HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024_02_20 - RegularMINUTES
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic
Center, 35 Cajon Street, on February 20, 2024 at 5:00 P.M.
Present: Eddie Tejeda, Mayor
Paul Barich, Mayor Pro Tempore
Denise Davis, Council Member
Jenna Guzman -Lowery, Council Member
Mario Saucedo, Council Member
Staff:
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; Robert Meteau, Jr., HR/Risk Management
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 Garcia)
Two Cases:
1. Salcido v. City of Redlands, et al., San Bernardino Superior Court, Case No.
CIVSB2218452
2. Holzer v. City of Redlands, San Bernardino Superior Court, Case No.
CIVSB2322787
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The meeting reconvened at 6:00 P.M. with an invocation by Council Member Saucedo
followed by the pledge of allegiance to the American flag.
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CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Garcia announced that no reportable action was taken during the closed session.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Traffic Congestion - Susan Leonard complained about the City's increase in traffic
congestion, which she claimed has become tortuous and has caused the quality of life to be
downgraded. She reminded everyone that the voters clearly denied Measure G and yet, she
said Council continues to ignore the will of the people.
Consideration of Allowing Cannabis Dispensaries - Dennis Bell thought allowing
dispensaries in Redlands would be a bad idea, one that would likely cause staff nightmares
with implementation and enforcement. Joshua Hall was glad the item was pulled from the
agenda, and he said there was no need for dispensaries in town. Dan Jimenez thanked staff
for a very thorough report, adding that he was convinced there were more drawbacks than
benefits to allowing dispensaries within the community.
CONSENT CALENDAR
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
February 6, 2024, and the special meeting minutes of January 31, 2024.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Settlement Agreement
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the public disclosure of details of
an Agreement of Settlement and General Release between the City of Redlands and Julie
Scates. Under the terms of the agreement, the City agrees to pay Ms. Scates $92,500 to
settle and dispose of disputes and controversies associated with a civil action pending in the
San Bernardino Superior Court and entitled Julie Scates v. City of Redlands, et al., Case No.
CIVSB 2127794.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Mission Creek Zanja Storm Drain Channel
Staff requested this item be pulled from the agenda and it will be presented to the Council for
consideration at a future meeting.
Market Match Program
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On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the Agreement for Services with
the Ecology Center to participate in their Market Match program to distribute nutrition
incentives in the amount of $7,000; approved an additional appropriation of $8,500; and
approved an in -kind services grant match of $11,966.51.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
In -kind Support The Run Through Redlands 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 authorization for the items
associated with the Run Through Redlands, hosted by the Kiwanis Club, on March 3, 2024,
are categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061 (b)(3) of the
State's Guidelines for Implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and
authorized and approved the expenditure of city resources and in -kind support in the amount
of $29,738; approved the temporary street closures, and the sale and consumption of alcoholic
beverages all associated with the Run Through Redlands event scheduled for March 3, 2024.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Art -On -State -Street Event
Facilities and Community Services Department Director Crocker introduced the
request from the Redlands Art Association for commercial vendors and the temporary
closure of State Street for the Art -On -State -Street event on March 24, 2024. As public
comment, Joshua Hall was concerned this event was not hosted by the Redlands Art
Association, as stated in the report, but instead by Stronger Together Now, and he said this
creates a traffic boondoggle when streets are closed.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise
Davis, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the
event is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15311(c) of the State's
guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and approved the
Art -On -State -Street event, authorizing the request for commercial vendors and the temporary
street closure of State Street on March 24, 2024.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Kid's Cures Foundation Downtown Redlands Artwalk In -kind Support
Facilities and Community Services Department Crocker introduced the in -kind support
request of $5,734.00 from Kid's Cures Foundation, for the Downtown Redlands Artwalk to
be held on March 17, 2024 and a request to close East State and 5th Street and authorizing
the request for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Ed Hales Park. As public
comment, Dennis Bell pointed out the event host was an out-of-town organization, and he
questioned why the group was using the nonprofit status documentation of Youth Hope. He
asked why this art walk event needed to close off so many downtown streets, whereas the
Redlands Art Association event only requested the closure of one street. Director Crocker
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clarified that the group did provide evidence of their nonprofit status.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise
