HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023_01_17 - RegularMINUTES
Regular meetings of the City Council and the Redlands Financing Authority of the City of Redlands held in
the Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35 Cajon Street, on Jamary 17, 2023 at 5:00 P.M.
Present: Eddie Tejeda, Mayor
Paul Barich, Mayor Pro Tempore
Denise Davis, Council Member
Jenna Guzman -Lowery, Council Member
Mario Saucedo, 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; Chris Catren, 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 Tejeda called the meeting to order and explained that comments could be presented
in -person, via Zoom, via cell phone or landline. He offered the public an opportunity to
provide comment on any item on the agenda for the closed session.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None forthcoming
CLOSED SESSION
Conference with labor negotiator - Government Code §54957.6
(Assistant City Manager McConnell)
Agency Negotiator:
Laura Kalty, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore; Janice McConnell; Tommi
Ng, Danielle Garcia
Employee
Redlands Association of Department Directors
Organizations:
Redlands Association of Management Employees
Redlands Association of Mid -Management Employees
Redlands Association of Safety Management Employees
Redlands Association of Fire Management Employees
Redlands Police Officers Association
Redlands Professional Firefighters Association
Redlands Civilian Safety Employees
Teamsters Local 1932 Redlands Chapter
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Conference with legal counsel: Existing Litigation - Government Code §54956.9(d)(1)
(City Attorney Garcia)
a. Lydia Rodriguez v. City of Redlands, San Bernardino Superior Court Case No.
CIVDS 1935452
b. Neitzel v. City of Redlands, San Bernardino Small Claims Case No. SCVA2203323
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The meeting reconvened at 7:10 P.M. with an invocation by Council Member Davis 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.
PRESENTATIONS
Redlands Pet Adoption
Animal Services Supervisor Jodi Kroeger and Animal Services Officer Trevor Houser
introduced "Hercules", a one -year -old male Pit Bull mix who is available for adoption, along
with thirty-six other dogs and two cats at the Redlands Animal Shelter. Ms. Kroeger informed
the Council there had been thirty dogs and nineteen cats adopted since December 1, 2022.
Proclamation Recognizing UofR Men's Water Polo Team
Mayor Pro Tem Barich presented a Proclamation recognizing the University of Redlands
Men's Water Polo Team to University President Krista Newkirk, Head Coach Ryan Hall, and
all the players, who were congratulated for winning the USA Water Polo Division III
Collegiate National Championship on December 4, 2022.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Homelessness- Luis Camargo complained about the blatant drug use and aggressive nature of
some of the homeless population and he said at times, he feared for his safety.
Airport Access - Allen O'Neil, of Past Pleasures Car Club, requested the City consider
granting him access to the Redlands Municipal Airport to offer people with disabilities a
chance to see the airport. He invited everyone to attend the Club's monthly car shows held the
1st Fridays from April to November in Yucaipa.
Homeless & Small Businesses - Deborah and Stanford Martin, as small business owners,
expressed concerns about the growing homeless population in Redlands. They were
disappointed that homelessness even exists in one of the richest nations of the world and they
urged the Council to do everything they can to address the matter.
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North Side History - Andy Hoder offered several nuggets of history concerning the early days
of Redlands, focusing particularly on the north side of town.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the regular meeting minutes of
December 20, 2022.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Proclamation Recognizing U of R Men's Water Polo Team
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation to the
University of Redlands Men's Water Polo Team.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8430 Remote Teleconference Meetings
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8430 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
Ordinance No. 2953 Selection of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore
On December 20, 2022, Council Members approved to introduce Ordinance No. 2953, to
change Chapter 2.02 of the Redlands Municipal Code relating to the selection of the Mayor
and Mayor Pro Tempore and their respective terms of office and tonight's item was to
consider the final adoption of the ordinance. As public comment, Andy Hoder questioned the
ordinance verbiage concerning council member compensation, thought it confusing, and he
opposed increasing the monthly stipend. John Roach agreed with the rotation methodology
for selecting the Mayor but he was concerned that the ordinance was tied to a resolution
identifying the selection details, which only requires a one-step approval process to amend or
revise.
