MINUTES
City Council
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
City Council Chamber – Norco City Hall
2820 Clark Avenue, Norco, CA 92860
CALL TO ORDER 5:01 PM
ROLL CALL Robin Grundmeyer, Mayor
Katherine Aleman, Council Member
Kevin Bash, Mayor Pro Tem
Greg Newton, Council Member
WORKSHOP - CITY HALL, 2870 CLARK AVENUE, CONF. ROOM A & B Recycled Water System Discussion - continued
Public Works Director Blais presented an update on the future infrastructure needs in order to establish a Recycled Water System.
Referencing information presented at a previous workshop, Public Works Director Blais provided two infrastructure and funding scenarios for Council consideration and discussion. Scenario #1 would require capital funding in the amount of approximately $2,250,000 for the rehabilitation of existing recycled water pump station and a new storage reservoir that would enable the City to provide recycled water to Norco Parks and the Navy. Scenario #2 would require capital funding in the amount of approximately $3,100,000 for the construction of a new recycled water pump station (partnering with other agencies), distribution pipeline (partnering with other agencies), and a new storage reservoir (funded by City) that would enable the City to sell recycled water within Norco and as well as sell water to third-parties outside the City’s boundary.
Public Works Director Blais recommended the City Council consider supporting Scenario #2 because it involves a better financial value by enabling the Recycled Water System to maximize the amount of recycled water to be sold and still allows expansion of sales in the future, ensures all the infrastructure is new from startup (rather than a partial rehab of old infrastructure), and Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority would be responsible for managing the operation of the booster station for all the participating agencies. In order to fund Scenario #2, Public Works Director Blais recommended that City Council consider borrowing the funds from the Sewer Fund via a formalized loan/repayment agreement.
Public Works Director Blais and City Manager Sassoon addressed the questions and concerns put forth by the City Council.
After additional discussion Council provided their input and agreed with staff's City Council Minutes - March 15, 2023
recommendation.
CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 PM - CITY HALL CONF. ROOMS A AND B §54956.8 - Conference with Legal Counsel - Real Property Negotiation Property: APN 131-191-012 on Hamner Ave.
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, Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO Local 606, Unrepresented Employees: Mid-Management, Confidential, and Management Employees
RECONVENE PUBLIC SESSION - 7:00 PM - COUNCIL CHAMBER
REPORT OF ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Burns stated there was no reportable actions taken in Closed Session.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council Member Kevin Bash
INVOCATION Rabbi Suzanne Singer
Temple Beth El
PRESENTATIONS
Proclamation
National Women's History Month
Mayor Grundmeyer presented a Proclamation recognizing the month of March as National Women's History Month to community members who have contributed to the economic, cultural, spiritual, and/or political development of Norco: Betty Bash, Director of Town & Country Day School; Dianne Costlow, US Navy, Division Technical Director; Dr. Lisa Simon, Superintendent of Educational Services, CNUSD; Su Bacon and the Board Members of LNCF; and Nicole Brunk, owner of Brunk's Butchery.
1. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS ON REGIONAL BOARDS
Mayor Grundmeyer, and Council Members provided reports on their recent individual participation in committees, commissions, regional boards and
City Council Minutes - March 15, 2023
community organizations.
Appeal Hearing, Agenda Item 6.A., was heard at this time of the meeting.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
Approval of Consent Calendar as presented.
a) Approval of the Consent Calendar as presented.
M/S BASH/ALEMAN Approved the Consent Calendar as presented. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND NEWTON
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 Meeting Minutes
Action: Approved the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 1, 2023.
2.C. Recap of Actions Taken by Planning Commission at its Meeting of March 8, 2023.
Action: Received and to file the recap of Planning Commission Meeting.
2.D. Approve Purchase of Livestock and Small Animal Pens Action: Approved the Purchase of Livestock and Small Animal Pens from CageCo Inc. in the amount of $137,100 for events at The Barn.
