MINUTES
City Council
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
City Council Chamber – Norco City Hall
2820 Clark Avenue, Norco, CA 92860
CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM
ROLL CALL Kevin Bash, Mayor
Greg Newton, Mayor Pro Tem
Katherine Aleman, Council Member
Robin Grundmeyer, Council Member
Berwin Hanna, Council Member
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Bash adjourned to Closed Session and City Attorney Burns read the Closed Session Items into the record.
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
Pursuant to Government Code §54954.5
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
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: 1 Potential Case
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATION
Property: APN: 131-130-026 (4081 Sierra)
City Negotiator: City Manager
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code §54957
Title: City Manager
RECONVENE PUBLIC SESSION 7:09 PM
REPORT OF ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Burns stated that there were no reportable actions taken in Closed Session and that Conference with Real Property Negotiation and Public Employee City Council Minutes - May 15, 2024
Performance Evaluation was not heard but will be continued after the Regular Meeting.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council Member Hanna
INVOCATION Pastor Daniel Kitheka
Beacon Hill Assembly of God
PRESENTATIONS
Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Proclamation
Mayor Bash presented the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Proclamation and Noelani's Halau O Hula Mo'olelo performed a traditional dance.
National Preservation Month Proclamation
Mayor Bash presented the National Preservation Month Proclamation and Heritage Room Administrative Aide Wheeler thanked City Council and spoke on the opening of the Heritage Room on June 1, 2024, as part of the annual Ranch Tour.
WRCOG - Demographics and Development Trends
WRCOG Deputy Executive Director, Chris Gray, presented the report on Demographics and Development Trends.
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. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Donald Mitchell spoke regarding an issue with water drainage on his property.
Bonnie Slager spoke regarding construction taking place on Valley View Avenue and Corona Avenue with no signs stating the horse trails were closed.
Greg Bowen thanked City Council and City Staff for the Waste Management Town Hall Meeting that took place on May 6, 2024.
Bill Naylor complimented Public Works Director Blais and Facilities and Maintenance Superintendent Shank and thanked them both for their hard work.
City Council Minutes - May 15, 2024
Judy Bonham spoke regarding her concerns for the General Plan and the Sixth Street proposals.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
Approval of the Consent Calendar as Presented.
Mayor Bash pulled item 3.H. for discussion.
M/S NEWTON/ALEMAN Approve the Consent Calendar as Presented. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, NEWTON, ALEMAN, GRUNDMEYER, AND HANNA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
3.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.
3.B. Approval of City Council Regular Meeting Minutes.
Action: Approved the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of May 1, 2024.
3.C. Ratification of Fiscal Year 2024-25 Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority Budget
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2024-33, approving the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority Budget, establishing rates to be charged for conveyance, treatment and disposal of wastewater.
3.D. Approve Licensing Agreement with Saddle Sore Saloon for the use of the Parking Lot at California Avenue and Sixth Street
Action: Approved Licensing Agreement with Saddle Sore Saloon for the use of the parking lot at California Avenue and Sixth Street.
City Council Minutes - May 15, 2024
3.E. Approve Additional Design Services with Plump Engineering for the City Hall Lobby Project
Action: Approved Additional Design Services with Plump Engineering for the City Hall Lobby Project in the amount of $17,800.
3.F. Acceptance of Proposals and Award Contract to Design West Engineering for Design Services for the Fire Station 47 HVAC Replacement Project Action: Accepted proposals and awarded contract to Design West Engineering for design and services for the Fire Station 47 HVAC Replacement Project in the amount of $57,732 and authorized the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to 10% of the original contract.
3.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
Action: Adopted 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 5, 2024, for each District.
Resolution No. 2024-23, LMD No. 1 (Beazer); Resolution No. 2024-24, LMD No. 2 (Western Pacific); Resolution No. 2024-25, LMD No. 3 (Centex); Resolution No. 2024-26, LMD No. 4 (Norco Ridge Ranch); Resolution No. 2024-27, LMD No. 5 (Hawk’s Crest), approving the Engineer’s Preliminary Report for the Annual Levy of Assessments for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 in said Districts; Resolution No. 2024-28, LMD No. 1 (Beazer); Resolution No. 2024-29, LMD No. 2 (Western Pacific); Resolution No. 2024-30, LMD No. 3 (Centex); Resolution No. 2024-31, LMD No. 4 (Norco Ridge Ranch); Resolution No. 2024-32, 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.
