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MINUTES
City Council
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
City Council Chamber – Norco City Hall
2820 Clark Avenue, Norco, CA 92860
CALLED TO ORDER
6:00 PM
ROLL CALL
Greg Newton, Council Member
Robin Grundmeyer, Mayor
Katherine Aleman, Council Member
Kevin Bash, Council Member
Ted Hoffman, Mayor Pro Tem
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
§54956.8 - Conference with Legal Counsel - Real Property Negotiation Property: APN's:122-070-023 and 122-070-026 (Hamner Ave/Hidden Valley Parkway) City Negotiator: City Manager Lori Sassoon
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
§54956.8 - Conference with Legal Counsel - Real Property Negotiation Property: APN: 133-200-022 (Sixth Street/California Avenue) City Negotiator: City Manager Lori Sassoon
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
§54957.6 – Conference with Labor Negotiator
Negotiating Party: City Manager Sassoon
Norco General Employees Association, Unrepresented Employees: Mid-Management, Confidential, and Management Employees, and Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO Local 606
RECONVENED PUBLIC SESSION
7:10 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
Mayor Pro Tem
Robin Grundmeyer
INVOCATION
Heather Snow, Member
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Newton introduced Lori Sassoon the new City Manager.
Community Spirit Award
Council Member Aleman presented Andrea Gladson the Community Spirit Award for her outstanding commitment and service to the City of Norco.
Proclamations:
Mayor Newton presented the National Preparedness Month Proclamation to Matt Jones and Eric Calder from the Riverside County Emergency Management Department.
Community Services Superintendent Gonzalez presented an update on the Norco Senior Center for National Senior Center 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
a)
Approve Consent Calendar as presented
M/S HOFFMAN/BASH Approve 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
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 Meeting Minutes
Action: Approved the City Council Special Meeting Minutes of September 6, 2022.
2.C.
Recap of Actions Taken by the Planning Commission at its Meeting Held on September 14, 2022 Action: Received and filed the recap of actions taken by the Planning Commission at its meeting held on September 14, 2022.
2.D.
Projects for Consideration for Use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds, Program Year 2023-2024, through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the County of Riverside Department of Housing, Homelessness Prevention and Workforce Solutions (HHPWS) Action: Submitted the following projects for funding through the Community Development Block Grant FY 2023-2024 Program Year:
Senior Citizens Recreation and Community Service Leader Community Center Park ADA Synthetic Poured-In-Place Surface Project
2.E.
Acceptance of the Fire Station 47 Flooring Project as Complete Action: Accepted the Fire Station 47 Flooring Project as complete and authorized the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the County of Riverside.
2.F.
Acceptance of the Norco Hills Road Improvements Project as Complete Action: Accepted the Norco Hills Road Improvements Project as complete and authorized the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion with the County of Riverside.
2.G.
Award of Professional Design Services Contract for the Water Mainline Replacement Projects.
Action: Awarded contract to Armstrong & Brooks Consulting Engineers for professional design services for Water Mainline Replacement Projects on Corydon Avenue, Sixth Street, Temescal Avenue and Western Avenue in the amount of $354,490 and authorized the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to 10 percent of the total proposal amount of each proposal.
2.H.
New Observance Request: Childhood Cancer Awareness Week.
Action: Approved the subcommittee's recommendation to recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Week.
3. ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
There were no items pulled from the Consent Calendar.
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mike Thompson spoke regarding the Community Spirit Award.
Sigrid Williams presented an update on Norco College CERT Program.
5. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEM(S)
6. PUBLIC HEARING(S)
5.A.
Appointments to Parks and Recreation Commission and Historic Preservation Commission.
City Clerk Roa presented the report on the Parks and Recreation Commission and Historic Commission unscheduled vacancies recruitment.
Mayor Newton opened public comment.
