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MINUTES
City Council
Wednesday, July 6, 2022
City Council Chamber – Norco City Hall
2820 Clark Avenue, Norco, CA 92860
CALLED TO ORDER
5:30 PM
ROLL CALL
Greg Newton, Mayor
Robin Grundmeyer, Mayor Pro Tem
Katherine Aleman, Council Member
Kevin Bash, Council Member
Ted Hoffman, Council Member
CLOSED SESSIONS
§54957.6 – Conference with Labor Negotiator
Negotiating Party: City Manager Okoro
Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO Local 606
§54956.8 - Conference with Legal Counsel -
Real Property Negotiation
Property: Lot D - Lariat Lane
City Negotiator: City Manager Andy Okoro
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
§54956.8 - Conference with Legal Counsel -
Real Property Negotiation - Wireless Propco, LLC
Property: APN's 168-040-010, 128-020-040, 129-020-019 and 127-290-005 City Negotiator: City Manager Andy Okoro
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
§54957(b) – Public Employee Recruitment
Title: City Manager
RECONVENED PUBLIC SESSION
7:07 PM
REPORT OF ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Harper reported that there were no reportable actions taken in Closed Sessions.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Robin Grundmeyer
INVOCATION
Pastor Spencer Parish
Beacon Hill Assembly of God
INTRODUCTION
Mayor Newton called upon Cal Fire Deputy Chief Jeff Veik to introduce William Otterman Division Chief, who will now be responsible for the City of Norco.
PRESENTATIONS
Donation of Retired Flag Boxes
Mayor Newton called upon Eagle Scout Daniel Arambula who presented the City with 4 Retired Flag deposit boxes he hand made for his Eagle Scout project.
LifeStream Blood Bank
Mayor Newton called upon
Michael McDaniel, Donor Recruitment Specialist from Life Stream Blood Bank to discuss the need to support Blood Donations to the Blood Bank. He stated that the County is at an all time shortage and the need for donations is urgent and emergent.
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
a)
Approval of Consent Calendar as presented.
M/S HOFFMAN/ALEMAN Approve Consent Calendar as presented excluding Items J, K ,and H which were removed for discussion. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND HOFFMAN
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
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 Special and Regular Meeting Minutes Action: Approved the City Council Special Meeting Minutes of June 7, June 9, June 16 and June 28, 2022 and Regular Meeting Minutes of June 15, 2022.
2.C.
Designation of Voting Delegate and Alternate for the 2022 League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo Adopt
Resolution No. 2022-42
, appointing Mayor Kevin Bash as the voting delegate and Council Member Katherine Aleman as alternate to represent the City of Norco at the 2022 League of California Cities Annual Conference carried
2.D.
Employment Agreement, Amendment No. 5, between the City of Norco and Valentine Andy Okoro Action: Approved Amendment No. 5 to the Employment Agreement between the City of Norco and Valentine Andy Okoro.
2.E.
Approval of Tract Map 37681 (Palomino Development)
Action: Approved Tract Map 37681 and authorized the City Clerk to sign the map
2.F.
Consolidation of City Attorney Agreement and Update Concerning City Attorney Services Action: Approved the City Attorney Agreement.
2.G.
Ratification of Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority Budget Action: Adopted
Resolution No. 2022-43,
approving the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority Budget, establishing rates to be charged for conveyance, treatment and disposal of wastewater.
2.I.
Acceptance of Proposals from RKA Consulting Group (RKA) for Street Improvement Design Services.
Action: Accepted the (3) three proposals from RKA Consulting Group for Street Improvement Design Services:
First Street (Hillside Avenue to Temescal Avenue); Fourth Street (Sierra Avenue to Corona Avenue); and Temescal Avenue (Sixth Street to Seventh Street), and authorized the City Manager to approve three separate purchase orders in the amount of $92,890; $119,970 and $91,760, respectively.
2.L.
Amendment of FY 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to include additional funding for the MDP Line N-1C Extension Storm Drain Project; and acceptance of bids and award of Contract for the MDP Line N-1C Extension Storm Drain Project Action: Adopted
Resolution No. 2022-54
to increase FY 2023-2027 CIP storm drain funding in the amount of $241,000 for the MDP N-1C Extension Storm Drain project; Adopted Resolution No. 2022-55
to increase FY 2023-2027 CIP street improvement funding in the amount of $374,000 for the street work associated with the MDP Line N-1C Extension Storm Drain Project; Accepted bids and award a contract to CEM Construction Corporation for the MDP Line N-1C Extension Storm Drain Project in the amount of $1,103,644; and authorized the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to 10 percent of the total bid amount.
3. ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
2.J.
