CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2024, 1 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
109-291
PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tem Hemenway and Councilmembers Falcone, Cervantes, Robillard, Conder, Mill, and Perry
ABSENT: Mayor Lock Dawson
Mayor Pro Tem Hemenway called the meeting to order at 1:02 p.m.
Councilmember Mill gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Rick Molslenko spoke regarding Gage Cana l meeting broadcast. Carolyna Maiava, Ofelia Godina, Gabriel Pelayo, and Alexxis Valadez spoke regarding homelessness. Sue Evans and Theresa spoke regarding Projec t Homekey. Jane DuBois spoke regarding senior housing. Rich Gardner spoke regard ing Special Needs Prom and suggested the City host a Winter Formal. Mary Humbold t spoke regarding housing development on Victoria and La Sierra. Errol Koshewitz spoke regarding grant accountability. One caller spoke regarding Riverside's measures for mitigating homelessness.
MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Falcone thanked the Arts and Cultural Affairs Department for the Insect Fair and reported on Tamale Festival at White Park and Ward 1 office hours.
Councilmember Cervantes reported on Gateway Tires grand opening, Tree People tree planting event on the Eastside, Earth Day, and Eastside Arts and Music Festival.
Councilmember Robillard reported on the Le ague of California Cities Conference in Sacramento. Councilmember Conder report ed on 2024 Defense National Summit and Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C., Th rough the Storm Re: 9/11 Documentary, and thanked Frank Arreola for covering the offi ce while he was in Washington, D.C.
Councilmember Mill reported on League of California Cities Conference in Sacramento, avocado tree planting in Casa Blanca for Earth Day, and the 115th Annual Cinco De Mayo celebration at Villegas Park. Councilmember Perry reported on Los Angeles Fire Department recruit Jacob Fuerte who lost his life in an accident and congratulated Fire Chief Michael Moore on his recent re tirement announcement. Councilmember Hemenway reported on the Community Health and Wellness Resource Fair at La Sierra Park.
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2024, 1 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
109-292
COMMUNICATIONS
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS AND LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
There was no update on intergovernmental relations and legislation.
HOMELESS SOLUTIONS UPDATE
The City Council received an update on homeless solutions.
SUSTAINABILITY UPDATE
The City Council received an update on sustainability.
LEGAL UPDATE
City Attorney Norton announced the closed se ssion items to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning (1) (a) Tony Platt v City of Riverside, Riverside County Superior Court Case No. RIC1822011; and (b) City of Riverside v. Tony Platt, et al.,; and (2) City of Riverside, a charter city an d municipal corporation, the City Council of the City of Riverside, acting by and thro ugh its duly elected councilmembers, Erin Edwards, Clarissa Cervantes, Ronaldo Fie rro, Gabriela Plascencia, James Perry, and Steven Hemenway, in their official capaci ty v. Councilmember Charles Conder and former Councilmember Steven R. Adams, in their official capacity, was continued to the May 7, 2024, City Council meeting.
COUNCILMEMBERS DECLARATION OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
There were no conflicts of interest declared at this time.
PRESENTATION
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OVERVIEW AND EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION The City Council received and order filed an overview of the Community & Economic Development Department and recognized the Department’s employees.
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 except the agreement amendment with West Coast Arborists, Inc., to extend
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2024, 1 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
109-293
park tree maintenance services throug h June 30, 2024, removed from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion. The motion carried unanimously.
BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENT, RESIGNATION, AND REMOVAL The Mayor and City Council (1) appointed Miles Ward to the Budget Engagement Commission Ward 5 Resident seat for a te rm through March 1, 2027; (2) filed the resignation of Gayat “Gaby” Adame from the Budget Engagement Commission Ward 2 Resident seat; and (3) removed Aaron Peters from the Board of Library Trustees Ward 7 seat, effective immediately.
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of April 9, 2024, were approved as presented.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT GRANT PROGRAM
The City Council approved the award of three one-thousand-dollar grants to the organizations selected by the Human Relations Commission as part of the Community Support Grant program.
BID 8054 - ROOF REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT - MAGNOLIA PLACE SHOPPING CENTER - 10530 AND 10560 MAGNOLIA - SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION - INTERFUND TRANSFER The City Council (1) awarded Bid 8054 to Rite -Way Roof Corporation, Fontana, in the amount of $723,546.00 for the removal and replacement of the roofs at the Magnolia Place Shopping Center located at 10530 Magnolia Avenue and 10560 Magnolia Avenue; and (2) authorized 15 percent change order authority in an amount up to $108,531.90 for project changes including, but not limited to, unforeseen conditions, or necessary design changes for a total amount of $832,077.90; and (3) authorized the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record a supplemental appropriation for an interfund transfer in the amount of $832,077.90 from the General Fund Infrastructure Reserves to the Capital Outlay Fund, Magnolia Roof Replacement proj ect account; and (4) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute a Cons truction Agreement with Rite-Way Roof Corporation including making minor and non-substantive changes.
