CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
CITY OF TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2022, 1 P.M.
RIVERSIDE PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
City of Arts & Innovation ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
PRESENT: Mayor Lock Dawson, Councilmembers Edwards, Cervantes, Fierro, Conder, Perry, and Hemenway and Councilwoman Plascencia
ABSENT: None
Mayor Lock Dawson called the meeting to order at 1:02 p.m.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Patrick Maloney spoke regarding the Show Case Theater, Open Mic Night, and the Spike and Mike Sick and Twisted Show. Teresa Seipel and Susan Toscano spoke regarding funding for security guards at the libraries.
COMMUNICATIONS
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS AND LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
The City Council received an update on Intergovernmental relations and legislation.
HOMELESS SOLUTIONS UPDATE
There was no update on homeless solutions.
SUSTAINABILITY UPDATE
There was no update on sustainability.
HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SECURITY UPDATES
The City Council received an update on health, safety, and security.
LEGAL UPDATE
There was no legal update.
PRESENTATION
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW AND EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION Following discussion and without formal motion, the City Council received and ordered filed the Public Works Department overview and employee recognition. 107-327
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3900 MAIN STREET
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
AGREEMENT - CITYWIDE FIBER OPTIC NETWORK
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Conder and seconded by Councilmember Perry to (1) approve the proposed Development Agreement between the City of Riverside and SiFi Networks Riverside, LLC for a Citywide Fiber Optic Network as recommended by the City Council Mobility and Infrastructure Committee; and (2) authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Agreement and any additional documentation to effectuate this agreement and the ability to make minor non-substantial changes. The motion carried with Councilmembers Edwards, Cervantes, Fierro, Conder, Perry, and Hemenway voting aye and Councilwoman Plascencia voting no.
RESTART UTILITY BILL REPAYMENT PROGRAM FOR CUSTOMERS ADVERSELY IMPACTED BY COVID-19 PANDEMIC - SUSPEND DISCONTINUANCE OF SERVICE FOR NON-PAYMENT OF
WATER, ELECTRIC, SEWER AND REFUSE UTILITY
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Fierro and seconded by Councilwoman Plascencia to (1) approve the Public Utilities Restart Utility Bill Repayment Program for customers who were unable to pay their Riverside Public Utilities bills due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; and (2) direct the City Manager to reverse the March 17, 2020, suspension of discontinuing water electric, sewer and refuse utility service for non-payment. The motion carried unanimously.
FISCAL YEAR 2022-2024 PROPOSED BIENNIAL BUDGET - PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Fierro and seconded by Councilmember Hemenway to (1) receive and order filed the proposed Fiscal Year 2022- 2024 Biennial Budget; and (2) set a public hearing date for adoption of the proposed Fiscal Year 2022-2024 Biennial Budget on June 21, 2022. The motion carried unanimously.
CLOSED SESSIONS
The Mayor and City Council adjourned to closed sessions pursuant to Government Code (1) §54956.9 (d) (1) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning Walter Linke, et al. V. Angel Ramirez, et al., Riverside Superior Court Case No.
CVRI2100730; (2) §54956.9(d) (1) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning Summer Parada, et al. y City of Riverside, Riverside Superior Court Case No. RIC 1818642; (3) §54956.9(d) (1) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal 107-328
CITY COUNCIL
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CITY OF TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2022, 1 P.M.
