HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023_12_05 - 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 December 5, 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; 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, Police Chief; Tabitha Crocker,
Facilities and Community Services Director
Mayor Pro Tem Barich called the meeting to order at 5:00 P.M. Mayor Tejeda announced
that due to illness, he would attend tonight's City Council meeting via teleconference under
AB 2449 "Just Cause". This was the first of two allowable Just Cause exceptions for him
under AB 2449. Mayor Pro Tem Barich stated there were no closed session matters
scheduled for the City Council to consider, and the meeting was recessed until 6:00 P.M. for
open session.
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Mayor Pro Tem Barich reconvened the meeting at 6:00 P.M. Mayor Tejeda announced that
due to illness, he would attend tonight's City Council meeting via teleconference under AB
2449 "Just Cause". This was the first of two allowable Just Cause exceptions for him under
AB 2449. An invocation was provided by Council Member Davis and the pledge of
allegiance to the American flag was conducted by students of Ms. Sauvage's 4th Grade
Class from Mission Elementary School. Mayor Pro Tem Barich announced that comments
could be presented in -person, via Zoom, via cell phone or landline.
PRESENTATIONS
Redlands Pet Adoption
There were no pet presentations.
CC_SA_December 5, 2023
Page 1
City's 2023 Holiday Video
Public Information Officer, Carl Baker, presented the City's 2023 Holiday video wishing
the community a wonderful holiday season. Mr. Baker thanked Multimedia Production
Coordinator, Cheryl Williams, for her outstanding production work.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Law and Order - Gregory Brittain said law and order was the foundational pillar of society,
and yet it was being chipped away in California, because even when a crime
was committed, there were no consequences, no enforcement.
Safer Train Crossings - Phil Courtney witnessed a near miss between a train and a vehicle
at the rail crossing on Alabama Street. He urged the City to improve the conditions so that
everyone can be kept safe.
Fourteenth Amendment - Jeff Mays requested the Council support the move to withhold
Congressman Jay Obernolte from putting his name on the ballot in 2024, due to his
participation surrounding the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Christmas Parade Concerns - Joshua Hall voiced concerns about a drag queen entrant at
the Kiwanis Christmas Parade, and he said children should not be exposed to what he
thought was adult entertainment.
Metrolink Crossings at Tennessee Street - Fernando Ramirez drew the Council's attention
to the various malfunctions and issues he has personally witnessed at the Tennessee Street
rail crossing. He said the signs and symbols are confusing to drivers, and he urged the City
to push for an independent body to evaluate the crossings.
Step Up in Redlands Housing - Rogelio Saldana claimed the violence towards him as a
resident of Step Up in Redlands has only increased since he last spoke before the Council,
and he said the property manager and the police department have ignored his complaints.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mario Saucedo,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the regular meeting minutes of
November 21, 2023.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Planning Commission Appointment
CC_SA_December 5, 2023
Page 2
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mario Saucedo,
the City Council unanimously appointed, by roll call vote, Conrad Guzkowski to serve the
remainder of a four-year term on the Planning Commission ending January 6, 2025.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Municipal Utilities/Public Works Commission Appointment
Council Member Saucedo said he recommended Paul Norwood to the Municipal
Utilities/Public Works Commission and was confident he would make a great addition to
the Commission. As public comment, Bruce Laycook pointed out there were other
applicants who were civil engineers and thus, might be considered more experienced. City
Manager Duggan added there were already several civil engineers on this commission,
and it was important to remember that different perspectives bring value to a group.
