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HomeMy WebLinkAbout071800cc_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 18, 2000. PRESENT Pat Gilbreath, Mayor Gary George, Mayor Pro Tem John L. Freedman, Councilmember Susan Peppler, Councilmember Karl N. "Kasey" Haws, Councilmember Daniel J. McHugh, City Attorney Lorrie Poyzer, City Clerk Beatrice Sanchez, :Deputy City Clerk (evening session) Michael Reynolds, City Treasurer Jim Bueermann, Police Chief John Habant, Deputy Fire Chief Bonnie Johnson, Acting City Manager and Finance Director Ronald C. Mutter, Public Works Director Karen Olsen, Personnel Manager Gary G. Phelps, .Municipal Utilities Director Jeffrey L. Shaw, Community Development Director ABSENT None The meeting was opened with an invocation by Mayor Pro Tem George followed by the pledge of allegiance. PRESENTATION HUD Program- This presentation was made at 7:00 P.M. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes - On motion of Councilmember Haws, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, the minutes of the regular meeting of July 5, 2000, were approved as submitted. Bills and Salaries - On motion of Councilmember Haws, seconded by Councilmember Freedman,payment of bills and salaries was acknowledged. Planning Commission Actions - On motion of Councilmember Haws, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, the report of the Planning Commission meeting held on July 11, 2000, was acknowledged as received. July 18,2000 Page 1 Ordinance No. 2433 - Wireless Service Facilities - Ordinance No. 2433, an ordinance of the City of Redlands adding Chapter 18.178 to the Redlands Municipal Code to establish zoning standards for wireless service facilities, antennas and towers, and amending Chapter 18.152 of the Redlands Municipal Code, was adopted on motion of Councilmember Haws, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers George, Freedman, Peppler, Haws; Mayor Gilbreath NOES: None ABSENT: None Agreements - Recreation Bureau - On motion of Councilmember Haws, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, the City Council unanimously approved independent contractor agreements with Denise Goss, who will provide a computer class to develop participant skills in on-line research and various computer programs, and Michael Belzman, who will teach Experience the Facets of the Newspaper, an instructional journalism course, and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the documents on behalf of the City. Rental Agreement - Inland Empire Stars - On motion of Councilmember Haws, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, the City Council unanimously approved a rental agreement with Inland Empire Stars to conduct youth baseball programs during the winter season at Community Park and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the documents on behalf of the City. In lieu of paying fees, the Stars will perform field improvements and maintenance to enhance the park. Receipts totaling a minimum of$8,000.00 will be submitted to staff. Public Safety Management Services - University of Redlands - Retired Air Force Colonel Lawrence A. Barrett expressed concerns about the Police Department providing a police lieutenant to the University of Redlands as he felt the City should find a qualified person to work for the University of Redlands. Police Chief Bueermann explained the proposed program desired by the University of Redlands which will help enhance a safe environment at the University of Redlands. Councilmember Haws moved to authorize the Police Department to proceed with arrangements to provide public safety management services to the University of Redlands pending approval of an appropriate contract on August 1, 2000. Motion seconded by Councilmember Freedman and carried unanimously. Approval of this concept will require the addition of a police lieutenant to the Police Department and the appropriation of additional funds for the position, vehicle and related equipment which will be paid by the University of Redlands. Release of Lien Agreement - On motion of Councilmember Haws, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, the City Council unanimously authorized the release July 18,2000 Page 2 of a lien agreement dated January 17, 1980, for improvements to the southwest corner of Rossmont Drive and Valley Vista Drive. Resolution No. 5781 - Paramedic Tax Election - On behalf of the Redlands Professional Fire Fighters, Dan Crow informed Councilmembers they were willing to take on the challenge of the campaign for the increase in the Paramedic Tax; he urged Councilmembers to form a committee to organize fund raisers and offered to be the contact person until a committee is formed. Councilmembers expressed their appreciation for this support. Councilmember Freedman moved to adopt Resolution No. 5781, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redlands calling