Split-screen / Notes
Video
MINUTES
City Council
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
City Council Chamber – Norco City Hall
2820 Clark Avenue, Norco, CA 92860
CALLED TO ORDER
6:00 PM
ROLL CALL
Present:
Greg Newton, Council Member
Robin Grundmeyer, Mayor
Katherine Aleman, Council Member
Kevin Bash, Council Member
Ted Hoffman, Mayor Pro Tem
Absent:
CLOSED SESSION
§54956.8 - Conference with Legal Counsel -
Real Property Negotiation
Property: APN 131-320-029
City Negotiator: City Manager Andy Okoro
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
§54957.6 – Conference with Labor Negotiato
r
Negotiating Party: City Manager Okoro
Unrepresented Employees: Norco Management, Mid-Management, and Confidential §54956.9 (d)(2) and 54956.9 (e)(4)(5) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Frontier Homes, LLC – Specifically related to letter from Larson LLP. dated July 12, 2022
RECONVENE PUBLIC SESSION
7:16 PM
REPORT OF ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Harper stated that there were no reportable actions taken in Closed Sessions.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Katherine Aleman
INVOCATION
Pastor Michelle Ehrenberg
The Redeemer's Community Church
PRESENTATIONS
Community Spirit Award
NHA Trail Committee
Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer presented the Community Spirit Award to Norco Horseman Association Trail Committee for their dedication to community service and to the betterment of the City of Norco.
Proclamation
Parks Make Life Better Month
Mayor Newton presented the Parks Make Life Better Month Proclamation to Community Services Director Michelle Anglin and staff.
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.
Council Member Bash pulled Items 2E and 2F for discussion.
M/S HOFFMAN/NEWTON Approve Consent Calendar as presented with exception of Items 2.E. and 2.F. pulled 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 Regular and Personnel Committee Meeting Minutes Action: Approved the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of July 6, 2022 and Personnel Committee Minutes of July 7, 2022.
2.C.
Recap of Actions Taken by the Planning Commission at its Meeting Held on July 13, 2022 Action: Received and filed the recap of actions taken by the Planning Commission at its meeting held on July 13, 2022.
2.D.
Acceptance of the City Hall HVAC Installation and Riley Gym Swamp Cooler Replacement Project as Complete.
Action: Accepted the City Hall HVAC Installation and Riley Gym Swamp Cooler Replacement Project as complete and authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the County of Riverside.
2.G.
Approval of Payment Schedule and Lien Agreement
Action: Approved payment schedule and lien agreement between the City of Norco and NSS Hotels, LLC.
2.H.
Quarterly Investment Report for Quarter Ended June 30, 2022 Action: Received and filed the Quarterly Investment Report for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2022.
3. ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
2.E.
New Observance Request: National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month Council Member Bash spoke in support of this item and stated this issue is timely. He stated that the City of Norco supports our Veteran Organizations in the community.
M/S BASH/HOFFMAN Approve the subcommittee's recommendation to recognize National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND HOFFMAN
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
2.F.
Acceptance of the Riley Gymnasium Renovation Project as Complete.
Council Member Bash thanked Community Services Director Anglin and staff for all their hard work on the Riley Gymnasium Renovation.
M/S BASH/HOFFMAN Accept the Riley Gymnasium Renovation Project as complete and authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the County of Riverside.
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
Bob Fry spoke about unpermitted paver project he did at his home.
Bob Frosheiser spoke regarding water meter issues on his property.
Bonnie Slager thanked Council for recognizing the NHA Trail Committee and promoted the Norco Fair.
RJ Spiegel spoke regarding his Honor the Fallen Soldiers Event, provided flyers, and asked support from City Council for the event.
5. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS
5.A.
Ordinance No. 1083, Second Reading: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Norco, California, amending Norco Municipal Code Title 18 “Zoning”, adding Chapter 18.70 "Inclusionary Housing Program". Zone Code Amendment 2022-03 M/S NEWTON/BASH Adopt Ordinance No. 1083, Second Reading, amending Norco Municipal Code Title 18 “Zoning”, adding Chapter 18.70 "Inclusionary Housing Program". 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
6. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEM(S)
6.A.
City Manager Employment Agreement between the City of Norco and Lori Sassoon and Amendment of FY 2022-2023 Management Salary Resolution City Attorney Harper presented report on the City Manager Employment Agreement between the City of Norco and Lori Sassoon. and the Resolution to amend the FY 2022-2023 Management Salary Resolution.
Mayor Newton opened Public Comment.
There was no Public Comment at this time.
Mayor Newton closed Public Comment.
Council Members Bash, Aleman and Hoffman spoke in support of the City Manager recruitment process and confidence in candidate chosen.
Following discussion motions were made.
