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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016_02_16 - Regular MINUTES: of a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35 Cajon Street, on February 16, 2016 at 5:00 P.M. PRESENT: Paul Foster, Mayor Jon Harrison, Mayor Pro Tem Pat Gilbreath, Councilmember Paul Barich, Councilmember John James, Councilmember ABSENT: None STAFF: Enrique Martinez, City Manager; Dan McHugh, City Attorney; Sam Irwin, City Clerk; Robert Dawes, City Treasurer; Carl Baker, Public Information Officer; Jeff Frazier, Fire Chief, Mark Garcia, Police Chief, Danielle Garcia, Chief Innovation Officer; Chris Diggs, Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director; Chris Boatman, Quality of Life Director; Tina Kundig, Finance Director; Oscar Orci, Development Services Director; Amy Martin, Human Resources Director Mayor Foster called the meeting to order and offered those present the opportunity to provide public comment on any item on the agenda for the closed session. PUBLIC COMMENT: None forthcoming CLOSED SESSION: The meeting recessed to a closed session to discuss the following: 1. Conference with legal counsel: Anticipated Litigation - Government Code §54956.9(4)(2) and (e)(3) - Two Cases a. Consideration of a claim filed against the City by Kjell Ekker b. Consideration of a claim filed by the City against Fady Boules 2. Conference with real property negotiator—Government Code §54956.8 Property: APNs 0300-231-36 and 0300-241-24 & -25 Agency negotiators: N. Enrique Martinez, Oscar Orci Negotiating party: Redlands Conservancy, Thomas A. Hudson, Trustee Under negotiation: Terms and price for the purchase of property by City 3. Conference with real property negotiator—Government Code §54956.8 Property: APN 0168-121-03 Agency negotiators: N. Enrique Martinez, Chris Boatman Negotiating party: Phillip Burum, Redlands Pennsylvania, LLC Under negotiation: Terms and price for the purchase of City property The meeting reconvened at 6:00 P.M. with an invocation by Mayor Foster and the pledge of allegiance to the American flag. February 16,2016 Page 1 CLOSED SESSION REPORT: City Attorney McHugh announced no reportable action was taken by the City Council during closed session. PRESENTATIONS: Redlands Animal Shelter — Animal Control Officer Bill Miller introduced "Jazzy", a seven-year old female Poodle who is available for adoption along with fourteen other dogs, twenty cats and two Guinea pigs at the Redlands Animal Shelter. Officer Miller announced that fifty-one dogs and twenty-one cats were adopted since the last City Council meeting. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Water Rates —Arlen Einertson, Carol Lohoefer, Greg Brittain and Sam Wong all expressed criticism of the pamphlet sent out by the City of Redlands to announce the proposed water and wastewater rate increases. Speaking in opposition to the increases, they said the data presentation and protest instructions are too complex and not easily understood. Steps 4 Life — Cynthia McQuigan and Edward Walsh spoke to heighten community awareness of the Steps 4 Life Program, an effort to provide support to the homeless, women and children, veterans and clients with mental health issues. Donate Life — Maria Hyta, of One Legacy Donate Life, an organization established to advocate organ donations, requested a Proclamation from the City Council designating April 2016 as Donate Life Month. Citation Appeal — Roger Seasholtz requested information on the appeal process for an administrative citation he has received for code violations on his property. Trains and Sustainability — Greg Brittain cited an article from the L.A. Times with data reflecting a decrease in mass transit ridership throughout Southern California and asked why development continues on the Redlands Passenger Rail. He also implied that the General Plan update draft Sustainability Element Transportation Systems Management Plan proposes limiting the number of trips a private citizen can make in a prescribed period of time. Compassion — Kaitlin Ruppert attempted to educate those present on the Islamic religion and concluded her remarks with the statement that ISIS, a terrorist organization does not represent Islamic religious principles. Plant Workshop — Tabitha Kevan' announced a forum entitled "California Native Plants, Their Benefits and Role in Water Conservation" to be held on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at 4:30 P.M. in the City Council Chambers. Everyone is invited to attend. February 16,2016 Page 2 CONSENT CALENDAR: Minutes — On motion of Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath, the City Council unanimously approved the minutes of the regular meeting of February 2, 2016. Settlement Agreement - On motion of Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath, the City Council unanimously approved the public disclosure of details of a settlement and release agreement between the City of Redlands and Vonda Zaharopoulos. Under the terms of the agreement, the City will pay the sum of $75,000.00 to Vonda Zaharopoulos