MINUTES
City Council
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
City Council Chamber – Norco City Hall
2820 Clark Avenue, Norco, CA 92860
CALL TO ORDER 4:00 PM
ROLL CALL Kevin Bash, Mayor
Greg Newton, Mayor Pro Tem
Katherine Aleman, Council Member
Robin Grundmeyer, Council Member
Berwin Hanna, Council Member
BUDGET WORKSHOP
A. Discussion of Preliminary Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operating and Capital Improvement Program Budgets
City Manager Sassoon reviewed the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operating and Capital Improvement Program Budgets.
City Manager Sassoon, Finance Director Free, Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton and Lieutenant Hall answered questions and addressed concerns from Council Members.
Mayor Bash opened Public Comment.
There were no public comments at this time.
Mayor Bash closed Public Comment.
Mayor Bash and Council Members discussed allocation of funds and areas within the budget that are to be reviewed for necessity.
Mayor Bash and Council Members discussed the need for a separate meeting to set City Council priorities for the future and an agendized discussion regarding League of California Cities and Contract Cities.
Mayor Bash adjourned to Closed Session 6:06 PM.
CLOSED SESSIONS
City Attorney Burns read the Closed Session items into the record.
City Council Minutes - June 5, 2024
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATION
Property: APN: 131-130-026
City Negotiator: City Manager
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: APN: 126-050-002, 126-050-004 & 129-380-010
Agency negotiator: City Manager
Negotiating Parties: City of Norco
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
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
RECONVENE PUBLIC SESSION 7:03 PM
REPORT OF ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSIONS
City Attorney Burns stated that there were no reportable actions taken in Closed Session.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Bash
INVOCATION Pastor Rene Parish
Beacon Hill Assembly of God
PRESENTATION
Life Saving Recognition
Mayor Bash presented certificates to the individuals involved in two lifesaving incidents.
Lieutenant Hall and Chief Otterman spoke regarding the incidents and the heroic efforts of those involved.
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
City Council Minutes - June 5, 2024
community organizations.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Judy Bonham spoke regarding the General Plan and provided City Council with a letter outlining her thoughts and ideas for the General Plan.
Geoff Kahan spoke regarding the Memorial Ceremony and thanked Staff for their hard work and City Council for their participation. He thanked Facilities and Maintenance Supervisor Ireland for all of her support and hard work throughout the years and wished her the best in retirement.
Bill Naylor spoke regarding his concern with E-bikes and other motorized bicycles not abiding by traffic laws.
Mike Williams spoke regarding the success of the event for the West Coast Thunder Ride and thanked the Veterans Commission, City Staff and Volunteers for their hard work. He invited Mayor Bash to an upcoming event that is being planned for the IE Harley Owners Group.
Su Bacon spoke regarding the Lake Norconian Club Foundation and provided an open invitation to all for the Gala on June 29, 2024 at Galleano Winery.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
a) Approval of the Consent Calendar as Presented.
M/S GRUNDMEYER/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.
City Council Minutes - June 5, 2024
3.B. Approval of City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
Action: Approved the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of May 15, 2024.
3.C. Increasing Revenue, Appropriation and Expenditure from the FY 2023 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Program in the Amount of $17,892 for Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Upgrades And Establishing the Fire Chief as the Authorized Agent in Any Actions Necessary for the Purpose of Obtaining Federal Financial Assistance Provided by the Federal Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Sub-Granted through the State of California Office of Emergency Services
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2024-34, accepting EMPG funds in amount of $8,946 and agreeing to match with a contribution of $8,946 for upgrades and enhancements to the EOC, and identifying the Fire Chief as the Authorized Agent to act on behalf of the City of Norco in any actions necessary for the purpose of obtaining Federal financial assistance provided by the Federal Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and sub-granted through the California Office of Emergency Services.
3.D. Cooperative Funding Agreement between the City of Norco and the Riverside County Flood Control & Water Conservation District for the North Drive & Grulla 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 North Drive & Grulla 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.
3.E. Acceptance of Tender Agreement, bid and award of Contract for the MDP Line N-4 Storm Drain Project
Action: Approved the Tender Agreement between the City and Gray Casualty & Surety Company; awarded a contract to Kirtley Construction, Inc. dba TK Construction for construction of the MDP Line N-4 Storm Drain Project in the amount of $2,041,230; approved the appropriation in the amount of $637,677; and authorized the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to 10 percent of the total bid amount
3.F. Acceptance of Proposals and Award of Multi-Year Contract for On-Call SCADA Integration Services
City Council Minutes - June 5, 2024
Action: Accepted the proposal submitted for On-Call SCADA Integration Services, awarded a multi-year contract to CDM Smith dba CDM Constructors Inc. located in Rancho Cucamonga, California, and authorized the City Manager to issue a purchase order in an amount not-to-exceed $180,000 annually for Fiscal Years 2024-2025 through 2026-2027.
