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HomeMy WebLinkAbout020398cc_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 February 3, 1998. PRESENT William E. Cunningham, Mayor Geni A. S. Banda, Mayor Pro Tem Pat Gilbreath, Councilmember John L. Freedman, Councilmember Gary George, Councilmember Gary M. Luebbers, City Manager Daniel J. McHugh, City Attorney Lorrie Poyzer, City Clerk Beatrice Sanchez, Deputy City Clerk (evening session) Michael Reynolds, City Treasurer Jeffrey L. Shaw, Community Development Director Bonnie Johnson, Finance Director Mel Enslow, Fire Chief Gary G. Phelps, Municipal Utilities Director Lewis W. Nelson, Police Chief Ronald C. Mutter, Public Works Director Joshua Lowe, Redlands Daily Facts Monica Whitaker, The Sun Courtney Challos,Press Enterprise Renee Hernandez, The Sun (evening session) ABSENT None The meeting was opened with an invocation by Councilmember Freedman followed by the pledge of allegiance. CABLE TV This is the first City Council meeting being video taped for broadcast on cable television on Wednesday, February 4, 1998, at 6:00 P.M. (afternoon session) and 8:00 P.M. (evening session). PRESENTATION Diane Christensen, Planning Commissioner - Mayor Cunningham and Community Development Director Shaw presented a plague with the City seal to Diane Christensen in recognition of her service on the Planning Commission from February 20, 1990, through January 20, 1998. Community Development February 3, 1998 Page 1 Director Shaw expressed his appreciation for all the work she's done noting she has been a real asset to the community. Mayor Cunningham said Mrs. Christensen has been an outstanding Planning Commissioner and that she is one of the reasons Redlands is a special place. Mrs. Christensen thanked staff for their assistance and dedication and said it has been a genuine pleasure to serve as a Planning Commissioner. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, the minutes of the regular meeting of January 20, 1998, and the adjourned regular meeting of January 27, 1998, were unanimously approved as submitted. Bills and Salaries - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Freedman,bills and salaries were unanimously ordered paid. Planning Commission Actions - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, the report of the Planning Commission meeting held on January 27, 1998, was unanimously acknowledged as received. Contract Award - Gas to Electric Conversion - Bids were opened and publicly declared on January 15, 1998 by the City Clerk for the Natural Gas Engines Conversion to Elector Motors Project (No. 1-9808); a bid opening report is on file in the Office of the City Clerk. It was the recommendation of the Municipal Utilities Department that the responsible bidder submitting the bid for said project which will result in the lowest cost to the City was Schuler Engineering of Riverside, California, in the amount of$1,962,000.00, and it would be in the best interest of the City that this contract be awarded to said firm. Municipal Utilities Director Phelps explained the conversion in response to questions from Councilmember George. On motion of Councilmember George, seconded by Councilmember Banda, this recommendation was unanimously approved. Agreement - Gas to Electric Conversion - Municipal Utilities Director Phelps answered Councilmember Banda's questions about this construction inspection and management services agreement. On motion of Councilmember Banda, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, the City Council unanimously authorized a construction inspection and management services agreement in the amount of $59,500.00 with the firm of Inspection Consultants to provide construction inspection and management services for the Natural Gas Engines Conversion to Electric Motors Project. Fee Waiver - Boy Scouts of America - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, the City Council unanimously February 3, 1998 Page 2 approved the request by the Boy Scouts of America for waiver of fees for use of the Redlands Bowl, barricades, and Police services for the annual Lincoln Pilgrimage program to be held on Saturday, February 21, 1998. Resolution No. 5456 - Traffic SignalQ ect - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, the City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 5456, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redlands, California, authorizing the Mayor of the City of Redlands to act for and on behalf of said City in the execution of Program Supplement No. 007 of the State-Local Entity Master Agreement under Senate Bill 300 for reimbursement of a portion of the cost of the Barton Road and Bellevue Avenue Traffic Signal Project. Resolution No. 5457 - Eureka Street Widening Project - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, the City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 5457, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redlands, California, authorizing the Mayor of the City of Redlands to act for and on behalf of said City in the execution of Program Supplement No. 008 of the State-Local Entity Master Agreement under Senate Bill 300 for reimbursement of a portion of the cost of the Eureka Street Widening