for the release of all claims, demands and case or causes of action set forth by the parties with respect to a civil action pending in the San Bernardino County Superior Court and entitled Zaharopoulos v. City of Redlands, et al., Case No. CIVDS 1404163. Grant Acceptance — On motion of Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath, the City Council unanimously approved the acceptance of a grant award, in the amount of$16,386.00, from the FY2015 State Homeland Security Grant Program and authorized an additional appropriation in that amount to the Police Department. Police Test Battery — On motion of Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath, the City Council unanimously approved an agreement between the City of Redlands and Police Officers Standards Training for the use of the entry-level Police Officer selection test battery. Purchase Agreement Amendment — Quality of Life Director Chris Boatman explained a request to extend the due diligence period on a purchase and sale agreement. As public comment, Andy Hoder pointed out that Redlands Pennsylvania, LLC is one of several names used by the party in this agreement. On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved a fourth amendment to the purchase and sale agreement and escrow instructions for Assessor's Parcel No. 0168-121-03 by and between the City of Redlands and Redlands Pennsylvania, LLC. The amendment extends the due diligence period of the agreement to April 30, 2016. Purchase Order Modification—On motion of Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath, the City Council unanimously approved a purchase order modification between the City of Redlands and Wyoming Northstar, Inc. to increase the purchase order annual amount from $30,000.00 to $40,000.00 to accommodate unscheduled maintenance of the Liquified-Compressed Natural Gas fuel station. Gas Energy Leader Partnership — On motion of Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath, the City Council unanimously approved a second amendment to an agreement between the City of Redlands and Southern California Gas Company to extend the City's Energy Leader Partnership Program for 2016. February 16,2016 Page 3 Electric Energy Leader Partnership — On motion of Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath, the City Council unanimously approved a third amendment to an agreement between the City of Redlands and Southern California Edison Company to extend the City's Energy Leader Partnership Program for 2016. Fee Waiver —On motion of Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath, the City Council unanimously approved a request from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for the waiver of $481.00 in fees associated with the Redlands Great Strides event to be held at Sylvan Park on April 30, 2016. Resolution No. 7604 — PACE Program — On motion of Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath, the City Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 7604 authorizing the City's participation in the California Statewide Communities Development Authority Open Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)Programs. OBT Grant Amendment — On motion of Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath, the City Council unanimously approved a first amendment to Grant Agreement R54018-0 between the City of Redlands and the California Natural Resources Agency for the Orange Blossom Trail (OBT) Phase II project. The amendment extends the performance period of the grant to May 15, 2016 which will allow the City to receive any remaining funding associated with the grant. Electrical Facilities Relocation — On motion of Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath, the City Council unanimously approved a Joint Use Agreement between the City of Redlands and Southern California Edison Company for relocation of electrical facilities in the public right-of-way along Lugonia Avenue. Mass Care Sheltering — On motion of Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath, the City Council unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Redlands and the Redlands Unified School District (RUSD) to address mass care sheltering needs for the community during times of emergency; and authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a Facility Use Agreement between the City and RUSD for the use of RUSD facilities for mass care sheltering needs. COMMUNICATIONS: Mid-Year Budget Review —Finance Director Tina Kundig provided an executive summary of the Mid-Year Budget Review. The City Manager and staff expect the City's General Fund budget to remain balanced by year-end. Accordingly, and in keeping with prior years, no changes to current year line items are being recommended at this time. Changes can be expected to occur during the next several months as departments are preparing their FY2016-2017 budget requests and receive additional data that may indicate a need to revise various line item projections for the year ending June 30, 2016. All changes to the current year February 16,2016 Page 4 budget and requests for the