingly and in a positive manner. Evelyn is a team player; she knows how to pull people together to get the job done. She never hesitates to assist Spanish-speaking clientele throughout City Hall. Everyone who works with Evelyn knows what a caring and dedicated employees she is. She always has a smile and her positive, friendly disposition and her willingness to help others are those qualities that make her the top choice for employee of the quarter. Stephen Dickey, Police Department - Police Corporal Stephen Dickey has relentlessly committed himself to perform one of the most stressful and demanding areas of criminal investigation: sexual assault and abuse. Investigator Dickey is recognized regionally as an expert in the field of sexual assault investigation and child abuse. He has gone far beyond that required to be an excellent police investigator and City employee. In addition, he is a certified Drug Recognition Expert, a certified defensive tactics instructor, and an ardent community volunteer. He has devoted much of his free time as a volunteer to victim advocacy groups and educational organizations so that these types of heinous crimes may be prevented before they take their toll on community members. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Banda, the minutes of the regular meeting of July 15, 1997, were unanimously approved as submitted. Bills and Salaries - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Banda, bills and salaries were unanimously ordered paid. Ordinance No. 2346 - Vehicle Abatement and Removal - Ordinance No. 2346, an ordinance of the City of Redlands amending Chapter 8.56 of the Redlands August 5, 1997 Page 3 Municipal Code to establish regulations for vehicle abatement and removal, was adopted motion of Councilmember Cunningham, seconded by Councilmember Banda,by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers Gilbreath, Cunningham, Banda; Mayor Larson NOES: Councilmember Gil ABSENT: None Ordinance No. 2356 - Abatement of Weeds and Rubbish - Ordinance No. 2356, an ordinance of the City of Redlands amending Chapter 8.40 of the Redlands Municipal Code pertaining to abatement of weeds and rubbish, was adopted motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Banda, by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers Gilbreath, Cunningham, Gil, Banda; Mayor Larson NOES: None ABSENT: None Ordinance No. 2357 - TCI Cablevision Franchise Agreement - With the understanding that the facilities and two units negotiated for use by the City be provided by TCI in the near future, Councilmember Cunningham moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2357, an ordinance of the City of approving a franchise agreement with TCI Cablevision and repealing Ordinance No. 1480. Motion seconded by Councilmember Banda, and carried by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers Gilbreath, Cunningham, Gil, Banda; Mayor Larson NOES: None ABSENT: None Ordinance No. 2352 - Zone Change No. 362 - Ordinance No. 2352, an ordinance of the City of Redlands amending Title 18 of the Redlands Municipal Code by adopting an additional land use zoning plan as part of the Official Land Use Zoning Map and effecting Zone Change No. 362, a change of zone from A- 1 (Agricultural) District to C-2 (Neighborhood Convenience Center) District for APN 174-181-13 and APN 174-181-14 (Cypress Center Partners, applicant), was adopted on motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Cunningham, by the following vote: August 5, 1997 Page 4 AYES: Councilmembers Gilbreath, Cunningham, Gil, Banda: Mayor Larson NOES: None ABSENT: None General Plan Amendment - The motion to approve Zone Change No. 362 (above) also contained the provision that the staff was to initiate a General Plan amendment to change the General Plan designation on APN 174-181-02 (property located on Citrus Avenue) from low density residential to neighborhood commercial. Contract - Multi-Hazard Mitigation Video - On motion of Councilmember Cunningham, seconded by Councilmember Banda, the City Council unanimously approved a sole-source contract in the amount of $38,490.00 between the City of Redlands and TCI Cablevision of California, Inc. for production of a multi-hazard mitigation video in conjunction with FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant OES No. 459, FEMA No 29. Contract Award - Texas/Lugonia Storm Drain - Bids were opened and publicly declared on July 22, 1997, by the City Clerk for construction of the Texas/Lugonia Storm Drain project; a bid opening report is on file in the Office of the City Clerk. It was the recommendation of the Public Works Department that the responsible bidder submitting the bid for said project which will result in the lowest cost to the City was S F Construction, Anaheim, in the amount of $275,059.50, and it would be in the best interest of the City that this contract be awarded to said firm. On motion of Councilmember Gil, seconded by Councilmember Larson, this recommendation was unanimously approved, and staff was directed to investigate if the lower portion of this drain qualified for CDBG funding. Drug Elimination Program Grant - The Housing Authority of San Bernardino County is preparing to submit an application to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for