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, March 25, 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, March 25, 2025. 0o0
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. 0o0
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Baca called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
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The roll was called, and the following were present: Mayor Joe Baca, Mayor Pro Tem Ed Scott, Council Member Andy Carrizales, 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.
City Treasurer Edward Carrillo was absent.
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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 Employee’s 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 COUNSELOR
EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d) (1)
Number of Matters: Two (2)
Robertson v. City of Rialto
SBSC Case No. CIVD 2325391
Robertson v. City of Rialto
SBSC Case No. CIVD 2325118
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Motion by Council Member Perez and second by Council Member Carrizales and by carried by a 5-0 vote to go into Closed Session. 0o0
The City Council went into Closed Session at 5:02 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 Andy 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. 0o0
Pledge of Allegiance and
Invocation
City Manager Tanya Williams led the pledge of allegiance. 0o0
Scott Hart with Calvary Chapel Rialto gave the Invocation. 0o0
City Attorney’s Report on
Closed Session
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
Pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6
Director Shama Curian
Employee Organizations:
Executive Management Team
Management Unrepresented Employees
Rialto City Employee’s Association (RCEA)
Teamsters Mid-Management & Confidential Employee’s 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
The City Council received a briefing from Human Resources Director Shama Curian. There was no other discussion or reportable action.
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSELOR
EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d) (1)
Number of Matters: Two (2)
Robertson v. City of Rialto
SBSC Case No. CIVD 2325391
Robertson v. City of Rialto
SBSC Case No. CIVD 2325118
The City Council had a report from Special Counsel, but there was no reportable action. 0o0
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Recognition to Ana Gonzales - 2025 Senate District 29
Woman of the Year Award - Mayor Joe Baca
Proclamation - Earth Day – Council Member Perez
Proclamation - National Arbor Day –
Council Member Montoya Jr.
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ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
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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. 2025-34
B.2 Warrant Resolution No. 2025-35
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C. CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY – FOR INFORMATION ONLY
C.1 Karl Frederick Kolodzik
C.2 California Auto Insurance ASO Michael Garcia
C.3 Farmers Ins Exchange ASO Oscar Meza
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D. SET PUBLIC HEARING
D. 1 Request City Council to Adopt Resolution No. 8330 and Set a Public Hearing for April 8, 2025, to Consider Ordering the Abatement of Weeds on Various Properties Within the City Limits, and to Hear any Objections to Imposing the Abatement Cost Therefore as a Lien Against Parcels of Property Set Forth in Exhibit A.
D. 2 Request City Council to Set a Public Hearing for April 8th, 2025, to consider Authorizing Staff to Initiate the San Bernardino County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) to begin the Annexation Filing Process to Annex Five (5) Parcels of land in the City’s Sphere of Influence.
D.3 Request City Council/Rialto Utility Authority set a Public Hearing for May 13, 2025, to consider public comments and adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Dr. June Hayes and Deborah Robertson Habitat Nature Center. 0o0
CONSENT CALENDAR
E. MISCELLANEOUS
E.1 Request City Council to Adopt Proposed Resolution No. 8331 to approve the Joint Community Facilities Agreement in connection with Community Facilities District No. 2024-1 of the Colton Joint Unified School District.
E.2 Request City Council to (1) Ratify the grant application submitted to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) for the Million Coaches Challenge; (2) Accept the grant award from NRPA in the amount of $2,500; (3) Adopt Resolution No. 8332 amending the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget to reflect the grant funds; and (4) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all necessary documents related to the grant. 0o0
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Scott, second by Council Member Carrizales and carried by a 5-0 vote to approve the Consent Calendar. 0o0
PUBLIC HEARING
TAB 1
Proposed Annexation of Territory to the Rialto Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 2; Adopt Resolution No. 8333; Adopt Resolution No. 8334 Amy Crow, Administrative Analyst, presented staff report to Request City Council to: 1) Conduct a Public Hearing Regarding the Proposed Annexation of Territory to the Rialto Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 2; 2) Request City Council to Adopt Resolution No. 8333 Declaring the Results of the Property Owner Protest Ballot Proceedings Conducted for the Proposed Levy of Assessments Related to the Annexation of Territory to the Rialto Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 2, Commencing in Fiscal Year 2024/2025; and 3)Request City Council to Adopt Resolution No. 8334 Confirming the Engineer’s Report Regarding the Annexation of Territory to the Rialto Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 2, the Levy of Annual Assessments Described Therein, and the Assessment Diagram Connected Therewith, and Ordering the Levy and Collection of Assessments Commencing in Fiscal Year 2024/2025 for said Annexation. 0o0
Mayor Baca asked if anyone wished to speak on this Item. 0o0
No one came forward.
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Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Scott, second by Council Member Carrizales and carried by a 5-0 vote to Close the Public Hearing. 0o0
TAB 1
Proposed Annexation of Territory to the Rialto Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 2; Adopt Resolution No. 8333; Adopt Resolution No. 8334 The ballots were read into the record.
