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MINUTES
City Council
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
City Council Chamber – Norco City Hall
2820 Clark Avenue, Norco, CA 92860
CALLED TO ORDER
6:00 PM
ROLL CALL
Robin Grundmeyer, Mayor
Kevin Bash, Mayor Pro Tem
Katherine Aleman, Council Member
Berwin Hanna, Council Member
Greg Newton, Council Member
CLOSED SESSIONS
Mayor Grundmeyer adjourned to Closed Sessions at 6:01 p.m.
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
Agency designated representatives: City Manager Sassoon Employee organization: Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO Local 606
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: APN: 133-080-010
City Negotiator: City Manager Lori Sassoon
Negotiating parties: City of Norco
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: 2 potential cases
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: 1004 Parkridge (APN 119-070-021)
Agency negotiator: City Manager
Negotiating parties: City of Norco and NewCastle Partners, INC Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL--EXISTING LITIGATION
Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9
Name of case: FPPC Case No. 18/789 - Norco, et al.
RECONVENED PUBLIC SESSION
7:08 PM
REPORT OF ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Burns reported that there were no reportable actions taken in Closed Sessions at this time and continued Closed Sessions to end of meeting.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Katherine Aleman
INVOCATION
Pastor Michelle Ehrenberg
The Redeemer's Community Church
PRESENTATIONS
City Spirit Award
Council Member Aleman presented the Community Spirit Award to Victoria Leonard, with Everything Boutique, for her outstanding commitment and service to the City of Norco.
RECOGNITION
Finance Department
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award Finance Director Free provided background of what the Certificate of Achievement awarded to the Finance Department is about and recognized her staff for their hard work.
Mayor Grundmeyer and the City Council recognized the Finance Department for their hard work and excellence to the City.
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)
Approval of Consent Calendar
Items 2.D. and 2.L. were pulled for discussion by Council Member Newton. Item 2.M. was pulled by Mayor Pro Tem Bash for discussion.
Motion was made to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
M/S ALEMAN/BASH Approve Consent Calendar as presented, with Items 2D, 2L and 2 M 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 Special Meeting and Regular Meeting Minutes Action: Approved the City Council Regular and Special Meeting Minutes of August 2, 2023, Special Meeting Minutes of August 8, Regular Meeting Minutes of August 16, 2023, and Special Meeting Minutes of August 24, 2023.
2.C.
Approval and Adoption of Resolution Certifying the Public Hearing to Invite Public Non-Profit Agencies to Certify the means to Readily Provide Proposed Senior Transportation as being requested from Caltrans FTA Traditional 5310 Projects Grant Application.
Action: Adopted Resolution No.
2023-56,
certifying the public hearing to invite public non-profit agencies to certify the means to readily provide proposed senior transportation as being requested from Caltrans FTA Traditional 5310 Projects Grant Application.
2.E.
Amendment of FY 2023-27 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to include additional funding for the MDP Line N-1G Storm Drain Project and authorization to increase contract amount for the Norco MDP Line N-1G Storm Drain Project Action: Appropriated additional funding in the amount of $49,000 for FY 2023-27 CIP storm drain fund and approved additional contract amount of $49,000 for the Norco MDP Line N-1G Storm Drain Project.
2.F.
Approval of contract for professional public works inspection services.
Action: Approved the award of contract to Z&K Consultants, Inc. to provide professional inspection services for the Public Works Department for fiscal year 2023-24 in an amount not to exceed $220,000.
2.G.
Acceptance of Right-of-Way Dedication on Bluff Street (APN 121-050-001) Action: Accepted the dedication of street right-of-way at APN 121-050-001 on Bluff Street, authorized the Mayor to sign the Certificate of Acceptance, and authorize the City Clerk to record the Grant Deed.
2.H.
Revise currently vacant Utility Maintenance Worker to a Water Quality Control Technician Position for Public Works Action: Approved adjusting the recently approved full-time Utility Maintenance Work position to a full-time Water Quality Control Technician.
2.I.
Purchase of 2024 Ford F-150 Pickup Truck from Hemborg Ford Action: Approved the quote from Hemborg Ford, Norco, CA, for one (1) 2024 Ford F-150 Pickup Truck and authorized the City Manager to approve a purchase order in the amount of $57,053.
2.J.
Purchase of 2024 Ford F-650 Service Truck from PB Loader Corporation Action: Approved quote from PB Loader Corporation, Fresno, CA, for one (1) 2024 Ford F-650 Service Truck and authorize the City Manager to approve a purchase order in the amount of $201,842.
2.K.
Adoption of a Resolution by the City Council authorizing the extension of the service fee collected on behalf of the Riverside County Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (AVA) Service Authority until May 2034 Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2023-58, authorizing the extension of the service fee collected on behalf of the Riverside County AVA Service Authority until May 2034
2.N.