3.I. Recap of Actions Taken by the Planning Commission at its Meeting Held on May 8, 2024
Action: Received and filed the recap of actions taken by the Planning Commission at its meeting held on May 8, 2024.
City Council Minutes - May 15, 2024
3.J. Amend Existing Agreement with Flock Group Inc. for Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR)
Action: Authorized the City Manager to increase contract by $5,000 for the annual cost associated with the Flock Safety ALPR fixed cameras.
4. ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
3.H. Riverside County Sheriff's Contract Renewal
Mayor Bash thanked the Riverside County Sheriff's Office and all the deputies for their hard work and made a motion to approve the agreement.
M/S BASH/ALEMAN Approve the agreement for Law Enforcement Services through June 30, 2029. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, NEWTON, ALEMAN, GRUNDMEYER, AND HANNA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
5. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEM(S)
5.A. Review Options and Consider Staff Recommendation for the Replacement of the Pikes Peak Park Playground Replacement Project
Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton presented the report, recommending Option 5 for the replacement of the playground.
Great Western Recreation Consultant, Myles Harvey, presented additional information on the playground.
Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton and Consultant Harvey answered questions and addressed concerns from Council Members.
Mayor Bash opened Public Comment.
Judy Bonham had a question regarding the reasoning for the replacement of the playground and had concerns for the pricing of the recommended option.
Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton answered the question and addressed her concerns.
City Council Minutes - May 15, 2024
Greg Bowen spoke regarding his concern for the horseshoe pits and not wanting them removed. He spoke in support of the recommended option and would even like to see a playground for horses.
Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton confirmed the horseshoe pits would not be removed.
Mayor Bash closed Public Comment.
Mayor Bash and Council Members spoke regarding their support for the recommended option to replace the Pikes Peak Park Playground.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S BASH/ALEMAN Approve Staff Recommendation of Option 5 for the Pikes Peak Park Playground Replacement Project. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, NEWTON, ALEMAN, GRUNDMEYER, AND HANNA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
5.B. Resolution Revising the Enforcement Provisions of the City's Code of Ethics.
City Attorney Burns presented the report on the City's Code of Ethics.
City Manager Sassoon answered questions and addressed concerns from Council Member Grundmeyer.
Mayor Bash opened Public Comment.
Larry Eckhoff spoke regarding his concerns for the Code of Ethics and his concern that free speech is being stifled.
Geoff Kahan spoke regarding his concerns for the Code of Ethics and his concern for the First Amendment.
Mayor Bash closed Public Comment.
City Attorney Burns answered questions and addressed concerns from the
City Council Minutes - May 15, 2024
Council Members.
Mayor Bash and Council Members discussed their concerns for the Code of Ethics.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S ALEMAN/GRUNDMEYER Adopt a Resolution Revising the Enforcement Provisions of the City’s Code of Ethics. The Motion was DEFEATED. by the following roll call vote:
AYES: ALEMAN AND GRUNDMEYER
NOES: BASH, NEWTON, AND HANNA
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Following motion to repeal Resolution 2021-12.
M/S ALEMAN/GRUNDMEYER Repeal Resolution 2021-12. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, ALEMAN, AND GRUNDMEYER
NOES: NEWTON AND HANNA
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
5.C. Discussion of Preliminary Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operating and Capital Operating Budgets
City Manager Sassoon introduced the continuation of the budget discussion.
City Manager Sassoon and Finance Director Free answered questions and addressed concerns.
Mayor Bash and Council Members discussed the need for more time to review and discuss the budget in an additional workshop.
Following discussion and without formal motion, a Budget Workshop is to be added to a future Meeting Agenda.
City Council Minutes - May 15, 2024
Mayor Bash called for a brief recess at 9:01PM.
Mayor Bash readjourned the meeting at 9:08PM.
6. PUBLIC HEARING(S)
6.A. Ordinance No. 1113: First Reading, Approving Code Amendment 2024-01 (City of Norco): A City Initiated Amendment To Title 15, Section 15.30.020 "Hours Of Construction Activity" And Title 9, Section 9.07.20 "Noise Regulations, Exemptions", To Clarify The Allowable Hours Of Construction For Building Projects In The City Of Norco.