On motion of Council Member Mario Saucedo, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously appointed, by roll call vote, Paul Norwood
to serve the remainder of a four-year term on the Municipal Utilities/Public
Works Commission ending November 16, 2024.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
RAMME & RAME Side Letter Agreement
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mario Saucedo,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, a Side Letter Agreement between
the City and the Redlands Association of Mid -Management Employees and the Redlands
Association of Management Employees. The newly approved RAMME and RAME MOUs
included the option for employees to deposit their sick leave balance into a Post -
Employment Health Plan (PEHP), cash out a portion of their sick leave, or utilize sick leave
towards service credit at the time of retirement. After further review of the PEHP, it was
determined that the option of cashing out sick leave is not allowable. The new language in
the Side Letters clarifies the benefit provided to unit members. All other provisions of the
MOUs remain unchanged.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Utility Customer Management Database Invoice Payment
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mario Saucedo,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, payment of the invoice to Systems
& Software, Inc. ("S&S"), providers of the City's utility billing software, in an amount
not -to -exceed $197,836 for annual software maintenance and support for the calendar year
2024.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
CC_SA_December 5, 2023
Page 3
Structure Fire Turnout Sets Purchase
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mario Saucedo,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the purchase of 25 structure fire
turnout sets from Allstar Fire Equipment, Inc. in the total amount of $77,169.00, to replace
turnout gear that is nearing its expiration date, in accordance with the National Firefighter
Protection Agency's recommendations.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
2024 Fourth of July Celebration Contribution
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mario Saucedo,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, a contribution of $30,000 for the
2024 Fourth of July Celebration to be paid to the Redlands 4th of July Committee, and
determined that the financial support serves as a public benefit.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Contract Award Irrigation and Landscaping Redlands Boulevard Project
Facilities and Community Services Director Crocker summarized the Agreement with
Southern California Landscape, Inc. for irrigation and landscaping on Redlands Boulevard,
between Tennessee Street and Kansas Street. As public comment, Dennis Bell thought this
expenditure was a waste of taxpayer money.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member
Denise Davis, 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 the
rejection of the apparent lowest bidders; and approved the agreement with Southern
California Landscape, Inc. for irrigation and landscaping on Redlands Boulevard, between
Tennessee Street and Kansas Street, for an amount not to exceed $145,188.40. Kormex
Construction and Jos Landscape were deemed to be non -responsive bidders due to quantity
changes that were revised in Addendum 1.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Citrus Avenue Parking Structure Maintenance & Repair Design
Facilities and Community Services Director Crocker explained the need for the
Professional Services Agreement with SGH Architects, Inc. for the Citrus Avenue Parking
Structure Maintenance and Repair Design. As public comment, Dennis Bell said it was not
clear to him whether the scope of work included an evaluation of the feasibility of adding
levels to this parking structure, and he suggested the City consider a feasibility study to
evaluate building a parking structure on the Wells Fargo lot.
CC_SA_December 5, 2023
Page 4
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member
Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the Professional
Services Agreement with SGH Architects, Inc. for the Citrus Avenue Parking Structure
Maintenance and Repair Design for an amount not to exceed $98,020.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Contract Award Cypress Circle Street Lighting Upgrade Project
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 Public
Work Construction Contract with Delta Electric, LLC for the Cypress Circle Street Lighting
Upgrade Project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15302(c) of the
State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and approved an
award of the public work construction contract to Delta Electric, LLC in the amount of
$146,165.30 for the Cypress Circle Street Lighting Upgrade Project.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
COMMUNICATIONS
Downtown Redlands Parking Study
Development Services Director Desatnik provided background for the Downtown
Redlands Parking Study and introduced Steffen Turoff, Principal with Walker Consultants
Inc. who summarized the Parking Report. He explained the various sections of work
performed, which included the purpose of the study, the scope of work completed,
identification of parking challenges, key parking findings, and parking utilization studies of
the downtown core. Mr. Turoff presented six key recommendations: 1) Increase access to
underutilized off-street facilities, 2) Manage Parking in prime areas to ensure availability 3)
Establish a parking benefit district 4) Improve the downtown pedestrian environment 5)
Encourage the use of sustainable transportation 6) Increase the supply of publicly available
parking.
He also reviewed the Traffic and Parking Commission recommendations which included:
a) Increase parking enforcement in timed zones, b) Pursue shared -use agreements with
privately owned lots, c) Encourage use of existing parking facilities through safety
improvements, and d) Study restriping of Citrus Avenue. The Commission did not support
a paid parking pilot program, establishing a parking benefit district, or a feasibility study
for a new parking structure on the existing city hall site.
