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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023_03_07 - RegularMINUTES Regular meetings of the City Council and the Board of Directors of the Successor Agency of the former Redevelopment Agency of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35 Cajon Street, on March 7, 2023 at 5:00 P.M. Present: Staff: Eddie Tejeda, Mayor Paul Barich, Mayor Pro Tempore Denise Davis, Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, Council Member Mario Saucedo, Council Member 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; Danielle Garcia, Management Services/Finance Director; Brian Desatnik, Development Services Director; John Harris, Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director; Rich Sessler, Fire Chief; Rachel Tolber, Interim Police Chief Mayor Tejeda called the meeting to order and explained that comments could be presented in -person, via Zoom, via cell phone or landline, and he offered the public an opportunity to provide comment on any item on the agenda for the closed session. City Attorney Abich Garcia announced Item A-1 should be removed from the agenda because Council Member Saucedo was able to attend the meeting in person tonight instead of attending remotely under AB 2449 "Just Cause". PUBLIC COMMENT None forthcoming CLOSED SESSION Conference with legal counsel: Existing Litigation - Government Code §54956.9(d)(1) (City Attorney Garcia) a. Allen v. City of Redlands, San Bernardino Superior Court, Case No. CIVDS 1908766 RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING The meeting reconvened at 6:00 P.M. with an invocation by Council Member Guzman -Lowery. The pledge of allegiance to the American flag was presented by Mentone Elementary School students. City Attorney Abich Garcia announced that Council Member Saucedo had planned to attend the meeting remotely under the AB 2449 "Just Cause", but due to a change in plans, he attended the meeting in person. CC_SA_March 7, 2023 Page 1 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 Kaitlyn Giroux introduced "Iris", a two -year -old female Siberian Husky mix, who is available for adoption, along with thirty-eight other dogs and eight cats at the Redlands Animal Shelter. Ms. Kroeger informed the Council there had been fifteen dogs and seven cats adopted in February 2023. PUBLIC COMMENT No Parking Signs & Morning Market - Dennis Bell wondered who authorized non -city personnel to post "no parking" signs related to the Run Through Redlands event, and he was disappointed with the attendance for the Morning Market reintroduction held last Saturday. Teamsters Support - Fourteen City employees including, Eric Breazil, Steven Lujan, Phillip Buyak, Lawrence Amardor, Dave Gianinni, Gabriel Jimenez, Jonathan Martinez, Jared Adams, Nick Quintana, Miguel Gomez, Samantha Bortoli, Gabriel Cortez, Elizabeth Wright and Shannon Simmers briefly introduced themselves to the City Council, explaining they proudly represented the Teamsters Local 1932 Redlands Chapter. Council Members expressed their appreciation and support of all the City Teamsters and what they do for this community. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the regular meeting minutes of February 21, 2023, and the special meeting minutes of February 22, 2023. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Proclamation Women's History Month Mayor Tejeda introduced the Proclamation declaring the month of March 2023 as Women's History Month and each Council Member provided their strong support of this important event. As public comment, Peter Hall and Joshua David Hall voiced opposition to the proclamation, suggesting that to be fair, the City should declare a Men's History Month, and they said that society was trying to erase gender, so they weren't clear who the proclamation was celebrating. CC_SA_March 7, 2023 Page 2 On motion of Mayor Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation declaring the month of March 2023 as Women's History Month. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Proclamation Hero of the Arts Award Dave and Robin Maupin On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation honoring Dave and Robin Maupin on their Hero of the Arts Award. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Resolution No. 8446 Statement of Investment Policy On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8446 establishing a Statement of Investment Policy and Rescinding Resolution No. 8309. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Resolution No. 8447 Investment Authority On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8447 delegating investment authority to the City Treasurer pursuant to Government Code Section 53607. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Amending Michael Baker International Agreement On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the Third Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Michael Baker International, Inc. increasing the existing agreement from $299,990 by $100,000 for a total aggregate amount not -to -exceed $399,990 for professional planning, environmental, and development review services, extending the end -term of the agreement from March 31, 2023, to June 30, 2024; and approved an additional appropriation in the amount of $50,000. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed CC_SA_March 7, 2023 Page 3 Resolution No. 8444 Street Vacation No. 182 On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8444 for Street Vacation No. 182, for summary vacation of excess public alley right-of-way that is 15 feet wide and approximately 354 feet in length located adjacent to 26849 Barton Road and 26863 Ladera Street (APNs: 0293-082-12-0000, 0293-082-13-0000, 0293-082-14-0000, 0293-082-15-0000, and 0293-082-05-0000), (Joseph E. Bonadiman, Applicant). This proposal is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Resolution No. 8448 Four -Way Stop Intersection On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8448 establishing a four-way stop intersection to replace the current two-way stop at the Kansas Street/State Street intersection; and determined that approval of the resolution is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15301(c) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed MOU Salt and Nutrient Management Plan & Feasibility Study On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the Salt and Nutrient Management Plan Memorandum of Understanding and Funding Agreement is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15378 of the state's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; approved the Salt and Nutrient Management Plan Memorandum of Understanding and Funding Agreement with San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, East Valley Water District, and San Bernardino Municipal Water Department; appointed the City Manager or his designee as the City's representative; and approved an additional appropriation in an amount not -to -exceed $117,000 for this project. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Omnitrans Pass Distributor Sales Agreement On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the Pass Distributor Sales Agreement with Omnitrans for the distribution of transit passes to senior citizens 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 Pass Distributor Sales Agreement with Omnitrans for the distribution of transit passes to senior citizens. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed CC_SA_March 7, 2023 Page 4 Request to Consume Alcohol at Israel Beal Park On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the request for the consumption of alcoholic beverages within a City park during Kobi Fletcher's Wedding 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 request for the consumption of alcoholic beverages at Kobi Fletcher's Wedding to be held on March 17, 2023. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Police Vehicle Equipment On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, the sole source purchase of equipment from West Coast Lights and Sirens to outfit 25 police vehicles for an amount not to exceed $177,046.80. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Art Piece Donation On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, to accept the donation of the painted steel art piece Peloton Takes the Curve, from and by artist Kathleen King -Page; and directed staff to install the sculpture in Simonds Parkway. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed COMMUNICATIONS Municipal Utilities/Public Works Commission Annual Report Commissioner Adekunle Ojo presented the Annual Report of the Municipal Utilities/Public Works Commission, adding it was a very busy year for the Commission. Accomplishments included project review of Pavement Management Program, WWTP Improvement — Phase 1B Completed, Water Systems & Wastewater System Master Plan Updates, Groundwater Well & Booster Pump Rehabilitation, Waterline Replacement, Wastewater Replacement & Slip -Lining, Water System SCADA Expansion, Citywide Water Meter Replacement and Sidewalk/ADA Ramp Replacement. He highlighted a few of the goals planned for next year, including, Transition to WWTP Improvement Project — Phase 2, Implement Utility Planning Document Project recommendations and continued review of Groundwater Well Rehabilitation Project. Cultural Arts Commission Annual Report CC_SA_March 7, 2023 Page 5 Vice Chair Daniel Gohman provided the Annual Report of the Cultural Arts Commission, reviewing the Commission's Mission and Initiatives, which included efforts to promote public interest in the Arts, recommending new art programs, recommending policies to encourage, develop, and support the Arts in Redlands and advising the Council on the City's Art in Public Places program. Art initiatives and special projects include murals, public art, Art on Loan program, public & private developments, meetings with the planning, parks and recreation commissions, collaborating with local non -profits to increase cultural arts in Redlands, presentation to Redlands Art Association and collaborating with RUSD and Redlands University. One project under consideration was to establish an art gallery at the new City Hall to increase access to the arts, and he said the Commission desired to increase the number of murals located on the north side of town to promote a deeper sense of community. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Annual Report Commissioner Justin Weekley presented the Annual Report of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, highlighting activities and accomplishments for the year. These included a thorough review and reimagining of the Morning Market program, continued oversight of the Joslyn Senior Center Rehabilitation project, field allocations for spring and fall and onsite park tours to develop a list of recommendations for improving the parks. Looking ahead, he said the Commission was exploring installing a BMX pump track, considering adding murals within the Community Center and was excited to work with the Cultural Arts Commission to develop a mural project at the skate park. Resolution No. 8451 City Council Dress Standards Mayor Tejeda opened the discussion regarding Resolution No. 8451, relating to the dress standards for City Council and explained that currently there were no formal policies or regulations governing attire. City Attorney Abich Garcia clarified the decision to establish standards was within the Council's discretion to approve, but she added that standards can be difficult to enforce. As public comment, Rudi Whitmore and Jenn Kim were opposed to establishing a dress code, thought it unnecessary and stated that what an elected official chooses to wear has no bearing on their leadership abilities. Dennis Bell said this discussion was a waste of the Council's time. Kenneth Ford pointed out that what people wear can play a role in how they are perceived by others. A lengthy dialogue provided an opportunity for Council Members to offer their thoughts and perspectives concerning dress standards in general and it was agreed there was no need to take action on this matter. They determined that what each one chose to wear was completely their own decision. On motion of Mayor Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously agreed, by roll call vote, to take no action on Resolution No. 8451 related to the Dress Standards for City Council. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed NEW BUSINESS CC_SA_March 7, 2023 Page 6 Ordinance No. 2956 Non -Electric Vehicle Parking Prohibitions Interim Chief Tolber reviewed Ordinance No. 2956 adding Chapter 10.70 to the Redlands Municipal Code to Prohibit Non -Electric Vehicles from Parking in Designated Electric Vehicle Charging Spots. Since the opening of the parking garage located at 250 W. Stuart Avenue, there has been an increasing problem with non -electric vehicles parking in designated charging spaces for electric vehicles. The City does not currently have a municipal code to enforce this issue, and with the increase in electric vehicle charging stations, it is necessary to have a municipal code that can be used to enforce this violation. As public comment, Andrew Hartzell supported the new regulations. On motion of Mayor Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, the City Council unanimously introduced, by roll call vote, Ordinance No. 2956 adding Chapter 10.70 to the Redlands Municipal Code to prohibit non -electric vehicles from parking in designated electric vehicle charging spots. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Redlands Animal Shelter Response to Grand Jury Report Assistant City Manager Boatman provided background of the City's written response to the findings and recommendations included in the County of San Bernardino's Civil Grand Jury Report issued on December 16, 2022, regarding the Redlands Animal Shelter. In 2022, the San Bernardino Civil Grand Jury initiated an investigation of the Redlands Animal Shelter and as part of their investigation, Grand Jury members visited the Animal Shelter on July 1, 2022, and August 12, 2022. On December 16, 2022, the San Bernardino Civil Grand Jury issued its report regarding the Redlands Animal Shelter. The City is required to submit a written response, approved by City Council at a public meeting, within 90 days, with the final submission due by March 16, 2023. On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the written response to the County of San Bernardino's Civil Grand Jury Report issued on December 16, 2022, regarding the Redlands Animal Shelter; authorized the Mayor and City Manager to execute the response; and directed staff to submit by March 16, 2023, as required by Penal Code Section 933.05. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Lugonia Citrus Grove Replanting Assistant City Manager Boatman detailed an Agreement with Mariposa Landscapes, Inc. for an irrigation system installation, and replanting of Lugonia Citrus Grove and the removal of the existing citrus trees with Washburn Grove Management and a purchase order with Gless Ranch Nursery for the purchase of 2,500 Washington Navel orange trees. The Redlands Fire Department identified one acre of Lugonia Grove as an ideal location for a future Fire Station located at the corner of Lugonia Avenue and Judson Street, as a way to reduce response times. The Citrus Preservation Commission recommended reserving approximately 1 acre of Lugonia CC_SA_March 7, 2023 Page 7 Grove for use as a future fire station site and in exchange, the city would identify 1 acre within existing grove properties to supplant the lost acreage. Council Member Saucedo supported the proposal to locate a future fire station in this area, and he and Mayor Tejeda stressed the importance of informing the neighborhood and the general public so they will fully understand the timing of the project. On motion of Council Member Mario Saucedo, seconded by Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that the project is categorically exempt from environmental review in accordance with Section 15304 of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; approved an Agreement with Mariposa Landscapes, Inc. for the installation of a new irrigation system and replanting of Lugonia Citrus Grove for an amount not to exceed $105,100; approved a sole source purchase order with Washburn Grove Management for the removal of the existing citrus trees at Lugonia Grove for an amount not to exceed $59,400; approved a sole source purchase order with Gless Ranch Nursery for the purchase of 2,500 Washington Navel orange trees for an amount not to exceed $42,500; and approved the additional appropriation and re -allocation of funds from the Agricultural Open Space-Acquisition/Conservation Easement category of the Nevada Palmetto Grove sale proceeds in the amount of $227,700. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Contract Award Prospect Park Lighting Upgrades Project Assistant City Manager Boatman discussed the Public Works Contract with VT Electric, Inc. for an amount not -to -exceed $471,975 for the Prospect Park Lighting Upgrades Project. The Friends of Prospect Park (FOPP) generously provided funding for this project through a monetary donation to the City in the amount of $363,000. The FOPP stated, "this project will replace the existing obsolete and inoperable lighting with a modern energy -efficient lighting system. The new system will substantially enhance the safety of the park and will greatly enhance the aesthetic of the park while saving the city approximately 30% of the current operating costs". As public comment, Andrew Hartzell, of FOPP, was pleased to deliver a check to the City in the amount of $363,000 that is earmarked for the improvements. Richard O'Donnell thought that Measure T funds should be utilized to fund the project and not the FOPP donation. He said the donation would be better suited for park enhancements and not basic infrastructure needs. On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the public works contract with VT Electric, Inc. for the Prospect Park Lighting Upgrades Project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15303(d) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; accepted the monetary donation in the amount of $363,000 from the Friends of Prospect Park for construction of the project and approved an additional appropriation of the same; designated $156,172.50 from the Unappropriated Funds within the Parks and Recreation category of the Nevada Palmetto Grove Proceeds to the Prospect Park Lighting Upgrades Project and appropriated $519,172.50 as detailed in the staff report; and approved an award of the public works construction contract to VT Electric, Inc. in the amount of $471,975.00 for the Prospect Park Lighting Upgrades Project No. FCS11012022JN. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed CC_SA_March 7, 2023 Page 8 COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES Council Member Saucedo reported he participated in putting together boxes of dry goods and food to help those trapped in the local mountain communities. He stressed the critical need for updating disaster preparedness plans to be better prepared for all emergencies. ADJOURNMENT There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 8:21 P.M. The next regular meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on March 21, 2023. SUCCESSOR AGENCY OF THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF REDLANDS Chairman 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 Successor Agency. PUBLIC COMMENT None forthcoming CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes On motion of Board Member Davis, seconded by Chairman Tejeda, the minutes of the regular meeting of February 7, 2023 were unanimously approved by roll call vote. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Resolution No. 493 Delegating Investment Authority On motion of Board Member Davis, seconded by Chairman Tejeda, Resolution No. 493, delegating investment authority to the City Treasurer pursuant to Government Code Section 53607, was unanimously approved by roll call vote. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Successor Agency Board of Directors' meeting was adjourned at 8:22 P.M. The next regular meeting of the Agency will be held on April 4, 2023. CC_SA_March 7, 2023 Page 9