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HomeMy WebLinkAbout072198cc_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 July 21, 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) Jeffrey L. Shaw, Community Development Director Bonnie Johnson, Finance Director John Habant, Deputy Fire Chief Gary G. Phelps, Municipal Utilities Director Jim Bueermann, Police Chief Ronald C. Mutter,Public Works Director ABSENT None The meeting was opened with an invocation by Councilmember George followed by the pledge of allegiance. ACCOLADES Canyon Fire - Councilmember George expressed a debt of gratitude to the firefighters and police personnel who did an outstanding job of fighting the brush fire in San Timoteo Canyon last week (Thursday, July 16, 1998). He also expressed appreciation for the foresight of Fire Chief Enslow and City Manager Luebbers to ensure mutual aid would be available. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes - On motion of Councilmember Freedman, seconded by Councilmember Banda, the minutes of the regular meeting of July 7, 1998, and the special meeting of July 13, 1998, were unanimously approved as submitted. Bills and Salaries - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember George, bills and salaries were unanimously ordered paid. July 21, 1998 Page 1 Planning Commission Actions - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember George, the report of the Planning Commission meeting held on July 14, 1998, was acknowledged as received. Funds - Socio-Economic Model - On motion of Councilmember Cunningham, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, the City Council unanimously approved a General Fund appropriation in the amount of$35,000.00 for Taussig and Associates Consulting Services for the development of the Measure U socio-economic model. Storm Drain Easement - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember George, the City Council unanimously approved an easement in favor of the City of Loma Linda to construct a storm drain on City-owned property, which is a well site located south of San Timoteo Creek and east of Lawton Avenue. Agreement - Fire Station No. 261 — Public Works Director Mutter presented a revised consultant services agreement between the City of Redlands and Armantrout Architects for the design of improvements to Fire Station No. 261 with a breakdown of the charges. Mayor Cunningham expressed concern we may spend too much on the architectural design and have nothing left for the rehabilitation work. Councilmember Gilbreath said a report from the Save Our Station Committee would be presented at the August 4, 1998, meeting, and moved to approve the modified consultant services agreement in the full amount of $48,600.00 with Armantrout Architects for the design of improvements to Fire Station No. 261 and to authorize the work contained in Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 as funding is available. Motion seconded by Councilmember Freedman and carried unanimously. Contract - Sheriff's Department - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember George, the City Council unanimously approved a contract amendment between the City of Redlands and the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department for access to the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the documents. Resolution No. 5545 - Truck Route System - Mayor Cunningham expressed concern about designating Nevada Street between Barton Road and Lugonia Avenue as a truck route and about State Route 38 utilizing Colton Avenue; he then moved to adopt Resolution No. 5545, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redlands establishing the following traffic regulations pursuant to Title 10 of the Redlands Municipal Code: add the following streets to the Truck Route System as Secondary Routes: Lugonia Avenue between Mountain View Avenue and Alabama Street; San Bernardino Avenue between Mountain View July 21, 1998 Page 2 Avenue and California Street; Park Avenue between the westerly City limit and Tennessee Street; Citrus Avenue between the westerly City limit and Tennessee Street; Orange Avenue between the westerly City limit and Alabama Street; Colton Avenue between Redlands Boulevard and Orange Street (SR 38); California Street between Redlands Boulevard and San Bernardino Avenue; Nevada Street between State Street and Lugonia Avenue; and Tennessee Street between Redlands Boulevard and San Bernardino Avenue. Motion seconded by Councilmember Freedman and carried unanimously. Resolution No. 5544 - Traffic - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember George, the City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 5544, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redlands establishing the following traffic regulations pursuant to Title 10 of the Redlands Municipal Code: installation of stop signs on Myra Street at South Avenue and on Cajon Street at South Avenue. Funds - Pottery Program - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember George, the City Council unanimously approved an additional appropriation in the amount