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MINUTES
City Council
Wednesday, June 7, 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.
Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 Budget Workshop, Updates, and Draft Reserve Policy City Manager Sassoon introduced the Draft budget with adjustments and changes as directed by the City Council at the previous Budget Workshop on May 3, 2023. She stated she has provided two options to discuss and reviewed each one in detail.
Council Members asked clarifying questions and stated concerns to City Manager Sassoon and staff.
City Manager Sassoon and staff answered questions and addressed concerns.
Mayor Grundmeyer opened public comments.
Bill Naylor discussed Measure R Committee Member concerns on budget.
Mike Thompson discussed Measure R Committee Member concerns on budget and the General Fund Reserve.
Mayor Grundmeyer closed public comments.
Council Member Newton discussed his perspective on the items that should be in the General Fund and the items that should be paid for by the Measure R Fund.
Council Member Aleman concurred with Council Member Newton and stated she was not in favor of continuing to use General Fund Reserves for future budget deficits. She stated she supported Measure R to be used to maintain the projects that previously have been approved by Measure R.
Council Member Bash discussed his support for using Measure R appropriately.
Mayor Grundmeyer discussed reasoning around baseline maintenance, promises made to the community, tightening up the budget to reflect true numbers and use of General Fund Reserves this year.
Following further discussion, a motion was made to approve Attachment A.
M/S BASH/NEWTON Approve Attachment A that includes the estimated General Fund Balance with Park maintenance, Facilities maintenance and Tree Maintenance contractual services funded by the General Fund, as recommended by the Measure R Citizens Oversight Committee. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
GRUNDMEYER, BASH, ALEMAN, HANNA, AND NEWTON
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
a)
Reserve Policy Draft
City Manager Sassoon introduced the Draft Reserve Policy report, discussing each reserve the City currently has and additional potential reserves.
Mayor Grundmeyer and City Council Members had questions and concerns related to potential reserve fund accounts, dissolving the Special Asset Fund and moving monies to the Economic Development Reserve.
City Manager Sassoon answered questions and addressed concerns. She gave feedback to the Council on the Special Asset Fund and the Economic Development Reserve.
Following further discussion and without formal motion
, the City Council approved the Draft Reserve Policy with dissolving the Special Asset Fund and moving the funds to the Economic Development Reserve.
CLOSED SESSION - 5:32
§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 Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9 1 potential case
§54954.5 Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Title: City Manager
RECONVENED PUBLIC SESSION
7:04 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
Council Member Katherine Aleman
INVOCATION
Pastor Erin Diaz
New Beginnings Community Church
PRESENTATIONS
Community Spirit Award - Su Bacon
Council Member Hanna presented the Community Spirit Award to Su Bacon for her outstanding commitment and service to the City of Norco.
Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control Update
Eric Ballejos, Public Information and Technology Officer, presented the Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control Spring update and answered questions from the City Council.
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 as Presented.
Item 2G was pulled for discussion.
M/S BASH/NEWTON Approve remainder of Consent Calendar as presented with Item 2G pulled for discussion. 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 May 17, 2023.
2.C.
Additional Appropriation of Funds for the Fire Station 47 Equipment Covers, Project No. 4505.5 Action: Approved additional appropriation of funds from Fund 142, Fire Improvement Fund in the amount of $48,054 with a 5% contingency.
2.D.
Approval of Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Senate Bill 1 Project List Action: Adopted
Resolution No. 2023-17
, approving FY 2023-24 Project List to be funded by Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account revenues created by Senate Bill 1.
2.E.
Approval of the creation of a Recycled Water Enterprise Fund and an inter-fund loan from the Sewer Fund to the Recycled Water Fund for the Recycled Water Infrastructure Project Action: Approved
Resolution No. 2023-18
to establish a Recycled Water Enterprise Fund and authorized an inter-fund transfer, loan and repayment obligation from the Sewer Fund to the newly established Recycled Water Enterprise Fund.
2.F.
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) Server Hardware Refresh Action: Approved the purchase of SCADA server hardware from GraybaR in the amount of $85,000.
2.H.
Amend Fiscal Years (FY) 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to appropriate an additional project and funding for the Valley View Avenue Waterline Replacement Project (Third Street to Third Street); and accept bids and award contract for the Valley View Avenue Waterline Replacement Project.
Action: Approved an amendment to the FY 2023-2027 CIP to appropriate an additional project and funding in the amount of $600,000 for the Valley View Avenue Waterline Replacement Project (Third Street to Third Street); and accepted bids and awarded contract for the Valley View Avenue Waterline Replacement Project to Dominguez General Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $518,680; and authorized the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to 10 percent of the total bid amount.
2.I.
