HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024_04_02 - RegularMINUTES
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic
Center, 35 Cajon Street, on April 2, 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, HR/Risk Management
Director
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 Tejeda. The pledge of
allegiance to the American flag was conducted by the Flag Folder and Safety Squad of
Kingsbury Elementary School.
PRESENTATIONS
Redlands Pet Adoption
Animal Services Supervisor Jodi Kroeger and Kennel Attendant Hailey Stuck introduced
"Ariel", a three -year -old female Australian Kelpie, who is available for adoption, along with
forty-three other dogs and ten cat at the Redlands Animal Shelter. Ms. Kroeger informed the
Council there had been forty-one dogs and eight cats adopted in March 2024. She announced
the Shelter was full, and all dog adoption fees would be waived.
Proclamation National Crime Victims' Rights Week
Council Member Saucedo and Police Chief Tolber presented a Proclamation declaring April
21-27, 2024, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week to Rose Madsen of Family and Friends
of Murder Victims.
CC_April 2, 2024
Page 1
Proclamation Dolores Huerta Day
Council Member Saucedo presented a Proclamation to Yolanda Contreras in celebration of
Dolores Huerta Day.
Proclamation Child Abuse Prevention Month
Mayor Tejeda presented a Proclamation declaring the month of April 2024 as Child Abuse
Prevention Month to Kevin Anderson, Interim Children's Network Officer, San Bernardino
County.
Council Members agreed to move Agenda Item I-4 of New Business to the first item of
discussion under New Business. Consideration of Resolution No. 8573, naming the park in
Tract No. 20336 in honor of Jerry Coyazo, naming the baseball field within the park in honor
of Joe Gonzales, and the placement of a commemorative plaque in honor of Patrick J. Meyer
on the flag pole at the park.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Tejeda announced that comments could be presented in -person, via Zoom, via cell
phone or landline.
Construction Industry TaxFraud - Eddie Campos and Delshawn McClellon, of Western
States Regional Council of Carpenters, brought attention to a growing problem of employer
tax fraud in the construction industry, which they said was allowing businesses to cheat
their employees, evade taxes and defraud communities. A Days of Action event is planned
from April 13 - April 19, to protest and raise awareness.
Parking Enforcement - Dennis Bell noted that the City had increased the levels of parking
enforcement in the downtown area, but he said this same level of enforcement should apply
across the City.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the regular meeting minutes of
March 19, 2024.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Proclamation National Crime Victims' Rights Week
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich,
the City Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation
declaring April 21-27, 2024 National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
CC_April 2, 2024
Page 2
Proclamation Dolores Huerta Day
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich,
the City Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation
declaring April 10, 2024, as Dolores Huerta Day.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Proclamation Child Abuse Prevention Month
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich,
the City Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation
declaring the month of April 2024 as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Conflict of Interest Code Review
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich,
the City Council unanimously directed staff, by roll call vote, to review the Conflict of
Interest Code for the City of Redlands in accordance with Section 87306.5 of the California
Government Code.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8569 Small Claims Court Representatives
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8569 appointing
Small Claims Court Representatives to act for the City of Redlands and on the City's behalf
and Rescinding Resolution No.8405.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Homeless Resources Services Agreement
Homeless Solutions Manager David Rabindranath introduced a Homeless Resources
Services Agreement and purchase order with Swami Shriji Investment Inc. doing business
as Super 8 Redlands for Temporary Housing Services on an as -needed basis for an amount
not to exceed $66,300. He added that the Super 8 Redlands operates the motel within the
City of Redlands and the purchase order will facilitate the use of the motel for the purpose
of providing emergency rooms for homeless individuals and families, ranging in stay from
one to seven nights. As public comment, Dennis Bell thought the City's strategy was only
just to warehouse the homeless population instead of addressing the bigger problems
associated with homelessness.
CC_April 2, 2024
Page 3
On motion of Mayor Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, the City
Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, a Homeless Resources Services Agreement
and a sole source purchase order with Swami Shriji Investment Inc. doing business as Super 8
Redlands for Temporary Housing Services on an as -needed basis for an amount not to exceed
$66,300.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Amending On -Call Plumbing Services Agreement
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the First Amendment to the
agreement to perform on -call plumbing services with Pro -Craft Construction, Inc. for an
additional $30,000 per year for the remaining two years, resulting in a total agreement
amount of $210,000.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Amending Development Impact Fee Study Professional Services Agreement
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich,
the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that the Fourth Amendment to
the Professional Services Agreement with David Taussig and Associates, 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 Fourth Amendment to the
Professional Services Agreement with David Taussig and Associates, Inc. increasing the total
compensation to $67,480.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
RESA Event Services Agreement
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich,
the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the agreement 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
the University of Redlands for the Redlands Emergency Services Academy.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
RAFME Side Letter Agreement
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the Side Letter of Agreement
between the City and Redlands Association of Fire Management Employees modifying
language in Article 19 of the Memorandum of Understanding to clarify sick leave benefits at
the time of retirement.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
CC_April 2, 2024
Page 4
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Ordinance No. 2961 Agritourism
Mayor Tejeda opened the public hearing and called on Planning Manager Brian Foote, of
Development Services, for details of Ordinance No. 2961, to amend Redlands Municipal
Code Chapter 18.20 (A-1, Agricultural District) to permit certain types of agritourism and
related uses as ancillary land uses within the A-1, Agricultural zone, as well as adopt
development standards and sign standards for agritourism uses. He reported the applicant,
Two Canyon Farmers Guild, represents multiple property owners and farmers who
predominantly reside or operate citrus groves in the San Timoteo Canyon and Live Oak
Canyon areas of Redlands. The applicant has applied to amend the provisions of Redlands
Municipal Code (RMC) Chapter 18.20 for the A-1, Agricultural District to expand the list
of allowable ancillary and supportive activities to enhance and diversify revenue sources
from existing agricultural land uses. The largest contiguous area of Redlands with A-1
zoning is in San Timoteo Canyon and Live Oak Canyon (south Redlands). On February 27,
2024, the Planning Commission held a public hearing and voted 7 to 0, recommending that
the City Council approve the ordinance.
