HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025_03_04 - RegularMINUTES
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic Center,
35 Cajon Street, on March 4, 2025 at 5:00 P.M.
Present: Mario Saucedo, Mayor
Paul Barich, Council Member
Eddie Tejeda, Council Member
Denise Davis, Council Member
Absent:Marc Shaw, Mayor Pro Tempore
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 Foote, City
Planner/Planning Manager; 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 Saucedo called the meeting to order and explained that comments could be presented
in-person, via Zoom, via cell phone or landline and 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 council - Anticipated litigation pursuant to Government Code
Sections 54956.9(d)(2) and (e)(3):
A point has been reached where, in the opinion of the legislative body of the local agency
on the advice of its legal counsel, based on existing facts and circumstances, there is a
significant exposure to litigation against the local agency, based on the receipt of a written
claim dated April 30, 2024, from Adam Meyers, legal counsel for Armstrong Cal Builders,
Inc., to the City Clerk threatening litigation (copy available for public inspection in City
Clerk’s Office).
Conference with legal counsel: Anticipated Litigation - Government Code
§54956.9(d)(2)(e)(2)
(Assistant City Manager McConnell)
One Case:
a. Facts and circumstances: Consideration of Workers Compensation claim filed by Leslie
Martinez.
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
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RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The meeting reconvened at 6:00 P.M. Council Member Davis announced that she was
unable to attend the meeting in person but would be participating via teleconference under
AB 2449 "Just Cause", due to traveling for a public agency. This is the first of two
allowable Just Cause exceptions for her under AB 2449. Council Member Barich offered
the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag was conducted by
Franklin Elementary School Expanded Learning Opportunity Program Students.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Garcia announced that no reportable action was taken during the closed
session, during which Mayor Pro Tem Shaw and Council Member Davis were absent.
PRESENTATIONS
Proclamation Women's History Month
Mayor Saucedo presented a Proclamation declaring March 2025 as Women's History Month
to Erica Turley, representing Kim Turley, with the Blessing Center - Houses of Hope
Transitional Homes for children and their mothers.
Proclamation Development Disabilities Awareness Month
Mayor Saucedo presented a Proclamation declaring March 2025 as Development
Disabilities Awareness Month to the Von's Grocery Store Manager, Joe Clarkson.
City Council Recognition for Supporting Redlands Bicycle Classic
Scott Welsh, representing the Redlands Bicycle Classic, thanked the Council Members and
recognized the tremendous support the City has provided over the many years of the
Classic's rich history, beginning in 1985. As a reminder of what the bike race means, he and
other Classic Board Members presented to Council a miniature replica of the 'Peloton Takes
the Curve' sculpture, currently located on Garden Avenue.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Water Exchange Entitlement Agreements - Chris Sedmack, the owner of a private citrus
grove that has been in production since 1886 and is supplied with water by Redlands
Water Company shares, expressed concerns about the future of the citrus industry in
Redlands. She said it appeared that city staff was attempting to initiate terminations of
historical water exchange agreements.
Water Delivery Protections - Susan Swenson Brookes and Bobby Whitmore, owners of
parcels that were previously a part of the England Grove, were concerned that the water
delivery system currently in place, could be terminated, and ultimately cause significant
damage to the original grove. They pushed for the Council to honor the water exchange
entitlement agreements and make citrus preservation a priority.
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Water Rights Protections - Sean L. Smith described how individual water rights, through
Redlands Water Company, have been instrumental for decades in supplying the necessary
water to his family's grove located on Olive Avenue. Without these shares and the delivery
system, the family grove would suffer severe impacts, as would other private groves.
City Manager Duggan suggested Ms. Brookes and Mr. Whitmore contact his office in
order to discuss their concerns. He added that, to his awareness, the City had not rescinded
any water exchange entitlement agreements.
Water Rights & Water Shares - David Armstrong, Vice President of the California
Association of Mutual Water Companies (CalMutuals) and a Redlands resident, cited how
the city had been built by mutual water companies, and he stressed their historical value.
