MINUTES
City Council
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
City Council Chamber – Norco City Hall
2820 Clark Avenue, Norco, CA 92860
CALL TO ORDER 5:00 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.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code §54957
Title: City Manager
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
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 REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
Property: APN 153-240-028
Agency negotiators: City Manager
Under negotiation: Price and Terms
RECONVENE PUBLIC SESSION 7:08 PM
REPORT OF ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Burns stated that there were no reportable actions taken in Closed Session.
City Council Minutes - August 7, 2024
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council Member Hanna
INVOCATION Associate Pastor Lazaro Santiago
Beacon Hill Assembly of God
PRESENTATIONS
Horseweek Donations
Horseweek President, Joe Holzbaugh, presented donations to Norco Animal Control, Norco Animal Rescue Team (NART), Norco Seniors and Pets, Norco Senior Center and the Norco Highschool Future Farmers of America (FFA) Program.
City of Norco Mounting Block Pilot Project
Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton presented information on the Mounting Block Pilot Project and answered questions from Council Members.
Mount Up Mission representative, Maria Piche, introduced herself and provided additional information on the program and extended an invite to the Mount Up installation at Grocery Outlet on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 10 AM.
Read to Ride Program
Norco Library representative, Jamie Shin, presented information on the Read to Ride Program and answered questions from 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
Dillon Wemple spoke regarding integrating an organic, farm friendly, pest management system.
Sgt. Larry Eckhoff thanked City Staff and City Council for their hard work. He spoke regarding staff's help with the Veterans Brick table at National Night Out and spoke highly of staff from the Senior Center for the programs they facilitate.
Greg Bowen spoke regarding an opening ceremony on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at the PRCA Rodeo that will include over 100 mounted Law Enforcement Officers riding down the Sixth Street Trail to the Ingalls Event Center.
City Council Minutes - August 7, 2024
John Quiroz spoke regarding his concerns with the planning requirements for underground electrical that changed after building inspections occurred at a property located on Acacia Ave.
Maria Fernandez spoke in support of John Quiroz regarding her concerns with electrical requirements that were changed after inspections were complete at a property located on Acacia Ave.
Bonnie Slager spoke regarding the upcoming Norco Fair and reminded everyone that fair buttons are sold at various locations throughout the City, including City Hall, for $15 each. She extended an invite to Norco Horseman's Candidate Night on September 19, 2024, at 6:30 PM at Nellie Weaver Hall.
Denise Foutaine-Shoemaker spoke in support of the Library's Beanstock 101, Read to Ride Program.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
a) Approval of Consent Calendar as Presented.
Mayor Pro Tem Newton asked that item 3.K. and 3.M. be pulled and Mayor Bash asked that item 3.F. be pulled.
M/S HANNA/ALEMAN Approve 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 July 17, 2024.
City Council Minutes - August 7, 2024
3.C. Resolution authorizing submittal of an application for grant funding from State Water Resources Control Board for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Remediation
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2024-50, authorizing the City Manager or their designee to submit an application for financial assistance agreement from the State Water Resources Control Board for the planning, design, and construction of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Groundwater Remediation Project.
3.D. Quarterly Investment Report for Quarter Ended June 30, 2024 Action: Received and filed the Quarterly Investment Report for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2024.
3.E. Acceptance of the Citywide Facility Painting and Treatment Project as Complete (Project No. 54303.8)
Action: Accepted the Citywide Facility Painting and Treatment Project as complete and authorized the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the County of Riverside.
3.G. Authorize the City of Norco to opt in to participate in the National Opioid Kroger Settlement Agreement
Action: Authorized to opt in to participate in the National Opioid Kroger Settlement Agreement.
3.H. Acceptance of Bids, Award of Contract, and Approval of Project Plans for the Norco Animal Shelter NPDES Improvement Project
Action: Accepted bids, approved project plans, and awarded the contract to Act 1 Construction Inc. for the Norco Animal Shelter NPDES Improvement Project in the amount of $215,756, and authorized the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to 10% of the original contract.
3.I. New Observance Request: Constitution Week
Action: Approved the subcommittee's recommendation to recognize Constitution Week.