3.G. Approval of List of Construction Firms to Provide Emergency On-Call Construction Services
Action: Approved the list of construction firms to provide emergency on-call construction services for fiscal years 2024-25 to 2026-27.
3.H. Acceptance of Proposals and Award of Multi-Year Contract for Sanitary Sewer and Storm Drain Maintenance Services
Action: Accepted proposals and awarded a multi-year Sanitary Sewer and Storm Drain Maintenance Services contract to Houston & Harris PCS, Inc. located in Grand Terrace, California, in an amount not-to-exceed $300,000 annually for Fiscal Years 2024-25 through 2026-27.
3.I. Approving Multiple Vendors to Provide Waterworks Parts Supplies for Fiscal Year 2024-25
Action: Authorized the City Manager to issue open purchase orders for the waterworks parts supplies in a not-to-exceed cumulative amount of $250,000 for Fiscal Year 2024-
25. 3.J. Approval of Contract for Design Services for PFAS Treatment System for Groundwater Wells
Action: Approved a contract with NCS Engineers for design services to add Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) treatment system to the existing Bluff Groundwater Treatment Plant and authorized the City Manager to issue a purchase order in the amount not to exceed $669,027.
4. ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
There were no items pulled from the Consent Calendar.
5. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS
City Council Minutes - June 5, 2024
5.A. Ordinance No. 1113: Second 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.
Mayor Pro Tem Newton spoke regarding his concern with enforcement of construction on Sundays.
There were no further questions or concerns from Council Members.
Mayor Bash opened Public Comment.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Bash closed Public Comment.
Motion was made.
M/S ALEMAN/HANNA Adopt Ordinance No. 1113, Second 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 DEFEATED by the following roll call vote:
AYES: ALEMAN AND HANNA
NOES: BASH, NEWTON, AND GRUNDMEYER
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
5.B. Ordinance No. 1115, Second Reading: Amending Norco Municipal Code Chapter 8.04 “Running at Large”. Code Amendment 2024-03 City Manager Sassoon answered questions from Council Member Aleman.
There were no further questions or concerns from Council Members.
Mayor Bash opened Public Comment.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Bash closed Public Comment.
City Council Minutes - June 5, 2024
Motion was made.
M/S GRUNDMEYER/BASH Adopt Ordinance No. 1115, Second 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. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, NEWTON, ALEMAN, GRUNDMEYER, AND HANNA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
5.C. Second Reading: Ordinance No. 1116 Amending Norco Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 9.07 - Noise Regulations with the amendment of the removal of Section 9.07.080, Subsection (D)
Council Members had no questions or concerns.
Mayor Bash opened Public Comment.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Bash closed Public Comment.
Motion was made.
M/S NEWTON/HANNA Adopt Second Reading: Ordinance No. 1116 to Amend Norco Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 9.07 - Noise Regulations with the amendment of the removal of Section 9.07.080, Subsection (D). The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, NEWTON, ALEMAN, GRUNDMEYER, AND HANNA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
6. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEM(S)
6.A. Discussion regarding a possible moratorium on New Drive-thru Lanes for Restaurants in the City's Commercial Zones
City Council Minutes - June 5, 2024
Community Development Director Robles presented the report for a possible moratorium on New Drive-Thru Restaurants.
City Manager Sassoon provided additional information.
Community Development Director Robles and City Attorney Burns answered questions and addressed concerns from Mayor Bash and Mayor Pro Tem Newton.
Mayor Bash opened Public Comment.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Bash closed Public Comment.
City Manager Sassoon and Community Development Director Robles answered questions and addressed concerns from Council Members.
Council Members discussed the approval process of Drive-thru Restaurants and the relation to the 2050 General Plan.
Following discussion, no action was taken, Mayor Bash closed discussion.
7. PUBLIC HEARING(S)
7.A. Ordering the Continuation of Landscape Maintenance Districts, Confirming a Diagram, Assessment, and Annual Assessment Levy for 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
Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton presented the report on the Landscape Maintenance Districts.
City Manager Sassoon and Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton answered questions and addressed concerns from Council Members.
Mayor Bash opened Public Hearing.
Albert Diedrich spoke regarding LMD 2 and the declining green landscape and his concerns for the removal of the playground and closure of the bathroom.
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Daniel Millis spoke regarding LMD 3 and discrepancies with the description of the District and stated his efforts to receive the signatures and support needed for an additional Prop 218 Proceeding for an increase in funds.
Mayor Bash closed Public Hearing.
Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton answered questions and addressed concerns from Council Members.