Project- Redlands Boulevard to 200 feet north of Oriental Avenue. Resolution No. 5469 - Speed Survey - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, the City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 5469, a resolution of the City Council of the City of:Redlands establishing traffic regulations pursuant to Title 10 of the Redlands Municipal Code as follows: Establish a speed limit on Orange Tree Lane. Sunset Non-Potable Irrigation Project - Municipal Utilities Director Phelps explained that the Sunset non-potable irrigation project has been discussed at the staff level for several years and was approved by the City Council as a project this fiscal year. The project consists of the construction of a non-potable water storage reservoir (approximately 1,000,000 gallons) to be located just south of the existing potable Sunset Reservoir on Helen Court, south of Sunset Drive, and construction of 2 miles of pipeline from that location, west along Sunset Drive to Hillside Cemetery. A well, which produces non-potable water is situated at the Hillside Cemetery near Sunset Drive and Alessandro Road and would be used as the primary source of non-potable water for the project. The purpose of this project is to provide a "backbone" non-potable irrigation system to supply lower cost water to the Hillside Cemetery and to Caroline Park which is on the pipeline route. This matter was placed on the agenda in order that citizens affected by the project might have the opportunity to address the City Council. Staff has notified all property owners that reside within a 1,000 foot radius of the proposed reservoir site by mail advising them that the City Council February 3, 1998 Page 3 would discuss this item at this time. Dr. Kenneth D. Macknet presented a letter from Lexie E. Herrin, a licensed general contractor, suggesting that the tank be located on the east side rather than the north side site as proposed. Dr. Macknet also expressed concern that the tank be sealed to contain any fumes and asked where the water would be utilized. His concerns about the site were referred to staff for review. Councilmember Banda moved to authorize the Municipal Utilities Department to proceed with the proposed project and begin negotiations for the acquisition of property and proceed with design engineering for the Sunset Non-Potable Irrigation Water Project. Motion seconded by Councilmember George and carried unanimously. Funds - East Lugonia No. 3 Well Reactivation - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, the City Council unanimously authorized an additional appropriation for the Municipal Utilities Department, Water Division, in the amount of $80,000.00 from current rates and revenues to reactivate the East Lugonia No. 3 well. Resolution No. 5470 - Street Name Changes - This item was removed from the agenda. Annual Report - Development Impact Fees - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, the City Council unanimously accepted the Annual Report of Development Impact Fees for the year ended June 30, 1997, in compliance with Government Code Section 66006. Resolution No. 5446 - Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, the City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 5446, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redlands, County of San Bernardino, California, instituting proceedings, appointing an assessment engineer, and ordering the preparation of an Engineer's Report in the matter of Landscape Maintenance District No. 1. Resolution No. 5450 - Street Lighting District No. 1 - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, the City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 5450, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redlands, County of San Bernardino, California, instituting proceedings, appointing an assessment engineer, and ordering the preparation of an Engineer's Report in the matter of Street Lighting District No. 1. Resolution No. 5461 - Landscape Maintenance District No. 2 - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, the City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 5461, a resolution of the City February 3, 1998 Page 4 Council of the City of Redlands, County of San Bernardino, California, instituting proceedings, appointing an assessment engineering, ordering the preparation of district map indicating the proposed boundary of Landscape Maintenance District No. 2, and providing for other engineering services in the matter of the creation of Landscape Maintenance District No. 2. Resolution No. 5465 - Street Lighting District No. 2 - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, the City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 5465, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redlands, County of San Bernardino, California, instituting proceedings, appointing an assessment engineering, ordering the preparation of district map indicating the proposed boundary of Street Lighting District No. 2, and providing for other engineering services in the matter of the creation of Street Lighting District No. 2. Taxicab License - Bell Cab Co. - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, the City Council unanimously authorized issuance of a license