MINUTES
City Council
Wednesday, July 17, 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
City Attorney Burns read the Closed Session items into the record.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: 2 potential cases
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 NEGOTIATORS
Property: Silverlakes Sports Park
Agency negotiators: City Manager, Finance Director, Planning Director Negotiating parties: City of Norco and Balboa Management Group LLC.
Under negotiation: Price and Terms
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
Agency designated representative: 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
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code §54957
Title: City Manager
RECONVENE PUBLIC SESSION 7:36 PM
City Council Minutes - July 17, 2024
REPORT OF ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Burns reported no action was taken on any anticipated litigation items, settlement authority was provided to the City Manager regarding property negotiation, and both labor negotiation and performance evaluation were not heard.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council Member Grundmeyer
INVOCATION Council Member Grundmeyer
PRESENTATIONS
Introduction of RSO Captain Rowan
Mayor Bash introduced Captain Rowan.
Parks Make Life Better Proclamation
Mayor Bash presented the Parks Make Life Better Proclamation and Community Services and Facilities and Maintenance team members accepted the proclamation.
Serve your City as a Volunteer
Community Services Senior Admin Assistant, Julie Castellanos, presented the report and answered questions from the Council Members.
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
Bill Gunn thanked Mayor Bash and Council Member Grundmeyer for their help with the ADU process and thanked Associate Planner Woods-Diaz for going out of her way to help with the planning process of the ADU. He spoke regarding his concerns regarding the fee increase when the ADU square footage increases from 749 sqft to 750 sqft.
Art Marquez introduced himself as the new So Cal Gas Public Affairs Manager for the region.
Dillon Wemple spoke regarding Consent Calendar Item 3.G. and his concerns for if a solar powered generator option was explored before deciding on the gaspowered generator.
City Council Minutes - July 17, 2024
Joseph Turner thanked the City Council for all that they do for the City and spoke regarding his concern for the maintenance of back yard trails.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
Approval of Consent Calendar as Presented.
Council Member Aleman requested that item 3.F. and 3.G. be pulled for discussion.
M/S ALEMAN/BASH 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 and Special Meeting Minutes
Action: Approved the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of June 19, 2024 and Special Meeting Minutes of June 17, 2024.
3.C. Recap of Actions Taken by the Planning Commission at its Meeting Held on July 10, 2024
Action: Received and filed the recap of actions taken by the Planning Commission at its meeting held on July 10, 2024.
3.D. Execution of an Amended Cooperative Funding Agreement between the City of Norco and the Riverside County Flood Control & Water Conservation District for the Norco MDP Line N-1G Storm Drain Project
City Council Minutes - July 17, 2024
Action: Approved the Amended Cooperative Funding Agreement between the City of Norco and Riverside County Flood Control & Water Conservation District for the additional gas relocation costs associated with the Norco MDP Line N-1G 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. Cooperative Funding Agreement between the City of Norco and the Riverside County Flood Control & Water Conservation District for the Town & Country Storm Drain Project
Action: Approved the Cooperative Funding Agreement with Riverside County Flood Control & Water Conservation District (RCFC&WCD) to design and construct the Town & Country 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.H. Acceptance of the Citywide Flooring Project as Complete (Project No. 54303.9) Action: Accepted the Citywide Flooring Project as Complete and authorized the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the County of Riverside.
3.I. Acceptance of Proposal and Award of Contract for the Pikes Peak Playground Replacement Project; Approve Project Plans
Action: Accepted proposal and awarded the contract to PlayCore Wisconsin, Inc. dba GameTime C/O Great Western Recreation in the amount of $1,050,000 as submitted under the cooperative purchasing agreement with Omnia Partners (Contract # 2017001134); and authorized the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to 10% of the original contract and approve project plans for the installation of the playground structures.
3.J. Amendment of Supplemental Agreement for the Use of 2022-23 Community Development Block Grant Funds
Action: Approved Amendment of Supplemental Agreement for the increase of $48,141 of 2022-23 Community Development Block Grant Funds and amended FY 2024-25 Budget to include increase.
3.K. Consideration to create an Ingalls Event Center Subcommittee.
Action: Approved the Ingalls Event Center Subcommittee and appointed City Council Members Berwin Hanna and Robin Grundmeyer to serve on the Subcommittee.
City Council Minutes - July 17, 2024
4. ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
3.F. Tree Planting and Irrigation Project on Temescal Avenue - Sixth Street to Seventh Street
Council Member Aleman recommended that the Oklahoma Redbud tree be replaced with a native Western Redbud tree if appropriate and cost efficient.
Council Members discussed the trees and had no further questions or concerns.
Motion was made.
M/S ALEMAN/NEWTON Accept the cost quotes from Nova Landscaping Group and West Coast Arborists for the Temescal Avenue Tree Planting Project, and authorize the City Manager to issue purchase orders in the amount of $84,985 and $21,800, respectively, for a total $106,785 with the replacement of the Oklahoma Redbud tree with a native Western Redbud tree if appropriate and affordable. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, NEWTON, ALEMAN, GRUNDMEYER, AND HANNA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
3.G. Acceptance of Proposals and Award of Contract for the Senior Center Emergency Generator Project; Approve Project Plans; and Approve Appropriation of Additional Measure R Funds for the Proposed Project Council Member Aleman asked Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton to address the decision to go with a gas-powered generator rather than a solar powered generator.
Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton answered questions and addressed concerns.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S ALEMAN/BASH Accept proposals and award the contract to FEC Electric, Inc. for the Senior Center Emergency Generator Project in the amount of $311,385, and authorize the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to 10% of the original contact; approve project plans; appropriate additional
City Council Minutes - July 17, 2024
Measure R Funds in the amount of $45,000 to fund the cost of the project that includes a 10% contingency, bid notification costs, and incidental costs associated with the 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. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEM(S)
5.A. Discussion of an Ordinance to adjust Council Member Compensation City Attorney Burns presented the report on Council Member compensation.
City Attorney Burns and Finance Director Free answered questions and addressed concerns.
Mayor Bash opened Public Comment.
Geoff Kahan spoke in opposition of the item and regarding his concerns for the increase of Council Member compensation.
Mayor Bash closed Public Comment.
Mayor Bash and Council Members discussed the compensation and City Attorney Burns answered questions and addressed concerns.
City Attorney Burns read the title into the record.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S ALEMAN/HANNA Adopt the first reading of an Ordinance Amending Section
2.06.030 of the Municipal Code, Salaries, adjusting Council Member Compensation to $1,182.50 per Month, to be effective January 1, 2025. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, ALEMAN, AND HANNA
NOES: NEWTON AND GRUNDMEYER
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
City Council Minutes - July 17, 2024
5.B. Discussion to consider financial participation in bleacher rental costs for Norco Horseweek, Norco Mounted Posse PRCA Rodeo, and Norco Fair City Manager Sassoon presented the report.
City Manager Sassoon answered questions and addressed concerns.
Mayor Bash opened Public Comment.
Greg Bowen spoke in support of the item and his appreciation for the help.
Jon Grundmeyer thanked the subcommittee and City Council for their consideration and spoke in support of the item.
Bonnie Slager spoke in support of the item and stated the money would be an investment in local groups and businesses as the money goes back to the City.
Mayor Bash closed Public Comment.
Jon Grundmeyer answered questions and addressed concerns.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S BASH/GRUNDMEYER Consider the recommendation of the Ingalls Ad Hoc Committee and approve the financial participation in bleacher rental costs for Norco Horseweek, Norco Mounted Posse PRCA Rodeo, and Norco Fair. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, NEWTON, ALEMAN, GRUNDMEYER, AND HANNA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
6. PUBLIC HEARING(S)
6.A. Public Hearing: First Read of Ordinance No.1120: Code Amendment 2024-04 (City of Norco) - A City initiated amendment to Title 15 of the Norco Municipal Code (NMC), Section 15.01.080 pertaining to “Work Exempt from Permit” to update/clarify the provisions and standards for animal keeping corrals that do not require a building permit.
Community Development Director Robles presented the report.
City Council Minutes - July 17, 2024
Community Development Director Robles answered questions and addressed concerns.
Mayor Bash opened Public Hearing.
Bill Naylor spoke in support of the item with the concern to consider the modification of allowing 10 foot walls rather than 8 foot walls to accommodate larger animals.
Mayor Bash closed Public Hearing.
Community Development Director Robles answered questions and addressed concerns.
City Attorney Burns read the Ordinance title into the record.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S BASH/HANNA Adopt the first reading of Ordinance No. 1120, approving Code Amendment 2024-04. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, NEWTON, ALEMAN, GRUNDMEYER, AND HANNA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
6.B. Public Hearing: Confirming the Report of Costs for Spring and Fall Weed Abatement, Fiscal Year 2023-24
Chief Otterman presented the report.
Council Members had no questions or concerns.
Mayor Bash opened Public Hearing.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Bash closed Public Hearing.
Motion was made.
M/S BASH/ALEMAN Adopt Resolution No. 2024-49, confirming the Report of
City Council Minutes - July 17, 2024
Costs for abatement of weeds and hazardous vegetation as a public nuisance and imposing special assessment liens on vacant parcels within the City. 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. Public Hearing: Code Amendment 2024-07 (City of Norco): A City initiated amendment to Norco Municipal Code Title 15, Chapter 15.60 - "Flood Plain Management" updating this chapter for compliance with FEMA requirements Deputy City Engineer Nelson presented the report.
Deputy City Engineer Nelson answered questions and addressed concerns.
Mayor Bash opened Public Hearing.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Bash closed Public Hearing.
City Attorney Burns read the Ordinance title into the record.
Motion was made.
M/S BASH/GRUNDMEYER Adopt the first reading of Ordinance No. 1121, amending Chapter 15.60 (Floodplain Management) of Title 15 of the Norco Municipal Code. Code Amendment 2024-07 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
City Clerk Roa updated the City Council on the nomination period for candidates that started on July 15, 2024 and will run until August 9, 2024 or be extended to August 14, 2024 if an incumbent does not pull paperwork to run.
City Council Minutes - July 17, 2024
Mayor Pro Tem Newton spoke regarding a Rural Meeting discussion on trail markers in disrepair and the Corydon staging area that needs refurbished. He recommended that fundraising be looked into to refurbish the staging area.
Council Member Grundmeyer recommended that a discussion be agendized to partner with the community to do a safe driving campaign to bring attention to the speeding on local streets.
M/S GRUNDMEYER/BASH to agendize the discussion of a Safe Driving Campaign. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, NEWTON, ALEMAN, GRUNDMEYER, AND HANNA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Mayor Bash spoke regarding the success of a fundraiser ride that took place over the weekend.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Bash adjourned the meeting at 9:31 PM with a moment of silence in honor of Corey Comperatore.
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Dana Roa, CMC
City Clerk