MINUTES
City Council
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
City Council Chamber – Norco City Hall
2820 Clark Avenue, Norco, CA 92860
CALL TO ORDER 4:00 PM
CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL Greg Newton, Mayor
Robin Grundmeyer, Mayor Pro Tem
Kevin Bash, Council Member
Gregory Bowen, Council Member
Fia Sullivan, Council Member
STREET, TRAILS AND UTILITIES
COMMISSION ROLL CALL
Jim Pollard, Chair
Michael Williams, Vice Chair
Michael Thompson, Member
Sherry Walker, Member
ABSENT Audrey Pavia, Member
Courtney Cieslik, Youth Commissioner
JOINT WORKSHOP - WATER AND SEWER RATE STUDY
Public Works Direct Chad Blais introduced the Water and Sewer Rate Study to the City Council and the Street, Trails and Utilities Commission. He explained the overall rate study schedule with dates and goals to be met in 2025. He introduced the Consultant, David Hyder, to present the details of the study to the City Council and the Commission.
Consultant reviewed the Study Objectives and Financial Planning Overview.
Public Works Director Blais reviewed the Water System Overview.
Public Works Director Blais answered questions and addressed concerns from City Council Members and Commission Members regarding the Water System Overview.
Public Works Director Blais and Consultant Hyder presented the Sewer System Overview.
Public Works Director Blais answered questions and addressed concerns from City Council Members and Commission Members regarding the Sewer Rate Overview.
Mayor Newton opened Public Comment.
City Council Minutes - February 5, 2025
There were no public comments at this time.
Mayor Newton closed Public Comment.
Council Members and Commission Members discussed the priorities for next steps regarding the Capital Improvement Projects and what they wish to see added in the next overview of the Water and Sewer Rate Study.
Public Works Director Blais addressed comments and concerns.
Mayor Newton adjourned the Joint Workshop at 5:50 PM.
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Newton adjourned to Closed Session at 6 PM.
City Attorney Burns read the Closed Session items into the record.
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 LEGAL COUNSEL--ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9:
(2 potential cases)
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Agency designated representatives: Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore Unrepresented employee: City Manager
RECONVENE PUBLIC SESSION 7:08 PM
REPORT OF ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Burns stated there were no reportable actions and that item, Conference with Labor Negotiators, was not discussed.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council Member Bowen
INVOCATION Chaplain Vincent Ball
Riverside County Sheriff
City Council Minutes - February 5, 2025
PRESENTATIONS General Plan Update - Consultant Jean
Ward
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
Charlie Sampson provided his history regarding his rodeo career and announced the rodeo on June 28, 2025, that he will be hosting at the Ingalls Event Center.
Albert Nelson spoke regarding the rodeo on June 28, 2025, and the events and booths for all ages of the community. He spoke regarding his concern for item 3.J. and that there needs to be parking on one side of the street at minimum.
Judy Tompkins spoke regarding her concerns for the safety of those who walk at Pikes Peak Park and the lack of signage for leash laws and picking up after your pet signs. She asked that signage be added at the park and on electronic signs.
Jim Pollard spoke regarding item 3.J. and his concerns for no parking on Valley View Ave.
Rocky Lowstetter spoke regarding his concern for the pavers in the horse trail in front of his house and asked that the City Council allow the pavers to remain.
Trisha Autrey spoke regarding her concerns for the speeding and reckless driving on Vine Avenue between Bluff Street and Corydon Avenue. She provided information on an accident that occurred on January 28, 2025 due to reckless driving and the need for traffic calming measures.
Kristen Jimenez spoke regarding her concerns for the reckless driving on Vine Avenue and discussed the accident on January 28, 2025, and asked that speed bumps be considered to help with the speeding issues.
Connie Fagerlind spoke regarding her concerns for the reckless driving on Vine Avenue and her recommendation for speed bumps.
Gary R. Wolcott spoke regarding his concerns for his property being stolen for high density and low-income housing and his concern for corruption in the courts.
City Council Minutes - February 5, 2025
Bill Gunn spoke regarding his concerns with the process for approving ADU's and the frustration he has had with some of the staff. He asked the City Council for assistance in resolving the problems with his proposed ADU for his property.
