HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023_10_17 - RegularMINUTES
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35
Cajon Street, on October 17, 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; Phillip Doolittle, City Treasurer; 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, Police
Chief; Tabitha Crocker, Facilities and Community Services Director
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 Abich Garcia)
One Case:
a. Atkinson v. City of Redlands, et al., San Bernardino Superior Court, Case No. CIVSB2224706
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)
Agency Negotiators: Charles M. Duggan, City Manager; Christopher Boatman, Assistant
City Manager
Negotiating Party: Lance Lenhert, Redlands Community Investment Corporation
Under Negotiation: Terms of payment and price of possible purchase of property by the
City
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RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The meeting reconvened at 6:00 P.M. with an invocation by Mayor Tejeda 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
Proclamation Redlands Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Mayor Pro Tem Barich presented a Proclamation in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the
Dedication of the Redlands California Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to
Henk Fischer, President of the Redlands Stake, and Stephen Tyler.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Renaming Redlands Theatre Festival - Paul Blatchley again urged the Council to consider
renaming the Avice Meeker Sewall Theatre in honor of Cliff Cabanilla, who provided the vision,
tenacity and leadership to establish a repertory theatrical organization bringing 51 years of
entertainment to the lush surroundings of Prospect Park.
Drag Show - Joshua Hall, Pastor Heather Holley Baeumel, and Dale Broome, M.D. raised
concerns related to an upcoming event, sponsored by Stronger Together Now, celebrating
Hispanic and Latino culture at Ed Hales Park. They said the program advertised a 15-minute drag
queen show in the afternoon, and they strongly opposed this performance, thought the segment
should be cancelled and said it was not appropriate for young children. Kenneth Ford supported
the La Mas event and said it was important to show compassion rather than hatred when talking
about different lifestyles.
Voter Registration - Peter Hall said he thought that a large number of people were falsely
registered to vote in Redlands.
Various Concerns - Dennis Bell expressed frustration related to the Arrow Train and noted this
month marks the one-year anniversary. He questioned why no one seemed to be using the service
and thought the official ridership numbers were high. He wasn't impressed with the building at
300 E State Street slated as the new city hall, and said it was outdated.
Step Up in Redlands - Bradley Williams thanked the Council for converting the Good Nite Inn to
house the City's homeless community but was worried about the recent default notices served on
the property owners and the $2 million in liens filed. He asked if the City had a contingency plan
if financial woes continued to plague the owners.
Assistance for Those in Need - Paul Martinez wondered if there were resources to assist those in
need and especially for those who may not be homeless but still very much in need of help.
CONSENT CALENDAR
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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 October 3,
2023.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Proclamation 20-year Anniversary of Redlands LDS Temple
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 celebrating
the 20-year anniversary of the dedication of the Redlands California Temple of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8519 Classifying Food Waste Processing
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the
City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that the proposed action is categorically
exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act; and adopted Resolution No. 8519
approving Commission Determination No. 65, seeking classification of food waste processing as a
permitted use at existing composting recycling facilities in the Agricultural (A-1-20) zoning
district, including the specific facility at 13024 San Timoteo Canyon Road (APN:
0294-071-01-0000).
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Environmental Site Assessment Services Alabama Street Septage Disposal Ponds
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 a Professional Services
Agreement with Rincon Consultants, Inc. 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 Agreement with Rincon Consultants, Inc. for environmental site assessment services
at the Alabama Street Septage Disposal Ponds for an amount not -to -exceed $132,900.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Amend Agreement for Environmental Document Sunset Reservoir Site
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 First Amendment to
the Professional Services Agreement with Chambers Group, Inc. for the preparation of an
environmental document 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 Chambers Group, Inc. to extend the
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contract termination date to March 29, 2024 for the preparation of an environmental document for
the Sunset Reservoir site.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
PMP 2022 Street Resurfacing Project Time Extension
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 Matich Corporation for the PMP 2022 Street Resurfacing Project to extend the time
for completion by sixty-five (65) calendar days to December 16, 2023.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
2022 CIP Water Pipeline Replacement Project Time Extension
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 Tryco General Engineering for the 2022 CIP Water Pipeline Replacement Project to
extend the time for completion by sixty (60) calendar days ending December 13, 2023.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Kiwanis Christmas Parade In -Kind Support
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 request for the event
related to the Kiwanis Christmas Parade hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Redlands is exempt from
environmental review pursuant to Section 15311 of the State's guidelines implementing the
California Environmental Quality Act; authorized and approved a request for in -kind support in the
amount of $22,671; and authorized the temporary closure of East Citrus Avenue, 8th Street, Orange
Street, Eureka Street, West State Street, and Brookside Avenue, on December 2, 2023.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Revel Big Bear Marathon Event
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 request for the sale and
consumption of alcoholic beverages and temporary closure of East San Bernardino Avenue from
Dearborn Street to Wabash Avenue during the Revel Big Bear Marathon is exempt from
environmental review pursuant to Section 15311 of the State's guidelines implementing the
California Environmental Quality Act; and authorized the temporary closure of East San
Bernardino Avenue from Dearborn Street to Wabash Avenue and the request for the sale and
consumption of alcoholic beverages during the Revel Big Bear Marathon to be held on November
18, 2023.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
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Veterans Day Celebration Event In -Kind Support
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 request for the event in
Jennie Davis Park for the Redlands Veterans Day Celebration is exempt from environmental review
pursuant to Section 15311 of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental
Quality Act; authorized and approved a request for in -kind support in the amount of $18,266
relating to this event; authorized the temporary closure of E. Citrus Ave., Eureka St., W. State St.,
Center St., and Redlands Blvd., on November 11, 2023; and approved the request for the sale and
consumption of alcoholic beverages in Jennie Davis Park during the Redlands Veterans Day
Celebration to be held on November 11, 2023.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Shade Sail Replacements at City Parks
Staff requested this item be pulled from tonight's agenda. The item will be re-agendized for the City
Council meeting scheduled for November 7, 2023.
