HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022_12_20 - RegularMINUTES
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic
Center, 35 Cajon Street, on December 20, 2022 at 5:00 P.M.
Present: Paul Barich, Mayor
Eddie Tejeda, Mayor Pro Tempore
Denise Davis, Council Member
Jenna Guzman -Lowery, Council Member
Mick Gallagher, Council Member
Staff: Charles M. Duggan, Jr., City Manager; Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney; Jeanne
Donaldson, City Clerk; Janice McConnell, Assistant City Manager; Chris Boatman,
Assistant City Manager; Carl Baker, Public Information Officer; Travis Martinez,
Deputy Police Chief; Danielle Garcia, Management Services/Finance Director; Brian
Desatnik, Development Services Director; John Harris, Municipal Utilities and
Engineering Director; Rich Sessler, Fire Chief
Mayor Barich called the meeting to order and explained that comments could be presented
in -person, via Zoom, via cell phone or landline. This was conducted as a teleconference
meeting, with Council Member Guzman -Lowery and City Manager Duggan participating
remotely. All votes during the meeting were conducted by roll call. The Mayor offered the
public an opportunity to provide comment on any item on the agenda for the closed session.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Class Action Lawsuit - Steve Rogers clarified that the lawsuit he filed against the City was
submitted as a Class Action Lawsuit on behalf of himself and on behalf of all City of
Redlands solid waste collection customers who have paid rates and charges in connection
with Ordinance No. 2852, that embed the PARIS surcharge. He urged the Council to settle
this matter.
CLOSED SESSION
Conference with legal counsel: Existing Litigation - Government Code §54956.9(d)(1)
(City Attorney Garcia)
Two Cases:
a. Lydia Rodriguez v. City of Redlands, San Bernardino Superior Court Case No.
CIVDS 1935452
b. Steve Rogers v. City of Redlands, San Bernardino Superior Court Case
No. CIVSB2126031
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RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The meeting reconvened at 6:00 P.M. with an invocation by Council Member
Guzman -Lowery followed by the pledge of allegiance to the American flag.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Abich Garcia announced that no reportable action was taken during the closed
session.
ELECTION CERTIFICATION - OATHS - CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION
Resolution No. 8397 Election Results Certification
City Clerk Donaldson presented Resolution No. 8397, a resolution of the City Council of
the City of Redlands reciting the fact of the general municipal election held on Tuesday,
November 8, 2022, declaring the following results and such other matters as provided by
law:
1
Member of the City Council, District 1
Votes
DENISE DAVIS
1,875
TOM BERG
937
RODGIR COHEN
317
ANDREW HODER
379
Member of the City Council District 3
Votes
MIKE SAIFIE
1,692
MARIO JACOB SAUCEDO
2,296
Member of the City Council, District 5
Votes
PAUL T. BARICH
RICHARD O'DONNELL (Write -In)
5,353
1,558
Measure 'F' Principles of Managed Growth Amendment
Votes
YES
8,504
NO
13,763
l
Measure 'J' Warehouse Business License Tax Increase
YES
NO
A
Votes
12,135
10,584
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On motion of Council Member Mick Gallagher, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie
Tejeda, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8397 of
the City of Redlands reciting the fact of the General Municipal Election held on Tuesday,
November 8, 2022, declaring that Denise Davis was elected as a Member of the City
Council, District 1; Mario Jacob Saucedo was elected as a Member of the City Council,
District 3; and Paul T. Barich was elected as a Member of the City Council District 5; all for
a term of four years; Measure F, Amending Principles of Managed Growth was defeated by
the People of the City of Redlands and shall not be deemed adopted and ratified; and
Measure J related to Business License Tax Rates for Distribution Centers was approved by
the People of the City of Redlands and shall be deemed adopted and ratified.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Expression of Appreciation
For his eleven months of service as a Member of the City Council, Mick Gallagher received
expressions of gratitude and praise from Mayor Barich. Mr. Gallagher thanked his fellow
Council Members and City staff for their dedication and service and he was confident the
City was in capable hands for the future.
