MINUTES
City Council
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
City Council Chamber – Norco City Hall
2820 Clark Avenue, Norco, CA 92860
CALL TO ORDER 5:32 PM
ROLL CALL Robin Grundmeyer, Mayor
Katherine Aleman, Council Member
Kevin Bash, Council Member
Greg Newton, Council Member
ISSUANCE OF OATH OF OFFICE
Presentation of Oath of Office to be administered to newly appointed Council Member Berwin Hanna.
Deputy City Clerk Germain administered the Oath of Office to the newly appointed Council Member Berwin Hanna. Council Member Hanna took his seat at the dais.
REORGANIZATION OF CITY COUNCIL
Election of Mayor Pro Tem
Council Members commented on procedures in electing/appointing a Mayor Pro Tem, and the past practice of the rotation of the position. Staff confirmed the City does not have a set policy on procedures for appointing the Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem positions.
Mayor Grundmeyer opened for public comments:
Norah Williams congratulated Council Member Hanna, and stated her support in appointing him as Mayor Pro Tem.
Mayor Grundmeyer closed the public comments.
Council Member Aleman made a motion to continue with the past practice of rotating the Mayor Pro Tem position, and to add for future discussion a set policy on the rotation of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. It was seconded by Mayor Grundmeyer.
A substitute motion was made for the following:
City Council Minutes - April 5, 2023
M/S NEWTON/HANNA To elect Council Member Kevin Bash as Mayor Pro Tem for the balance of the term ending in December 2023. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, HANNA, AND NEWTON
NOES: GRUNDMEYER AND ALEMAN
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
CLOSED SESSION AT 6:00 PM
§54956.8 - Conference with Legal Counsel - Real Property Negotiation Property: APNs: 131-112-002, 131-112-003, 131-112-004, 131-112-005, 131-112- 006, 131-112-013, and 131-112-014
City Negotiator: City Manager Lori Sassoon
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
§54954.5 - Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9 - 2 Potential Cases
§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 7:14 PM
ROLL CALL Robin Grundmeyer, Mayor
Katherine Aleman, Council Member
Kevin Bash, Mayor Pro Tem
Berwin Hanna, Council Member
Greg Newton, Council Member
REPORT OF ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council Member Greg Newton
INVOCATION Pastor Michelle Ehrenberg
The Redeemer's Community Church
PRESENTATIONS
City Council Minutes - April 5, 2023
Community Spirit Award
Patrick Mitchell and Chris Faucher, Ecological Agriculture Training Center (E.A.T.) Mayor Grundmeyer presented the Community Spirit Award to Patrick Mitchell and Chris Faucher, E.A.T. Program, for their outstanding commitment and service to the City of Norco.
Proclamation
DMV / Donate Life Month - April
Mayor Grundmeyer presented the Proclamation for Donate a Life Month for the month of April to Kathryn Mantz and Debbie Ruiz, both are One Legacy Ambassadors. Ms.
Mantz shared a few words on the importance of considering donation of one's organs after passing.
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 community organizations.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
Approval of Consent Calendar as presented.
Mayor Pro Tem Bash pulled items 2.C., 2.D., and 2.J.
M/S ALEMAN/HANNA Approved the remaining Consent Calendar as presented.
The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, HANNA, 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
City Council Minutes - April 5, 2023
been read by title and further reading waived.
2.B. Approval of City Council Regular Meeting Minutes and Special Meeting Minutes.
Action: Approved the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 15, and Special Meeting Minutes of March 21, 2023
2.E. Appointments to the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) General Assembly Meeting to be held on May 4-5, 2023.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2023-12, appointing Council Member Kevin Bash as the delegate and Council Member Katherine Aleman as the alternate for the SCAG General Assembly on May 4-5, 2023.
2.F. Increase Purchase Order Amount for Multiple Vendors to Provide Waterworks Parts Supplies for Fiscal Year 2022-23.
Action: Increased the existing combined purchase order authority for Ferguson Waterworks, Core & Main, and United Water Works to a not-to-exceed amount of $250,000 to provide waterworks parts supplies for FY 2022-2023.
2.G. Acceptance of the Shadow Canyon Circle & Various Streets Improvement Project as Complete
Action: Accepted the Shadow Canyon Circle & Various Streets Improvement Project as complete and authorized the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion with the County of Riverside.
2.H. Acceptance of Right-of-Way Dedication on First Street Action: Accepted the dedication of street right-of-way at APN 125-300-018 on First Street and authorized the City Clerk to record the grant deed. carried
2.I. Addition of Utility Maintenance Worker positions within the Public Works Department
Action: Authorized the Public Works Department to add two (2) full-time Utility Maintenance Worker positions as part of the FY 2022-2023 budget.
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2.K. Cooperative Funding Agreement between the City of Norco and the Riverside County Flood Control & Water Conservation District for the Norco MDP Line N4 Storm Drain Project Action: Approved the Cooperative Funding Agreement between the City of Norco and Riverside County Flood Control & Water Conservation District (RCFC&WCD) to design and construct the Norco MDP Line N-4 Storm Drain Project, subject to non-substantive changes and approval by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors; and authorized the Mayor to execute the agreement.
2.L. Change Order Request for Norco MDP Line N-4 Storm Drain Project (Design) Action: Reviewed and approved the Change Order Request in the amount of $11,300 for the Norco MDP Line N-4 Storm Drain Project (Design)
3. ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
2.C. Annual Adoption of the City Investment Policy
City Manager Sassoon provided an overview of the City Investment Policy and what it entails. She confirmed that the City Treasurer is the Finance Director, as set by Council Resolution. City Manager Sassoon answered additional questions from Council Members.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S BASH/NEWTON Approved and Adopted the City Investment Policy No. 208 with recommended changes.
