MINUTES
City Council
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
City Council Chamber – Norco City Hall
2820 Clark Avenue, Norco, CA 92860
CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM
ROLL CALL Robin Grundmeyer, Mayor
Gregory Bowen, Mayor Pro Tem
Kevin Bash, Council Member
Greg Newton, Council Member
Fia Sullivan, Council Member
CLOSED SESSION
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: Easement located along Hamner Avenue right-of-way adjacent to 7408 Shady Tree Street, Eastvale, California
City Negotiator: City Manager, City Attorney, Public Works Director, Community Development Director
Negotiating Parties: City of Norco and Adrian and Lili Adnani (Property Owners) Under Negotiation: Price and terms of potential quitclaim of City's easement interest
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code § 54957.6
Agency Designated Representatives: City Manager and City Attorney Employee Organization: Norco General Employees Association (NGEA) City Attorney Burns read the Closed Session items into the record.
Mayor Grundmeyer recessed the meeting at 6:01 p.m.
RECONVENE PUBLIC SESSION 7:00 PM
REPORT OF ACTION(S) TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Burns reported that there was no action taken.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Pro Tem Bowen led the pledge of allegiance.
City Council Minutes - March 4, 2026
INVOCATION Chaplain Vincent Ball led the invocation.
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
This is the time when persons wishing to address the presiding governmental body regarding the Consent Calendar, items within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body. Please submit a speaker card to the Meeting Clerk. Please limit comments to three minutes or less. The Ralph M. Brown Act limits the governmental body’s ability to respond to comments on nonagendized matters at the time such comments are made. The governmental body shall not discuss or act relative to any general public comment.
There was no public speakers.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
All items listed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and may be enacted by one motion. Prior to the motion to consider any action by the presiding governmental body, any public comments on any of the Consent Items will be heard. There will be no separate action unless members of the governmental body or the audience request specific items be removed from the Consent Calendar. Items removed from the Consent Calendar will be separately considered under Item 3 of the Agenda.
M/S BASH/NEWTON to approve the Consent Calendar, with item 3.C. pulled for discussion. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GRUNDMEYER, BOWEN, BASH, NEWTON, 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 and Successor Agency Regular and Special Meeting
City Council Minutes - March 4, 2026
Minutes
Action: Approved the City Council and Successor Agency Regular and Special Meeting Minutes.
3.D. A request for approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Willdan Engineering for Human Resources Management Support services.
Action: Approved a two-year Professional Services Agreement with Willdan Engineering to provide on-call Management Support Services for the Human Resources Department, as needed.
4. ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
3.C. Approval of the proposal from KWC Engineers to provide Professional Engineering Services for the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan Councilmember Newton noted that there is no issue with the contract. He asked about the change order contingency cost and the 10% and a possible increase in the future.
City Manager Free explained the process of the limits of the public works contract; once it reaches 10%, it will need to come back to the council for approval.
Councilmember Newton asked if the adjustment will be presented in the budget. City Manager Free explained that when the budget was prepared it was an estimate and the proposal came in after completion of the budget.
However, the contract would come back to the City Council for approval of an increase in excess of 10%.
M/S NEWTON/BASH to Accept the professional engineering services proposal and award a contract to KWC Engineers in the amount of $69,850 and authorize the City Manager to approve contract change orders up to 10 percent of the total proposal amount. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GRUNDMEYER, BOWEN, BASH, NEWTON, AND SULLIVAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
5. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEM(S)
City Council Minutes - March 4, 2026
Order of Presentation for Discussion Items:
1. Staff Report Presentation
2. Council Questions of Staff
3. Public Comment
4. Council Discussion and Action
5.A. Fiscal Year 2025-26 Second Quarter Budget Performance Report with Proposed Mid-Year Amendments to the Annual Operating Budget Finance Director Calhoun presented the staff report on file.
Councilmember Newton acknowledged staff for their work and requested clarification regarding previously provided budget information. Finance Director Calhoun explained where the funds had been allocated and referenced the applicable sections of the City budget. Councilmember Newton also inquired about the Safety Services budget and related staffing costs.