Mike Thompson, Bonnie Slager, Kathy and Don Kramer, Danny Azevedo, Jim Pollard, Bill Naylor, Larry Echkhoff, Larry Cusimano, Mark Moore, Mike Williams, Michael Niezgodzki, Norvah Williams, Steven Nikoui, and Gary Evans, spoke regarding their support of Geoff Kahan for appointment to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Geoff Kahan, applicant, spoke on his behalf for the appointment to the Parks and Recreation Commission and thanked the community who spoke on his behalf.
Mayor Newton asked the applicant Geoff Kahan how he would describe the role of the Parks and Recreation Commissioner and why he would be a good candidate.
Geoff Kahan described his understanding of the role of the Parks and Recreation Commissioner and what his abilities are to fulfill the position.
Council Member Aleman asked a question to applicant Geoff Kahan regarding his role in the protest in 2020 at City Hall.
Geoff Kahan addressed Council Member Aleman and the City Council regarding his role in the protest in 2020 at City Hall.
Council Member Aleman stated she was at the protest, participated and was injured. She discussed what the role of a City Commissioner is and should be for the City as a whole.
Mayor Newton addressed his issues with the protest in Norco and stated the City needs to move forward.
Council Member Bash recounted his recollection of the protest.
He discussed that the City of Norco is moving forward.
He stated that Geoff Kahan has been an good commissioner in the past and has continued to volunteer regularly in the City.
Curt Knox spoke about what a leader should be and recounted his recollection of the protest.
Mayor Newton closed public comment.
Mayor Newton addressed his perspective on applicants and attending the City Council meeting to speak on their behalf.
Council Member Bash spoke regarding the protest in front of City Hall and stated many must answer to their responsibility for the event.
He spoke about the Historic Preservation Commission and the credentials required. He pointed out that applicant Dean Chase was the only applicant that provided experience related to historic preservation.
Council Member Hoffman spoke about the Historic Preservation Commission.
He stated that it was a good idea to look at the Commission make up, their meeting times and rethink the Commission.
City Clerk Roa proceeded to distribute appointment ballots to the Mayor and City Council for their selections.
The following were the votes as received:
Mayor Newton:
Parks and Recreation Commission - Geoff Kahan
Historic Preservation Commission - Abstained
Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer:
Parks and Recreation Commission - Aimee Muro
Historic Preservation Commission - Dean Chase
Council Member Aleman:
Parks and Recreation Commission - Aimee Muro
Historic Preservation Commission - Diane Collins
Council Member Bash:
Parks and Recreation Commission - Geoff Kahan
Historic Preservation Commission - Abstained
Council Member Hoffman:
Parks and Recreation Commission - Geoff Kahan
Historic Preservation Commission - Dean Chase
Following a ballot vote the Mayor and City Council made the following appointments:
Parks and Recreation Commission - Geoff Kahan
Historic Preservation Commission - Dean Chase
6.A.
Appeal Hearing: An appeal of the Planning Commission denial of Conditional Use Permit 2022-04 (Norco Old Town Market): A request for approval to allow the sale of a full-line of alcohol beverages (distilled spirits) for off-site consumption in conjunction with a 2,558 square-foot convenience store located in the C-G (Commercial General) Zone, at 4410 California Avenue (APN 153-200-020).
Assistant Planner Diaz presented the appeal of the Planning Commission denial of Conditional Use Permit 2022-04 for Norco Old Town Market. She noted that the appellant was present.
Council Member Aleman discussed the ABC license and what is permitted in the City.
Council Member Bash asked why did the ABC allow this business to apply? He asked about the licensing process and lottery process.
Assistant Planner Diaz explained the permit process and the lottery process from ABC.
Council Member Hoffman asked questions about the petition submitted by the applicant.
He asked questions about the Planning Commission meeting and if applicant was present.
Assistant Planner Diaz answered questions and addressed concerns of the Council.
Mayor Newton asked about the current progress of the project.
Assistant Planner Diaz stated she has not seen any progress on the project in the past few months.
Mayor Newton opened the Public Hearing.
Danithea Santamaria, family member of applicant, spoke in support of the project.
Mohammad Jarrar clarified that the store is a market not just a liquor store and only 5% is alcohol.