and giving notice of the holding of a Special Municipal Election and requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Bernardino to consolidate said election with the election to be held on. Tuesday, November 7, 2000, and rescinding Resolution No. 5774. Motion seconded by Councilmember George and carried unanimously. The ballot measure now includes a provision to charge an additional amount to those non- residential occupancies that exceed more than ten medic responses in a 12 month period as requested by Councilmember Freedman at the July 5, 2000, meeting. Employee Reclassification Issues - Personnel Manager Olsen reported that information is still being gathered in order to make a thorough evaluation prior to making any recommendations regarding the classifications of Electrician and Police Records Technician. It is expected that a full report will be made at the August 1, 2000, City Council meeting. Contract - Wireless Demonstration Project - On motion of Councilmember Flaws, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, the City Council unanimously approved an agreement with the County of Hennepin, State of Minnesota, to enable the Police Department to participate in a wireless demonstration project and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the documents on behalf of the City. The Redlands Police Department will participate as a Beta site in a project to develop an in-field fingerprint identification system by representatives from Digital Biometrics. LATE BREAKING ITEM Employee Grievance Hearing - Noting that the need to take action was immediate, Councilmember George moved to add the following item to the agenda which arose subsequent to the agenda being posted: "Request for grievance hearing by an employee of the City." Motion seconded by Councilmember Freedman and carried unanimously. Personnel Manager Olsen reported a request for a hearing was received on July 14, 2000, for an appeal hearing from an employee who was recently disciplined. This request is in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the General Employees and the City of Redlands, Article 32, Appeal and Grievance July 18,2000 Page 3 Procedure. Personnel Manager Olsen explained the process and asked Councilmembers for direction as to how they wanted to proceed. Councilmember Freedman moved to designate Mayor Gilbreath and Councilmember Haws to hear the appeal and report to the City Council their recommendation. Motion seconded by Councilmember Peppler and carried unanimously. COMMUNICATIONS UDHOPA Negotiations - Acting City Manager Johnson reported that neither the City Manager's Office nor the City Attorney's Office has been contacted since the City Council offered to make staff available for continued negotiations regarding the donut hole. Now that AB 1544 has been signed by the Governor, Councilmember Haws reiterated the "door is open" for discussion with any property owner in the Donut Hole. Appreciation - Mayor Gilbreath thanked Finance Director Johnson for her service as Acting City Manager during the absence of the Interim City Manager. Mayor Gilbreath acknowledged new camera operators present who were volunteering their time to televise the meeting live and thanked them for their service. Donut Hole Infrastructure - Municipal Utilities Director Phelps reported that in October of 1999, the City of Redlands asked CH2M HILL to begin a study estimating the value of the water and wastewater facilities to serve the Donut Hole area. A preliminary report describing this study was sent to the City on June 19, 2000. Allan Highstreet, CH2M HILL, reviewed the background, approach, assumptions, and findings of this study noting that because of the preliminary nature of the study, there are significant data gaps in the analysis. Further study would be required to refine the analysis, particularly the dollar valuation estimate. The initial findings are: • The Donut Hole area is in the planning area for both the wastewater and water master plans. The City has always planned to serve this area. Facilities have been put in place to serve this area and other facilities are planned (and have been designed) to serve this area. • Based on the way the water and wastewater systems are planned and operated, it is very difficult to isolate the facilities into geographic area. • Substantial investment in water and wastewater facilities would still be needed to serve the Donut Hole area. • CH2M HILL's initial estimate of the investment in the water system to serve the Donut Hole is $1.6 million, while the wastewater system investment is $1.8 million. However, there are many facilities for which they could not find cost estimates. These would need to be added into the analysis. Additional analysis would increase the valuation. July 18,2000 Page 4 AB 1544 - Mayor Pro Tem George expressed his disappointment that AB 1544 was signed into law by the Governor on July 