of$2,000.00 for the Recreation Bureau's pottery program. These funds were received from a grant approved by the Cultural Arts Commission. Agreement - Greenspot Scout House—Following brief discussion, on motion of Councilmember Cunningham, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, the City Council unanimously approved an amended lease agreement between the City of Redlands and the Friends of the Greenspot Scout House for use of the Greenspot Scout House and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the document. Disaster Preparedness Videos - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember George, the City Council unanimously approved the request from TCI Cablevision of California, Inc. to extend the time to complete the disaster preparedness videos from August 1.7, 1998, to October 31, 1998. Subdivision Improvement Agreement- Osborne Development—Following brief discussion, on motion of Councilmember Cunningham, seconded by Councilmember Banda, the City Council unanimously granted an extension of an additional 12 months, to July 1, 1999, of the subdivision improvement agreement for Tract No. 15040 (Osborne Development). Tract No. 15040 is currently under construction and work on the construction of public improvements is proceeding at a steady pace reported Community Development Director Shaw. July 21, 1998 Page 3 COMMUNICATIONS Legislative Bulletin—Councilmembers concurred to inform our State legislators that we wanted to keep a Mira repeal out of any final school bond package; oppose AB 2065 - Home Based Businesses; oppose SB 221.5 - Public Safety Officers Procedural Bill of Rights - Police Chiefs; oppose SB 1340 - Solid Waste - Indemnification; oppose AB 473 - Vehicle License Fees/Gas Tax County Share; and continue to keep up our efforts regarding the vehicle license fee reduction. Annexation No. 76 - City Manager Luebbers reported on the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) meeting held on July 15, 1998 regarding Annexation No. 76. Property owners within the "doughnut hole" expressed concerns they might lose their rights under the CSA 110 plan and urged the City Council to consider pre-annexation agreements. They also did not like being including in a global annexation which could be controlled by property owners in the Menton area. Staff is working with the property owners in the Mentone area relating to non-conforming zoning. City Manager Luebbers presented the results of a survey of other Southern California cities for floor area ratios. LAFCO continued Annexation No. 76 until October 21, 1998. Mayor Cunningham reviewed his position regarding this annexation and shared a proposal with other members of the City Council which would guarantee certain matters for two years (this document was not made available to the City Clerk). He indicated he did not have a problem entering into a pre-annexation agreement and that Measure U's socio-economic report should be completed prior to October 21, 1998. Councilmember Cunningham moved to direct staff to disseminate this information to property owners for their comments. Motion seconded by Councilmember Freedman and carried unanimously. Citrus Plaza - Councilmember Freedman reviewed his synopsis of the chronological processing for the Citrus Plaza project and what he referred to as the "battle lines drawn with our City." He was upset with the deplorable actions by Majestic Realty Company and moved to schedule a workshop session for the September 1, 1998, City Council meeting. His motion was seconded by Councilmember Banda and carried unanimously. Councilmember Gilbreath felt a workshop session might clear up misinformation on both sides. Federal Summer Jobs Program - The United States Conference of Mayors has notified us that the Federal Summer Jobs Program is facing elimination for the summer of 1999. Councilmember Freedman will follow up on this matter. 909 Area Code Study - The Telecommunications Act of 1996 directed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to designate an impartial numbering administrator to make telecommunications numbering available on July 21, 1998 Page 4 an equitable basis. The 909 area code in California is projected to exhaust during the fourth quarter of 1999. On August 4, 1998, a meeting will be held in Norco to receive input from a broad range of local jurisdiction representatives. Councilmember Freedman requested staff to obtain copies of the maps referred to in the letter from Lockheed Martin IMS. No one will be able to attend the meeting as a City Council meeting will be held on the same day. Downtown Trolley - Councilmember George urged the City Council to study the possibility of operating a trolley in town. He felt other entities (such as the University of Redlands, SSRI, Downtown Redlands Business Association) might be willing to join in a public/private partnership. Mayor Cunningham thought funds might be available from the Air Quality Management District. Councilmember George moved to direct staff to look into funding sources for the purchase of an electric or low emissions level natural gas trolley to operate in town and to report back to the City Council their findings along with research on the cost of options. Motion seconded by Councilmember Banda and carried unanimously. