HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023_04_04 - 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
Awil4, 2023 at 5:00 P.M.
Present: Eddie Tejeda, Mayor
Paul Barich, Mayor Pro Tempore
Jenna Guzman -Lowery, Council Member
Mario Saucedo, Council Member
Absent: Denise Davis, 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 announced there were no closed session matters
scheduled for the City Council to consider. The meeting was recessed at 5:00 P.M.
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Mayor Tejeda reconvened the meeting at 6:00 P.M. and announced that comments could be
presented in -person, via Zoom, via cell phone or landline. An invocation was provided by
Mayor Pro Tempore Barich. The pledge of allegiance to the American flag was conducted by
the Student Lighthouse Team of Bryn Mawr Elementary School.
PRESENTATIONS
Redlands Pet Adoption
Animal Services Supervisor Jodi Kroeger and Animal Services Officer Trevor Houser
introduced "Frankie", a five -year -old female Pit Bull mix who is available for adoption, along
with thirty-seven other dogs and eight cats at the Redlands Animal Shelter. Ms. Kroeger
informed the Council there had been twenty-nine dogs and five cats adopted in March 2023.
Teacher of Excellence Certificates
Mayor Tejeda presented Teacher of Excellence certificates to Ana Aguirre, Krista Burgess, and
Andrea Jessup of Redlands Unified School District. The Mayor noted that Jennifer Baldwin,
another recipient was unable to attend tonight's meeting.
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DMV/Donate Life California
Mayor Tejeda presented a Proclamation declaring the month of April 2023, as DMV/Donate
Life California to John and Susan VanCampen, representing One Legacy.
Dolores Huerta Day Proclamation
Council Member Saucedo presented a Proclamation recognizing Dolores Huerta Day to Connie
Aguirre, Dolores Cortez, Maria Pilar Lara, and Jessie Agnus Lara.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Teamsters Support- Rich Smith, representing the Teamsters Local 1932, stressed the
importance of treating all City bargaining units with respect and dignity during labor
negotiations. Over 100 additional City employees were present showing their support.
Pride Flag For and Against - Jay Zercher spoke in opposition to revising the current flag
policy and flying the pride flag in June as he thought this action would cause divisiveness and
discriminate against other groups. Tracy Wise and Felipe Albertao supported flying the Pride
Flag as a way to show that Redlands welcomes everyone.
Various Concerns - Dennis Bell announced A.K. Smiley Library was seeking public input for
the Library's 5-year strategic plan and he recommended everyone take the survey. He was
concerned about the workplace culture of the Redlands Police Department and he complained
that the Arrow Train had very low ridership.
Memorial Plaque - Tom Fontanes suggested the Council consider providing funds for a
memorial plaque at the Palm Springs Air Museum for Dr. Robert White, in memory of his
Distinguished Flying Cross.
Earth Day Support - Aaron Guest thanked the City and ANCA for their efforts in supporting
the goals of Earth Day.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the minutes of the regular
meeting of March 21, 2023.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Donate Life Month Proclamation
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation
declaring the month of April, 2023 as National Donate Life Month.
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Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Earth Day Proclamation
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation
declaring April 22, 2023, as Earth Day.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month Proclamation
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation
declaring the month of April 2023 as Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Dolores Huerta Day Proclamation
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation
declaring April 10, 2023, as Dolores Huerta Day.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Citizens' Measure T Oversight Committee Appointment
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council appointed, by roll call vote, Edward Millican (District 3) to
serve a two-year term on the Measure T Oversight Committee ending March 21, 2025.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Support Letter of AB 1000 Good Neighbor Policy
Assistant City Manager McConnell provided background on AB 1000 and requested the City
Council authorize Mayor Tejeda to sign a letter on behalf of the City of Redlands in support
of AB 1000 Good Neighbor Policy. As public comment, Dennis Bell thought the timing was
too late Jimmy Elrod of Southwest Carpenters Union, LIUNA (Laborers Union) members
Alex Zamora, Bill Quisenberry, Al Sanchez, Thomas Ruiz, Alex Artiaga, and Jose Garcia,
and Bill Blankenship of NAIOP Inland Empire opposed AB 1000 stating it was a job killer,
took away local control, was only recently proposed and needed more time for vetting. They
encouraged the City to take more time and consider all options, such as the new bill proposed
by Assemblymember Ramos.
Those in support of AB 1000 were Maria Rizvi, representing Assemblymember Eloise Reyes,
who sponsored the bill, Joquin Castillejos, Felipe Albertao and a member of ICIJ. They
questioned the merits of the Ramos Bill and pointed to the concerns of outdoor vendors who
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are suffering health impacts from working so closely to warehouses. Andy Hoder urged the
Council to seek a balance of protecting health and safety without losing sight of the economic
benefits of warehouses.
