HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023_05_02 - 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, m
May 2, 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. He announced that due to child care needs that
preclude in -person attendance at the meeting, Council Member Denise Davis has chosen to
attend tonight's City Council meeting via teleconference under AB 2449 "Just Cause". This is
the first of two allowable Just Cause exceptions under AB 2449.
The Mayor offered the public an opportunity to provide comment on any item on the agenda for
the closed session and comments could be presented in -person, via Zoom, via cell phone or
landline.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None forthcoming
CLOSED SESSION
Conference with legal counsel: Existing Litigation - Government Code §54956.9(d)(1)
(City Attorney Abich Garcia)
One Case:
a. Davis v. City of Redlands, et al., San Bernardino Superior Court, Case No.
CIVSB2132368
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The meeting reconvened at 6:00 P.M. with an invocation by Council Member Guzman -Lowery
and an announcement with great sadness and sorrow, that City Treasurer Robert Dawes had
passed away last weekend. The pledge of allegiance to the American flag was conducted by the
Aztec Harmonies Honor Choir of Arroyo Verde Elementary School.
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CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney 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 "Sandy", an eight -year -old female German Shepherd mix who is available for
adoption, along with thirty-nine other dogs and seventeen cats at the Redlands Animal Shelter.
Ms. Kroeger informed the Council there had been twenty-one dogs adopted in April 2023.
Proclamation 125th Anniversary A.K. Smiley Public Library
Mayor Pro Tem Barich presented a Proclamation recognizing the 125th Anniversary of A.K.
Smiley Public Library to Board President Bill Hatfield, Board Members Kate Pretorius and
Rosa Gomez, Library Director Don McCue, Library Archivist Nathan Gonzalez and Library
Clerk Monica Kalapaca.
Proclamation National Salvation Army Week
Council Member Saucedo presented a Proclamation recognizing May 15-21, 2023, as National
Salvation Army Week in the City of Redlands to Mike Delgado and Naomi Goforth.
PUBLIC COMMENT
HRC Sponsored Health Fair - Chairperson Kenneth Ford invited everyone to attend a health
fair sponsored by the Human Relations Commission scheduled for May 20, 2023, 9-2:00 P.M.
at Texonia Park.
Teamsters Support - Rich Smith, representing the Teamsters Local 1932, was disappointed
that during bargaining unit negotiations, the City Council appeared to be resisting change, and
he added that excuses such as "we do it this way because it has always been done this way"
was not acceptable. Several Teamsters were present in the Chambers with many more outside
showing their support of unions.
AAPI Month - Dr. Sam Wong encouraged the Council to recognize Asian American Pacific
Islanders and their heritage in the month of May 2023.
Lack of Housing - Robert Garrity stated there was a lack of housing in Redlands and he urged
the Council to support projects intended to fill the need.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes
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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 April 18, 2023.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Proclamation National Salvation Army Week
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 recognizing May 15-21, 2023, as National Salvation Army Week in the City of
Redlands.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Proclamation Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Mayor Tejeda presented a Proclamation declaring May 2023, as Asian American Pacific
Islander Heritage Month to Dr. Sam Wong.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Mario Saucedo,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation
declaring May 2023, as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Proclamation 125th Anniversary A.K. Smiley Public Library
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 recognizing the 125th Anniversary of the Gifting of A.K. Smiley Public Library.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8452 Destruction of Public Records
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. 8452 approving the destruction of certain public records in the City Manager's Office.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8441 Destruction of Public Records
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.
8441 approving the destruction of certain public records in the Human Resources/Risk
Management Division.
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Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8465 Destruction of Public Records
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.
8465 approving the destruction of certain public records in Management Services/Finance
Department.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Officer De -Escalation Training
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 sole source
purchase of an Apex Officer Pro Training Simulator and Apex Officer X2 Hardware Upgrade
from Govred Technology, Inc. in the amount of $73,406.25 for officer de-escalation training.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8434 Annual SLD and LMD Assessments
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.
8434 initiating proceedings to continue levying assessments, appointing an assessment engineer,
and ordering the preparation of the Engineer's Reports for Street Lighting District No. 1 and
Landscape Maintenance District No.1.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Emergency Operations Center Furniture PO
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, a purchase order
with Watson Furniture Group for the Emergency Operations Center office reconfiguration in
the amount of $115,623.87 through master cooperative agreement No. 00318.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Facility Use Agreement Redlands Theatre Festival
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 Facility Use Agreement with Redlands Theatre Festival is exempt from environmental
review pursuant to Section 15061 (b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California
Environmental Quality Act Guidelines; and approved the Facility Use Agreement with
Redlands Theatre Festival for use of the Sewall Theatre within Prospect Park.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
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Automated Refuse, Recycling, Green Waste & Organic Waste Collection
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 agreement for the provision of the rerouting and route optimization of residential automated
refuse, recycling, green waste, and organic waste curbside collection and commercial recycling
routes with RouteSmart Technologies is exempt from further environmental review pursuant to
Section 15061(b)(3) of the state's guidelines implementing the California Environmental
Quality Act; and approved an agreement with RouteSmart Technologies for the Rerouting and
Route Optimization of residential automated refuse, recycling, green waste, and organic waste
curbside collection and commercial recycling routes for the amount of $97,380.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Redlands Festival of Arts Event
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 Redlands Festival of Arts event is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant
to Section 15061 (b)(3) of the state's guidelines implementing the California Environmental
Quality Act; approved the request by the Redlands Arts Festival, Inc. to hold the Redlands
Festival of Arts event on May 27-28, 2023, authorized the sale and consumption of alcoholic
beverages during the event and the expenditure of City resources and in -kind support in the
amount of $4,363; and authorized the closure of 4th Street and Eureka Street from 10:00 a.m.
