HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024_03_19 - RegularMINUTES
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic
Center, 35 Cajon Street, on March 19, 2024 at 5:00 P.M.
Present: Eddie Tejeda, Mayor
Paul Barich, Mayor Pro Tempore
Denise Davis, Council Member
Mario Saucedo, Council Member
Absent: Jenna Guzman -Lowery, 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; Rich Sessler, Fire Chief; Rachel Tolber, Police Chief;
Tabitha Crocker, Facilities and Community Services Director; Robert Meteau, HR/Risk
Management Director; Goutam Dobey, City Engineer, Municipal Utilities and
Engineering
Mayor Tejeda called the meeting to order and announced there were no closed session matters
scheduled for the City Council to consider. The meeting recessed at 5:00 P.M.
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The meeting reconvened at 6:00 P.M. with an invocation by Mayor Pro Tem Barich followed
by the pledge of allegiance to the American flag.
PRESENTATIONS
National Donate Life Month Proclamation
Mayor Pro Tem Barich presented a Proclamation to Katryn Mantz, representing One Legacy,
declaring the month of April 2024 as National Donate Life Month.
Women's History Month Proclamation
Council Member Davis presented a Proclamation to Laurienne Jeong, declaring the month of
March as Women's History Month.
Proclamation March 31, 2024 Cesar E. Chavez Day
Council Member Saucedo presented a Proclamation declaring March 31, 2024, as Cesar E.
Chavez Day in the City of Redlands to Arcadio Lara.
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PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comments were presented either in -person, via Zoom, via cell phone or landline.
Gas Powered Leaf Blowers - Dale Broome was opposed to banning gas -powered leaf
blowers, was not a proponent of climate change ideology, and disagreed with certain data
points presented during the Council Meeting of March 5, 2024. He said it was important to
note that newer models of leaf blowers are much more efficient today, than in the past.
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 March 5, 2024.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Proclamation March 31, 2024 Cesar E. Chavez Day
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation
declaring March 31, 2024, as Cesar E. Chavez Day.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Proclamation April 2024 National Donate Life Month
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation
declaring the month of April, 2024 as National Donate Life Month.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Proclamation March 2024 Women's History Month
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis,
the City Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation
declaring the month of March 2024 as Women's History Month.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
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Airport Advisory Board Appointments
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise
Davis, the City Council unanimously appointed, by roll call vote, Val Dotchkov and
Amber Harrison to serve the remainder of two four-year terms on the Airport
Advisory Board ending May 1, 2025.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Citrus Preservation Commission Appointments
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise
Davis, the City Council unanimously reappointed, by roll call vote, Rolland Moore,
Heather Ross, and Michael Day to each serve four-year terms on the Citrus Preservation
Commission ending April 16, 2028.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
RPFA Side Letter 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 Side Letter of
Agreement between the City and Redlands Professional Firefighters Association
modifying language in Article 46 of the Memorandum of Understanding to clarify sick
leave benefits at the time of retirement.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Accept Grant Award 2024 RESA
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise
Davis, the City Council unanimously accepted, by roll call vote, the grant award from the
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians in the amount of $30,000; and authorized
an additional appropriation of funds to the Police Department of the same.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8564 Time Extension CRA No. 931
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. 8564 to
authorize a one-year time extension to the expiration date for Commission Review &
Approval No. 931, with associated entitlements, to merge two parcels into a one single
parcel for the construction of a 40,415 square foot hotel with 90 guest rooms, four stories
high, and related on -site improvements including parking lot, landscaping, lighting, and
utilities on a 1.52-acre site. The project site is located on the south side of West Colton
Avenue at Columbia Street and 719 N. Eureka Street (APN's: 0169-155-05-0000 and
0169-142-07-0000).
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Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
General Plan and 2021-2029 Housing Element Annual Progress Reports
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise
Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, to receive and file the
2023 Annual Progress Reports for the General Plan and the 2021-2029 Housing Element.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Development Agreements Annual Review
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise
Davis, the City Council unanimously acknowledged, by roll call vote, receipt of the notice
that the following Development Agreements will be subject to an annual review
for calendar year 2023 in accordance with Chapter 18.220 of the Redlands Municipal
Code: Mountainview Power Company, Robertson's Ready Mix, Ltd, Cemex Construction
Materials, L.P., Cal -Red Facility, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Redlands
Health Services and AV Associates, Redlands Community Hospital, ESRI (Environmental
Systems Research Institute), VPV State Street Village, LLC.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Adopt Ordinance No. 2960 Zone Change No. 469
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise
Davis, the City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Ordinance No. 2960
(Zone Change No. 469), requesting to change the zoning designation of the 24.4 gross
acre project site to 18.89 gross acres of High Density Residential (R-3) District and 5.51
gross acres to Single Family Residential (R-1) District for development purposes.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Annual Report Airport Advisory Board
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise
Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, to receive and file the
Annual Report of the Airport Advisory Board, as attached to the staff report.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
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Artwork Loan and Display Agreement
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
Artwork Loan and Display Agreement is exempt from environmental review pursuant to
Section 15301 of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental
Quality Act; and approved an Artwork Loan and Display Agreement with Benjamin
Allanoff for the loan of public art to be displayed on city property.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
In -Kind Request Stronger Together Now Giving Sunday Event
Facilities and Community Services Director Crocker introduced the request for in -kind
support in the amount of $1,969, and additionally the request for commercial vendors
and the temporary closure of a portion of 5th Street for the Stronger Together Now
(STN) Giving Sunday event within Ed Hales Park on Sunday, April 28, 2024. As public
comment, Michael Paisner voiced his support of the group's efforts to be a positive
force in the community. He was struggling to understand why approval of the STN
requests had become contentious this year whereas it seemed to him that the Council 's
tone was very supportive during discussions last year. STN organizer Kai King spoke
of the group's genuine desire to support the City in the best way possible and to work
together for the betterment of everyone.