Mayor Newton formally introduced Lori Sassoon as the new City Manager for the City of Norco.
Lori Sassoon spoke on her behalf.
M/S NEWTON/GRUNDMEYER Approve the City Manager Employment Agreement between the City of Norco and Lori Sassoon. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND HOFFMAN
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
M/S NEWTON/GRUNDMEYER Adopt Resolution No. 2022-56 to amend Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Management Salary Resolution Effective August 29, 2022 The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND HOFFMAN
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
6.B.
Approval of Disbanding the Economic Development Advisory Council City Manager Okoro presenting the report to approve the Resolution to disband the Economic Development Advisory Council and requested the Mayor nominate two Council Members to service on the City Managers Economic Development Working Group.
Mayor Newton opened Public Comment.
There was no Public Comment at this time.
Council Member Bash requested to serve City Managers Economic Development Working Group.
Mayor Newton spoke in support of group and extending to broader topics.
City Manager Okoro spoke regarding the expectations of the group.
Council Member Hoffman stated he would like to serve on this working group and discussed the opening of the Hamner Bridge and Silver Lakes hosting World Cup Games the City needs to ready for the future for that corridor.
City Manager Okoro asked that a requirement for being on this working group is commitment to a minimum of two years.
Council Member Aleman asked to serve on the committee stating that she served on the subcommittee and brings a fresh perspective.
Mayor Newton nominated Council Members Aleman and Hoffman to the City Manager's Economic Development Working Group.
M/S NEWTON/GRUNDMEYER Adopt Resolution No. 2022-57 to disband the Economic Development Advisory Council and nominate Council Members Aleman and Hoffman to participate in the newly created City Manager's Economic Development Working Group. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND HOFFMAN
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
6.C.
Historic Mitigation Measures for Palomino Business Park Project Consultant Bill Wilkman presented report to Consider Historic Mitigation Measures recommended by the Historic Preservation Commission and determine how to proceed.
Council Members Aleman and Hoffman and Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer asked clarifying questions of the Consultant Wilkman.
Consultant Wilman and City Manager Okoro answered questions and addressed concerns.
Council Member Bash discussed his conversations with EAT Program Director Patrick Mitchell, and discussed that some of the money would go to a plaque, street naming, and freedom fighters memorial.
He stated the need to expand and for storage and gave examples of locations.
Mayor Newton asked for clarification on the budget numbers.
Council Member Aleman asked that the City Manager clarify the public benefit and money allocated.
City Manager Okoro addressed Mayor Newtons questions and concerns and clarified what the public benefit means and where the money is allocated.
Mayor Newton opened Public Comment.
Theresa Edwards spoke regarding her experience with the heritage room and on the Historic Preservation Commission and stated she was disappointed in the process on this project.
Mayor Newton closed Public Comment.
Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer discussed the public benefit money and how its designated specifically for special projects and public benefit. She stated that it is not 2 million dollars for the Heritage Room.
She stated that history is 100 percent valuable, but a museum would be more impactful than a monument and put it where people have a passion, they can go and get educated, tie it together in a synergistic way.
She stated she would really like to see a cohesive museum and destination.
Council Member Hoffman agreed that a sign at that location is not acceptable and stated a central location like a museum would work best.
Council Member Aleman thanked the Historic Preservation Commission on their work and expressed support of the Eisens.
She stated that the Council has been talking about the master plan at the community center and a vision of the community center, with demo farms and we need to go slow to make the best decisions..
Council Member Bash stated he is glad his colleagues are talking about this, he agreed with the need for a master plan.
Mayor Newton stated he met with HDL and discussed market study, how we are going to develop the community center and where we need to be when bridge is completed.
Following discussion motion was made.
M/S NEWTON/ALEMAN Receive and File and work toward a Master Plan. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND HOFFMAN
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
7. PUBLIC HEARING(S)
7.A.
Entertainment Permit 2022-01 (Kaza Maza): A request for approval to allow live entertainment at Kaza Maza Mediterranean Grill located at 2395 Hamner Avenue, Unit J in the C-G (Commercial General) Zone.
Planning Director Robles presented report on the Entertainment Permit 2022-01 for Kaza Maza restaurant to allow live entertainment.
Mayor Newton and Council Members Hoffman and Aleman asked clarifying questions and discussed their concerns.
Planning Director Robles answered questions and discussed concerns.
Mayor Newton opened the Public Hearing.
Mike Swaid owner of Kaza Maza thanked the Mayor, City Council and staff for their consideration on this matter.
Mayor Newton closed the Public Hearing.
Council Member Bash spoke in support of the request.
Council Member Aleman spoke in support and questioned another business that had similar request on hours.
Planning Director Robles stated the hours followed the restraunt.
