HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024_04_16 - RegularMINUTES
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic Center,
35 Cajon Street, on April 16, 2024 at 5:00 P.M.
Present:
Absent:
Staff:
Eddie Tejeda, Mayor
Paul Barich, Mayor Pro Tempore
Jenna Guzman -Lowery, Council Member
Mario Saucedo, Council Member
Denise Davis, 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; 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 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: Initiation of Litigation Government Code §54956.9(d)(4)
One (1) Case.
Conference with legal counsel: Existing Litigation - Government Code §54956.9(d)(1)
(City Attorney Garcia)
One (1) Case.
a. California Department of Housing and Community Development v. Shangri-la
Industries, LLC, et al., Los Angeles Superior Court, Case No. 24STCV00629
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The meeting reconvened at 6:00 P.M. with an invocation by Council Member
Guzman -Lowery. The Pledge of Allegiance was conducted by the Student Council Leaders of
Highland Grove Elementary School.
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CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Garcia announced that no reportable action was taken during the closed session.
PRESENTATIONS
Annual Day of Prayer Proclamation
Mayor Tejeda presented a Proclamation to Carolyn Preschern in celebration of the Annual Day
of Prayer scheduled for May 2, 2024.
National Library Week Proclamation
Mayor Tejeda presented a Proclamation to Library Director, Don McCue, William Hatfield,
Board President, and Rosa Gomez, Board Vice President, in honor of National Library Week
from April 7-13, 2024.
Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month Proclamation
Council Member Guzman -Lowery presented a Proclamation to LaTia Youngblood of Music
Changing Lives, declaring the month of April 2024 as Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Property Receivership - Ken Patchett complained that the City was acting unfairly by
considering taking action and possible receivership of his property. He was unhappy with
what he claimed was a lack of communication on the City's part, and the notice he received
did not accurately reflect the complex situation.
Various Musings - Dennis Bell enjoyed the History Day event held at San Bernardino's Santa
Fe Depot as various organizations celebrated Inland Empire history. He weighed in on the
attendance numbers as projected for the Bicycle Classic and said after taking his own head
count over the weekend, he determined the numbers were inflated. Due to the City's in -kind
support, he urged the Council to request an auditing of the Committee's books.
Internet Broadband Services - Raquel Brac voiced her frustration with the internet broadband
services provided to the residents of Redlands, stating the services were too slow, too
expensive, and she said the problem was rooted in private monopoly providers. She added
there was a better way and the alternative solution may be in the hands of the City Council.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the regular
meeting minutes April 2, 2024.
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Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Proclamation National Library Week
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, the issuance of a
proclamation declaring the week, April 7-13, 2024, as National Library Week.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Proclamation Earth Day
Mayor Tejeda was pleased to present a Proclamation declaring April 20, 2024, as Earth Day
to members of Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action (ANCA). As public comment,
Gregory Brittain thought that global warming was a scam, and based on his research, there
was nothing unusual about our climate. He offered data points in support of his perspective
and urged everyone to conduct their own investigation into the various claims.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Mario Saucedo,
the City Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation
declaring April 20, 2024, as Earth Day.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Proclamation Arbor Day
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, the issuance of a
proclamation declaring April 26, 2024, as Arbor Day in the City of Redlands.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Proclamation Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, the issuance of a
proclamation declaring the month of April 2024 as Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Proclamation May 2, 2024 National Day of Prayer
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, the issuance of a
proclamation declaring May 2, 2024, as National Day of Prayer in the City of Redlands.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
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Sole Source PO Temporary Housing Services
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the sole source
purchase order for Temporary Housing Services on an as -needed basis with SB Express One,
LLC for an amount not to exceed $50,000.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Amending Agreement for Fire Station Folding Doors
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the First
Amendment to the Non -Professional Services Agreement with J.T. Lewis, doing business as
National Garage Door, for the procurement and installation of fire station folding doors, to
change the door manufacturer to Door Engineering.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Adopt Ordinance No. 2961 Agritourism
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, 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.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8572 Extending CUP No. 1107 Expiration Date
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No.
8572 to authorize a one-year time extension to the expiration date of Conditional Use Permit
No. 1107 and associated entitlements for the adaptive reuse of a historic single-family
residence as a medical clinic and pediatrician's office. The project site is located at 1605
Calvary Circle (APN: 0293-133-13-0000).