Ratification of Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority Budget Action: Adopted
Resolution No. 2023-29,
approving the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority Budget, establishing rates to be charged for conveyance, treatment and disposal of wastewater.
2.J.
Amend Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to include additional funding for the First Street Rehabilitation Project; and accept bids and award contract for the First Street Rehabilitation Project.
Action: Approved an amendment to FY 2023-2027 CIP to include additional funding for the First Street Rehabilitation Project; accepted the bids and awarded a contract for the First Street Rehabilitation Project to Hillcrest Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $1,145,705; and authorized the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to 10 percent of the total bid amount.
2.K.
Amendment to the Communications Site License Agreement (Site Tower No. 204561) with ATC Ponderosa K, LLC.
Action: Approved amendment to License Agreement with ATC Ponderosa K, LLC; and adopted Resolution No. 2023-30
for the continued ground lease and new sublease to Dish Wireless, LLC for Cell Tower Site No. 204561.
2.L.
Additional Appropriation of Funds for The Barn Project (CIP Project No. 54410.1) Action: Approved appropriation of funds from the Measure R Fund in the amount of $472,000 for change orders primarily based on California Building Code Requirements, Fire Department Requirements, and Department of Industrial Relations Requirements for the project completion of The Barn.
3. ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
2.G.
Order of Procedure and Approve Resolutions Necessary for the Annual Assessment Levy Continuing Landscape Maintenance 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 Mayor Grundmeyer opened public comment.
Jodie Webber spoke as a LMD 4 Resident, she discussed issues with LMD tax dollars being spent without community involvement.
Mayor Grundmeyer closed public comment.
Council Member Newton had questions for City Manager Sassoon.
City Manager Sassoon answered questions and addressed concerns.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S BASH/GRUNDMEYER Adopt the following Resolutions approving the Preliminary Engineer’s Reports and the additional Resolutions providing for an Annual Levy of Assessments and setting the public hearing date for June 21, 2023, for each District.
Resolution No. 2023-19, LMD No. 1 (Beazer); Resolution No. 2023-20, LMD No. 2 (Western Pacific); Resolution No. 2023-21, LMD No. 3 (Centex); Resolution No. 2023-22, LMD No. 4 (Norco Ridge Ranch); Resolution No. 2023-23, LMD No. 5 (Hawk’s Crest), approving the Engineer’s Preliminary Report for the Annual Levy of Assessments for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 in said Districts.
Resolution No. 2023-24, LMD No. 1 (Beazer); Resolution No. 2023-25, LMD No. 2 (Western Pacific); Resolution No. 2023-26, LMD No. 3 (Centex); Resolution No. 2023-27, LMD No. 4 (Norco Ridge Ranch); Resolution No. 2023-28, LMD No. 5 (Hawk’s Crest), Declaring City’s Intention to Provide for an Annual Levy and Collection of Assessments for Certain Maintenance in an Existing District, and Setting a Time and Place for the Public Hearing.
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
Henry Langlois spoke about his desire to be part of the Youth Commissioner Program and his interest in the Planning Commission.
Lee Kleppe spoke regarding the traffic accident on 5th Street and Broken Lance. She stated it is a very dangerous area and a traffic study needs to be done to add either a speed bump or stop sign.
Sgt. Eckhoff thanked the City of Norco Staff for the great work done on the Memorial Day Ceremony.
Jodie Webber thanked staff for the wonderful service on Memorial Day, thanked Fire for cleaning up weeds on Vandermolen Drive and asked that the weeds at Valley Drive and Norco Hills Road be cleaned up as they are causing an issue with visibility for traffic.
5. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS
5.A.
Ordinance 1095, Second reading: Adding Norco Municipal Code Section 2.27 Establishing a Veterans Commission City Manager Sassoon introduced the item, updated the Council about the Veterans Committee meeting and their recommended changes to the Ordinance.
Council Member Aleman had brief comments and questions.
Chair of Veterans Committee Geoff Kahan discussed the recommended changes and answered the questions of Council Member Aleman.
Mayor Grundmeyer opened public comment.
Geoff Kahan stated he had nothing further to add.
Mayor Grundmeyer closed public comment.
Following discussion, motion was made to approve amended Ordinance, requiring a third reading at the next City Council meeting.
M/S BASH/GRUNDMEYER Amend Ordinance No.1095 to include recommendations presented by the Veterans Committee and return to City Council for third reading. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
GRUNDMEYER, BASH, ALEMAN, HANNA, AND NEWTON
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
5.B.
Ordinance No.1096, Second Reading: 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. Ordinance No.1097, Second Reading: 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.
Ordinance No.1098, Second Reading: 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 50,000 in the M-1 Zone and within the Industrial District of the Gateway Specific Plan.