Administration of Oaths
City Clerk Donaldson administered the oath of office and presented certificates of election to
the newly elected Council Members Denise Davis, Mario Saucedo and Paul T. Barich. The
inductees took their respective seats at the dais.
Election of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore
City Clerk Donaldson conducted the elections of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem for a term
of two years, announcing nominations do not require a second. She called for nominations
for the office of Mayor. Council Member Barich nominated Eddie Tejeda. Council
Member Davis nominated Paul Barich, but Mr. Barich declined to accept the nomination.
There being no further nominations, Eddie Tejeda was declared the new Mayor.
Ms. Donaldson called for nominations for the office of Mayor Pro Tem for a term of two
years. Mayor Tejeda nominated Paul Barich. Council Member Guzman -Lowery nominated
Denise Davis. There being no further nominations, a roll call vote was taken:
VOTE: Nominee Paul Barich
Ayes: Paul Barich, Eddie Tejeda, Jenna Guzman -Lowery and Mario Saucedo
Nays: Denise Davis
VOTE: Nominee Denise Davis
Ayes: Denise Davis and Jenna Guzman -Lowery
Nays: Paul Barich, Eddie Tejeda and Mario Saucedo
Paul Barich was declared the new Mayor Pro Tem for a term of two years.
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PRESENT:
Eddie Tejeda, Mayor
Paul Barich, Mayor Pro Tem
Denise Davis, Council Member
Jenna Guzman -Lowery, Council Member
Mario Saucedo, Council Member
Brief comments were provided by Mayor Tejeda, Mayor Pro Tem Barich and the newly
elected and re-elected City Council Members Davis and Saucedo
Mayor Tejeda called for a brief recess at 6:25 P.M. The meeting reconvened at 6:41 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Congratulations- Maia Pawooskar congratulated the newly elected Council Members and
the new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem and recommended the Council continue striving to
make inclusivity a priority and specifically noted the need to include those that are different
or disabled.
Common Ground - Andy Hoder thought it was not the Council's duty to correct speakers as
they participated in a meeting, and he said that opportunities to address the Council were
provided as a platform for speakers to voice their concerns, regardless of their opinions. He
suggested there was common ground to be found.
Licensed Engineer - Steve Rogers reiterated his request for the City to require the director
of the Municipal Utilities and Engineering Department to be a licensed engineer, who
would be responsible for reviewing and negotiating contracts, appraisals and evaluations.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the minutes of the regular
meeting of December 6, 2022.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
2023 Local Appointments List
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the Local Appointments List for
2023 in accordance with Government Code Section 54972.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
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Planning Commission Appointments
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously appointed, by roll call vote, Marc Shaw and Rich Smith to each
serve four-year terms on the Planning Commission beginning January 6, 2023 and ending
January 6, 2027.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission Reappointments
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously reappointed, by roll call vote, Kurt Heidelberg, Dr. Lauren
Weiss Bricker, and Steven Holm to each serve four-year terms on the Historic and Scenic
Preservation Commission ending January 18, 2027.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
Traffic and Parking Commission Appointment
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously appointed, by roll call vote, Kevin Morningstar and Bill Waddell
to each serve a four-year term on the Traffic and Parking Commission ending December 20,
2026.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
Resolution No. 8428 Remote Teleconference Meetings
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8428 authorizing
remote teleconference meetings by the City Council and all Boards, Commissions, and
Committees of the City in accordance with Assembly Bill 361 (2021) for a period of 30
days.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
Cultural Arts Commission Reappointment
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously reappointed, by roll call vote, Danielle Giudici-Wallis to serve
a four-year term on the Cultural Arts Commission beginning January 6, 2023 and ending
January 6, 2027.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
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Library Board Reappointments
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously reappointed, by roll call vote, William D. Hatfield and Kate
Pretorius to each serve three-year terms on the Library Board of Trustees beginning January
1, 2023 and ending January 1, 2026.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
Ordinance No. 2940 Official City Seal and City Logos
Assistant City Manager McConnell reviewed Ordinance No. 2940, amending Chapter 1.08
