City Council Meeting Agenda July 31, 2024
CITY OF MURRIETA Wednesday, July 31, 2024 Council Chambers 8:00 AM SPECIAL CITY
1 Town Square COUNCIL WORKSHOP
Murrieta 92562
CLOSED SESSION WILL
BEGIN AFTER WORKSHOP
MINUTES
The City of Murrieta intends to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Persons with special needs should call the City Clerk Department at (951) 461-6031 or email at [email protected] at least 72 hours in advance. Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at the public counter at City Hall located at 1 Town Square, Murrieta, CA during normal business hours.
Any presentation requiring the use of the City of Murrieta's equipment must be submitted to the City Clerk's department 72 hours prior to the scheduled City Council meeting at City Hall located at 1 Town Square, Murrieta, CA; via email at [email protected] or call (951) 461-6031. Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at the public counter at City Hall located at 1 Town Square, Murrieta, CA during normal business hours.
NOTICE AND CALL OF SPECIAL MEETING WORKSHOP NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on July 25, 2024, the Mayor of the City of Murrieta has called a Special Meeting of the Murrieta City Council to consider the following matters at the time and place listed on the agenda. /s/ Cristal McDonald, City Clerk
Lori Stone
Mayor
Cindy Warren Lisa DeForest Mayor Pro Tem Council Member
Jon Levell Ron Holliday Council Member Council Member
Kim Summers, City Manager
Tiffany Israel, City Attorney
Cristal McDonald, City Clerk
MURRIETA CITY COUNCIL (CC)
MURRIETA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT (CSD)
MURRIETA FIRE DISTRICT (FD)
MURRIETA LIBRARY BOARD (LB)
MURRIETA REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY (RSA)
MURRIETA HOUSING AUTHORITY (HA)
MURRIETA FINANCING AUTHORITY (FA)
*** THIS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP WILL NOT BE RECORDED OR LIVE-STREAMED***
8:00 AM WORKSHOP
CALL TO ORDER 8:05 a.m.
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City Council Meeting Agenda July 31, 2024
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Lisa DeForest
Council Member Jon Levell
Council Member Ron Holliday
Mayor Pro Tem Cindy Warren
Mayor Lori Stone
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MAYOR'S WELCOME
Mayor Stone introduced the Special Workshop, providing an overview of the decorum and public comment time limits. Public comments on agendized items were limited to three minutes per item, with an opportunity to speak for one minute after each item was heard.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Manager Kim Summers provided opening comments by summarizing the goals and priorities that have been outlined by the City Council from the January 2024 City Council Workshop. In addition, the purpose of the workshop was to provide a clear prioritization to facilitate a strategic plan.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (AGENDIZED ONLY)
Doug McAllister: Spoke against changing the Mayor rotation process and noted past difficulties when the policy was not in place.
Kassen Klein: Stated the City Council should be able to choose who serves as Mayor due to the variables of each term.
Inquired about the enforcement of the Code of Ethics.
Alan Long: Referenced past difficulties of the policy with non-adherence and noted the rotation does not work with a Council of five members with four year terms.
The City Council should select the Mayor based on who the best fit is.
Jonathan Ingram: Spoke against the Mayor rotation policy as it creates dysfunction and animosity; noting that it has undergone various revisions and that the policy is not clear.
Kelly Seyarto: Spoke on the factors which contribute to challenges with the rotation method, suggested the discussion should start after the election season to avoid politically driven decisions. Spoke about interactions from the City Council, the public, and staff that were unprofessional specifically on social media.
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City Council Meeting Agenda July 31, 2024
WORKSHOP
WS1. City Council Protocols and Procedures
City Clerk Cristal McDonald provided a PowerPoint presentation covering background information and purpose of the Code of Conduct and current Rules of Procedures (Resolution No. 19-4178), Future Agenda Items , Presiding Officer (Mayor Rotation) ; and Motion for Reconsideration.
Future Agenda Items: (37 requests received from City Council since 2023)
As part of the presentation City Clerk McDonald spoke on the purpose, current authority, current/historical procedures, and comparable cities procedure.