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Agreement- Redlands Community Music Association- A draft lease agreement between the City of Redlands and the Redlands Community Music Association for property located at 168 South Eureka Street was presented for the City Council's consideration. Mayor Cunningham reviewed the items in the proposed lease and moved to approve the lease agreement between the City of Redlands and the Redlands Community Music Association and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the document on behalf of the City. Motion seconded by Councilmember Freedman and carried unanimously. CLOSED SESSION The City Council meeting recessed at 4:00 P.M. to a Redevelopment Agency meeting and reconvened at 4:01 P.M. to a closed session to discuss the following: 1. Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation - Government Code § 549569(a) - Michael St. James v. City of Redlands - City of Redlands v. County of San Bernardino and Majestic Realty Company- Case Nos. SVC 34737, SVC 33330, and SVC 39880 2. Conference with legal counsel: Anticipated litigation - Government Code § 54956.9(c) - Two (2) cases (an additional case of anticipated litigation, having arose subsequent to the agenda being posted, was added by unanimous vote to the agenda on July 21, 1998 Page 5 motion of Councilmember Banda, seconded by Councilmember George.) The meeting reconvened at 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC HEARINGS Wastewater Collection S.. ste - Public hearing was advertised for this time and place to consider the City of Redlands Wastewater Collection System Facilities Master Plan and Wastewater Collection System Facilities Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for fiscal year 1998/1999 to fiscal year 2002/2003. Municipal Utilities Director Phelps reported the Wastewater Collection System Facilities Master Plan and Wastewater Collection System Facilities Capital Improvement Program has been prepared by City staff and master plan engineers (Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc.) with a major contribution from SSRI. The purpose of the Master Plan was to evaluate the existing system under future conditions to ascertain what facilities would be needed to accommodate future conditions, based on the development of a geographic information system database, including the General Plan, as a basis for master planning facilities to meet future demand. The main purpose of the Capital Improvement Program is to program capital projects for construction of facilities required to replace existing facilities and to provide expanded facilities for new uses. John Price and Tim Rusk, Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc., made a presentation to the City Council regarding the process and the results of the master planning and capital improvement programming effort. Mayor Cunningham declared the meeting open as a public hearing for any questions or comments. None being forthcoming, the public hearing was declared closed. Councilmember Banda moved to approve the Environmental Review Committee's Negative Declaration for the City of Redlands Wastewater Collection System Facilities Master Plan and Capital Improvement Program for fiscal year 1998/1999 through fiscal year 2002/2003 based on the finding that the project will not have a significant effect on the environment, determining this project will not individually or cumulatively have an adverse impact on wildlife resources as defined in Section 711.2 of the California Fish and Game Code and directed staff to file and post a Notice of Determination in accordance with the City's guidelines. Motion seconded by Councilmember Freedman and carried unanimously. Councilmember Banda moved to accept the Planning Commission's finding that the City of Redlands Wastewater Collection System Facilities Capital Improvement Program for fiscal year 1998/1999 through fiscal year 2002/2003 is consistent with the Redlands General Plan. Motion seconded by Councilmember Freedman and carried unanimously. Councilmember Banda moved to adopt the City of Redlands Wastewater Collection System Facilities Master Plan and Capital Improvement Program for July 21, 1998 Page 6 fiscal year 1998/1999 through fiscal year 2002/2003. Motion seconded by Councilmember Freedman and carried unanimously. Water System - Public hearing was advertised for this time and place to consider the City of:Redlands Water System Facilities Master Plan and Water System Facilities Capital Improvement Program(CIP) for fiscal year 1998/1999 to fiscal year 2002/2003. Municipal Utilities Director Phelps reported the Water System Facilities Master Plan and Water Collection Capital Improvement Program has been prepared by City staff and master plan engineers (CH2M- Hill) with a major contribution from SSRI. The purpose of the Master Plan was to evaluate the existing system under future conditions to ascertain what facilities would be needed to accommodate future conditions, based