upcoming budget year will be brought to the City Council with the FY2016-2017 Proposed Budget. In accordance with the City's Fund Balance Policy, and with the June 30, 2015 unassigned fund balance increasing by $1,247,867 over prior year, allocations of $187,180 need to be made to each of the committed and assigned fund balances and $499,147 should be allocated to the unassigned fund balance. In keeping with recent years' practice, and upon recommendation of the City Manager, the unassigned fund allocation should be used to fund priority expenditures in the current fiscal year. On motions of Councilmember Gilbreath, Seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved the appropriation of $499,147.00 of the Unassigned Fund balance, resulting from the FY2014-2015 surplus, to the following: Police Vehicles, $68,000.00; General Plan, $80,000.00; Ballistic Vests/Helmets (Fire), $20,247.00; Colton Avenue/Orange Street Enhancements, $80,000.00; Front Loader for Tree Trimming Crew, $144,000.00; Cityworks Staff Training, $18,900.00; Tablets for Building Inspectors, $3,000.00; authorized $400,000.00 from the Nevada Palmetto Grove proceeds to be earmarked for Heritage Park offsite improvements; and agreed to receive and file the report. Storm Drain Update — Monty Morshed, of the Municipal Utilities and Engineering Department, provided an overview of efforts to perform a condition assessment of the 90 miles of storm drains in the downtown area. So far, 4.6 miles of infrastructure have been inspected and the assessment is intended to be completed by December 2016. Cemetery Update — James Garland, of the Finance Department presented a financial update of the Cemetery Master Plan and Cemetery Manager Armando Valles discussed enhancements accomplished and plans yet to be achieved at the cemetery. As public comment, Andy Hoder questioned the effectiveness of the Cemetery Master Plan and suggested it be completely re-accomplished. On motion of Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Barich, the City Council agreed to receive and file the update on Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery Business Plan implementation and capital improvement projects. Mayor Foster and Councilmember Gilbreath recused themselves from the presentation and discussion on this item due to their ownership of property in the cemetery. Annual Reports — Human Relations Commission and Library Board — Due to illness of the scheduled presenters, both of these reports will be rescheduled for a later date. NEW BUSINESS: CDBG Program — Janet Miller, of the Development Services Department, presented the staff recommendations for the FY2016-2017 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. As public comment, representatives from six public service agencies presented overviews of their individual organization's contribution to the community and thanked the City Council for any support they might receive. On motion of Councilmember James, February 16,2016 Page 5 seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath, the City Council unanimously agreed to direct staff to prepare the FY2016-2017 Cooperating City Recommended Projects Form as described in Option 1 of this report and submit it to the County of San Bernardino, Community Development and Housing Division by March 7, 2016. Option 1 allocates $253,944.00 to a Sewer and Alley Improvement Project, $20,000.00 to the A.K. Smiley Public Library (AKSPL) Public Restroom ADA Rehabilitation Project (to provide additional funding to the previously approved FY2015-2016 AKSPL project currently in progress), $18,343.00 to Family Service Association of Redlands (emergency food distribution and rental assistance programs), $7,500.00 to the YMCA of the East Valley (legal aid program), $7,500.00 to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Redlands-Riverside (after-school tutoring and mentoring program), and $7,500.00 to San Bernardino Sexual Assault Services (crisis intervention to victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence program). Plan Review — Development Services Director Oscar Orci presented the need to continue consultant services to perform building and fire inspections. On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved a third amendment to the agreement between the City of Redlands and CSG Consultants, Inc. to provide both professional building and fire plan review, building and fire inspections and Certified Access Compliance Specialists services in an amount not to exceed $180,000.00 for FY2015-2016. Well Rehabilitation — Goutam Dobey, of the Municipal Utilities and Engineering Department, explained the selection process for the well rehabilitation program. On motions of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously agreed that approval of an agreement and construction of the Chicken Hill Well Rehabilitation Project No. 71264 is exempt from review under Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines, approved the Project plans and specifications, waived a minor irregularity in the bid, and awarded a construction contract between