1 CITY COUNCIL CLOSED & REGULAR SESSION
MINUTES
February 18, 2025
Closed Session: 5:00 PM Regular Meeting: 6:00 PM
550 E. Sixth Street, Beaumont, CA
_____________________________________________________________________
CLOSED SESSION
A. CALL TO ORDER at 5:00 p.m.
Present: Mayor Lara, Mayor Pro Tem Voigt (at 5:02 p.m.), Council Member White, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Fenn
B. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING CLOSED SESSION
B.1 Conference with Real Property Negotiators Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: Approximately 6.26 acres of vacant land described as North of West 4th street and South of SR 60 and East of Beaumont Crossroads Logistics with APN 424-010-007.
Agency Negotiator: City Manager Elizabeth Gibbs or her designee.
Negotiating Parties: City of Beaumont as potential Purchaser and LASSEN DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS, LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership as seller.
Under negotiation: Price and Terms.
No reportable action.
B.2 Conference with Real Property Negotiators Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: Property described as vacant land with APN Numbers: 418- 091-013, 014, 015 and a portion of 016 located North of 5th street and West of Edgar in Beaumont, CA.
Agency Negotiator: City Manager Elizabeth Gibbs or her designee.
Negotiating Parties: City of Beaumont as potential purchaser and Doug
2 Jones as potential seller.
Under negotiation: Price and Terms.
No reportable action.
B.3 Conference with Real Property Negotiators Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: Property described as vacant land with APN Numbers: 404- 140-002, and -003 in Beaumont, CA.
Agency Negotiator: City Manager Elizabeth Gibbs or her designee.
Negotiating Parties: City of Beaumont as potential purchaser and A.
Ginsburg Land Holdings as potential seller.
Under negotiation: Price and Terms.
No reportable action.
B.4 Conference with Labor Negotiators Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6.
Agency Designated Representative: City Manager Elizabeth Gibbs or her designee.
Employee Organizations: Police Officers Association
Motion by Mayor Lara
Second by Council Member Martinez
To approve side letter #6.
Approved by a unanimous vote.
B.5 Public Employee Performance Evaluation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957. Title: City Manager
To be continued after Regular Session
C. ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED SESSION
REGULAR SESSION
D. CALL TO ORDER at 6:04 p.m.
Present: Mayor Lara, Mayor Pro Tem Voigt, Council Member White, Council Member Martinez, Council Member Fenn
Report out from Closed Session: see above
Action on any Closed Session Items
Action of any Requests for Excused Absence
Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
3 Adjustments to the Agenda: Move J.3 up
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Gibbs recusal on Item J.7
E. ANNOUNCEMENTS / RECOGNITION / PROCLAMATIONS /
CORRESPONDENCE
E.1 Veteran's Expo Services - Certificate of Recognition
F. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA)
D. Castaldo - Spoke in appreciation of Doug Story as a City employee.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
Request to pull Item G.6. for discussion.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Voigt
Second by Council Member Fenn
To approve items G.1 - G.5
G.1 Ratification of Warrants
Ratify Warrants dated:
January 31, 2025
February 7, 2025
G.2 Approval of Minutes
Approve Minutes dated February 4, 2025.
G.3 Performance Bond Exoneration
Performance and payment bond exoneration for sewer improvements associated with Tract Map No. 27971-9, 27971-10, 27971-12, and for traffic signal improvements associated with Parcel Map No. 35789.
Authorize City staff to issue a Bond Exoneration Letter for Performance and Payment Bonds and Accept Maintenance Bonds for (Project / Bond Number / Improvement):
• Tract Map No. 27971-9 / 1154354 / Sewer
• Tract Map No. 27971-10 / 1154355 / Sewer
• Tract Map No. 27971-12 / 1154357 / Sewer
• Parcel Map No. 35789 / 4423702 / Traffic Signal
4 G.4 Storm Water Management Facilities Covenant and Agreement Storm Water Management WQMP/BMP Facilities Covenant and Agreement for Plot Plan (PP2020-0317).
Authorize the City Manager to Approve the Storm Water Management WQMP/BMP Facilities Covenant and Agreement for Plot Plan (PP2020-0317), McClure Industrial Center.
G.5 Second Reading for PLAN2024-0158 Code Amendment to Chapter
17.02.030 & 17.02.070 (Plot Plans)
Second reading regarding the proposed amendments to Beaumont Municipal Code Chapter 17.02 “Administration and Enforcement”, more specifically Chapter 17.02.070 “Plot Plans”.