He raised questions related to the South Mountain Water shares sale from last year and
said he was still looking for answers.
Litigation - Andy Hoder urged the Council to stand up to threats of litigation and to "push
back" if a developer or contractor attempts to scare the city. They should not submit to
their demands.
Opposition to Zero-Emissions Appliances - Dale Broome reviewed the proposals by the
South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), Rule 1111 and Rule 1121, that
he said will effectively ban natural gas water heaters and home furnaces in Southern
California and be an economic burden on homeowners and agencies, alike. He
recommended the Council approve a resolution or draft a letter in opposition to the
SCAQMD proposals.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich,
the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the minutes of the regular
meeting of February 18, 2025.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Proclamation March 2025 Women's History Month
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich,
the City Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation
declaring the month of March 2025 as Women's History Month.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
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Proclamation March 2025 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously authorized, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation
declaring the month of March 2025 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Appointments
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously reappointed, by roll call vote, Scott Carlson and Joann Lessard to
each serve an additional four-year term on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
ending March 1, 2029.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Development Agreements Annual Review
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously accepted, by roll call vote, the report for the annual review of
approved Development Agreements and determined that the applicants, Mountainview Power
Company LLC, Redlands Community Hospital, Cal-Red Facility LLC, VPV State Street
Village LLC, and Esri, are in compliance with the terms of their respective Development
Agreements; and approved the preparation of a Certificate of Compliance.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Redlands Bicycle Classic In-KInd Request
Facilities and Community Services Director Crocker introduced a request for in-kind support
in the amount of $127,207.78 related to the Redlands Bicycle Classic event scheduled for
April 9-13th, 2025 and hosted by the Redlands Bicycle Classic, Inc. As public comment,
Dennis Bell stated the event's sponsors should be footing the bill and not the taxpayer. He
thought the attendance numbers in the staff report were inflated, and he said the funding
dollars should be directed to more important, critical needs facing the city.
On motion of Council Member Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Eddie Tejeda, the
City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that authorization for the items
associated with the Redlands Bicycle Classic to be held April 9th through April 13th, 2025
are exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15311(c) of the State's guidelines
implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; authorized and approved the
expenditure of city resources and in-kind support in the amount of $127,708.78 for
the Redlands Bicycle Classic to be held April 9th through April 13th, 2025; authorized and
approved the temporary street closures as detailed in the staff report for the Redlands Bicycle
Classic to be held April 9th through April 13th, 2025; and authorized and approved the sale
and consumption of alcoholic beverages at the event, to be located at the 6th Street parking
structure, during the Redlands Bicycle Classic, to be held April 9th through April 13th, 2025.
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Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
KId's Cures Foundation Downtown Artwalk In-Kind Request
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the Downtown
Redlands Artwalk, hosted by Kid Cures Foundation on March 30, 2025, is exempt from
environmental review pursuant to Section 15311(c) of the State's guidelines implementing the
California Environmental Quality Act; and authorized and approved the expenditure of city
resources and in-kind support in the amount of $7,944 and approved the temporary street
closures as detailed in the staff report.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Amending Code Enforcement Services Agreement
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the First Amendment to the Agreement
with Willdan Engineering for Code Enforcement Services to increase the total agreement
amount from $160,000 to an amount not to exceed $185,000.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8666 Grant Acceptance CA Dept of Parks and Recreation
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8666 and accepted the
grant award from the California Department of Parks and Recreation of $221,685.00 for
projects related to the implementation of the Per Capita Program; and approved an additional
appropriation of the same.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8661 DOT Temporary Easements
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8661, authorizing the
City Manager or his designee, to sign California Department of Transportation contracts
related to the granting of certain temporary construction easements and a portion of East
Lugonia Avenue in fee and in fee estate.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
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Resolution No. 8667 City's Community Wildfire Protection Plan
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8667 relating to the
City of Redlands Community Wildfire Protection Plan, which will help safeguard lives,
property, and natural resources while ensuring the city remains eligible for state and federal
wildfire prevention grants.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8665 Statement of Investment Policy
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8665 establishing a
Statement of Investment Policy and Rescinding Resolution No. 8446.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8664 Delegating Investment Authority to City Treasurer
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8664 delegating
investment authority to the City Treasurer pursuant to Government Code Section 53607.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Purchase of Internet Services Provider
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the sole source purchase with
Spectrum for Internet services in the amount of $1,218 per month totaling $73,080 over five
years.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
COMMUNICATIONS
16th Annual Community Day of Service
Mayor Saucedo invited everyone to participate in the 16th Annual Community Day of
Service on March 15, 2025, at Sylvan Park. He pointed out this event evolved out of a
long-standing partnership between Redlands Service Club Council "RSCC" and the City. It
occurs every Spring, bringing volunteers together to complete vital community projects.