14, 2000, and that he had no additional comments to make at this time as time was needed to assess its impact. Councilmember Freedman thanked Mayor Pro Tem George for his efforts. S.H.U. Relocation - Mayor Pro Tem George reported an appropriation secured by Congressman Jerry Lewis under the Department of Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development and Independent Agencies Act of 1998 produced $15 million in Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development funds to the County of San Bernardino for the purpose of neighborhood preservation in the Cities of Highland, Redlands and San Bernardino. This bill, known as the Neighborhood Initiative (HR 2158), is designed to promote innovative and transferable strategies to eradicate blight and revitalize neighborhoods. Mayor Pro Tem George thought it was time to go back to the Board of Supervisors and request additional funding to create a new home for Somos Hermanas Unidas (S.H.U.). He has discussed this issue with Supervisor Hansberger, and has been assured that if this is the wish of the City Council, Supervisor Hansberger will assist us at the County level. Executive Director Emma Lechuga presented information about their work and their need for a newer and larger facility designed specifically for their purposes. Councilmember George moved to draft a letter to the County Board of Supervisors to ask for consideration for further funding to assist Somos Hermanas Unidas. Motion seconded by Councilmember Freedman and carried unanimously. Redlands Sports Park - Mayor Pro Tem George reported he has been involved in discussions with Phil Eckert, Business Manager of the Riverside and San Bernardino Counties Building and Construction Trade Council of the AFL/CIO; Dan Mays, Business Representative of Local 12A of the International Union of Operating Engineers; Ron Sikorski, District Representative of the Operation Engineers; and Darrel Shelton, Vice President of the Iron Workers of the State of California. The subject of those discussions has been the involvement of various organized labor apprenticeship programs in the construction and creation of the Redlands Sports Park and related open space improvements on the large parcel near the airport. These gentlemen met with Public Works Director Mutter and Mayor Pro Tem George to work out arrangements for apprenticeship help which would leverage the City of Redlands' money at work on this project. Messrs. Eckert and Sikorski addressed the City Council with an overview of how these programs work and specifically how they can be brought into play in Redlands. Councilmembers expressed their appreciation to Mayor Pro Tem George for his efforts. CLOSED SESSION July 18,2000 Page 5 The City Council meeting recessed at 3:53 P.M. to a Redevelopment Agency meeting and reconvened at 3:55 P.M. to a closed session to discuss the following: a. Conference with labor negotiator- Government Code Section 54957.6 - Agency negotiator: Renee Mayne, Labor Management Success - Elected Officials: City Clerk and City Treasurer; - Contract employee: City Attorney; and - Employee organizations: Redlands Association of Management Employees, Redlands Association of Mid-Management Employees, Redlands Police Officers Association, Redlands Association of Safety Management Employees, Redlands Professional Fire Fighters Association, General Employees Association of Redlands b. Conference with legal counsel: Anticipated litigation - Government Code Section 54956.9(c) -One case c. Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation - Government Code Section 54956.9(a) - Raul Aspe v. City o Redlands et al, SCISS 61642 The meeting reconvened at 7:00 P.M. PRESENTATION HUD Progra - Police Chief Bueermann and Tom Ramirez and Tom Lauren from the San Bernardino County Office of Economic and Community Development made a presentation regarding the Neighborhood Improvement Program which targets northside neighborhoods. This program is possible as a result of Federal grant monies that Congressman Lewis obtain several years ago. Dawkins Hodges, Neighborhood Housing Services also addressed the City Council. Community Services Division Manager Marjie Pettus reviewed the progress to date noting staff is celebrating our success and are very enthusiastic about this project. Following this presentation, Police Chief Bueermann left the meeting. PUBLIC HEARINGS Appeal - Minor Exception Permit No. 147 - Waters - Public hearing was advertised for this time and place to consider an appeal of the Advisory Committee on Fences' decision regarding installation of a wrought iron fence in the front setback area of properties located at 1002, 1006, 1016, 1022, and 1028 Tribune Street and 1001 Post Street (E. David Waters, appellant). Community Development Director Shaw explained the Advisory Committee on Fences reviewed the applicant's request on May 11, 2000, to allow the placement of a