Community Development Director Robles introduced the item.
Building Official Raney presented the report on Ordinance No. 1113.
Building Official Raney answered questions and addressed concerns from Council Members.
Mayor Bash opened Public Comment.
Bill Naylor spoke regarding his concerns for homeowners having the ability to do work on the weekends.
Greg Bowen spoke regarding his concerns for homeowners having the ability to do work on the weekends as many work during the week.
Mayor Bash closed Public Comment.
Community Development Director Robles and Building Official Raney answered questions and addressed concerns from the Council Members.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S BASH/NEWTON Adopt Ordinance No. 1113, First Reading, Approving Code Amendment 2024-01 (City of Norco): A City Initiated Amendment To Title 15, Section 15.30.020 "Hours Of Construction Activity" And Title 9, Section 9.07.20 "Noise Regulations, Exemptions", To Clarify The Allowable Hours Of Construction For Building Projects In The City Of Norco. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, NEWTON, ALEMAN, AND GRUNDMEYER
NOES: HANNA
City Council Minutes - May 15, 2024
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
6.B. First Reading: Ordinance No. 1116 Amending Norco Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 9.07 - Noise Regulations
City Attorney Burns presented the report on Ordinance No. 1116.
Lieutenant Hall answered questions and addressed concerns from Mayor Pro Tem Newton and Council Member Hanna.
City Attorney Burns and City Manager Sassoon answered questions and addressed concerns from Council Member Grundmeyer regarding Section
9.07.080, Subsection (D).
Mayor Bash opened Public Comment.
There were no public comments at this time.
Mayor Bash closed Public Comment.
City Manager Sassoon and Lieutenant Hall answered questions and addressed concerns from the Council Members.
Council Member Hanna made a motion to approve the Ordinance as presented but withdrew the motion to allow Council Member Grundmeyer to make the addition of the removal of Section 9.07.080, Subsection (D).
Council Member Grundmeyer read Section 9.07.080, Subsection (D) and made a motion.
M/S GRUNDMEYER/NEWTON Adopt First Reading: Ordinance No. 1116 to Amend Norco Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 9.07 - Noise Regulations with Section
9.07.080, Subsection (D) to be removed from the Municipal Code. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, NEWTON, ALEMAN, GRUNDMEYER, AND HANNA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
6.C. Ordinance No. 1115, First Reading: Amending Norco Municipal Code Chapter
8.04 “Running at Large”. Code Amendment 2024-03
City Council Minutes - May 15, 2024
Animal Services Superintendent Sparks III presented the report on Ordinance No. 1115.
Animal Services Superintendent Sparks III answered questions and addressed concerns from the Council Members.
Mayor Bash opened Public Comment.
Greg Bowen spoke regarding his concerns for the Ordinance and that poultry/fowl should be able to roam freely.
Mayor Bash closed Public Comment.
Mayor Bash spoke regarding the history of the Municipal Code regarding poultry/fowl running at large.
City Attorney Burns made a recommendation to adjust the language to clarify Section 8.04.010, Subsection (B).
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S BASH/GRUNDMEYER Adopt Ordinance No. 1115, First Reading (City of Norco): An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Norco, California, Amending the Norco Municipal Code Chapter 8.04 “Running at Large” to modify fowl/poultry requirements, approve Code Amendment 2024-03, and schedule Second Reading on June 5, 2024, with the amendment to clarify language in Section 8.04.010, Subsection (B) as stated by City Attorney. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, NEWTON, ALEMAN, GRUNDMEYER, AND HANNA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
7. CITY COUNCIL / STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member Hanna wanted to recognize the passing of community member, Jim Brooks, and spoke of the accomplishments throughout his lifetime.
Mayor Bash adjourned to Closed Session at 10:13 PM in honor of Jim Brooks.
8. ADJOURNMENT
City Council Minutes - May 15, 2024
Mayor Bash adjourned Closed Session at 10:28 PM.
City Attorney Burns stated there were no reportable actions.
Mayor Bash adjourned the meeting at 10:29 PM.
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Dana Roa, CMC
City Clerk