As public comment, Brian Seghers said that business owners should lead by example and
educate their customers and staff about parking, while the City must plan for the future
because once construction begins at the mall, those parking spaces will be lost to the
public. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Evan Sanford, voiced concerns about
the Walker study, and he insisted the Council must take action now and stop having this
same conversation over and over without making any progress. Bobby Garrity said he had
just come from the Redlands Forum event where UCLA planning professor Donald Shoup
CC_SA_December 5, 2023
Page 5
spoke about parking policies and how properly priced parking can make cities more
efficient and socially just, and his number one recommendation was to eliminate minimum
off-street parking mandates from the code. Gregory Brittain complained the
government should not mandate what modes of transportation people use by pushing
everyone to ride a bike when it seemed clear to him that people preferred to use their own
vehicles because he said cars were more practical for most people. Dan Jimenez encouraged
the Council to think long-term, grow smart, and continue to support a feasibility study for a
future parking structure.
A lengthy Council Member discussion focused on several topics including paid parking,
increasing enforcement, and the possibility of a feasibility study to build a parking
structure. Council Member Saucedo pushed his colleagues to consider establishing
short-term, mid-term and long-term goals as the most effective way to tackle the issue. He
recommended that a successful parking program must include education, enforcement,
safety enhancements, shared parking agreements and possibly a mixed -use
development with a parking structure at the current City Hall site. The Council thanked
staff and the Traffic and Parking Commissioners for their diligence and commitment in
serving the City. City Manager Duggan pointed out that due to budget constraints, there
was not much that could be done within this fiscal year. He suggested that staff bring this
item back for consideration to the meeting scheduled for January 16, 2024 and
City Council unanimously agreed to continue the matter.
Mayor Pro Tem Barich called for a brief recess at 8:09 P.M. The meeting reconvened at 8:15
P.M.
Resolution No. 8537 Renaming Avice Meeker Sewall Theatre
Council Member Davis introduced Resolution No. 8537 to consider renaming the Avice
Meeker Sewall Theatre stage in honor of Cliff Cabanilla and proposed the new name be
"Cliff Cabanilla Stage". She offered some historical context, describing how Mr. Cabanilla
began his teaching career at San Bernardino Valley College in the 1960s and then started
the theatre program at Crafton Hills College where he ran the department for the next 30+
years. Cliff Cabanilla founded the Redlands Theatre Festival in 1972 as a summer theater
program for Crafton Hills College. His vision was to bring a repertory theatre company to
Redlands, to produce high -quality theatrical entertainment for the community that would
delight, and sometimes challenge the audience, and to house it in a beautiful park setting.
Cliff Cabanilla saw an unused pasture in Prospect Park and turned it into a robust
amphitheater. He was an innovative theatrical force, a screen and stage actor, scenic
designer, theatre technician, director, and artistic producer with a career that spanned fifty
years. As public comment, Candice Cabanilla Stewart, Paul Blatchley, Allan Griesemer,
and Bruce Laycook expressed their gratitude to Council Members Davis and Saucedo for
putting this agenda item forward to honor the vision, tenacity and leadership of Cliff
Cabanilla.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member
Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously agreed, by roll call vote, to waive the
requirement under Section 4.B. of Resolution No. 7711; approved the naming of the Avice
Meeker Sewall Theatre stage to the "Cliff Cabanilla Stage"; and adopted Resolution No.
8537.
CC_SA_December 5, 2023
Page 6
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Resolution No. 8523 Statewide Community Infrastructure Program
Mayor Pro Tem Barich declared the meeting open as a public hearing and called
on Management Services/Finance Director Garcia for a report regarding Resolution No.
8523 authorizing the City to join the Statewide Community Infrastructure Program
(SCIP). In an effort to expand the economic development tools available to developers,
property owners and businesses, the City's Development Services and Finance teams are
proposing to participate in SCIP. SCIP provides a pooled, tax-exempt bond financing
program for public infrastructure improvement costs (i.e., required off -site improvements)
for commercial, industrial, retail and multi and single-family residential developments.