wrought-iron fence within the required front yard setback area higher than permitted by Code. After reviewing the submitted information and conducting an on-site inspection, the Committee unanimously approved this request but with certain modification. Consequently, the applicant disagreed with the action taken by the Fence Committee and in accordance with Section July 18,2000 Page 6 18.168.100 of the Redlands Municipal Code, filed an appeal to the City Council. The appeal filed by the applicant focuses on the height of the fence. Minor Exception Permit No. 147 was to allow a fence height of six feet within the required front yard setback area. However, the Fence Committee, after conducting an on-site inspection of the subject properties and the surrounding area, unanimously agreed to only allow the placement of a five foot high wrought-iron fence which is one foot above the maximum height permitted by Code requirements on open fences within the front yard setback area. The applicant contends that the additional fence height is necessary in order to deter on-site trespassing and vandalism. The Fence Committee took this issue of concern into consideration; however, it was the consensus of the Committee that the combination of this five foot and the six foot high similar fences that will be placed between the existing carports along the alley will provide the necessary security to the subject properties. Mayor Gilbreath declared the meeting open as a public hearing for any questions or comments. The appellant, Mr. Waters, addressed the City Council urging them to allow the higher fencing for the properties at 1006 and 1002 Tribune Street and 1001 Post Street if not for all of the properties as he felt it was needed for safety; he also presented a petition signed by nine tenants asking for the six-foot high wrought iron fence. There being no further comments, the public hearing was declared closed. Councilmember Freedman moved to adopt the following findings in support of the Advisory Committee on Fence's action of May 11, 2000, and deny the appeal for Minor Exception Permit No. 147: 1. That the placement of the proposed six foot high wrought-iron fence at the front property line of the subject properties will have a negative impact on the character of the neighborhood and the parklike character and appearance of the City; 2. That the combination of five foot fence along the front property line and the six foot wrought-iron fence along the alley of the subject properties will provide the desired security and also minimize theft and vandalism; 3. That there are no extraordinary conditions or circumstances on the property to warrant approval of a wrought-iron fence higher than five feet within the required 25 feet front yard setback area of all properties; and 4. That there are no similar six foot high wrought-iron fences in the immediate area. Motion seconded by Councilmember Haws and carried with Councilmembers George and Peppler voting NO. Appeal - Minor Exception Permit No. 148 - Duhamell - Public hearing was advertised for this time and place to consider an appeal to the Advisory Committee on Fences' decision regarding installation of block walls in the front and side setback areas of property located at 1133 Chestnut Avenue (Toni Duhamell, appellant). Community Development Director Shaw explained the Advisory Committee on Fences reviewed the applicant's request on May 11, 2000, to allow the placement of a solid block wall within the required 25 foot front yard setback area (adjacent to side and front property lines) higher than July 18,2000 Page 7 permitted by the Redlands Municipal Code. The wall, which was constructed without building permits, includes a six foot high solid block wall along the west and east side property lines and a six foot high solid block wall with seven foot high block columns, and an eight foot, six inch entry archway placed along the entire length of the front property line. After reviewing the submitted information and conducting an on-site inspection of the subject property and the surrounding neighborhood, the Fence Committee unanimously denied this request. Consequently, the applicant disagreed with the action taken by the Fence Committee and in accordance with. Section 18.168.100 of the Redlands Municipal Code, filed an appeal to the City Council. The appeal focuses on the Fence Committee's action to deny this request and require that this non- permitted block wall, which ranges between six feet and eight feet, six inches, be brought into compliance with Code Requirements. The Code requires that all solid fences within the front yard area can only have a maximum height of three feet. The applicant contends that the design makes the area look nicer and that it would cost too much money to bring it into compliance with the Code. The Fence Committee's determination to deny this request, took into consideration that the