of the Municipal Code regarding Custody and Use of the Official City Seal and City Logos,
Badges and Patches. The ordinance will provide for important protections of the Seal and
Logo. As public comment, Steve Rogers thought it made sense to protect the seal but also
asked to see that a code of ethics be reinstated to the employee bargaining unit MOUs.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Barich, seconded by Council Member Guzman -Lowery, the
City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Ordinance No. 2940 (Second
Reading), amending Chapter 1.08 of the Municipal Code regarding Custody and Use of the
Official City Seal and City Logos, Badges and Patches.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
Amending CFD Annual Levy Administration & Annexation Services
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of this contract
amendment is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the
State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; approved the
Second Amendment to the Agreement with Webb Municipal Finance, LLC changing the
name of the City's representative, updating the rate schedule and extending the end term by
3 years from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2025, in an amount not -to -exceed
$86,500; and authorized an additional appropriation in the amount of $33,577.59.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
Resolution No. 8426 DIF Annual Report
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8426, approving the
City's annual report of Development Impact Fees for the Year Ended June 30, 2022, and
adopting the findings contained therein.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
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Payment for Police Computer Aided Dispatch/Records Management System
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, an annual maintenance payment to
Motorola Solutions, Inc. in the amount of $96,853.66 for the Police Department's Spillman
Computer Aided Dispatch/Records Management System.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
CFD Annual Reports
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, to receive and file the Annual
Reports for Community Facility District (CFD) No. 2001-1 and Community Facility
District (CFD) No. 2003-1 pursuant to Local Agency Special Tax and Bond Accountability
Act (SB 165).
Vote: 5-0 Passed
Reject Bids Security Fencing Installation Project
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, to reject all bids for the Security
Fencing Installation Project. All bids significantly exceeded the approved project budget.
Staff will reprioritize bid items and issue a new Request For Bids in the near future.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
Withdrawal Santa Ana River/Mill Creek Exchange Plan Agreement
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, withdrawal from the Santa Ana
River - Mill Creek Exchange Plan Agreement; and authorized the City Manager or his
designee to issue a withdrawal notice to the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation
District.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
License Agreement CDWR and SBVMWD
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the License Agreement with the
California Department of Water Resources and the San Bernardino Valley Municipal
Water District.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
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Resolution No. 8416 Aproved Contractor List
Municipal Utlities and Engineering Director Harris presented Resolution No. No. 8416,
establishing an approved contractor list pursuant to the Uniform Public Construction Cost
Accounting Act. The City is a participating agency under the Act and is required to develop
and maintain a contractor list under Public Contract Code section 22034 (a)(1). He
explained that contractors can be added to the list throughout the year. As public comment,
Steve Rogers urged the Council to deny approval of the list, questioned whether the City
analyzes submittals in a proper way to obtain the best services possible and raised concerns
about the qualifications of RK Engineering who performed the recent traffic study.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Barich, seconded by Council Member Saucedo, the City
Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of Resolution No. 8416 is
exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's
guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act, and approved
Resolution No. 8416, establishing an approved contractor list pursuant to the Uniform
Public Construction Cost Accounting Act .
Vote: 5-0 Passed
Resolution No. 8419 Water Systems Master Plan
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris provided details of Resolution No.
8419 approving the 2022 Water Systems Master Plan. The Plan was developed over a 6-8
month period, includes water and non -potable water and will be a valuable tool to ensure
the sustainability of water infrastructure. The Plan will assist staff with Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) prioritization to meet current and future customer demands.