this grant. They were successful in last year's competition because of their partnerships in the local communities in which they serve. If funded, the funds will be spent in the City of Redlands at our local public housing communities. Expressing his support for what has been done in the past, Councilmember Gil moved to authorize the City Manager to sign the Chief Executive Officer Certification showing local support for the Public Housing Drug Elimination program grant. Motion seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath and carried unanimously. Surplus Equipment and Vehicles - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Banda, the City Council unanimously declared certain City vehicles and equipment as presented by the Municipal Utilities August 5, 1997 Page 5 Department as surplus and authorized that department and the City Manager to advertise and negotiate the sale of these surplus City vehicles and equipment. Tentative Tract No. 14790 - Time Extension - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Banda, the City Council unanimously approved a one-year time extension for Tentative Tract No. 14790 to August 13, 1998. This project is a planned residential development for the subdivision of approximately 374 acres of land into 160 single family lots located on the east side of Alessandro Road between San Timoteo Canyon Road and Sunset Drive in Specific Plan No. 43; BEK Engineering was the applicant. Letter of Support - ABHOW - Following brief discussion, on motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Cunningham, the City Council unanimously authorized the Mayor to sign a letter of support for the American Baptist Homes of the West's application for assistance in the tax exempt financing of continuing care retirement communities including Plymouth Village, with the understanding the City has no financial obligation. Settlement Agreements - Eureka Street Widening Project - On motion of Councilmember Gil, seconded by Councilmember Cunningham, the City Council ratified settlement agreements with property owners located along Eureka Street in conjunction with the Eureka Street Widening project with Councilmembers Larson and Gilbreath abstaining from the vote due to a possible conflict of interest. Outside Utility Connections - The request to continue processing outside the City utility connections for OSC No. 97-30 for Tentative Tract No. 13768 (a 36 lot subdivision on 8.5 acres of land located in the Mentone area on the northwest corner of Agate Avenue and Nice Avenue) was withdrawn from the agenda. Resolution No. 5404 - Wabash/Colton Avenue Intersection - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Banda, the City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 5404, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redlands, California, certifying that resources are committed for the continuing maintenance of improvements constructed at the intersection of Wabash Avenue and Colton Avenue with Surface Transportation. Program Funding. Lease Agreement - Police Sub-Station - Following brief discussion, on motion of Councilmember Gil, seconded by Councilmember Cunningham, the City Council unanimously authorized the Mayor to sign a lease agreement with the Southland Corporation for the rental of property at 1381 East Citrus Avenue for use as a Community Policing Station. August 5, 1997 Page 6 Agreement - California Street Landfill - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Banda, the City Council unanimously authorized entering into an agreement with Gas Control Engineering, Inc. for landfill gas engineering and monitoring services for the California Street Landfill. Terminate Agreement - California Street Landfill - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Banda, the City Council unanimously authorized the termination of a professional services agreement with International Technology (IT) Corporation for the Groundwater Monitoring Program Analytical and Reporting Services for the California Street Landfill due to a conflict of interest. Agreement - California Street Landfill - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Banda, the City Council unanimously authorized entering into a professional services agreement with 3D GeoServices, Inc. for the Groundwater Monitoring Program Analytical and Reporting Services for the California Street Landfill. Lease Agreement - Sunset Reservoir - The City Council concurred to continue action on a lease agreement with General Telephone (GTE) facilities at the Sunset Reservoir to September 2, 1997, and directed staff to negotiate rental adjustments over the ten year period of the lease. Waiver of Fees - Showmobile - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Banda, the City Council unanimously authorized a waiver of$1,100.00 in fees for the City of Loma Linda Fire Department for two days use of the Showmobile providing that certain other requirements noted in the rental contract are met for towing, set-up, deposit, insurance coverage, and rental period. Waiver of Fees - March of Dimes - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Banda, the City Council unanimously approved the request for waiver of fees for use of the Sylvan and Smiley Parks by the March