to Bell Cab Company subject to the following requirements: 1. Receipt by the City Clerk of a certificate of insurance; 3. Payment to the City Treasurer for a permit; and 2. Clearance from the Police Department specifically: All persons operating a taxicab (cab drivers) shall be licensed by the Redlands Police Department and specifically by the Chief of Police or his designee. Drivers shall be required to submit fingerprints and photographs for background information and licensing purposes prior to operating a taxicab in the City of Redlands. Cab drivers will be responsible for paying the appropriate fees for the processing of fingerprints through the State of California. The Chief of Police or his designee shall review the applicants backgrounds to determine their suitability for operating a taxicab in the City of Redlands before issuing a permit. The Chief of Police may revoke a cab driver's permit upon determination of a criminal conviction that would make them unsuitable to operate a taxicab in the City of Redlands. The City of Redlands Police Department will initially accept cab drivers licensed by the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department but all cab drivers must apply with the Redlands Police Department within fifteen (15) days of the beginning of service in. Redlands. All cab drivers new to the City of Redlands after the initiation of service must have received a permit prior to operating a taxicab in the City. All cab drivers must have their City of Redlands cab license in plain sight to customers and make it available to any peace officer upon demand. COMMUNICATIONS February 3, 1998 Page 5 Fire Sprinkler Requirement - Mr. Rob Walker recently moved a historic house to 171 Bellevue and requested a waiver of the requirement to install an automatic fire sprinkler system on January 20, 1998. Fire Chief Enslow and Fire Division Chief Habant reported to the City Council that staff had obtained three bids for Mr. Walker ranging from $2,200.00 to $2,595.00 for the installation of residential automatic fire sprinklers. Fire Marshall Leonard Temby met with the fire sprinkler contractors on behalf of Mr. Walker to identify the issue of aesthetics and installation. Councilmember Banda reported that Mr. Walker has indicated he will probably appeal this matter with the State Historical Building Safety Board in April. Councilmember George felt the City had gone beyond the call obtaining bids for Mr. Walker and expressed his hope that he would comply with the requirement. Community Development Director Shaw explained the process noting that Mr. Walker knew about the fire sprinkler requirement during the initial stage of the application. Councilmember Freedman moved to deny the request for a waiver of the requirement to install an automatic fire sprinkler system in the house now located at 1.71 Bellevue. Motion seconded by Councilmember George and carried unanimously. Pharaoh's Lost Kingdom - Recent new releases from Pharaoh's Lost Kingdom indicated a change in their alcoholic beverage license but upon further investigation, it was found there has been no change to the license according to Mayor Cunningham. Home Occupation Business Permits - In light of a recent "flap" about piano teachers in the Redlands Daily Facts, Mayor Cunningham suggested the City Council review Home Occupation Permit standards at a future study session. February 3, 1998 Page 6 CLOSED SESSION The City Council meeting recessed at 3:31 P.M. to a Redevelopment Agency meeting and reconvened at 3:32 P.M. to a closed session to hold a conference with its legal counsel as follows: 1. Anticipated litigation- Government Code Section 54956.9(c) - One case LATE BREAKING CLOSED SESSION ITEM Councilmember Gilbreath moved to add the following item to the agenda which arose subsequent to the agenda being posted: "Existing litigation - Government Code Section 54956.9(a) - Biggs v. Larson and Foster." Motion seconded by Councilmember Banda and carried unanimously. (City Attorney McHugh announced he had a potential conflict of interest on this matter and would not participate in the discussion.) The meeting reconvened at 7:00 P.M. WELCOME Mayor Cunningham welcomed five students from Redlands High School who will be participating in the annual Civics Day on February 12, 1998. He also welcomed members of Boy Scout Troop 231 from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Ordinance No. 2370 - Sign Code - Ordinance No. 2370, an ordinance of the City of Redlands amending Chapter 15.36 of the Redlands Municipal Code relating to signs, was continued from the January 6, 1998, City Council meeting for further study and review. Community Development Director Shaw explained the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the revised Sign Code on November 12, 1997, following several study sessions. The majority of the Planning Commission (4-3) did not support provisions of freeway oriented signs for theme parks, and this provision is not part of the proposal before the City Council. On January 6, 1998, the City Council conducted its first hearing on the draft Sign Code at which time staff provided an overview of the Sign Code, and the City Council received public input and provided some initial