MINUTES
Regular meetings of the City Council and the Redlands Financing Authority of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35 Cajon Street, on May 17, 2022 at 5:00 P.M.
Present: Paul Barich, Mayor
Eddie Tejeda, Mayor Pro Tempore
Denise Davis, Council Member
Jenna Guzman-Lowery, Council Member
Mick Gallagher, Council Member
Staff: Charles M. Duggan, Jr., City Manager; Dan McHugh, City Attorney; Robert Dawes, City Treasurer; Jeanne Donaldson, City Clerk; Janice McConnell, Assistant City Manager; Chris Boatman, Assistant City Manager; Carl Baker, Public Information Officer; Chris Catren, Police Chief; Danielle Garcia, Management Services/Finance Director; Brian Desatnik, Development Services Director; John Harris, Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director; Rich Sessler, Fire Chief
Mayor Barich called the meeting to order. He announced this was conducted as a teleconference meeting in the City Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35 Cajon Street, Redlands, California.
Mayor Pro Tem Tejeda was present via teleconferencing and all votes during the meeting were conducted by roll call. The Mayor explained that comments could be presented in-person, via Zoom, via cell phone or landline. He offered the public an opportunity to provide comment on any item on the agenda for the closed session.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None forthcoming
CLOSED SESSION
Conference with legal counsel: Existing Litigation - Government Code §54956.9(d)(1) (City Attorney McHugh)
One Case:
a. Lydia Rodriguez v. City of Redlands, San Bernardino Superior Court Case No. CIVDS1935452
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The meeting reconvened at 6:00 P.M. with an invocation by Mayor Barich followed by the pledge of allegiance to the American flag.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney McHugh announced that no reportable action was taken during the closed session.
PRESENTATIONS
Proclamation Commending Daniel J. McHugh
Mayor Barich and the Council Members presented a Proclamation commending Daniel J.
McHugh for his twenty-eight years of service as the principle legal advisor to the City. Each Council Member offered their praise and gratitude for his integrity, patience, dedication and thoughtful insight. He will be greatly missed.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comments were presented in-person, via Zoom, via cell phone or landline.
Redlands Mall Project - Andy Hoder voiced his concerns with the recent approval of the Mall Project and the developer's plans to construct 4-story buildings on the site. He thought the project was in conflict with the wishes of the voters who overwhelmingly defeated Measure G in 2020 and the almost 8,000 people who signed an initiative petition scheduled to be on the ballot in November of this year. He said these voters have sent a strong message to the Council indicating they oppose high rises, want to restrict development downtown and limit buildings to three stories.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mick Gallagher, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the minutes of the regular meeting of May 3, 2022.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Proclamation Commending Daniel J. McHugh
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mick Gallagher, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation commending Daniel J. McHugh for his years of service to the City and Community of Redlands.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Proclamation Celebrating Redlands Youth Council
Council Member Davis highlighted the Proclamation celebrating the Redlands Youth Council, a program designed to provide local high school students with learning and development opportunities related to local government and civic engagement. She was proud to announce thirty students had actively participated in the program since its inception in September 2021 and will be "graduating" next week during a special meeting.
On motion of Council Member Mick Gallagher, seconded by Council Member Jenna Guzman- Lowery, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the issuance of a proclamation celebrating Redlands Youth Council.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8349 Remote Teleconference Meetings
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mick Gallagher, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8349 authorizing remote teleconference meetings by the City Council and all Boards, Commissions, and Committees of the City in accordance with Assembly Bill 361 (2021) for a period of 30 days.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Reject Bids CDBG Joslyn Center Renovation Project
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mick Gallagher, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, to reject the bids for the 21/22 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Joslyn Center Renovation Project due to the bids exceeded the funding and additional appropriation.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Emergency Resolution No. 8065 Report
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mick Gallagher, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, to accept the Report regarding Emergency Resolution No. 8065 proclaiming the existence of a local emergency in response to COVID-19.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Medical Director Services Independent Contractor Agreement
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mick Gallagher, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, a Second Amendment to the Independent Contractor Agreement between the City of Redlands and Dr. Phong Nguyen increasing the annual fee to $18,000 for the provision of medical director services.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8328 Traffic Regulations
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mick Gallagher, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the resolution is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15301(c) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and approved Resolution No. 8328 establishing a 270 foot ‘No-Parking Zone’ on Lugonia Avenue at the northwest corner of the Lugonia Avenue and Texas Street intersection.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Fiscal Year 21/22 P.O. Modification Water Meters
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mick Gallagher, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, a Fiscal Year 21/22 purchase order modification of $150,000 with Ferguson US Holdings, Inc. to purchase Neptune Water Meters and related supplies.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Engineering Services Live Oak Canyon Creek and Oakmont Park Project
