1. Call to Order
1A. Call to Order- 7:03 PM
1B. Roll Call- 7:04 PM
Staff Present:
1C. Closed Session/Workshop - NoneNone.
1D. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance- 7:04 PM
Councilman Rigsby led the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. 1E. Items to be Added or Deleted- 7:05 PM
No items were added or deleted.
1F. Oral Reports/Public Participation - Non-Agenda Items (Each Speaker limited to 3 minutes. Pursuant to the Brown Act, no action or discussion can be taken by City Council)- 7:05 PM
** The following document is a draft of the minutes and not the official approved minutes ** Minutes for the Regular City Council
25541 Barton Road, Loma Linda, CA 92354
December 12, 2023, 7:03 PM - December 12, 2023, 8:18 PM Roll Call: (The following members were in attendance)
Ronald Dailey, Mayor pro tempore
Phillip Dupper, Mayor
Bhavin Jindal, Councilmember
John Lenart, Councilmember
Rhodes Rigsby, Councilmember
T. Jarb Thaipejr, City Manager
Diane Robbins, City Attorney
Lynette Arreola, City Clerk
Sonia Fabela, Finance Director
Dan Harker, Fire Chief
Lorena Matarrita, Community Development Director
Lt. Kaysie Smith, SB County Sheriff's Department
Shawn MacGavin, Information Systems Analyst
Dick Wiley thanked the City Council for their efforts throughout 2023. He thanked the Sheriff and Fire Departments for their dedicated services to the City. He appreciated the Fire Department Staff for organizing the Parade of Lights. He concluded by wishing the City Council and staff a happy and safe holiday season.
Mayor Dupper thanked Mr. Wiley for his support and participation with the City.
Touchar Ozo noted that he has been attending City Council meetings to voice his disappointment regarding the neglect of the Senior Center. He has expressed his willingness to volunteer and his suggestion to form an advisory committee. However, he sensed a lack of enthusiasm from the City; that the City currently has shown no interest in establishing an advisory committee since the prior Senior Board had met its goals; and that the City requested additional time to expand on the senior programs before forming a committee. He stated that, in December, the line dancing class canceled a few classes and that the distribution of bus passes was not done. In the last month, he had not seen an expansion of programs. He was disgusted.
He presented a petition signed by over 60 citizens requesting more resources, activities, and services for seniors, veterans, and disabled individuals; requesting an advisory committee for the Senior Center; and requesting to promote the City's designation as a Blue Zone city. 1G. Conflict of Interest Disclosure- 7:15 PM
There were no foreseen conflicts of interest.
2. Scheduled and Related Items
2A. Proclamation - City of Collegedale, Tennessee- 7:15 PM Mayor Dupper read the proclamation for Collegedale, Tennessee, and mentioned that he intends to present the proclamation to Collegedale during his visit later in the month. 2B. Mission Elementary School Presentation [Chamber of Commerce]- 7:19 PM This item was continued to a future meeting.
2C. Water and Waste Water Rate Study Presentation by Tuckfield and Associates [Clayton Tuckfield]- 7:19 PM
City Manager Thaipejr introduced Mr. Clayton Tuckfield who has prepared the City's Water and Wastewater Rate Study for about 20 years and prepares this report every five years.
Clayton Tuckfield from Tuckfield and Associates presented the findings of the Water and Wastewater Rate Study, noting the study involved projecting a five-year financial plan based on historical data, expenses, and budgets, as required by legislation. However, they extend the projection to ten years to provide a more comprehensive view. Key tasks included conducting a cost-of-service analysis and designing water and wastewater rates. According to the study, the results indicate a 4.3% annual revenue increase for the next five years. Diagrams were presented to illustrate expenses, revenues, and the proposed percentage increase, demonstrating how the city would meet its financial obligations, as well as a diagram displaying the cash and investments of the water funds with the implementation of rate increases. He discussed the actual proposed water rate increase amounts, pointing out that the City will send notifications citywide of the 5-year rate increases per Prop 218 requirements.