SCIP is administered by the California Statewide Communities Development Authority
(CSCDA).
The resolution authorizes the SCIP to accept applications from property owners, conduct
special assessment proceedings and levy assessments and special taxes and to form
assessment districts and community facilities districts within the territory of
Redlands. There is no fiscal impact to the City and the City's administrative costs to review
the financing documents may be recovered by a charge to the CSCDA and would be
reimbursed at bond issuance on an individual project basis.
As public comment, Richard O'Donnell raised several questions and thought the program
was not in the best interests of the City. Gregory Brittain wondered about the value of this
program and who it benefitted and was concerned the program took away local control and
gave more control to the state. City Manager Duggan clarified the program will allow
developers to access lower -cost loans through the state, but only if the City agrees to be a
part of the program. Developers will be required to comply with all City rules and
regulations and conditions of approval. Management Services/Finance Director Garcia
added that each project would still need approval from the City Council. One written
comment was received from Christine Roque, who posed several questions about how the
program might impact existing single-family homeowners. With no further discussion,
Mayor Pro Tem Barich closed the public hearing.
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.
8523 authorizing the City to become a participant of the Statewide Community Infrastructure
Program (SCIP); authorizing the California Statewide Communities Development Authority
(CSCDA) to accept applications from property owners within the City's jurisdiction;
approving the Resolution of Intention to be adopted by CSCDA in connection with any
assessment district formed within the City (Exhibit 'A' to the resolution); approving the
Form of Acquisition Agreement for use when applicable (Exhibit 'B' to the resolution); and
directing the City Clerk to transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Secretary of
CSCDA.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
CC_SA_December 5, 2023
Page 7
Resolution No. 8522 Fee and Service Charge Revenue/Cost Comparison System
Mayor Pro Tem Barich declared the meeting open as a public hearing and called on
Management Services/Finance Director Garcia, who summarized the purpose of the Cost
Allocation Plan was to clearly outline the support provided to general fund and non -general
fund operations from central service departments (i.e., payroll, human resources, building
maintenance). This work was substantially completed during the summer of 2023, before
the City's negotiations with its nine bargaining units were finalized. However, in June and
July 2023, the Council approved a 7% across-the-board increase for its employees. The full
costs of the fees outlined in the Fee Study have been updated. Staff recommended approval
of Resolution No. 8522 which reflected the costs associated with the services being
provided, the percentage of costs being recovered, as well as the recommended recovery
levels.
As public comment, Gregory Brittain complained that the cost of living in the state of
California was already much too high, and he said these conditions have forced thousands
to leave the state. He opposed the City raising any charges and fees. One written comment
was received from Larry Weston, who claimed an increase in fees would be bad for
business as well as the community. Mayor Pro Tem Barich reminded everyone that the
City must be in compliance with the law and provide for services at the actual cost to the
City, no more, no less. With no further comment, Mayor Pro Tem Barich closed the public
hearing.
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
adoption of Resolution No. 8522 is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section
15273 of the State's Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and
adopted Resolution No. 8522, approving the Fee and Service Charge Revenue/Cost
Comparison System, establishing the amounts of fees and charges levied In connection with
the City's provision of services and rescinding Resolution No. 8045.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
NEW BUSINESS
Original Equipment Manufacturer Autocar Parts Agreement
Facilities and Community Services Director Crocker explained the need for an agreement
with Tec Equipment, Inc. for the supply of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
autocar parts. The City's Equipment Maintenance Division oversees the maintenance of
approximately 470 vehicles and the City's fuel station. There are currently 10 front and side
loader autocar solid waste vehicles in service and operating in day to day operations. Due to
required maintenance and anticipated repairs of solid waste autocar vehicles, staff is
requesting an agreement with Tec Equipment. Inc. for the supply of OEM Autocar parts.