Council Members discussed their concerns, including how the bill might affect local control,
whether they should consider an alternative bill, AB 1748 as proposed by Assemblymember
James Ramos, the idea of tabling the item for a future date, the notion of community over
industry and questions surrounding the sustainability of warehouses.
On motion of Council Member Mario Saucedo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich,
the City Council, by roll call vote, authorized Mayor Tejeda to sign a letter on behalf of the
City in support of AB 1000 Good Neighbor Policy.
Vote: 2 - 2 Failed
NAY: Mayor Eddie Tejeda
Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery
Bid Rejection Water and Wastewater Laboratory Services
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council rejected, by roll call vote, all bids received for Water and
Wastewater Laboratory Services and directed staff to solicit new bids.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Emergency Resolution No. 8065 Report
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, to receive and file the report
regarding Emergency Resolution No. 8065 proclaiming the existence of a local emergency in
response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019).
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8455 Emergency Paramedic Services Special Tax
Fire Chief Sessler reviewed Resolution No. 8455 establishing the rate for the voter -approved
special tax for emergency paramedic services for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and that in 1985, the
voters approved this special tax assessment necessary to fund anticipated paramedic expenses,
provided the special tax rate does not exceed the maximum allowance limits as set forth in
Ordinance No. 1900. As public comment, Dennis Bell wondered how much of the General
Fund was being used to pay for this program and he recommended the City use Measure T
funds.
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On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8455
establishing the rate for the voter -approved special tax for emergency paramedic services for
Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8454 Intent to Vacate Street Right -of -Way
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8454 declaring
the City Council's intention to vacate excess street right-of-way (Street Vacation No. 189) that
is 30 feet in width and approximately 927 feet in length, and totaling approximately 28,805
square feet in area, located on the north side of Edgemont Drive along the property frontages of
212 and 226 Edgemont Drive (APNs: 0294-141-33-0000 and 0294-141-12-0000). This proposal
is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California
Environmental Quality Act Guidelines (Development Services Director Desatnik)
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8458 Outside City Utility Connection
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8458 for a new
connection to the City of Redlands water distribution system and sewer collection system at
1231 Ansley Lane in the unincorporated community of Mentone, Tract 13514, Lot 7, Outside
City Case No. 23-01; and determined that the Resolution is exempt from environmental review
pursuant to Sections 15303(a) and 15319(b) of the California Environment Quality Act (CEQA)
guidelines.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8456 Outside City Water Service Agreement
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8456 relating to
Pre -Annexation Agreement No. 23-01 for the provision of water service to a vacant lot for a
water connection and sewer connection for a proposed single-family residence on a vacant
parcel located at 1231 Ansley Lane in the unincorporated community of Mentone, (APN:
029-391-07-0000); and determined that approval of this resolution is exempt from
environmental review pursuant to Sections 15319 and 15303(d) of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
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Resolution No. 8459 Outside City Utility Connection
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8459 for a
new connection to the City of Redlands water distribution system and sewer collection
system at 1235 Ansley Lane in the unincorporated community of Mentone, Tract 13514,
Lot 8, Outside City Case No. 23-02; and determined that the Resolution is exempt from
environmental review pursuant to Sections 15303(a) and 15319(b) of the California
Environment Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8457 Outside City Water Service Agreement
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8457 relating
to Pre -Annexation Agreement No. 23-02 for the provision of water and sewer service to a
vacant lot for a proposed single-family residence on a vacant parcel located at 1235 Ansley
Lane in the unincorporated community of Mentone, (APN: 029-391-08-0000) and
determine that adoption of this Resolution is exempt from environmental review pursuant to
Sections 15319 and 15303(d) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
guidelines.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Support of AB 1708
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council authorized, by roll call vote, Mayor Tejeda to sign a
letter on behalf of the City of Redlands in support of AB 1708.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
COMMUNICATIONS
ANCA Earth Day Events
Mayor Tejeda introduced Richard Corneille, of Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action
(ANCA) who provided a timeline of activities planned in celebration of Saturday, April 22
Earth Day. This year the celebration is called "A Day of Climate Action in Redlands", and
will offer 30 projects throughout the community, including both hands-on and educational
activities. Mayor Tejeda encouraged everyone to participate in Earth Day activities and
presented a Proclamation in celebration of Earth Day to Mr. Corneille and Linda Richards.
NEW BUSINESS
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Ordinance No. 2922 Re -introduction Sidewalk Vending
Assistant City Manager Boatman summarized Ordinance No. 2922 to establish regulations
governing sidewalk vendors within City limits. He explained that on March 21, 2023, the
City Council approved the introduction of the ordinance of the City of Redlands adding
Chapter 12.45 and amending Chapter 12.44 to the Redlands Municipal Code. In 2018, the
California 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. Upon approval of the introduction of Ordinance No. 2922, staff
identified a few minor revisions and typos that are necessary for clarification of the new
ordinance.
In recent years, the city has seen a trend in the operation of sidewalk vendors within the 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. Currently, the
City's Municipal Code does not contain regulations for the operation of sidewalk vendors.