In regards to the wastewater system rates, he stated that no rate increases are necessary. The existing wastewater revenue is projected to be sufficient for the next five years, along with satisfactory cash flow. However, he acknowledged there will be potential rate increases in treatment expenses from San Bernardino, but it would be a pass-through cost. Despite the appearance of an increase, it would be from treatment services. Mr. Tuckfield noted that in comparison to other communities, Loma Linda's water and wastewater rates are positioned in the middle. He concluded with a proposed timeline and required steps to be taken to implement the new rates by May 1, 2024.
City Manager Thaipejr stated that the City would work to pay off wastewater debt from the cash flow.
Councilman Jindal asked if there is a buffer collected for infrastructure repairs. City Manager Thaipejr explained that the City would borrow from special projects and water reserve funds should there be a need for infrastructure repairs.
Councilman Jindal asked why the expenses increase more than inflation in reference to one of the diagrams. Mr. Tuckfield explained that they are borrowing funds to pay for the 1.6 mg reservoir as well as the capital spending program.
3. Consent Calendar
Mayor pro tempore Dailey had a question on Agenda Item 3f, Flock Cameras, relating to the cost of the cameras and why the city did not choose a local vendor.
In response, City Manager Thaipejr clarified that the Flock Camera company is one of two companies providing the required service and equipment, and they offer at a lower cost. He noted that the funding comes from the Citizens Option for Public Safety (COPS) grant. He went on to outline the locations for the additional cameras, noting the City would have a total of 26 cameras. He mentioned that several neighboring cities use the same camera system, which has proven beneficial in aiding the Sheriff's Department in solving various criminal activities. Discussion ensued on the benefits of this camera system.
Milford Harrison stated that he appreciated the City installing these cameras in the City because he was aware of how it assisted in solving criminal activity. He stated that it also assisted the Sheriff's Department in locating his stolen vehicle. He thanked the City for installing holiday lights along Barton Road.
Mayor Dupper stated that the City is one of the first cities to install the cameras. He commended Lt.
Kaysie Smith for initiating this program. He noted that the City leases the equipment. The company maintains the equipment.
Lt. Kaysie Smith stated that the Flock cameras are a much better technology and, by approving the agreement, the City is locking in this rate for the next five years.
Mayor pro tempore Dailey had another question on Agenda Item 3g, Solar Walkway Lights, asked where they are being installed and why they chose a vendor out of state.
In response, City Manager Thaipejr stated that they were purchasing the equipment directly from the manufacturer, which was through a bid process. He noted that the lights are being installed along the Edison Easement Trail between Mission St. and Van Leuven St.
City Manager Thaipejr stated that the City is gradually working on supplementing street lights with solar street lighting. He noted that some street light poles are owned and maintained by Southern California Edison. The City no control over those poles.
Motion by Ronald Dailey, seconded by Bhavin Jindal, and passing by a vote of 5-0-0-0 To Approve the Consent Calendar as submitted.
3A. Demands Registers for November 28, and December 12, 2023 [Finance]- Approved the Demands Registers dated:
3B. Approval of Minutes 11-15-2023-
Approved the minutes of November 15, 2023, as submitted. 3C. Treasurer's Report - November 2023 [Finance]-
Accepted the Treasurer's Report for November 2023 for filing. 3D. Fire Department's Activity Report - November 2023 [Fire]- Accepted the Fire Department's Activity Report for November 2023 for filing. 3E. Authorization to apply for the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) [Fire]-
Authorized the Fire Department to apply for and appropriate the revenue from the 2023 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) funds into account no. 0010000-49334; the City Manager to execute the related documents; and the City Manager to accept additional grant funding should it become available.