on May 27, 2023, through 5:00 p.m. on May 28, 2023.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Orange Street Alley Park Umbrellas
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 the aging
inventory of umbrellas within the Orange Street Alley Park is surplus property; and approved
the donation of surplus Orange Street alley umbrellas to the Redlands Visitor Center.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Vehicle Lease Agreement Toyota of Redlands
Staff requested this item be removed from the agenda, to be considered at a future City Council
meeting.
COMMUNICATIONS
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WWTP Awards Recognition
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris was proud to announce Wastewater
Treatment Plant employees and the facility itself received 2023 California Water Environment
Association Santa Ana River Basin awards during the annual CWEA SARBS banquet held at
Disneyland. MUED employees were recognized for their outstanding professional
achievements. Employees included, Jung Park, Laboratory Manager, Supervisor of the Year,
Ivan Pedraza, Laboratory Analyst, Laboratory Person of the Year, Karla Siordia, Laboratory
Analyst, Laboratory Person of the Year and Shannon Simmers, Regulatory Compliance
Officer. Additionally, the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant was recognized as the CWEA
SARBS Wastewater Treatment Plant of the Year.
2023 Regional SCAG Conference Voting Delegate
Mayor Tejeda opened the discussion to consider designating a Voting Delegate to represent
the City at the 2023 Regional Conference of the Southern California Association of
Governments (SCAG) and General Assembly. As public comment, Greg Brittain voiced
concerns that SCAG's authority had grown too powerful, and he urged the delegates to vote to
preserve the City's way of life and to avoid limiting housing.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise
Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, to designate Council Member
Mario Saucedo to serve as the voting delegate and Mayor Pro Tem Barich to serve as the
alternate voting delegate at the 2023 Regional Conference of the Southern California
Association of Governments (SCAG).
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Resolution. No. 8464 - Street Vacation No. 189
Mayor Tejeda declared the meeting open as a public hearing and called on Principal Planner
Sean Reilly for a review of Resolution. No. 8464, Street Vacation No. 189, to consider a
request to vacate a portion of excess street right-of-way that is 30 feet in width and
approximately 927 feet in length, and totaling approximately 27,805 square feet in area,
located on the north side of Edgemont Drive along the property frontages of 212 and 226
Edgemont Drive. The Applicant, Aysar Helo, explained that authorizing the street vacation
would remove the right-of-way from his property. One written comment was received from
Steve Rogers, who objected to the Council approving the vacation without the appropriate
review and oversight of the City Engineer. With no further discussion, the Mayor closed the
public hearing.
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On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Mario
Saucedo, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8464 to
vacate a portion of excess street right-of-way (Street Vacation No. 189) that is 30 feet in width
and approximately 927 feet in length, and totaling approximately 27,805 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). The 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. 8471 HSPC Decision Appeal
Mayor Tejeda declared the meeting open as a public hearing and called on Principal Planner
Sean Reilly for a detailed report on an Appeal of the Historic and Scenic Preservation
Commission's decision to deny Demolition Permit No. 357, related to a request to demolish a
2,794 square foot single family dwelling over 50 years of age located at 130 Sierra Vista Drive
by Bryan and Celina McKernan. Consultants Alexandra Perlman and John LoCascio,
of Historic Resources Group (HRG), identified the methods they used to perform the integrity
analysis and examine the property. It was determined that the home was not eligible for
inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historical
Resources, and not eligible for designation as a City of Redlands Historic Landmark or
Historic Resource. The property had undergone substantial alterations and no longer retained
sufficient integrity to convey any potential significance under the required criteria to be
eligible for listing. A peer review, performed by ECORPS, concurred with HRG's conclusions.
Appellant Celina McKernan expressed disappointment with the Historic and Scenic
Preservation Commission (HSPC) decision to deny the demolition and reminded everyone the
subject property was currently not recorded in the City's list of local historic resources.
