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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016_03_01 - 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 March 1, 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; Robert Dalquest, Development Services Assistant 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. Public Employee Appointment - Government Code §54957 Public Employee Performance Evaluation Title: City Attorney City Manager 2. Conference with labor negotiator - Government Code §54957.6 Agency negotiator: Mayor Foster Unrepresented Employees: City Attorney, City Manager The meeting reconvened at 6:12 P.M. with an invocation by Councilmember Barich and the pledge of allegiance to the American flag. CLOSED SESSION REPORT: City Attorney McHugh announced no reportable action was taken by the City Council during closed session. March 1,2016 Page 1 PRESENTATIONS: Redlands Animal Shelter — Animal Control Officer Bill Miller introduced "Deedle", a one-year old male terrier mix who is available for adoption along with twenty other dogs and twenty-eight cats at the Redlands Animal Shelter. Officer Miller announced that fifteen dogs, twenty-two cats and two rabbits were adopted since the last City Council meeting. Fire Department Recognition — Firefighter/Paramedic Steve Leverette, representing the Professional Firefighters Association and the Redlands Fire Department, received recognition from Jeanne Terwilliger of the Burn Institute of the Inland Empire for the Department's participation in the "Fill the Boot" campaign to help burn victims. Having raised $5,100.00 this year, and over $22,000.00 over the past four years, the Redlands Fire Department received the perpetual trophy for being the largest contributor to Burn Institute fundraising. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Water Rates — Six speakers presented their views in opposition to proposed water and wastewater rate increases. Criticism centered on the pamphlet sent out by the City of Redlands to announce the proposal. They said the data presentation and protest instructions are too complex, not easily understood, and the Proposition 218 protest process is unfair to residents opposed to a rate increase. Grid Alternatives — Bambi Tran presented an update of the Grid Alternatives programs and efforts, in partnership with the City, to provide low cost solar energy assistance to low income families. Water Alternatives — Bill Miller asked for an update on the City staff efforts to rewrite the section of the Redlands Municipal Code dealing with the use of grey water for irrigation. Street Light Repairs — Andy Hoder said he reported an inoperative street light near McKinley Elementary School over two months ago, but it has not been repaired to date. Sustainability — Greg Brittain implied the use of alternative energy sources proposed by the draft Sustainability Element of the General Plan update will result in higher utility costs for residents. Citation Appeal—Roger Seasholtz said he had received no response from staff for a request he stated during public comment at the February 16, 2016 regular City Council meeting. He is asking for relief and information on the appeal process for an administrative citation he has received for code violations on his property. Talent Scouts — Dan Abushanab announced the Redlands Sunrise Rotary is having an event to highlight the talented residents of our community. Redlands Star Search will be held Friday, April 22, 2016, at 6:30 P.M., at the Fox Theater Event Center. The competition will award a Golden Galaxy Star Trophy and $1,000.00 to the winner. March 1,2016 Page 2 CONSENT CALENDAR: Minutes — On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved the minutes of the regular meeting of February 16, 2016. Proclamation — On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved a proclamation declaring the month of March 2016 as National Nutrition Month. Settlement Agreement - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved the public disclosure of details of a settlement and release agreement between the City of Redlands and Sheldon Alechman. Under the terms of the agreement, the City will pay the aggregate sum of $1,250,000.00 to Sheldon Alechman and his attorneys for the release of all claims, demands and case or causes of action arising out of the fatal accident involving Sandra Alechman and set forth by the parties with respect to a civil action pending in the San Bernardino County Superior Court and entitled Sheldon Alechman v. City of Redlands, et al., Case No. CIVDS 1210203. Settlement Agreement - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved the public disclosure of details of a settlement and release agreement between the City of Redlands and Deborah Guindon. Under the terms of the agreement, the City will pay the sum of $150,000.00 to Deborah Guindon 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 Deborah Guindon v. City of Redlands, et al., Case No. CIVDS 1315335. Each party shall bear their own fees and costs. CRA No. 879 Extension—On motions of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved a one year extension of time for Commission Review and Approval (CRA) No. 879, subject to the adopted conditions of approval; determination that the one year extension of time does not require further environmental processing pursuant to Section 15162 of the state's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act based upon the following findings: (1) The proposed extension of time would not result in new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified effects of the project, because the project has not changed and would not generate any new environmental impacts; (2) No substantial changes have occurred with respect to the circumstances under which the project will be undertaken, because the scope has not changed