on the development of a geographic information system database, including the General Plan, as a basis for master planning facilities to meet future demand. The main purpose of the Capital Improvement Program is to program capital projects for construction of facilities required to replace existing facilities and to provide expanded facilities for new uses. Mike Savage and Eva Platzer, CH2M-Hill, made a presentation to the City Council regarding the process and the results of the master planning and capital improvement programming effort. Mayor Cunningham declared the meeting open as a public hearing for any questions or comments. None being forthcoming, the public hearing was declared closed. Councilmember Banda moved to approve the Environmental Review Committee's Negative Declaration for the City of Redlands Water System Facilities Master Plan and Capital Improvement Program for fiscal year 1.998/1.999 through fiscal year 2002/2003 based on the finding that the project will not have a significant effect on the environment, determining this project will not individually or cumulatively have an adverse impact on wildlife resources as defined in Section 711.2 of the California Fish and Game Code and directed staff to file and post a Notice of Determination in accordance with the City's guidelines. Motion seconded by Councilmember Freedman and carried unanimously. Councilmember Banda moved to accept the Planning Commission's finding that the City of Redlands Water System Facilities Capital Improvement Program for fiscal year 1998/1999 through fiscal year 2002/2003 is consistent with the Redlands General Plan. Motion seconded by Councilmember Freedman and carried unanimously. Councilmember Banda moved to adopt the City of Redlands Water System Facilities Master Plan and Capital Improvement Program for fiscal year 1998/1999 through fiscal year 2002/2003. Motion seconded by Councilmember Freedman and carried unanimously. Resolution No. 5449 - Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 - Public hearing was continued from July 7, 1998, to this time and place to consider Resolution No. 5449, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redlands ordering the maintenance of improvements in Landscape Maintenance District No. 1, giving July 21, 1998 Page 7 final approval of the Engineer's Report, and confirming the assessment for the 1998-99 fiscal year. Section 22525 of the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California requires than an Engineer's report be prepared and filed annually outlining the assessment to be levied against benefiting properties. The process requires that two meetings be held by the City Council. One is a public meeting to review the report in concept and the other is a noticed public hearing. The preliminary report for the Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. 1 was presented to the City Council on April 21, 1998. The City Council adopted Resolution No. 5447, granting preliminary approval to the Engineer's Report, and Resolution No. 5448, declaring its intention to levy and collect assessments for fiscal year 1998-1999, pursuant to the Lighting and Landscaping Act of 1972. On May 5, 1998, the City Council held a public meeting which gave the City Council an opportunity to review the Engineer's Report and receive questions and input from the public. Public Works Director Mutter responded to Mayor Cunningham's inquiry about the Wimbleton Heights area that his goal is to report to the City Council in September results of his study to change landscaping on Lot A to a citrus grove and any change in the assessment. Mayor Cunningham declared the meeting open as a public hearing for any further questions or comments. None being forthcoming, the public hearing was declared closed. Councilmember Banda moved to adopt Resolution No. 5449. Motion seconded by Councilmember George and carried unanimously. Funds - Landscape Maintenance District Fund - Councilmember Banda moved to appropriate $17,012.00 from the General Fund to the Landscape Maintenance District Fund. Motion seconded by Councilmember George and carried unanimously. Resolution No. 5453 - Street Ling District No. 1 - Public hearing was continued from July 7, 1998, to this time and place to consider Resolution No. 5453, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redlands ordering he maintenance of improvements in Street Lighting District No. 1, giving final approval of the Engineer's Report, and confirming the assessment (no change from last year) for the 1998-99 fiscal year. Section 22525 of the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California requires than an Engineer's report be prepared and filed annually outlining the assessment to be levied against benefiting properties. The process requires that two meetings be held by the City Council. One is a public meeting to review the report in concept and the other is a noticed public hearing. The preliminary report for the Street Lighting Assessment District No. 1 was presented to the City Council on April 21, 1998. The City Council adopted Resolution No. 5451, granting preliminary