CC_SA_December 5, 2023
Page 8
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member
Mario Saucedo, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, an agreement
with Tec Equipment, Inc. for the supply of OEM autocar parts for an amount not to exceed
$180,000 for the initial term, with the option to extend for two additional one-year terms for
a total amount not -to -exceed $540,000.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Original Equipment Manufactured Hydraulic Hoses and Accessories Agreement
Facilities and Community Services Director Crocker reviewed the agreement with Bernell
Hydraulics Inc. for the supply of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parker
Hannifin Hydraulic Hoses and Accessories. Within the City's Equipment Maintenance
Division, the most frequent and anticipated repairs of solid waste trucks are related to the
hydraulic system. To perform hydraulic repairs, it is imperative to have a supply of OEM
Parker Hannifin Hydraulic Hoses and Accessories.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member
Mario Saucedo, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, an agreement
with Bernell Hydraulics Inc. for the supply of OEM Parker Hannifin Hydraulic Hoses and
Accessories in an amount not -to -exceed $150,000 for the initial term, with the option to
extend for two additional one-year terms for a total amount not -to -exceed $450,000.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8527 Homeless Resource Services Agreements
Homeless Coordinator David Rabindranath presented Resolution No. 8527 to approve ten
Homeless Resource Services Agreements with Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF)
Grant totaling $3,498,975 with partners as identified in the grant proposal and award. The
City has been awarded $4,529,069 in ERF funds to resolve the experience of unsheltered
homelessness for people residing in encampments. Resolving these experiences of
homelessness has the intent of addressing the safety and wellness of people within
encampments, resolving critical encampment concerns, and transitioning individuals into
interim shelter with clear pathways to permanent housing or directly into permanent
housing, using data -informed, non -punitive, low -barrier, person -centered, Housing First,
and coordinated approaches.
The Homeless Solutions Division will be leading the efforts to coordinate outreach teams,
emergency shelter placements, rapid rehousing support, and employment services for
individuals who meet the criteria of the grant funding. Local agencies, organizations, and
businesses identified as partners to perform specific program tasks include: Chamber of
Commerce, Family Service Association of Redlands, Goodwill of Southern California,
Salvation Army, Step Up in Redlands, SB Express One LLC and Youth Hope Foundation.
Mr. Rabindranath was praised for his commitment and dedication to serving the homeless
population with a positive attitude and compassion. Council Member Guzman -Lowery
raised a number of questions concerning the implementation of the partnerships,
including service locations, methods of transportation, and the criteria process for
CC_SA_December 5, 2023
Page 9
qualification. As public comment, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Evan
Sanford, voiced their support of the City's efforts and was pleased the Chamber will be a
part of the program and a catalyst for positive change. Brian Seghers offered several
suggestions to make the program more successful, including motivating and educating our
youth. Bruce Laycook was hopeful about the good work the program will do, and he
encouraged the Council to work closely with Youth Hope. Dan Jimenez recommended the
City push to find a local motel that would be closer to home for those in need instead of
using resources in San Bernardino. Council Members were extremely pleased with the
program and were grateful to all the various partners that will make this program a success.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member
Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that adoption of
Resolution No. 8527 approving the agreements for the Homeless Solutions Division is
exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15301 of the State's guidelines
implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and adopted Resolution No. 8527
approving ten (10) Homeless Resource Services agreements totaling $3,498,975.00 with
partners identified in the Encampment Resolution Funding Grant proposal awarded to
provide shelter, rapid rehousing, housing, and employment services to the homeless
population in Redlands.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Council Member Saucedo attended the Groundbreaking event for the new Meritage Homes
Project located behind Citrus Valley High School.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 9:23 P.M. The next regular
meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on December 19, 2023.
SUCCESSOR AGENCY OF THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE
CITY OF REDLANDS
Vice Chair Barich 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
CC_SA_December 5, 2023
Page 10
Minutes
On motion of Board Member Davis, seconded by Board Member Saucedo, the minutes
of the regular meeting of November 7, 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 9:24 P.M. The next regular meeting of the Agency will be held on
February 6, 2024.
CC_SA_December 5, 2023
Page 11