Minutes — Rialto City Council, May 27, 2025

REGULAR MEETING
of the

CITY OF RIALTO

CITY COUNCIL
City of Rialto, acting as Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency, RIALTO UTILITY AUTHORITY,

RIALTO HOUSING AUTHORITY

MINUTES

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Rialto was held in the City Council Chambers located at 150 South Palm Avenue, Rialto, California 92376 on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
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This meeting was called by the presiding officer of the Rialto City Council in accordance with the provisions of Government Code §54956 of the State of California.
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CALL TO ORDER Mayor Baca called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. 0o0

The roll was called, and the following were present: Mayor Joe Baca, Mayor Pro Tem Ed Scott , Council Member Karla Perez, and Council Member Edward Montoya Jr.

Also, present were City Manager Tanya Williams , City Attorney Eric Vail, and City Clerk Barbara McGee.

Absent: City Treasurer Edward Carrillo.
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CLOSED SESSION

1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
Pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6
Labor Negotiator: City Manager Tanya Williams
Human Resources Director Shama Curian
Employee Organizations:
• Executive Management Team
• Management Unrepresented Employees
• Rialto City Employee’s Association (RCEA)
• Teamsters Mid-Management & Confidential
Employees’ Union (TMMU)
• Rialto Fire Management Association (RFMA)
• Rialto Police Benefit Association – Management
• Rialto Police Benefit Association – General
• Rialto Professional Firefighters of California –
Local 3688
• Unrepresented Employees

2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL

ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2)
Matters: One (1)
• Rialto Springs LLC - threat of litigation
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Motion by Council Member Carrizales, second by Council Member Perez and by carried by a 5-0 vote to go into Closed Session. 0o0
The City Council went into Closed Session at 5:01 p.m.
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The City Council returned from the Closed Session at 6:15 p.m. 0o0
CALL TO ORDER Mayor Joe Baca called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 0o0

OPEN SESSION

The roll was called, and the following were present: Mayor Joe Baca, Mayor Pro Tem Ed Scott, Council Member Carrizales, Council Member Karla Perez, and Council Member Edward Montoya Jr.

Also, present were City Manager Tanya Williams, City Attorney Eric Vail, City Treasurer Edward Carrillo, and City Clerk Barbara McGee.
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The City Council received a briefing from labor negotiators. The City Council gave direction. There is no reportable action.

2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL

ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2)
Matters: One (1)
• Rialto Springs LLC - threat of litigation

The City Council had a conference with legal counsel . There is no reportable action.
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PRESENTATIONS AND

PROCLAMATIONS

1. Labor Teamsters Union Local 63
50th Year Anniversary
Mayor Baca

2. Memorial Day Tribute
Mayor Baca
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ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

Sandra Courtney addressed the City Council related to the Sandra R.

Courtney Community Playhouse’s need for many upgrades, repairs and replacements.
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Vanessa Luna addressed the City Council as first -time attendee and stated she wanted to see where her tax-money is going.
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City Council to Consider removing or
continuing any items on the agenda None.
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CONSENT CALENDAR A. WAIVE FULL READING OF ORDINANCES

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B. APPROVAL OF WARRANT RESOLUTIONS
B.1 Warrant Resolution No. 2025-43
B.2 Warrant Resolution No. 2025-44

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C. CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY – FOR INFORMATION ONLY
C.1 Mid-Century Ins. Co. ASO Gilbert Ortiz
C.2 Armani Stewart, minor

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D. SET PUBLIC HEARING
D.1 Request City Council to (1) Set a Public Hearing for June 10, 2025, to Conduct a Property Owner Protest Ballot Proceeding; (2) Adopt Resolution No. 8345 Initiating the Proceedings for the Annexation of Properties to the Rialto Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 2 and to Levy and Authorize Collection of Assessments Commencing with Fiscal Year 2024/2025; and (3) Adopt
Resolution No. 8346 Declaring the Intention to Annex Properties to the Rialto Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 2 and Conduct a Property Owner Protest Ballot Proceeding On The Matter of the New Assessments Related Thereto Commencing with Fiscal Year 2024/2025.

D.2 Request the City Council to Set a Public Hearing for June 10, 2025, to Receive Information on City Job Vacancies, Recruitment, and Retention Efforts in Compliance with Assembly Bill 2561/ Government Code 3502.3.
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E.2 Request the City Council/Rialto Utility Authority Board Authorize the release of Bids for the Automatic Meter Infrastructure Project. 0o0
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Scott, second by Council Member Carrizales and carried by a 5-0 vote to approve the Consent Calendar.