As public comment, Steve Rogers said master plans should be integrated as a part of the
General Plan and be approved with a full EIR and he added he did not see a final
engineering stamp on the document.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Barich, seconded by Council Member Guzman -Lowery, the
City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the 2022 Water
Systems Master Plan is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3)
of the State's Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and
adopted Resolution No. 8419 approving the 2022 Water Systems Master Plan.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
Resolution No. 8420 Grant Application CDWR Drought Relief Funding
Municipal Utlities and Engineering Director Harris reviewed Resolution No. 8420
authorizing the submittal of a grant application to the California Department of Water
Resources for the 2022 Urban Community Drought Relief Funding Program requesting
supplemental funding for the engineering and replacement of the Sunset Reservoir. As
public comment, Steve Rogers said he thought this request for funding appeared to be
related to the Water Systems Master Plan just approved, and he restated his opinion that the
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Plan was thrown together haphazardly.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Barich, seconded by Council Member Guzman -Lowery, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8420 authorizing the
submittal of a grant application to the California Department of Water Resources for the
2022 Urban Community Drought Relief Funding Program requesting supplemental funding
for the engineering and replacement of the Sunset Reservoir.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
Automated License Plate Recognition Cameras Services Agreement
Deputy Police Chief Martinez introduced an Agreement with the Flock Group, Inc. for the
lease of automated license plate recognition cameras and he described the many benefits
provided by the cameras, which have been instrumental in solving over 150 cases. As
public comment, Joshua Hall said that added surveillance did not make him feel safer and
he was concerned the City was pulling data to create profiles to use against residents. Andy
Hoder admitted he was skeptical of the surveillance technology at first, but he was amazed
at how well they were working to catch criminals and there appeared to be no misuse of the
data.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Barich, seconded by Council Member Guzman -Lowery, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the Additional Services Agreement
with the Flock Group, Inc. for the lease of automated license plate recognition cameras in
the amount of $69,550 for two years.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
Amending Allied Universal Security Services Agreement
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Barich, seconded by Council Member Guzman -Lowery, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the First Amendment to the
Agreement with Universal Protection Service, LP, DBA Allied Universal Security Services
to amend the total to an amount not to exceed $135,785.28 for security services at the
facility located at 300 E. State Street.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
AYSO In -Kind Support Use of Redlands Sports Park
Assistant City Manager Boatman introduced the request to consider in -kind support for use
of the Redlands Sports Park in the amount of $66,584 for Redlands Region 50 of the
American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO). The City considers AYSO a valued partner
and is committed to ensuring the continued success of AYSO in Redlands. AYSO's
previous agreement was terminated on December 14, 2022, and the City plans to issue a
one-year permit to AYSO to allow continued and uninterrupted use of the Sports Park
while negotiations proceed. The previous agreement included the use of all fields during all
usable hours. Consequently, AYSO would normally be subject to a significantly higher
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fee under the City's current fee structure than it previously paid. Therefore, a contribution
of in -kind support is necessary to allow AYSO to use the fields for a fee comparable to its
previous rent. As public comment, Steve Rogers was opposed to terminating the AYSO
contract and he was worried the City was putting too much financial burden on the
all -volunteer organization. He thought the City should use ARPA funds for the increased
fees.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Barich, seconded by Council Member Guzman -Lowery, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the in -kind support for use of the
Redlands Sports Park in the amount of $66,584 for Redlands Region 50 of the American
Youth Soccer Organization.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
COMMUNICATIONS
SBVMWD Regional Recycled Water Ad Hoc Committee
Mayor Pro Tem Barich explained the need to select two City Council representatives to
serve on the Regional Recycled Water Ad Hoc Committee of the San Bernardino Valley
Municipal Water District.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Barich, seconded by Council Member Saucedo, the City
Council unanimously designated, by roll call vote, Mario Saucedo as the primary delegate
and Paul Barich as the secondary delegate to serve as the Redlands City Council
representatives on the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District Regional Recycled
Water Ad Hoc Committee.
Vote: 5-0 Passed
Process for Filling Vacancies on the City Council
Mayor Pro Tem Tejeda opened the discussion regarding Ordinance No. 2954 and
Resolution No. 8429 related to the process for filling vacancies on the City Council. He
pointed out that since he has served on the Council since 2016, there have been three
appointments made. His desire was to establish a formal process that would provide for
more accountability and transparency when considering a future vacancy. The process
would require that the City Council first consider the appointment of any interested former
council member who lived in the district of the vacated council seat. If no former council
member was interested in the appointment or lived in the district, the City Council would
open the process to any interested resident living in the district. The Council could also
consider the option of filling the vacancy by holding a special election.