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Amending Webb Municipal Finance, LLC Agreement
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of
this contract amendment 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 Agreement with Webb Municipal Finance, LLC, increasing the
total agreement amount to $136,500, and approved an additional appropriation of $50,000, to
allow for the continued performance of professional services for the annual levy administration
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and annexations for Community Facilities District No. 2004-1.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8562 New Water Service Connection Outside City of Redlands
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No.
8562 for new water service connection to the City of Redlands water distribution system at
31455 E. Citrus Avenue (APN: 0299-141-11-0000) in the unincorporated community of
Mentone; and adopted Resolution No. 8563 relating to Pre -Annexation Agreement No. 24-01.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8565 New Water Service Connection Outside City of Redlands
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.
8565 for a new water service connection to the City of Redlands water distribution system at
31565 E. Highland Avenue (APN: 0299-152-04-0000) in the unincorporated community of
Mentone; and approved Resolution No. 8566 relating to Pre -Annexation Agreement No. 24-02.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Reject Bids 2023 CIP Sewer Pipeline Replacement Project
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, to reject all bids
for the 2023 CIP Sewer Pipeline Replacement Project, Project No. 521030; and directed staff
to solicit new bids for the project. All bids significantly exceeded the $2,500,000 construction
cost estimate and available Project funding. Staff will re -advertise the Project in
late -April 2024.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Agreement On -Call Fence Gate Repair & Installation Services
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of
a Non -Professional Services Agreement with Valley Cities Gonzales Fence, Inc. is exempt
from environmental review pursuant to section 15301(1)(4) of the State's guidelines
implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and approved the Non -Professional
Services Agreement with Valley Cities Gonzales Fence, Inc. for on -call fence and/or gate
repair and installation services for an amount not -to -exceed $180,000.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Cooperative Agreement to Rehabilitate Portions of Live Oak Canyon Road
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On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of
the Cooperative Agreement with the County of Riverside to rehabilitate portions of Live Oak
Canyon Road 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 Cooperative Agreement with the County of Riverside to rehabilitate portions of Live Oak
Canyon Road for an amount not -to -exceed $39,780.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
CalRecycle Grant Award
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously accepted, by roll call vote, the grant
award from the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle); and approved
an additional appropriation of $94,312.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
U of R Commencement Temporary Street Closure
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, 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
temporary closure of Brockton Avenue from University Street to Grove Street on April 25 and
April 26, 2024, for the University of Redlands commencement ceremony.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
COMMUNICATIONS
Measure T Citizens' Oversight Committee Annual Report
Management Services/Finance Director Garcia introduced Chairperson Toni Momberger to
present the annual report of the Measure T Citizens' Oversight Committee. The Committee
provides oversight of Measure T sales tax revenue, and the Report covered the fiscal year
beginning July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. The total General Fund Revenue for fiscal
year (FY) 2023 was approximately $118.9 million, with Measure T sales tax revenue
representing 17% of these funds, or $20.4. FY 2023 saw Measure T contribute significantly to
ongoing efforts to ensure sufficient staffing in the areas of public safety, animal services, fire
prevention, library services, and code enforcement, among others. The City has made
progress towards long-term goals of shortening the tree -trimming cycle for its roughly
43,000 trees, replacement of sidewalks, installation of ADA ramps, and the enhancement of
parks maintenance services. These areas translate into better public infrastructure and better
service to the community.
Actual Measure T revenues exceeded budget. The passage of Measure T has continued to
stabilize the City budget and allowed the City to deliver on the expectations and desires of
our community. This includes efforts towards enhanced services in public safety and
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infrastructure maintenance, as well as bringing back the Library hours to pre-COVID levels
and restoring general maintenance contracts for park and street upkeep. Measure T has
allowed for significant investments in park improvements, fleet and heavy equipment
replacement, and the addition of staff to enhance service delivery.
As public comment, Dennis Bell thanked staff and the Oversight Committee members who
have shown diligence and commitment in their work, but he thought the City was burning a
hole in the City's pocket because of the large amount of revenue generated by the tax. He said
this was not an independent committee and Measure T funds should be audited twice a year.
Council Members each voiced their appreciation of the Committee's continued dedication and
service to the City.
On motion of Council Member Mario Saucedo, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously agreed, by roll call vote, to receive and file
the Annual Report from the Measure T Citizens' Oversight Committee for FY 2023.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Affordability Programs Research Project
Assistant City Manager McConnell opened the discussion related to the Council Member
Priority Research Project regarding Affordability Programs. Council Member
Guzman -Lowery recommended the City find and source funding to continue providing
affordability programs due to the success of the Grocery Gift Card Program and the positive
impact it has had specifically on households that are on fixed incomes, such as seniors. Ms.