Waive the second full reading and adopt by title only, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Beaumont, California, amending Chapter 17.02 ‘Administration and Enforcement’, Section 17.02.030 Table 17.02-1 and Section 17.02.070, of the Beaumont Municipal Code”.
G.6 PLAN2024-0145, PLAN2024-0146, PLAN2025-0147, PLAN2024-0149, PLAN2024-0150, PLAN2024-0151, PLAN2024-0152 Annual Review of Active Development Agreements (DA)
Annual review of active Development Agreements.
Request to bring this item back as an Action Item in April.
Receive and file.
H. YOUTH COUNCIL REPORT
Report out from February Youth Council Meeting
I. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Approval of all Ordinances and Resolutions to be read by title only.
J. ACTION ITEMS
J.3 First Amendment to Authorization and Cost Sharing Agreement with Beaumont Crossroads
Acquisition of Approximately 6.26 Acres of Property Located North of Fourth Street in Connection with the Potrero Interchange Project.
R. Roy - Spoke to open space concerns.
5 Motion by Mayor Lara
Second by Mayor Pro-Tem Voigt
Authorize the City Manager to execute the First Amendment to Authorization and Cost Sharing Agreement with Beaumont
Crossroads.
Approved by a unanimous vote
J.1 Reimbursement Agreement with Meritage Homes of California, Inc. Re Proposed Community Facilities District No. 2025-1 (Fairway Canyon Phase 4C)
Approval of a Reimbursement Agreement with Meritage Homes.
Motion by Council Member White
Second by Mayor Pro Tem Voigt
Approve the Reimbursement Agreement with Meritage Homes.
J.2 Joint Community Facilities Agreement with the City of Beaumont, Beaumont Cherry Valley Water District and Meritage Homes of California, Inc. Relating to Community Facilities District No. 2021-1 (Fairway Canyon) and Community Facilities District No. 2024-_
Approval of a Joint Community Facilities Agreement among the City, Meritage Homes and Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District.
D. Hendryx - Asked for a continuance of the item and answered questions of the Council.
No action taken.
J.4 Appointment to City Committee Vacancies
Interviews and selection of applicants to fill the vacancies on the Economic Development Committee, Financial and Audit Committee and Board of Administrative Appeals
By way of vote ranking the following candidates were appointed:
C. Fernandez - Financial and Audit Committee Member
D. Beeler - Financial and Audit Alternate Committee Member L. Patin - EDC Post Secondary Rep
M. Davila - Board of Administrative Appeals
Motion by Council Member White
Second by Council Member Martinez
To appoint E. Gallardo as the EDC Alternate Member
Approved by a unanimous vote
6 J.5 Authorize Employment Contract with Deputy City Manager Staff is requesting Council review and authorize the City Manager to sign the employment agreement with Gustavo Romo appointing him to the position of Deputy City Manager.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Voigt
Second by Council Member Fenn
Approve the employment agreement with Gustavo Romo for the Deputy City Manager and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement.
Approved by a unanimous vote
J.6 Approval of City Attorney Invoices for the Month of January 2025 City Attorney John Pinkney recused himself for this item.
Motion by Council Member White
Second by Mayor Lara
Approve invoices in the amount of $97,877.11
Approved by a unanimous vote
J.7 Approval of an Event Sponsorship in the Amount of $5,000 for the Saint Patrick’s Day Casino Night Hosted by the Rotary Club of Beaumont – Cherry Valley
Rotary Club of Beaumont/Cherry Valley - Saint Patrick’s Day Casino Night Sponsorship.
City Manager Elizabeth recused herself from this item stating she is a Rotarian.
D. Castaldo - Spoke to the use of donations and sponsorship contributions.
M. Bright - Spoke to the use of donations and sponsorship contributions.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Voigt
Second by Council Member Martinez
Approve an Event Sponsorship in the Amount of $5,000 for the Saint Patrick’s Day Casino Night Hosted by the Rotary Club of Beaumont – Cherry Valley
7 Approved by a unanimous vote
J.8 Award Professional Service Agreements for On-Call Geotechnical Engineering Services
Award Professional Services Agreements (PSA) to three (3) firms to provide On-Call Geotechnical Engineering Services: Earth Systems, Geocon West, Inc., and Verdantas.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Voigt
Second by Mayor Lara
Award Professional Services Agreements to three firms (Earth Systems, Geocon West, Inc., and Verdantas) for On-Call
Geotechnical Engineering Services for a three (3) year term in an amount not to exceed $300,000 per firm annually and authorize the Mayor to sign.