Council Members each provided insight into the proposal before them. Mayor Pro Tem
Barich and Council Members Davis and Guzman -Lowery preferred the application process
as they said it provided for a more equitable and transparent approach, since it would be
open to all qualified residents who lived in the district of the vacated seat. Council Member
Saucedo saw value in Mayor Tejeda's proposal and agreed that filling a vacancy with
someone who had already served on Council would bring invaluable experience to the table.
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As public comment, Andy Hoder reminded the Council that they were here to serve the
public and just because someone had been on the Council in the past, didn't necessarily
mean they would bring the necessary qualities to best serve the City. Kenneth Ford, Kathy
Sadanala, Jenn Kim, Dr. Traci Lownethal and John Roach supported an open and fair
application process and said former council members could apply if they were interested.
Richard O'Donnell insisted a special election would best serve the residents of the district.
Steve Rogers recommended the Council strongly dissuade any elected official from
resigning early and thought that term limits should be established for the City Council.
It was agreed no action would be taken and on motion of Council Member Davis, seconded
by Mayor Pro Tem Barich, the City Council unanimously agreed, by roll call vote, to take
no action on Ordinance No. 2954 and Resolution No. 8429.
Vote: 5-0 Passed (Approved to take no action)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Resolution No. 8427 Street Vacation No. 186 Jasper Avenue
Mayor Tejeda opened the public hearing and called on Development Services Director
Desatnik, for a summary of a proposed street vacation (SV 186). The Applicant, Madison
Capital Group, requested the City vacate an excess public right-of-way that is three (3) feet
wide and 404 feet in length along the westerly side of Jasper Avenue, and along the eastern
property line of the commercial property located at the southwest corner of the Naples
Avenue Jasper Avenue intersection. One written comment was received from Southern
California Gas Company, stating they did not maintain gas piping facilities within the
proposed area. With no further discussion, the Mayor closed the public hearing.
On motion of Council Member Saucedo, seconded by Council Member Guzman -Lowery,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8427 to vacate
the portion of Jasper Avenue along the east property line street frontage of the parcel
located at the southwest corner of Naples Avenue and Jasper Avenue (APN:
0298-051-07-0000).
Vote: 5-0 Passed
Resolution No. 8424 Street Vacation No. 187 North Church Street
Mayor Tejeda opened the public hearing and called on Development Services Director
Desatnik, for a summary of a proposed street vacation (SV 187). The Applicant, Michael
Frazier, requested the City vacate an excess public right-of-way that is four (4) feet wide
and 152.91 feet in length along the easterly side of North Church Street, and across the
front property line of the residential property located 710 North Church Street. One written
comment was received from Southern California Gas Company, stating they did not
maintain gas piping facilities within the proposed area. With no further discussion, the
Mayor closed the public hearing.
On motion of Council Member Saucedo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Barich, the City
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Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8424, approving Street
Vacation No. 187 to vacate an excess public right-of-way that is four (4) feet wide and
152.91 feet in length along the easterly side of North Church Street, and across the front
property line of the residential property located 710 North Church Street (APNs:
0170-071-03-0000 and 0170-071-04-0000)
Vote: 5-0 Passed
Resolution No. 8425 Street Vacation No. 188 Highland Avenue
Mayor Tejeda opened the public hearing and called on Development Services Director
Desatnik, for a summary of a proposed street vacation (SV 188). The Applicant, Hicks and
Harwick, Inc., requested the City vacate excess public right-of-way along East Highland
Avenue, which is ten (10) feet wide and 998 feet in length, along the southerly side of East
Highland Avenue and approximately 50 feet west of Redlands Street/South Lincoln Street,
along the entire frontage of the previously approved Tract Map No. 20065. As public
comment, Steve Rogers wondered why the City was not receiving compensation for the
vacation. He maintained this was an engineering function and not something that should
fall under the Development Services Department, and he added that utility companies
should be notified of vacating right-of-way intentions. Director Desatnik said the City does
contact all utility companies in advance and land use engineers work out of the
Development Services Depar trlrent and have properly reviewed the items. One written
comment was received from Southern California Gas Company, stating they did not
maintain gas piping facilities within the proposed area. With no further discussion, the
Mayor closed the public hearing.