of Dimes on April 25, 1998, for the WalkAmerica fundraising program. Resolution No. 5403 - Tobacco Pact - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Banda, the City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 5403, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redlands supporting a University-City tobacco pact with the Behavioral Health Institute, California State University San Bernardino. August 5, 1997 Page 7 Funds - Structural Engineer's Plan Check - ESR1 - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Banda, the City Council unanimously approved an additional appropriation for Wildan Associates to provide a structural engineer's plan check on a proposed 30,000 square foot three-story building. ESRI has submitted construction plans for their proposed addition to the structure on New York Street; all costs associated with these services will be paid for by the applicant, SSRI. Annexation Agreements - Neal T. Baker Enterprises, Inc. - On motion of Councilmember Cunningham, seconded by Councilmember Gil, the City Council approved four agreements for annexation and provision of City utility services with Neal T. Baker Enterprises, Inc. These agreements are for Lots 2, 4, 5, and 6 of Tract No. 13514, with Councilmember Gilbreath abstaining from the vote due to a possible conflict of interest. Settlement Agreement - Police Canine Program - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Banda, the City Council unanimously ratified the settlement agreement with former Redlands Police Officer Harold Holmes as previously authorized by the City Council for wages allegedly due him for canine care pursuant to the requirements of the Federal Labor Standards Act. Agreement - Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Banda, the City Council unanimously approved the Household Hazardous Waste Collection. Center agreement with the County of San Bernardino. The cost to dispose of household hazard waste is approximately $60,000.00 annually; the program generates an estimated $92,000.00 in revenue annually providing a $32,000.00 net fiscal impact. COMMUNICATIONS League of California Cities Legislative Bulletin - Councilmember Cunningham noted Governor Wilson gave the cities a "hard hit" with his settlement with PERS. Appointments - Housing Commission - Mayor Larson moved to appoint Troy Grantz and Roger E. Thompson to four-year terms on the Housing Commission. Motion seconded by Councilmember Cunningham and carried unanimously. STUDY SESSION San Timoteo Canyon Flood Control Project - Councilmember Banda, Peter Coonradt, Peter Kiriakos, and Peter Goodwin provided the City Council with a August 5, 1997 Page 8 review of the results of a recent workshop held regarding the San Timoteo Canyon flood control project and presented a draft concept plan proposed by the San Timoteo Greenway Conservancy utilizing a water shed management approach. Youssef H. Amin, architect and planner, said he would like to see this proposal proceed. In response to their request for a letter from the City supporting their proposal, Mayor Larson asked them to prepare a draft letter for staffs review and directed that this matter be placed on the agenda for the adjourned regular meeting to be held on August 13, 1997. JOINT MEETING- CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Resolution No. 5405 - Great Neighborhoods Program - Human Services Director Pettus reported that staff has qualified additional participants in the Great Neighborhoods Program. The participants are requesting assistance with exterior painting and/or roofing. Councilmember Banda moved to adopt Resolution No. 5405, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redlands authorizing the use of low- and moderate-income housing funds outside the Redlands Project Area. Motion seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath, and carried with Councilmember Gil abstaining due to a possible conflict of interest. (Also see Redevelopment Agency minutes dated August 5, 1997.) CLOSED SESSION The City Council meeting recessed at 4:35 P.M. to a Redevelopment Agency meeting and reconvened at 4:41 P.M. to a closed session to discuss the following: 1. Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation - Government Code Section 54956.9(c) (a) City of Redlands v. County of San Bernardino (SVC 34737, SVC 33330, and SVC 39880) (b) Davis v. City of Redlands 2. Conference with labor negotiator- Government Code Section 54957.6 (a) Agency negotiator: Gary Luebbers Employees organization: Redlands Association of Safety- Management Employees August 5, 1997 Page 9 I Conference with labor negotiator - Government Code Section 54957.6 (continued) (b) Agency negotiator: Mayor Larson Employee: City Attorney (c) Agency negotiator: Mayor Larson Employee: City Manager The meeting reconvened at 7:00 P.M. with air conditioning! PUBLIC HEARINGS Resolution No. 5376 - Landscape Maintenance District - Public hearing was advertised for this time and place to consider Resolution No. 5376, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redlands ordering the maintenance of improvements in Landscape Maintenance District No. 1, giving final approval of the engineer's report, and confirming the assessment for the 1997-98 fiscal year. Assistant Public