Janelle Guerrero, STN organizer, appreciated the mature and positive dialogue. Mayor
Tejeda stated he wanted to remain positive, as well, and he asked Ms. Guerrero some
pertinent questions related to the events. In response, she listed several reasons why
STN offers a unique experience, and she explained that the events were not designed to
raise funds to sustain the organization but instead to bring resources and vitality to the
downtown area. A partial list of sponsors included Southern California Edison and
SCAG. She added her assurance that the events do not limit attendance on the basis of
any discriminatory criteria. Mayor Tejeda was satisfied with the group's intent and
agreed he would support the request. Additionally, he announced he would be pulling
Communications Item H-3 and Resolution No. 8570, restating and amending a policy
for the consideration of requests for in -kind support and/or the contribution of City
resources by nonprofit organizations proposing special events within the city.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise
Davis, the City Council determined, by roll call vote, that this event is categorically
exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15311 of the State's guidelines
implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; authorized the closure of a
portion of 5th Street from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on April 28, 2024; and approved the
expenditure of city resources and in -kind support in the amount of $1,969.00 related to
the event.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
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Mission Creek Zanja Storm Drain Channel Condition Assessment
Facilities and Community Services Director Crocker explained that the City oversees and
maintains approximately ninety miles of storm drain channels throughout the city. As part
of preventative maintenance, staff performs regular inspections of the inlets, outlets,
spillways, and channel walls and, from time to time, necessary repairs are warranted.
Staff was working with City Attorney Garcia and outside professionals for assistance with
recommendations and remediation work. Carollo Engineers, Inc. recently performed work
on the channel upstream and exhibited competency and professionalism throughout the
course of previous projects. Based on their familiarity of the channel infrastructure and
their expertise, staff recommended awarding a Single Source Purchase Order for the
assessment of the Mission Creek Zanja Channel between 1st Street and 9th Street to
Carollo Engineers, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $68,943. As public comment, Andy
Hoder wondered whether Mission Creek Zanja was the correct name for the channel,
whereas he said, he had always understood it to be called the Mill Creek Zanj a.
On motion of Mayor Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, the City
Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the Professional
Services Agreement with Carollo Engineers, Inc. is exempt from environmental review
pursuant to Section 15301 of the State's guidelines implementing the California
Environmental Quality Act; and approved the Professional Services Agreement and Single
Source Purchase Order with Carollo Engineers, Inc. to provide engineering services for a
condition assessment of the underground portion of the Mission Creek Zanja from 1st
Street to 9th Street for an amount not -to -exceed $68,943.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
COMMUNICATIONS
Annual Report Library Board
Vice Chair Rosa Gomez provided the annual report of the Library Board of Trustees with
an update of accomplishments and activities. Highlights included, increased circulation
throughout the library, but especially in the eLibrary program, increasing popularity of a
wide range of entertainment and educational programming, Smiley Live!, a series of
monthly musical concerts that has attracted a strong following, adult literacy volunteer
tutors providing one-on-one instruction to adult learners in the community, Smiley
Heritage Tours showing off Redlands cultural sites for all RUSD fourth graders, and she
was pleased to report the Board adopted the 5-year Strategic Plan in December 2023.
New policies such as doing away with late fees and offering non-residents the opportunity
to become members has improved patronage. She provided a status update of the ongoing
construction of MOR, Museum of Redlands and excitedly shared that it was close to
becoming a reality. Certain infrastructure issues have dogged the Library, including water
leaks and a failed boiler system which has left the Library with no heat, but she was
hopeful that staff would resolve the matter. She thanked the City for their support.
Council Members extended their sincere appreciation of the Board's dedication and
service to uphold the Library's unique character and important relevance to the
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community.
Community Day of Service Video
Public Information Officer Baker presented a video of the Community Day of Service
held on March 9, 2024 throughout various locations in the City. Mr. Baker praised the
production work of Cheryl Williams, Multimedia Production Coordinator, while Mayor
Tejeda and the Council expressed their appreciation of her outstanding display of
creativity and dedication.