City Attorney Abich Garcia clarified that the ordinance amended the section related to the
Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem selection process and did not amend the section addressing
Council Member compensation, but rather the compensation section restated what had
already been adopted last year. Council Member Saucedo reiterated that he preferred the
current methodology which provides for a more democratic process instead of declaring
someone mayor, simply by default. Council Member Davis said the rotation schedule was
fair and in alignment with other cities nearby. Mayor Pro Tem Barich suggested the
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possibility of tabling the item but there was no consensus. Mayor Tejeda added he had a
productive conversation with Council Member Davis and he better understood her reasons for
moving to a rotation system and he said he would support it.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise
Davis, the City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Ordinance No. 2953, (Second
Reading), changing Chapter 2.02 of the Redlands Municipal Code relating to the selection of
the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore and their respective terms of office.
Vote: 4 - 1 Passed
NAY: Council Member Mario Saucedo
Settlement Agreement Disclosure
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the public disclosure of details of an
Agreement of Settlement and General Release between the City of Redlands and Lydia
Rodriguez. Under the terms of the agreement, the City agrees to pay Ms. Rodriguez
$75,000.00 to settle and dispose of disputes and controversies associated with a civil action
pending in the San Bernardino Superior Court and entitled Lydia Rodriguez v. City of
Redlands, et al., Case No. CIVDS 1935452.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
RASME Side Letter Agreement
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, a Side Letter Agreement between the
City and the Redlands Association of Safety Management Employees (RASME). The
agreement will provide for a $3,500 retention bonus for its employees. All other provisions of
the Memorandums of Understanding between the City and RASME are unaffected by this
agreement.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Amending Professional Services Agreement Inclusionary Housing Program
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the First Amendment to the sole
source Professional Services Agreement with Keyser Marston Associates, Inc., to extend the
term end date to June 30, 2023, allowing for the continued performance of professional
services associated with the creation of an Inclusionary Housing program.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
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Receive and File PARIS Program Annual Report
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, to receive and file Pavement
Accelerated Repair Implementation Strategy (PARIS) Program Annual Report.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Amending Professional Services Agreement for Citywide Left -Turn Pocket Study
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, approval of the
First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with KOA Corporation for the
Citywide Left -Turn Pocket Study is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section
15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality
Act; and approved the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with KOA
Corporation for the Citywide Left -Turn Pocket Study. Staff discovered additional traffic
counts were necessary and KOA agreed to complete the additional work for a total cost of
$9,000, increasing the Agreement's not -to -exceed value to $108,905.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8431 Support of Yucaipa Valley Water District Annexation
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8431 supporting
the annexation of Assessor Parcel Number 0300-241-16-0000 by the Yucaipa Valley Water
District for potable water, recycled water, and wastewater utility services.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Bear Valley Mutual Water Company Stock Purchase Agreement
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the Bear Valley Mutual Water
Company Stock Purchase Agreement with Erin Barnum.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Professional Services Agreement Coyote Mitigation Services
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the Professional
Services Agreement with Wildlife Management Professionals is exempt from environmental
review pursuant to Section 15061 of the State's guidelines implementing the California
Environmental Quality Act; and approved the Professional Services Agreement and a Single
Source Purchase Order with Wildlife Management Professionals, Inc, for an amount
not -to -exceed $24,000 for coyote mitigation services.
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Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
In -Kind Request Downtown Redlands Artwalk Event
Assistant City Manager Boatman introduced the request from Kid's Cures Foundation for
in -kind support for $5,554, street closures and the sale of alcoholic beverages related to the
Downtown Redlands Artwalk event to be held on March 26, 2023. As public comment,
Dennis Bell questioned why an out-of-town organization was requesting to close streets in
downtown Redlands and he thought the in -kind support was a waste of the public's money.