input to staff. Staff evaluated specific provisions of Measure U and identified how some criteria had already been included in the Sign Code and how other provisions could be added to the Sigh Code. Mr. Shaw reviewed the changes that staff has included in the draft document so that it is consistent with the provisions of Measure U. Based on City Council direction on January 6, 1998, staff has made the following changes: (1)reduced the minimum gross land area from 100 acres to 75 acres in defining a "regional mall'; (2) provided a reference in the enforcement section of the Sign Code so February 3, 1998 Page 7 that a violator can know the types of penalties they are subject to if one violates it; (3) added a definition for combination signs; and (4) expanded the boundaries of the Downtown Business District as it pertains to pedestrian oriented signs. Councilmember Gilbreath suggested another revision to the boundaries of the Downtown Business District. Councilmembers discussed issues such as sign programs for regional malls/power centers and/or entertainment centers; largest sign that would be allowed within the City; and the Downtown Business District boundaries. On behalf of Redlands Crossing, Susan Quon again suggested revised language regarding multi-tenant signs. The City Council agreed to continue this matter to February 17, 1998, for introduction of the ordinance. Mill Creek Sphere of Influence - Mayor Cunningham reviewed the protest filed by Mr. Long with LAFCO regarding the Mill Creek Sphere of Influence which will be considered on February 18, 1998. Funds - Heisner Pool - On January 6, 1998,. staff presented the City Council with a request for an additional appropriation in the amount of $7,450.00 to repair the Heisner pool. This facility, located at Mission Elementary School, is used by the Recreation Division for therapeutic swim courses. The request for additional funding was submitted due to continuous equipment breakdowns and malfunctions. After discussing this item, the City Council directed staff to return with alternatives. Police Chief Nelson reviewed the problem and the estimated cost of repair and monthly services. Staff held a meeting with program participants on January 22, 1998,. to obtain their input and suggestions. As a short-term solution, they asked staff to reiterate to the City Council their desire to obtain sufficient funding to repair the Heisner pool. They also formed a committee to solicit donations for the construction of a therapeutic pool. The Community Center was identified as the ideal location for this facility; Community Development Block Grant funds were identified as a possible revenue source for construction. It was agreed by all present that (1) the City Council will not be asked for additional money for future Heisner pool repairs; (2) a one-year target date will be set to generate constructions funds; (3) the participating committee will be responsible for soliciting construction donations; and (4) staff will submit a CDBG proposal in the next (1999) funding cycle. Current registrations for participants in therapeutic swim programs depict the following residencies: Redlands - 1.6; Yucaipa/Calimesa/Menton - 10; Highland/San Bernardino - 8; Colton/Loma Linda/Bryn Mawr - 6; for a total of 40. Staff estimates the cost per resident at $2,240.00. Participants pay $3.00 per session. Louise Knudsen, an instructor, informed the City Council that the YMCA pool is too cold and felt certain that if the Heisner pool was fixed that participation would increase. Another instructor informed Councilmembers that this program was not just for seniors. Noting this was a very expensive program and he had a problem putting money February 3, 1998 Page 8 into a facility the City does not own, Councilmember Freedman moved to deny the request and terminate the program. Motion seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath and failed with Councilmembers Cunningham, Banda, and George voting NO. Councilmember Banda moved to approve the request for an additional appropriation in the amount of$7,450.00 to repair and maintain the Heisner (also known as Seltzer) pool facility, and directed staff to revise the fee schedule for non-residents for future City Council review. Motion seconded by Councilmember George and carried with Councilmembers Gilbreath and Freedman voting NO. Proposed Parking Assessment District - Leaving the City Council Chambers, Councilmember George announced he had a potential conflict of interest regarding this proposed parking assessment district. Public Works Director Mutter presented a detailed parcel map for the proposed parking assessment district. A questionnaire has been prepared to be sent to each property owner to determine the viability of this proposal. Councilmember Gilbreath indicated she desired to extend the boundaries further east on Redlands Boulevard. Staff will reconfigure the boundaries if the responses from the survey indicate the need. Staff will continue to pursue this proposal. STUDY SESSION - MEASURE U Resolution No. 5472 - The City Council has held workshops pertaining to the implementation of Measure U on January 6, 13, 20, and 27, 1998. They are in the process of reviewing and discussing issues and