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PUBLIC HEARING
TAB 1
Adopt Resolution No. 8347
Amy Crow, Administrative Analyst, presented staff report to Request City Council to: (1) Conduct a Public Hearing for the Placement of Liens for Delinquent Refuse Collection Accounts for the 4th Quarter of 2024; and (2) Adopt Resolution No. 8347 Authorizing the Filing of Liens Against Certain Properties for Delinquent Refuse Accounts with the San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk.
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Mayor Baca opened the Public Hearing and asked if anyone wished to speak.
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No one came forward.
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Motion by Council Member Perez, second by Mayor Pro Tem Scott and carried by a 5-0 vote to close the Public Hearing.
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Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Scott, second by Council Member Carrizales and carried by a 5-0 vote to Adopt Resolution No. 8347 Authorizing the Filing of Liens Against Certain Properties for Delinquent Refuse Accounts with the San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk. 0o0

PUBLIC HEARING
TAB 2
Approve (FCWA) with Rialto Water
Services for Phase 1 City Well 3A
Groundwater Treatment Facility
John Rossi, Interim Utilities Director, presented staff report to Request City Council/Rialto Utility Authority Board Approve a Final Construction Work Authorization (FCWA) With Rialto Water Services, as Operated by Veolia West Operating Services, Inc. for Phase I – City Well 3A Groundwater Treatment Facility for an Amount Not to Exceed $328,098. 0o0

Bureau of Reclamation and $2 million from RUA. He asked if the City will be applying for additional grants to meet the $328,000.98 amount. 0o0
Interim Utilities Director Rossi stated testing typically cannot be grant funded as the assessment is being conducted.

There are over $4 million dollars’ worth of grants and a $6 million-dollar project. Opportunities will continue to be explored to make up the difference. He recommends continuing forward to develop the well.

It is critical there is another source of supply. Grants are continuously being explored.
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Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Scott and second by Council Member Montoya Jr and carried by a 5-0 vote to Approve a Final Construction Work Authorization (FCWA) With Rialto Water Services, as Operated by Veolia West Operating Services, Inc. for Phase I – City Well 3A Groundwater Treatment Facility for an Amount Not to Exceed $328,098. 0o0
TAB 3
Adopt Resolution No. 8348 Approving
Solid Waste Collection, Recycling,
Organics, and Disposal Rates for
FY 2022/2026
Assistant City Manager Sullivan and Michael Hef tman, Burrtec Waste Industries presented staff report to Request City Council Adopt Resolution No. 8348 Approving Municipal Solid Waste Collection, Recycling, Organics, and Disposal Rates for Fiscal Year 2025/2026. 0o0
Mayor Baca asked if notifications to eligible seniors were sent. 0o0
Mr. Heftman stated it is advertised in the newsletter. He can make certain an article is placed in the next newsletter to announce the discounted rate for 62 and older senior program.
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Mayor Baca re-emphasized that this rate is a mandate by the State that is required to be done based off AB 341; AB 1826; and SB 1383. 0o0

Docusign Envelope ID: 230A403E-36CD-4B74-A752-73CB5F36F2D2 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Rialto City Council Meeting Minutes – May 27, 2025 Page 7 TAB 3
Adopt Resolution No. 8348 Approving
Solid Waste Collection, Recycling,
Organics, and Disposal Rates for
FY 2022/2026
Mr. Heftman stated correct. Senate Bill 1383 is an unfunded State mandate self-proclaimed on CalRecycle’s website that has been the largest piece of legislation implemented since 1989 or 1990 along with AB 939. Recycling was just starting and taking off and it introduced automated recycling. That is where the barrels came from AB 939. Then Senate Bill 1383 focuses on organics. Its primary goal is that 75 percent of all organics are diverted from the landfill by the end of this year and are using 2014 base data. The mandate that not only requires containers to be labeled, but colors to be updated on every container, education outreach requirements, container contamination minimization requirements (lid flipping), procurement requirements are all unfunded State mandate SB 1383.
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Mayor Baca stated that the burdens fall on each one of our cities that would have to implement this. There is no choice.
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Mr. Heftman stated correct.
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Council Member Montoya Jr. asked to clarify that this rate increase is to assist with implementation of SB 1383, but a rate increase has already been asked for the implementation of SB 1383. He asked why it is being requested again.
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Mr. Heftman stated that the rate increase adjusts the service component and the disposal component. The actual fee for SB 1383 has remained unchanged. The program fee used has not changed since 2023. What has changed and is before the City Council is the service component increase that is associated with trucks, labor, collecting containers , organics disposal cost , and recycling processing cost. The programs handling education outreach and procurement and minimizations have not changed. There is no increase to those. The cost for disposal and processing affecting organics are adjusted annually.
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Council Member Montoya Jr. stated that the City has already been mandated to use trash recyclables, green and food waste for many years. He asked why it is different now with Senate Bill 1383. 0o0
Mr. Heftman stated that SB 1383 specifically targets organics. SB 1383 required the City to establish a program that has recycled food waste to be captured, processed and turned into recovered organic waste products. Mr. Heftman explained the recycled separation process to stay in compliance with SB 1383 as well as the changes that SB 1383 has brought to the solid waste industry.