Approved by a unanimous vote
J.9 Approve a Task Order for Transtech Engineers, Inc. for Project Management, Pre-Construction, Construction and Project Closeout Support Services for the Sports Park Lighting and Expansion Project – Capital Improvement Project No. P-04
Approve a Task Order for Transtech Engineers, Inc. (Transtech) under their approved on-call contract (C23-35), in the amount not to exceed $150,000.
Motion by Council Member White
Second by Council Member Martinez
Approve a Task Order to Transtech Engineers under their approved on-call contract (C23-35) for construction support services for the P- 04 Sports Park Lighting and Expansion in an amount not to exceed $150,000.
Approved by a unanimous vote
J.10 Approve a Purchase Order for Fiscal Year 2025 for Plan Checking, Inspection and Surveying Services
Approve a purchase order to NV5 in full compliance with the Professional Service Agreement in an amount not to exceed $215,000.
Motion by Council Member White
Second by Mayor Lara
8 Approve a FY25 Purchase Order for NV5 in the amount of $215,000 for plan checking, inspection and surveying services.
Approved by a unanimous vote
J.11 Adoption of the 2025 Community Needs Assessment Survey Results and Approval of CDBG Funding Priorities
Adoption of the 2025 Community Needs Assessment Survey results and approval of the City’s CDBG funding priorities for public improvements and community services under the 2024-2029 Consolidated Plan.
Motion by Council Member Martinez
Second by Council Member Fenn
Staff recommends that the City Council approves the City’s five-year HUD-CPD funding priorities as follows:
1. Public Improvements: to include street and sidewalk repairs.
2. Community Services: services for children such as after school programs and advocacy.
Approved by a unanimous vote
J.12 Update on the Communication Strategic Plan
Effective communication builds trust, boosts civic participation, and keeps residents informed. The 2024 review highlighted areas of accomplishment and opportunities for improved information sharing and public awareness.
In 2025, the focus will be on enhancing engagement, leveraging tools and automation, reviewing analytics, and launching a new city website to share the latest information.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Voigt
Second by Mayor Lara
Receive and file this report as an update on the Communication Strategic Plan and provide direction on any additional priorities for future implementation.
Approved by a unanimous vote
J.13 Economic Development Marketing Slogan
This report presents a few economic development slogans for consideration aimed at enhancing the city’s brand identity and business appeal. The slogans are designed to reflect the city’s growth, innovation, and commitment to economic vitality. It aligns with our strategic goals to
9 attract new businesses, support existing enterprises, and promote a thriving local economy.
Consensus to choose option 1: Elevating Business, Growing Communities
J.14 Inquiry of City Hosted Candidate Forum
At the request of Council Member White, the City Attorney’s Office researched the parameters of a City-hosted candidate forum.
D. Castaldo - Spoke in support of a candidate forum.
Council discussion, no action taken.
K. LEGISLATIVE UPDATES AND DISCUSSION
L. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Economic Development Committee Report Out
M. CITY TREASURER REPORT
Finance and Audit Committee Report Out
M.1 City Treasurer Reports
N. CITY CLERK REPORT
No report
O. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
No report
P. CITY MANAGER REPORT
Shared upcoming events.
P.1 Cherry Festival Parade
D. Castaldo - Gave a history of the Cherry Festival Parade and asked the City to help continue the parade.
10 Q. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
• Assessment for the need for additional community center(s) (April) • Annexation Agreement with the County (Future)
• Revisit Sanctuary City Definition and Clarification (April) • Review Home Based Business Requirements (March)
• Southern California Edison Public Safety Power Shutoffs (March) • Disaster Preparedness (April)
• Community Recreation Center Parking Lot (April)
+ Financial and Audit Committee Ordinance
R. COUNCIL REPORTS
Fenn – Attended an RTA Committee meeting, Library ribbon cutting, Chamber Breakfast, shared the CFD search feature was nominated for an award and a write up about it is in the works.
Martinez – Attended Career Day, the Youth Council Meeting and the Economic Development Committee Meeting.
White – No report.
Voigt – Attended the Library ribbon cutting and the Economic Development Committee Meeting.
Lara – Attended the Library ribbon cutting.
Adjournment to Closed Session
B.5 Public Employee Performance Evaluation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957. Title: City Manager
No reportable action
S. ADJOURNMENT at 12:00 a.m.
The next regular meeting of the Beaumont City Council, Beaumont Financing Authority, the Beaumont Successor Agency (formerly RDA), the Beaumont Utility Authority, the Beaumont Parking Authority and the Beaumont Public Improvement Agency is scheduled for Tuesday March 4, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. unless otherwise posted.