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MINUTES
City Council
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
City Council Chamber – Norco City Hall
2820 Clark Avenue, Norco, CA 92860
CALLED TO ORDER
4:00 PM
ROLL CALL
Robin Grundmeyer, Mayor
Kevin Bash, Mayor Pro Tem
Katherine Aleman, Council Member
Berwin Hanna, Council Member
Greg Newton, Council Member
BUDGET WORKSHOP
a)
Presentation of Preliminary Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget.
City Manager Sassoon presented the preliminary budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 for the City of Norco.
Mayor Grundmeyer opened Public Comment
Susan Olmstead-Bowen spoke in opposition to using Measure R funds to backfill the budget deficit and stated the use of General Fund Reserves would be more appropriate.
Mike Williams spoke in opposition to using Measure R funds to backfill the budget deficit and supported the use of the General Fund Reserves.
Bill Naylor spoke about funding the Parks Master Plan, and suggested using Grant Funds to cover Park Maintenance Costs. He also suggested to use Trail maintenance money in small amounts to do backyard trails.
Sue Bacon spoke about the history of her involvement with Measure R and how it came to be passed.
She stated she supported using General Fund Reserves no Measure R funds to make up the deficit.
Norvah Williams opposition to using Measure R funds to backfill the budget deficit and paying for Christmas Decorations. She stated you can't ignore the Measure R Committee recommendations.
Teresa Edwards spoke of her concerns of repercussions for those speaking out about Measure R. She spoke in support of the Measure R Committee recommendations.
Mayor Grundmeyer closed Public Comment.
Following discussion, Mayor Grundmeyer adjourned to Closed Sessions at 6:04 p.m.
CLOSED SESSIONS - 6:04 PM
§54954.5 Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9
1 Potential Case
§54954.5 Conference with Labor Negotiator
Agency designated representatives: City Manager Sassoon Employee organization: Norco General Employees Association, Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO Local 606, Unrepresented Employees: Mid-Management, Confidential, and Management Employees §54954.5 Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Title: City Manager
RECONVENED PUBLIC SESSION
7:08 PM
REPORT OF ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Burns stated there were no reportable actions taken in Closed Sessions.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Bash
INVOCATION
Pastor Rene Parrish
Beacon Hill Assembly of God
PROCLAMATION
Building and Safety Month
Mayor Grundmeyer presented a Proclamation to Community Development Director Alma Robles, Building Official Steve Raney, and Building Inspector Eddie Sezenol recognizing May as Building and Safety Month.
1. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS ON REGIONAL BOARDS
Mayor Grundmeyer, 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.
Mayor Pro Tem Bash pulled Item 2.D., Council Member Hanna pulled Item 2.E. and Council Member Newton pulled Item 2.G. for discussion.
M/S NEWTON/BASH Approve Consent Calendar remainder as presented. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
GRUNDMEYER, BASH, ALEMAN, 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 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 April 19, 2023. carried
2.C.
2023 Sanitary Sewer System Management Audit
Action: Received and filed the City of Norco's 2023 Sewer System Management Plan Audit as required by State Order 2006-0003.
2.F.
Amendment of FY 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to include additional funding for the Norco Elementary School Storm Drain Project, acceptance of bids and award of Contract for the Norco Elementary Storm Drain Project Action: Appropriated additional funding for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2027 CIP storm drain budget in the amount of $1,410,245 for the Norco Elementary School Storm Drain Project; accepted bids, awarded a contract to Kirtley Construction, Inc. dba as TK Construction for the Norco Elementary School Storm Drain Project in the amount of $1,212,313; and authorized the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to 10 percent of the total bid amount.
2.H.
Acceptance of the Citywide ADA Project as Complete (Project No. 54300.2) Action: Accepted the Citywide ADA Project as complete and authorized the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the County of Riverside.
3. ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
2.D.
Procurement of Dell Datacenter Server Hardware Refresh
Mayor Pro Tem Bash thanked the IT staff for all of their hard work and innovation.
M/S BASH/ALEMAN Approve the purchase of Dell server and networking hardware from [RE]Design Group in the amount of $115,400. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
GRUNDMEYER, BASH, ALEMAN, HANNA, AND NEWTON
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
2.E.
Riverside County Sheriff’s Contract Amendment
Council Member Hanna had questions regarding the motorcycle patrol position in the Public Safety Budget.
Captain Kohler answered questions and addressed concerns.
Mayor Grundmeyer opened public comments.
Mike Williams spoke regarding the need for motorcycle officers.
He stated they are very effective and motorcycles are easier to navigate. He also discussed the chronic speeding problem on 4th Street and asked that the speed limits be dropped.
Mayor Grundmeyer closed public comments.
Following discussion motion was made.
M/S HANNA/BASH Approve the Riverside County Sheriff’s Contract Amendment to include the conversion of one existing traffic enforcement deputy to a motorcycle enforcement deputy. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
GRUNDMEYER, BASH, ALEMAN, HANNA, AND NEWTON
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
2.G.