Approval of Additional Funds for the Dales Drive and Parkridge Avenue Street Improvements Project Council Member Hoffman had questions related to the due diligence of the engineer on the project.
Public Works Director Blais stated that the engineer on the project took the necessary steps to prevent issues but they were unaware of the line being buried so shallow.
He stated this is not the usual practice.
Following discussion motion was made.
M/S NEWTON/GRUNDMEYER Approve additional funds in the amount of $30,000 for the Dales Drive and Parkridge Avenue Street Improvements Project The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND HOFFMAN
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
2.K.
Order of Procedure and Resolutions Necessary for the Annual Assessment Levy Continuing Landscape Maintenance Districts No. 1 – Beazer, Tract 28765; No. 2 – Western Pacific, Tract 25779; No. 3 – Centex, Tract 28826; No. 4 – Norco Ridge Ranch, Tracts 29588 and 29589; and No. 5 – Hawk’s Crest, Tract 30230.
Resolution No. 2022-44, LMD No. 1 (Beazer); Resolution No. 2022-45, LMD No. 2 (Western Pacific); Resolution No. 2022-46, LMD No. 3 (Centex); Resolution No. 2022-47, LMD No. 4 (Norco Ridge Ranch); Resolution No. 2022-48, LMD No. 5 (Hawk’s Crest), approving the Engineer’s Preliminary Report for the Annual Levy of Assessments for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 in Said District; Resolution No. 2022-49, LMD No. 1 (Beazer); Resolution No. 2022-50, LMD No. 2 (Western Pacific); Resolution No. 2022-51, LMD No. 3 (Centex); Resolution No. 2022-52, LMD No. 4 (Norco Ridge Ranch), Resolution No. 2022-53, LMD No. 5 (Hawk’s Crest), Declaring City’s Intention to Provide for an Annual Levy and Collection of Assessments for Certain Maintenance in an Existing District, and Setting a Time and Place for the Public Hearing.
Mayor Newton opened public comment.
Matt Jefferson spoke regarding price increase, fencing, trails and use of Measure R funds for the LMD's.
Tricia Jefferson spoke regarding tree maintenance in the LMD's and that the citizens that live in the LMD's should have a vote on how their money is spent.
Mayor Newton closed public comment.
Council Member Hoffman stated that he attended the meetings and there was low community turn out, he confirmed he lives in an LMD and he discussed that Measure R fund and General Fund Money was used in some LMDs.
Following discussion motion was made.
M/S HOFFMAN/ALEMAN That the members of the City Council adopt the five Resolutions approving the Preliminary Engineer’s Reports and the five Resolutions providing for an Annual Levy of Assessments and setting the public hearing date. 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
Sigrid Williams spoke about CERT Program Norco College.
Randon Lane spoke regarding his work history and ties to Murrieta, WRCOG, RTA, and to say thank you to the City Council for their service to the community.
Julie Langlois spoke in support for the Cottage Food Operations and thanked the City Council for discussing and supporting CFO's.
Bonnie Slager spoke regarding the Norco Fair and buying Fair Buttons.
5. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEM(S)
5.A.
Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Norco and City of Corona for Collaborative Homeless Programs and Services.
Community Services Director Anglin introduced item regarding the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Norco and City of Corona for Collaborative Homeless Programs and Services.
Homeless Solutions Manager Karen Roper from City of Corona presented an update of the City of Corona/City of Norco Partnership on Homeless Services for 2022. She stated that Motel fees have gone up which has impacted the contract fees. She discussed outcomes from the program and gave statistic.
She reviewed outreach and engagement,
examples of Norco clients, the Santa Ana Riverbed, positive press, grant opportunities, Point in Time Count, challenges and what Noro is getting for our partnership and money invested.
Council Member Aleman discussed creating benchmarks and tracking our progress to be more transparent to the community.
Ms. Roper stated that she would like to have collaborative meetings to create benchmarks, systems measures, client measures, strategic plan quarterly benchmarks, police calls for service, debris clean up statistic, track how many people put in affordable permanent housing.
Council Member Bash thanked Ms. Roper and Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer for their hard work and diligence on this ongoing project. He gave a brief example of a Norco Resident that he had promised to help and Ms. Roper to care of him and got him placed in the program. He also discussed his concerns with Sacramento exacerbating the homeless problems.
Council Member Hoffman thanked Ms. Roper for her hard work and collaboration.
Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer
discussed the budget for the program, asked about donation of food gift cards and asked if there was Community Outreach donating more gift cards could that free up money in the program for something else.
Ms. Roper stated that yes there is flexibility in the contract to free up the resources in other areas.