and the project's environmental impacts are within the scope of the previously approved Mitigated Negative Declaration; and (3) There is no new information of substantial importance with respect to the project's environmental consequences that was not known at the time the previous Mitigated Negative Declaration was adopted. The project involves the construction of two industrial buildings with a combined square footage of 78,439 square feet on two parcels totaling 4.14 acres, March 1,2016 Page 3 located at the northeast corner of Iowa Avenue and Park Avenue in the EVAC (Commercial Industrial) District of the East Valley Corridor Specific Plan. CRA No. 880 Extension—On motions of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved a one year extension of time for Commission Review and Approval (CRA) No. 880, subject to the adopted conditions of approval; determination that the one year extension of time does not require further environmental processing pursuant to Section 15162 of the state's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act based upon the following findings: (1) The proposed extension of time would not result in new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified effects of the project, because the project has not changed and would not generate any new environmental impacts; (2) No substantial changes have occurred with respect to the circumstances under which the project will be undertaken, because the scope has not changed and the project's environmental impacts are within the scope of the previously approved Mitigated Negative Declaration; and (3) There is no new information of substantial importance with respect to the project's environmental consequences that was not known at the time the previous Mitigated Negative Declaration was adopted. The project involves the construction of three industrial buildings ranging in size from 33,070 square feet to 96,100 square feet for a total square footage 169,790 square feet on 8.6 acres located at the southwest corner of Alabama Street and Park Avenue in the EVAC (Commercial Industrial) District of the East Valley Corridor Specific Plan. Grant Application — On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved the submission of an application for the Earthquake Country Mini Award Grant. Grant Application — On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved the submission of an application to the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Social Media Management — On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council approved a three year agreement between the City of Redlands and TMD Communications for the provision of social media management services in the amount of $7,200.00 annually, for a total amount of $21,600.00. Mayor Pro Tem Harrison recused himself from discussion and voting on this item due to a possible perception of a conflict of interest. Spay and Neuter Services — On motion of Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath, the City Council unanimously approved amendments to agreements between the City of Redlands and both Highland Village Pet Hospital and AlaPalm Animal Hospital for the provision of spay and neuter services. March 1,2016 Page 4 Grant Acceptance — On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved the acceptance of $16,032.00 in Federal Emergency Management Agency 2015 Homeland Security Grant funds and authorized an additional appropriation in the same amount. Fee Waiver — On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved a request from the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Guild for the waiver of$920.00 in fees associated with the Family Fitness Fun Run and Fitness Expo event to be held at the Burrage Mansion on April 3, 2016. Resolution No. 7598 — Strategic Plan Update — On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 7598 approving modifications to the 2014-2017 Strategic Plan. COMMUNICATIONS: Prospect Park Grove —Mayor Foster provided background on a proposal to defer the Prospect Park Replanting Project for the purpose of providing funds to plant a "Bluff Grove" and a "Best Property Grove" to create a green corridor entryway to our community, and provide a partial return of Citrus Heritage Groves to the citizens in exchange for the sale of the Palmetto Grove property. As public comment, nine speakers expressed their support for deferring the Prospect Park Replanting Project. Andy Hoder requested clarification on the impact of this proposal on the current contract with Larry Jacinto Farming and whether the new groves will need to be fenced. Peter Buoye, Chairman of the Citrus Preservation Commission, restated the Commission's recommendation to not defer the Prospect Park Replanting Project. On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Barich, the City Council approved the planting of a "Bluff Grove" and a "Best Property Grove", and the deferral of the Prospect Park Replanting Project until the proceeds of the new groves are equal to those of the Prospect Park Grove. Those portions of the Prospect Park Replanting Project which involve the removal of a storage tank, renovation of the irrigation system and removal of diseased trees will not be deferred. Mayor Pro Tem Harrison and Councilmember James voted No on the motion citing the need to proceed with the Prospect Park Replanting Project. Budget Subcommittee — On motion of Mayor Foster, seconded by Councilmember Barich, the City Council unanimously approved the appointment of Councilmember Pat Gilbreath, Councilmember John James and City Treasurer Robert Dawes to serve on the City Council subcommittee for the FY2016-2017 Budget Subcommittee. Library Board Report — Library Board President William Hardy highlighted improvements made to the A.K. Smiley Library in the last year including HVAC repairs, repaving and striping to designate parking