2.E. Increasing Revenue, Appropriation and Expenditure from the FY2022 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Program in the Amount
City Council Minutes - March 15, 2023
of $19,046 for Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Upgrades Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2023-10, accepting EMPG funds in amount of $9,523 and agreeing to match with a contribution of $9,523 for upgrades and enhancements to the EOC.
2.F. Amend of Fiscal Year 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to include additional funding for the Third Street Pavement Project (Hillside Ave to Temescal Ave); and accept bids and award contract for the Third Street Pavement Project.
Action: Approved an amendment to the FY 2023-2027 CIP to include additional funding for the Third Street Pavement Project (Hillside to Temescal Avenues); accepted the bids and awarded a contract for the Third Street Pavement Project (Hillside Ave to Temescal Ave) to I E General Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $863,685; and authorized the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to 10 percent of the total bid amount.
2.G. Amend Fiscal Year 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to include additional funding for the Trotter Trail Roadway Construction Project; and accept bids and award contract for the Trotter Trail Roadway Construction Project.
Action: Approved an amendment to FY 2023-2027 CIP to include additional funding for the Trotter Trail Roadway Construction Project; accepted the bids and awarded a contract for the Trotter Trail Roadway Construction Project to Hillcrest Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $434,555; and authorized the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to 10 percent of the total bid amount.
2.H. New Observance Request: World Wish Day
Action: Approved the subcommittee's recommendation to recognize World Wish Day.
2.I. Ratification of agreements for emergency repair services and geotechnical investigation related to the slope erosion on River Drive.
Action: Ratified the City Manager's emergency actions to approve agreements with Converse Consultants in the amount of $49,077 and Hardy and Harper in the amount of $29,800, along with the issuance of purchase orders for each vendor including up to 10% contingency for the Hardy and Harper Proposal; and to allocate $85,000 from Measure R Funds to fund the emergency work.
City Council Minutes - March 15, 2023
2.J. Consider cost proposal from Raftelis to conduct Water and Sewer Operational Assessment for the City of Norco.
Action: Accepted the proposal from Raftelis in the amount of $49,995 to conduct a Water and Sewer Operational Assessment for the City of Norco, and authorized the City Manager to issue a purchase order, including up to 10% contingency.
3. ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
No items were pulled from the Consent Calendar.
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Matt Jefferson spoke on the lack of parking at Sixth St. and California Ave., adding that parking along California Ave. is not safe.
Jim Pollard thanked the City for a great event honoring Mr. Hoffman. He noted that he is now the only person who overlooks the equipment stored at, and used for, the Veterans Memorial location, asking for assistance.
Bonnie Slager extended an invitation to the Norco Horsemen's Assoc. meeting on Thursday, March 16, at 7 p.m. It will entail a presentation by the DeLappe Group on an upcoming project on Bluff St.
Jodie Weber, on behalf of Lake Norconian Club Foundation, announced an upcoming fundraising event on May 27, 2023; it will be a Lucy and Desi inspired event.
Greg Bowen thanked Council and staff for the services which honored Mr.
Hoffman. He offered to help with the arenas at Ingalls, as Mr. Hoffman used to do.
He noted concerns on the lack of parking locations for visiting horse riders and their trailers, as the arenas are frequently closed.
5. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEM(S)
5.A. Consideration of the establishment of a George Ingalls Veterans Memorial Executive Commission
City Manager Sassoon presented the report on establishing a George Ingalls Veterans Commission. She has spoken with the group, whom are generally supportive of becoming a commission. This would provide a greater clarity of their mission, and clarify the need for staff to attend meetings, provide an agenda and keep minutes.
City Council Minutes - March 15, 2023
Council Member Newton asked if two Council Members would be required to serve; in response, the composition of the Commission would be at the Council's discretion.
Mayor Grundmeyer opened public comment.
Geoff Kahan is currently Acting Chair for the group, stating current Members have no problem with becoming a Commission; he asked for some flexibility.
Mayor Grundmeyer closed the public comment.