He stated that there are other liquor stores in the area close to schools.
Adriana Santamaria, applicant, stated that the project is 98% ready to go and that neighbors are supporting her. She stated that her family and children are helping her and this project will serve the City well. She stated her family is hard working and building their American dream.
William Henning spoke in support of the project.
Angel Sanchez, family member of applicant, spoke in support of the project.
Monica Magana spoke in support of the project and the family who is building the project is good and hardworking.
Eddie Casarez spoke in support of the project and stated the family is very hard working.
Richard Dobbs spoke in support of the project and stated the family is very hard working.
Bill Naylor applauded the family for building a business and stated he supports the project.
Mike Thompson had a question about Circle K and distilled spirits on this site.
City Manager Sassoon discussed that the denial was only for the distilled spirits.
Mayor Newton closed the Public Hearing.
Mayor Newton asked about the properties behind the project and the zoning.
Assistant Planner Diaz stated that it is all A1 Zoning.
Council Member Aleman asked questions related to how ABC determines the amount of licenses of various types are allowed in a census tract.
Assistant Planner Diaz stated ABC separates areas by census tract; currently the City has 2 onsite and 2 offsite permits in this census tract.
She stated it is up to the City to review and approve Conditional Use Permits.
Council Member Aleman asked if restaurants are included in the number of permits listed and discussed that a line has to be drawn somewhere. She reminded staff that the CUP will stay with the property.
Mayor Newton stated the City has always been out of compliance and the City has always exceeded the ABC amount.
Assistant Planner Diaz answered questions and clarified issues.
City Attorney Harper answered questions.
Council Member Hoffman spoke about the need for better policing on this type of permit and his past experience as a law enforcement officer with this issue.
Council Member Bash had a question about other properties that the family own.
He stated he appreciated how the Planning Commission and staff looked at this issue and vetted it.
He stated that no findings were found to overturn denial.
Following discussion motion was made.
M/S HOFFMAN/BASH Uphold the determination of the Planning Commission to deny Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 2022-04.
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.
Ordinance No. 1087 (City of Norco): A City initiated proposal to Extend the existing Moratorium for 10 months, 15 days on the Submittal and/or Approval of New Entitlement Applications for the Construction of Industrial and Warehouse Buildings.
Planning Director Robles presented the report on Ordinance No. 1087 regarding the proposal to extend the existing Moratorium for 10 months, 15 days on the submittal and/or approval of new Entitlement Applications for the construction of industrial and warehouse buildings.
Council Member Hoffman had questions as to the length of the extension and what has been done so far.
Planning Director Robles addressed Council Member Hoffman's concerns.
City Manager Sassoon discussed that the statutes lay out the dates and length for the time lines on these types of Moratoriums.
City Attorney Harper clarified the timelines allowed.
Mayor Newton opened the Public Hearing.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Newton closed the Public Hearing.
Following discussion motion was made.
M/S ALEMAN/BASH Adopt Ordinance No. 1087 (City of Norco): Extending the existing moratorium for 10 months, 15 days on the submittal and/or approval of new entitlement applications for construction of Industrial and warehouse buildings.
The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
ALEMAN, BASH, NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, AND HOFFMAN
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
6.C.
Ordinance No. 1088, First Reading: Amending Norco Municipal Code Section 5.36 “Apiaries” to Modify Beekeeping Requirements on Residential Properties. Code Amendment 2022-05.
Community Services Director Anglin introduced Ordinance 1088 related to bee keeping and apiaries and turned presentation over to Animal Control Superintendent Sparks.
Animal Control Superintendent Sparks presented a report regarding the amendment of Norco Municipal Code Section 5.36 “Apiaries” to Modify Beekeeping Requirements on Residential Properties.
Council Member Bash had questions related to the EAT Program being involved and can community members raise bees on properties they do not own.
Council Member Aleman asked if she could allow someone to keep bees on her property.
Animal Control Superintendent Sparks stated that in order to have bees you must be the owner and occupant of the property. He stated this is the best way to hold bee keepers accountable.