the City of Redlands and Legend Pump & Well Service, Inc., in the amount of $49,670.00, for the work. SANBAG MOU — Ross Wittman, of the Municipal Utilities and Engineering Department, presented an overview of proposed changes to the Interstate 10 Alabama Street interchange. As public comment, Andy Hoder suggested the proposed project is incomplete and should include modifications to the bridge over Interstate 10. On motions of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously agreed that approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to proceed with the design and funding arrangements for an alternative Interstate 10 Alabama Street Interchange Project is exempt from review under Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines, approved the MOU with San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) for the Project. February 16,2016 Page 6 Well Rehabilitation — Ross Wittman, of the Municipal Utilities and Engineering Department, explained reasons for changing a wireless service agreement at Sunset Reservoir. On motions of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously agreed that approval of an amendment to an agreement for a wireless service facility is exempt from review under Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines and approved Amendment No. 1 to the agreement for a wireless service facility at Sunset Reservoir between the City of Redlands and Pacific Bell Wireless (now operating as T-Mobile West Tower LLC). The amendment includes a signing bonus to the City of $33,062.50, a $3,000.00 increase in the annual lease amount effective at signing, and an annual lease amount increase of 3%per year. Heavy Duty Off-Road Equipment Maintenance — Tim Sullivan, of the Quality of Life Department, explained the selection process for heavy equipment maintenance. On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved an agreement between the City of Redlands and Johnson Machinery Company, in an amount not-to-exceed $105,800.00 per year, with two additional one year options, for a total amount not-to-exceed $317,400.00, for maintenance and repair services of heavy duty off-road equipment. Resolutions No. 7607 and 7608 — Bandstand Designation — At the request of Mayor Foster, and on motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously agreed to continue this item to the regular City Council meeting scheduled for April 5, 2016. Laboratory Data Management — Chief Innovation Officer Danielle Garcia explained events leading to a request for software support for the City's laboratory. On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved a three year software support and implementation agreement between the City of Redlands and Advanced Technology Labs in the amount of $67,535.74, with the option to extend the agreement for three additional one year renewal terms, bringing the total to an amount not-to-exceed $94,726.48. Firefighter Vests and Helmets — Fire Chief Jeff Frazier presented the need for ballistic vests and helmets to protect firefighters in an active shooter situation. On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously authorized staff to facilitate the 2015 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) purchase of ballistic vests and helmets for San Bernardino County Fire Agencies and approved an additional appropriation of up to $301,956.00 pending HSGP reimbursement. February 16,2016 Page 7 COUNCIL,MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES: Councilmember Barich attended the Police Department Town Meeting at the Ayres Hotel on February 10, 2016 and was very impressed by the flow of pertinent information to the public. He and Councilmember Gilbreath will be attending the Coffee with the Council on Saturday, February 20, 2016, at Cuca's at 1752 East Lugonia Avenue at 9:00 A.M. Councilmember Gilbreath represented the City of Redlands at an Omnitrans Board of Directors meeting on February 3, 2016. Mayor Foster and Councilmembers Gilbreath and James attended the Lincoln Pilgrimage Celebration on February 7, 2016 and encouraged everyone to attend this event next year. Mayor Pro Tem Harrison attended a meeting of San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Board of Directors on February 3, 2016 where several contracts were approved to keep the Redlands Passenger Rail Project on schedule. Mayor Pro Tem Harrison and Councilmember James attended the ribbon cutting for the new Starbuck's on Redlands Boulevard on February 3, 2016. Councilmember James has been attending the General Plan Update meetings and is optimistic that the Steering Committee is making good progress. He also recently toured the City's wastewater treatment facilities and refreshed his knowledge of several aspects of the system. Mayor Foster enjoyed an evening as guest speaker at the Orange Empire Military Officers' Club on February 12, 2016. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to address Mayor Foster adjourned the meeting at 7:56 P.M. The next regular meeting of the Redlands City Council is scheduled on March 1, 2016. February 16,2016 Page 8