MINUTES
City Council
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
City Council Chamber – Norco City Hall
2820 Clark Avenue, Norco, CA 92860
CALLED TO ORDER 6:00 PM
ROLL CALL Greg Newton, Mayor
Robin Grundmeyer, Mayor Pro Tem
Katherine Aleman, Council Member
Kevin Bash, Council Member
Ted Hoffman, Council Member
a) Adding Real Property Negotiation to Closed Session
City Manager Okoro requested to add Real Property Negotiation item to the Closed Session calendar for APN's 131-130-025 and 125-100-046.
M/S NEWTON/BASH to add One Case of Real Property Negotiation to the Closed Session Calendar. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: NEWTON, BASH, GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, AND HOFFMAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
CLOSED SESSIONS
§54956.9 – Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation Marilyn Rohr v. City of Norco
RIC:1905136
§54957– Performance Evaluation
Title: City Manager
§54956.8 - Conference with Legal Counsel - Real Property Negotiation Property: APN's 125-100-046 and 131-130-025
City Negotiator: City Manager Andy Okoro
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
RECONVENE PUBLIC SESSION 7:00 PM
REPORT OF ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
City Council Minutes - February 16, 2022
City Attorney Harper stated there were no reportable actions taken in closed sessions.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council Member Katherine Aleman
INVOCATION Pastor Caleb Booth
Turning Point Church
PRESENTATIONS
Community Spirit Award
Norco Armory, David Burwell
Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer presented the Community Spirit award to Norco Armory, David Burwell for his dedication to community service and to the betterment of the City of Norco.
Proclamation
Black History Month
Mayor Newton called upon Pastor Fred Griffin from the Church of the Open Door, Michelle Sawyer from Extensions of Beauty, and Demetria Barnes from Infinity Beauty Supply to present each of them with a Proclamation recognizing February 2022 as Black History Month.
1. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS ON REGIONAL BOARDS
The Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and Council Members provided reports on their recent individual participation in committees, commissions, regional boards and community organizations.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
Approval of Consent Calendar
Council Member Bash pulled item 2G for discussion.
M/S BASH/NEWTON approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as presented. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND HOFFMAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
City Council Minutes - February 16, 2022
2.A. Waive Reading of all Ordinance Adoptions on this Agenda and Read by Title Only.
Action: Waived reading, by title only, of all Ordinances and Resolutions. Said Ordinances and Resolutions which appear on the agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.
2.B. Approval of City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Action: Approved the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 2, 2022
2.C. Proclamation of Local Emergency Regarding Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) 30- day review.
Action: the City Council reviewed the Proclamation of Local Emergency Regarding Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), continued Local Emergency and directed staff to return to City Council in thirty days, or soon thereafter, for review until emergency is terminated.
2.D. Recap of Actions Taken by the Planning Commission at its Meeting Held on February 9, 2022
Action: Received and filed the recap of actions taken by the Planning Commission at its meeting held on February 9, 2022.
2.E. Acceptance of 3.0 MG Reservoir 1 Replacement Project as Complete Action: Accepted the 3.0 MG Reservoir 1 Replacement Project as completed and authorized the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion with the County of Riverside.
2.F. CalRecycle SB1383 Local Assistance Grant Program
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2022-10, authorizing staff to submit an application for payment of grant funds the City of Norco is eligible to receive under SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant Program.
2.H. Acceptance of Bids and Award of Contract for the Bronco Lane Waterline Project Kevin
Ted
City Council Minutes - February 16, 2022
Action: Accepted bids and awarded a contract to Tryco General Engineering for the Bronco Lane Waterline Project in the amount of $794,937 and authorized the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to 10 percent of the total bid amount.