Approve Advertising of the Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Services Request for Proposal Action: Approved advertising the Request for Proposal for Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Services for the City of Norco.
2.O.
A request for approval of a two-year extension on the existing contract with Willdan for the Building and Planning Division contractual services.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to extend the existing contract with Willdan for two additional years.
3. ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
2.D.
Approve the Position Title and Salary Range for Planning Aide (PT) Council Member Newton had questions and concerns related to the workload in the Planning Department and the budgeted amount.
Finance Director Free answered questions and addressed concerns.
Council Member Newton requested a list of part-time employees to include where they are working and cost to budget from staff.
Mayor Grundmeyer discussed the errors in the staff report and stated no action could be taken due to errors.
Following discussion, no action was taken on this item.
2.L.
Purchase of 2024 Ford F-350 Service Truck from PB Loader Corporation Council Member Newton had questions and concerns on the Admin Policy for purchasing vehicles.
Public Works Director Blais answered questions and addressed concerns.
Council Member Hanna had questions and concerns that were addressed by Public Works Director Blais.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S ALEMAN/HANNA
Approve quote from PB Loader Corporation, Fresno, CA, for one (1) 2024 Ford F-350 Service Truck and authorized the City Manager to approve a purchase order in the amount of $130,476. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
GRUNDMEYER, BASH, ALEMAN, AND HANNA
NOES:
NEWTON
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
2.M.
Consideration of approval of Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with California Strategies for project management services related to the RTRP undergrounding Council Member Bash asked City Manager Sassoon to give background on the RTRP Project with California Strategies.
City Manager Sassoon discussed the issues and what California Strategies is doing for the City.
Council Member Bash gave history to the RTRP project.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S BASH/NEWTON Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with California Strategies and the related budget appropriation.
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
Bonnie Slager discussed the cost burden for renting bleachers for community groups and asked that the City Council revisit the bleacher purchase item.
Sam Albrecht with Corona Norco Family YMCA discussed programming that they offer.
Tammy Norman thanked City Staff on all the events and the work that the City Manager is doing.
5. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS
5.A.
Second Reading:
Ordinance 1099: Code Amendment 2023-05(City of Norco), a City initiated amendment to the Norco Municipal Code, Title 1 – "General Provisions", Chapter 1.05 – ”Administrative Citations”, to align with Government Code 36900 with respect to fine schedules, with fines imposed for Building Code violations and Short Term Rentals to be assessed at higher levels than General violations; Ordinance 1100: Code Amendment 2023-06 (City of Norco), a City initiated amendment to the Norco Municipal Code, Title 6 – “Health and Sanitation”., Chapter 6.22 – “Public Nuisance Abatement”, to adopt a process for immediate issuance of a Notice to Abate; to change the process for a hearing to occur; and to permit summary abatement by the City of hazardous nuisances on private property; and Ordinance 1101: Code Amendment 2023-07 (City of Norco), a City initiated amendment to the Norco Municipal Code Title 15 – “Building and Construction”, Chapter 15.01 - Administrative Provisions for Title 15" and to Chapter 15.06 – “Housing Code”, to replace the Housing Code with the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code, which will now include the Housing Code and Dangerous Buildings Code.
Nothing
M/S BASH/NEWTON Adopt Ordinance No.1099, Second Reading, approving Code Amendment 2023-05; Adopt Ordinance No.1100, Second Reading, approving Code Amendment 2023-06; and Adopt Ordinance No. 1101, Second Reading, approving Code Amendment 2023-07.
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.
Review of the Draft Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Legalization Program Community Development Director Robles presented the review of the Draft Accessory Dwelling Unit Legalization Program with fee incentive.
Mayor Pro Tem Bash and Council Members Aleman, Hanna and Newton had questions and concerns for staff.
Community Development Director Robles and City Manager Sassoon discussed concerns and answered questions.
Mayor Grundmeyer opened Public Comment.
Randy Maroney spoke regarding the difficulties with his ADU project and dealing with the city.
Mayor Grundmeyer closed Public Comment.
Following further discussion and without formal motion, City Manager Sassoon will work with staff to bring back and resolution at a later date with more information.
That the City Council review the program and provide input.
7. PUBLIC HEARING(S)
7.A.
Appeal Hearing: An appeal of the Planning Commission’s approval of Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 2023-07 (Cook), which allowed a total of 38 animal units and 7 dogs, with the number of dogs subject to a sunset clause at 4680 Pedley Avenue within the A-1 (Agricultural, Low Density) Zone. (APN: 153-150-020).
Mayor Pro Tem Bash excused himself from the dais at this time.
Senior Planner Acuna presented the appeal of the Planning Commission’s approval of Conditional Use Permit 2023-07 (Cook), which allowed a total of 38 animal units and 7 dogs, with the number of dogs subject to a sunset clause at 4680 Pedley Avenue within the A-1 (Agricultural, Low Density) Zone. Applicant is requesting that the City Council allow a total of 40 animal units and 7 dogs, with the number of dogs subject to sunset clause.