Council Member Bash stated that this group has been a City asset for many years. He agrees that minutes should be taken for record keeping purposes.
He suggested inviting student members of the Norco High School Jr. ROTC, or Sea Cadets, to join. He has no issue with keeping the membership at the current 14 Members, but should stagger appointments once it is set. He agreed with proceeding with an ordinance to set the Commission up.
Council Member Aleman was also in favor, adding that this shows that the City values its Veterans. She suggested that a number of seats should be set aside for Veterans only.
It is recommended that the City Council and discuss and provide direction concerning the specific commission structure and operations, and then direct staff to prepare an Ordinance to establish the Commission.
carried
City Council discussed and provided staff direction to prepare an Ordinance to establish the Commission.
5.B. Landscape Maintenance Districts Proposition 218 status update and consideration of next steps
Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton presented the report. She reviewed details of the purpose of a Prop 218 hearing, and why it may be needed for these three Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMDs). She referenced the possibility that the LMDs may be in the red by June 2023, and the City cannot continue to support them.
Mayor Grundmeyer noted her concern with notification to the LMD residents about public meetings for their individual LMDs; in response, staff stated residents have been notified with mailed notices; the option of a virtual meeting was suggested, based on the lack of attendance to past public meetings for the LMDs.
City Council Minutes - March 15, 2023
Mayor Grundmeyer opened public comment.
Matt Jefferson stated he lives in LMD 5, but is speaking for all LMDs when questioning where the Measure R Funds are being used, and why it is not being used for new fencing in LMD areas.
Jodie Weber, resident in LMD 4, spoke in support of the LMD taxes, noting that some new homeowners don't realize what they have agreed to when purchasing a property in the LMD area; and that LMD accounts should not have reserves, as funds must be spent not saved.
Geoff Kahan, resident in LMD 1, spoke in opposition to include the potential new development on Bluff St. as part of LMD 1.
Mayor Grundmeyer closed the public comment.
Council Members shared concerns with the quick time line for a Prop 218 by end of this fiscal year; all agreed to a longer time line allowing for additional education to the LMD residents.
Following discussion, City Manager Sassoon stated Council’s input will be discussed with staff, and will return to Council with a new timeline.
Reviewed the assessment ballot options for Landscape Maintenance Districts 1, 2 and 3; and directed staff to postpone initiating the Proposition 218 process until 2024.
5.C. Discuss and Take Possible Action concerning a City Council Vacancy City Manager Sassoon presented the report; reviewed options, and requirements for filling the vacancy.
Mayor Grundmeyer opened public comment; with no one wishing to speak, Mayor Grundmeyer closed the public comment.
Council Member Aleman agreed that a special election would be costly, indicating that the Council needs to be open and transparent in making an appointment, and allowing the opportunity of those interested in serving to apply.
Council Members Bash and Newton shared their experience with past procedures they were both involved with when similar situations occurred, noting it is difficult for someone to step in without any prior institutional
City Council Minutes - March 15, 2023
knowledge.
Mayor Grundmeyer suggested offering the seat for the remaining term to someone that has served before, therefore has knowledge of what the City has been through in recent years. She suggested former Council Member Berwin Hanna.
Following further discussion motion was made.
M/S GRUNDMEYER/BASH Motion was made to appoint Berwin Hanna to the vacant seat for the remainder of former Council Member Ted Hoffman's term.
Under discussion: Council Member Aleman noted her concern with the process, adding that Mr. Hanna is not present to speak for himself, and making an appointment without allowing for public input.
City Attorney Burns confirmed for the Council, as this item was agendized to allow for public input, that making an appointment at this meeting is within its purview to do so, without further action.
The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote: The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GRUNDMEYER, BASH, AND NEWTON
NOES: ALEMAN
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
5.D. Consideration of a professional services agreement with California Strategies to assist the city of Norco in efforts to underground the Riverside Transmission Reliability Project (RTRP)
City Manager Sassoon presented the report on the professional services agreement with the consultant to advocate for the City for underground lines.
