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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024_09_17 - RegularMINUTES Regular meetings of the City Council and the Financing Authority of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35 Cajon Street, on September 17, 2024 at 5:00 P.M. Present: Staff: Eddie Tejeda, Mayor Paul Barich, Mayor Pro Tempore Denise Davis, Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, Council Member Mario Saucedo, Council Member Charles M. Duggan, Jr., City Manager; Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney; Jeanne Donaldson, City Clerk; Phillip Doolittle, City Treasurer; Janice McConnell, Assistant City Manager; Chris Boatman, Assistant City Manager; Carl Baker, Public Information Officer; Danielle Garcia, Management Services/Finance Director; Brian Desatnik, Development Services Director; John Harris, Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director; Rich Sessler, Fire Chief; Rachel Tolber, Police Chief; Tabitha Crocker, Facilities and Community Services Director; 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 Open Government - Steve Rogers referenced his comments made during the last City Council meeting and reiterated he was not satisfied with the City's response to his request to remove restrictions placed on his interactions with City staff. CLOSED SESSION Conference with legal counsel: Existing Litigation - Government Code §54956.9(d)(1) (City Attorney Garcia) Five Cases: a. Sedlick, et. al. v. City of Redlands, et al., U.S. District Court, Central District, Case No. 5 :23-cv-0045 7-JGB-KKx b. Price v. City of Redlands, San Bernardino Superior Court, Case No. CIVSB 2218802 c. Aqueous Film -Foams Product Liability Litigation, U.S. District Court, South Carolina, Master Docket No. 2:18-mn-2873-RMG d. City of Camden et. al. v. BASF Corporation, U.S. District Court, South Carolina, Civil Action No. 2:24-cv-03174-RMG e. City of Camden et. al. v. Tyco Fire Products LP, U.S. District Court, South Carolina, Civil Action No: 2-24-cv-02321-RMG CC_RFA_September 17, 2024 Page 1 a. Conference with Labor Negotiator — Government Code §54957.6 (Assistant City Manager McConnell) Agency Negotiators: Unrepresented Employees: Mayor Tejeda and Mayor Pro Tempore Barich City Manager, City Attorney RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING The meeting reconvened at 6:15 P.M. with an invocation by Mayor Pro Tem Barich followed by the pledge of allegiance to the American flag. CLOSED SESSION REPORT City Attorney Garcia announced that no reportable action was taken during the closed session. PRESENTATIONS Proclamation Adult Literacy Day Mayor Pro Tem Barich presented a Proclamation declaring September 29, 2024, as Adult Literacy Day in the City of Redlands to Sotheavy Chev, Adult Learner; Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Coordinator; and Don McCue, Smiley Public Library Director. Proclamation California Native American Day Council Member Saucedo presented a Proclamation declaring September 27, 2024 as California Native American Day to Alex Smith of the office of Assembly Member James Ramos. PUBLIC COMMENT Open Government - Steve Rogers commended the City for celebrating CA Native American Day and thought the recognition should last for at least one week, rather than one day. He drew attention to the public outreach surrounding the preparation of the Parks Master Plan project, and he suggested the City consider purchasing the Mistretta Property and the Crystal Springs Ranch property for open space designation. Refine Process for Street Closure Requests - Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Evan Sanford urged the City to evaluate and revise the current practices related to street closure requests. He said that establishing safety protocols would be instrumental in the efforts to treat everyone with respect and keep all event goers safe. Senior Center Parking Lots - Berneice Bagwell complained that the handicap parking at both of the City's senior centers can be hazardous, especially for the elderly. She recommended repairs and improvements be made. RUSD Candidate Endorsement - Germaine Miles, Michael Paisner, Jennifer Kim and Trisha Keeling insisted Mayor Pro Tem Barich reconsider his endorsement of one of the School Board candidates on the November ballot. They claimed the candidate promotes hate speech and CC_RFA_September 17, 2024 Page 2 represents extreme viewpoints. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the regular meeting minutes of September 3, 2024. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Proclamation September 29, 2024 as Adult Literacy Day On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a Proclamation declaring September 29, 2024 as Adult Literacy Day in the City of Redlands. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed California Native American Day Proclamation On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a Proclamation Recognizing September 27, 2024 as California Native American Day. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Human Relations Commission Appointment On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously appointed, by roll call vote, Alicia Gyllenhammer to the Human Relations Commission to serve the remainder of a four-year term on the Human Relations Commission ending October 18, 2026. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Amending SBC Registrar of Voters Agreement Surveillance Cameras 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 Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement with the County of San Bernardino Registrar of Voters for installation of surveillance cameras at each of the three secure ballot box locations on City property is not subject to environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and approved Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement with the County of San Bernardino Registrar of Voters for installation of surveillance cameras at each of the three secure ballot box locations on City property. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed CC_RFA_September 17, 2024 Page 3 Resolution No. 8628 Conflict of Interest Code 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. 8628 Amending the Conflict of Interest Code for the City; acknowledged that this City Council has reviewed its Conflict of Interest Code, and finds that the following amendments are necessary: (1) Include new positions that must be designated and (2) Delete positions that no longer make or participate in governmental decisions. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Resolution No. 8603 Street Vacation No. 194 - Mecca Street This item was pulled from tonight's agenda to allow staff time to conduct additional research. The matter will be scheduled for a future meeting. Resolution No. 8622 Outside City New Water Service Connection 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. 8622 for a new connection to the City of Redlands water distribution system at 11055 King Street in the unincorporated community of Mentone, Outside Service Case (OSC) No. 24-03; and determined that the adoption of Resolution No. 8622 is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Sections 15303(a) and 15319(b) of CEQA guidelines. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed In -Kind Request Art -On -State Event 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 the special event and authorized the temporary closure of East State Street from 6th Street to 7th Street on Sunday, September 29, 2024 for the Art -On -State -Street event hosted by the Redlands Art Association; and approved the request for In -Kind services totaling in the amount of $1,350. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Successor Agency Final Dissolution Management Services/Finance Director Garcia reviewed the process related to the Final Dissolution of the Successor Agency to the Former Redevelopment Agency of the City of Redlands. Established by Ordinance No. 1436 in 1971, the Redevelopment Agency (RDA) of the City operated as a separate legal entity from the City under the Community Redevelopment Law with the intent of revitalizing the City's downtown core and surrounding residential and industrial neighborhoods by eliminating conditions of blight and their influences, encouraging reinvestment by property owners, and inviting new investment from outside sources. CC_RFA_September 17, 2024 Page 4 In June 2011, amid significant state budget woes, the Governor signed new legislation, which amended the Community Redevelopment Law to immediately suspend most redevelopment agency activities and provided for the transfer the assets to successor agencies whose role was to expeditiously wind down the affairs of the dissolved redevelopment agencies. On December 29, 2011, the California Supreme Court ruled that AB 1X26 was enforceable, effectively eliminating redevelopment statewide as of February 1, 2012. Acting as the Successor Agency, the City took on the responsibility of winding down its affairs and undertaking the administrative tasks required for the dissolution process. On June 10, 2024, the Countywide Oversight Board approved a resolution to formally dissolve the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Redlands, and on July 2, 2024, the state Department of Finance acknowledged the end of the Agency's existence. As public comment, Steve Rogers raised questions about one of the original RDA properties located near the rail line and the University of Redlands (U of R). This property was granted to the U of R in 2020 in connection to the SBCTA's train project. He added this property was an eyesore, filled with weeds and debris. Council Member Saucedo pointed to several positive outcomes of the RDA, as well as the efforts of the Northside Visioning Committee, to provide property owners with home improvement funds. On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Mayor Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, to receive and file the Final Dissolution of the Successor Agency to the Former Redevelopment Agency of the City of Redlands. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed NEOGOV Onboard Software On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, a three-year service contract for NEOGOV Onboard software in the amount of $63,505.08 for the Human Resources/Risk Management Department. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed U of R MOU Standby Paramedic Services On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Redlands for standby paramedic services at university football games and other special events as needed. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed CC_RFA_September 17, 2024 Page 5 CONFIRE Agreement Surge Transport Services On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, an Agreement between Consolidated Fire Agencies (CONFIRE) and the City of Redlands for surge transport services to be provided by the Redlands Fire Department. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Grant Award Treatment for Opioid Use Disorders Patients On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the acceptance of the Emergency Medical Services Buprenorphine Use Pilot Program (EMSBUP) grant award in the amount of $5,000 for the provision of treatment and access for patients with opioid use disorders; and approved an additional appropriation for the same. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Resolution No. 8631 National Opioids Settlement Agreement On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously adopted , by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8631 regarding Approval of National Opioids Settlement Agreement with The Kroger Co.; and authorized the City Manager to execute the referenced settlement agreement. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Annual PO Irrigation Supplies On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, an annual purchase order with Site One Landscape Supply for the provision of irrigation supplies to the Facilities and Community Services Department for Fiscal Year 2024-25, in an amount not -to -exceed $90,000. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed PARIS Program Annual Report On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, to receive and file the Pavement Accelerated Repair Implementation Strategy (PARIS) Program Annual Report. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Resolution No. 8630 Five -Year Capital Project Needs Analysis CC_RFA_September 17, 2024 Page 6 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. 8630 adopting the Five -Year Capital Project Needs Analysis for FY 25/26 through FY 29/30; and determined that this action is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed PO Modification Loma Linda University Children's Hospital On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, a purchase order modification in the amount of $7,300 with Loma Linda University Children's Hospital for use of the Children's Assessment Center. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Office of Traffic Safety Grant Award On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the Grant Agreement with the Office of Traffic Safety relating to the distribution of a grant award in an amount not -to -exceed $120,000; authorized the Chief of Police to sign and execute agreements implementing the grant; and approved an additional appropriation of the same. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed PUBLIC HEARINGS Resolution No. 8629 Venue at Orange Apartment Development Applications Council Member Davis announced that due to her ownership of property within 500 feet of the development, she recused herself from voting on this item. Mayor Tejeda reported that staff is recommending this public hearing to consider Resolution No. 8629 for development applications related to the construction of 164 apartment units within the Venue at Orange Apartments be continued to October 1, 2024. On motion of Mayor Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Mario Saucedo, the City Council agreed, by roll call vote, that the public hearing be continued to the City Council Meeting scheduled for October 1, 2024. Vote: 4 - 0 Passed Other: Council Member Denise Davis (RECUSE) NEW BUSINESS CC_RFA_September 17, 2024 Page 7 Amended and Restated City Manager Employment Agreement This item was pulled from the agenda and will be considered at a future meeting. City Branding Concept and Design Economic Development Coordinator Ross Wittman offered details of the City's desire to create a new branding concept and design and explained that in November 2023, the Council approved a contract with Pastilla, Inc. to develop a new brand identity for the city. The goal was to create an effective and professional brand, giving Redlands a strong and easily identifiable presence in media, marketing, and economic development endeavors. He introduced Rudy Manning and Tyron Akal, of Pastilla, who presented an extensive report of their efforts, intended to embody Redlands' unique characteristics, strengths, and identity and to clearly identify and differentiate Redlands and its assets, culture, environment, and location within Southern California and California as a whole. The project began by conducting an in-depth discovery process, utilizing multiple research methods to gain perspective from key audiences in the community. The methods included discovery workshops, 1-on-1 interviews, focus groups, internal and external digital surveys. Key Findings were identified as 1) Redlands is a well -established community; 2) Visitors are unaware of the city and are pleasantly surprised by their Redlands experience; 