Davis, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the
event is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15311(c) of the state's
guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; approved a request for
in -kind support of $5,734.00 for this event; authorized the temporary street closures on March
17, 2024; and approved the request for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Ed
Hales Park.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Zanja Trail Parking Lot Grant Agreement
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, an additional appropriation in the
amount of $200,000 from the Downtown Parking Reserve; determined that the granting of
funds to Larry Jacinto Construction, Inc. for the construction of the Zanja Trail parking lot
and street improvements serves a public purpose; and approved a Grant Agreement with Larry
Jacinto Construction, Inc. in the amount of $200,000 for the construction of a parking lot and
street improvements to serve the Zanja Trail.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8561 Resources Recycling and Recovery Grant Program
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8561 designating an
authorized representative to apply for the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery
grant program in furtherance of the State of California's efforts to reduce, recycle, and reuse
solid waste generated in the state.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
COMMUNICATIONS
2022-23 ACFR & Audit Results
Management Services/Finance Director Garcia introduced Andrew Roth of The Pun Group,
who provided a detailed analysis of the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial
Report (ACAFR) and the Independent Accountants' Report on Applying Agreed -Upon
Procedures related to the Article XIII-B Appropriations Limit Calculation for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 2023. State statute and federal funding requirements stipulate the need for
an annual audit to be conducted by independent certified public accountants. The ACFR
presents the City's financial condition and activity in a transparent and structured manner
and provides historical and comparative information. Topic areas included: Scope of Work
and Timing, Required Communications, Overview of Financial Statements, Key Financial
Indicators and Pension and OPEB Information and Audit Results. Auditors are required to
review and approve the appropriations calculation as part of their audit, and they found no
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exceptions to the City's calculation of the appropriations limit.
Financial Statements were fairly presented in all material respect. Accounting policies were
consistently applied. Estimates were reasonable and disclosures were properly reflected in
the financial statements. Other results included: No disagreement with Management, No
material weaknesses and/or significant deficiencies were identified in internal control over
financial reporting; No accounting issues; No inappropriate activities were noted. There
were no material weaknesses and/or significant deficiencies reported.
As public comment, Dennis Bell was unhappy that such a lengthy report had been released
to the public late last week, giving very little opportunity to review it thoroughly, and he
questioned how he could be certain the numbers were accurate. Bruce Laycook found the
report too dense to fully understand, and he requested that in the future, the City provide an
executive summary to better help the Council and the public understand the document. City
Manager Duggan agreed that the document was lengthy but that the practice of an audit was
complex. He suggested the budget document was a more easily understandable report and
one that was more informative to the public. He said to look for the proposed budget in the
next few months. Council Members thanked Director Garcia and her staff for all their work
towards developing the ACAFR.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Mario
Saucedo, the City Council unanimously accepted, by roll call vote, the City of Redlands
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and the Independent Accountants' Report on
Applying Agreed -Upon Procedures Related to the Article XIII-B Appropriations Limit
Calculation for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Human Relations Commission Annual Report
Commission Chair Ken Ford offered the Annual Report of the Human Relations
Commission, listing activities and accomplishments for 2023 that included, support of the
Salvation Army's Annual Thanksgiving Dinner for homeless and low-income residents,
affirmation of the City's support for National Coming Out Day, hosting the first Annual
Health and Wellness Fair, and assisting the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and
the Family Service Association in their Annual Food Drive. With new members and a new
student member, the Commission was off to a great start for 2024. The annual planning
meeting was held on January 27 and Commissioners look forward to implementing new
programs and projects.
Traffic and Parking Commission Annual Report
Traffic and Parking Commissioner Eric Shamp provided the annual report and review of the
Commission's accomplishments over the past year. He highlighted the Commission's
purpose and mission was to promote safety, improve traffic conditions and the enforcement
of traffic regulations. He described projects the Commission had reviewed and
recommended for City Council's consideration, with the recent downtown parking
study review consuming several commission meetings. Mr. Shamp put forward a number of
suggestions to make the TPC a more effective body, one that addresses all the public's
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concerns and all modes of transportation, such as cyclists. He was looking forward to
discussing these recommendations with Council Members.