Landscaping & Lighting Maintenance District No. 2
APN: 113318126000 &
APN: 1133181290000
PPD # 2020-0025
SUPPORT
APN:
0258-121-51-0000
PPD # 2019-0036
SUPPORT
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Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Scott, second by Council Member Montoya Jr. and carried by a 5-0 vote to Adopt Resolution No. 8333 Declaring the Results of the Property Owner Protest Ballot Proceedings Conducted for the Proposed Levy of Assessments Related to the Annexation of Territory to the Rialto Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 2, Commencing in Fiscal Year 2024/202; and Adopt Resolution No. 8334 Confirming the Engineer’s Report Regarding the Annexation of Territory to the Rialto Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 2, the Levy of Annual Assessments Described Therein, and the Assessment Diagram Connected Therewith, and Ordering the Levy and Collection of Assessments Commencing in Fiscal Year 2024/2025 for said Annexation. 0o0
NEW BUSINESS
TAB 2
Receive Mid-Year Budget Presentation on General Fund FY 2024-2025 Scott Williams, Finance Director, presented staff report to Request City Council to Receive a Mid-Year Budget Presentation on General Fund Fiscal Year 2024-2025 and Provide Direction on General Fund Reserve Balance. 0o0
Mayor Baca commented on the capital improvement fund and stated it can include an all-inclusive playground, Wi-Fi, a soccer field or baseball cages. It needs to be decided as City Council. 0o0
Finance Director Williams stated yes. Those would be examples of capital improvement. 0o0
Mayor Pro Tem Scott recommended that we discuss capital projects when there is a capital project workshop. The City is limited in dollars. Some projects referenced would come out of other funds other than General Funds. 0o0
TAB 2
Receive Mid-Year Budget Presentation on General Fund FY 2024-2025 Department Personnel Requests
Mayor Pro Tem Scott inquired about the department personnel requests and asked why the Human Resources Risk Manager was not included. 0o0
City Manager Tanya Williams stated it was not submitted as part of the mid-year budget request. It was not received by the Human Resources Department. Should the City Council wishes to consider it as part of the mid-year request to add to this year’s budget, it can certainly be done. 0o0
Mayor Pro Tem Scott stated this matter was discussed at length last year. The Human Resources Risk Manager was in that discussion. He requested that it be added to the budget. The City is lacking in risk management. 0o0
Mayor Baca stated if there is no objection, it will be added to the list. 0o0
Mayor Pro Tem Scott stated he is not certain if the dollar amount is current. 0o0
Finance Director Williams stated they have that estimate. 0o0
City Manager Williams stated they would be happy to add that position. All the positions that the City Council will approve adding to the budget tonight, will have to bring back a subsequent item. She stated that the Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation does not have a current class specification that will need to be added to the salary table. It will be brought back to the City Council with the Human Resources positions and the other items added, should the City Council wishes to add tonight. 0o0
Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked when will it be brought back? 0o0
City Manager Williams stated at the next City Council meeting on April 8, 2025. 0o0
TAB 2
Receive Mid-Year Budget Presentation on General Fund FY 2024-2025 Mayor Pro Tem Scott stated he wants to make certain it does, being that it is very close to next year’s budget. He felt it important to unfreeze these positions to begin recruitment and be ready to put these individuals in place by the time the new budget in July.
He hopes this will not stop others from starting their recruitment process. 0o0
City Manager Williams stated recruitment can move forward once the City Council gives authorization tonight. 0o0
Mayor Baca stated that it would give the City an indication of where the City stands on their budget. 0o0
Council Member Carrizales asked to go over other revenues projected for two million dollars. 0o0
Finance Director Williams stated he will bring that information back to the City Council. He does not have a detailed list. The major groupings represent 150 accounts. 0o0
Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked to be provided with a list of accounts and what they are providing.
He asked if all those accounts are authorized by the City Council. 0o0
Finance Director Williams stated yes.
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(Presentation Continued)
Mayor Pro Tem Scott stated the mid-year budget should be coming in December so that the City Council can make changes or suggest cuts. The mid-year budget needs to be presented before the City Council quicker and not near April.
He stated that he has received complaints from contractors and consultants about the untimeliness of payments. He was told the City does not use ACH payment system. A discussion needs to take place as to why or why not. 0o0
Finance Director Williams stated part of the implementation process for the ERP system needs to be completed. ACH payment system is one of them. His standard is 100 percent paperless. There is no reason not to use this functionality. It ensures timely payments, no lost checks, and it assists the City Treasurer. This is a matter of priority to complete the ERP system that the City has paid for.