3) There is a huge presence of non-profit organizations, indicating Redlands' altruistic nature; 4) There is a lively arts scene that is free and open to the public; 5) The perception of the current brand is largely neutral to negative. And the perception of the current slogan, "City That Works" is extremely negative. The branding strategy phase allowed for the development of a positioning statement, represented by, "Redlands is a city inspired by its history, passionately forging a tomorrow through service to the community and creativity for all". This statement promoted brand values of "embracing, serving and proactive", and led to the proposed new tagline: Redlands. Futures Flourish Here. The Brand's Visual Tone and Visual Identity were presented with an unveiling with the proposed color palette and logos. Council Members offered their initial perspectives, agreeing they liked the color palette selection. Mayor Pro Tem Barich recommended a different tagline as represented by, "City Like No Other". Council Member Guzman -Lowery said there appeared to be potential to add to the design and this was an important aspect, so that each department could develop their own unique style, but also include a level of cohesion. As public comment, Dennis Bell said the number of survey respondents (458) was simply not representative of the City's roughly 73,000 residents. Dan Jimenez struggled to see the "4 Rs" in the logo and encouraged the Council to take their time before making a decision. Michael Paisner also did not see the "4 Rs", adding the tagline did not resonate with him. Andy Hoder thought the branding was pretentious and should be denied approval, and he stated that most people don't care about branding. Council Members agreed they would like more time to consider the proposed design and directed Pastilla to continue refining and improving the current concepts. CC_RFA_September 17, 2024 Page 8 Resolution No. 8625 CDBG Agreement Funding Award Mayor Pro Tem Barich recused himself from voting and discussion of this item due to a source of income with Citrus Counseling. Council Member Guzman -Lowery recused herself from voting and discussion on this item due to a source of income with Citrus Counseling. Development Services Director Desatnik reviewed the 2024-2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Resolution No. 8625. On July 23, 2024, the City was notified of the final 2024-2025 CDBG final funding award for eight total projects that were approved by City Council on February 6, 2024 of which seven projects are public service agencies and one is a Capital Improvement Project (CIP). The final award and amounts are as follows: Redlands Senior Center Kitchen Rehabilitation $282,257; FSA of Redlands - Housing and Food Program $7,500; Boys and Girls Club - Family Strengthening Program $7,500; YMCA of the East Valley - Legal Services $7,500; The Nowell Family Foundation - Bradley House Project $7,500; Partners Against Violence - Supportive Services for Victims of Violence $7,500; The Blessing Center - Transitional Housing $7,500; and Citrus Counseling Services - Mental Health Services $4,160 As public comment, Roger Uminski, of Citrus Counseling, expressed his appreciation for the City's support. Annie Ploehn, of Partners Against Violence, was also grateful for the City's support, and she described the agency's work and mission and reach. On motion of Council Member Mario Saucedo, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously accepted, by roll call vote, the 2024-2025 Community Development Block Grant funding award in the amount of $331,417; authorized an additional appropriation of $331,417 for the 2024-2025 CDBG fiscal year; and adopted Resolution No. 8625 authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to execute agreements, amendments and other related documents associated with the 2024-2025 CDBG Program Year. Vote: 3 - 0 Passed Other: Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich (RECUSE) Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery (RECUSE) Contract Award Runway and Apron Pavement Treatment Project Facilities and Community Services Director Crocker reported on a Public Works Contract with C.R. Contracting LLC for the Runway and Apron Pavement Treatment Project in an amount not -to -exceed $616,499. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Capital Improvement Plan entitlement funds were allocated to Redlands Municipal Airport. The Project consists of the removal of the existing markings, removal of weeds, crack sealing/filling of runway 8-26 and the west apron, asphalt seal coating of runway 8-26, asphalt slurry sealing of the west apron, and pavement re -markings for both the runway and west apron. Assistant City Manager Boatman added that Congressional representative Pete Aguilar was instrumental in helping the City obtain the grant award. CC_RFA_September 17, 2024 Page 9 On motion of Council Member Mario Saucedo, seconded by Mayor Eddie Tejeda, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the contract and construction of the Runway and Apron Pavement Treatment Project is categorically exempt from environmental review in accordance with Section 15301 of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; approved an additional appropriation in the amount of $678,094 from the Airport Projects and Grants fund; approved the Runway and Apron Pavement Treatment Project Plans and Specifications, and awarded a construction contract to C.R. Contracting for an amount not -to -exceed $616,499. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed SBC Cooperative Agreement Paving Rehabilitation Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris summarized a Cooperative Agreement with San Bernardino County delineating responsibilities for paving rehabilitation. The PARIS Program will rehabilitate approximately twenty-eight lane miles of public streets, which includes a portion of Lugonia Avenue (north half) and California Street (east half) within the San Bernardino County (County) jurisdiction. MUED staff collaborated with County staff to develop a Cooperative Agreement to ensure the full width of each street segment is rehabilitated, in lieu of only rehabilitating the portions of each street within the City's jurisdiction. Approximately 1.5 lane miles of the County's streets will be resurfaced with the City's project. As public comment, Steve Rogers was pleased to see the cooperative efforts between the City and County, yet he voiced concerns about seeing social media posts claiming young people were accosting shoppers at the County shopping centers of Citrus Grove and Mountain View. He wondered if a curfew could be established. City Manager Duggan responded by explaining that curfews had been discussed in the past, but because the properties do not fall within city boundaries, the County would be the appropriate agency to enact such an ordinance. On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Mario Saucedo, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the Cooperative Agreement with San Bernardino County delineating responsibilities for pavement rehabilitation 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 San Bernardino County delineating responsibilities for pavement rehabilitation. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed Contract Award 2024 Alley Paving Improvement Project Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris detailed a Public Works Contract with Tryco General Engineering for the 2024 Alley Paving Improvement Project for an amount not -to -exceed $483,955. The Project will resurface five alleys and 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. Council Member Saucedo asked for an update regarding rehabilitation work on State Highway 38. Director Harris stated he had reached out to CalTrans and would report back to the Council on the matter. CC_RFA_September 17, 2024 Page 10 On motion of Council Member Mario Saucedo, seconded by Council Member Jenna Guzman -Lowery, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the contract and construction of the 2024 Alley Paving Improvement Project is categorically exempt from environmental review in accordance with Section 15301(c) of the State's Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; approved the 2024 Alley Paving Improvement Project plans and specifications; and awarded a Public Works Contract to Tryco General Engineering for an amount not -to -exceed $483,955. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES Council Members expressed their deep appreciation for the efforts of the City's police and fire departments and all first responders during the recent Line Fire emergencies. Mayor Tejeda urged everyone to keep all first responders in their thoughts and prayers. Mayor Pro Tem Barich attended the Library Board meeting, Bowling with a Cop, the ILoveIE block party, and enjoyed a concert at the Contemporary Club celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and the Pink Party in support of breast cancer awareness held at the Burrage Mansion. Council Member Davis attended the ILoveIE Block Party, enjoyed Bowling with a Cop and announced that she is accepting applications for the upcoming 4th season of Youth Council. Council Member Guzman -Lowery attended the 1Love IE Block Party, the Youth Hope Car Show, and she is looking forward to the upcoming Adult Literacy Event, as well as the Climate Action meeting scheduled for September 18, 2024, Council Member Saucedo praised the work of all City staff, including the water department, for their quick response to emergencies brought on by the Line Fire. ADJOURNMENT There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 8:16 P.M. The next regular meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on October 1, 2024. REDLANDS FINANCING AUTHORITY Chairperson Tejeda called the meeting to order and offered anyone present the opportunity to address the Board on any subject, not already on the agenda, within the jurisdiction of the Redlands Financing Authority. PUBLIC COMMENT None forthcoming CC_RFA_September 17, 2024 Page 11 Minutes On motion of Vice Chair Barich, seconded by Chair Tejeda, the minutes of the regular meeting of May 21, 2024 were unanimously approved by roll call vote. Vote: 5 - 0 Passed ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Redlands Financing Authority adjourned at 8:17 P.M. The next regular meeting of the Agency will be held on January 21, 2025. CC_RFA_September 17, 2024 Page 12