Cannabis Regulatory and Taxation Options
Council Member Guzman -Lowery requested this item be removed from the agenda.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Resolution Nos. 8548 and 8549 CFD Annexation No. 29
Mayor Tejeda opened the hearing and called on Development Services Director Desatnik
for a report on Resolution Nos. 8548 and 8549 and a request from Meritage Homes of
California, Inc. to annex territory to Community Facilities District No. 2004-1 for the
purposes of performing maintenance of parks, infiltration basins, catch basin inlets, fossil
filters, landscaping, and street trees within letter lot "A" and street right-of-way adjacent to
Tract Map No 20336, and any other public services authorized by the act. City Clerk
Donaldson agreed to hold the special election within the annexing territory on February 20,
2024. With no further comments, Mayor Tejeda closed the public hearing. City Clerk
Donaldson conducted the special election and announced the results, which determined the
required two-thirds of the votes cast (59-0) were in favor of levying the tax.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Mayor Eddie Tejeda,
the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that adoption of Resolution Nos.
8548 and 8549 are not subject to environmental review pursuant to Section 15061 (b)(3) of
the California Environmental Quality Act, as the adoption of these Resolutions does not
have the potential to cause a significant effect on the environment; and approved Resolution
No. 8548 calling a special election of the question of levying special taxes within the
territory to be annexed to CFD No. 2004-1 and; On motion of Mayor Eddie Tejeda,
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Paul Barich, the City Council unanimously approved
Resolution No. 8549 declaring the voting results of the special election of Annexation No.
29 to Community Facilities District No. 2004-1 were in favor of levying the tax, and
therefore, the territory will be annexed to the CFD No. 2004-1.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
NEW BUSINESS
Contract Award 2023 Citywide Sidewalk and ADA Ramp Replacement Project
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris reviewed a Public Works Construction
Contract with Tryco General Engineering for the 2023 Citywide Sidewalk and ADA Ramp
Replacement Project for an amount not -to -exceed $1,000,000. He added that a bid protest,
submitted by TTS Engineering, was filed. After carefully reviewing the protest and
consulting with the City Attorney's office, staff determined that Tryco General Engineering's
bid was responsive with only minor, inconsequential bid irregularities and therefore,
recommended the City Council reject the bid protest. The 2023 Citywide Sidewalk and
ADA Ramp Replacement Project (Project) will replace approximately five miles of lifted
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and broken sidewalks and forty-seven ADA curb ramps in various locations throughout the
City. As public comment, Bruce Laycook asked how residents could report their concerns
about specific sidewalks that may need repair. Director Harris said that the public was
encouraged to contact his depaitiiient about any concerns they had, and he added that staff
will be updating the current sidewalk survey.
On motion of Council Member Mario Saucedo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul
Barich, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the 2023
Citywide Sidewalk and ADA Ramp Replacement Project is exempt from environmental
review in accordance with Section 15301(c) of the State's Guidelines implementing the
California Environmental Quality Act; approved the 2023 Citywide Sidewalk and ADA
Ramp Replacement Project plans and specifications; rejected a bid protest; and approved the
Public Works Construction Contract to Tryco General Engineering for an amount
not -to -exceed $1,000,000.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Wastewater Treatment Plant On -call Engineering & Support Services
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris described a Professional Services
Agreement and Sole Source Request for Landfill Gas Engineering Inc. for on -call
engineering and support services for the wastewater treatment plant with an initial one-year
term value not -to -exceed $215,000 with options to extend for two additional years for a total
amount not -to -exceed $645,000.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Mario
Saucedo, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of
a Professional Services Agreement with Landfill Gas Engineering 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 a Professional Services Agreement
and Sole Source Request with Landfill Gas Engineering Inc. for on -call engineering and
support services for the wastewater treatment plant with an initial one (1) year term value
not -to -exceed $215,000 with options to extend for two (2) additional years.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Sale of South Mountain Water Company Shares
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris provided background of the Agreement
to sell 646 South Mountain Water Company shares to Yucaipa Valley Water District
(YVWD) for $323,000. Staff received an unsolicited proposal from YVWD to purchase the
City's remaining South Mountain Water Company (SMWC) shares. On January 16, 2024,
the City Council approved a Stock Sale Agreement to sell fifteen SMWC shares to YVWD
for $500 per share, for a total of $7,500, to allow YVWD to attend the 2024 SMWC Annual
Stockholders Meeting while they finalize their due diligence effort. YVWD recently
completed their due diligence effort and is now prepared to execute a Stock Sale Agreement
for the City's remaining 646 SMWC shares for $500 per share, for a total of $323,000. The
Stock Sale Agreement with YVWD formalizes the transaction terms and also requires
YVWD to continue SMWC non -potable water service to Crafton Hills Community College
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until their landscape irrigation system is connected to the YVWD recycled water distribution
system. The transaction will generate $323,000 in un-budgeted revenue for the Water Fund.