Dr. Sigrid Williams spoke regarding her experience in law enforcement and spoke regarding her concerns for the traffic and speeding around Norco and asked that more law enforcement officers be provided to help with traffic control.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
a) Approval of Consent Calendar as Presented.
Council Member Bash asked that item 3.J. be pulled for discussion.
Mayor Newton asked that item 3.I. be pulled for discussion.
Council Member Bash complimented the Finance Department on item 3.E. and complimented Public Works Director Blais and his team for item 3.H. and 3.I.
M/S BASH/SULLIVAN Approve of Consent Calendar as presented with item 3.I. and 3.J. 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 and Special Meeting Minutes
Action: Approved the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes and Special Meeting Minutes of January 15, 2025.
City Council Minutes - February 5, 2025
3.C. Report on Fiscal Year 2023-24 Audited Financial Reports Action: Received and filed the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Audited Financial Reports.
3.D. Resolution Making Findings and Continuing Existing Benefit Assessment Rates (BAU) for Maintaining Flood Control Channels within County Service Area CSA-152 for Fiscal Years 2025-26 through 2027-28
Action: Adopted Resolution 2025-01, making findings and continuing existing Benefit Assessment Rates (BAU) for maintaining flood control channels within County Service Area CSA-152 for Fiscal Years (FY) 2025-26 through 2027-28.
3.E. Quarterly Investment Report for Quarter Ended December 31, 2024 Action: Received and filed the Quarterly Investment Report for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2024.
3.F. Quarterly Purchase Orders Listing Between $25,000 to $49,999 Action: Received and filed the Quarterly Purchase Orders Listing for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2024.
3.G. Appointments to the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) General Assembly Meeting to be Held on May 2, 2025.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-02, appointing Council Member Kevin Bash as the delegate and Mayor Greg Newton as the alternate for the Southern California Association of Governments General Assembly Meeting on May 2, 2025.
3.H. Acceptance of Bids and Award of Contract for the 2024-25 Slurry Seal and Veterans Way Improvement Project
Action: Accepted the bids and awarded a contract for the 2024-25 Slurry Seal and Veterans Way Improvement Project to American Asphalt South, Inc. in the amount of $268,613; and authorized the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to 10 percent of the total bid amount.
4. ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
3.I. Acceptance of Bids and Award of Contract for the Third Street Improvements (Hamner Ave to Valley View Ave)
City Council Minutes - February 5, 2025
Mayor Newton suggested that the contract be approved with the deduction of line item 14 and 32, removal and installation of horse trail fencing, to allow the contractor used for horse trail fencing to complete the work.
Public Works Director Blais clarified that the contract would be approved as presented and once awarded the scope of work would be reduced to remove line item 14 and 32.
Council Members had no further questions or concerns.
Motion was made.
M/S NEWTON/BASH Accept bids and award a contract to Eagle Paving LLC for the Third Street Improvements - Hamner Ave to Valley View Ave in the amount of $590,000 and authorize the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to 10 percent of the total bid amount; with the scope of work to be reduced to remove line items 14 and 32. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, BASH, BOWEN, AND SULLIVAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
3.J. Resolution updating the City's restricted parking areas by adding "No Parking" along the easterly frontage of Valley View Avenue from Third Street to Fourth Street.
Public Works Director Blais presented the staff report and clarified the reasoning for the No Parking along the easterly frontage of Valley View Avenue from Third Street to Fourth Street.
Mayor Newton opened Public Comment.
Jim Pollard spoke regarding his concerns for the parking restriction and for the residents not being made aware of the change.
Albert Nelson stated he spoke during General Public Comment.
Sigrid Williams spoke regarding her concerns for taking away the parking for the residents and the neighbors and that this item was not brought to the Street, Trails and Utilities Commission before being brought to the City Council.
City Council Minutes - February 5, 2025
Mayor Newton closed Public Comment.
Public Works Director Blais answered questions and addressed concerns regarding the item not being brought to the Streets, Trails and Utilities Commission.