COMMUNICATIONS
San Bernardino Community College District
City Manager Duggan introduced Chancellor Diana Rodriguez of the San Bernardino Community
College District, who provided a presentation regarding the colleges' impact on the community.
Their mission is to open doors of opportunity for all and to educate, inform and inspire the Inland
Empire through various ways, such as KVCR, PBS, NPR, Inland Edition and FNX (First Nations
Experiences). She offered statistics about who they are, who they serve and she described the
inherent value and affordability factor when you compare costs of higher education and career
training with traditional 4-year colleges. The District encourages student community service and
has big future plans to offer more local career training.
Broadband Improvement Update
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris explained that on August 22, 2023, the City
Council reviewed projects and program priorities. That discussion resulted in a list that identified
seven primary priorities, one of which was Broadband improvement in underserved areas of the
City. He summarized research regarding broadband coverage and whether potential improvements
could be made. He defined different ways in which data is transmitted, such as fiber optics,
wireless and cable and satellite. He showed maps that reflected the City's coverage, indicating that
fixed broadband is available through several providers throughout the entire city with monthly
prices from $50 to $150 depending on data transfer speed. He identified underserved areas to
show that most of those are either outside the city limits, orange groves/open space areas, or
undeveloped tracts. In summary, he said the City is extremely well covered at this time. He
added he may have additional information to bring to the Council in the future regarding topics,
such as possible funding opportunities. Council Member Guzman -Lowery thanked him for the
informative report.
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League of California Cities Annual Conference Report
Council Member Davis reported on her attendance at the 2023 League of California Cities Annual
Conference and Expo event held in Sacramento and said it was her pleasure to represent the City
on Thursday, September 21. She found the Keynote Address with Brandon Fleming very
inspirational. Other courses she enjoyed included: "Stop Hate: How Local Elected Officials Can
Combat Rising Hate Crimes and Hate Speech; LGBTQ Caucus and was happy to announce she
was elected to the Board; Building Relationships Between Police Departments and the
Community; and Women's Caucus Reception. Overall, she said it was a great day.
Council Policy to Add Items to Agenda
Council Member Davis opened the discussion to consider establishing a policy for council
members to add items to future City Council meeting agendas and reminded everyone this item
was continued from the September 19, 2023 meeting, in order to provide additional policy details
relating to the City of Corona. While the City of Corona has no written policy, if a Council
Member wants an item on the agenda, they complete a form, submit it to the city manager, and it
is added to a list of future agenda items on the council agenda. Her intent was not to create
something overly restrictive, but more as an opportunity to practice good governance and be a
useful tool for staff. A Council Member would complete five questions, as seen in the staff
report, and submit the form prior to the Council meeting in which the agenda item was being
requested.
Each Council Member provided their thoughts and perspectives with Mayor Tejeda and Council
Member Saucedo stating they were comfortable with the current system for agendizing items and
didn't see the need to change the process. Council Member Guzman -Lowery wanted to avoid
putting more work on staff, but she recognized that submitting a form in advance could benefit
everyone as they go about preparing future agendas. Mayor Pro Tem Barich was not convinced
the new process was practical and thought the form might actually discourage members from
submitting their requests. He questioned why a proposed item was required to be tied to the City's
Strategic Plan. Council Member Davis requested a sub -committee be formed to review and
analyze the proposed process. As public comment, Valerie Taber and Jennifer Maravillas
supported the proposed change and thought the form would promote transparency and would help
to explain why an item was added to an agenda. Andy Hoder stated that agenda items should be
brought forward as a way to benefit the whole community, not one individual.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise
Davis, the City Council approved, by roll call vote, to form a City Council subcommittee to develop
a policy to add items to future City Council meeting agendas and appointed Mayor Pro Tem Barich
and Council Member Davis to serve on the subcommittee and report back to their colleagues in the
future.