She also discussed City Net landlord incentives and other opportunities to free up money.
Mayor Newton had questions to the MOU and asked when will the new MOU final version be available.
Ms. Roper stated that the final work is being done on the MOU and it will be delivered within a week.
Mayor Newton opened Public Comments.
Tanya Torno works with Karen Roper through the county spoke on continuum of care, partnerships, and leveraging resources.
She thanked Council and Ms. Roper for the City to City partnership and the County is now using Norco as a best practice example.
Mayor Newton closed Public Comments.
Council Member Aleman
discussed the cost for doing nothing and cost for doing something.
Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer
spoke to residents stating iff you see something report it to staff, and stated that Norco is always generous please go to the City Net website to make donations.
She addressed the Riverbed complaints stating it is a huge mountain to climb and there are many agencies that have to coordinate that process to clean up and keep clean.
She thanked
all staff for all they have done.
She stated she was proud of the two clean ups in less than 15 months in this program, stating you are helping your neighbors, these are our people.
Following discussion motion was made.
M/S HOFFMAN/GRUNDMEYER 1.
Approve the Fiscal Year 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Norco and City of Corona for collaborative homeless programs and services, and authorize the City Manager to execute the Fiscal Year 2023 MOU.
2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to approve non-substantive amendments, including line-item adjustments and hourly compensation rate increases within the approved program budget of Fiscal Year 2023 MOU between the City of Corona and the City of Norco.
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.
Comprehensive IT Assessment and IT Master Plan Report
It Manager Matt Boudreaux presented the IT Assessment Report and introduced the Consultants.
David Kraut and
Tom Jacobsen the Client First Consultants presented the Technology Strategic Plan presentation reviewing the objective of project, approach, methodology, phased approach, assessment of the IT Department, areas for improvement, bench marks, business applications, strengths, IT budget, foundational IT Infrastructure, IT operations toolset, online services, application utilization, GIS capabilities, budget - technology master Plan, and plan budget summary.
Council Member Bash and Hoffman discussed concerns about future expenditures as inflation hits and costs for replacement of finance systems.
Consultants stated that they follow best and sustainable practices.
Finance Director Free stated that there will be service provided but it will be very limited and a struggle to get things done timely. She stated it would be best to have a new fully supported system that is not outdated.
Consultant stated that they will support it from the help desk, but they will not implement anything new.
City Manager Okoro stated that the system is close to 20 years old and the recommendations to hire an analyst was approved and this will help to monitor problems going forward.
Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer asked questions and discussed concerns as to once the systems in place can you ball park the processes and discussed improvements to moral.
Consultants addressed Mayor Pro Tems questions and concerns.
Mayor Newton asked IT Manager Boudreaux and the Consultants where do we start this process.
IT Manager Boudreaux discussed starting with infrastructure and moving from there and following the plan that has been presented, the consultants and City Manager Okoro agreed.
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 HOFFMAN/NEWTON Receive and File
Katherine This is really needed and really excited, easy to execute The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND HOFFMAN
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
5.C.
Strategic Plan Direction #3, Action Plan #1.4: Economic Development Advisory Council City Manager Okoro stated that the Strategic Plan Direction was to review the structure, composition, role and responsibilities of the Economic Development Advisory Council.
He stated a subcommittee was created to do this review and the findings have been made.
He introduced Communications Manager Newton to present the findings.
Communications Manager newton reviewed EDAC background, Strategic Plan Overview and relation to EDAC, subcommittee creation and their review, and the subcommittee recommendations.
She reviewed the recommendation as presented for the City Council to consider which included the structure, composition, terms, meeting schedule, absence policy, recruitment and appointment, Planning Commisison Member process, Community Members the City Clerk would recruit, appointment for Council Members and asked about the compensation for community members.
City Attorney discussed possible Brown Act issues.
Mayor Newton opened Public Comments.
There were no Public Comments at this time.
Mayor Newton closed Public Comments.
The Mayor and City Council discussed compensation for members.
Following discussion motion was made.
M/S HOFFMAN/BASH Adopt the subcommittee's recommendation to disband the existing Economic Development Advisory Council and establish a new City Manager-led economic development working group, no compensation at this time for community members. 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.
Discussion item on residential Cottage Food Operations (CFOs) and Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MHKOs) Planning Director Robles presented report on the Residential Cottage Food Operations and Micro Kitchens.
Mayor Newton and Council Member Hoffman had questions and concerns related to restrictions and monitoring of these types of in home businesses.
City Attorney Harper stated that the City has not control of these businesses as they are governed by the County of Riverside.
We can only enforce nuisance laws since they are residential use.
Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer had questions as to what brought this topic to City Council for discussion.