Council Member Hoffman asked to have more clarification as to what "tenant" means in the Ordinance.
He stated he does not see it listed as owner/occupant of property in order to have bees.
City Attorney Harper stated that the Ordinance should state "Owner Occupied" not "tenant" in order to be clearer to residents.
Council Member Hoffman had questions and concerns related to the permit process, fees, inspections and if there will be hearings for the neighborhood.
Community Services Director Anglin stated there is no hearing process, but Animal Control is prepared to take care of complaints quickly as they arise.
Animal Control Superintendent Sparks stated fees are part of the fee schedule currently in place and it will be reviewed for increases every year.
Council Member Hoffman had questions related to the flight pattern of the bees, how they are controlled and who is tracking how many properties are keeping bees.
Animal Control Superintendent Sparks addressed the questions on the flight pattern and stated that Animal Control will be tracking the bee permits.
City Attorney Harper stated that Section H on Page 5 of the Ordinance will need to read "Owner/Occupant".
Mayor Newton opened the Public Hearing.
Mike Williams spoke against bee keeping and gave an example of a negative experience he encountered with bees and his horses.
Sigrid Williams spoke against the amendment to the Ordinance and gave an example of a negative experience she encountered with bees and her horses.
She provided pictures to the City Council for the record.
Mayor Newton closed the Public Hearing.
Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer asked Animal Control Superintendent Sparks to explain the information that was provided by the experts from the University of California Riverside Entomology Department.
Council Member Hoffman reiterated his concerns for bees and the young riders in Norco.
Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer discussed that Norco has had a push to increase agriculture, and horses and agriculture has existed together for centuries. She stated that Norco must accept all parts of the eco-system. She stated there is danger in production agriculture and the current bee keeping Ordinance we have is restrictive, and needs change.
She stated that Norco does work with the County of Riverside as well for reporting of apiaries in Norco.
Council Member Aleman asked if there are any people keeping bees without the bee permits.
Animal Control Superintendent Sparks stated at that he is unaware of any at this time.
Council Member Aleman discussed bees and why they are important.
She stated our identity in Norco is agriculture.
She stated she supported this item and thanked staff for their hard work and working with experts in the field.
Mayor Newton stated that issues in the hills with horses and bees is different than controlled keeping in the City.
He stated that the magnitude of this would be small and controllable.
He stated that this aligns with Horsetown USA and Norco's Mission.
Community Services Director Anglin stated that the professionals from UC Riverside and EAT have all offered trainings to help those who want to have bees in the City.
Following discussion the motion was made.
M/S GRUNDMEYER/ALEMAN Adopt Ordinance No. 1088, First Reading (City of Norco): An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Norco, California, Amending the Norco Municipal Code Section 5.36 “Apiaries” to modify beekeeping requirements on residential properties, approve Code Amendment 2022-05 with amendment to Section 5.36.060 (H) to state "Owner/Occupied", and schedule Second Reading on October 5, 2022.
The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, AND BASH
NOES:
HOFFMAN
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
6.D.
Hearing Continued to October 5, 2022 - An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Norco, California, amending Norco Municipal Code Title 8 "Animals", to add Chapter 8.09 "Working Animal Protection Act." Code Amendment 2022-04.
M/S ALEMAN/BASH To continue hearing regarding An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Norco, California, amending Norco Municipal Code Title 8 "Animals", to add Chapter 8.09 "Working Animal Protection Act" to October 19, 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. CITY COUNCIL / STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Sassoon congratulated the Norco Fair Committee and the many City staff members that did a great job on the fair.
She addressed why she made the decision to not have the City outreach booth at the fair.
Public Works Director Blais reminded staff and the community of the Community Clean Up Event scheduled for October 1st at the George Ingalls Event Center.
Council Member Hoffman thanked the City Manager and Animal Control staff for meeting to discuss emergency measures in the City.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Newton Adjourned the meeting at 10:05 p.m.
_________________________________
Dana Roa, CMC
City Clerk