Council Members discussed the rate at which the next steps would proceed following the approval of the resolutions.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S NEWTON/GRUNDMEYER To open the Public Hearing, hear public testimony, and adopt Resolution No. 2024-35, LMD No.1 (Beazer); Resolution No. 2024-36, LMD No. 2 (Western Pacific); Resolution No. 2024-37, LMD No. 3 (Centex); Resolution 2024-38, LMD No. 4 (Norco Ridge Ranch); Resolution No. 2024-39, LMD No. 5 (Hawks Crest), providing for an Annual Assessment Levy necessary to maintain the Landscape Maintenance Districts. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, NEWTON, ALEMAN, GRUNDMEYER, AND HANNA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
7.B. Proposition 218 Public Protest Hearing and Resolution Adjusting Solid Waste Service Rates
Public Works Director Blais presented the report on the Solid Waste Service Rates.
Public Works Director Blais answered questions and addressed concerns from Mayor Pro Tem Newton.
Mayor Bash opened Public Hearing.
Dave Stockton spoke regarding his protest to rate increases and submitted his written letter of protest to the City Clerk.
Mayor Bash closed Public Hearing.
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Mayor Pro Tem Newton clarified information regarding the rates.
Council Member Aleman thanked the Subcommittee for their work on the contract and thanked Mr. Stockton for his public comment.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S HANNA/GRUNDMEYER Conduct a Public Hearing under Proposition 218 to consider protests to proposed adjustments in Solid Waste Service Rates and if protests fail, consider and adopt Resolution 2024-40, approving adjustments to Solid Waste Service Rates and providing for future inflationary increases. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, NEWTON, ALEMAN, GRUNDMEYER, AND HANNA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
7.C. Zone Code Amendment 2024-03 (City of Norco): A City initiated amendment to Title 18, Section 18.30.46 – Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units, updating/clarifying the provisions for parking, unit size, exterior non-habitable ADU areas, and cross references to state ADU law in response to recently passed state legislation
Community Development Director Robles presented the report on Zone Code Amendment 2024-03.
Community Development Director Robles answered questions and addressed concerns from Council Member Aleman.
Mayor Bash opened Public Hearing.
There were no public comments at this time.
Mayor Bash closed Public Hearing.
Mayor Bash provided information on State regulations.
Following discussion, City Attorney Burns read the title into the record and motion was made.
M/S HANNA/BASH Adopt Ordinance 1117, approving Zone Code Amendment
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2024-03. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, NEWTON, ALEMAN, GRUNDMEYER, AND HANNA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
7.D. An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Norco, California, Amending Norco Municipal Code Chapter 6.42 "Municipal Refuse, Manure, and Recycling Collection" and Chapter 6.45 “City of Norco Manure Management and Disposal” Code Amendment 2024-06
Public Works Director Blais presented the report on Code Amendment 2024-
06. Mayor Pro Tem Newton stated his concerns with setback requirements for the manure storage area.
City Attorney Burns stated changes could be made for the second reading to clarify the setback requirements in Section 6.42.180 - Best management practices for manure storage and disposal, Subsection A (3).
Mayor Pro Tem Newton spoke regarding section 6.42.200 - Third-party Haulers and his concern for insurance requirements.
Public Works Director Blais and City Manager Sassoon answered questions and addressed concerns regarding insurance requirements.
Mayor Bash opened Public Hearing.
Mike Williams spoke regarding his experience obtaining business licenses in other cities and the requirement to have insurance.
Mayor Bash closed Public Hearing.
Council Members discussed the need to have an insurance requirement for third-party haulers.
City Manager Sassoon clarified the language to be added for the second reading to include that a business license and insurance is required from thirdparty haulers.
Following discussion, City Attorney Burns read the title into the record and motion was made.
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M/S HANNA/NEWTON Introduce and approve a first reading of Ordinance No. 1118 Amending Norco Municipal Code Chapter 6.42 "Municipal Refuse, Manure, and Recycling Collection" and Chapter 6.45 "City of Norco Manure Management and Disposal" with the changes to Section 6.42.180 and Section 6.42.200 as discussed. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, NEWTON, ALEMAN, GRUNDMEYER, AND HANNA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
8. CITY COUNCIL / STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton spoke regarding residents in attendance for an item regarding pavers that was incorrectly shared as an agenda item by residents.
Council Member Aleman thanked the Veterans Commission and City Staff for their work on the Memorial Ceremony and asked staff about education on Public Comment.
City Manager Sassoon recommended that Public Comment information be put in Top Stories.
Mayor Pro Tem Newton spoke regarding concerns with the Traffic Engineer and made a motion to agendize a discussion on City speed limits and truck routes.
M/S NEWTON/BASH to agendize a discussion on City speed limits and truck routes. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, NEWTON, ALEMAN, GRUNDMEYER, AND HANNA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
City Manager Sassoon provided additional information on State regulations for speed limits.
Mayor Bash provided an update on the efforts to underground the RTRP.
9. ADJOURNMENT
City Council Minutes - June 5, 2024
Mayor Bash adjourned the meeting at 9:35 PM with a moment of silence in honor of the passing of Taylor Dockins.
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Dana Roa, CMC
City Clerk