Janelle Guerrero pointed out that Stronger Together Now also requested this date and there
was a potential conflict. Jessie K, coordinator of the Artwalk, said the October event held
last year was a great success and brought awareness to the Kid's Cures Foundation. Staff
received the Artwalk application before the request from Stronger Together Now.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member
Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of
the event is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15311(c) of the state's
guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; authorized and
approved a request for in -kind support in the amount of $5,544 related to this event;
authorized the temporary closure of East State Street from Orange Street to 7th Street and
5th Street from Redlands Boulevard to State Street on March 26, 2023; and approved the
request for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Ed Hales Park.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Redlands Bowl Electrical &Theatrical Lighting Upgrade Contract Amendment
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the First Amendment to the Public
Works Contract with My Electrician Inc. for the Redlands Bowl Electrical and Theatrical
Lighting Upgrade Project, to extend time for completion by ninety (90) calendar days.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Senior Center Outdoor Dining Facilities Construction Project Contract Amendment
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the agreement
is exempt from an environmental review pursuant to Section 15061 of the State's CEQA
guidelines; and approved the Second Amendment to the Public Works Contract with
DEARK E&C, INC. for the Senior Center Outdoor Dining Facilities Construction Project to
extend the time for completion by sixty (60) calendar days.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Wildlife Hazard Assessment & Wildlife Hazard Management Plan
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On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Mario
Saucedo, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the
agreement with Coffman Associates, Inc. is categorically exempt from environmental review
pursuant to Section 15306 of State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental
Quality Act; approved an additional appropriation in the amount of $98,650 from the Airport
Projects and Grants fund; and approved a Professional Services Agreement and Single
Source Purchase Order with Coffman Associates, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $98,650,
to conduct a wildlife hazard assessment and prepare a wildlife hazard management plan.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Stronger Together Now Giving Sundays Events Ed Hales Park
Assistant City Manager Boatman reviewed the request from Stronger Together Now for
in -kind support and for commercial vendors and the temporary closure of a portion of 5th
Street for the Stronger Together Now Giving Sundays within Ed Hales Park on January 29,
2023, February 26, 2023, March 26, 2023, April 30, 2023, September 24, 2023, October
22, 2023, and November 19, 2023. Council Members Davis and Guzman -Lowery
supported the request and appreciated how Stronger Together Now events bring life and
vitality to the downtown area. As public comment, Janelle Guerrero, of Stronger Together
Now, stated the group strives to accommodate the needs of the community while also
minimizing the traffic and parking impacts, and she agreed to find a different date in March
for Giving Sunday. Jessie, of Kid's Cures Foundation, recognized the value of the Stronger
Together Now events.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member
Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that these events
are categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15311 of the State's
guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; authorized the closure
of a portion of N. 5th Street from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on January 29, 2023, February 26,
2023, April 30, 2023, September 29, 2023, October 22, 2023, and November 19, 2023;
approved the expenditure of City resources and in -kind support in the amount of
$7,938 related to the events; and directed staff to find a new March date that will not conflict
with the Downtown Artwalk event scheduled for March 26, 2023.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Landfill Hydrogeologic Support Agreement
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of this Agreement
is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's
guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and approved a
Professional Services Agreement with Geo-Logic Associates, Inc., for Landfill
Hydrogeologic Support at the California Street Landfill for an amount not -to -exceed
$79,642 for a period of one year, with two additional one-year renewal options for a total
amount not -to -exceed $240,040.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
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COMMUNICATIONS
National Community Survey Results
Project Manager Ross Wittman provided a brief report regarding the National Community
Survey (NCS) and introduced Joe De11'Olio, Senior Survey Associate at Polco who
presented an overview of the results. The NCS includes standard questions and custom
questions for measuring resident satisfaction levels and perceptions about the quality of
local government services. The standardized portions of the NCS allow Polco to provide
benchmark comparisons to any of the hundreds of communities who have conducted the
survey. The results of the 2021 NCS were presented to the City Council in November
2021. To effectively gauge resident's continued satisfaction with City services, in February
2022, the City again contracted with Polco to conduct the 2022 NCS.
In early September, the 2022 survey instrument was distributed to a randomly selected
sample of Redlands residents, representative of the City's demographics and spread
equitably among each of the five City Council election districts. On October 5, 2022, the
survey was opened to general participation for all members of the community. Data
collection ended on October 19, 2022 and during the months of October and November,
Polco compiled the results.
The NCS captured residents' opinions by considering ten central facets of a community,
including Economy, Mobility, Community Design, Utilities, Safety, Natural Environment,
Parks and Recreation, Health and Wellness, Education, Arts, and Culture, Inclusivity and
Engagement The report provides the opinions of a representative sample of 339 residents
of the City of Redlands collected from August 31 st, 2022 to October 19th, 2022. The
margin of error around any reported percentage is 5.2% for all respondents and the
response rate for the 2022 survey was 13%. Survey results were weighted so that the
demographic profile of respondents was representative of the demographic profile of adults
in Redlands.