in the area, and restroom upgrades. He listed what he called three major turning points which occurred this March 1,2016 Page 5 year to significantly affect the Library Board: (1) The hiring of a full time Adult Literacy Program Manager, (2) The acquisition of the building at 700 Brookside Avenue to be the home of the Redlands Historical Museum, and (3) the acquisition of the Contemporary Club building at 173 South Eureka Street. Airport Advisory Board Report — Airport Advisory Board Chairperson Ingrid Biglow summarized the authority, role and areas of the responsibility of the Board. She highlighted activities at the Airport to include the Hangar 24 AirFest and the Redlands Airport Association Toys for Tots event. The report concluded with the Board's goals for the coming year: (1) Work with consultants on the Airport Business Plan, (2) Improve airport security, (3) Fixed Base Operations remodeling, (4) Runway 26 dirt stockpile removal, (5) Citrus Reservoir bird mitigation, (6) Preserve a buffer zone around the airport, and (7) Property expansion for a helicopter landing pad. NEW BUSINESS: Patrol Unit Purchase — On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Harrison, seconded by Councilmember Barich, the City Council unanimously approved the purchase of two 2016 Ford Interceptor utility patrol units, in amount of $55,225.18, per the terms included in the State of California contract number 1-15-23-14B. Uniform Suply and Laundry Service — On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Harrison, seconded by Councilmember Barich, the City Council unanimously approved a modification to a purchase order with Cintas for a new annual amount of $121,795.00. Alcohol Consumption Permit—On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Harrison, seconded by Councilmember Barich, the City Council unanimously approved a request for the consumption of alcohol at Ed Hales Park for the Downtown Redlands Art Walk to be held on April 24, 2016. Interstate Ramp Landscape Maintenance — On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Harrison, seconded by Councilmember Barich, the City Council unanimously approved a landscape maintenance agreement between the City of Redlands and the California Department of Transportation for landscaping, site furnishings, and irrigation maintenance within the state highway right-of-way on Interstate 10 in the City of Redlands, County of San Bernardino; and determined that approval of the agreement is categorically exempt from further environmental review in accordance with Section 15301(b)(3) the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines. Air Show Permit — Will Hamilton, of the Quality of Life Department, presented an overview of plans for the 2016 Hangar 24 AirFest. As public comment, Ted Gablin, of the Redlands Airport Association, Igrid Biglow, of the Airport Advisory Board, and Ben Cook, of Hangar 24, all expressed their pleasure at the mutual cooperation in planning for this year's event. Andy Hoder suggested the amount of the fee waiver should be reduced. On motions of Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath, the City Council unanimously March 1,2016 Page 6 determined that approval of an airshow permit is categorically exempt from environmental review under Section 15323 of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines; directed staff to file a Notice of Exemption with the Office of the County Clerk; approved Airshow Permit No. 4, subject to conditions of approval; approved the waiver of fees in the amount of $30,719.91; approved an application to serve alcohol on airport property during the 2016 Hangar 24 AirFest event; and approved a request from Hangar 24 Charities to close the Redlands Municipal Airport to pedestrian access, hangar access and air traffic for four and a half hours during the event on May 14, 2016. Employment Agreements — On motion of Mayor Pro Tem Harrison, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved the third amendment to the Employment Agreement between the City of Redlands and N. Enrique Martinez, the City Manager, and the eleventh amendment to the Employment Agreement between the City of Redlands and Daniel J. McHugh, the City Attorney. The amendments allow Mr. Martinez and Mr. McHugh to contribute proceeds from any sale of leave to the 401 a plan. Mr. Martinez will also receive Lifetime Medical and Dental Insurance, for himself and two children only, upon separation of employment from the City. COUNCIL,MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES: Mayor Pro Tem Harrison and Councilmember James continue to attend the General Plan Update meetings. The next meeting is scheduled for March 9, 2016 with a goal of producing a draft document by late July 2016. Mayor Pro Tem Harrison and Councilmember James attended the very professional and very informative forum entitled "California Native Plants, Their Benefits and Role in Water Conservation" held by staff and volunteers on February 25, 2016. Mayor Foster and Councilmember James attended the Emerald Necklace Tour, Third Edition, on February 20, 2016 Councilmember James attended a meeting of the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority on February 25, 2016. Councilmembers Gilbreath and Barich attended Coffee with the Council on February 20, 2016. Councilmember Barich attended a meeting of the Redlands Community Music Association where the list of concerts at the Redlands Bowl for the coming year was revealed. Oklahoma will be the musical production for next summer. Mayor Foster installed Donna Ferracone as the new President of the Family Service Association of Redlands. March 1,2016 Page 7 ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to address Mayor Foster adjourned the meeting at 8:29 P.M. The next regular meeting of the Redlands City Council is scheduled on March 15, 2016. March 1,2016 Page 8