There will be a lot of angry people.
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Assistant City Manager Sullivan stated there are benefits downstream to that food waste traveling through.
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Mayor Pro Tem Scott stated it will force us to buy food waste organics and put it in the waste stream.

He asked if the City is required to purchase a multitude of mulch. 0o0
Mr. Heftman stated or caused to be bought procured through a contract.

The landscaper could procure SB 1383 compliant mulch and compost to help meet the requirement.
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He asked if there was any program to provide this compost to residents. 0o0
Mr. Heftman stated yes. With the help of City staff to advertise, there are compost giveaways. They have provided materials for Maintenance and Facilities for street median and island programs.
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Assistant City Manager Sullivan stated any mulch and compost used in landscaped areas is procured through Burrtec. There are stations at the yard that offer free takes at any time of the year.
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Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked about stations at City yards and if they were being advertised.
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Assistant City Manager Sullivan stated it is advertised through the monthly newsletters and other information that is being distributed. 0o0
Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked how much is being taken by
community use.
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Assistant City Manager Sullivan stated he can provide that quantity of information by the end of the week.
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Mayor Pro Tem Scott expressed his concerns with the recycling method where you recycle in a green bin, pay for pick up, and then buy it back. 0o0
Assistant City Manager Sullivan stated there is a higher consumption now that mulch is available rather than wood chips.
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Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked what happens when the tons of mulch is not used.
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Mr. Heftman stated they partner with local agriculture in the high desert and Orange and San Diego County where large growers will use the material.
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Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked if there was a re-inspection of that resident thereafter.
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He was the only one who voted against it. He does not like to be told what to do by the State or the Federal government, especially related to trash.

He cautioned that there would be a cost for doing this . Now it can be seen, and the full cost has not yet been seen. When the City buy s thousands of tons of mulch and not all being used and have it shipped out of Rialto, the cost will rise further.
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Mr. Heftman stated it could yes.
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Mayor Pro Tem Scott stated that in addition, the landfill is nearing capacity and will be hauling trash at some point. He doesn’t believe it is good for the people of the State of California and for the people of Rialto.

He stated that the bags are not even recyclable.
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Mr. Heftman stated that is a possibility . The bags are thrown away afterwards.
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Mayor Pro Tem Scott stated that at the end, bags will be going to the landfill.
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Mr. Heftman stated yes, sir.
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Mr. Heftman stated that is absolutely correct . SB 54 creates producer responsibility organizations that drive these requirements and put the burden of the cost on the producer of the single plastics to ensure they have the right type of material for recycling.
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Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked if trash companies travel to Sacramento to lobby for or against these laws.
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Mr. Heftman stated there are associations that lobby.
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Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked for or against.
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Mr. Heftman stated depending on the type of law.
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Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked what Burrtec is doing.
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Mr. Heftman stated Burrtec has participated in some associations. 0o0
Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked if Burrtec has supported the passage of SB 1383.
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Mr. Heftman stated he is not aware.
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Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked if that information could be provided to him and the City Council.
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The legislators need to be lobbied. Those implementing have no choice but to implement what they require. Educational awareness needs to continue. He complimented Burrtec for their educational literature, which is easier to understand.
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Mr. Heftman stated its education on tomorrow’s compliance. 0o0
Mayor Baca commented that there will be legislation on fabric as well. 0o0
Mr. Heftman stated the fabric legislation will be similar to SB 54 where producer responsibility will be created similar to mattress recycling.

More regulation is coming that apply to articles of clothing and carpet. 0o0
Mayor Baca asked if there was a motion to approve Resolution No. 8348.

He made a motion and asked for a second. He stated there is no choice but to implement this Resolution.
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TAB 3 failed due to the lack of a motion/second. Resolution No. 8348 was not adopted.
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City Attorney Vail stated these rates were approved in Proposition No. 218 procedure. They will have to review to determine if those rates go in place or the other rates remain. He is not certain if this automatically requires an increase since it was previously acted on. 0o0
Mayor Pro Tem Scott stated that it should have been part of the staff report.
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City Attorney Vail stated it will be reviewed once again . Then brought before the City Council.
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Ms. Corona stated the colors have no significant meaning. It separates the funding sources.
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Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked what a new fire station assessment is for $250,000 that is in the planning phase.
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Fire Chief Park stated it was a request to do a feasibility study for side rotation build of a potential fire station based on future development. 0o0
Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked if it is based on future development. 0o0
Fire Chief Park stated yes, sir.
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Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked if there is an actual report. 0o0
Fire Chief Park stated no, sir. That would generate a report. 0o0
Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked at what point does the City stop building fire stations. The City Council was promised that Station 2 05 would be the last necessary station. Now, $250,000 to determine if another one is needed . He asked if it also includes fire station distances; if one station needs to shut down; or if another needs to be built in another location. He asked what the study is for.
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He inquired about the park projects and asked what they were. 0o0
Ms. Corona stated that for FY 26/27, there is the Community Center Building 500 Rehab Project. It is being proposed out of CDBG funds.