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mick Gallagher, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, a Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Huitt-Zollars, Inc. to Provide Final Engineering Services for the Live Oak Canyon Creek and Oakmont Park Project.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8333 Citywide Wastewater Master Plan
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mick Gallagher, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the resolution is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and approved Resolution No. 8333 adopting the Citywide Wastewater Master Plan.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Forklift Trucks Purchase
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mick Gallagher, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the purchase of two Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift Trucks from Naumann Hobbs in the amount of $68,482.72.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
4-Post Vehicle Lift Purchase
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mick Gallagher, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, the purchase of one 4-Post Vehicle Lift from Stertil-Koni in the amount of $83,911.69.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Receive and File Annual Report CPC
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mick Gallagher, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, to receive and file the Annual Report of the Citrus Preservation Commission as submitted by Chairman Michael Day.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
In-Kind Request Summer Music Festival
As public comment, Dennis Bell thanked City Attorney McHugh for his service and wished him the best on his retirement. He questioned why the Summer Music Festival at the Redlands Bowl needed publicly funded security, and he said that in the past the Citizen Volunteer Patrol worked the events. He's found the Bowl attracts too many dogs and too many people who are smoking, and he suggested there be more enforcement against such activities. He raised doubts about the attendance numbers listed in the report and thought they were inflated in order to gain a public benefit.
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mick Gallagher, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that the event is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15301 of the state's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and approved the request for in-kind support in the amount of $19,824 related to the 2022 Summer Music Festival event hosted by the Redlands Bowl Performing Arts.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
P.O. Modification Tennis Classes
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mick Gallagher, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, a Fiscal Year 2021-22 purchase order modification in the amount of $12,000 with Gabriel Jacobs for Tennis classes at Ford Park for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8329 Backhoe Loader Master Lease/Purchase
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mick Gallagher, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8329 for a Master Lease and Purchase Agreement with Caterpillar Financial Services, Inc., for the lease and purchase of a 2021 Caterpillar Model 420-07 Backhoe Loader in the amount of $160,105.60.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
PMP 2021 Street Resurfacing Project Contract Amendment
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mick Gallagher, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, a First Amendment to the Public Works Contract with Matich Corporation for the PMP 2021 Street Resurfacing Project to increase Contractor's compensation in the amount of $176,291.47 for the Community and Senior Center access parking lot and ADA improvements.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8319 Setting Priorities Written Arguments This item was removed from the agenda and was not considered.
Resolution No. 8318 Candidate Statement Regulations
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mick Gallagher, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8318, adopting regulations for candidates for elective office pertaining to candidate statements submitted to the voters at the General Municipal Election scheduled for November 8, 2022.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
University of Redlands Agreement RESA
On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mick Gallagher, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the agreement is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and approved the agreement between the City of Redlands and the University of Redlands for event services for the Redlands Emergency Services Academy, to be held Wednesday, July 13 through Wednesday, July 20, 2022.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
COMMUNICATIONS
Video Series: Making Redlands a Better Place
Public Information Officer Baker presented a new video from the video series “Working for You:
Making Redlands a Better Place.” This month's video highlighted Kyle Wagner, Construction Manager. Filming and production work was provided by Cheryl Williams, Multimedia Production Coordinator.
Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action
Mayor Pro Tem Tejeda announced this was the fourth of a series of presentations by Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action (ANCA), and he introduced Richard Corneille, for a presentation on ways to prepare for increasing heat. The impacts of climate change caused by global warming include, more frequent droughts, more intense and destructive wildfires, more severe weather and increased human health risks and deaths and heat is the deadliest of climate change weather impacts. Ways to address the increasing heat were: Increasing tree canopies, identifying cooling centers, encouraging cool roofs and paving and preparing city-wide heatwave action plans. He added ANCA can help promote heat reduction and mitigation actions by educating neighborhoods on ways to survive the heat, encouraging heat resiliency plans and assisting underserved neighborhoods. Mitigation actions include, planting and maintaining trees for shade, educating neighbors to be safe during heat waves, promoting energy efficient upgrades such as solar panels, insulation, double pane window and reflective roofs, and developing plans for checking on and caring for vulnerable neighbors. Council Members Davis and Guzman-Lowery appreciated the fact that practical and concrete action items were provided.