2023 City Council Review on Accessory Building Regulations relating to Chapter 18.68 “Accessory Building Use Permits" Greg Newton continue to discussion on another agenda date. Needs more discussion.
M/S NEWTON/BASH Continue the item regarding the Planning Commission recommendations in response to the annual review of Chapter 18.68 relating to detached accessory buildings to a future City Council meeting as a discussion item.
The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
GRUNDMEYER, BASH, ALEMAN, HANNA, AND NEWTON
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Eric Briddick Spoke regarding the implementation of the First Responder's Memorial.
He suggested that a bronze plaque be placed at the Norco Sheriff's Office for public view that will be donated by himself to honor Deputy Randy Lutz killed in the line of duty.
5. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEM(S)
5.A.
Discussion and possible action regarding AB 1000 (Reyes) concerning qualifying logistics use projects, also referred to as the Good Neighbor Policy City Manager Sassoon stat that Assembly Bill 1000 has been suspended at this time and no action is necessary.
Council Member Aleman thanked staff for bringing this item forward and discussed AB1748 setbacks reported by District 45 Assembly Member Ramos.
Following discussion, no action was taken at this time.
5.B.
Ordinance1095, First reading: Adding Norco Municipal Code Section 2.27 Establishing a Veterans Commission Lori Sassoon presented report and details of Ordinance to establish a Veterans Commission.
Mayor Grundmeyer opened public comment.
Larry Eckhoff spoke in support of establishing a Veterans Commission and provided feedback related to the number of members and those who should reside on the Commission as members.
Larry Cusimano spoke in support of establishing a Veterans Commission and provided feedback as to the number of members of the commission and that the commission should be responsible for recruitment of members and their roles.
Geoff Kahan spoke in support of establishing a Veterans Commission and provided feedback as to the number of members of the commission, those who should reside on the Commission as members and the terms of office.
Mayor Grundmeyer closed public comment.
Council Member Hanna spoke in support of the Commission, membership should not be over 7, and requirements should include being a veteran.
Council Member Newton discussed membership at five would be too small to handle subcommittees, the appointment of 2 members from Parks and Rec and commissioners serving on two committees/commissions.
Council Member Aleman discuss membership numbers, subcommittees, and asked why Council Members should be on this comission and will there be conflict if they are a voting member.
Mayor Pro Tem Bash discussed reasons for Council Members on this committee.
City Attorney Burns stated he did not see a legal conflict for Council serving and voting nor any Brown Act issues.
Mayor Pro Tem Bash discussed finances for the Commission and that the Commission should work out the details.
Mayor Grundmeyer discussed membership numbers, having non veterans on the commission, and thanked the committee for all the hard work.
Following further discussion motion was made.
M/S HANNA/BASH Adopt Ordinance No. 1095, First Reading: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Norco, California, amending the Norco Municipal Code to add Section 2.27 to establish the Veterans Commission with amendments to Section 2.27.010 Established Number of Members to state "There is established for the City a Veterans Commission of two members of the City Council and at least 9 members appointed from the community, to include: 2 Parks and Recreation Commissioners, 1 Commander of the Norco American Legion, 1 Representative of the Norco College Military Service Committee, 1 Representative from Norco High School ROTC Program, 1 County of Riverside District II Veterans Advisory Committee Member, 2 Representatives from the Blue Star Gold Star Moms and 1 Representative from the Sea Cadets ", Section 2.27.020 to state
"The Commission shall consist of not fewer than nine (9) members" The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
GRUNDMEYER, BASH, ALEMAN, HANNA, AND NEWTON
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
5.C.
Proposal from R3 Consulting Group, Inc. to provide solid waste franchise agreement procurement services.
Public Works Director
Blais presented the proposal from R3 Consulting Group, Inc. to provide solid waste franchise agreement procurement services.
Council Members Aleman, Newton and Hanna had questions and concerns.
Public Works Director Blais and City Manager Sassoon answered questions and addressed concerns.
Mayor Grundmeyer opened public comment.
Sharon Smith spoke regarding her use of Waste Management for years in Norco and supports their services staying in Norco.
David Bisaha spoke in support of Waste Management that they are a good community partner, support City events, fair prices and good service.
Jamie Ball spoke in support of Waste Management as a resident and they are a huge supporter of the Norco Chamber of Commerce.
Glenda Chavez from Waste Management spoke regarding their partnership with the City of Norco for over 9 year and asked that City Council please give Waste Management a chance to negotiate before going out to RFP.
Steve Kanow from Waste Management discussed relationship with City of Norco, the services Waste Management provide now and in the future and asked that the City Council give Waste Management an option to Negotiate for contract.
Chrystal Johnson spoke regarding her use of Waste Management for years in Norco and supports their services staying in Norco.
Paul Ryan spoke regarding waste management services.
He provided a letter to City Council with his thoughts and recommendations.