block wall would have a negative impact on the character of the neighborhood as there are no similar fences in the immediate area, and there are not any extraordinary conditions that would warrant this type of wall. The Fence Committee also took into consideration the expressed opposition to the wall from the surrounding neighbors. Mayor Gilbreath declared the meeting open as a public hearing for any questions or comments. James Lefevre, an attorney representing the Duhamells, addressed the City Council explaining the reasons they wished to retain the walls for safety of their family members. He agreed with Councilmembers that the appellant should not have proceeded with improvements to the property without having obtained the necessary permits but asked if this matter could be referred back to the Fence Committee for further study and an amicable solution. There being no further comments, the public hearing was declared closed. Indicating a willingness to work with the property owner, Councilmember Freedman moved to refer this matter back to the Fence Committee. Motion seconded by Councilmember George and carried unanimously. General Plan Amendment No. 71; Zone Change No. 374; and Agriculture Preserve Removal No. 93 - Public hearing was advertised for this time and place to consider approval of Draft Negative Declaration for 1. Resolution No. 5765 for General Plan Amendment No. 71, a change of the General Plan designation from Rural Living to Very Low Density Residential on four (4) parcels bounded by La Salle Street to the west, Fifth Avenue to the north, Wabash. Avenue to the east, and Sixth Avenue to the south, Assessor Parcel Nos. 174-202-01, 174-202-02, 174-202-03 and 174- 202-04 (Willard Farquhar, Stanley Lamkie, Karin Godfrey and Jane Mishak, applicants); 2. Resolution No. 5766 for Agricultural Preserve No. 93 for the removal of two parcels from the Agricultural Preserve bounded by La Salle Street to the July 18,2000 Page 8 west, Fifth Avenue to the north and Wabash Avenue to the east, Assessor Parcel Nos. 174-202-01 and 174-202-02 (Willard Farquhar and Stanley Lamkie, applicants); and 3. Ordinance No. 2442 for Zone Change No. 374, a change of zone from A-1 (Agricultural - five-acre lots) District to R-E (Residential Estate - 14,000 square foot lots) District on three parcels bounded by La Salle Street to the west, Fifth Avenue to the north and Sixth Avenue to the south, Assessor Parcel Nos. 174-202-01, 174-202-02 and 174-202-04 (Willard Farquhar, Stanley Lamkie and Karin Godfrey, applicants). Community Development Director Shaw reviewed the applications and staffs concerns with the proposed requests, noting the requests are contrary to the policy pertaining to maintaining certain areas as rural or agriculture. The Planning Commission on a majority vote (4 to 3) recommended to the City Council approval of these applications and the associated Negative Declaration. Mayor Gilbreath declared the meeting open as a public hearing for any questions or comments. Property owners Willard Farquhar, 'Phomas Godfrey, and Stan Lamkie addressed the City Council urging approval of these requests. Messrs. Farquhar and Godfrey assured Councilmembers they plan to continue farming the properties as long as possible but felt it was time to consider a change of allowable land use for their properties. Mr. Lamkie informed Councilmembers he and his wife are in their eighties, have owned the property for 40 years, and were in more desperate financial straits. He asked to be let out of the agriculture zoning. There being no further comments, the public hearing was declared closed. Councilmembers discussed this matter at length. expressing a desire to have less density such as A-2 or R-R zoning. Councilmember Haws moved to continue this matter to September 5, 2000, to allow further discussion with staff about alternatives. Motion seconded by Councilmember George and carried unanimously. Recycling Facility - Larry Jacinto - Public hearing was advertised for this time and place to consider approval of a Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration and Socio-Economic Analysis and Cost/Benefit Study for 1. Ordinance No. 2444 for Specific Plan No. 40, Amendment No. 14, an amendment to the East Valley Corridor Specific Plan to create Section EV3.1413, entitled"Conditionally Permitted Uses," in the Science Research Park District and add recycling operations for rock, sand, gravel, and waste concrete and asphalt as a conditionally permitted use; and 2. Conditional Use Permit No. 699 to permit a recycling operation for rock, sand, gravel and waste concrete and asphalt on approximately 10.06 acres located west of Texas Street and south of the Santa Ana River Wash in the EV/SRP, Science Research Park, District of the East Valley Corridor Specific Plan, (Larry Jacinto, applicant). Community Development Director Shaw review the applications which were unanimously