Resolution No. 8570 Amending In -Kind Support Request Policy
Mayor Tejeda announced that he intended to pull Resolution No. 8570 from Council
discussion but encouraged the public to participate and offer their thoughts and
perspectives. Resolution No. 8570, proposed to restate and amend a policy for the
consideration of requests for in -kind support and/or the contribution of City resources by
nonprofit organizations proposing special events within the city.
As public comment, Dennis Bell asked which cities were contacted when staff conducted
their research. He opposed authorizing the City Manager to administratively approve
in -kind requests under $5,000, as proposed, and he thought the City should be spending
less money, instead of giving it away. Andy Hoder appreciated the Mayor's efforts to
clarify the policy, and he encouraged the Council to develop standards for consistency and
transparency. Michael Paisner thanked Mayor Tejeda for pulling this item. As further
explanation, Mayor Tejeda pointed out that in order to be good stewards of the City's
finances, it was important to be able to call into question some of these events and request
accountability when needed.
NEW BUSINESS
Grocery Gift Card Program Second Amendment Agreement
Grants Coordinator Selina Sanchez reported on a Second Amendment to the Agreement
with About Food Inc., dba Redlands Ranch Market, to increase the total compensation of
the Agreement by $1,680,000 to a total amount not to exceed $3,704,400 for the provision
of monthly grocery gift cards to facilitate Round 2 of the Resident Grocery Gift Card
program. The amendment extends the term of the agreement to December 31, 2026. In
view of the program's success and the overwhelming benefits that the program offers to
qualifying residents, in November 2023, the City Council approved the reallocation of
$1,625,000 from the Small Business Gift Card Match Program and $55,000 from the
Nonprofits Assistance Program to fund a second round of the Resident Grocery Gift Card
Program that will provide assistance to 1,400 eligible households. The Council Members
expressed their full support of the 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 Second Amendment to
the Agreement with About Food Inc., dba Redlands Ranch Market, to increase the total
compensation of the Agreement by $1,680,000 to a total amount not to exceed $3,704,400
and to extend the term of the agreement to December 31, 2026, for the provision of monthly
grocery gift cards to facilitate Round 2 of the Resident Grocery Gift Card program.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Contract Award 2023 Alley Paving Improvement Project
City Engineer Dobey presented a Public Work Construction Contract with Tryco General
Engineering for the 2023 Alley Paving Improvement Project for an amount not -to -exceed
$1,738,285. The Project will resurface fourteen alleys and will remove and replace
driveways and sidewalks where necessary, protect existing utilities, trees, power poles,
and public and private improvements, replace damaged survey monuments, construct
drainage facilities, dispose of excess soil and rock material, and restore all areas and
improvements to pre -construction conditions.
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
contract and construction of the 2023 Alley Paving Improvement 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 Alley Paving
Improvement Project plans and specifications; and awarded a construction contract to Tryco
General Engineering for an amount not -to -exceed $1,738,285.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
PO Modification Vehicle Lease Maintenance Program
Facilities and Community Services Department Director Crocker provided details of a
$236,571 purchase order modification with Enterprise FM Trust for the vehicle lease and
maintenance program resulting in a total purchase order amount not to exceed $2,114,876
and a total contract amount not to exceed $4,535,653 and approval of an additional
appropriation in the amount of $140,000.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise
Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, a purchase order
modification for Fiscal Year 2023-24 with Enterprise FM Trust for a vehicle lease and
maintenance program in an amount of $236,571 for a total purchase order amount not to
exceed $2,114,876 and a total contract amount not to exceed $4,535,653 and approval of an
additional appropriation in the amount of $140,000.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
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Community Day of Service - Council Members participated in the event and said it was a
great success. Several hundred workers volunteered their time as they tackled a wide
range of beautification projects throughout the City.
Mayor Tejeda attended the Parks Master Plan briefing.
Mayor Pro Tem Barich attended the Library Board meeting, enjoyed a program held at
the Assistencia featuring many great guitarists, and he participated in the Parks Master
Plan briefing. He congratulated fellow Council Member, Jenna Guzman -Lowery on her
recent wedding.
Council Member Davis attended the annual dinner for the Redlands Bowl where the new
season line-up was announced. She led another Youth Council meeting held at Fire
Station #1, spoke at the Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society at the University of Redlands, and
provided a welcome message at the 55th Annual Multimedia Mini Show at the Redlands
Art Association.
Council Member Saucedo participated in a Council briefing on the State Parks Master
Plan and attended one of the community meetings. He announced a mural dedication was
scheduled to be held on March 30, 2024 at 101 W Stuart Avenue, honoring Cesar E.
Chavez Day and the artwork by Larry Dierdorff. He thanked everyone involved in the
coordination and planning of the Community Day of Service and gave special thanks to
Facilities and Community Services staff.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 7:39 P.M. The next regular
meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on April 2, 2024.
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