McConnell highlighted the success of the Program and pointed out it is currently funded by
the City's allocation of State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds of the American Rescue Plan
Act.
Grants Coordinator Selina Sanchez reviewed the research conducted to find additional
funding sources for these types of affordability programs, adding that unfortunately, staff was
unable to find grant opportunities that could fund a program of this magnitude. While certain
low-income food assistance programs are available, supported by federal or state grants, most
are administered by other agencies. She pointed out the Redlands Senior Center plays a vital
role in supporting the well-being of the senior population by offering a range of services and
activities. These services and activities provided by the Senior Center contribute significantly
to enhancing the quality of life for senior residents, while promoting socialization, health, and
overall well-being. Although staff did not identify funding sources that are available at this
time for the continuation of a Resident Grocery Gift Card program, staff will continue to
monitor grant funding opportunities that become available.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Resolution No. 8571 & Ordinance No. 2962 DIF - Continued to a Future Date
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris announced this public hearing to
consider Resolution No. 8571 and Ordinance No. 2962 pertaining to Development Impact
Fees was continued to a future date.
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On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Mario
Saucedo, the City Council unanimously agreed, by roll call vote, to continue the public hearing
to consider Resolution No. 8571 and Ordinance No. 2962 pertaining to Development Impact
Fees to a future date.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
NEW BUSINESS
City's EOC Roof and HVAC Repair & Replacement
Fire Chief Sessler reviewed the Public Works Contract with AME Builders, Inc. for the repair
and replacement of the City's Emergency Operations Center roof and rooftop HVAC units,
for an amount not -to -exceed $425,706. He added that the apparent lower bid from Best
Contracting Services was unresponsive and therefore, staff recommended the bid be rejected.
On motion of Council Member Mario Saucedo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich,
the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that the Public Works Contract
with AME Builders, Inc. is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to
Section 15301(d) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality
Act; rejected the bid from Best Contracting Services as unresponsive; and approved a Public
Works Contract with AME Builders, Inc. for the repair and replacement of the City's
Emergency Operations Center roof and rooftop HVAC units for an amount not -to -exceed
$425,706.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Amending Third Party Liability Claims Administration Agreement
Human Resources/Risk Management Director Meteau reported on the First Amendment to
the Agreement with George Hills Company, Inc. to provide third party liability claims
administration on a time and expense basis for an amount not -to -exceed the amount of
$270,052 for the services provided during the term of the agreement, and he reviewed
Resolution No. 8574, to grant authority at the City's request, to initiate small claims actions
on behalf of the City, and rescinding Resolution No. 7830. Instead of a fixed fee
compensation, this First Amendment specifies that claim administration services will be
compensated on a time and expense basis, effective retroactively to July 1, 2023, and
according to the amended fee schedule, include a not to exceed the annual cap of $95,000 for
the remaining duration of the agreement and the total compensation not to exceed $$270,052.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Mario
Saucedo, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the First Amendment to
the agreement with George Hills Company, Inc. for the total compensation of the agreement
not to exceed $270,052; adopted Resolution No. 8574, granting authority at the City's request,
to initiate small claims actions on behalf of the City and rescinded Resolution No. 7830.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
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Amending Agreement General Pump Company
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris introduced the First Amendment to the
Non -Professional Service Agreement with General Pump Company to revise the first
Extended Term compensation to $750,000 and extend the term to two years.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Mario
Saucedo, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the First Amendment to
the Non -Professional Service Agreement with General Pump Company to revise the first
Extended Term compensation to $750,000 and extend the term to two (2) years, to provide
groundwater well and booster pump services on an as -needed basis.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Citywide Street Sweeping Services Agreement
Facilities and Community Services Director Crocker presented an agreement with SCA of
CA, LLC for city-wide street sweeping services in the amount not -to -exceed $1,334,479.32
for an initial period of three years, and with two additional one-year renewal options at
$444,826.44 for each extension for a possible agreement total amount not -to -exceed
$2,224,132.20. As public comment, Phil Courtney suggested the City consider assigning a
street sweeping day so that residents know when the services will be performed. This would
allow for the public to clear the streets in advance of the sweeping, making for a cleaner and
more efficient outcome. Council Members were pleased the current vendor would be replaced
since they each had received many resident complaints concerning their performance. Mayor
Pro Tem Barich requested the City look into assigning street sweeping days. City Manager
Duggan confirmed that staff will add his request to the project prioritization list.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that the project
is categorically exempt from environmental review in accordance with Section 15301(c) of the
State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and approved the
agreement with SCA of CA, LLC for city-wide street sweeping services in an amount
not -to -exceed $1,334,479 for a period of three years, with two additional one-year renewal
options for a possible agreement total amount not -to -exceed $2,224,132.20.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Homekey Grant Agreement Termination
Assistant City Manager Boatman offered background related to the termination of the
Homekey Grant agreement between the City of Redlands, Shangri-La Industries, 1675
Industrial Park, LP, and Step Up on Second Street, Inc. funding the operating subsidy for the
motel conversation project located at 1675 Industrial Park Avenue. To address the housing
needs of individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, the City
jointly applied with Shangri-La, Industries, LLC and Step Up on Second Street, Inc. for grant
funding under the Homekey Program — Round 2, administered by the California Department
of Housing and Community Development ("HCD").