As public comment, Kathleen Beall and John P Beall passionately spoke of the unique aspects
of this mid-century modern house and its architect, Clare Henry Day. They recently submitted
an application, along with other appropriate documents, to nominate 130 Sierra Vista for
inclusion on the Local Historic Resource List and it was their opinion that property rights
were not an issue because no property was being taken away from the owners. They reminded
everyone that demolitions were permanent actions. City Attorney Garcia clarified the
nomination paperwork was an application to add the property to the Resource List and would
not pause any actions related to the property at this time. Six written comments were received,
with four requesting the Council deny the appeal, one requesting approval of the appeal and
one requesting the Council consider sending this back to the HSPC. As rebuttal, Morgan
Gallagher, representing Bryan and Celina McKernan, urged the Council to consider the
experts who evaluated the property, with both consultants coming to the same conclusion.
Mayor Tejeda closed the public hearing.
Council Members agreed this was a tough decision to make. Several comments were raised
and discussed, including the merits of the two consultant's reports that were in opposition to
the opinions of the H&SP Commissioners, the guidelines as spelled out in the Municipal Code
and a suggestion from Mayor Tejeda to preserve the home by soliciting a buyer who could
move the property to another location.
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On motion of Council Member Mario Saucedo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich,
the City Council approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8471 to uphold the appeal and
reverse the Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission's decision to deny Demolition Permit
No. 357 and to approve Demolition Permit No. 357, to demolish a 2,794 square foot single
family dwelling over 50 years of age located at 130 Sierra Vista Drive (APN:
0176-173-09-0000).
Vote: 3 - 2 Passed
NAY: Council Member Denise Davis
Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery
NEW BUSINESS
ESRI Enterprise License Agreement
Claudia Caceres, GIS Supervisor, explained the need for the Enterprise License Agreement
with Esri for mapping software and services for a period of three years in the amount
not -to -exceed $273,409.
On motion of Council Member Mario Saucedo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the Enterprise License Agreement
with Esri for a period of 3 years at an amount not -to -exceed $273,409 for mapping software and
services.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8439 Flag Display Policy
City Attorney Abich Garcia provided a timeline and background of the request to amend 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 explained the First Amendment
does not require the government to allow all speech on city property and she reviewed the
U.S. Supreme Court decision acknowledging that when the government has a clear policy and
guidelines, the government may advance its own speech without requiring viewpoint
neutrality when the government itself is the speaker, so long as the government speech does
not show religious preference or encourage a certain vote in an election.
As public comment, twenty-two people supported amending the existing policy to allow the
Pride flag to fly in the month of June, as a visible sign that the City supports and protects
marginalized groups and is committed to creating a safe and welcoming community for all.
Eight people were opposed to flying the Pride flag and thought the change in policy was
divisive, showing a preference for one group over another. They recommended the City retain
its current flag display policy authorizing only the US, state, local and MIA/POW to fly on
City poles.
Each Council Member offered their perspectives on the matter. Council Members Davis and
Guzman -Lowery were in support of amending the policy and noted that the Pride flag was
already being flown at the state level and on some federal sites and this action would put
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Redlands in alignment with the City's Strategic Plan, promoting diversity, equity and
inclusion. Council Member Saucedo said the US flag already promoted inclusivity,
representing all people. Furthermore, he supported the LGBTQ+ community and was in favor
of anyone who chose to fly the Pride flag on their own private property. Mayor Pro Tem
Barich was uncomfortable giving preference to one group over another. Mayor Tejeda was
concerned about the Supreme Court decision and was worried that approving the policy might
handcuff future city councils. He said there was no guarantee future council members would
support this. Council Members were appreciative of all the speakers who took the time to
address the Council.
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council failed to approve, by roll call vote, 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. With the motion
failing, Resolution No. 6633 will remain as the City display policy for flags, restricting the use
of city -owned flag poles to display only the U.S., State of California and City of Redlands flags
and the POW/MIA flag.
Vote: 2 - 3 Failed
NAY: Mayor Eddie Tejeda
Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich
Council Member Mario Saucedo
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Mayor Tejeda and Council Member Saucedo participated in the Community Day of Service.
Improvements to Israel Beal Park were quite significant.
Mayor Pro Tem Barich attended the Fire Department Promotion and Awards Ceremony. He
hosted the Mayor of Freemont, CA and provided a tour of Step Up in Redlands, showing off
the facility as an example of ways to deal with homelessness.
Council Member Davis was proud of the Redland Youth Council's efforts during the recent
resource fair held at Step Up in Redlands.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:48 P.M. in memory of City Treasurer Robert Dawes. Each Council
Member expressed their sympathy for the loss of such a great man, who served selflessly in so
many ways and touched the lives of us all. He will be greatly missed. The next regular meeting
of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on May 16, 2023.
SUCCESSOR AGENCY OF THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY
OF REDLANDS
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
Successor Agency.
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PUBLIC COMMENT
None forthcoming
Minutes
On motion of Vice Chair Barich, seconded by Board Member Saucedo, the minutes of the
regular meeting of April 4, 2023 were 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 9:49 P.M. The next regular meeting of the Agency will be held on June 6, 2023.
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