2.I. New Observance Request: Red Cross Month
Action: Approved the subcommittee's recommendation to recognize Red Cross Month
2.J. California Water and Wastewater Arrearage Payment Program Grant Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2022-11, for the California Water and Wastewater Arrearage Payment Program Grant to:
1. Authorize the Finance Director to apply for, receive moneys from the State Water Resources Control Board and accept the California Water and Wastewater Arrearage Payment Program Grant;
2. Authorize the Finance Director to waive customer late fees for any arrearages accrued during the COVID-19 pandemic bill relief period, from March 4, 2020, through June 15, 2021, in their entirety; and
3. Direct the Finance Director to apply all program funding received to delinquent water and wastewater utility accounts that had water and wastewater utility arrearages incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic relief period and complete all other program requirements as specified in the program guidelines.
2.K. Amend Fiscal Years (FY) 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to include additional Measure R funding for the Center Avenue Street Improvements Project, and acceptance of bids and award of Contract for the Center Avenue Street Improvements Project
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2022-12 to increase Measure R funding in the amount of $250,000 for the Center Avenue Street Improvements Project. Accepted bids and awarded a contract to Hardy & Harper, Inc. for the Center Avenue Street Improvements Project in the amount of $594,300; and authorized the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to 10 percent of the total bid amount.
2.L. Appropriation of Additional Funds from Measure R Fund to Cover Cost of Design and Soils Testing for the Wayne Makin Master Plan Project.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 20212-13 to appropriate additional Measure R Funds (132) in the amount of $7,557 to cover the cost of the Wayne Makin Master Plan Project.
3. ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
City Council Minutes - February 16, 2022
2.G. Equestrian Trail License Agreement on Crestview Drive Debris Basin Site M/S NEWTON/BASH Approve the License Agreement between the City of Norco and Riverside County Flood Control & Water Conversation District for an Equestrian Trail Easement on Crestview Drive Debris Basin Site. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND HOFFMAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Richard Mcgregor discussed concerns with WasteManagement and asked that the City Council intervene with issues.
Don Kramer spoke regarding the Veterans Committee, the sale of Bricks and the red, white and blue lane striping on Sixth Street to extend up sixth street by May 30th.
Su Bacon discussed Black History Month.
SGT Larry Eckhoff discussed the City of Norco Website and buying bricks for the Veterans Memorial.
Geoff Kahan discussed the History of Norco, May 13, 2023 Norco's 100 year as a township, planning festivities, time to buy a brick for the Veterans Memorial, and passing of father in law - Karl Scott.
Bonnie Slager discussed trash cans issues with trail fencing spacing.
5. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEM(S)
5.A. Recommendation by the Parks and Recreation Commission for Placement of a Backstop at Wayne Makin Field 3 in Honor of Lou Rivera.
Recreation and Community Services Superintendent Gonzalez presented report regarding the placement of a Backstop at Wayne Makin Field 3 in Honor of Lou Rivera.
The Mayor and City Council Members had questions and all spoke in support of the placement of the Backstop in Honor of Lou Rivera.
City Council Minutes - February 16, 2022
Mayor Newton opened public comment.
There was not public comment at this time.
Mayor Newton closed public comment.
Following discussion motion was made
M/S NEWTON/BASH Approve the placement of a backstop at Wayne Makin Field 3 in honor of Lou Rivera. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND HOFFMAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
5.B. Appointments to Parks and Recreation Commission and Economic Development Advisory Council for unscheduled vacancies
City Clerk Roa presented the report regarding the appointments to Parks and Recreation Commission and Economic Development Advisory Council for unscheduled vacancies.
Mayor Newton opened Public Comment
Applicant Kathryn Grossman introduced herself, shared her interest in serving the City and reviewed her qualifications.
Applicant Julie Langlois introduced herself, shared her interest in serving the City and reviewed her qualifications.
Applicant Aimee Muro introduced herself, shared her interest in serving the City and reviewed her qualifications.
Applicant Geoff Kahan introduced himself, shared his interest in serving the City and reviewed his qualifications.
Mayor Newton closed Public Comment.
The Mayor and City Council had questions related to the Economic Development Advisory Council applications.
City Council Minutes - February 16, 2022
City Clerk Roa and City Attorney Harper answered their questions and addressed their concerns.
City Clerk Roa provided ballots to the Mayor and City Council for their appointments.