Omar Adame Scout Driver with Waste Management stated he is blessed to work in Norco, we are very proud and provide the best service and asked that City Council please negotiate a new contract with Waste Management.
Jacqui Tarpley spoke regarding her use of Waste Management for years in Norco and supports their services staying in Norco.
She asked that Senior Discounts be considered in the new contract.
Dave Morri read letter for Sharon Smith and Rita Dogger in support of Waste Management.
Bonnie Slager spoke regarding her issues with Waste Management, the high fees and asked the City Council to go out to bid for other options.
Bill Naylor spoke about
Waste Menagement sponsorships of the City, drivers are very conscientious, customer service not the best, and asked that the City Council go out to bid to see if a better solution is out there.
Mike Williams spoke in support of Waste Management and stated that a consultant is not needed to make this decision.
Mayor Grundmeyer closed public comment.
Following discussion motion was made to appoint a subcommittee of two Council Members to interview both Consultants that have submitted proposals and make recommendation to full Council.
M/S BASH/ALEMAN Create subcommittee to include Council Member Newton and Mayor Grundmeyer to sit on subcommittee to interview the consultants and return to full Council with The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
GRUNDMEYER, BASH, ALEMAN, HANNA, AND NEWTON
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
5.D.
Disposition of City Council Regular Meeting of May 17, 2023.
City Clerk Roa presented report on the disposition of City Council Regular meeting of May 17, 2023 due two Council Members will be out of state on City business.
There were no public comments.
Following discussion motion was made.
M/S GRUNDMEYER/ALEMAN Schedule a Special Meeting Budget Workshop for May 10, 2023, at 4:30 pm and keep scheduled the May 17, 2023 regular meeting.
The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
GRUNDMEYER, BASH, ALEMAN, HANNA, AND NEWTON
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
6. PUBLIC HEARING(S)
6.A.
Public Hearing: Amendments to City’s General Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2023-24 Finance Director Free presented report regarding the City of Norco General Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2023-24.
Council Members Hanna and Aleman had questions for staff that were answered.
Mayor Grundmeyer opened the Public Hearing.
There were no public comments at this time.
Mayor Grundmeyer closed the Public Hearing.
Following further discussion motion was made.
M/S NEWTON/HANNA Adopt Resolution No. 2023-16, updating and adjusting the City’s General Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2023-24.
The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
GRUNDMEYER, BASH, ALEMAN, HANNA, AND NEWTON
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
6.B.
Public Hearing: Zone Code Amendment 2023-01, -02 and Gateway Specific Plan 99-01, Amendment No.10 (City of Norco): City-Initiated proposals to amend Norco Municipal Code Chapter 18.24 (M-1 Zone Heavy Commercial/Light Manufacturing), and Section 4.10.1.4 (Industrial District) of the Gateway Specific Plan, amending the City’s existing industrial regulations to provide new/updated development, use, and operational regulations for industrial and warehouse uses; and a proposal to amend Section 18.43.06 (3) of Title 18 of the Norco Municipal Code adding a public notice requirement for conditional use permit approvals on the reuse or redevelopment of any existing warehouse or industrial building with a gross floor area larger than 50,000 in the subject zones.
Alma presented report regarding the Zone Code Amendment and Gateway Specific Plan Amendment and introduced Consultant Roger Eastman available by speaker phone.
Council Members Aleman and Newton had questions for staff which were addressed.
Mayor Grundmeyer opened the Public Hearing.
Patrick Daniels form Caprock discussed his opinions on the item presented.
Council Member Newton had questions for the speaker.
Mayor Grundmeyer closed the Public Hearing.
Following discussion motion was made.
M/S ALEMAN/NEWTON Adopt Ordinance No.1096, approving Zone Code Amendment 2023-01, to amend Norco Municipal Code Title 18 “Zoning”, Chapter 18.24 (M-1 Zone Heavy Commercial/Light Manufacturing), amending the City’s existing industrial regulations to provide new/updated development, use, and operational regulations for industrial and warehouse uses.
Adopt Ordinance No.1097, approving Gateway Specific Plan 99-01, Amendment No. 10, to amend Section 4.10.1.4 (Industrial District) of the Gateway Specific Plan, amending the City’s existing industrial regulations to provide new/updated development, use, and operational regulations for industrial and warehouse uses.
Adopt Ordinance No.1098, approving Zone Code Amendment 2023-02, to amend Section 18.43.06 (3) of the Norco Municipal Code adding a public notice requirement for conditional use permit approvals on the reuse or redevelopment of any existing warehouse or industrial building with a gross floor area larger than 20,000 in the M-1 Zone and within the Industrial District of the Gateway Specific Plan.
The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
GRUNDMEYER, BASH, ALEMAN, HANNA, AND NEWTON
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
7. CITY COUNCIL / STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member Aleman discussed chickens.
Council Member Bash discussed memorial for Deputy Lutz.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Grundmeyer adjourned the meeting at 11:02 pm.
_________________________________
Dana Roa, CMC
City Clerk