TAB 2
Receive Mid-Year Budget Presentation on General Fund FY 2024-2025 Mayor Baca stated it is an important item. When contractors are performing their work, it is important they are compensated in a timely manner, efficiently and correctly and with accountability. 0o0
Mayor Pro Tem Scott stated that the City likes to do business with local businesses. It is disappointing to hear local businesses opting not to engage in business with the City because they do not pay in a timely manner. It gets difficult when you have to wait 60-90 days to get paid. 0o0
Finance Director Williams stated that the City made a good choice with this system. He has implemented it twice. Although its implementation is extensive work, it is a priority. 0o0
Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked when the Fire Department will be added to the system. 0o0
Finance Director Williams stated there needs to be consistency in the current payroll for a few months, then the parallel process will begin with the Fire Department. 0o0
Mayor Baca stated that the appropriate staff to implement it needs to be in place. 0o0
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Scott, second by Council Member Perez and carried by a 5-0 vote to Receive and File a Mid-Year Budget Presentation on General Fund Fiscal Year 2024-2025 and Provide Direction on General Fund Reserve Balance; bring all positions listed in the report including the Human Resources Risk Manager and Deputy Director to Parks and Recreation and Community Services positions at the next City Council meeting on April 8, 2025. 0o0
City Attorney Vail stated there were direction items and wanted to ensure that they were part of the motion for receive and file. The direction was to bring all the positions listed in the report back to the next meeting along with the Human Resources Risk Management position. 0o0
Mayor Baca stated as well as Deputy Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services position. 0o0
TAB 3
Adopt Resolution No. 8335
Declaring opposition to a proposed Vineyard Avenue Warehouse Project Paul Gonzales, Community Development Manager presented staff report to Request the City Council adopt Resolution No. 8335 declaring opposition to a proposed 311,315 square foot industrial warehouse building, known as the Vineyard Avenue Warehouse Project (PROJ 2023-00162), within the jurisdiction of the County of San Bernardino. 0o0
Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked if there was anyone who wished to speak on this Item. 0o0
City Clerk McGee stated no. There was one letter received for the City Council and was provided to each Council Member. 0o0
Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked if that was opposition to the project for CCAEJ. 0o0
City Clerk McGee stated yes.
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Mayor Pro Tem Scott commented that knowing the City Council had voted against this project, when notifications were sent by the Planning Department, was a letter of opposition issued to the County informing them that the City Council had previously declined and opposed this project. 0o0
Mr. Gonzales stated there have been meetings with the proposed Applicant to discuss the project. 0o0
Mayor Pro Tem Scott reiterated and asked if a letter had been issued informing the County that the City Council had previously opposed this project. 0o0
Mr. Gonzales stated a letter has not been written, no.
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Mayor Pro Tem Scott moved to approve Resolution No. 8335 and give authorization to the City Attorney to retain a CEQA attorney to oppose this project if necessary. 0o0
TAB 3
Adopt Resolution No. 8335
Declaring opposition to a proposed Vineyard Avenue Warehouse Project Mayor Baca stated it appears that the City Council had already rejected this warehouse project. It also appears in 2019, the City Council opposed it. He believes that the current City Council should stand firm to the decision of the City Council in 2019 and to the effects the warehouse would have impact in the immediate area to build another warehouse as well as the cost to the City. 0o0
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Scott, second by Council Member Carrizales and carried by a 5-0 vote to approve Resolution No. 8335 and give authorization to the City Attorney to retain a CEQA attorney to oppose this project if necessary.
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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TAB 4
Adopt No. 8335
Approve the Sixth Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Dopudja and Wells Consulting John Rossi, Interim Utilities Director, presented staff report to Request City Council/Rialto Utility Authority Board: (1) Approve the Sixth Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Dopudja and Wells Consulting for $993,125 and (2) Authorize the Executive Director to Execute all Related Documents in a Form Approved by General Counsel. 0o0
Mayor Pro Tem Scott stated that when this Item was before the Water Subcommittee, there were other Items added. The recommendations were to take some of those Items and solicit bids versus a sole source contract. He asked if those bids were underway. 0o0
Interim Utilities Director Rossi stated they are in development. A wastewater masterplan is being presented to the community of possible consultants. It is currently being devised. 0o0
Mayor Pro Tem Scott thanked Interim Utilities Director Rossi for his work. He also thanked Mr. Dopudja for his assistance in the past year. 0o0
Mayor Baca commented that apparently this City has been satisfied with their work, or the contract may not have been renewed over the years. 0o0
TAB 4
Adopt No. 8335
Approve the Sixth Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Dopudja and Wells Consulting Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Scott, second by Council Member Montoya Jr. and carried by a 5-0 vote to Approve the Sixth Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Dopudja and Wells Consulting for $993,125 and Authorize the Executive Director to Execute all Related Documents in a Form Approved by General Counsel. 0o0
REPORTS
Council Members gave their report.
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Department Head Reports
Department Heads gave their report.
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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 8:01 p.m. 0o0
_________________________________
MAYOR JOE BACA
ATTEST:
_____________________________
CITY CLERK BARBARA A. McGEE
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Rialto City Council Meeting Minutes – March 25, 2025 Page 12