approval to the Engineer's Report, and Resolution No. 5452, declaring its intention to levy and collect assessments for fiscal year 1998-1999, pursuant to the Lighting and Landscaping Act of 1972. On May 5, 1998, the City Council held a public July 21, 1998 Page 8 meeting which gave the City Council an opportunity to review the Engineer's Report and receive questions and input from the public. Mayor Cunningham declared the meeting open as a public hearing for any further questions or comments. None being forthcoming, the public hearing was declared closed. Councilmember Banda moved to adopt Resolution No. 5453. Motion seconded by Councilmember Freedman and carried unanimously. Resolution No. 5464 - Landscape Maintenance District No. 2 - Public hearing was continued from July 7, 1998, to this time and place to consider Resolution No. 5464, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redlands giving final approval of the Engineer's Report, ordering the work in connection with Landscape Maintenance District No. 2, and confirming the assessment for the 1998-99 fiscal year. The Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972 provides agencies with the ability to assess benefiting property owners for the cost of maintaining landscape improvements in parkways and landscape easement that are associated with new developments. On February 3, 1998, the City Council adopted a resolution ordering the preparation of the Engineer's report for the formation of Landscape Maintenance District No. 2. On April 21, 1998, the City Council adopted resolutions giving preliminary approval to the Engineer's Report, declaring its intention to order the formation of the District, and setting a time and place for a public hearing regarding formation of the District and assessments to be levied to the various properties in the District. Article XIIID of the California Constitution requires that notification be sent to each property owner when new or increased assessments are proposed and that ballots also be included with the notification. The notifications and ballots were sent to all property owners in the District. One ballot for each parcel was sent. Tabulation of the ballots is to be done at the time of the public hearing with the value of the ballots weighted according to the amount of assessment on each parcel. Mayor Cunningham declared the meeting open as a public hearing for any further questions or comments. None being forthcoming, the public hearing was declared closed. Public Works Director Mutter reported that the total value of the district assessment is $1,062.50. The value of positive votes received was $1.2.50. The value of negative votes received was $750.00. Because the value of the negative votes exceeds 50 percent of the total value of the district assessment, the District cannot be established and no further action was needed. Councilmember Freedman thought the NO votes received from Osborne Development was outrageous. Mayor Cunningham expressed his disappointment since Osborne Development had indicated their support of this assessment district at the time his project was approved. Resolution No. 5468 - Street Lighting District No. 2 - Public hearing was continued from July 7, 1998, to this time and place to consider Resolution No. 5468, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redlands giving final approval of the Engineer's Report, ordering the work in connection with Street July 21, 1998 Page 9 Lighting Assessment District No. 2, and confirming the assessment for the 1998-99 fiscal year. The Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972 provides agencies with the ability to assess benefiting property owners for the cost of maintaining landscape improvements in parkways and landscape easement that are associated with new developments. On February 3, 1998, the City Council. adopted a resolution ordering the preparation of the Engineer's report for the formation of Street Lighting District No. 2. On April 21, 1998,the City Council adopted resolutions giving preliminary approval to the Engineer's Report, declaring its intention to order the formation of the District, and setting a time and place for a public hearing regarding formation of the District and assessments to be levied to the various properties in the District. Article XIIID of the California Constitution requires that notification be sent to each property owner when new or increased assessments are proposed and that ballots also be included with the notification. The notifications and ballots were sent to all property owners in the District. One ballot for each parcel was sent. Tabulation of the ballots is to be done at the time of the public hearing with the value of the ballots weighted according to the amount of assessment on each parcel. Mayor Cunningham declared the meeting open as a public hearing for any further questions or comments. None being forthcoming, the public hearing was declared closed. Public Works Director Mutter reported the total value of the district assessment was $1,559.69. The value of positive votes received was $162.50. The value of negative votes received