As public comment, Dennis Bell admitted he did not take the survey because he considered
it rigged and a waste of taxpayer money. Mr. De11'Olio and Council Members briefly
discussed items such as survey methods, weighted responses, random sampling and general
conclusions drawn from the results. Council Members appreciated the report as it will be a
useful tool to guide the City moving forward.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member
Denise Davis the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, to receive and file
the presentation on the results of a National Community Survey (NCS) conducted by Policy
Confluence Inc. dba Polco.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
NEW BUSINESS
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Contract Award 2022 CIP Water Pipeline Replacement Project
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris reviewed a construction contract with
Tryco General Engineering for the 2022 CIP Water Pipeline Replacement Project, to
replace approximately 3.5 miles of aging and deteriorated water pipelines. Each year, a
portion of revenues generated through water utility rates is used to replace aging water
pipelines throughout the City.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member
Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of a
Construction Contract and construction of the 2022 CIP Water Pipeline Replacement
Project are categorically exempt from environmental review in accordance with Section
15302 of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act;
approved the 2022 CIP Water Pipeline Replacement Project plans and specifications; and
approved a Construction Contract with Tryco General Engineering for an amount
not -to -exceed $4,744,111.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
2023 Fourth of July Celebration Contribution
Assistant City Manager Boatman offered background on the request from the Redlands 4th
of July Committee to approve a contribution of $30,000 in anticipation of the 2023 Fourth
of July Celebration to be held again at Moore Middle School. This cost represents only a
portion of the total cost for fireworks, as the Committee reported the overall show costs in
excess of $100,000. The City recognizes the value of partnering with non-profit agencies
and organizations to support programs that provide a community benefit, including drawing
visitors into the City, encouraging tourism and economic benefits, as well as generating
goodwill with the Redlands community. Last year, the Council expressed interest in
relocating the event back to the University due to its central location but the Committee
determined that the University was not ideal for two reasons: 1) a new scoreboard limits
the ground fireworks visibility for the audience in certain seating areas; and 2) costs are
significantly higher due to additional security and amenities that are needed.
As public comment, Dennis Bell thought last year's ticket sales were dismal at only 750
tickets sold. Andy Hoder said he regularly attended the event when it was held at the
University location, and he suggested that ticket sales should offset the cost of the show.
He wondered if there were other sources of revenue to meet the increased costs. Mayor Pro
Tem Barich voiced concerns about the reliability of the fireworks vendor contracted by the
Committee. Council Members Guzman -Lowery and Davis said their constituents thought
Moore Middle School was not centrally located and, instead, recommended the event be
moved back to the University. Council Member Saucedo supported the event but suggested
this item should have been brought to Council sooner to allow for more thoughtful
discussion. Mayor Tejeda was willing to approve the $30,000 contribution for this year's
event but did not want the Committee to turn this into an annual request. Event coordinator
Tim Murone clarified that the fees charged by the University of Redlands were simply too
high and, at $37,000, would force the Committee to double the contribution request to
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$67,000. Based on these costs, he said Moore Middle School was a more reasonable option.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Mario
Saucedo, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, a contribution of $30,000 for the
2023 Fourth of July Celebration to be paid to the Redlands 4th of July Committee and
determined that the financial support serves a public benefit.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Mayor Tejeda thanked his colleagues for their support and selecting him as the new Mayor.
Council Member Guzman -Lowery expressed her appreciation of City staff and especially
those focusing on addressing homelessness.
Council Member Saucedo was proud to attend the MLK event hosted by The Village,
Second Baptist Church of Redlands and the All -Campus Peace Walk at the University of
Redlands honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 8:55 P.M. The next regular
meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on February 7, 2023.
REDLANDS FINANCING AUTHORITY
Chairperson Tejeda called the meeting to order and offered anyone present the opportunity
to address the Board on any subject not already on the agenda, within the jurisdiction of the
Redlands Financing Authority.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None forthcoming
Minutes
On motion of Vice Chair Barich, seconded by Board Member Guzman -Lowery, the
minutes of the regular meeting of September 20, 2022 were unanimously approved, by roll
call vote.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Redlands Financing Authority adjourned at 8:56 P.M.
The next regular meeting of the Agency will be held on May 16, 2023.
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