Municipal Utilities/Public Works Commission Annual Report Chairperson Adekunle Ojo presented the Annual Report of the Municipal Utilities/Public Works Commission. He defined the Commission's role and explained the members were a great resource for City Council, staff and the public. The Commission was represented by engineers, public works professionals, utilities and environmental specialists, and some Commissioners have served as MUED Directors in the past. The following projects included a partial list of work begun in 2021: Pavement Management Program, WWTP Improvement Project – Phase 1B, Water Systems & Wastewater System Master Plan Updates, Groundwater Well & Booster Pump Rehabilitation Project, Waterline Replacement Project, Wastewater Replacement & Slip-Lining Projects, Water Infrastructure Condition, Seismic, Structural Assessment, Water System SCADA Expansion Project and Citywide Water Meter Replacement Project. He reviewed the Commission's goals for 2022 to include: Complete WWTP Improvement Project – Phase 1B, Transition to WWTP Improvement Project – Phase 2, Implement Utility Planning Document Project Recommendations, Continue Groundwater Well & Booster Pump Rehabilitation Project, Pavement Management Project – 30 Miles, Waterline Replacement Project – 4.2 Miles, Wastewater Replacement & Slip- Lining Projects – 4.5 Miles, Complete Water System SCADA Expansion Project, Continue Citywide Water Meter Replacement Project. Mayor Pro Tem Tejeda was pleased Chair Ojo mentioned the varied diversity and experience, as seen on this Commission, and he thanked them for their service.
Library Board Annual Report
Library Director Don McCue introduced Board Member William Hardy who provided an update of the Library's accomplishments and activities over the past year. The FY 21-22 was a year of recovery and with the improved economic situation and Measure T passage, all the General Fund cuts have been fully restored to the budget and the library has resumed to 56 hours a week of in person services. The popular Books to Go program continues to run at full force and despite COVID-19, slowly but surely, the statistics show the patrons are becoming more comfortable returning. From July 1 through April 30, 152,917 visits were recorded at the library, the Lincoln Shrine and the Contemporary Club and 158,474 books, DVDs and magazines were circulated.
Activities included, resolving challenging infrastructure issues, submitting an application to the California State Library for a potential reimagining of the lower level space to better serve teens and literacy learners; the advantages of the Contemporary Club facility offering staff, city departments and the public another option for event scheduling; celebration of the Watchorn Lincoln Memorial Shrine 90th anniversary in February and thanks to Boyd Nies, a long desired reproduction 1857 Napoleon 12 pound Civil War cannon arrived in August and was christened by a welcoming program featuring live firing by reenactment artillerymen. Collaborative efforts accelerated with the Redlands Historical Museum Association as the old Redlands Daily Facts building transforms into the Museum of Redlands; celebration of third consecutive year of Dia de los Muertos in November; special collections division archivists Nathan Gonzales and Maria Carrillo Colato spoke at the Common Vision Coalition’s community event in March celebrating Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, building on their community history initiative. The Adult Literacy Program continued to rebuild from the effects of the pandemic; a video version of the Smiley Heritage Tours was made available to all the schools; in-person outdoor Family Day was staged in October 2021; the traditional springtime Library Days event, held last weekend, resumed after a two-year hiatus with more than 600 guests in attendance. Finally, he encouraged everyone to mark their calendars for the evening of Saturday, October 15 when the quadrennial library gala will take place.
NEW BUSINESS
ARPA Resident Grocery Gift Card Program Agreement
Assistant City Manager McConnell presented an agreement with Redlands Ranch Market in an amount not to exceed $2,024,400 to provide a maximum of 1,687 monthly grocery gift cards for the ARPA Resident Grocery Gift Card Program. On March 15, 2022, Council approved the Resident Grocery Gift Card Program funded by the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The program will provide grocery assistance to a maximum of 1,687 eligible households in the form of a monthly $100 grocery gift card for a period of 12 months. Mayor Barich and Council Member Davis pointed out this was a great way to directly help people. Applications are currently being taken.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman-Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, an agreement with Redlands Ranch Market in an amount not to exceed $2,024,400 to provide a maximum of 1,687 monthly grocery gift cards for the ARPA Resident Grocery Gift Card Program.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
University of Redlands Alternate Ballot Measure
This item was removed from the agenda and was not considered.
Resolution No. 8317 Calling and Giving Notice of Municipal Election This item was removed from the agenda and was not considered.