recommended for approval by the Planning Commission. Mayor July 18,2000 Page 9 Gilbreath declared the meeting open as a public hearing for any questions or comments. None being forthcoming, the public hearing was declared closed. Negative Declaration - Councilmember George moved to approve the Negative Declaration for Ordinance No. 2444 for the adoption of Amendment No. 14 to Specific Plan No. 40 and Conditional Use Permit No. 699 for a recycling operation for rock, sand, gravel, and waste concrete and asphalt 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. Ordinance No. 2444 - Amendment No. 14 to Specific Plan No. 40 - Ordinance No. 2444, an ordinance of the City of Redlands adopting Amendment No. 14 to Specific Plan No. 40 and amending Ordinances Nos. 2432, 2364, 2322, 2321, and 2320, was read by title only by City Clerk Poyzer, and on motion of Councilmember George, seconded by Councilmember Freedman, further reading of the ordinance text was unanimously waived, and Ordinance No. 2444 was introduced with unanimous Council approval and laid over under the rules with adoption scheduled for August 1, 2000. Socio-Economic Cost/Benefit Study - Councilmember George moved to approve the Socio-Economic Cost/Benefit Study for Conditional Use Permit No. 699 as the project will not create unmitigable physical blight or over-burden public services in the community; that no additional information or evaluation is needed; that the project will not require the installation of any infrastructure or street improvements; and as it is not a growth inducing development, it will not have a negative impact on the City's social services. Motion seconded by Councilmember Freedman and carried unanimously. Conditional Use Permit No. 699 - Councilmember George moved to approve Conditional Use Permit No. 699 subject to the revised conditions of approval, all departmental recommendations, and the following findings: 1. That the site for the intended recycling facility is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the use and other features required in order to adjust the use to those existing or permitted future uses within this existing light industrial designated parcel; 2. That the site for the proposed project relates to the adjacent streets which are properly designed to carry the amount of traffic that will be generated by this proposed recycling facility; 3. That the proposed project is desirable for the development of the community, is consistent with the policies, goals, and objectives of the Redlands General Plan, and is not detrimental to existing or planned uses in the vicinity of the proposed project; and July 18,2000 Page 10 4. That the conditions set forth in the permit and shown on the approved site plan are necessary to protect the public health, safety, or general welfare. Motion seconded by Councilmember Freedman and carried unanimously. Resolution No. 5764 - Housing Element- Public hearing was advertised for this time and place to consider approval of the Draft Negative Declaration for General Plan Amendment No. 72 to update the Housing Element of the Redlands General Plan. Community Development Director Shaw reported California Government Code Sections 65580 through 65589 mandates the preparation of a Housing Element as part of the City's General Plan. In general, the element must be updated every five years. The City of Redlands last adopted its Housing Element in October of 1995, thus it is appropriate for this update to occur at this time. In addition, Section 65588(e)(1) specifically requires that local jurisdictions within the SCAG region complete their update by June 30, 2000. Action today will bring the City into compliance with State law. Jeff Goldman, Parsons Harland Bartholomew & Associates, reviewed the document. Mayor Gilbreath declared the meeting open as a public hearing for any questions or comments. Stating he was concerned about some of the modifications in this document and wanted further time to discuss them with Community Development Director Shaw, Councilmember Freedman moved to continue this public hearing to September 5, 2000. Motion seconded by Councilmember George and carried unanimously. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Deodora Apartments - Consideration of a Draft Negative Declaration for General Plan Amendment No. 65 and Specific Plan No. 52; Resolution No. 5752 for General Plan Amendment No. 65 to change from Low-Density Residential (0 to 6.0 units per gross acre) to Medium-Density Residential (0 to 15.0 units per gross acre); and Resolution No. 5754 for Specific Plan No. 52, a specific plan of development for a 16 unit apartment complex on 1.16 acres of property located on the southeast corner of Clifton Avenue and San Mateo Street (Deodora Apartments, David A. Van Diest and Rosa E. Gomez, applicant) was continued from May 16, 2000, to June 20, 2000 and to July 18, 2000. Again, at the request