Parks and Recreation Commission:
Geoffrey Kahan - 2 Votes, Council Member Hoffman and Council Member Bash Kathryn Grossman - 3 Votes, Mayor Newton, Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer and Council Member Aleman
Katheryn Grossman was appointed to the Park and Recreation Commission for term ending June 2023
Economic Development Advisory Council
Aimee Muro - 3 Votes, Mayor Newton, Council Member's Bash and Hoffman Kathryn Grossman - 1 Vote, Council Member Aleman
Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer abstained.
Aimee Muro was appointed to the Economic Development Advisory Council for term ending June 2025.
5.C. Adoption of the 2022 Strategic Plan
City Manager Okoro presented the 2022 Strategic Plan. He presented five strategic directions that will be addressed from 2022-2026, including Infrastructure and Asset Management, Human Capital, Economic Development and Financial Stability, Communication and Stakeholder Experience, and Public Health, Safety and Wellness. He detailed the corresponding action plans under each strategic direction and reviewed comments he received from each of the Commission/Committees/Advisory Council.
The Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and City Council Members asked questions and provided feed back the Strategic Plan as presented.
Mayor Newton opened public comments.
There were no public comments at this time.
Mayor Newton closed public comments.
Following further discussion motion was made.
City Council Minutes - February 16, 2022
M/S BASH/GRUNDMEYER Adopt the 2022 Strategic Plan, with moving SMART Goal 5 Public HEalth, Safety and Wellness to number 1. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND HOFFMAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
5.D. Potential Selection of Consultant for State Legislative Advocacy Services City Manager presented report regarding the selection of a consultant to provide State Legislative Advocacy Services for the City.
Mayor Newton, Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer and Council Members asked questions and discussed concern regarding the services and cost for each of the proposals.
City Manager Okoro reviewed costs and services of each of the proposals.
Mayor Newton opened public comment.
There was no public comments at this time.
Mayor Newton closed public comment.
Following further discussion motion was made.
M/S BASH/HOFFMAN to select Joe A. Gonsalves and Son for one year and appropriating time for each Council Member to meet with Advocate. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND HOFFMAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
6. CITY COUNCIL / STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
City Clerk Roa discussed volunteering for Committees and Commission.
City Council Minutes - February 16, 2022
Council Member Hoffman thanked Council Member Grundmeyer for the FFA dinner and thanked the community for great . He invited everyone to Ingalls Park for Barrel Race and Roping for Breast Cancer Research February 18-20. He asked that Chad help with Bonnie Slagers situation on the trash and parkways.
Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer discussed the Barn Dance FFA fudraiser event stating it was an excellent event and how much she appreciated Norco and the donations of 47 thousand dollars for the FFA program.
Council Member Aleman asked for an update on the tree grant program at a future meeting and asked about applications for commissions including requirements to read the bylaws.
Council Member Bash discussed the tree planting program.
Public Works Director Blais spoke regarding the tree planting program.
Public Works Director Blais updated about projects, being proactive, discussed next phase on improving trails.
Mayor Newton asked staff to report back on Mr. Mcgregors issue with Wastemanagment.
City Manager Okoro congratulated Recreation/Community Services Superintendent Alejandra Gonzalez on her promotion.
a) Add adopting a Resolution opposing Initiative 21-0042A1 to next City Council Agenda.
Council Member Bash requested that staff bring a Resolution for adoption to the next City Council meeting opposing a measure that created new constitutional loopholes that allow corporations to pay far less than their fair share for the impacts they have on our communities, including local infrastructure, our environment, water quality, air quality, and natural resources.
M/S BASH/NEWTON to have staff prepare a Resolution for adopting at the next City Council meeting oppposing Initiateve 21-0042A1 The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND HOFFMAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
City Council Minutes - February 16, 2022
7. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Newton closed the City Council meeting at 9:56 p.m. with a moment of silence in honor of Karl Edward Scott US Army Medic, Vietnam Veteran and Norco resident of 22 years.
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Dana Roa, CMC
City Clerk