3.J. Designation of Voting Delegate and Alternate for the 2024 League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo
City Council Minutes - August 7, 2024
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2024-51, appointing Mayor Kevin Bash as the voting delegate to represent the City of Norco at the 2024 League of California Cities Annual Conference and no alternate will be appointed.
3.L. Consideration of an amendment to the Participation Agreement with the Norco Automobile Merchants Association for upgrades to the Auto Mall's digital sign, and appropriate $188,200 from the Economic Development Reserve for the City's share of the sign upgrades
Action: Authorized the Mayor to execute the agreement and approved an appropriation of $188,200 from the Economic Development Reserve for the City's share of the sign upgrades.
4. ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
3.F. 2023 General Plan Annual Progress Report (APR)
Mayor Bash asked Community Development Director Robles for an update.
Community Development Director Robles provided an update and answered questions.
Mayor Bash stated the Annual Progress Report was impressive and thanked the Planning Department and staff for their hard work.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S BASH/GRUNDMEYER Receive and File. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, NEWTON, ALEMAN, GRUNDMEYER, AND HANNA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
3.K. Amendment of Fiscal Year 2023-24 Capital Improvement Program to include additional funding for the Shawnee Lift Station Replacement Project Mayor Pro Tem Newton had questions regarding the change orders.
Deputy City Engineer Nelson answered questions and addressed concerns.
City Council Minutes - August 7, 2024
Mayor Pro Tem Newton recommended that staff request additional information form SoCal Edison regarding the change order.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S NEWTON/HANNA Increase the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) in the amount of $66,000 for the Shawnee Lift Station 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
3.M. Professional Services Agreement with Kosmont Transaction Services, Inc., dba Kosmont Financial Services
Mayor Pro Tem Newton had questions regarding the fiscal impact of the item.
City Attorney Burns answered questions and addressed concerns, stating Balboa Management Group is to reimburse the City for all costs.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S ALEMAN/BASH Approve Professional Services Agreement with Kosmont Transaction Services, Inc., dba Kosmont Financial Services with the condition that Balboa Management Group is to reimburse the City for all costs. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, ALEMAN, GRUNDMEYER, AND HANNA
NOES: NEWTON
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
5. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS
5.A. Second Reading 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
City Council Minutes - August 7, 2024
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 HANNA/ALEMAN Adopt Ordinance No. 1120, Second reading: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Norco, California, approving Code Amendment 2024-04: a City initiated amendment to Title 15, Section 15.01.080 pertaining to “work exempt from permit” to update/clarify the provisions and standards for large animal-keeping corrals that do not require a building permit in the City of Norco thereby superseding City Council Resolutions 96-71 and 98-11. 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. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1121, 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
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 BASH/NEWTON Adopt the second reading of Ordinance No. 1121, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Norco, California, amending Chapter
15.60 (floodplain management) of title 15 of the Norco Municipal Code to align with updated FEMA guidelines and to improve flood resilience. The Motion was
City Council Minutes - August 7, 2024
carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, NEWTON, ALEMAN, GRUNDMEYER, AND HANNA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
5.C. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1122 - Code Amendment 2024-08 (City of Norco) - A City initiated amendment of Title 2 of the Norco Municipal Code (NMC), Chapter 2.06 "City Council Salaries" to adjust Council Member Compensation
Council Members had no questions or concerns.
Mayor Bash opened Public Comment.
Dillon Wemple spoke in favor of the Ordinance to adjust Council Member Compensation.
Mayor Bash closed public Comment.
Motion was made.
M/S ALEMAN/BASH Adopt Ordinance No. 1122, Second reading: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Norco amending the Norco Municipal Code Title 2, Chapter 2.06 “City Council Salaries” increasing the compensation of City Council Members – Code Amendment 2024-08. The Motion was DEFEATED by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH AND ALEMAN
NOES: NEWTON AND GRUNDMEYER
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: HANNA
6. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEM(S)
6.A. California Native Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Policy for City Facilities CivicSpark Fellow, Galilea Rios, presented the report on the Native DroughtTolerant Landscaping Policy.
CivicSpark Fellow Rios and Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton answered questions and addressed concerns.
City Council Minutes - August 7, 2024
Mayor Bash opened Public Comment.
