HomeMy WebLinkAbout081199cc_CCv0001.pdf MINUTES of a special meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the
Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35 Cajon Street, at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday,
August 11, 1999.
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
Ronald C. Mutter, Public Works Director
Michael L. Huffstutler, Acting Municipal Utilities Director
Jeffrey L. Shaw, Community Development Director
ABSENT None
Lowe's Referendum Petition - A petition entitled Referendum Against a
Legislative Act Passed by the City Council was filed in the City Clerk's Office
on August 10, 1999. The legislative act is described as an agreement for
construction and operation of a home improvement center and the provision of
unrelated off-site improvements between the City of Redlands and Lowe's HIW,
Inc. Mayor Cunningham asked City Attorney McHugh if this was a valid
referendum issue. City Attorney McHugh replied that generally legislative acts
are ordinances or resolutions; this referendum is on an agreement and there is
no reference to the resolution. He will look into this further and report back to
the City Council on. September 7, 1999. At the request of the petitioners, City
Clerk Poyzer is processing a sample examination of the signatures as permitted
by Section 9115 of the California Election Code. Councilmember Freedman
moved to direct the City Clerk to check all signatures on the petition and bill the
costs of the signature verification to the petitioners. .Motion seconded by
Councilmember Banda and carried unanimously. On behalf of the petitioners,
Mark Bulot explained that their purpose behind this referendum was to stop a
taxpayers' subsidy and the statistical sampling seemed to be the most cost
effective method and that they did not wish to have this matter voted on at a
special election. It was noted that this referendum was too late to be placed on
the November 2, 1999, ballot.
The City Council briefly recessed at 2:07 P.M. to allow the City Clerk to
contact the Registrar of Voters and notify that office of the change of the
method of signature verification. The City Council meeting reconvened at
2:11 P.M.
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AB 1553 - City Manager Luebbers reported we received the text of AB 1553 on
Monday, August 9, 1999. City Attorney McHugh reviewed its contents. City
Manager Luebbers updated Councilmembers on the activities of our lobbyist
who highly recommended someone from the City Council be in Sacramento
each of the three days (August 16-1.8, 1.999). Councilmember George reported
Senator Baca has offered to act as mediator and is willing to hold a meeting on
Tuesday in his office. Councilmember George requested the Redlands
Professional Firefighters attend as they were instrumental in setting this up; he
also thought City Manager Luebbers and City Attorney McHugh should also
attend. President of the Redlands Professional Firefighters Dan Crow said he
would be proud to go with the City Council at this time. Discussion followed as
to who was available when and whether or not a special meeting would be
necessary to comply with the Brown Act if three or more Councilmembers
congregated together for the purpose of discussing City business. City Council
candidates were also invited to join the effort.
Annexation - "Donut Hole" and REV - Councilmember Cunningham moved to
direct staff to revive the application to LAFCO for annexation of the minimum
needed for the Redlands East Valley High School and the 1,200 acres referred
to as the "Donut Hole." Motion seconded by Councilmember Freedman and
carried unanimously.
County pheres of Influence Amendment- On July 27, 1999, the County of San
Bernardino approved an amendment to their General Plan regarding Spheres of
Influence. Councilmember Banda noted that all but two cities within the
County object to this amendment. A meeting of representatives from the cities
will be held Thursday evening to discuss this matter.
Utilities - "Donut Hole" - City Attorney McHugh reported staff has defined our
facilities in this area and the cost of$5�/z million which is in jeopardy and the
lawsuit has been filed.
Re-Zoning of "Regional. Center" - Councilmember Freedman moved to direct
staff to prepare an amendment to the General Plan to remove the "Regional
Center" designation from the current site and then relocate the designation to
another site. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Banda. Mayor
Cunningham felt this was necessary to allow other developers the opportunity to
develop. Councilmember Gilbreath felt it was an inappropriate move and that
the message from this City Council was wrong. Councilmember George
strongly felt this issue should be considered in September after our efforts in
Sacramento regarding AB 1.553. Following much discussion, Councilmember
Freedman agreed to remove his motion and continue the discussion to
September 7, 1999. In concurrence, Councilmember Banda agreed to
withdrawal of the first mostion, and seconded the motion to continue this
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matter. The motion carried with Councilmember Gilbreath voting NO as she
would be opposed to the motion to change the designation now or in September.
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Tie-Down Permits - Redlands Municipal. Airport - City Attorney McHugh
reported that over the past few weeks a number of persons have approached the
Public Works Department and requested tie-down rental agreements for their
aircraft at the Redlands Municipal Airport. In the past, staff has regularly
approved such tie-down agreements without City Council approval and based
upon the provisions of a "form" rental agreement which has been used for some
time. With the recent activity at the airport, and with increased scrutiny from
representatives of the Federal Aviation Administration, City staff wishes to
ensure that the City Council approves of the provisions of the tie-down rental.
agreement and formally agrees that City staff has been delegated the authority
to approve and sign these agreements. Expressing their concerns were: Scott
Jones, Trish Peterson, Robert O'Connor, Larry Foutier, Mike Marko, and Andy
Testman. Mr. Testman asked for a interim permit so that he could rent his
planes and conduct flight training from the west ramp; he also asked to be
allowed to keep a mobile home on the premises during the day for restroom
facilities. He also noted he is in contact with interested parties who wish to add
facilities at the airport. Public Works Director Mutter said it has never been
staff s intent to stop rentals or flight instruction but that we do not want fixed
based operators. He noted that Mr. Testman's mobile home can be parked in the
tie-down space as long as it is not being used as an office. Following
discussion, Councilmember Gilbreath moved that the Public Works Director be
delegated the authority to negotiate, review and execute tie-down rental
agreements on behalf of the City, with the City Attorney's approval of the form
of the agreement. Motion seconded by Councilmember George and carried
unanimously. Mayor Cunningham encouraged negotiations with persons
interested to add further facilities at the Redlands Municipal Airport.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the City Council meeting adjourned at
3:26 P.M. The next regular meeting will be held on September 7, 1999.
City Clerk
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