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After receiving City Council approval, on May 24, 2022, the City, Shangri-La, and Step Up
(together, the "HCD Grantees") entered into a grant agreement. The HCD Agreement
required the City to, as a "matching contribution," commit $3,573,485 in Project funding. It
was anticipated that this operating subsidy, together with HCD's award of grant money and
other funding sources secured by Shangri-La, would fund the conversion and operations of
Step Up Redlands for at least five years. The City Council also approved a grant agreement
between the City, Shangri-La Industries, 1675 Industrial Park, L.P. ("1675 Industrial"), and
Step Up on July 19, 2022 ("Grant Agreement'). Pursuant to the HCD Agreement, grant funds
were distributed by HCD directly to Shangri-La Industries in the summer of 2022. The Step
Up Redlands facility was operational and occupied by February of 2023.
The City discovered that Shangri-La Industries had defaulted on its obligations under the
Grant Agreement. Despite demanding cure, Shangri-La Industries has not responded to the
City's demand. Unless the grant is revoked and the Grant Agreement is terminated, the City
will be forced to pay $510,497 to Shangri-La Industries this year. To ensure that the
City -funded operating subsidy continues to be used to support the Project and also to guard
against any misappropriation, the City is within its rights to terminate the Grant Agreement.
As public comment, Andy Hoder asked whether the City would incur any penalties if the
agreement was terminated and Assistant City Manager Boatman clarified there were none.
Bruce Laycook wondered what the termination would mean for the City's relationship with
Step Up Redlands. Mr. Boatman explained that the action tonight would terminate the 3-party
agreement, but the City still maintained another 2-party agreement with Step Up.
On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Jenna
Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously agreed, by roll call vote, to terminate the
Homekey Grant Agreement between the City of Redlands, Shangri-La Industries, 1675
Industrial Park, LP, and Step Up on Second Street, Inc.; authorized the City Manager to sign
and submit a Notice of Termination; and authorized the City Manager to use Grant Funding as
appropriate for the Step Up Redlands Facility.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Mayor Tejeda provided a project update to the East Valley Realtors Association and Chamber
of Commerce Lobby, attended the Redlands Fire Department Promotion & Award
Ceremony, was invited to a Prayer Bruch event in San Bernardino on April 14, and
participated in the Groundbreaking event at Fire Station #262, to kick off the new remodeling
project.
Mayor Pro Tem Barich enjoyed the Redlands Bicycle Classic event, attended the Redlands
Fire Depai fluent Promotion & Award Ceremony, and participated in the Groundbreaking
event at Fire Station #262, to kick off the new remodeling project.
Council Member Guzman -Lowery was looking forward to Earth Day events scheduled for
April 20, enjoyed the Redlands Bicycle Classic event, and attended the Redlands Fire
Department Promotion & Award Ceremony.
Council Member Saucedo spoke to Boy Scout Troop #14 and was pleased to participate
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alongside Congressman Pete Aguilar as he presented $500,000 to Hannah's House and the
Blessing Center in Redlands. He also lifted a shovel to kick off the new remodeling project at
Fire Station #262. He proposed two items be agendized for future meetings: 1) Consideration
of a letter of support of a proposal from Senator Ochoa Bogh requesting $45 million in relief
funding to assist commercial citrus and other growers across the Inland Empire; 2) Report
presentation recapping the State Water Tour he attended.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 7:44 P.M. The next regular
meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on May 7, 2024.
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