Vote: 3 - 2 Passed
NAY: Mayor Eddie Tejeda
Council Member Mario Saucedo
NEW BUSINESS
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Purchase and Sale Agreement Downtown Parking Lots
Assistant City Manager Boatman provided background of the Purchase and Sale Agreement with
Redlands Community Investment Corporation for the acquisition of downtown parcels currently
utilized as two separate parking lots. Redlands Community Investment Corporation owns the two
parking lots, with one located on the southeast corner of 6th Street and Redlands Boulevard and
consists of 28 spaces. Currently, the lot is leased out to adjacent businesses and is used for
employee and customer parking. The second lot is located on the southwest corner of 9th Street
and State Street and consists of 17 spaces. This lot is partially rented by Taco Shack and is utilized
by customers. In total, these lots consist of a combined 45 spaces. The Planning Commission
evaluated the proposed purchase for General Plan conformity and found that the purchase would
be in conformance with the General Plan and was consistent with General Plan Policies.
The City has initiated the PSA, with the intent of ensuring these lots remain as parking in
perpetuity and to make them available to the public. Funding will be allocated from the General
Fund Parking Reserve. As public comment, Andy Hoder thought this purchase was a step in the
right direction as a way for the City to address the parking needs of the downtown area.
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 Purchase
and Sale Agreement with Redlands Community Investment Corporation is exempt from
environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the
California Environmental Quality Act; approved the Purchase and Sale Agreement with Redlands
Community Investment Corporation for the acquisition of Assessor's Parcel Numbers
0171-071-08-0000, 0171-088-06-0000, and 0171-088-07-0000 in the amount of $750,000; and
approved the additional appropriation in the amount of $750,000.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Amending Sports Field Maintenance Agreement
Facilities and Community Services Department Director Crocker reviewed the First Amendment
to the Non -Professional Services Agreement with Mariposa Landscapes, Inc., for an increase of
$73,484.46 over the remaining two years of the agreement for a total contract amount of
$999,458.84, for sports field maintenance. The original Agreement included Orangewood High
School baseball fields and Clement Middle School football fields, which will be removed with this
amendment, and the Redlands Sports Complex will be added to the contract for $9,979.17 per
month. The parks division budget has sufficient funding for this amendment as approved by City
Council during the fiscal year 2023-2024. Council Member Saucedo requested staff explore ways
the City could make needed improvements to the RUSD fields, such as replacing backstops and
old netting. Assistant City Manager Boatman and Director Crocker pointed out this agreement
with Mariposa Landscapes covered turf maintenance and not field enhancements, but that staff
would pursue discussions with RUSD to work out a way for improvements to be made.
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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 First
Amendment is categorically exempt from environmental review in accordance with Section 15301
of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and approved
the First Amendment to the Mariposa Landscapes Inc. agreement, fnc., for an increase of
$73,484.46 over the remaining two years of the agreement for a total contract amount of
$999,458.84, for sports field maintenance.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Fire Department Open House - All Council Members attended the open house and expressed their
appreciation of such a great day.
Mayor Tejeda attended the Lighthouse for the Blind annual car show and chili cook -off event,
Coptober, the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting and spoke with members of the
Northside Impact Committee regarding concerns they had about the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Barich enjoyed the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Community Senior Center in
celebration of the recent renovations, attended the SBCTA meeting, as well as the Oktoberfest
and Coptober events. He enjoyed the Redlands Conversancy fundraising dinner on October 7, and
thanked City Manager Duggan for speaking at the Optimist Club meeting.
Council Member Davis participated in the Clergy Appreciation Luncheon at Redlands
Community Hospital, the State of Black Inland Empire, hosted by Assembly Member Corey
Jackson, "Vintage Johnson" event at the University of Redlands, and on October 11, she hosted 35
students for the start of a third year of the Redlands Youth Council. Lastly, she attended the
California Forward Economic Summit held in Indian Wells.
Council Member Guzivan-Lowery invited everyone to join the fun with the Chamber of
Commerce Dog Jog event on Sunday, October 22.
Council Member Saucedo enjoyed the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Community Senior
Center in celebration of the recent renovations, attended the Coptober event, participated in the
AK Smiley Public Library Family Day, the Tailgate with a Cop event and with the Common
Vision Coalition, he was a part of the Redlands Hispanic Heritage Celebration event held at the
University of Redlands.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 7:41 P.M. The next regular
meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on November 7, 2023.
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