Works Director Laaninen reported the preliminary report for the Landscape Maintenance Assessment District was presented to the City Council on June 3, 1997, at which time the City Council adopted Resolution No. 5374, granting preliminary approval to the Engineer's Report, and Resolution No. 5375, declaring its intention to levy and collect assessments for fiscal year 1997-98 pursuant to the Lighting and Landscaping Act of 1972. On July 15, 1997, the City Council held a public meeting which gave them an opportunity to review the Engineer's report and receive questions and input from the public. Mayor Larson declared the meeting open as a public hearing for any questions or comments regarding the Landscape Maintenance Assessment District. None being forthcoming, the public hearing was declared closed. Councilmember Banda moved to adopt Resolution No. 5376. Motion seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath and carried unanimously. Resolution No. 5380 - Street Lighting District - Public hearing was advertised for this time and place to consider Resolution No. 5380, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redlands ordering the maintenance of improvements in Street Lighting Assessment District No. 1, giving final approval of the engineer's report, and confirming the assessment for the 1997-98 fiscal year. Assistant Public Works Director Laamnen reported the preliminary report for the Landscape Maintenance Assessment District was presented to the City Council on June 3, 1997, at which time the City Council adopted Resolution No. 5378, granting preliminary approval to the Engineer's Report, and Resolution No. 5379, declaring its intention to levy and collect assessments for fiscal year 1997-98 pursuant to the Lighting and Landscaping Act of 1972. On July 15, 1997, the City Council held a public meeting which gave them an opportunity to review the Engineer's report and receive questions and input from the public. Mayor Larson declared the meeting open as a public hearing August 5, 1997 Page 10 for any questions or comments regarding the Street Lighting Assessment District. None being forthcoming, the public hearing was declared closed. Councilmember Banda moved to adopt Resolution No. 5380. Motion seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath and carried unanimously. Ordinance No. 2359 - Parking of Commercial Vehicles - Public hearing was advertised for this time and place to consider Ordinance No. 2359, an ordinance of the City of Redlands amending Chapter 10.40 of the Redlands Municipal Code relating to the parking of commercial vehicles. Police Chief Nelson explained this revision covers any commercial vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight exceeding 10,000 pounds which includes motor trucks, semi-trailers, and trailers. It prohibits the parking of commercial vehicles in any residential area of town and restricts the parking of commercial vehicles in non-residential areas of town to two hours. It provides for the parking of commercial vehicles that are engaged in loading or unloading materials, repair and alterations to any building for which a building permit has been obtained, and excludes vehicles working on public utilities or property and authorized emergency vehicles. It makes each two hours of consecutive parking a separate violation. This will avoid incidences where a violator feels that the convenience of parking their vehicles in a given location for over two hours is worth one citation. It also allows for the towing of commercial vehicles that have been left parked or standing for more than 24 hours if the area is posted for such removal. Mayor Larson declared the meeting open as a public hearing for any questions or comments. None being forthcoming, the public hearing was declared closed. Councilmembers extended their compliments to staff for the preparation of this legislation which will address an on-going concern from many Redlands' residents. Ordinance No. 2359 was read by title only 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. 2359 was introduced with unanimous Council approval and laid over under the rules with adoption scheduled for September 2, 1997. Appeal- Krikorian.Premiere Theatre- On July 28, 1997, the applicant withdrew his appeal to a Planning Commission decision to deny a proposed revision to an existing conditional use permit to allow neon on the building for their theater located at 340 North Eureka Street in the Town Center District of Specific Plan No. 45. No action was required at this time. Ordinance No. 2358 - Construction Fees - Public hearing was advertised for this time and place to consider Ordinance No. 2358 to establish street construction and traffic signal construction fees. At this time, it was recommended by staff that this public hearing be continued to September 16, 1997. Mayor Larson declared the meeting open as a public hearing for any questions or comments. None being forthcoming, the public hearing was unanimously continued as August 5, 1997 Page 11 recommended on motion of Councilmember Gil, seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath. NEW BUSINESS Ordinance No. 2350 - Nuisance Hearings - Ordinance No. 2350, an ordinance of the City of Redlands amending Chapter 8.04 of the Redlands Municipal Code pertaining to nuisance hearings to reflect the current address and location of the City Council Chambers, was read by title only by City Clerk Poyzer, and on motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Banda, further reading of the ordinance text was unanimously waived, and Ordinance No. 2350 was introduced with unanimous Council approval and laid over under the rules with adoption scheduled for September 2, 1997. 