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3900 MAIN STREET
counsel concerning Riversiders Against Increased Taxes v. City of Riverside, et al., Riverside Superior Court Case No. CVRI 2104120; (4) §54956.9(d) (1) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning Service Employees International Union, Local 721 v. City of Riverside, Case No. LA-CE-1577-M; (5) §54956.9 (d) (1) to confer with and/or receive from legal counsel concerning John Alworth v. City of Riverside, WCAB Claim No.(s): 01000198-LTM/RIV 45699; (6) §54957 (a) for consultation with Chief of Police Larry Gonzalez and Chief Information Officer George Khalil regarding threat to public services or facilities; (7) §54956.9 (d) (2) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning significant exposure to litigation regarding one case; (8) §54956.9(d) (4) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning the City Council deciding whether to initiate litigation regarding one case; (9) §54957.6 to review the City Council's position and instruct designated representatives regarding salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits of all Executive Management employees except the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk, all Management and Confidential employees as defined by PERS, Fire Management Unit, Riverside City Firefighters Association, Riverside Police Officers Association (Police and Police Supervisory Units), Service Employees International Union #721, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers #47, and Riverside Police Administrators Association; (10) §54957 for a performance evaluation of the City Clerk; and (11) §54957 for recruitment/appointment of City Manager by City Council.
RECESS
The Mayor and City Council recessed at 3:35 p.m. and reconvened at 6:15 p.m. with Mayor Lock Dawson presiding and all Councilmembers present.
Councilmember Hemenway gave the Invocation.
Mayor Lock Dawson led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Hemenway spoke on the Board and Commission recognition dinner.
Councilmember Perry reported on the Riverside County Board of Supervisors approval of funding for individuals released from jail facilities back to their place of residence and National Peace Officers Memorial Week will include a ceremony and memorial run honoring Fallen Peace Officers. Councilwoman Plascencia spoke regarding the McKenzie Crew Neighborhood Group Coffee regarding quality-of-life questions, the 107-329
CITY COUNCIL
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CITY OF TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2022, 1 P.M.
RIVERSIDE PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
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3900 MAIN STREET
Board and Commission recognition dinner, and office hours. Councilmember Conder spoke regarding the Board and Commission recognition dinner and Police Week.
Councilmember Fierro spoke regarding the Victoria Woods Neighborhood meeting.
Councilmember Cervantes spoke regarding the Riverside Arts Academy Mural Project unveiling at the Cesar Chavez Community Center, a health fair hosted by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) at Bordwell Park, and the Sycamore Canyon Neighborhood meeting. Councilmember Edwards spoke regarding a vintage home tour, a community meeting regarding the implementation of Northside Specific Plan at the Ruth Lewis Community Center, and the Historic Wood Streets Association meeting.
Mayor Lock Dawson spoke regarding the Big Tent Tour, The Group meeting, and congratulated Dale Roberts for receiving the Frank Miller Civic Achievement Award.
The City Council Economic Development, Placemaking, and Branding/Marketing Committee will conduct an in-person and virtual meeting at 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at the Art Pick Council Chamber.
The City Council Housing and Homelessness Committee will conduct an in-person and virtual meeting at 3 p.m. on Monday, May 23, 2022, at the Art Pick Council Chamber.
PRESENTATION
LIFE STREAM BLOOD BANK
The City Council received and ordered filed a presentation on Life Stream Blood Bank by the Director of Donor Recruitment Michael McDaniel on the blood supply shortage and importance of continuing to promote blood donations.
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
RIVERSIDE PROSPERS SUCCESS REPORT
Councilmember Cervantes reported on the Eastside Arthouse.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Ricky Estrada spoke regarding workplace safety. Jeannie Pauli, Alex Ramirez, Eloy Alvarez, Simboa Wright spoke regarding the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) contract. Muhammad Shard spoke regarding community engagement, transparency, homelessness, and agriculture and irrigation. Sarah Doyle and Elizabeth Ayala spoke 107-330
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regarding the Budget proposal for the Police Department and community needs. Jason Hunter spoke regarding the Budget, Riversiders Against Increased Taxes lawsuit, and the SEIU partnership model. Malissa McKeith spoke regarding the Budget impacts related to pension obligation.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
CLARIFY INTENT AND PURPOSE OF MEASURE MM
Following discussion and a presentation from City Attorney Norton regarding Measure MM, the City Council requested staff bring back a report clarifying professional services agreements for not-to-exceed $50,000 are approved as part of the Budget and update the purchasing resolution to reflect the same.
