ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Call to Order/Roll Call 1:01 PM
EDC MEMBERS PRESENT
Mayor Deborah Robertson
Councilmember Ed Scott
CITY/AGENCY STAFF PRESENT
Robert Messinger, Deputy City Attorney
Tanya Williams, Assistant City Manager
Colby Cataldi, Director of Community Development
Paul Gonzales, Community Development Manager
Timothy Sullivan, Director of Maintenance and Facilities Vicente Giron, Engineering Manager
Daniel Casey, Principal Planner
Sandra Robles, Senior Planner
Kim Dame, Administrative Analyst
Maya, Intern to the Mayor
Additional Attendees:
Lisette Montoya, consultant with Avant Garde, Inc.
Henry Eckold, consultant with Dudek
PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
REVIEW/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes from the May 29, 2024, EDC meeting – Accepted for the Record
REPORTS/DISCUSSION ITEMS
EDC-24-1596
Vineyard Ave. Warehouse Project
Presented by Daniel Casey
Committee Comments/Questions/Recommendations:
Daniel Casey gave a brief overview of the proposal to construct a 311,000 square foot industrial warehouse building north of the 210 freeway. It was previously proposed to be developed and annexed in the city by the Bridge Development Partners. Councilmember Ed Scott inquired why this project is being discussed if Council voted 5-0 against this project. Mr. Casey advised that the applicant wanted to present and provide updates on their project. The developer, ASG Development Advisors provided a PowerPoint presentation where truck routes, entry points, residential complaints and re-zoning were some of the topics discussed. Mayor Robertson and Councilmen Scott reiterated how they opposed this project.
EDC-24-1600
Carson Companies – 210 Pepper Commerce Center (Update Discussion) Presented by Todd Bernite
Committee Comments/Questions/Recommendations:
Colby Cataldi advised that they are revisiting this item since there are conversations with Carson, the developer, and the County around the processing of the project for entitlement. Also, a discussion of annexation into the City because they are directly right on the border. Todd Bernite added that multiple technical studies are being conducted all the while multiple meetings with the City of Rialto have taken place for a while now for this very layered project.
Mayor Robertson asked what the plan for the current tenant is, and what the owner of the land is planning to do since current owner is moving out. Mr. Bernite advised that they eventually plan to move their operations further up Cajon Wash to where the land is currently mined. Mr. Bernite confirmed that BDC Group owns the land, however Carson Companies bought into the ownership. Mr. Bernite reminded council that the River Ranch Community acquired a piece of the Carson Companies’ property in order to gain access into the community.
Mr. Bernite also advised that based on what was proposed at the last EDC meeting, there would be a significant improvement upon the current heavy use of the land. He brought up the improvements that will be made based on the recommendations the Planning Department made.
Councilmember Scott inquired what stood between Carson Companies and the current owner from leaving. Mr. Bernite responded that they need the entitlements to proceed. Councilmember Scott suggested perhaps buying the streets in River Ranch and handing them over to the HOA to have them gate their community. Mr. Cataldi advised there would be more to report in the coming week or two.
EDC-24-1595
General Plan Update Presentation for the Land Use, Safety, Circulation and Environmental Justice Elements (Master Case No. 2023-019) Presented by Colby Cataldi
Committee Comments/Questions/Recommendations:
Mayor Robertson asked what the schedule for this plan update is. Mr. Cataldi advised that the team would like to have a discussion to get some feedback. The hope is to take it Planning Commission then back to Council in a month or so. Councilmember Scott advised he wasn’t prepared to hold a conversation without thoroughly looking through all the information provided therefore Council moved to next item on the agenda.
EDC-24-1599
HOME Program Participating Jurisdiction Option 2024
Presented by Colby Cataldi & Lisette Montoya
Committee Comments/Questions/Recommendations:
Mr. Cataldi informed City Council that HUD has funds in the amount of about $350,000 for home rehab, seniors, and low income. City Council must adopt and accept these funds as a part of our CDBG program.
Lisette Montoya explained that these funds are allocated to the city based on population. As part of the first-year allocation of funds, the City of Rialto is looking to exceed approximately $375,000. Once funds are received, the city has five years to allocate them. Ms. Montoya went over the steps needed to be taken to utilize these funds. Councilmember Scott asked if these funds can be used for low-income homeowners who can’t afford solar. Ms. Montoya advised that she has to check to see if solar is one of the eligible items.
Ms. Montoya and Mr. Cataldi clarified the difference between CDBG funds and HOME funds for Mayor Robertson. Councilmember Scott asked if a list of eligible items would be provided to recommend what the grant money can be used for. Mr. Cataldi advised they would bring that to Council in August.
Upcoming Meetings/Other Discussion Items:
Councilmember Scott would like status on where things stand with the old Cuca’s building. Mayor Robertson also requested a status update on the Metrolink depot and SBCTA lease.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 2:26 p.m.