Representing Two Canyon Farmers Guild, Anna Knight explained the group's intent was to
promote the longevity and economic sustainability of farming operations (i.e., economic
development opportunities) without sacrificing or diminishing the existing agricultural uses
of the land. As citrus production in the region has gradually declined over recent decades,
landowners are seeking additional ancillary revenue streams to augment declining crop
income. This proposed code amendment will allow for a variety of related land uses that are
intended to be ancillary and supportive of agriculture activities, without detrimentally
affecting the rural and historic character of the agricultural areas. She introduced another
local farmer, Tony Hicks, who added that fewer restrictions in connection to pumpkin
patches, "glamping", and wineries would be helpful.
As public comment, fifteen speakers, including Dennis Bell, Linda Hamilton, Phil
Courtney, Bob Knight, Ann Van Damme, Kaito Knight, John P Beall, Teresa Mattura, Julie
Estrella, Tammy White, Doug Powell, Hans and Mary Ann Schaepper, Chamber of
Commerce Executive Director, Evan Sanford and Jaimie Fanous addressed the Council to
voice their support of the proposal. Speakers represented a diverse segment of the
population including Redlands property owners (farmers), residents, local business
representatives, members from local school districts, and other interested persons. Overall,
they stressed the value the proposed changes would bring and stated these would benefit not
only the farmers, but bring a revenue boost to the local economy, and would preserve the
rich agricultural heritage of the community.
Four written comments were received from Sherli Leonard representing Redlands
Conservancy and also representing Two Canyons Conservancy, Samiha Hamdi of Fresh
Approach and Jamie Fanous, of Community Alliance with Family Farmers. All letters were
in full support of the proposal. As rebuttal, Anna Knight urged the Council to include four
line items to be classified under the administrative review processes, rather than under the
Conditional Use Permit processes. These items included farm stays, educational farm camp
(no motor vehicles/trailers), retail self -pick onsite by customers, and tours, day classes and
farm experience excursions. With no additional comments, Mayor Tejeda closed the public
hearing.
CC_April 2, 2024
Page 5
Council Members thanked Anna Knight for her informative and passionate presentation and
announced their support of agritourism. They were anxious to make this work for both the
farmers and the City but wanted to make sure clear standards were set. Several questions
were raised, and they asked for clarification regarding the timing to approve the ordinance,
the timing to consider revisions to the ordinance and possible continuation of the hearing to
the May 7 Council meeting, definition of certain terms, such as "glamping", the use of RVs,
permit requirements and cost of permits. During the lengthy discussion, it was agreed to
introduce the ordinance as originally presented and continue to work with the applicant to
evaluate the additional revisions they requested.
On motion of Mayor Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City
Council unanimously introduced, by roll call vote, Ordinance No. 2961, to amend the
Redlands Municipal Code Chapter 18.20 (A-1, Agricultural District) to permit certain types
of agritourism and related uses as ancillary land uses within the A-1, Agricultural zone, as
well as adopt development standards and sign standards for agritourism uses; and determined
that the proposal is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental
Quality Act in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
NEW BUSINESS
Arts and Culture Master Plan Agreement
Facilities and Community Services Director Crocker reviewed a Professional Services
Agreement with The Cultural Planning Group, LLC for the development of an Arts and
Culture Master Plan for an amount not to exceed $126,000. The Cultural Arts
Commission recommended that the City Council direct staff to procure the services of a
consultant to develop an Arts and Culture Master Plan (Plan), as the Plan is a necessary tool
to ensure that art is promoted and utilized in a cohesive and intentional manner throughout
the community. On December 6, 2022, the City Council directed staff to advertise a request
for proposal for the development of the Plan. As public comment, Dennis Bell said the City
didn't need another plan, and he thought it was a waste of taxpayers' money.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member
Denise Davis, the City Council determined, by roll call vote, that approval of a Professional
Services Agreement with The Cultural Planning Group, LLC for the development of an
Arts and Culture Master Plan is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines; and approved the Professional
Services Agreement with The Cultural Planning Group, LLC for an amount not to exceed
$126,000.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Mayor Pro Tem Barich was absent during the vote
Amending Applied LNG Technologies, LLC Agreement
CC_April 2, 2024
Page 6
Facilities and Community Services Director Crocker explained the need to amend the
Agreement with Applied LNG Technologies, LLC to increase the total agreement amount
not to exceed $3,909,879. During the first extended term of this agreement, the City has
experienced an increase in RLNG and CNG sales. This Second Amendment will increase
the agreement amount and provide for the purchase order modification to account for the
increased expense and revenue associated with the additional fuel sales. The estimated
revenue for FY 2023-24 is $851,500, which is a 39% increase over FY 2022-23 totals.