On motion of Council Member Saucedo, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8425, vacating
excess public right-of-way along East Highland Avenue, which is ten (10) feet wide and
998 feet in length, along the southerly side of East Highland Avenue and approximately 50
feet west of Redlands Street/South Lincoln Street, along the entire frontage of the
previously approved Tract Map No. 20065 (APN: 0174-161-25-0000).
Vote: 5-0 Passed
NEW BUSINESS
Ordinance No. 2953 Selection of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore
On December 6, 2022, Council Member Davis proposed an alternative method for the
selection of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem and as a result of their discussions, Council
directed staff to bring forth changes to the City's Municipal Code as it pertains to the
selection of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. She explained the proposal under review
tonight, outlined a 1-year seniority -based rotation with the most senior Council Member
becoming Mayor, and the 2nd most senior serving as Mayor Pro Tem. At the end of the
1-year term, the Mayor Pro Tem would then rotate into the role of Mayor. An "opt -out"
clause was included in the proposal to allow a Council Member to decline serving as
Mayor. Ordinance No. 2953 removes language concerning the selection of Mayor and
Mayor Pro Tem and their terms of office from the municipal code. Resolution No. 8414
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replaces the previous selection process, describes the seniority based rotation, and will take
effect on the effective date of Ordinance No. 2953.
Council Members offered their perspectives regarding the proposal, with Council Members
Guzman -Lowery and Davis pointing out that the methodology was designed to represent
the districts equally and provide for inclusivity and diversity. Council Member Saucedo
favored the current system that allowed for council members to determine who would fill
the leadership roles for two years. Mayor Pro Tem Barich said he was not opposed to the
rotation method in general, but could not accept a 1-year rotation model, stating he thought
one year was not enough time to properly learn the mayoral role. Mayor Tejeda was not
convinced the rotation proposal served the City's best interests and that while other cities
may have implemented the process, it did not automatically mean it was suited for
Redlands.
As public comment, five speakers, including Kathy Sadanala, Jenn Kim, John Roach, Traci
Lowenthal and Richard O'Donnell supported the annual rotation method because the
system was equitable and provided for a defined timeline allowing each district access and
opportunity to serve in the top leadership roles. Richard O'Donnell did add, though, that he
was opposed to an opt -out clause and urged Council to remove this so that every district
was represented. Gail Howard and Andy Hoder opposed the rotation methodology and
thought it focused only on making sure everyone had a chance to be mayor, and not on
whether people possessed appropriate leadership skills to serve. Steve Rogers raised his
dislike of the by -district election system and thought that voters had less representation
now that they were allowed to vote for only one candidate.
During a lengthy dialogue, Council Members considered the merits of a 2-year term versus
a 1-year term, the rotation timing and whether it appropriately coincided with the election
cycle, and the time required to assume the extra duties required of the mayor. Council
Members searched for consensus and worked towards a compromise, agreeing to a rotation
schedule that would keep the terms of office of the mayor and mayor pro tem to two years.
On motion of Council Member Davis, seconded by Mayor Tejeda, the City Council
introduced, by roll call vote, Ordinance No. 2953 changing Chapter 2.02 of the Redlands
Municipal Code relating to the selection of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, their respective
terms of office; and adopted Resolution No. 8414, as amended, to provide for a rotating
schedule beginning December 2024 and continuing thereafter, every even numbered year.
Vote: 4-1 Passed
NAY: Council Member Mario Saucedo
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Due to the late hour, no Council Member announcements were presented.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further action required, Mayor Tejeda adjourned the meeting at 9:18 P.M. With the
cancelation of the January 3, 2023 City Council meeting, the next regular meeting of the
City of Redlands City Council will be held on January 17, 2023.
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