Shelli Stockton and Judy Cannon, representing the Service Club Council, highlighted past
projects, including the construction of outdoor amphitheater seating in Heritage Park and
the installation of 25,000 sq. ft of sod at a new ballfield in Beal Park. They were pleased to
announce that this year all volunteers work will occur at Sylvan Park with a focus on
several key improvements.
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several key improvements.
Cultural Arts Commission Annual Report
Commissioner Brian Ball provided the Annual Report of the Cultural Arts Commission,
identifying Commission members and the Commission's Mission and Initiatives. These
include efforts to collaborate and promote public interest in the arts, recommend new art
programs, and recommend policies to encourage, develop, and support the Arts in
Redlands. Initiatives consist of the Art on Loan Program, the Redlands Eco Arts
Community Home (REACH), participation in the Art and Culture Master Plan
development, and ongoing collaboration with local business owners to preserve and
promote access to the arts. Future goals listed were consideration of an art gallery at the
new city hall, Creative Makers Space for arts educational activities, artist-designed light
fixtures and increased use of murals throughout the city. Council Member Davis thanked
Commissioner Ball and expressed her appreciation of the Commission's work.
Municipal Utilities and Public Works Commission Annual Report
Vice Chairperson "CV" Chandrasekar Venkatraman presented the Annual Report of
the Municipal Utilities and Public Works Commission. He highlighted the Commission's
role and listed numerous activities and accomplishments that included project review of the
Pavement Management Program, Groundwater Well and Booster Pump Rehabilitation,
Waterline Replacement, Wastewater Replacement and Slip-Lining Projects, Water System
SCADA expansion, Citywide Water Meter replacement and Citywide Sidewalk/ADA
Ramp Replacement Project. Goals set out for 2025 include, WWTP Improvement – Phase 2
construction start, California Street Recycled Water Pipeline Extension, continued
groundwater well rehabilitations, and the Tate Water Treatment Plan Influent Pipeline
Replacement Project construction.
As public comment, Susan Swenson Brookes indicated that transparency and accountability
create trust, and, in her opinion, the public currently lacks trust in the city. She disputed the
report's statement of goals listed on page 7, regarding the resolution of mutual water
company delivery shortfalls. George Hanson, Bear Valley Mutual Water Company General
Manager, submitted a letter signed by multiple water company heads, stating they do not
believe that any water delivery shortfall actually exists. He said the City continues to
misunderstand the nature of its entitlement to water, and if a shortfall did exist, they claim
the fault is due to the City's own inability to collect the water during times when it is made
available by the mutual water companies.