Mayor Newton reopened the Public Hearing.
Council Member Aleman asked the business owner if they will be changing the hours of operation.
Mayor Newton asked the Business Owner if he was accepting staff recommendations.
Business Owner stated he agreed with the staff recomendations.
Mayor Newton Closed the Public Hearing.
Mayor Newton clarified that there was an avenue that could be used for special hours for special occasions.
Following discussion motion was made.
M/S HOFFMAN/BASH Adopt Resolution No. 2022-58, to allow live entertainment at Kaza Maza Mediterranean Grill located at 2395 Hamner Avenue, Unit J, in the C-G (Commercial General) Zone.
The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND HOFFMAN
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
7.B.
Ordinance No. 1084, First Reading (City of Norco): An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Norco, California, to add Chapter 8.08 "Dog Care and Housing Standards" to the Norco Municipal Code (NMC). Code Amendment 2022-03.
Community Services Director Anglin discussed the report to be presented and introduced Animal Control Superintendent Sparks for the presentation.
Animal Control Superintendent Sparks presented powerpoint presentation discussing the Ordinance to add Chapter 8.08 "Dog Care and Housing Standards" to the Norco Municipal Code and clarified what the new Chapter would enforce.
Council Member Hoffman had questions and concerns for Animal Control Superintendent Sparks.
Animal Control Superintendent Sparks answered questions and discussed concerns.
Mayor Newton opened the Public Hearing.
Nellie Hatton spoke in support of the presentation but had a few concerns that she wanted clarified, regarding no tethering for a short period time, non porous walls and floors, adequate space, and the California Penal Code.
Mayor Newton closed the Public Hearing.
Animal Control Superintendent Sparks, City Attorney Harper and Mayor Newton clarified the questions asked by Ms. Hatton.
Mayor Newton asked if there needs to be more references to where the information came from in the Ordinance..
City Attorney Harper stated that how the Ordinance was prepared is fine.
Council Member Bash stated that there is an anonymous business that will donate to those in need to help with getting compliant.
Following further discussion motion was made.
M/S NEWTON/ALEMAN Approve for First Reading, Ordinance No. 1084 approving Code Amendment 2022-03, and schedule the second reading for August 3, 2022. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND HOFFMAN
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
7.C.
Ordering the Continuation of the Landscape Maintenance Districts, Confirming a Diagram, Assessment, and Annual Assessment Levy for 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 Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton presented the report regarding Ordering the Continuation of the Landscape Maintenance Districts, Confirming a Diagram, Assessment, and Annual Assessment Levy for 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.
Council Member Hoffman and Mayor Newton had Clarifying questions and concerns.
Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton and Consultant answered questions and discussed concerns.
Mayor Newton opened the Public Hearing.
Matt Jefferson spoke regarding the LMD's.
Mayor Newton closed the Public Hearing.
Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer and Council Members Aleman, Bash and Hoffman had questions and concerns related to the LMD report.
Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton and Consultant answered questions and discussed concerns.
Council Member Hoffman asked if the portable Bathrooms at Hawks Crest be replaced.
Mayor Newton asked for a report back to Council to clarify the observation logic and help with the bathrooms.
Following further discussion motion was made.
M/S BASH/HOFFMAN That the City Council opens the Public Hearing and if no more than 50 percent of the property owners within the District protest, it would be appropriate to adopt Resolution No. 2022-59, LMD No.1 (Beazer); Resolution No. 2022-60, LMD No. 2 (Western Pacific); Resolution No. 2022-61, LMD No. 3 (Centex); Resolution 2022-62, LMD No. 4 (Norco Ridge Ranch); Resolution No. 2022-63, LMD No. 5 (Hawks Crest), providing for an Annual Assessment Levy necessary to maintain the Landscape Maintenance Districts.
The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND HOFFMAN
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
8. CITY COUNCIL / STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
City Clerk Roa announced the opening of the November 8, 2022 Election Nomination Period for Candidates.
Public Works Director Blais discussed the Recycled Water Grant from the Federal Government.
Council Member Hoffman thanked RJ Spiegel for his presentation and discussed water issues.
Council Member Aleman asked about the class and comp study and asked staff look at management positions.
Council Member Bash asked about a speaker from earlier in the meeting and stated he would follow up with Public Works Director Blais.
He asked staff to contact WMWD to come talk about water issues.
He asked that the City Council discuss potential properties for demo farms and asked that a discussion be had to join the California Alliance for Local Electors in their law suit.
M/S BASH/GRUNDMEYER Discussion on properties for Demo Farms or other uses for possible purchase at the next City Council Meeting. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND HOFFMAN
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
9. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Newton Adjourned the meeting at 10:47 p.m.
_________________________________
Dana Roa, CMC
City Clerk