AGREEMENTS - EXTENSION AND RETENTION OF OUTSIDE LEGAL SERVICES Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Perry and seconded by Councilmember Conder to (1) approve extensions to Legal Services Agreements to June 30, 2023 with the following law firms: Best Best & Krieger LLP; Buchalter; Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC; Gibbs Giden Locher Turner Senet & Wittbrodt LLP; Greines, Martin, Stein & Richland; Jones Hall; Liebert Cassidy Whitmore; Meyers, Nave, Riback, Silver & Wilson; and Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth for the retention of outside legal services; and (2) authorize the City Attorney to execute such extensions to such Legal Services Agreements for the retention of outside legal services. 3. Approve the budget for Greines, Martin, Stein & Richland LLP in the not-to-exceed amount of $110,000 for specialized appellate legal services in the Riversiders Against Increased Taxes v. City of Riverside appeal. The motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Councilmember Hemenway and seconded by Councilmember Perry to approve the Consent Calendar as presented affirming the actions appropriate to each item. The motion carried unanimously.
BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
The Mayor and City Council appointed (1) Brock W. Cavett to the Citywide seat on the Human Relations Commission for a term through March 1, 2024; (2) Jordan R. Sisson to the Ward 1 seat on the Cultural Heritage Board for a term through March 1, 2026; and 107-331
CITY COUNCIL
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CITY OF TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2022, 1 P.M.
RIVERSIDE PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
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3900 MAIN STREET
(3) Andrew F. Guerra Jr., to the Ward 3 seat on the Park and Recreation Commission for a term through March 1, 2026.
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting for May 3, 2022, were approved as presented.
REGIONAL CLIMATE COLLABORATIVES GRANT PROGRAM - CALIFORNIA STRATEGIC
GROWTH COUNCIL - COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND STRATEGIC PLANNING - LA SIERRA
NEIGHBORHOOD - SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION - RESOLUTION
The City Council (1) approved a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign a State of California Strategic Growth Council Regional Climate Collaboratives Grant application in an amount up to $1,750,000 and associated program documents, making minor corrections as necessary; and (2) upon a Grant award, authorize the Chief Financial Officer, or his designee, to receive funds and record an increase in revenue in an amount up to $1,750,000, and corresponding expenditure in accounts, to be established by the Finance Department, in the Grants and Restricted Programs Fund, California Strategic Growth Council Regional Climate Collaboratives Project accounts; whereupon, the title having been read and further reading waived, Resolution No. 23853 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Authorizing the Submission of an Application to the Regional Climate Collaboratives Grant Program Administered Through the California Strategic Growth Council and Authorizing the Execution of all Required Documents by the City Manager or His Designee, was presented and adopted.
CASE SD-2022-00005 - SUMMARY STREET VACATION - KNOLL WAY/SPRING GARDEN - 1459 AND 1535 WEST LA CADENA - RESOLUTION
The City Council (1) approved Planning Case SD-2022-00005 for the Summary Street Vacation of 6,279 square feet (.14 acre) of a segment of excess right-of-way, subject to the staff report recommended conditions of approval; (2) adopt a resolution vacating the of excess right-of way; and (3) authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to execute quitclaim deeds associated with the Summary Street Vacation as necessary; whereupon, the title having been read and further reading waived, Resolution No. 23854 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Providing for the Summary Vacation (Case No. SD-2022-00005) of Approximately 6,279-Square-Foot Excess Right-of-Way Segment Located Adjacent to 1459 and 1535 West La Cadena Drive, on the West Side of West La Cadena Drive Between Knoll Way and Spring Garden Street, Riverside, California, was presented and adopted.