M/S BASH/GRUNDMEYER Adopt Ordinance No.1096, Second Reading: 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, Second Reading: 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, Second Reading: 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 square feet 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
6. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEM(S)
6.A.
Discussion regarding the next steps for development of the Solid Waste Franchise Contract Public Works Director Blais introduced the item.
Mayor Grundmeyer opened public comment.
Public Sector Manager from Waste Management Glenda Chavez, spoke on behalf of Waste Management asking the Council to give Waste Management a chance to negotiate before going out to public bid on services.
Mayor Grundmeyer closed public comment.
Mayor Grundmeyer and Council Members discussed the pros and cons of the RFP process and asked questions of staff.
Staff answered questions and addressed concerns.
Following discussion, motion was made to conduct a full request for proposal process.
M/S GRUNDMEYER/ALEMAN direct staff to conduct a full request for proposal process. 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.
Rate Adjustments Proposed by Waste Management of the Inland Empire for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24.
Public Works Director Blais presented report.
Mayor Grundmeyer and Council Members had questions and comments that were addressed by staff.
Mayor Grundmeyer opened public comment.
There were no public comments at this time.
Mayor Grundmeyer closed public comment.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S ALEMAN/BASH Adopt Resolution No.2023-31, approving adjustments to trash service fees as a result of Waste Management Cost of Living and Pass-through Adjustments for FY 2023-24.
The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
GRUNDMEYER, BASH, ALEMAN, AND HANNA
NOES:
NEWTON
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
6.C.
Annual Review on Accessory Building Regulations of the Norco Municipal Code Chapter 18.68 “Accessory Building Use Permits" Alma presented report and clarified some concerns.
Mayor Pro Tem and Council Members had clarifying questions and concerns that were addressed by staff.
Mayor Grundmeyer opened public comment.
Mike Thompson stated he did not need to speak; his questions were answered.
Bill Naylor spoke about issues he had regarding lowering the elevation, rv parking accommodation, containers and why we need a building permit.
Mayor Grundmeyer closed public comment.
Following discussion, motion was made to move forward with code amendments and return the item to Planning Commission for further review.
M/S GRUNDMEYER/NEWTON Concur with the Planning Commission recommendations in response to the annual review of Norco Municipal Code (NMC) Chapter 18.68 "Accessory Building Use Permits" and return item to Planning Commission for further detailed review. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
GRUNDMEYER, BASH, ALEMAN, HANNA, AND NEWTON
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
6.D.
Request for a Twelve-Month Extension of Time for Approved Tentative Parcel Map 37939 (Frontier Homes II, LLC) Council Member Aleman recused herself from the dais at this time.
Community Development Director Robles presented report.
Council Member Newton asked for clarification on the entitlements.
Community Development Director Robles clarified entitlements.
Mayor Grundmeyer opened public comment.
Scott Sommer, Attorney for Frontier Homes, spoke regarding the request for extension.
Mayor Grundmeyer closed public comment.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S GRUNDMEYER/BASH Approve a request for a twelve-month extension to record a final map corresponding with Tentative Parcel Map 37939, with a new expiration date of September 7, 2024.
The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
GRUNDMEYER, BASH, HANNA, AND NEWTON
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
ALEMAN
6.E.
Approve Professional Services Contract with Sargent Town Planning for the General Plan Update.
Community Development Director Robles introduced new Senior Planner Vince Acuna and introduced Consultant Jean Ward to present report.
Ms. Ward presented report on the purpose of the General Plan and why update is important for the City. She introduced the Sargent Town Planning Team and their schedule, scope of work and budget for the City of Norco General Plan Project.
Mayor and Council Members asked clarifying questions and discussed concerns.
Ms. Ward answered questions and addressed concerns.
Mayor Grundmeyer opened public comment.
Mike Thompson spoke about doing outreach with the viewers.
Mayor Grundmeyer closed public comment.
Following further discussion, motion was made.
M/S BASH/GRUNDMEYER
Approve a Professional Consultant Services Contract with Sargent Town Planning for consulting services for a comprehensive update to the City of Norco General Plan, in an amount not-to-exceed $1,199,902 over a 28-month time frame.
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
Public Works Director Blais reminded Council and the Community that the Community Clean Up Event was scheduled for Saturday June 10, 2023.
Mayor Pro Tem Bash asked Facilities and Maintenance Director for historic pictures they had previously discussed.
Mayor Pro Tem Bash requested staff to research Equine Insurance if Cities get involved with this type of insurance.
Mayor Pro Tem Bash asked about smaller building setbacks.
City Manager Sassoon addressed.
Council Member Aleman asked about the 5th Street Traffic Study and asked staff to follow up.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Grundmeyer adjourned the meeting at 9:30 pm.
_________________________________
Dana Roa, CMC
City Clerk