HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023_03_21 - RegularMINUTES
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35
Cajon Street, on March 21, 2023 at 5:00 P.M.
Present: Eddie Tejeda, Mayor
Paul Barich, Mayor Pro Tempore
Denise Davis, Council Member
Mario Saucedo, Council Member
Absent: Jenna Guzman -Lowery, 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; 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. 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 legal counsel: Existing Litigation - Government Code §54956.9(d)(1)
(City Attorney Garcia)
Three Cases:
a. City of Redlands v. Coyote Aviation, Inc., San Bernardino Superior Court, Case No.
LLTVA2200544
b. Allen v. City of Redlands, San Bernardino Superior Court, Case No. CIVDS 1908766
c. Alvarado-Salcido v. City of Redlands, et al., San Bernardino Superior Court, Case No.
CIVSB2218452
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Conference with real property negotiators - Government Code §54956.8
(Assistant City Manager Boatman)
Property: 204 E. Redlands Blvd (APN 0171-071-08-0000); 180 Ninth Street (APN
0171-088-06-0000, APN 0171-088-07-0000); 160 Ninth Street (APN
0171-088-05-0000)
Agency Charles M. Duggan, Jr. City Manager; Chris Boatman, Assistant City Manager
Negotiators:
Negotiating Lance Lenhert, Redlands Community Investment Group
Party:
Under Terms of payment and price of possible purchase of property by City
Negotiation:
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The meeting reconvened at 6:00 P.M. with an invocation by Council Member Saucedo followed by the
pledge of allegiance to the American flag.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Garcia announced that no reportable action was taken during the closed session.
PRESENTATIONS
Cesar E. Chavez Day Proclamation
Council Member Saucedo presented a Proclamation declaring March 31, 2023 as Cesar E. Chavez Day
in the City of Redlands to Jerry Coyazo, and the Hispanic Caucus Teamster Local No. 1932.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Climate Action Plan Update - Richard Corneille, representing Accelerate Neighborhood Climate
Action (ANCA) recommended it was time for the Council to review and update the City's Climate
Action Plan, approved over five years ago in December of 2017.
Teamsters Support - Seventeen City employees briefly introduced themselves to the City Council,
explaining they proudly represented the Teamsters Local 1932 Redlands Chapter. One hundred
additional Teamsters were present in the Chambers in support of those who spoke: Julian Gonzalez,
Andy Velasquez, Christopher Luis, Shari Haynes, Laura Loubriel, Jasmine Orozco Clark, Richard
Vargas, John Coyazo, Ignacio Luis, Gregory Mishodek, Rob Briceno, Marcos Salis, Edgar Reyes,
Sammy Moreno, Royal Sorrell, Mario Monreal and Conrad Calbes.
CONSENT CALENDAR
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Minutes
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council approved, by roll call vote, the regular meeting minutes of March 7, 2023, and the
special meeting minutes of March 13, 2023.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Proclamation Cesar E. Chavez Day
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation declaring March 31, 2023,
as Cesar E. Chavez Day.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Street Tree Committee Appointment
As public comment, Andy Hoder requested the City consider revising the policy related to filling
vacancies on Commissions, Boards and Committees.
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, the
City Council appointed, by roll call vote, Katherine Vienne to serve the remainder of a four-year
term on the Street Tree Committee ending February 16, 2027.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Airport Advisory Board Appointment
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously appointed, by roll call vote, Dennis Nodine to serve the remainder of
a four-year term on the Airport Advisory Board ending May 1, 2025.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Ordinance No. 2956 EV Parking
Interim Chief Tolber explained that Ordinance No. 2956 would provide the Police Department
with the means to enforce and prohibit non -electric vehicles from parking in designated electric
vehicle charging spots. As public comment, Joshua David Hall complained that electric vehicles
were not good for the planet and emit more pollution than standard vehicles.
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mario Saucedo, the
City Council adopted, 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.