In FY 28/29, buildings at Rialto City Park are being proposed. 0o0
Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked what buildings.
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Director of Community Services Alvarado -Crawford stated that the buildings that house the football league s cannot be used. The league has been moved to Ferguson Park. The buildings need to be demolished and redone just like Birdsall Park . The buildings are in terrible condition.
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The Community Building next door has an enormous hole in the roof and is unusable.
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Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked if there are other park projects. 0o0
Ms. Corona stated Jerry Eaves Park is replacing two buildings for FY 29/30.
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Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked what buildings.
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Director of Community Services Alvarado -Crawford stated the snack bar building connected to the restroom is in bad condition. 0o0
Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked if it had been replaced in the original round of snack bars.
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Director of Community Services Alvarado-Crawford stated it was part of the study in 2016, but it did not get funded. Birdsall was slated to receive funding and there was a delay.
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Ms. Corona stated the last project is proposing CDBG allocations in FY28 for the Tom Sawyer Expansion Project design phase. 0o0
Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked if any funds were allocated for the Sandra R. Courtney Community Playhouse.
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Ms. Corona stated no.
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That should be a priority for the City especially the drapes and seats.

The playhouse should be kept in excellent shape.
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Assistant City Manager Sullivan stated understood.
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Mayor Baca stated that the Grace Vargas Senior Center needs roof replacement. This five-year plan can be modified and changed. 0o0
Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked if the June Hayes & Deborah Robertson Habitat Nature Center is grant funded.
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Ms. Corona stated that is correct.
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Mayor Pro Tem Scott stated that the information should be reflected on the report. The table is unclear.

He asked if City Ground Water Well 3 was just acted upon is on the report.
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Ms. Corona stated that is correct.

Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked if the Rialto Utility Authority, Advanced Metering Infrastructure, AMI , is also completely funded by grant money.
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Ms. Corona stated correct.
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Mayor Pro Tem Scott recommended separating the tables on the report to illustrate grant funds, General Funds and other funds. 0o0

Ms. Corona stated that can be done. That has been done in other previous categories. They can speak with the RUA team to make changes to the tables to separate grant funds.
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Mayor Pro Tem Scott stated it is important to inform the City Council that the City is receiving grant funding for projects and that some are completely funded through grants. That information would be helpful to know.
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Ms. Corona stated that is correct.
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Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked if the projects before the City Council for approval are all General Fund projects.
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Ms. Corona stated it is any project regardless of their funding source. 0o0
Mayor Pro Tem Scott reiterated any project regardless of the funding source.
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Mayor Baca agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Scott that the report needs to clearly identify funding source. It would make it easier for the City Council as they review to approve a five-year plan. 0o0

It is not concrete. Elected and re -elected members of the City Council can contribute to future projects as an itemized budget. 0o0

Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Scott and second by Mayor Baca and carried by a 5-0 vote to Request the City Council Approve the Fiscal Year 2026- 2030 Five -Year Capital Improvement Plan draft; Modifications and Changes at the direction of the Rialto City Council; Funded and Unfunded Items to be determined accordingly.

The vote was AYES: Mayor Baca, Mayor Pro Tem Scott,
Council Member Carrizales, Council Member Perez, Council Member Montoya, Jr.

NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
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Brian Park, Fire Chief, presented staff report to Request the City Council: (1) Approve a Purchase Order with Forge Fire & Company for Modular Training Equipment in the Amount of $172,875.00, and (2) Authorize the City Manager or Their Designee to Execute all Necessary Contracts and Purchasing Documents.
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Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Scott, second by Council Member Carrizales and carried by a 5-0 vote to Approve a Purchase Order with Forge Fire & Company for Modular Training Equipment in the Amount of $172,875.00, and (2) Authorize the City Manager or Their Designee to Execute all Necessary Contracts and Purchasing Documents. 0o0
REPORTS The Council Members gave their report.
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Department Head Reports Department Heads gave their report. 0o0
ADJOURNMENT Motion by Council Member Perez , second by Council Member Montoya Jr. and carried by a 5-0 vote to adjourn the City Council Meeting at 8:17 p.m.

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MAYOR JOE BACA

ATTEST:

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CITY CLERK BARBARA A. McGEE

Docusign Envelope ID: 230A403E-36CD-4B74-A752-73CB5F36F2D2

Rialto City CouncilMay 27, 2025

Rialto City Council
May 27, 2025