Council Members discussed the importance of communication and education to the community with the help of the Commissions.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S NEWTON/GRUNDMEYER Adopt Resolution 2025-03 to add "No Parking" along the easterly frontage of Valley View Avenue from Third Street to Fourth Street. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, BASH, BOWEN, AND SULLIVAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
5. LEGISLATIVE MATTERS
5.A. Second Reading: Ordinance, Zone Code Amendment 2024-04 (City of Norco):
A City initiated amendment to Title 18, Chapter 18.43 (Hearings and Appeals Therefrom), Chapter 18.68 (Accessory Building Use Permits), and Chapter
18.40 (Site Plan Review), increasing the public noticing radius requirements from 300 feet with a minimum number of 25 properties captured, to 600 feet with a minimum of 40 properties captured, and to require noticing for Site Plan Review applications.
Council Members had no further questions or concerns regarding Ordinance No.1128.
Motion was made.
M/S GRUNDMEYER/BASH Adopt Second Reading: Ordinance No.1128, approving Zone Code Amendment 2024-04. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, BASH, BOWEN, AND SULLIVAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
City Council Minutes - February 5, 2025
ABSTAIN: NONE
6. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEM(S)
6.A. Planning Commission Unscheduled Vacant Seat, Term Ending June 2026 City Clerk Roa presented the report for the Planning Commission Unscheduled Vacancy.
Mayor Newton opened Public Comment.
The following spoke on their behalf regarding their desire to be appointed as Planning Commissioner: Jarret Young, Mike Williams, Shannon Chudzicki and Catherine Fiore.
City Clerk Roa provided information for the following two applicants who were unable to make it to the meeting and emailed their comments for consideration as Planning Commissioner: Dean Chase and Michelle Heasley.
Gary R. Wolcott spoke regarding his concern for corruption and his desire to be a part of improving peace and education.
Mayor Newton closed Public Comment.
Council Members discussed their options to appoint applicants or to schedule interviews for further consideration.
Council Member Sullivan spoke regarding the importance of further consideration for the vacant seat.
Following discussion, motion was made.
M/S BASH/BOWEN Consider the applications received and:
(A) appoint an applicant to the Planning Commission unscheduled vacant seat, term ending June 2026. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, BASH, AND BOWEN
NOES: SULLIVAN
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
City Council Minutes - February 5, 2025
Ballots were completed for the Planning Commission Vacant Seat, Term Ending June 2026 with the following votes:
Catherine Fiore - 3
Shannon Chudzicki - 2
Catherine Fiore was appointed as Planning Commissioner for the term ending June 2026.
7. CITY COUNCIL / STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
City Clerk Roa thanked everyone for the warm wishes as her and her husband recovered from the car accident.
Public Works Director Blais recommended that Mr. Lowstetter's concern regarding his pavers in the horse trail be brought to the Streets, Trails and Utilities Commission for further discussion.
City Attorney Burns answered questions regarding the process for the discussion to be brought to the Commission and to City Council.
Council Members discussed the item and directed Public Works Director Blais to have the discussion with the Streets, Trails and Utilities Commission for a recommendation to be brought back to the City Council.
Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton provided an update on Pikes Peak Park.
Council Member Bowen recommended the Eagle Scouts do a signage project at Pumpkin Rock.
Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton provided information on possible projects for the Eagle Scouts.
Lieutenant Hall addressed the speeding concerns across the City and provided information on their active efforts to combat the issues.
Mayor Pro Tem Grundmeyer thanked staff for all of the events at the various venues.
Facilities and Maintenance Director Hamilton answered questions from Council
City Council Minutes - February 5, 2025
Member Bash regarding community access to Pikes Peak Park during construction.
Council Member Bash recommended that a discussion be had regarding Vine Avenue speeding issues.
Mayor Newton stated there may be more dramatic ways to help combat the speeding issues on Vine Avenue and across the City and made a motion to agendize a discussion.
M/S BASH/GRUNDMEYER Agendize a discussion regarding the speeding issues on Vine Avenue and other streets with public safety concerns. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: NEWTON, GRUNDMEYER, BASH, BOWEN, AND SULLIVAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
8. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Newton adjourned the meeting at 9:02 PM.
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Dana Roa, CMC
City Clerk