As public comment, Bruce Laycook questioned if the funds were restricted for a certain
purpose. Director Harris clarified that the funds could only be used for water projects and
that at this time, the funds had not been earmarked for a specific project.
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
Stock Sale Agreement to sell 646 South Mountain Water Company shares to Yucaipa Valley
Water District is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the
State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and approved a
Stock Sale Agreement to sell 646 South Mountain Water Company shares to Yucaipa Valley
Water District for a total sale price of $323,000.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Contract Award Redlands Fire Station No.262 Remodel Project
Assistant City Manager Boatman presented a Public Work Contract with Elegant
Construction, Inc., for the Redlands Fire Station No.262 Remodel Project, for an amount
not -to -exceed $2,160,000. The Fire Department oversees operations at four fire stations
throughout the city, including Fire Station 262, located at 1690 Garden Street. This station
was originally built in 1965, serving as a vital hub in ensuring the safety and well-being of
the community. The scope of the project includes the construction of new spaces and the
remodeling of certain areas within the existing 3,683 SF one-story building and new
additions consisting of a fitness room and six crew dormitories. Site improvements consist of
CMU retaining walls, tube steel fencing, a crew parking area, and landscaping. City
Manager Duggan was pleased to report that this project, when completed, will accommodate
multiple genders.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise
Davis, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of a Public
Work Contract with Elegant Construction, Inc. for the Redlands Fire Station No.262 Remodel
Project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15301(d) of the State's
guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and approved an award of
a Public Work Contract to Elegant Construction, Inc. in the amount of $2,160,000 for the
Redlands Fire Station No.262 Remodel Project.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Tree Maintenance and Arboricultural Services
Facilities and Community Services Department Director Crocker detailed the
Intergovernmental/Piggy-back Cooperative Agreement with West Coast Arborists, Inc.
(WCA) and related Non -Professional Services for Improvement to Public Buildings and
Grounds Agreement to provide tree maintenance and arboricultural services for a total
amount not to exceed $3,600,000. Staff was able to secure contract terms, by way of opting
to "piggy -back" off an existing maintenance contract between WCA and the City of
Claremont. Claremont City Council approved the contract on June 13, 2023 with an initial
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three-year term, with two additional one-year terms for a total of five years, with the
contract including a purchasing provision that states "any other public agency shall have the
option to participate in any award made as a result of this solicitation at the same prices."
Staff recommended to award a piggy -back contract with WCA for an amount not to exceed
$3,600,000. This is based off $1.2 million per year. Award of this piggy -back contract will
mitigate the City from potential inflationary impacts by providing fixed operation pricing
and cost certainty through February 2027. Additionally, the recommended contract terms
will enable the City to maintain its current level of tree service and tree trimming scheduling.
Under the proposed extension, WCA will continue to proactively prune 7,000 to 9,000 trees
per year, supporting a 5-7 year pruning cycle for street and park trees. In addition to
scheduled citywide pruning activities, WCA facilitates reforestation efforts, provides
as -needed support for emergencies and/or tree removals, administers field inventory for all
city -owned and maintained trees, and provides the organization with a web -based system
that tracks work orders, project budgets, and tree maintenance history. Council Member
Saucedo applauded the use of the Intergovernmental/Piggy-back agreement since this
provides cost savings for the City.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise
Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the
Intergovernmental/Piggy-back Cooperative Agreement with West Coast Arborists, Inc. and
related Non -Professional Services for Improvement to Public Buildings and Grounds
Agreement to provide tree maintenance and arboricultural services for a three-year term for an
amount not to exceed $3,600,000.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Mayor Tejeda and Mayor Pro Tem Barich enjoyed the Lincoln Dinner on February 12, 2024
and participated in the celebration of the Shrine's 90th anniversary.
Council Member Davis attended the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies reunion at the
University of Redlands.
Council Member Guzman -Lowery continued to meet with several residents to discuss their
pressing concerns.
Council Member Saucedo reminded everyone the Community Day of Service was scheduled
for Saturday, March 9, 2024. With Black History Month in mind, he acknowledged the
long-standing African American families of the Butler and Hubbard families, and he
recognized Amos Issac, an educator, community leader and an alumnus of the University of
Redlands. He also highlighted an upcoming event at The Village 2nd Baptist Church where
the history of Stuart Avenue will be presented.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further action required, the meeting adjourned at 7:31 P.M. The next regular
meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on March 5, 2024.
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