Council Member Holliday spoke on the reasoning behind his request to review the current protocol as the Brown Act may inhibit the collaboration of requests. Inquired about having no staff report to eliminate staff time and having the requesting Council Me mber speak on the item.
City Manager Kim Summers noted that she can often provide direction to the City Council and staff if she is aware of the request; many times, the item doesn 't require the use of staff or resources. Mayor Stone highlighted the City Manager as a resource for her expertise and guidance.
Council Member Levell agreed with Council Member Holliday that the Council Member should present the information/item to reduce staff time. Council Member DeForest noted possible concerns of longer meetings. Mayor Pro Tem Warren inquired about the timeline in relation to urgent requests.
After discussion, the City Council came to a consensus to include the following updates to the future agenda items process:
An option for an individual Council Member to request an agendized item direct from the City Manager. Allowing the City Manager to provide guidance and determine if there is a cost associated with the request.
If, upon determination by the City Manager , there are any costs associated with the item, it will be added to the agenda under the Council Member Requests to Add Items Future Agendas, where the Council Member will seek consensus to bring forward as a discussion item.
Public Comments:
Jonathan Ingram: Voiced concerns about diminishing the Council's power and noted the current policy has worked well for a long time.
Kelly Seyarto: Encouraged the collaboration of Council Members and the City Manager in order to ensure the availability of subject matter experts for the discussions.
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City Council Meeting Agenda July 31, 2024
Presiding Officer (Mayor Rotation)
As part of the presentation City Clerk McDonald spoke on the purpose, current authority, current/historical procedures, and comparable cities procedure.
Mayor Stone and Council Member Levell spoke on the reasoning behind the request to review the presiding officer rotation policy. Mayor Stone proposed having the City Council select the presiding officer instead of a rotation due to the importance of leadership and precedence of the past City Councils not following protocol. Council Member Levell noted that having a non- formal guideline to select the Mayor would be in everyone's best interest in order to allow flexibility due to unforeseen circumstances.
Council Member Holliday, Council Member DeForest, and Mayor Pro Tem Warren spoke on concerns over the fa irness of the rotation and the limitations of a stringent document. Council Member Holliday provided a draft proposal of a framework for consideration. The City Council further discussed the selection process used by other cities and the need for a policy/framework.
Consensus was received to eliminate the Mayor rotation and establish a guideline for selecting the Mayor based on responsibilities and experience.
Public Comments:
Kassen Klein: Spoke against the direction provided by the City Council stating it appears to be personality biased and appears problematic as it continues to return at each goal-setting session.
Kelly Seyarto: Spoke against removing the policy as it can lead to unintended consequences and suggested revising the current policy and not eliminating.
Doug McAllister: Suggested modifying language in order to address the fairness of rotation and noted that by removing the policy can have an unfavorable image of back door dealings.
Jonathan Ingram: Spoke on the policy needing framework as the current one creates disappointments. In addition, the policy needs structure to assist the City Council in making informed decisions.
The City Council directed staff to return with edits to the City Council protocols and procedures in October for review and approval.
Motion for Reconsideration
As part of the presentation City Clerk McDonald spoke on the purpose, current authority, current/historical procedures, and comparable cities procedure.
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City Council Meeting Agenda July 31, 2024
The item was brought back because of its ambiguity and the lack of a set procedure for bringing forward motions for reconsideration . Mayor Stone and Council Member Holliday requested clarification from the City Clerk on the issue and the portion of the language that is ambiguous.
City Clerk McDonald highlighted the section covering the prevailing side and proposed it be modified to majority. She also suggested adding a section on the agenda for reconsideration s.
After comparing other municipalities' processes, the City Council supported the City Clerk's request for clarificatio n. The propos ed version will be brought back in October for review and approval.
Public Comments:
None
The City Council recessed at 10 a.m.
The City Council reconvened at 10:13 a.m.
Code of Conduct
As part of the presentation City Clerk McDonald spoke on the purpose, current authority, current/historical procedures, and comparable cities procedure.
The item was brought forward for annual review as part of the continuation of the January Workshop. Council Member Holliday requested clarification on the enforcement and ramifications of censorship. After further review and discussion, the City Council provided no further edits to the Code of Conduct.