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Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Fire Service Instruction Training
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council approved, by roll call vote, the Inter -Agency Instruction Services Agreement with the
San Bernardino Community College District for Fire Service Instruction Training by the Redlands
Fire Department at the Crafton Hills College site for a five-year term beginning July 1, 2023, to
June 30, 2028.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8450 Intent to Vacate
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. 8450, declaring its intention
to vacate a portion of Reservoir Road, consisting of approximately 1,317 linear feet of public
right-of-way, adjacent to the frontage of the vacant parcel located at the northwest corner of
Reservoir Road and Wabash Avenue (APN: 0174-281-13-0000) as submitted by property owner
Terracina Recovery, LLC. The proposed vacation of public right-of-way is exempt from
environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act
Guidelines.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
SB County Cooperative Agreement Amendment
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council determined, by roll call vote, that approval of Amendment No. 1 to the Cooperative
Agreement with the County of San Bernardino for paving rehabilitation work is exempt from
environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's Guidelines implementing the
California Environmental Quality Act; and approved Amendment No. 1 to the Cooperative
Agreement with the County of San Bernardino for paving rehabilitation work. Amendment No. 1
will increase the City's cost share obligation from $80,000 to $176,250, which includes $35,250
that will only be expended if additional unanticipated project costs arise. Based on recent
construction cost trends, staff agrees that this increase is reasonable and necessary to ensure these
City street rights -of -way are appropriately maintained.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Homeland Security Grant Program Funding Award
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council accepted, by roll call vote, the 2020 Homeland Security Grant Program Funding
award in the amount of $21,209 for the purchase of mobile radios; and authorized an additional
appropriation for the same.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
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Resolution No. 8432 Surplus Lands Annual Report
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8432 to receive an annual report of City of
Redlands surplus lands; and determined that approval of the Resolution is exempt from
environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's Guidelines implementing the
California Environmental Quality Act.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Redlands Bicycle Classic In -Kind Request
Assistant City Manager Boatman introduced a request for in -kind support related to the Redlands
Bicycle Classic event hosted by the Redlands Bicycle Classic Inc. to be held on April 14 through
April 16, 2023. As public comment, Dennis Bell stated this in -kind request of $92,524 should not
be on the Consent Calendar, the excessively large request should not be granted and the
attendance numbers in the staff report were inflated. Debbie Kitchen expressed her support of the
Classic, adding the event brought tremendous value to the City by drawing large crowds of
people, filling hotels and restaurants throughout the town. Mayor Pro Tem Barich pointed out the
City benefits from the collection of the Transient Occupancy Tax as a source of revenue, as well.
On motion of Council Member Mario Saucedo, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council determined, by roll call vote, the authorization for the sale and consumption of
alcoholic beverages during the Redlands Bicycle Classic to be held April 14 through April 16,
2023, is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061 (b)(3) of the
State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; authorized and
approved a request for in -kind support in the amount of $92,524 related to this event; authorized
the temporary street closures related to the event; and authorized the sale and consumption of
alcoholic beverages during The Redlands Bicycle Classic event to be held on April 14, 2023,
through April 16, 2023.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
MOU HumanGood
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council approved, by roll call vote, the Memoranda of Understanding between HumanGood
and the City of Redlands to provide preference for homeless elderly for certain units at Casa de la
Vista and Fern Lodge Senior apartments within the City of Redlands.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
COMMUNICATIONS
Library Board Annual Report
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Board President William Hatfield provided the annual report of the Library Board of Trustees
with an update of accomplishments, and he pointed out that providing a wide range of
entertainment and educational programming has become an increasingly important part of their
responsibilities. A partial list of activities included everything from computer literacy classes,
history lectures, and job hunt workshops, to K Pop polco parties, virtual reality sessions, and a
stuffed animal sleepover. In July, they began Smiley Live!, a series of monthly musical concerts
ranging from the blues to bluegrass, that has attracted a strong following. Four separate programs
were held to commemorate Black History Month, and the Library will again be taking part in the
city's recognition of Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. Adult literacy volunteer tutors were once
again able to provide one-on-one instruction to over eighty adult learners in the community.
Smiley Heritage Tours resumed their traditional bus tours of Redlands cultural sites for all RUSD
fourth graders. And he was proud to announce that to help chart their path forward, the Library
secured the services of MJ Gomez Associates to assist with developing a 5-year strategic plan for
the Library. He thanked the City for their support and gave special thanks to the great library staff,
who made this all possible.
