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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016_04_19 - 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 April 19, 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) - One Case a. Consideration of subrogation claim filed against the City of Redlands by Safeco Insurance for Todd and Dwanna Jackson. 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 the City The meeting reconvened at 6:00 P.M. with an invocation by Councilmember Gilbreath and the pledge of allegiance to the American flag. CLOSED SESSION REPORT: No reportable action was taken by the City Council during the closed session. April 19,2016 Page 1 PRESENTATIONS: Redlands Animal Shelter — Animal Control Officer Bill Miller introduced "Cyrus", a one year old male Chihuahua who is available for adoption along with thirty other dogs and thirty-four cats at the Redlands Animal Shelter. Officer Miller announced that thirty-seven dogs and seventeen cats were adopted since the last City Council meeting. Essay Contest Winners — Mayor Foster. David Matza, from State Senator Mike Morrell's office, and Socorro Pantaleon, from Assemblyman Marc Steinorth's office, presented certificates and plaques to Annabelle Tamano and Casey Copeland in recognition of winning first and second place respectively in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest. Elizabeth Wang won third place in the contest, but was unable to attend the meeting and receive her award. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Sustainability Opposition — Greg Brittain presented statistics he said indicated a correlation between increased crime rates and high density housing and dark skies initiatives. He criticized the Sustainability Element of the draft General Plan 2035, asserting that the element tries to restrict the number of trips made during the day by private individuals. Pesticide Hazards —Marie DeBello described her experience related to the tenting for termites of her neighbor's house. She described her health issues and medication requirements subsequent to the experience and called for mandatory notification procedures prior to tenting of houses. Earth Day —Tabitha Kevari, of the Quality of Life Department, announced events planned at Ed Hales Park in celebration of Earth Day on Friday, April 22, 2016. Process Reparation — Sam Wong appealed to the City Council to readdress the Proposition 218 process used to consider the adoption of Ordinances No. 2830 and 2831 which implemented rate increases for water and sewer services in the City of Redlands. Appreciation — Jessica Mosher, of Teamsters Local 1932, thanked all the area businesses who supported the 13th Annual Chris Prato Memorial Golf Tournament, held on April 15, 2016 to benefit the union's Member Emergency Relief Fund. Cease and Desist—Isaac Tate reminded the City Council of a letter he has written calling for the abeyance of all planning and proceedings in preparation for AirFest 2016. Diversi — Judith Ashton described her experience as a teacher and asserted the value of diversity to the overall character of a community. She encouraged Redlands residents to be more accepting of immigrants. April 19,2016 Page 2 Suicide Prevention —David Thielemann proposed the formation of a task force of City leaders from various sectors (school district, City staff, churches, sports associations, Rotary, Kiwanis and women's groups) be pulled together to pool their strengths so that cooperation emerges to prevent/intervene in young people's lives to prevent teen suicides. CONSENT CALENDAR: Minutes — On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved the minutes of the regular meeting of April 5, 2016. Proclamation — On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing the celebration of National Arbor Day in the City of Redlands for calendar year 2016. As public comment, Andy Hoder said it is ironic that the City of Redlands has a great reputation as a tree-friendly community, yet many trees in the City are dead or dying due to lack of proper trimming. Proclamation — On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved a proclamation declaring the month of May 2016 to be Building Safety Month. Proclamation — On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved a proclamation declaring the week of May 1-7, 2016 to be Small Business Week 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 2016 Riverside Urban Security Initiative Regional Grant. Grant Acceptance — On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved the acceptance of emergency supplies, valued at $500.00, awarded from the Earthquake Country Alliance 2016 Mini Award Grant. Surplus Cameras — On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved a determination that obsolete digital cameras and digital camera lenses are surplus property and the donation of these items serves a public purpose by benefitting students of the Redlands community and authorized the donation of obsolete digital cameras and digital camera lenses from the Redlands Police Department to the Redlands Unified School District for use by the Redlands East Valley High School Digital Photography Club. April 19,2016 Page 3 Contraband Detection - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved an agreement between City of Redlands and the Redlands Unified School District for the provision and operation of a Contraband Detection Canine Program in an effort to control crime and possession of drugs on school campuses. Water Color Classes — On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved an Independent Contractor Agreement between the City of Redlands and Cindy Sullivan to provide water color classes at the Redlands Community Senior Center. Community Center Use — On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved a request from the Redlands Showtime for the use of the Community Center Gymnasium for youth basketball practice. As public comment, Andy Hoder pointed out perceived inconsistencies in the fee waiver application for this item. Sports Park Use — On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Harrison, the City Council unanimously approved a facility use agreement between the City of Redlands and GS Andiamo for the parking lot and restrooms at the Redlands Sports Park. Grant Application — On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved the City's participation in a regional application for the 2015 Federal Emergency Management Agency Fire Prevention & Safety Grant and a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Redlands and the City of Colton to facilitate the application. Ordinance No. 2829 - Procurement Policy — On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved the adoption of Ordinance No. 2829 amending Chapter 2.16 of the Redlands Municipal Code relating to procurement through auction, local business preferences, and requirements for the use of recycled materials in the procurement process. In consideration for family health issues for one of the City staff members, Mayor Foster reorganized the meeting agenda to address three NEW BUSINESS items before the COMMUNICATIONS portion of the agenda. NEW BUSINESS: Resolution No. 7614 — Salaries — Quality of Life Director Chris Boatman provided a summary of the cemetery division reorganization plan. As public comment, Andy Hoder expressed his concerns as to the distribution of workload at the cemetery and advised against the reorganization plan. On motion of Councilmember James, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Harrison, the City Council approved Resolution No. 7614 amending Resolution No. 7522 relating to the April 19,2016 Page 4 City's salary schedule and compensation plan for City employees (Amendment No. 1). Councilmember Barich voted No on the motion. Resolutions No. 7607 and 7608 - Dedication in Memory of Curtiss Allen, Sr. — Quality of Life Director Chris Boatman presented a plan to memorialize the name of Curtiss Allen, Sr. On motions of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Barich, the City Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 7607 establishing procedures for the naming of City parks, buildings, streets and other public facilities and rescinding Resolution No. 6497; and approved Resolution No. 7608 approving the naming of Sylvan Park's bandstand in memory of Curtiss Allen, Sr. Refuse Container Purchase — Quality of Life Director Chris Boatman explained the need for replacement refuse containers in the Solid Waste Division. On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved a purchase order with Otto Environmental Systems, in the amount of $144,346.65, for the purchase of residential curbside refuse containers. COMMUNICATIONS: Delegate Designation —As public comment, Greg Brittain stated his opposition to regional government organizations such as the Southern California Association of Governments (SLAG). On motion of Mayor Foster, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved the designation of Mayor Pro Tem Jon Harrison to serve as the primary delegate representing the City of Redlands at the 2016 SCAG Regional Conference and General Assembly and Councilmember Pat Gilbreath to serve as his alternate. Passenger Rail Subcommittee — Mayor Foster introduced the need to increase City Council oversight attention to the Redlands Passenger Rail Project. As public comment, Greg Brittain and Sam Wong presented statistics in support of their opposition to the Project. Dennis Bell said the proposed subcommittee is redundant and unnecessary. On motion of Mayor Foster, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved the appointment of Mayor Pro Tem Jon Harrison and Councilmember Pat Gilbreath to the Redlands Passenger Rail Subcommittee. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Report — Commission Chairperson Roy Cencirulo presented the goals of the commission as: (1) Conduct three community outreach commission meetings at various locations (i.e.: Joslyn Senior Center, Community Center, etc.), in order to better receive public input on issues related to parks, trails, open space and recreation. (2) Outreach to local universities to conduct a community-based satisfaction survey on parks, open space, trails and recreation facilities and programs. (3) Participate in an annual park, open space, trails and facility tour in order to keep commissioners apprised of facilities status. (4) Develop an orientation manual for new commissioners. (5) Provide input into City's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) April 19,2016 Page 5 Needs Assessment process. (6) The director of the Quality of Life Department will develop goals and objectives to submit and discuss to the commission at least once every 6 months. As public comment, Greg Brittain observed that no records exist to reflect the utilization of city parks and suggested this data is necessary for the Commission to make informed decisions affecting the park system. Street Tree Committee Report—Committee Member Don Buchanan presented the Committee's goals as: (1) Recommend amendments to the CC approved Street Tree Policy and Protection Guidelines Manual