Public Comments:
None
WS2. Ralph M. Brown Act Refresher
City Attorney Tiffany Israel provided a PowerPoint presentation overview of the Brown Act which highlighted topics such as types of serial meetings, open meetings, confidentiality, public records, social media, and event attendance.
The City Attorney also spoke on recent rulings from the California Attorney General regarding Chamber of Commerce paid events where City business updates are given . The Attorney General ruled if City business will be discussed and a quorum of Council Members are in attendance, the event must have a portion that is free and accessible to the public. The City Council discussed their concerns regarding protocols when att ending third-party events. Staff will be providing information to the City Council to utilize while at events.
The City Council discussed their concerns regarding social media usage and City Council Member interactions. Direction was provided to staff to provide template language, similar to the PowerPoint, that they can utilize for social media which discloses the limited interactions Docusign Envelope ID: 3CE35844-BDE2-429F-A294-E5CE2BB3C856
City Council Meeting Agenda July 31, 2024
allowed between City Council Members.
Public Comments:
Kassen Klein: Spoke on concerns relating to the distribution of supplemental agenda material to the City Council and the public.
Council Member Holliday requested that the City Attorney respond to Mr. Klein's question. City Attorney Tiffany Israel noted that information is only released when it is part of the agenda.
WS3. Financial Outlook
Finance Director Javier Carcamo provided a PowerPoint presentation on the City 's financial outlook, which included future budget updates, general fund long -term financial forecast, a General Fund/Measure T long -term forecast, key budget drivers, estimated unassigned fund balance, and covered debt affordability analysis scenarios and closing the gap for Fiscal Year 2024/25.
The City Council inquired about the fiscal status and feasibility of different projects in the works, such a s the Construction of the Fire Station 6 , the expansion of Los Alamos Soccer Complex, 215/Keller Interchange, Library Expansion, Building of Pickleball Courts, Public Safety Regional Training Center, Development Impact Fees, and bond repayment . City Manager Kim Summers noted that differe nt approaches and timeline considerations would have to be taken on the projects within the current budgetary framework.
Finance Director Javier Carcamo delivered a brief economic update and state of the City 's primary operating funds and was available to answer questions from the City Council. Mayor Stone inquired about the Landscape and Lighting Districts not being satisfied with the service.
Finance Director Carcamo noted there is a deficit due to a lack of an escalator and that it would need to be taken back to the voters.
Public Comments:
Alan Long: Spoke on the hiring freeze and inquired on essential positions.
City Manager Summers clarified that only new positions were frozen and that based on conversations with the Executive Team certain positions were pushed to be filled in a future fiscal year.
Staff will return in November to provide the City Council with the First -Quarter Budget update and the Fiscal Year 23/24 Year-End Budget Update. I n February 2025, staff will present the Fiscal Year 24/25 Mid-Year Budget Update.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - CLOSED SESSION ITEMS ONLY None
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
Deputy City Clerk Kimberly Ramirez announced the following Closed Session items:
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City Council Meeting Agenda July 31, 2024
CLOSED SESSION
CS1. Conference with Labor Negotiators
The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6, with the City Manager, the City Attorney, and the City's negotiators, regarding labor negotiations with (1) the Murrieta General Employees ' Association; and (2) th e Murrieta Supervisors' Association.
CS2. Conference with Real Property Negotiator
The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8, to enable the City Council to consider negotiations and to give direction to its negotiators regarding that certain real property, at the corner of Murrieta Hot Springs Road & Sparkman Court, Murrieta, CA, APN 901 -031-011 and -020 with the property 's owners. The City's real property negotiators, the City Manager, Assistant City Ma nager, Development Services Director, and City Attorney, will seek direction from the City Council regarding the price and terms for this property.
CS3. Public Employee Appointment
The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54957(b), to continue the process for the future appointment of an employee to the position of City Manager.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION 11:30 a.m.