Measure T Citizens' Oversight Committee Annual Report
Management Services/Finance Director Garcia introduced Chairperson Toni Momberger to
present the annual report of the Measure T Citizens' Oversight Committee. The Committee
provides oversight of Measure T sales tax revenue, and the Report covered the fiscal year
beginning July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. Actual Measure T revenues exceeded budget
primarily due to the conservative approach in budgeting major tax revenues to compensate for the
impact of the COVID19 pandemic and general economic recovery. The passage of Measure T has
continued to stabilize the City budget and allowed the City to deliver on the expectations and
desires of our community. This includes efforts towards enhanced services in public safety and
infrastructure maintenance, as well as bringing back Library hours to pre-COVID levels and
restoring general maintenance contracts for park and street upkeep. Measure T has allowed for
significant investments in park improvements, fleet and heavy equipment replacement, and the
addition of staff to enhance service delivery.
On motion of Council Member Mario Saucedo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, the
City Council approved, by roll call vote, to receive and file the Annual Report from the Measure T
Citizens' Oversight Committee for FY 2021-22.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Water Conservation National Mayors Challenge
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris provided background on the National Mayors
Challenge and explained the Challenge was a Water Conservation campaign to engage residents
in water -saving activities. Participants make various water conservation pledges (i.e., taking
shorter showers, reducing lawn irrigation, etc.) and the cumulative annual water savings is
estimated. Cities "compete" within population categories nationwide and participants are eligible
for prizes. He encouraged everyone to sign up and participate.
NEW BUSINESS
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Purchase and Sale Agreement Sunset Reservoir Site
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris offered details of a Purchase and Sale
Agreement with Cathy Macknet, Mark Macknet, and Kenneth Macknet for the acquisition of
property located at the top of Sunset Drive and Helen Court for $1,400,000. The Macknet family
proposal offers a rare opportunity for the City to mitigate the impact of future drought conditions
by expanding water storage capacity at the City's second highest pressure zone. Purchasing these
parcels will allow a new reservoir to be constructed east of the Sunset Reservoir prior to
demolishing the existing reservoir, avoiding the need to install a temporary reservoir and reducing
construction costs by approximately $2.5M. Purchasing these parcels will also allow for
termination of the Lease Agreement resulting in an annual savings of $18,000.
On motion of Mayor Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, the City Council
determined, by roll call vote, that approval of a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Cathy Macknet,
Mark Macknet, and Kenneth Macknet for APN 0300-451-13-0000, APN 0300-451-14-0000, APN
0300-451-24-0000, and APN 0300-451-25-0000 for $1,400,000 is exempt from environmental
review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act; approved the
Purchase and Sale Agreement with Cathy Macknet, Mark Macknet, and Kenneth Macknet for the
acquisition of APN 0300-451-13-0000, APN 0300-451-14-0000, APN 0300-451-24-0000, and
APN 0300-451-25-0000 for $1,400,000; and authorized the Mayor to execute the contract
documents.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8439 Flag Display Policy
City Attorney Garcia reviewed Resolution No. 8439 amending the display policy for the United
States, State, local and other flags to authorize the flying of the Rainbow Pride Flag at City Hall in
the month of June. She addressed the importance of considering the First Amendment
implications of such an amendment. Under the "government speech doctrine", if the City has a
written policy with clear guidelines, it may select which flags it wishes to fly as an expression of
its own speech on city -owned flag poles, so long as the City does not endorse religion or
encourage a certain vote in an election. Currently, the City's Flag Display Policy only permits the
flying of the flags of the U.S., State of California, City of Redlands and the POW/MIA flag.
As public comment, Joshua David Hall, Andrea Ramirez, audience member Kelly and zoom
attendee "RH" voiced opposition to flying the Pride flag and, if approved, they thought the City
was excluding other groups and other communities from participating at this level. Ruth Cook,
Toni Momberger, Jennifer Kim and Dr. Traci Lowenthal urged the Council to authorize the Pride
flag be flown in June as a visible sign the City protects and supports the queer community.
Council Member Saucedo was concerned the new policy might create confusion and he thought
the City did not need to fly a flag to prove it was inclusive to all groups. Mayor Pro Tem Barich
was worried about setting the wrong precedent and potentially opening the door to other groups
demanding the City amend its policy to fly their flag. Council Member Davis stressed the
importance of creating a safe environment that promotes inclusivity and allows all members of the
community a place to feel welcome. Mayor Tejeda stated the new policy demonstrated the City's
support of the LGBTQ community, and he hoped that in the future, the City might consider
amending the policy to acknowledge other groups, such as members from the Hispanic, Black and
or Tribal communities. With a potential vote split evenly, Council Members agreed to continue
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the matter to the next regular meeting scheduled for April 4, 2023.