in two areas — Section 10.4 and Section 10.6. (2) Work to increase the budget for city street tree trimming in order to meet the guidelines set forth in the Street Tree Policy and Protection Guidelines Manual. (3) Utilize the Street Tree Policy and Protection Guidelines Manual, section 2.2, and the Grants and Donations, section 3.2, for developing funds to trim city parkway trees. (4) Provide designation and protection for city parkway Landmark Trees, Heritage Tree Rows and Stand, and Scenic Preservation — Section 6.2, 12.52.20, 12.52.30 and 12.52.100. (5) Encourage the City, per the Redlands Street Tree Policy and Protection Guidelines Manual, section 10.6, to transplant or sell endangered City Parkway Palm Trees. License Plate Reader — In accordance with the requirements set forth in Senate Bill 34, Chief of Police Mark Garcia provided a presentation of the Police Department's Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) program. The ALPR technology, also known as License Plate Recognition (LPR), allows for the automated detection of license plates. It is used by the Redlands Police Department to convert data associated with vehicle license plates for official law enforcement purposes, including identifying stolen or wanted vehicles, stolen license plates and missing persons. It may also be used to gather information related to active warrants, homeland security, electronic surveillance, suspect interdiction and stolen property recovery. The program is governed by a vetted and comprehensive policy that establishes accountability, training and release of information. As public comment, Greg Brittain and Dennis Bell expressed right to privacy concerns and inquired as to what is done with the data accumulated by the ALPR program. City Trails — Ross Wittman, of the Municipal Utilities & Engineering Department, and Tabitha Kevari, of the Quality of Life Department, presented a summary of recent activity impacting the City's trail system. This update included the Orange Blossom Trail, Santa Ana River Trail, Zanja Trail and recent grant applications. As public comment, Greg Brittain questioned the utility of the trails discussed in this presentation. NEW BUSINESS (CONT'D): ADA Compliance — Joey Long, of the Municipal Utilities & Engineering Department, presented an overview of a project to address Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance concerns in the Revenue Division customer service area. On motions of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously agreed approval of the April 19,2016 Page 6 contract and construction of the Revenue Office ADA Rehabilitation Project, Project No. 43061, is categorically exempt from further environmental review in accordance with Sections 15282 and 15302 of the state's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act, and 24 CFR Part 58, Subpart D of the Code of Federal Regulations; approved the Project plans and specifications; awarded a construction contract to St. George Groupe, Inc., in the amount of $47,683.00, for the work; and authorized re-programming $7,000.00 from un- programmed Community Development Block Grant funds to the Revenue Office ADA Rehabilitation Project. Consulting Services — Finance Director Tina Kundig explained the need for consulting services to assist with budget development. On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously approved a costing services agreement between the City of Redlands and Thomas Steele to assist with the development and production of the City's FY2016-2017 Budget. Resolution No. 7615 — Grant Agreement —Development Services Director Oscar Orci presented an opportunity to expand the "emerald necklace" around the City of Redlands. On motions of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember James, the City Council unanimously agreed the approval of Resolution No. 7615 is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15313 of California Environmental Quality Act guidelines and approved Resolution No. 7615 authorizing entering into a grant agreement between the City of Redlands and the Wildlife Conservation Board and authorizing the acquisition of property identified by APNs 0300-231-36 and 0300-241-24 & -25. COUNCIL,MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES: Bicycle Classic—Everyone agreed the 2016 Redlands Bicycle Classic was a huge success as was the Garden Tour. Councilmember Gilbreath has been busy with an Omnitrans Board meeting, the City County Conference, the State of the County address, and preparations for the Health and Fitness Fair. Mayor Pro Tem Harrison and Councilmember James continue to attend the General Plan Update meetings. Drafts of the elements of the Plan are available for review on line. Go to http://www.redlands2035.org. Mayor Pro Tem Harrison attended a meeting of Santa Ana Wash Plan Committee and says that, due to legal issues, the Plan is about a year away. He is continuing to assist with planning and fundraising for the Redlands Skate Park. Mayor Foster, Mayor Pro Tem Harrison and Councilmember James attend de the ground breaking ceremony as Homes for Our Vets began construction of a new home for Redlands' newest veteran resident Marine SSgt Hans Blum. April 19,2016 Page 7 Mayor Foster also attended and presented the award at the ceremony recognizing the Redlands Family Services Association Volunteer of the Year ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to address Mayor Foster adjourned the meeting at 7:57 P.M. The next regular meeting of the Redlands City Council is scheduled on May 3, 2016. April 19,2016 Page 8