1997-98 Budget - City Manager Luebbers informed Councilmembers that since the approval of the 1997-98 proposed budget on April 28, 1997, there have been numerous enhancements to the General Fund's fund balance. These enhancements result primarily from changes in the 1996-97 year-end estimates which were originally based on seven-month actual figures. The 1996-97 estimates have been revised based on current information available at the time the final budget was compiled. Since the final budget figures improved over the earlier estimates, he recommended approval of additional funding in the budget to cover vacant positions with full-time personnel as follows: City Attorney - paralegal; Finance - account clerk; Personnel - administrative clerk; and Planning - additional associate planner. Also to be included in this budget are the previously approved salary increase for part-time business license inspector in the City Treasurer's Office; the certificate pay increase for police officers (based on current salary step); and one-half percent benefit increase in accordance with Memoranda of Understanding. Councilmember Cunningham indicated he would prefer to leave the salary open for the paralegal and fix the pay based on experience at the time a person his offered the position. He wanted the printer position in the City Manager's office filled as he felt the additional employee would be needed for relief in the City Manager's Office when the Human Services Department moved their offices. He also wanted to review the Code Enforcement position after the new Sign Code is adopted as it may be feasible to make the position full-time. Councilmember Gilbreath moved to accept the 1.997-98 adopted budget book including modifications to the General Fund's 1997-98 funding plan occurring since the approval of the 1997-98 proposed budget and including Councilmember Cunningham's suggestions. Motion seconded by Councilmember Gil and carried with Councilmember Cunningham voting NO. Councilmembers expressed their appreciation to Interim Finance Director Kundig for completion of the budget book. Interim Finance Director Kundig also expressed appreciation to her staff, especially Kim Braun and Teresa Ballinger, for a job well done. August 5, 1997 Page 12 Funds - Tree Trimming - City Manager Luebbers reported that one of the most common complaints received from private citizens is the lack of adequate tree trimming on City streets. There are currently six employees in the Street Tree Division, and they are responsible for tree trimming and routing maintenance of approximately 60,000 public trees. Most of the equipment used by this division is in excess of 20 year old. Down time is common; parts for this equipment are no longer made and the shop makes attempts to fabricate these parts as necessary. Personnel safety, when using the bucket trucks and other vehicles, is of grave concern. Mr. Luebbers recommended an additional appropriation of $100,000.00 from the General Fund to hire private tree trimming contractors to trim a number of trees at specified locations as presented in the staff report. The backlog of requests for tree trimming could be significantly reduced, making a visible and positive public reaction. Councilmember Cunningham moved to approve an additional appropriation in the amount of $100,000.00 from the General Fund for contract tree trimming services. Motion seconded by Councilmember Banda and carried with Councilmember Gil voting NO as he felt this was not fair to the people who voted against the Utility Users' Tax. Funds - School Crossing Guards - City Manager Luebbers reported staffs efforts to persuade the Redlands Unified School District to contribute 50 percent of the cost of providing school crossing guards at the elementary schools in Redlands was not successful, and as a result an additional $56,774.00 needs to be appropriated in order that the crossing guard service is available year-round. All Councilmembers agreed that the schools should pay their fair share. Councilmember Gil the schools were stepping aside from their responsibilities and urged parents to contact school officials regarding this matter. Councilmember Cunningham said the schools were in better fiscal shape now than they had been in years now that they were receiving State surplus funds. For the protection of the children, Councilmember Larson moved to approve an additional appropriation in the amount of$56,774.00 for the school crossing guard contract and authorized the Mayor to sign an amendment to the agreement with All City Management Services, Inc. Motion. seconded Councilmember Cunningham and carried with Councilmember Gil voting NO. Consolidation of Human Services and Police Departments -Police Chief Nelson informed the City Council that the emergence of community based policing is recognition