The Motion was by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, HANNA, AND NEWTON
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
2.D. Amend Fiscal Year 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to include additional funding for the 2022-23 Slurry Seal Project; and accept bids and award contract for the 2022-23 Slurry Seal Project.
Mayor Pro Tem Bash pulled this item in order to highlight Measure R taxes are at work.
City Council Minutes - April 5, 2023
Public Works Director Blais provided an overview of this project, as this project, along with many infrastructure projects are being funded with Measure R funds. He answered a few more questions from the Council.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S BASH/HANNA Approved an amendment to the FY 2023-2027 CIP to appropriate additional Measure R funding in the amount of $250,000 for the 2022- 2023 Slurry Seal Project; accepted the bids and awarded a contract for the 2022- 2023 Slurry Seal Project to All American Asphalt in the amount of $224,786; and authorized the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to 10 percent of the total bid amount. The Motion was by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, HANNA, AND NEWTON
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
2.J. Amendment of FY 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to include additional funding for the MDP Line N-4 Storm Drain Project, acceptance of bids and award of Contract for the MDP Line N-4 Storm Drain Project Mayor Pro Tem Bash asked staff to explain the work being done with Measure R funds.
Public Works Deputy Director Nelson provided an overview of the project.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S BASH/HANNA Appropriated additional Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2027 CIP Storm Drain funding in the amount of $1,144,697 for the MDP N-4 Storm Drain Project from the Storm Drain Fund and $50,000 in the Water Operating Fund; accepted bids and awarded a contract to AID Builders, Inc. for the MDP Line N-4 Storm Drain Project in the amount of $1,829,725; and authorized the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to 10 percent of the total bid amount. The Motion was by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, HANNA, AND NEWTON
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
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David Burwell shared his viewpoint on the rotation of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem positions.
Bonnie Slager provided the 2023 Norco Horsemens Association's Annual 10 Most Needed Trail Improvements list, and stated it has also been provided to the Streets, Trails and Utilities Commission at its recent meeting.
5. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEM(S)
5.A. Consideration of a resolution in opposition to Initiative No. 21-0042A1, The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act
City Manager Sassoon introduced the report and Erin Sasse, Regional Public Affairs Manager, Leagues of California Cities, to further explain the Initiative.
Ms. Sasse shared details on the initiative, noting it may be placed on the 2024 ballot. If this Initiative passes it will take away from community input as well as local control, and requires that any new taxes approved since January 2022 go back for requalification by ballot.
City Manager Sasson and Ms. Sasse answered questions and clarified concerns of the Council.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S BASH/GRUNDMEYER Adopted Resolution No. 2023-13 opposing Initiative No. 21-0042A1, the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act. The Motion was by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, HANNA, AND NEWTON
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
5.B. Appointments to Regional Boards, Standing Committees and Other City Council-Appointed Committees for Calendar Year 2023 - Updated City Manager Sassoon presented the report.
M/S NEWTON/GRUNDMEYER Approved the updated list of Appointments to Regional Boards, Standing Committees, and Other City Council-Appointed Committees for Calendar Year 2023. The Motion was by the following roll call
City Council Minutes - April 5, 2023
vote:
AYES: GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, HANNA, AND NEWTON
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
6. PUBLIC HEARING(S)
6.A. Ordinance No. 1094, First Reading: Amend Specific Text in Chapter 6.12 "Dogs-Licensing-Control-Rabies"
Deputy City Clerk Germain introduced the Code Amendment for its first reading, explaining that on occasion when a new chapter or section is added to the Norco Municipal Code it may effect other chapters/sections, which then requires additional revisions within the affected Chapters/Sections.
Mayor Grundmeyer opened the public hearing; as there was no one wishing to speak, Mayor Grundmeyer closed the public hearing.
M/S BASH/ALEMAN Adopted Ordinance No. 1094, First Reading: Amending specific text in Norco Municipal Code (NMC) Chapter 6.12 "Dogs-LicensingControl-Rabies" to make corrections and ensure consistency. Code Amendment 2023-02 The Motion was by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, HANNA, AND NEWTON
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
7. CITY COUNCIL / STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member Hanna asked Public Works Director Blais about Pedley Avenue reconstruction.
Public Works Director Blais stated work in is progress and should take care of the puddling that occurs after rain.
Council Member Newton inquired about the Storm Drain Project on Third Street.
Public Works Director Blais explained the work schedule and staff's continued dialogue with the Contractor. In response, Director Blais also confirmed discussions are taking place at the Streets, Trails, and Utilities Commission regarding backyard trails.
City Council Minutes - April 5, 2023
Council Member Bash commented on backyard trails, and noting that ADUs are being built close to the chain link fence to trail.
Council Member Bash praised the Planning Commission Members attending the Planning Commission Academy hosted by the League of California Cities; this conference provides great education for the Members. He also shared that Goli may be taking the Town and Country facility back with a full staff.
Council Member Aleman asked for the following item to be considered for discussion at a future Council meeting, AB1000, the "Good Neighbor" Bill.
Council Member Aleman asked for the following item to be added for discussion at a future meeting, the development of a policy on the rotation of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem positions.
M/S ALEMAN/GRUNDMEYER Discuss at a future Council meeting, AB1000, the "Good Neighbor" Bill. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, HANNA, AND NEWTON
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
M/S ALEMAN/GRUNDMEYER Discussion at a future meeting, the development of a policy on the rotation of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem positions. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, BASH, AND HANNA
NOES: NEWTON
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
8. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Grundmeyer adjourned the meeting to Closed Session at 9:01 p.m.
City Attorney Burns stated there was no reportable actions taken in Closed Session.
Mayor Grundmeyer adjourned the meeting at 9:57 p.m.
City Council Minutes - April 5, 2023
_________________________________
Dana Roa, CMC
City Clerk