Finance Director Calhoun explained the process used to allocate those funds.
Chief Otterman further clarified that the staffing costs had already been incurred by the City.
Councilmember Newton asked about the status of the HVAC project. Parks Superintendent Todd Shank stated that he would follow up with the City Council and provide additional information.
Mayor Pro Tem Bowen inquired about the NART budget. City Manager Free explained that no adjustments had been made to that budget.
M/S NEWTON/BASH to receive and file the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Second Quarter Budget Performance Report. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GRUNDMEYER, BOWEN, BASH, NEWTON, AND SULLIVAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
M/S NEWTON/BASH to adopt Resolution No. 2026-10, approving various mid-year amendments to the FY 2025-26 Annual Operating Budget and authorizing changes in appropriations and revenues thereto. Amend to add Public Works contract. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GRUNDMEYER, BOWEN, BASH, NEWTON, AND SULLIVAN
NOES: NONE
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ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
5.B. An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Norco Increasing Council Member Compensation
City Attorney Burns presented the staff report on file.
Mayor Pro Tem Bowen asked whether a Councilmember could choose not to accept the stipend. City Attorney Burns stated that a Councilmember is not required to accept the stipend.
Councilmember Bash commented on the proposed stipend increase, noting that the responsibilities of serving on the City Council are comparable to a fulltime commitment and stating that increasing the stipend could help encourage younger residents to consider serving on the Council.
Councilmember Newton discussed the longstanding volunteer service of many Councilmembers and acknowledged the significant contributions made over the years. Councilmember Newton recommended that the stipend be set at $1,200 per month.
M/S NEWTON/BASH to approve Alternative No. 1: Introduce and Approve for First Reading an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Norco Increasing Council Member Compensation to $1,200 per month, or another amount as directed.
The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GRUNDMEYER, BOWEN, BASH, NEWTON, AND SULLIVAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
5.C. Consideration of Motion to Reconsider Prior Approvals for Annexation 27 (Bluff Street), General Plan Amendment 2023-01, and Zone Change 2023-01 (PreZone) Community Development Director Cataldi presented the staff report on file.
Mayor Grundmeyer provided comments regarding the procedural steps leading up to the item, including the review process and the potential annexation process. The Mayor outlined the general process and considerations involved should annexation move forward.
Councilmember Newton concurred with Mayor Grundmeyer’s comments regarding the process and noted that several questions had arisen since the
City Council Minutes - March 4, 2026
previous Council meeting related to the matter.
Mayor Pro Tem Bowen commented on the item and acknowledged the importance of clearly outlining the process and requirements associated with the proposed action for the benefit of the Council and the public.
M/S GRUNDMEYER/BASH 1. consider a motion to reconsider the prior approvals related to Annexation 27, General Plan Amendment 2023-01, and Zone Change 2023-01 (Pre-Zone).
2. direct staff, if the motion to reconsider passes, to initiate the process to conduct a duly noticed public hearing in accordance with Chapter 18.43 of the Norco Municipal Code and applicable state law.
The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GRUNDMEYER, BOWEN, BASH, AND SULLIVAN
NOES: NEWTON
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
6. PUBLIC HEARING(S)
Order of Presentation for Public Hearing Items:
1. Staff Report Presentation
2. Council Questions of Staff
3. Open Public Hearing
a. Public Comment
4. Close Public Hearing
5. Council Discussion and Action
6.A. Appeal Hearing: An Appeal of the Planning Commission’s approval of Accessory Building Use Permit 2025-04 (Ursu): A request to allow a 1,000 square foot Large Vehicle Parking Building with an attached 392 square foot shop area located at 4077 Temescal Avenue within the A-1-20 Zone. (APN:
133-101-004).
Associate Planner Woods-Diaz presented the staff report on file.
Councilmember Newton inquired about prior code enforcement cases associated with the property. Associate Planner Woods-Diaz confirmed that both code enforcement cases have been closed. Councilmember Newton also asked about the requirements for a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP).