Ordinance No. 2922 Sidewalk Vendors
Assistant City Manager Boatman summarized Ordinance No. 2922 adding Chapter 12.45 and
amending Chapter 12.44 of the Redlands Municipal Code to establish regulations governing
sidewalk vendors within City limits and explained that in 2018, the State Legislature passed
Senate Bill 946 which prohibits cities from banning sidewalk vending outright or from otherwise
restricting sidewalk vendors in the public right-of-way and in public parks. In recent years, the
City has seen a trend in the operation of sidewalk vendors within City limits. Some vendors have
risked the health and safety of the public by creating traffic hazards and operating without
appropriate health or food handling permits. In April 2021, city staff prepared and drafted an
ordinance for the City Council's consideration that established regulations for such use. However,
the ordinance was never adopted. At the request of Mayor Tejeda, the ordinance for consideration
tonight, includes revisions and recommendations to the original draft.
As public comment, Andrea Ramirez requested the Council codify the proposed ordinance to
protect the public's health and safety and require vendors to comply with all state, county and city
regulations. David Friedman suggested the City may want to speak with representatives of the
Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice (ICIJ), an organization which provides advocacy and
serves the immigrant community. Council Members asked staff for clarification on certain points
related to enforcement and then offered their personal perspectives. Council Member Davis
thought having a conversation with the ICIJ could be useful and she pushed her colleagues to hold
off deciding on the matter tonight. Council Member Saucedo stated he supported the proposed
code to protect both the public and the vendor and provide the City with some local control.
On motion of Council Member Mario Saucedo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, the
City Council introduced, by roll call vote, Ordinance No. 2922 adding Chapter 12.45 and amending
Chapter 12.44 of the Redlands Municipal Code to establish regulations governing sidewalk vendors
within City limits and determine that the Ordinance is exempt from environmental review pursuant
to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality
Act.
Vote: 3 - 1 Passed
NAY: Council Member Denise Davis
Redlands Downtown Market
Assistant City Manager Boatman provided background of the Redlands Downtown Market,
explaining that the Market had shifted and was now offered on Saturday mornings, with an
opening on March 4, 2023, on State Street, between Orange Street and 7th Street. The opening
day included a farmers market, traditional vendors, food vendors, and family activities. After
business owners voiced concerns about the market, two informal meetings were held, allowing for
an open dialogue with the Mayor and city staff able to hear their feedback.
Different locations were presented as options to relocate the Downtown Market. The preferred
alternative would relocate the market to Citrus Avenue between Eureka Street and Orange Street,
and on Orange Street, between Citrus Avenue and State Street. Several benefits of this location
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were listed and included, parking on and adjacent to State Street would be reopened, farmers
market vendors would be located on Orange Street, traditional vendors would be located on Citrus
Avenue to minimize impacts to East State Street, and southbound traffic on Orange would be
diverted up E. State Street, thereby creating increased visibility to downtown businesses.
As public comment, Evan Sanford, representing the Chamber of Commerce, presented the results
of a survey conducted of Chamber members with the biggest challenge being lack of customer
and employee parking. Dennis Bell wondered why we even needed a market any longer. Market
vendors Dennis Chavez, Adrineh, Ian Trager and Rhonda preferred the State Street location and
urged the Council to give it more time before making any changes. Audience member Kelly
questioned why business owners were so upset about losing only three hours of their Saturday.
David Friedman and Tansu Phillip pointed out that having the market on State Street provided a
beautiful, inviting backdrop, well suited for families. Samantha Nicole, a downtown business
owner downtown, said she preferred Option 1 on Citrus Street.
Debbie Kitchen stated the purpose of the Market was to bring people downtown and to grow the
businesses, but the Saturday market takes away from the brick -and -mortar businesses. Esther
Jacobson of Ozel Jeweler said the business owners were opposed to a Saturday market on State
Street although they were willing to consider the Citrus location. Michael Eubanks, of Jacks Toys,
added that his Saturday morning business had been negatively impacted but his Saturday
afternoon sales had made up for the loss in the morning. Several vendors and business owners
thought it was just too soon to fully understand how the Market will impact businesses.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council agreed to take no action on relocating the Downtown Morning Market to Citrus
Avenue and Orange Street as described in the staff report, giving City staff more time to properly
evaluate the Market impacts. The Market will continue in its current location.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Due to the late hour, there were no Council Member reports presented.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 9:36 P.M. The next regular
meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on April 4, 2023.
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