Mayor Grundmeyer and Council Members Aleman, Newton and Hanna had questions and concerns for staff.
Community Development Director Robles and Animal Control Superintendent Sparks answered questions and addressed concerns.
Mayor Grunmeyer opened the Public Hearing.
Mallory Cleveland spoke in favor of Tesoro farms adding 2 additional animal units.
Jessica Townsend spoke in favor of Tesoro Farms adding 2 additional animal units.
Christine Cattabiano spoke against Tesor Farms adding 2 additional units due to poor treatment of horses, dog has been getting out of property and 1998 permit was not renewed.
Lori Peacock Norco Resident spoke in favor of Tesoro farms adding 2 additional animal units.
Alexandra Moller contested the CUP, stated there is no Fire Evacuation Protocol, flooded stalls, and other unsafe issues.
Zack Meijer spoke in favor of Tesoro farms adding 2 additional animal units Charis Matthews spoke in favor of Tesoro farms adding 2 additional animal units.
Gracee Cook and Shaylee spoke in favor of Tesoro farms adding 2 additional animal units.
Gloria Link spoke in favor of Tesoro farms adding 2 additional animal units.
Judy bonham spoke in favor of Tesoro farms adding 2 additional animal units.
Haley Rizuto spoke against Tesoro farms adding 2 additional animal units, stating farm is unsafe.
Justine Rizuto spoke against Tesoro farms adding 2 additional animal units, stating unsafe and unhealthy conditions.
Christina Olmos spoke in favor of Tesoro farms adding 2 additional animal units.
Mayor Grundmeyer closed the Public Hearing.
Following further discussion, motion was made.
M/S NEWTON/GRUNDMEYER Uphold the Planning Commission’s decision for CUP 2023-07 to allow 38 animal units and 7 dogs with the number of dogs subject to a sunset clause. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
GRUNDMEYER, ALEMAN, HANNA, AND NEWTON
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
BASH
7.B.
Public Hearing for First Reading:
Ordinance No. 1102, Zone Code Amendment 2023-04 (City of Norco): A City-Initiated proposal to amend Norco Municipal Code Title 18 – “Zoning”, Chapter 18.68 – “Accessory Building Use Permits”, to amend the provisions/regulations for Large Vehicle Parking Buildings, and for buildings 240 square feet and under.
Ordinance No. 1103, Zone Code Amendment 2023-05 (City of Norco): A City-Initiated proposal to amend Norco Municipal Code Title 18 – “Zoning”, Chapter 18.31 – “General Provisions – Yards, Setbacks, and Height Exceptions”, to amend the provisions/regulations for roof overhangs/eaves in the required setback areas.
Ordinance No. 1104 Code Amendment 2023-04 (City of Norco): A City-Initiated proposal to amend Norco Municipal Code Title 15 – “Building and Construction”, Chapter 15.02 – “Building Code”, Section 15.02.150 – Conversion of Cargo Carriers, to allow cargo carriers/metal storage containers 240 square feet and under without approval of a conditional use permit, on properties zoned for residential, subject to the requirements of Chapter 18.68 Chapter 18.68 – “Accessory Building Use Permits” of the Norco Municipal Code Community Development Director Robles presented Ordinance Nos. 1102 and 1103, Zone Code Amendments 2023-04 and 2023-05 and Ordinance No. 1104, Code Amendment 2023-04 for first reading all related to Accessory Building Use Permits.
Mayor and Council Members had questions and concerns for staff.
Community Development Director Robles answered questions and discussed concerns.
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 BASH/GRUNDMEYER Adopt Ordinance No. 1102, approving Zone Code Amendment 2023-04l; Adopt Ordinance No. 1103, approving Zone Code Amendment 2023-05; and Adopt Ordinance No. 1104, approving Code Amendment 2023-04.
The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
GRUNDMEYER, BASH, ALEMAN, HANNA, AND NEWTON
NOES:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
8. CITY COUNCIL / STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member Newton talked about the Saturday Senior Breakfast, he thanked Facility's and Maintenance Director Hamilton for the shelter at Stationh47, and discussed fence Ordinance.
Council Member Aleman thanked volunteers and staff for our great City events.
Council Member Bash thanked staff for hard work on Norco Fair.
Mayor Grundmeyer thanked Facility's and Maintenance Director Hamilton for hard work and the beautiful barn.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Grundmeyer adjourned the meeting at 10:03 p.m. to Closed Sessions.
City Attorney Burns stated there was nothing to report in Closed Sessions.
Mayor Grundmeyer adjourned meeting at 10:38 p.m.
_________________________________
Dana Roa, CMC
City Clerk