On motion of Council Member Mario Saucedo, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, an additional
expense appropriation in the amount of $136,902; a revenue appropriation in the amount of
$243,000 for the Equipment Maintenance Fund; and approved the Second Amendment to the
Agreement with Applied LNG Technologies, LLC.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8559 Master Lease & Purchase Caterpillar Model D8 Track Type Tractor
Facilities and Community Services Director Crocker detailed Resolution No. 8559
approving a Master Lease and Purchase Agreement with Caterpillar Financial Services Inc.
for the lease and purchase of a replacement Caterpillar Model D8 Track Type Tractor for
$1,363,518.10. The City uses a D8 Dozer at the City landfill on a daily basis and plays a
crucial role in daily landfill operations and has now surpassed its recommended service life
and is no longer in working condition. The dozer is essential to maintain regulatory
compliance, and its replacement is needed immediately to stay in compliance, avoid
unnecessary fines, and incur violations at the California Street Landfill. The purchase price
will be paid over a six -year term with the first (5) five annual payments in the amount of
$272,683.42 and a remaining payment in the sixth year in the amount of $101.00. At the
end of the agreement and upon the last payment, the City will own the vehicle outright.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member
Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No.
8559 approving a Master Lease and Purchase Agreement with Caterpillar Financial Services
Inc. for the lease and purchase of a replacement Caterpillar Model D8 Track Type Tractor for
$1,363,518.10.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8753 Naming of Park, Baseball Field & Commemorative Plaque in Tract No.
20336
Facilities and Community Services Department Director Crocker provided background for
Resolution No. 8573 and the proposal to name the park in Tract No. 20336 in honor of Jerry
Coyazo, name the baseball field within the park in honor of Joe Gonzales, and to place a
commemorative plaque in honor of Patrick J. Meyer on the flag pole at the park. As part of
the development of Tract 20336, now known as the Live Oak neighborhood, MLC
Holdings LLC will build and dedicate to the City of Redlands an 11.8-acre public park with
7 sports fields, parking, public restroom facilities, picnic, and passive open space areas. The
Master Landscape Plan incorporates several features in the park, including: one
CC_April 2, 2024
Page 7
baseball/softball field, six soccer fields, a basketball court, sports field lighting, restrooms,
and multi -use trails. The developer requested the City name the park and the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Commission led the effort in accordance with the park naming
resolution. They received over 150 park name suggestions from the public.
As public comment, Jim Holmes, President and CEO of Redlands Community Hospital,
spoke in honor of Pat Meyer, who was instrumental in bringing many developments to
fruition, including this one. Mr. Holmes spoke for the many others also in attendance, and
he expressed their deep sadness of Mr. Meyer's recent passing, on March 31, 2024. Mayor
Tejeda and Council Member Saucedo praised Mr. Meyer for his efforts to encourage
developers to incorporate parks and trails and sports fields within their developments,
bringing great value to the whole community. Andy Coyazo, on behalf of the Coyazo
family, and Gloria Candelaria, on behalf of her father, Joe Gonzales, said they were
humbled and honored to have the park and baseball field named for their families.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No.
8573, naming the park in Tract No. 20336 in honor of Jerry Coyazo, naming the baseball
field at the park in honor of Joe Gonzales, and placing a commemorative plaque in honor of
Patrick J. Meyer on the flag pole at the park.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Council Member Guzman -Lowery announced the West Valley National Crime Week
Memorial will be held on April 22, 2024 in Rancho Cucamonga. On a personal note, she
was grateful for City staff members and gave special recognition to the Redlands Fire
Department, Station 1 crew, for their incredible response to a family emergency.
Council Member Saucedo expressed his appreciation of Esther Martinez, Redlands
Emergency Operations Specialist, who was honored by Assemblymember James C. Ramos
as one of the 2024 Women of Distinction in Assembly District 45. The annual award honors
women in the district who exemplify leadership, innovation, and service in Assembly
District 45.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 8:20 P.M. in honor of Pat J.
Meyer, who passed away on March 31, 2024. Mayor Tejeda called for a moment of silence
and praised him for his dedication and selfless service to the betterment of the community.
He will be greatly missed. The next regular meeting of the City of Redlands City Council
will be held on April 16, 2024.
CC_April 2, 2024
Page 8