providing direction to staff. As decisions are finalized, these actions are being memorialized through the adoption of resolutions. Community Development Director Shaw reviewed actions from the past meetings and presented Resolution No. 5472, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redlands adopting provisions pertaining to the implementation of Measure U. This resolution was formulated based on input from the City Council on January 27, 1998. Mr. Shaw summarized the actions in this resolution. Councilmember George moved to adopt Resolution No. 5472. Motion seconded by Councilmember Freedman and carried unanimously. Socio-Economic Study - Mr. Shaw presented language for a General Plan Amendment to be prepared addressing the Socio-Economic Cost/Benefit Study and Findings Required. Councilmembers agreed that the City-initiated General Plan Amendment to implement Measure U was exempt from the Socio- Economic Study requirement as a project was not involved. Staff recommended that the 5,000 square feet provision pertain to the building and any outdoor use, but not include the parking areas required for the use; it was also recommended that the 5,000 square feet be the cumulative total of the business. This was agreeable to Councilmembers. Staff also recommended the City Council February 3, 1998 Page 9 establish a subcommittee (members of the City Council and staff) to select a consultant and proceed with the two major projects simultaneously. This was also agreeable to Councilmembers. Mayor Cunningham and Councilmember George will serve on this subcommittee. Community Development Director Shaw also noted staff has consolidated the list of elements to be included into a socio-economic study as presented by Mayor Cunningham, Councilmember George, and Councilmember Freedman and included it in the staff report. Status of Projects - A seven page list of projects in the pipeline and their status was presented and reviewed by the City Council. City Attorney McHugh explained the development process noting that all projects must comply with the General Plan. Two projects are pending due to the Socio-Economic Study required by Measure U. Timberlake Project - Councilmember Gilbreath questioned the exemption of Cities Pavillion's Timberlake Project from the Socio-Economic Study requirement under Measure U. Although this project was approved in October, the development agreement was not signed until 1998. Attorney John Mirau concurred with this interpretation of Measure U, and read the section in Measure U relating to development agreements. City Attorney McHugh said staff is reviewing its status. STUDY SESSION- MID-YEAR BUDGET REVIEW Additional Appropriations - City Manager Luebbers presented a report prepared by Finance Director Johnson. With half of the fiscal year complete, General Fund revenues are at 44.76 percent while expenditures are at 48.68 percent. A large portion of the major General Fund revenues, such as property taxes, franchise fees, and business license fees, are normally collected in the second half of the fiscal year which explains why revenue is currently below the 50 percent mark. Overall, revenue is still projected to be at 100 percent of the original projection. Although the focus of the mid-year review was on the General Fund, a cursory review was also done of all other City funds. Citywide, revenue are 49.57 percent received, while expenditures at 40.08 percent spent. The lower than average expenditure percentage is due to the fact that much of the capital improvement budget remains unspent. City Manager Luebbers then reviewed recommended budget adjustments. Councilmember Freedman moved to authorize an additional appropriation in the amount of $128,871.00 to fund excess Workers' Compensation costs, two police cars, and one full-time Code Enforcement officer; and further to amend salary Resolution No. 541.4 to include the addition of one full-time Code Enforcement Officer and one full-time Administrative Clerk for the Recreation Division. Motion seconded by Councilmember Banda and carried unanimously. February 3, 1998 Page 10 1998-99 Budget - Regarding the preparation of next year's budget, Mayor Cunningham asked that a mechanism to encourage safety personnel to reside in the City of Redlands be examined; that the impact on Recreation facilities, residents versus non-residents, be addressed; that there be further coordination between the Fire and Police Departments; and that staff examine other reorganizations which would provide better efficiency and cost savings. City Manager Luebbers told Councilmembers the department heads deserve the credit for managing the budget. 1998-99 budget workshops will begin in April. General Fund Interest - An analysis has been prepared estimating the amount of interest that would be owing to the General Fund on outstanding interfund loans if interest would have been charged from the inception of each loan. Since past practice has been not to charge interest on interfund loans, the analysis was prepared for informational purposes only. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the City Council meeting adjourned at 8:50 P.M. The next regular meeting will be held on February 17, 1998. City Clerk February 3, 1998 Page 11