LNG Supply and Delivery Agreement
Assistant City Manager Boatman summarized an agreement with Applied LNG Technologies, LLC for supply and delivery of renewable liquefied natural gas in an amount not-to-exceed $637,098.00 for the initial term of one year, with the option to extend by two additional one- year terms. The fuels are used by the City's fleet of natural gas vehicles in addition to being sold to external customers and provide a revenue source.
On motion of Council Member Mick Gallagher, seconded by Council Member Jenna Guzman- Lowery, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, an agreement with Applied LNG Technologies, LLC for supply and delivery of renewable liquefied natural gas in an amount not-to- exceed $637,098.00 for the initial term of one year, with the option to extend by two additional one- year terms for a total amount not-to-exceed $1,911,294.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Contract Award 2021 Citywide Sidewalk and ADA Ramp Replacement Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris detailed a contract for the 2021 Citywide Sidewalk and ADA Ramp Replacement Phase II Project and staff's recommendation to award the contract to Universal Construction and Engineering.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman-Lowery, seconded by Council Member Mick Gallagher, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, that approval of the contract and construction of the 2021 Citywide Sidewalk and ADA Ramp Replacement Phase II is exempt from environmental review in accordance with Section 15301 (c) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; approved the 2021 Citywide Sidewalk and ADA Ramp Replacement Phase II Project plans and specifications; awarded a Construction Contract to Universal Construction and Engineering in an amount not-to-exceed $981,152.05; and approved an additional appropriation of $849,538 from the General Fund Sidewalk Replacement Reserve for this project.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
University and Brockton Avenue Traffic Signal Improvements Contract Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris introduced a Construction Contract with Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. for the University Street and Brockton Avenue Traffic Signal Improvements Project in an amount not-to-exceed $507,745. As public comment, Dennis Bell said the Colton Avenue and University Street intersection should be addressed before the one being considered tonight. Director Harris explained that originally the City intended to improve the intersection located at Colton and University, but a new residential development, currently processing through the City, may be conditioned to install a signal at that location.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman-Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously determined, by roll call vote, that approval of the contract and construction of a new traffic signal at University Street and Brockton Avenue is exempt from environmental review in accordance with Section 15301 (c) of the State's Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; approved the University Street and Brockton Avenue Traffic Signal Project plans and specifications: and awarded a Construction Contract to Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. in an amount not-to-exceed $507,745.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
Resolution No. 8335 Reducing FY 22/23 Wastewater Rates and Charges Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris provided background of Resolution No. 8335, to reduce Fiscal Year 22/23 Wastewater Rates and Charges and explained that on March 15, 2022, City Council directed staff to initiate expenditures of $11,508,106 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) for various programs. This direction included applying $1,000,000 of ARPA SLFRF to Phase 2 of the proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project, which reduces the cost incurred by the City to provide wastewater service to its customers. Therefore, a fifteen percent (15%) wastewater rate increase scheduled for implementation beginning July 1, 2022, is no longer necessary, and may be reduced to eight percent (8%) without impacting the City's ability to fund wastewater services for its customers. Mayor Pro Tem Tejeda thanked the City Manager and staff for their efforts towards making these funds available.
On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman-Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved, by roll call vote, Resolution No. 8335 reducing Fiscal Year 22/23 Wastewater Rates and Charges.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Community Day of Service Mayor Barich, Mayor Pro Tem Tejeda and Council Member Davis expressed appreciation for all the volunteers, including Service Club members and those from the Church of Latter Day Saints, who showed up to work at five separate project locations during the Community Day of Service on May 7, 2022. The day was a great success.
Council Member Gallagher commended Sylvia Lemus, Animal Control Supervisor, for stepping in to assist him with an injured baby hawk found near the Cemetery. She displayed great skill, patience and kindness in caring for the recovery and safe return of the bird.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 7:26 P.M. The next regular meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on June 7, 2022.
REDLANDS FINANCING AUTHORITY
Chairman Barich called the meeting to order and offered anyone present the opportunity to address the Board on any subject, not already on the agenda, within the jurisdiction of the Redlands Financing Authority.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None forthcoming
Minutes
On motion of Board Member Guzman-Lowery, seconded by Board Member Davis, the minutes of the regular meeting of January 18, 2022, were unanimously approved by roll call vote.
Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Redlands Financing Authority adjourned at 7:29 P.M. The next regular meeting of the Agency will be held on September 20, 2022.
GO TO PREVIOUS PAGE GO TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE