MINUTES
City Council
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
City Council Chamber – Norco City Hall
2820 Clark Avenue, Norco, CA 92860
CALL TO ORDER 5:00 PM
ROLL CALL Kevin Bash, Council Member
Greg Newton, Mayor
Katherine Aleman, Council Member
Robin Grundmeyer, Mayor Pro Tem
Berwin Hanna, Council Member
DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
A. Certifying the Consolidated General Election held on November 5, 2024 M/S ALEMAN/BASH Adopt Resolution No. 2024-57, reciting the facts of the regular Consolidated General Election held in the City of Norco on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, declaring the results thereof and such other matters as provided by law. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: BASH, NEWTON, ALEMAN, GRUNDMEYER, AND HANNA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ISSUANCE OF OATH OF OFFICE
Presentation of Certificates of Election and Oath of Office to be administered to newly elected Council Members Robin Grundmeyer, Greg Bowen and Fia Sullivan.
PRESENTATIONS
Presentation to and Comments by Outgoing Council Member Berwin Hanna Jim Pollard presented flowers to Council Member Hanna and thanked him for his time on the City Council and his dedication to the City.
Mayor Bash and Council Members thanked Council Member Hanna for his commitment to the City Council and to the community.
REORGANIZATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
City Council Minutes - December 18, 2024
A. Election of the Mayor
Elect Council Member Greg Newton as Mayor for the 2025 term.
M/S BASH/BOWEN Elect Council Member Greg Newton as Mayor for the 2025 term.
The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, BASH, BOWEN, AND SULLIVAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
B. Election of the Mayor Pro Tem
Elect Council Member Robin Grundmeyer as Mayor Pro Tem for the 2025 Term.
M/S NEWTON/BASH Elect Council Member Robin Grundmeyer as Mayor Pro Tem for the 2025 Term. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, BASH, BOWEN, AND SULLIVAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
C. Presentation to and Comments by Outgoing Mayor
Outgoing Mayor Bash thanked City Council and staff for their hard work and assistance over the last year. He provided an overview of the City Council's accomplishments and the continued work needed to be done.
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Newton adjourned to Closed Session at 5:40PM
City Attorney Burns read the Closed Session items into the record.
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: (APN 153121011; APN 153020009; APN 153121010; APN 153121008; APN 153121012; APN 153121004; APN 153121003; APN 153121002; APN
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153121001)
Agency negotiator: City Manager, Director of Public Works, City Attorney Negotiating parties: City of Norco and Property Owners
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: Silverlakes Sports Park
Agency negotiator: Interim City Manager
Negotiating parties: City of Norco and Balboa Management Group LLC.
Under negotiation: Price and Terms
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
Agency designated representative: Interim City Manager Lisette Free Employee organization: Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO Local 606
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT
Pursuant to Government Code §54957
Title: City Manager
RECONVENE PUBLIC SESSION 7:00 PM
REPORT OF ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Burns reported that for item, Public Employee Appointment, Interim City Manager Lisette Free was appointed as City Manager. There were no further reportable actions regarding the remaining Closed Session Items.
City Attorney Burns requested that an emergency item from Public Works Director Blais regarding the Hamner Bridge Project be heard under item 5. Discussion/Action Item(s).
Public Works Director Blais provided additional information regarding the urgency of the item.
Motion was made.
M/S NEWTON/BASH to add emergency item for discussion of the Hamner Bridge Project to item 5. Discussion/Action Item(s). The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, BASH, BOWEN, AND SULLIVAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
City Council Minutes - December 18, 2024
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council Member Grundmeyer
INVOCATION Pastor Jason Davitt
Calvary Chapel Norco
PRESENTATIONS Christmas Performance - Norco High
School Choir
Waste Management Community Award
Organic Waste Diversion Using Chickens
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
Jim Pollard wished everyone a Merry Christmas and thanked staff for all of their hard work on the Christmas Festival and Parade of Lights.
Geoff Kahan congratulated Lisette Free on the appointment of City Manager. He congratulated the new Council Members and Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer for her reelection. He thanked Council Member Bash for his term as Mayor and congratulated Mayor Newton. He reminded everyone that on December 28, 2024, it would be the 60th anniversary for the City of Norco and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
a) Approval of Consent Calendar as Presented
Council Member Bash made a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
Council Member Bowen requested item 3.M. be pulled for discussion.
Council Member Bash rescinded the original motion and made a new motion.
City Council Minutes - December 18, 2024
Approve of Consent Calendar as presented with item 3.M. pulled for discussion.
M/S BASH/NEWTON Approve the Consent Calendar as presented with item 3.M. pulled for discussion. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, BASH, BOWEN, AND SULLIVAN
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 December 04, 2024.
3.C. Recap of Actions Taken by the Planning Commission at its Meeting Held on December 11, 2024
Action: Received and filed the recap of actions taken by the Planning Commission at its meeting held on December 11, 2024.
3.D. Oversight Board of the Successor Agency to the Norco Community Redevelopment Agency and City of Norco Fiscal Year 2025-26 Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule Including Administrative Budget Action: Adopted Successor Agency Resolution No. 2024-02, approving the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule including Administrative Budget for the Fiscal Year 2025-
26. 3.E. Accept Proposal and Award Security Improvement Contract for the City Hall Lobby and Security Upgrade Project (Project No. 54303.2 and 4303.1) Action: Accepted proposal and awarded contract to SHI International Corporation (through OMNIA Partners Contract No. 2024056) in the amount of $127,000 for security
City Council Minutes - December 18, 2024
upgrades for the City Hall Lobby and Security Upgrade Project.
3.F. Approve Five-Year Licensing Agreement with Lunde Enterprises Action: Approved Five-Year Licensing Agreement with Lunde Enterprises for the use of the Ingalls Event Center for Community Barrel Racing, subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the agreement.
3.G. Approve the Exclusive Promotional Agreement and Non-Exclusive Trademark Partnership License with Horsetown USA® Hall of Fame
Action: Approved the Exclusive Promotional Agreement and Non-Exclusive Trademark Partnership License with Horsetown USA® Hall of Fame, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, to establish terms for the promotion of the Horsetown USA® Hall of Fame and the use of City trademarks and assets, as outlined in the agreement.
3.H. Declaration of Assorted Obsolete City Assets as Surplus Property Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2024-58, declaring assorted obsolete City assets as surplus property and authorized the City Manager to dispose them through public auction, scrap or donation.
3.I. City Council Holiday Meeting Schedule
Action: Canceled City Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
3.J. Increase in Purchase Order for RKA for design services related to Fourth Street Improvement Project (Sierra Ave to Corona Ave)
Action: Reviewed and approved the change order for RKA in the amount of $47,045 for the Fourth Street Improvement Project - Sierra Ave to Corona Ave (Project No. 54900.24) for total contract amount of $167,015 and City Manager authorization for a 10% contingency on design services in case any minor additional design work is required.
3.K. Approve Five-Year Licensing Agreement with Norco Cowgirls Drill Team Action: Approved Five-Year Licensing Agreement between the City of Norco and the Norco Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team for the use of the Ingalls Event Center, including the Moreno Arena and Clark Arena, for a five-year term, with an option to extend.
City Council Minutes - December 18, 2024
3.L. Acceptance of the Temescal Avenue Street Improvement Project (Sixth St. to Seventh St.) as Complete
Action: Accepted the Temescal Avenue Street Improvement Project (Sixth St. to Seventh St.) as complete and authorized the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion with the County of Riverside.
3.N. Update Part-Time Employee Salary Schedule to Correspond with State of California Minimum Wage Requirements
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2024-59, to approve an update to Part-Time Employee Salary Schedule to Correspond with State of California Minimum Wage Requirements.
4. ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
3.M. Acceptance of bids and award of Contract for the 2024-25 Trail Fencing Replacement Project (Various Locations).
Council Member Bowen had concerns regarding additional fencing along Sixth Street near the Animal Shelter.
Public Works Director Blais and Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton addressed the concerns.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S BOWEN/BASH Accept bids and award a contract to Country Estate Fence Co., Inc. for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Trail Fencing Replacement Project (Various Locations) in the amount of $378,831; and authorize the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to 10 percent of the total bid amount. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, BASH, BOWEN, AND SULLIVAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
5. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEM(S)
Mayor Newton requested the items be heard in the following order: 5.B., 5.C. and
5.A.
City Council Minutes - December 18, 2024
5.B. Measure R Citizens Oversight Committee Appointment and Youth Commissioner Appointments
City Clerk Roa presented the process for appointing members for the Measure R Citizens' Oversight Committee and Youth Commissioners.
Mayor Newton opened Public Comment.
Mike Williams congratulated the new Council Members and spoke regarding his concern for Youth Commissioners having transportation to and from meetings and a safe space to wait if needed.
The following spoke on their behalf regarding their desire to be appointed as Youth Commissioners; Lauren Woodcock, Sarah Langlois, Isaac Flores, Aileen Quintero, Matthew Mika, Courtney Cieslik, Brooklyn Kerrkilgore, Savannah Shaw-Owens, Kadence Barone and Tegan Jefferson.
Mayor Newton closed Public Comment.
Measure R Citizens' Oversight Committee Appointment:
A random draw was conducted and Heidi Casasola was appointed to the Measure R Citizens' Oversight Committee for the term ending June 2025.
Ballots were completed for the Youth Commissioners with the following votes:
Measure R Citizens' Oversight Committee:
Lauren Woodcock- 3
Brooklyn Kerrkilgore - 1
Sarah Langlois - 1
Lauren Woodcock was appointed as Youth Commissioner for the Measure R Citizens' Oversight Committee for the 2025 term.
Streets, Trails and Utilities Commission:
Brooklyn Kerrkilgore - 1
Lauren Woodcock - 1
Courtney Cieslik - 3
Courtney Cieslik was appointed as Youth Commissioner for the Streets, Trails and Utilities Commission for the 2025 term.