Citywide Classification and Compensation Process
Human Resources/Risk Management Director Meteau introduced Bob Longmire of Public
Sector Personnel Consultants to discuss their work related to the Citywide Classification
and Compensation study. On January 21, 2025, the City Council approved a professional
services agreement with Public Sector Personnel Consultants to conduct a comprehensive
citywide classification and compensation study. This study aims to evaluate the City’s job
classifications, compensation structure, and overall alignment with industry standards and
organizational needs. He provided an overview of the study and key phases, and explained
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the process will involve data collection, analysis, and stakeholder engagement to ensure a
thorough and objective assessment. Regular updates will be provided to keep the Council
informed, and final recommendations will be presented upon completion of the study, with
a time estimate of early fall.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Appeal DSD Approval Reasonable Accommodation No. 19
Mayor Saucedo declared the meeting open as a Public Hearing and announced this item
was initially introduced at the February 4, 2025, City Council meeting, but in order to
accommodate to the auditory needs of the appellant, the matter was continued to tonight.
The Mayor called on City Planner/Planning Manager Brian Foote for a report on the
Appeal of the Development Services Director’s approval of Reasonable Accommodation
No. 19, a request to allow one support animal on a residential property located at 521 South
Fourth Street, filed by Appellant, Terra Bird. Redlands Municipal Code (RMC) Chapter
18.06 allows any person with a disability to submit an application for Reasonable
Accommodation to modify or alleviate any zoning code, law, regulation, procedure, or
policy that is preventing, or will prevent, the applicant's use and enjoyment of the subject
property. In this case, the application requested approval for one small support animal to be
kept at the subject property (within the house and the rear yard of the property). After
carefully evaluating all information and materials submitted with the application, the
Director determined that all four Findings, as required by RMC Section 18.06.070, were
satisfactorily addressed and there was no compelling reason or other basis to deny the
application.
The Appellant, Terra Bird, provided her reasons for appealing the accommodation and said
her neighbors are non-compliant with the zoning regulations. The chicken roams freely
throughout their backyard and the chicken’s nesting hutch, food and water are left outside,
which attracts wildlife, such as rodents. This directly affects her because of possible health
concerns. Additionally, she felt the Fair Housing Act was misinterpreted and
inappropriately applied to her neighbor’s personal situation. Zayanne Thompson, the
Applicant requesting the accommodation, stated her emotional support chicken lives
indoors in the area where she works. The chicken allows Ms. Thompson to relax and focus
on her job, and she is not comfortable without the support bird.
As public comment, Luke Reading, a neighbor living on the street, said he never knew Ms.
Thompson had a chicken as a support animal. He added the chicken was docile, quiet and
he supported the reasonable accommodation decision. Four written comments were
received, recommending the Appeal be denied, and the Council adopt Resolution No. 8660,
upholding Reasonable Accommodation No. 19. As rebuttal, Ms. Bird pointed out the matter
before the Council tonight was not about any personal disputes but instead, only about the
chicken.
Mr. Foote explained that the City was correct in determining that the Fair Housing Act
(FHA) was applied appropriately. The FHA, and the corresponding state law, allow for
reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including the need for support
animals. The applicant’s request for a support animal was evaluated strictly within the
framework of those laws.
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The Mayor closed the public hearing. Council Member Tejeda suggested revising the
Conditions of Approval, as a way to resolve any issues. Council Member Barich visited the
neighborhood but didn’t see or hear any evidence of the presence of a chicken. Council
Member Davis agreed with staff and said the appeal should be denied based on federal and
state law.
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously adopted, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8660 denying the
Appeal and upholding the decision of the Development Services Director, and hereby
affirming the approval of Reasonable Accommodation No. 19 located at 521 South Fourth
Street.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
NEW BUSINESS
Amending Third-Party Liability Claims Administration Agreement
Human Resources/Risk Management Director Meteau reviewed the Second Amendment to
the Professional Services Agreement with George Hills Company, Inc. increasing annual
compensation and bringing the total compensation to an amount not to exceed $394,333.32
to provide third-party liability claims administration.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Mario Saucedo, the City
Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the Second Amendment to the Professional
Services Agreement with George Hills Company, Inc. increasing annual compensation and
bringing the total compensation to an amount not to exceed $394,333.32 to provide
third-party liability claims administration.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Ordinance No. 2979 Business Licenses Amending Chapter 5.04
Management Services/Finance Director Garcia summarized the proposed changes found in
Ordinance No. 2979 to amend Chapter 5.04 of the Redlands Municipal Code relating to
Business Licenses, seeking to clarify and revise ambiguous language. The ordinance would
standardize business license payment schedules to align renewal periods with the calendar
year to match the gross receipt schedule, and ensure clear communication, promoting a
more efficient process, and eliminating confusion and inconsistency regarding renewal
dates. Mayor Saucedo commended Director Garcia and her staff for their work in
developing this ordinance to simplify and clarify the code.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously introduced, by roll call vote, Ordinance No. 2979 amending
Chapter 5.04 of the Redlands Municipal Code, standardizing business license payment
schedules to align with the calendar year and clarifying ambiguous language.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
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Ordinance No. 2980 Business Licenses Amending Chapter 5.08
Management Services/Finance Director Garcia explained Ordinance No. 2980 to amend
and restate Chapter 5.08 of the Redlands Municipal Code relating to Business Licenses
to require most businesses to apply for and pay for business licenses on a calendar-year
basis, while also addressing and revising language inconsistencies between sections.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Paul Barich, the
City Council unanimously introduced, by roll call vote, Ordinance No. 2980 to amend and
restate Chapter 5.08 of the Redlands Municipal Code relating to Business Licenses.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Contract Award Recycled Water Pipeline Extension for CA Street Orange Groves Project
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris described the Public Works
Construction Contract with Q&E Pipeline Company for the Recycled Water Pipeline
Extension for California Street Orange Groves Project for an amount not-to-exceed
$629,664. Mayor Saucedo thanked Director Harris for moving this project forward.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Mario Saucedo, the City
Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the contract and
construction of the Recycled Water Pipeline Extension for California Street Orange Groves
Project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15303 of the State's
guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; approved an additional
appropriation in the amount of $506,843; approved the Recycled Water Pipeline for
California Street Orange Groves Project plans and specifications; and awarded a Public
Works Construction Contract to Q&E Pipeline Company for an amount not to exceed
$629,664.
Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
Contract Award Citywide Pavement Repairs
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris presented a $669,000 Public Works
Construction Contract with Onyx Paving Company, Inc. for citywide pavement repairs
related to utility repairs. It is anticipated that the Project will be completed within 240
working days after a Notice To Proceed is issued.
On motion of Council Member Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Mayor Mario Saucedo, the City
Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of a $669,000 Public Works
Construction Contract with Onyx Paving Company, Inc. for citywide pavement repairs
related to utility repairs is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15301 of
the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; approved the
$469,000 additional appropriation from the Water Fund; and approved the 2025 Citywide
Pavement Repair for Water Utilities project specifications, and Public Works Construction
Contract with Onyx Paving Company, Inc. in the amount of $669,000.
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Vote: 4 - 0 Passed
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Mayor Saucedo attended the Lincoln Pilgrimage, Planning Commission interviews, Civics
Day, Inland Empire Caucus, the Lincoln Dinner, SBCTA General Board Meeting and study
sessions, Redlands Service Club Council, Redlands Area Interfaith event and the
groundbreaking event for the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. He participated in a
recycled water meeting with Director Harris, the Blue Zones Health Walk event at
Brookside Park, met with Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, met with City Treasurer Doolittle,
attended a meeting with Police Chief Tolber and FCS Director Crocker, and the new
installation of the Family Service Association Board Members.
Council Member Barich attended the groundbreaking event for the Holy Name of Jesus
Catholic Church and School and is looking forward to reading to the students at Smiley
Elementary School later in the week.
Council Member Tejeda attended the groundbreaking event for the Holy Name of Jesus
Catholic Church and School.
Council Member Davis participated in the Blue Zones Health Walk event held at Brookside
Park and attended the recent Climate Policy Action Board meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 8:11 P.M. The next regular
meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on March 18, 2025.
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