Speakers opposed to the ordinance included, Eddie Sanchez, Felipe Albertao, Lyzzeth
Mendoza, Neha Basu, Jessica Alocer, Yeni Ruiz, David Freidman, Tracy Wise, Alissa
Slaughter, Javier Hernandez, Ana Gonzales, Joquin Castillejos, and representatives from
Revolution Carts, Richard Gomez and Matt Geller. They focused on the benefits that
sidewalk vendors bring to a community, such as neighborhood vitality, economic value and
safer streets. They urged the Council to table the matter and take more time to thoroughly
examine the proposed recommendations as submitted by Maribel Nunez from Inland Equity
Community Land Trust and in partnership with Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice.
Andrea Ramirez questioned the need to re -introduce this item, supported the ordinance, as
is, and thought it necessary to protect the public's health and safety and require vendors to
comply with all state, county and city regulations. Through a lengthy Council Member
discussion, the merits of the ordinance were debated. Mayor Pro Tem Barich and Council
Member Guzman -Lowery agreed to meet as an ad hoc committee, study the
recommendations as submitted by Mirable Nunez and report back to the Council.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Mario
Saucedo, the City Council agreed, by roll call vote, to delay the vote on the matter and
authorized Mayor Pro Tem Barich and Council Member Guzman -Lowery to meet as an ad
hoc committee to review the recommendations as provided by Maribel Nunez of the Inland
Equity Community Land Trust and in partnership with ICIJ Coalition and report back to the
City Council in May 2023.
Vote: 3 - 1 Passed
NAY: Mayor Eddie Tejeda
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Resolution No. 8460 National Opioids Settlement Agreements
City Attorney Abich Garcia presented Resolution No. 8460 regarding approval of National
Opioids Settlement Agreements with Allergan, CVS, Teva, Walgreens, and Walmart. The
resolution would authorize the City to participate in the national settlements with the
Settling Defendants on the terms and conditions of those settlement agreements. On April
5, 2022, the City Council approved an agreement with San Bernardino County to
reallocate Redlands' portion of the settlement proceeds to be used by the County for its
county -wide opioid remediation programs. These settlements, if agreed and adopted, will
provide substantial funds to states and subdivisions for abatement of the opioid epidemic
across the country and will impose changes in the way the Settling Defendants conduct
their business with regard to the distribution of opioid medications.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8460
authorizing the City to participate in the national settlements with the Settling Defendants
on the terms and conditions of those settlement agreements; and authorized the City
Manager to execute the referenced settlement agreements.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
PUBLIC HEARING
Ordinance No. 2955 Warehouse Projects Development & Operating Standards
Mayor Tejeda declared the meeting open as a public hearing and called on Brian Foote,
Planning Manager of Development Services, for a summary of Ordinance No. 2955 for
Ordinance Text Amendment No. 365 to amend Title 18 (Zoning Regulations) of the
Redlands Municipal Code to establish new development standards and operating standards
for warehouse development projects within the City. The proposed ordinance would
require a Conditional Use Permit for new warehouse development projects in Commercial
Manufacturing (C-M), Light Industrial (M-1), General Industrial (M-2), and Industrial
(I-P) zones. On February 21, 2023, the City Council held a public hearing, received public
comments, and discussed the proposed ordinance. Councilmembers suggested the
possibility of a prohibition on all new warehouse developments in the City, and continued
the matter so that staff could research the potential for a zoning code amendment. Staff
recommended it was not advisable to implement a total prohibition on new warehouse
development projects, as there are very few remaining large vacant lots in the City within
one mile of a freeway that could support the development of a new warehouse/distribution
center.
As public comment, Jimmy Elrod, of Southwest Carpenters Union, Bill Blankenship of
NAOP Inland Empire and Nicole Torstvet, Development Director of Prologis, all fully
supported the new standards and recommended the Council introduce the Ordinance
tonight. One written comment was received from Donald Weder, President of Seven W
enterprises, Inc., expressing confidence in the Council's decision. With no further
comment, Mayor Tejeda closed the public hearing. Each Council Member thanked the
staff for their efforts and echoed their support of the ordinance.
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On motion of Council Member Mario Saucedo, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council introduced, by roll call vote, Ordinance No. 2955 and
found that the Ordinance is exempt pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2), 15060(c)(3), and
15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Mayor Pro Tem Barich encouraged everyone to participate in the Earth Day activities on
April 22.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 9:07 P.M. The next regular
meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on April 18, 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
Minutes
On motion of Vice Chair Barich, seconded by Board Member Guzman -Lowery, the
minutes of the regular meeting of March 7, 2023 were unanimously approved, by roll call
vote.
Vote: 4 — 0 Passed (Board Member Davis Absent)
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Successor Agency Board of Directors' meeting was
adjourned at 9:08 P.M. The next regular meeting of the Agency will be held on May 2, 2023.
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