Parks and Recreation Commission:
Isaac Flores - 1
City Council Minutes - December 18, 2024
Tegan Jefferson - 1
Kadence Barone- 2
Aileen Quintero - 1
Additional Ballots were completed until one candidate received 3 votes.
Ballot 2:
Kadence Barone - 2
Brooklyn Kerrkilgore - 1
Isaace Flores - 1
Aileen Quintero - 1
Ballot 3:
Kadence Barone - 4
Aileen Quintero - 1
Kadence Barone was appointed as Youth Commissioner for the Parks and Recreation Commission for the 2025 term.
Planning Commission:
Kadence Barone- 1
Isaac Flores - 1
Lauren Woodcock - 1
Sarah Langlois - 2
Additional Ballots were completed until one candidate received 3 votes.
Ballot 2:
Tegan Jefferson - 1
Isaac Flores - 1
Kadence Barone - 1
Sarah Langlois - 2
Ballot 3:
Sarah Langlois - 5
Sarah Langlois was appointed as Youth Commissioner for the Planning Commission for the 2025 term.
5.C. Emergency Item to consider approval of funding from Street Fund 149 for augmented street improvements related to the Hamner Bridge Project.
City Council Minutes - December 18, 2024
Public Works Director Blais presented information regarding the urgency of the approval for funding.
Public Works Director Blais answered questions and addressed concerns.
Mayor Newton opened Public Comment.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Newton closed Public Comment.
Motion was made.
M/S GRUNDMEYER/SULLIVAN Approve funding from Street Fund 149 for augmented street improvements related to Hamner Bridge. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, BASH, BOWEN, AND SULLIVAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
5.A. A determination by the City Council on the development type that triggers road improvements for the private road Proctor Lane, leading up to Lots 3 and 4 of Parcel Map 15142 - Assessor Parcel Numbers (APNs) of 133-090-017 and - 018 in the A-1 Zone
Community Development Director Robles presented the report.
Community Development Director Robles answered questions and addressed concerns.
Public Works Director Blais answered questions and addressed concerns.
Mayor Newton opened Public Comment.
Doug Colville had concerns regarding resolving the titles and merging the properties.
Nathan Lani spoke regarding his concerns for the properties and future developments if they are sold before the issue is resolved.
City Council Minutes - December 18, 2024
Juan Garcia spoke regarding the concerns of grading done on his property and stated no grading had been done. He provided information regarding the stalls and horse keeping area on the property.
Mayor Newton closed Public Comment.
Community Development Director Robles and Public Works Director Blais answered questions and addressed concerns.
Mayor Newton and Council Members discussed the options moving forward with each of the parcels.
City Attorney Burns clarified the direction Council Members are providing to staff.
No action was taken and Council Members provided direction to staff that the existing developments trigger the road improvements, and the following options are to be discussed with the property owners in order to move forward; to remove the development on the property, keep the developments and improve the road, or to give up the private easement, keep the development and merge the parcels with access only from California Avenue. Council Members also provided direction to consider the use of the property and traffic impacts and the possibility of a CUP for the property.
6. PUBLIC HEARING(S)
6.A. First Reading: Ordinance No. 1127, Code Amendment 2024-12, An Ordinance of the City of Norco amending Norco Municipal Code Chapter 3.50 to update participation in the Western Riverside County Transportation Uniform Mitigation (TUMF) Program, and Resolution 2024-56, a resolution to adopt the TUMF schedule.
Community Development Director Robles introduced WRCOG Representative, Cameron Brown, who presented the report.
City Attorney Burns informed the Council Members of a revision to the Ordinance.
Council Members had no questions or concerns.
Mayor Newton opened Public Hearing.
There were no public comments at this time.
City Council Minutes - December 18, 2024
Mayor Newton closed Public Hearing.
Motions were made.
M/S NEWTON/GRUNDMEYER Adopt First Reading of Ordinance No. 1127, amending and updating the City's TUMF Ordinance. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, BASH, BOWEN, AND SULLIVAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
M/S GRUNDMEYER/BASH Adopt Resolution No. 2024-56, adopting a TUMF schedule. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, BASH, BOWEN, AND SULLIVAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
7. CITY COUNCIL / STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Public Works Director Blais thanked Council Members for the approval of the emergency item and provided updates on the N5 Storm Drain Project on Valley View Ave. and the Storm Drain Project on Fourth Street.
Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton provided an update regarding the Corydon Staging Area.
City Manager Free thanked Council Members for the appointment as City Manager and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Council Member Bowen wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer thanked staff for all of their hard work during the holiday events.
City Council Minutes - December 18, 2024
Council Member Sullivan wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Council Member Bash thanked staff for their assistance with Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and all of the holiday events. He asked that a letter be sent in opposition of the AQMD amendments proposing to eliminate all gas appliances and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
City Manager Free confirmed a letter will be sent.
Mayor Newton wished everyone a Merry Christmas and thanked Staff for all of their hard work throughout the year.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Newton adjourned the meeting at 9:50 pm.
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Dana Roa, CMC
City Clerk