Planning Director Robles explained that it was brought forward as a request by a Council Member that received a complaint.
Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer stated that we can make our Municipal bode more friendly and updated to meet the needs of businesses in our Community.
She stated we need to address the traffic portion in the Municipal Code and upate that.
Planning Director Robles stated
that we do have 8 in the neighborhoods, traffic was backed up it was discussed with business and license was issued.
Mayor Newton opened Public Comment.
Sigrid Williams discussed the Municipal Code related to home occupational code, parking issues, pick up trucks, commercial vehicles and asked that changes are made to the code.
Niki Pacheco thanked the City Council for being open to the discussion to this she asked how can we make the City more friendly and discussed why her business was shut down.
Mayor Newton closed Public Comments.
Council Member Aleman adderssed similar questions as to Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer and stated that her definition of normal could be different from another's normal.
She stated she wants support our small business owners.
Council Member Bask agreed there is a bigger picture that we need to look at regarding the Municipal Code. He stated that he is looking to create boutique farming that will help protect the large lots in the City of Norco.
Council Member Grundmeyer discussed
Micro Kitchens, boutique farms having farm to fork dinners, regulations, and that County Health inspection is very hard.
She stated that the City is in need of work on our Municipal Code and stated she would be happy to help with a sub committee.
Following discussion motion was made.
M/S NEWTON/GRUNDMEYER Receive and file the information on Cottage Food Operations (CFOs) and Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MHKOs). The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND HOFFMAN
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
2.H.
Response to Notice and Demand to Rescind and Cease and Desist pursuant to California Government Code Sections 54960.1 and 54960.2 from FH II, LLC (“Frontier”) Council Member Aleman recused herself and left the dais at this time as she has a conflict with this item.
City Attorney Harper presented report regarding the Response to Notice and Demand to Rescind and Cease and Desist Pursuant to GC 54960.1 and 54960.2 from FH II, LLC . He reviewed what the responses would mean.
Following discussion motion was made.
M/S GRUNDMEYER/HOFFMAN Approve the attached rescission response and commitment pursuant to California Government Code Sections 54960.1 and 54960.2.
The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, BASH, AND HOFFMAN
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
ALEMAN
6. PUBLIC HEARING(S)
6.A.
First Reading, Ordinance 1083 (City of Norco): A City-Initiated proposal to amend Norco Municipal Code (NMC) Title 18 “Zoning”, to add Chapter 18.70 "Inclusionary Housing Program". Zone Code Amendment 2022-03 Alma presented report on the Inclusionary Housing Program.
She introduced Attorney Erica Vega to give more information and present Ordinance.
Attorney Erica Vega presented the Ordinance and discussed the Inclusionary Housing Program and what it means to the City of Norco.
Mayor Newton discussed offsite units and land donation in the report on page 371 and had questions related to the City building units.
He also had questions related to in lieu fees.
Attorney Vega stated that the City would have to have the land not necessarily build the units and addressed the in lieu fees.
Mayor Newton discussed the land donation and quality of what can be donated.
Attorney Vega stated that it is at the discretion of the director and some agreements state that all parties to are to accept the suitability.
Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer had questions on in lieu fees and the trust regarding money has to be used provide housing or shelter low or very low income people.
Attorney Vega stated that she has never see that done, but can look into it.
City Manager Okoro and City Attorney Harper addressed the in lieu fees and trust.
Attorney Vega stated there are alternatives and not just build housing, there could be rehab housing, and some think in lieu fees are preferable they can leverage the money, Mayor Newton opened the Public Hearing.
There was no Public Comment at this time.
Mayor Newton closed the Public Hearing.
Following discussion motion was made.
M/S ALEMAN/NEWTON Adopt Ordinance 1083, First Reading, to amend NMC Title 18 “Zoning”, adding Chapter 18.70 "Inclusionary Housing Program", and schedule the Second Reading on July 20, 2022. Zone Code Amendment 2022-03 The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND HOFFMAN
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
7. CITY COUNCIL / STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member Bask asked to bring back a discussion on a possible study or moratorium on warehouses coming into the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer thanked staff for a great Fourth of July event.
Mayor Newton thanked Public Works Director Blais and his staff for due diligence on water leaks that hit at the same time on the weekends.
He thanked Community Services Director Anglin for the Fourth of July Pic Nic, stated it was the best. a)
Study or Moratorium on warehouses in the City.
M/S BASH/NEWTON bring back a study or moratorium on warehouses coming into the City. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND HOFFMAN
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
8. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Newton adjourned the meeting at 11:04 p.m.
_________________________________
Dana Roa, CMC
City Clerk