WORKSHOP CONTINUED
CALL TO ORDER 12:19 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Lisa DeForest
Council Member Jon Levell
Council Member Ron Holliday
Mayor Pro Tem Cindy Warren
Mayor Lori Stone
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ACTION
City Attorney Tiffany Israel: No reportable action on Closed Session Item Nos. CS1-CS3.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - AGENDIZED ITEMS ONLY
Kassen Klein: Distributed a handout and spoke on the need to move the Line F Drainage Improvement project forward as it will benefit the entire Docusign Envelope ID: 3CE35844-BDE2-429F-A294-E5CE2BB3C856
City Council Meeting Agenda July 31, 2024
Murrieta Downtown. Noted concern over mitigation banks being depleted as it relates to future buildout.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Manager Summers introduced Assistant City Managers Justin Clifton and Kristen Crane, to lead the City Council priorities discussion.
WS4. City Council Priorities
Assistant City Managers Justin Clifton and Kristen Crane presented a PowerPoint presentation and facilitated discussions on work plans and strategies for the priorities established at the January 11, 2024, Special Workshop, with an additional focus on unprogrammed priorities.
The priorities previously discussed were sorted into 3 different tiers depending on:
Aligning resources – staff available for specific projects – day to day operations; Balancing trade-offs and focusing on what the community wants; Mechanism to elevate and introduce priorities; and
Declining revenue and its effect on the production side.
A handout depicting the Tiers and the projects was distributed to the City Council.
Tier 1 Projects are projects that are fully or mostly programmed, the following were reviewed:
Fire Station 6 Los Alamos Soccer Complex
Traffic Signal Synchronization Keller Rd. Interchange Library Expansion Pickleball
Amphitheatre Parking Lot Madison Specific Plan
Council Member Holliday inquired on the status of the Fire Station project, whether a location had been selected, and the impact building/not building would have. Fire Chief Molloy was available to respond and provided information on the location and a pos sible temporary station in order to address the growing needs. Council Member s DeForest and Levell spoke about utilizing the public safety CFD revenues and how delaying the construction could impact the fire insurance ratings. In addition, the City Council addressed their concerns with traffic synchronization and the traffic it is causing within the City. Finally, they touched on the status of Los Alamos Soccer Complex and Pickleball courts.
The City Council continued further review discussing possible American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding/deadlines for projects such as pickleball courts and infrastructure projects.
Tier 2 Projects are partially programmed, the following were reviewed:
Public Safety Training Facility
Fire Station 5
Murrieta Creek Trail
Pool Redesign
Traffic Signal Synchronization
Fire Station 1, 2, & 3
Drainage Improvements; Lines D, F, and G
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City Council Meeting Agenda July 31, 2024
Mayor Pro Tem Warren inquired about the timeline associated with the drainage improvements and the Murrieta Creek. Further discussion amongst the City Council regarding funding available and environmental impact review expirations. Council Member Holliday inquired about the status of the pool redesign and clarification on tier status of the traffic signal synchronization. Assistant City Manager Crane spoke on the costs based on pool design and noted the traffic signal synchronizations is listed twice since staffing capacity should be considered for various traffic signal projects.
Tier 3 Projects are projects that aren't programmed and all other pending introductions of ideas.
Police Department Expansion
Keyhole Specific Plan
Tour de Murrieta
Whitewood widening
Council Member Holliday supports the idea of updating plans for the Police Department Expansion. Police Chief Anthony Conrad will be ready to fund and proceed in 2030. In addition, Council Member Holliday spoke on the Keyhole project noting it was expensive and staff intensive, with drainage and habitat challenges and inquired about phases. Assistant City Manager Crane noted that due to various discussions with various agencies she recommends staff bring it back as a future agenda item.
Public Comments:
Kassen Klein: Spoke on permitting concerns with Line F and asked to have experts on subject matter attend in order to provide insight and further clarify any questions.
Alan Long: Spoke on the City's financial need and areas that might be overlooked for revenue generation as is the equestrian facility, and economic impacts done in Temecula.
After public comments, the City Council directed staff to bring back the "Tour de Murrieta," Line D, and Line G Projects, and the Keyhole Project for further review at future meetings.
CLOSING COMMENTS
City Manager Kim Summers informed the City Council that staff will come back with a work plan encompassing the feasibility aspects and timelines.
ADJOURNMENT 2:10 p.m.
________________________
Cristal McDonald, City Clerk
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