Dillon Wemple spoke regarding his concerns and recommended adjustments to include native landscaping that helps with natural flooding during rainy season, adding native trees to the policy, training staff on maintenance and care, taking bloom periods into account when planting and having a list of alternative native plants for contracted work.
Mayor Bash closed Public Comment.
Council Member Grundmeyer thanked staff for their work on implementing the policy.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S GRUNDMEYER/BASH Adopt the California Native Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Policy for City Facilities. 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. 2024 Review of Accessory Building Regulations relating to Chapter 18.68 “Accessory Building Use Permits"
Community Development Director Robles presented the report on the Accessory Building Regulations.
Community Development Director Robles answered questions and addressed concerns.
Mayor Bash opened Public Comment.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Bash closed Public Comment.
Following discussion and without formal motion, staff is directed to move forward as presented with Planning Commission's Recommendations.
City Council Minutes - August 7, 2024
6.D. Consider the City of Norco's current participation in the League of California Cities and future participation in California Contract Cities Association City Manager Sassoon requested 6.D. be heard out of agenda order as League of California Cities representatives were present.
Mayor Bash and Council Members agreed to have 6.D. discussed out of order.
City Manager Sassoon presented the report.
Mayor Bash provided additional information on the request to have this item discussed.
League of California Cities - Riverside County Division Chair, Linda Molina, spoke regarding the value and importance of the League of California Cities.
League of California Cities - Riverside County Division Regional Public Affairs Manager, Jesse Ramirez, spoke regarding new laws and gave an overview of education, advocacy and political events provided by the League of California Cities.
Mayor Bash opened Public Comment.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Bash closed Public Comment.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S BASH/HANNA Continue partnership with League of California Cities for the next year and monitor Contract Cities. 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. 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 due to a conflict of interest regarding property location.
City Council Minutes - August 7, 2024
Community Development Director Robles presented the report on Tentative Parcel Map 37939.
Mayor Bash opened Public Comment.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Bash closed Public Comment.
Motion was made.
M/S BASH/HANNA 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, 2025. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, AND HANNA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: ALEMAN
7. PUBLIC HEARING(S)
7.A. Public Hearing: Ordinance No. 1123, First Reading: Amendment of Ordinance 1040 for Title 3 of the Norco Municipal Code (NMC), Chapter 3.24 "Purchasing System", addition of section 3.24.066 to comply with California SB 1383, and 16 CFR 260.12 recycling purchasing requirements. Code Amendment 2024-09 Finance Director Free presented the report on Ordinance No. 1123.
Finance Director Free answered questions and addressed concerns.
Mayor Bash opened the Public Hearing.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Bash closed the Public Hearing.
Citty Attorney Burns read the Ordinance Title into the record and motion was made.
M/S HANNA/ALEMAN Ordinance No. 1123: First Reading, Approval of
City Council Minutes - August 7, 2024
Amendment of Ordinance 1040, for Title 3 of the Norco Municipal Code (NMC), Chapter 3.24 "Purchasing System", addition of section 3.24.066 to comply with California SB 1383, and 16 CFR 260.12 recycling purchasing requirements. Code Amendment 2024-09. 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
Mayor Pro Tem Newton requested that staff provide a report and timeline to the Council regarding John Quiroz and Maria Fernandez's concerns during public comment.
Council Member Aleman thanked staff and volunteers for their work on Day of the Cowboy and National Night Out.
Council Member Grundmeyer wished the Eastvale Little League Team good luck with their game on the upcoming weekend.
Mayor Bash made a motion to agendize a discussion on the National Registry.
M/S BASH/GRUNDMEYER to Agendize a discussion on the National Registry. 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 made a motion to agendize a workshop regarding recycled water and infrastructure for agricultural use and installation of a Heli-Hydrant.
M/S BASH/ALEMAN to Agendize a workshop regarding recycled water, infrastructure for agricultural use of recycled water, and installation of a Heli-Hydrant. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, NEWTON, ALEMAN, GRUNDMEYER, AND HANNA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
City Council Minutes - August 7, 2024
9. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Bash adjourned the meeting at 9:25 PM.
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Dana Roa, CMC
City Clerk