of the applicant for additional time to complete requisite work necessary for the City Council to review before making a determination on their project, Councilmember Freedman moved to continue this matter to September 5, 2000. Motion seconded by Councilmember George and carried unanimously. Minin T�greements - Since the last City Council meeting, members of the City's "Wash Committee" (Councilmembers George and Haws) have continued to meet with representatives of Robertson's Ready Mix and CEMEX, U.S.A. regarding their proposals for a mining tax. These formal and informal discussions have resulted in the two mining companies presenting draft proposals to the City for its consideration. The City Attorney's office has July 18,2000 Page 11 spoken with the attorneys for both Robertson's and CEMEX and has suggested revisions to the draft agreement. Those comments are being addressed in the final agreements. Both agreements were presented at this meeting. Councilmembers extended their compliments to Robertson's and CEMEX noting they were responsible corporate citizens. Councilmember George moved to approve the agreements with Robertson's Ready Mix, LTD, a California Limited Partnership, and CEMEX U.S.A. Construction Materials, Inc., a Texas Corporation, and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the documents on behalf of the City. Motion seconded by Councilmember Haws and carried unanimously. Mining Tax Election - Resolution No. 5785, a resolution amending Resolution No. 5781 by adding an additional measure on the November ballot relating to the establishment of a business license tax on the extraction and processing of rock, sand and gravel, and Resolution No. 5786, a resolution setting priorities for filing a written argument regarding the mining tax measure, were withdrawn from the agenda as they were not needed. Ordinance No. 2443 - General Fund Reserve Policy - Consideration of Ordinance No. 2443, an ordinance of the City of Redlands adding Chapter 3.10 to the Redlands Municipal Code to establish a General Fund Reserve Policy, was continued from June 6, 2000, to this meeting. Councilmember Freedman moved to table this proposal until the final financial figures from the State are available. Motion seconded by Councilmember Haws and carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS Transit Center- Councilmember George left the City Council Chambers and did not participate in this discussion due to a potential conflict of interest. Public Works Director Mutter reported that several months ago, the City Council approved a contract with L. D. King, Inc. to provide the engineering design for the Transit Center on Redlands Boulevard between Third and Orange Streets. This process was to occur in two stages, the first being a concept followed by the actual design of construction drawings. The Transit Center Development Team has held several meetings to discuss the concept. L. D. King, Inc. has provided their final recommended concept based on input and suggestions from the team. It is suggested and recommended that the project be developed in phases due to funding. The first phase is funded through the PVEA Grant and has a total of approximately $300,000.00 available for construction. Phase I would provide for the reconstruction of a portion of the median island to include adjustments to the lengths of the left-turn pockets, installation of landscaping and construction of a tubular steel fence. In addition, the intersection of Redlands Boulevard and Third Street would be reconstructed to provide a pavement treatment similar to Redlands Boulevard and Orange Street. Stamped concrete would be utilized in lieu of brick pavers. A traffic signal would be installed to provide for safer pedestrian crossing. This work will allow for the July 18,2000 Page 12 pedestrian access along Third Street and shown in Specific Plan No. 45. Subsequent phases can be developed depending on funding. The concept plan prepared includes future improvements along Redlands Boulevard with certain traffic calming measures which would be incorporated while maintaining two lanes in each direction. Councilmember Freedman moved to approve the Phase I concept plan for the transit center on Redlands Boulevard between Third Street and Orange Street and directed staff to proceed with the bidding process. Motion seconded by Councilmember Peppler and carried by AYE votes of all present. Electronic Communication - Councilmember Haws asked staff to look into enhancing communication between members of the City Council, the staff and the public through electronic communication while staying within the guidelines of the Brown Act and report back to the City Council at the first meeting in October. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the City Council meeting adjourned at 9:05 P.M. The next regular meeting will be held on August 1, 2000. City Clerk July 18,2000 Page 13