Mayor Grundmeyer opened public comment.
Randy Lewis spoke against electrical towers, and supports hiring the consultant.
Mayor Grundmeyer closed the public comment.
Council Member Newton asked that the letter of opposition received from SCE be forwarded to RTRP Working Group by end of week.
City Council Minutes - March 15, 2023
Following further discussion motion was made.
M/S GRUNDMEYER/NEWTON to approve the Professional Services Agreement, and amend the FY 2022/23 Budget to appropriate funds for this expense. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND NEWTON
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
6. PUBLIC HEARING(S)
6.A. Appeal Hearing: An appeal of the Planning Commission approval of Variance 2023-01 (Bacarella/Jones): A request for a Variance from the minimum net lot size requirement of 20,000 square feet of Norco Municipal Code Section
18.13.10 – “Lot and Pad Area” in the A-1 Zone, to allow a lot line adjustment on a vacant parcel on Southfork Drive with the APN 133-340-023 and located within the A-1 (Agricultural Low Destiny) Zone.
This item was presented at the top of the meeting, prior to the Consent Calendar.
Community Development Director Robles presented the report, noting that this item was appealed by City Council at its meeting of March 1, 2023. She explained the details of the variance request, and the need to make the lot to the standards set by Norco Municipal Code.
Director Robles addressed concerns and questions from the Council.
Mayor Grundmeyer opened public hearing for comment.
Teresa Bacarelly, applicant, stated she will eventually build a home on the vacant lot, and asked for support of the lot line adjustment.
Lisa Coe, Fidelity National Law Group, representing the applicant, requested the City Council uphold the Planning Commission's approval. She further explained the need for the variance. Ms. Coe answered questions from the Council Members.
Susie Carpenter, a neighbor to the east of the vacant lot, spoke against the variance.
City Council Minutes - March 15, 2023
Mayor Grundmeyer closed the public comment.
Council Member Newton noted concern with the footage to the center of the street, although is in favor of the lot line adjustment, he would like a PAKA be required via a deed restriction.
Council Member Aleman stated that the issue is between two property owners who have come to an understanding, and the less government involvement the better.
Council Member Bash appreciated that the property owners have come to an understanding with an issue they inherited.
Following further discussion motion was made.
M/S GRUNDMEYER/BASH to adopt Resolution No. 2023-03, to approve Variance 2023-01, to allow a lot line adjustment on a vacant parcel located on Southfork Drive (APN 133-340-023) located in the A-1 "Agricultural Low Density" Zone. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, AND BASH
NOES: NEWTON
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
7. CITY COUNCIL / STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Public Works Director Blais reported the cancellation of the Community Clean Up event scheduled for March 25, due to inclement weather and the grounds being too soaked to hold the event; it will be rescheduled in the near future.
Council Member Bash inquired on to the public comment made about the lack of parking for guests to our City.
City Manager Sassoon confirmed that Ingalls Equestrian Center parking lot has been closed recently, due to an abundance of mud because of recent heavy rains.
Council Member Bash shared that he will be representing the City of Norco at the SCAG Regional Conference on May 4-5, 2023; and has been invited by Western Riverside RCA to attend a conference in Washington, DC May 15-19, 2023, as such will miss the regular City Council Meeting on May 17, 2023. Council Member Aleman indicated she had also been invited to the same conference. City Attorney
City Council Minutes - March 15, 2023
Burns provided input on potentially holding a Zoom meeting, and what this would entail. City Manager Sassoon noted the three (3) hour difference, therefore suggested that the agenda can be adjusted to a minimum.
Council Member Newton inquired about the fencing at Sixth St. and California Ave. mentioned earlier; and noted that Ingalls Equestrian Center parking lot is usually open for public parking.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Grundmeyer adjourned the meeting at 9:55 p.m.
_________________________________
Dana Roa, CMC
City Clerk