was $1,276.59. Because the value of the negative votes exceeds 50 percent of the total value of the district assessment, the District cannot be established and no further action was needed. Councilmember Freedman thought the NO votes received from Osborne Development was outrageous. Mayor Cunningham expressed his disappointment since Osborne Development had indicated their support of this assessment district at the time his project was approved. July 21, 1998 Page 10 NEW BUSINESS AYSO Proposal - Soccer Fields - City Manager Luebbers reported the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is the largest youth sports organization in Redlands. Soccer registrations have increased annually and AYSO has now outgrown the Moore Middle school fields now used for the program. The fall program currently has 1,500 youth enrolled with ongoing registrations. AYSO board members began seeking alternatives to increase field availability last year including: land purchase/lease, grants, extending program days/hours, utilizing more school facilities, etc. It became apparent that the best alternative would be to develop new soccer fields in a single area. The sports complex site offered land pre-designated for park use as well as an area large enough to accommodate numerous soccer fields. Of the 102 acres designated for the sports complex, AYSO identified approximately 20 acres, located at the northwest corner adjacent to Sessums Drive, suitable for immediate development as soccer fields. AYSO anticipates an investment of$500,000.00 over the term of the proposed ten year lease to cover construction costs and ongoing maintenance. AYSO representatives met with City officials to determine the feasibility of a public/private partnership for field development. After receiving positive feedback, AYSO presented a proposal to the Recreation and Parks Commissions. Commissioners agreed there are many benefits associated with the proposal: the construction of soccer fields will increase park space, replace a dirt parcel with approximately 20 acres of grass, alleviate some of the field scheduling difficulties, and reduced wear on the fields. AYSO has prepared an outline representing proposed terms and conditions for the development and lease agreements. AYSO Board Members Mary Ambriz, Chuck Wilburn, and Larry Agre encouraged the City Council to vote in favor of this proposal. Councilmember George moved to approve the AYSO proposal to develop soccer fields on. City land; directed staff to work with AYSO representatives to develop the appropriate development and lease agreements; and authorized the Mayor to provide a letter of support and to execute the necessary documents. Motion seconded by Councilmember Banda and carried unanimously. Contract Award - Community Park Field Lighting — Re-advertised bids were opened and publicly declared on June 25, 1998, by the City Clerk for the design and construction of the Community Park Field No. 1 Lighting Project; a bid opening report is on file in the Office of the City Clerk. Public Works Director Mutter reported that the lowest responsive/responsible bidder was Rymax Electric, Inc., Upland, in the amount of$118,711.00. He noted we may be able to reduce the total cost after the design is completed. On behalf of Redlands Baseball for Youth, Chuck Millett and Dave Eason urged the City Council to award this bid and shared photographs of the recently constructed restrooms. July 21, 1998 Page 11 On motion of Councilmember Freedman, seconded by Councilmember George, the City Council unanimously awarded this contract to Rymax Electric, Inc. Funds - Community Park Field Li hg ting - Councilmember Freedman moved to appropriate additional funds in the amount of$35,000.00 for the Community Park Field No. 1 Lighting Project. Motion seconded by Councilmember George and carried unanimously. Ordinance No. 2381 - Airport Traffic Patterns - Public Works Director Mutter reported that over the past four months discussions have been held at the Airport Advisory Board meetings between the Board, staff and users at Redlands Municipal Airport, and staff and the Operations Committee at San Bernardino International Airport to resolve a potential area of conflict between the flight patterns at the two airports. The potential conflict is between aircraft in the downwind leg of the approach at the San Bernardino International Airport and aircraft department Runway 26 at the Redlands Municipal Airport westbound. Acceptable changes to practices at both airports were the results of the meetings held. There have been numerous positive comments and no negative comments regarding the proposed changes. A representative of the FAA attended one of the meetings held and was pleased with the way the matter was being handled by the two airports. Mayor Cunningham noted he has received complaints recently from north Redlands' residents regarding heavy planes flying overhead and asked Public Works Director Mutter to ensure that San Bernardino International Airport is conforming to its Environmental Impact Report. Ordinance No. 2381, an ordinance of the City of Redlands amending Chapter 12.56 of the Redlands Municipal Code relating to the municipal airport and its flight patterns, was read by title only by City Clerk Poyzer, and on motion of Councilmember Banda, seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath, further reading of the ordinance text was unanimously waived, and Ordinance No. 2381 was introduced with unanimous Council approval and laid over under the rules with adoption scheduled for August 4, 1998. Tree Trimming - Public Works Director Mutter reported the Parks Commission heard testimony on June 11, 1998, from Leon Armantrout and Eric Kasarjian regarding the trimming of redwoods trees on San Gorgonio Street. These individuals felt that City crews had trimmed the trees much more severely than necessary and that the trees would be damaged if such trimming continued. The City's trimming of all other trees was also questioned, again with the belief that trees were trimmed beyond their natural state with a possibility of permanent damage if current practices continue. The Parks Commission recommended the City Council immediately engage the services of an arborist to examine the issues of tree trimming, recommend an approach or solution to any problems accordingly, and develop a tree trimming procedural manual for both City and private tree crews to use as a guide in trimming trees. Staff indicated that the July 21, 1998 Page 12 trees lining City streets are not necessarily in their "natural" environment. Trimming must be done in a manner to maintain the aesthetics of the trees while providing for the general safety and welfare of the public. Disposal trucks, school busses, RV's, and other large vehicles must be able to pass under trees without hitting the tree. A number of claims have been filed where damage has been caused to private vehicles from low-hanging branches. Street lights, traffic signals, and street signs, i.e. stop signs, must be kept clear of tree branches. Finally, the majority of the citizens of Redlands demand that trees be adequately trimmed as evidenced by the large number of calls received by the Public Works Departments for tree trimming services. With a small crew (six men and two trucks), it is impossible to provide only minimal trimming of the estimated 60,000 streets trees and then return the next year to trim the same tree again. The six Street Tree Division employees have given 147 years of service to the City of Redlands. The average of 24.5 years of service per employee ranks as the highest term of service for an entire division in the City. With this experience, the City has not witnessed any loss of street trees due to the City's trimming procedures. However, there are a significant number of problems associated with certain contract trimming crews and private property owners who trim street trees. One readily apparent problem is the clearing of overhead utility lines by private tree contractors. Councilmember Freedman commended staff for their efforts in light of the reduction of tree trimming crews and elimination of the City Forester position and reiterated that the problem in town is the contractors hired by Southern California Edison. Councilmember Cunningham moved to seek out the aid of SSRI for an inventory of our trees and to reconstitute the Street Tree Committee under the Parks Commission. Motion seconded by Councilmember Banda and carried unanimously. Right-of-Entry - Flood Control District - Public Works Director Mutter explained the San Bernardino County Flood Control District has requested a right-of-entry on City-owned property in San Timoteo Canyon to perform biological surveys in connection with the proposed improvements of San Timoteo Creek from California Street upstream to easterly of San Timoteo road. The property (APN 175-011-53) is vacant land which was purchased as Open Space. Representatives from the Army Corps of Engineers and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service would enter the property to perform the necessary surveys. Councilmember George moved to grant a right-of-entry to the San Bernardino County Flood Control District to perform the necessary biological surveys. Motion seconded by Councilmember Banda and carried unanimously. Councilmembers asked that copies of the survey be made available to them when completed. PUBLIC COMMENTS July 21, 1998 Page 13 Citrus Avenue Parking - Maria Villelli, Salon Museum, informed City Council that suspension of Resolution No. 5521, which established two-hour parking on the south side of Citrus Avenue between Olive Avenue and Redlands Boulevard (see City Council minutes dated July 7, 1998), has negatively impacted the Salon Museum and Hogi Yogi by allowing all day parking. Ms. Villelli asked the City Council to re-schedule consideration of this matter so that both sides can be heard. Councilmember George asked that this be scheduled on the agenda for the August 4, 1998, City Council meeting. Councilmembers concurred with this request. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the City Council meeting adjourned at 8:09 P.M. The next regular meeting will be held on August 4, 1998. City Clerk July 21, 1998 Page 14