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3900 MAIN STREET
CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY GRANT OF $8,000 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 LUNCH AT THE
LIBRARY PROGRAM - SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION
The City Council (1) accepted a grant award from the California State Library for the Lunch at the Library Program Fiscal Year 2022-23 in the amount of $8,000; (2) upon receipt of the award, authorize the Chief Financial Officer, or his designee, to record an increase in estimated revenues and a supplemental appropriation in the Grants and Restricted Programs Fund Lunch at the Library Fiscal Year 2022/23 Program, in the amount of the grant award; and (3) authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to make non- substantive changes and execute all grant related documents.
MEASURE Z - BID 7912 - EXTERIOR PAINTING AND DAMAGED WOOD REPAIR - HERITAGE HOUSE
The City Council (1) awarded Bid 7912 for exterior painting and damaged wood repair at Heritage House to Polychrome Construction, Northridge, in the amount of $141,000; (2) authorized a 20 percent change order authority in an amount up to $28,200 for project changes including, but not limited to, unforeseen conditions or necessary design changes for a total not-to-exceed amount of $169,200; and (3) authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the construction contract with Polychrome Construction, Inc., including making minor and non-substantive changes.
LEASE AGREEMENT AMENDMENT - FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER - CESAR CHAVEZ COMMUNITY CENTER - BOBBY BONDS PARK - 2060 UNIVERSITY
The City Council (1) approved the First Amendment to the Lease Agreement with Riverside Unified School District for $568.80 monthly for total annual lease revenue of $6,825.60 for 720 square feet of office space for Family Resource Center at the Cesar Chavez Community Center at Bobby Bonds Park through June 30, 2023, with four one- year extension options; and (2) authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Lease Agreement with Riverside Unified School District, including making minor and non-substantive changes.
FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 - SHARING HOUSEHOLDS ASSIST RIVERSIDE'S ENERGY PROGRAM The City Council approved (1) an increase of the Sharing Households Assist Riverside's Energy Program's Electric Monthly Credit from $15.50 per month to $16.00 and Water Monthly Credit from $3.00 to $3.25 to align with electric and water rate increases for Fiscal Year 2022/23; and (2) updating the Sharing Households Assist Riverside's Energy program guidelines from 200 percent of the federal poverty level guidelines to 250 percent. 107-333
CITY COUNCIL
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CITY OF TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2022, 1 P.M.
RIVERSIDE PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
City of Arts & Innovation ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
AGREEMENT - COOLDATA PLATFORM - PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE - ICE BEAR UNITS The City Council (1) approved the Services Agreement with Ice Bear SPV #1 LLC dba Thule Energy Storage to provide CoolData Platform and Preventative Maintenance Services and as-needed Breakfix repair services for a five-year term in the total amount not-to-exceed $705,603; and (2) authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Agreement and any documents necessary to administer the Agreement, including making minor and non-substantive changes.
COMMUNICATIONS
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT ON CLOSED SESSIONS
City Attorney Norton announced that (1) City Council considered all items in closed sessions except Item Nos. 13, 16, and 17; and (2) in the matter of Summer Parada, et al. V City of Riverside, pursuant to the authority granted on May 10, 2022, there is an amendment to the settlement agreement with the Parada's which was executed on May 12, 2021, and the amended term states that the City agrees to start making refund to ratepayers by October Ist 2022. If the City prevails in the appeal of the trial court's decision in Riversiders Against Increased Taxes v. City of Riverside, et al, there will be no additional refunds due to the ratepayers. If the City does not prevail in the appeal of the trial court's decision, an additional refund will be implemented in the amount of approximately $705,000 per month from November 2021 up to when the City either sets new electric rates, voters approve a ballot measure for the General Fund Transfer (GFT), or the City otherwise stops collecting the electric GFT and the lawsuit will be dismissed.
There is no longer requirement for the certification of the 2021 election result. To implement the terms and condition of the settlement the vote for the action was six to one with Councilmember Conder voting no.
ITEMS FOR FUTURE CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
There were no future items requested at this time.
The City Council adjourned at 8:56 p.m.
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Respectfully submitted,
DONESIA GAUSE
City Clerk
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