Director Nelson explained that the WQMP would be required prior to placement of the material on the site.
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Councilmember Newton asked staff to clarify the condition related to outdoor storage and questioned whether the requirement would apply if materials were stored inside the structure. Associate Planner Woods-Diaz stated that the property owner would still be required to comply with the applicable conditions of approval and City regulations.
Mayor Pro Tem Bowen asked staff about the purpose of including a condition requiring compliance with City ordinances. Associate Planner Woods-Diaz explained the necessity of the condition to ensure adherence to municipal regulations. Mayor Pro Tem Bowen also asked about the location of the building, potential drainage concerns, and the maximum allowable size for the proposed concrete area.
Councilmember Bash asked how compliance with the conditions would be monitored. Associate Planner Woods-Diaz stated that compliance issues would typically be addressed through the City’s code enforcement process.
The following individuals spoke during public comment in opposition to the appeal:
Jamie McCauley expressed opposition to the project and raised concerns regarding existing site conditions and the approval of the Building Use Permit for a commercial business in a residential area. Pat Hedges opposed the project and identified several issues related to the property and its impacts.
Sam Ho opposed the project, expressed agreement with the previous speakers, and stated a preference for a residential neighbor rather than a business use at the location. Mr. Ho also noted that no one resides at the site.
Councilmember Newton requested that the applicant provide comments.
Applicant Ben Ursu addressed the Council and described how he utilizes the property. Mr. Ursu stated that he believes neighboring residents are opposed to his activities at the site.
Councilmember Newton asked the applicant about prior code enforcement cases and work performed without permits. Mr. Ursu acknowledged that construction work began on the site prior to obtaining permits. Councilmember Newton noted that permits were obtained after the citation was issued. Mr.
Ursu stated that his intention was to improve and clean up the property.
Councilmember Newton also noted observations from visiting the site, including stored
materials and a large van on the property.
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Mayor Pro Tem Bowen asked whether the applicant resides at the property.
Mr. Ursu confirmed that he does not live on the site. Mayor Pro Tem Bowen also asked whether the applicant understands the permitting requirements. Mr.
Ursu responded that he was attempting to improve the property.
Councilmember Newton requested clarification from staff regarding the WQMP process. Director Nelson explained the permitting process and the requirements that must be satisfied prior to project implementation.
Councilmember Bash commented on broader drainage concerns within the City and ongoing code enforcement challenges. Councilmember Bash emphasized the importance of respecting neighbors and the community.
M/S NEWTON/SULLIVAN to overturn the Planning Commission ruling due to drainage issues and the welfare of the community. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GRUNDMEYER, BOWEN, BASH, NEWTON, AND SULLIVAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
6.B. First Reading, Ordinance No.1139 adopting Zone Code Amendment 2026-01 (City of Norco): A City-Initiated amendment to Title 18, Chapter 18.02, "Definitions", and Chapter 18.59 "Rooming and Boarding House", to update and clarify the provisions in the Norco Municipal Code for compliance with State law and the City of Norco's 2021-2029 Housing Element.
Director Cataldi presented the staff report on file. A presentation was available for all to view.
Councilmember Bash thanked staff for their time on the report.
M/S BASH/BOWEN to introduce Ordinance No. 1139 approving Zone Code Amendment 2026-01. The Motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: GRUNDMEYER, BOWEN, BASH, NEWTON, AND SULLIVAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
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7. CITY COUNCIL / STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Parks Superintendent Todd Shank provided an update regarding the HVAC replacement project at Fire Station 47.
Councilmember Bash commented on the recent Grow Dinner event and thanked City staff for their efforts in organizing and supporting the event.
Mayor Pro Tem Bowen also expressed appreciation to staff for their work in coordinating the Grow Dinner event.
Councilmember Newton reported a water leak on a hillside within the City and requested that staff investigate the matter.
Mayor Grundmeyer requested that the meeting be adjourned in honor of Glen Hedges.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Grundmeyer adjourned the meeting at 8:49 p.m. in memory of Glenn Hedges, a longtime community volunteer.
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City Clerk