by civic and law enforcement leaders nationwide that traditional crime prevention and enforcement techniques will no longer suffice if we are to make a substantive, long-term impact on crime. The concept of merging non- traditional structures, or forming non-traditional partnerships, to leverage existing crime prevention resources in a fundamental underpinning of community policing and has been paramount to the success Redlands has August 5, 1997 Page 13 experienced with its own community policing program. Staff presented a proposal, Advancing Community Policing in Redlands: Attacking Blight and enhancing Prevention Efforts and Through the Consolidation of the City's Human Services and Police Departments, which is intended to elevate the City's current community policing efforts to a higher level of effectiveness. He reviewed the proposal and the necessary changes in the City's organizational structure concluding that this proposal provides an effective and progressive alternative to helping maintain our community's quality of life and resisting the community problems witnessed throughout the Southland. Councilmembers expressed their enthusiasm for this proposal and complimented Police Chief Nelson, Police Captain Bueermann, and Human Services Director Pettus for their pioneering efforts. Councilmember Cunningham moved to approve consolidation of the Human Services and Police Departments pursuant to the guidelines established in the proposal entitled Advancing Community Policing in Redlands. Motion seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath and carried unanimously. COPS MORE Grant - Police Chief Nelson explained that since 1993, the Police Department has been progressively replacing sworn officers in administrative positions with civilians and transferring the officers to direct law enforcement related duties. This "civilianization" is intended to better leverage the Police Department's available resources and take advantage of the officers' extensive training and experience. Last year, the Police Department applied for a COPS MORE grant from the U. S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Policing Services, to civilianize and re-deploy into direct law enforcement duties, the two remaining officers assigned to administrative duties - a captain and a sergeant. The Police Department has recently been notified that the grant has been approved for one year, at $59,586.00 per year, and is renewable for an additional two years. In the above report, Advancing Community Policing in Redlands, it was recommended that the Human Services Department merge with the Police Department and the current Human Services Director assume the administrative position vacated by a transferred captain. She would then assume the title of Community Services Division Manager Pettus and report to the Chief of Police. This would qualify the City for the necessary matching funds. Councilmember Cunningham moved to authorize the Police Department to accept the COPS MORE grant as recommended by staff. Motion seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath and carried unanimously. Salary - Safety Management Employees - The agreement for the Redlands Association of Safety Management employees was withdrawn from the agenda. Contract - City Manager - Councilmember Larson moved to approve an amendment to the contract with City Manager Luebbers and authorize changes August 5, 1997 Page 14 to the salary and benefits as negotiated. Motion seconded by Councilmember Banda and carried unanimously. Contract - City Attorney - Councilmember Larson moved to approve an amendment to the contract with the City Attorney and authorize changes to the salary and benefits as negotiated. Motion seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath and carried unanimously. Reward for Illegal Weapons - Councilmember Banda presented the City of Monrovia's Stop Gun Violence Bounty Program which established a $100.00 bounty for anyone who reports a person who illegally possesses a gun in a public place. Public funds cannot be used to pay the bounty and their Police Department was authorized to solicit private funds from individuals, businesses, and organizations to fund the bounties. Councilmember Banda moved to direct staff to prepare a proposal to establish a similar program in Redlands and return to the City Council with a report for Council's review. Motion seconded by Councilmember Cunningham and carried unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENTS Outside Utility Connections - Representing M.V.E. Limited Partnership (Tract No. 13768), Gary Young asked to the City Council to revisit their allocation process for outside the City utility allocations. Mr. Young did not feel it was fair that allocations were being held by the developer of Tract No. 12222, located in Yucaipa, who has publicly stated will not be used and who could be served by the City of Yucaipa. August 5, 1997 Page 15 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the City Council meeting adjourned at 8:00 P.M. to an adjourned regular meeting to be held on Wednesday, August 13, 1997, at 10:00 A.M. in the City Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35 Cajon Street, Redlands, California. City Clerk August 5, 1997 Page 16