3F. Approve Appropriation and Award Contract for 9 Additional LPR Cameras [Public Works]-
Approved a supplemental appropriation of $33,200 from the Citizens Option for Public Safety (COPS) Grant fund balance into the COPS contractual agreement account no. 1355430-51830 and awarded a contract to Flock Group, Inc. for the installation and monitoring of nine (9) additional LPR cameras at various locations.
3G. Award Contract to Southcoast Lighting to Purchase Twelve Solar Walkway Lights [Public Works]-
November 28, 2023, with a commercial demand totaling $3,418,012.40 and a payroll demand dated November 22, 2023, totaling 361,586.60; and
December 12, 2023, with a commercial demand totaling $928,148.68, and two payroll demands dated December 7, 2023, totaling $370,517.87.
Awarded contract to Southcoast Lighting of Norman, OK, for $16,616.80 to purchase twelve (12) solar-powered bollard-style walkway lights.
3H. Approve Purchase of 96 Domestic Water Meters from HydroPro Solutions, Inc. [Public Works]-
Awarded contract to HydroPro Solutions, Inc., of Ontario, CA, for $25,435.90, for the purchase of 96 Allegro 4G domestic water meters.
3I. Change Order for the Audio/Visual Equipment in the Council Chambers [Information Systems]-
Approved a change order to the contract with Western Audio Visual & Security for $18,800.00 to upgrade functions on monitors at the dias and add accessible network connections and switches. 3J. Approval of Agreement with Colantuono, Highsmith, and Whatley for Legal Services [City Attorney]-
Authorized the City Attorney to enter into an agreement with the law firm of Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley (CHW) for legal services primarily in connection with land use issues on an as-needed basis.
3K. Council Bill #R-2023-40 - Approving a Loan from Special Projects Construction Fund to Water Acquisition Fund [Finance]-
Adopted Council Bill #R-2023-40 a Resolution approving a $4,350,000.00 loan from the City's Special Projects Construction Fund to the Water Acquisition Fund as well as supplemental appropriations into the following accounts: Infrastructure Account for $2,008,800.00; General Fund Overhead Account for $387,000.00; and Interest Expense Account for $59,200.00 to ensure available funds for the construction completion of the 1.6MG Reservoir.
RESOLUTION NO. 3204
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMA LINDA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A
LOAN FROM THE SPECIAL PROJECTS CONSTRUCTION FUND TO THE WATER ACQUISITION FUND
4. Old Business
No items.
5. New Business
5A. Appoint Three Historic Commission Members Whose Terms Expired - 7:59 PM Community Development Director Mataritta presented the report, explaining that three member terms have expired; and that the City received five (5) applications, three of which were the three incumbents. She explained that this past year the Commission projects have been slower than usual; however, she anticipates the Commission's schedule will be busier in the coming year with upcoming projects. She stated that the three incumbents have made a positive contribution to the Commission, are passionate about the heritage of the community, and maintain consistent attendance.
Discussion ensued about the Commission membership number, which is established by the Ordinance; and about the member applications received. It was noted that the current Commission members are dedicated and have collaborated effectively with City staff and other Commission members.
Dick Wiley suggested adding an alternate who can fill in if there is a need for a quorum.
Motion by Bhavin Jindal, seconded by Ronald Dailey, and passing by a vote of 5-0-0-0 to Appoint Wiliam Coffman, Joseph Frink, and Michael Stewart to the Historic Commission.
6. Reports
6A. Reports of Council Members- 8:15 PM
Councilman Jindal mentioned that SBCTA has publicized that Brightline received Federal funding for a high-speed railroad connecting Rancho Cucamonga to Las Vegas. He noted that such a development would be good for the local economy.
Councilman Lenart stated that he has received inquiries regarding the water tower in the hills, particularly about flooding. City Manager Thaipejr explained that following the flood of 2010, the tank was designed to ensure water drainage on the south side. This drainage is directed towards a storm drain, intercepting the flow to the detention basin. 6B. Reports Of Officers- 8:18 PM
No reports.
7. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:18 pm.