AIRPORT RULES AND REGULATIONS - ORDINANCE ADOPTED
The City Council adopted an Ordinance am ending Title 12 of the Riverside Municipal Code, Airport Rules and Regulations; whereu pon the title having been read and further
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2024, 1 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
109-294
reading waived, Ordinance No. 7662 of the City of Riverside, California, Amending Title 12 of the Riverside Municipal Code, was presented and adopted.
HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROG RAM - AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN LOAN
AGREEMENT - CREATION OF AFFORDABLE HO USING UNITS - MULBERRY GARDENS SENIOR
PROJECT - FUNDS TRANSFER
The City Council (1) approved a HOME In vestment Partnerships Program - American Rescue Plan Loan Agreement with Mulberry Gardens Senior, L.P. for $3,000,000 in HOME Investment Partnerships Program - American Rescue Plan funds to be used for the creation of 25 affordable housing units as part of the Mulberry Gardens Senior Project, a 59-unit affordable housing project for s eniors located at 2520 Mulberry Street; (2) authorized the City Manager, or his de signee, to execute the HOME Investment Partnerships Program – American Rescue Plan Loan Agreement with Mulberry Gardens Senior, L.P., including making minor and non- substantive changes; and (3) authorized a transfer of $3,000,000 from the Home Inve stment Partnership Program Fund, HOME Unprogrammed Account No. 2520300-453001 to the Mulberry Gardens Senior Project Account 2520300-454303.
JOINT APPLICATION - DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT -
SCATTERED SITE TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FO R FOSTER YOUTH PROJECT - SUPPLEMENTAL
APPROPRIATION - RESOLUTION
The City Council (1) repealed Resolution No. 24011, the previous resolution authorizing the submission of the joint application with Walden Family Services for Homekey Round 3 funds due to an increased grant funding allocation; (2) adopted a new resolution authorizing the submission of a joint application between the City of Riverside and Walden Family Services to the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development for the Homekey Program Round 3 grant for the acquisition and rehabilitation of scattered sites for transitional housing serving foster youth; (3) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to sign any documents that may be required to apply for and receive Homekey Program Round 3 funds, including making minor and non- substantive changes; (4) authorized the Ci ty Manager, or designee, to execute a Homekey Program Round 3 Subrecipient Ag reement with Walden Family Services, including making minor and non-substantiv e changes; and (5) authorized the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record an increase in revenue in the amount of $5,250,000, or in the amount of the grant aw ard, and appropriate expenditures in the
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2024, 1 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
109-295
same amount in the Grants and Restri cted Programs, Homekey Round 3 Project accounts; whereupon the title having been read and further reading waived, Resolution No. 24109 of the City Council of the City of Riverside California, Authorizing the Submission of a Joint Application to the Department of Housing and Community Development for Homekey Round 3 Funding with Walden Project HomeKey, LLC, and Walden Environment, dba Walden Family Services, for the Scattered Site Transitional Housing for Foster Youth Project; Authorizing the Execut ion of all Required Do cuments by the City Manager or his Designee; and Repealing Resolution No. 24011, was presented and adopted.
AGREEMENT - MARKET-BASED TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND STRATEGIES The City Council (1) approved the Professional Consultant Services Agreement with Gartner, Inc., Stamford, Connecticut, for market-based technology research and strategies for the development of plans and policies under a County of Riverside Agreement ITARC-653 for a fi ve-year term ending March 31 , 2029, for a total contract value of $405,000; and (2) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Professional Consultant Services Agreement and all necessary documents including, but not limited to, change orders, amendments, and other minor non-substantive changes.
COOPERATIVE PURCHASING AGREEMENT - VX RAIL HYPERCONVERGED INFRASTRUCTURE
SYSTEMS AND CABLES - MAGNOLIA POLICE STATION DATA CENTER UPGRADE The City Council approved the purchase of VxRail Hyperconverged Infrastructure Systems and Cables from Sidepath, Inc ., Laguna Hills, under NASPO Cooperative Purchasing Agreement 23026, in the amount of $697,609 for Magnolia Police Station data center upgrade.
LIBRARY EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS PARKS PASS PROGRAM
The City Council accepted 60 backpacks and kits from the California State Library and Big 5 valued at $6,000 and 24 Riverside County Park Passes valued at $7,200 for the Library Explore the Outdoors Parks Pass Program.
OVERTIME AND MAINTENANCE REIMBURSEMENT - PARTICIPATION IN REGIONAL TASK FORCES
The City Council (1) increased revenues and authorized supplemental appropriations in the amount of $328,928.50 in the Grants and Special Programs Fund, Various Programs listed in the staff report; and (2) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute all
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2024, 1 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
109-296
documents necessary to receive reimbursem ent of funds for services performed in cooperation with the task forces listed in the staff report.
FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 GAGE CANAL COMPANY'S CAPITAL EXPENDITURE BUDGET The City Council approved the Gage Canal Company’s capital expenditure budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POWER AUTHORITY SEMI-ANNUAL EXPENDITURE REPORT The City Council received the Southern Calif ornia Public Power Authority semi-annual expenditure report for the period of July 2023 through December 2023.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL 2320 - AGREEMENT - RESERVOIR MAINTENANCE The City Council approved a Professional Consultant Services Agreement for Request for Proposal No. 2320 for the Reservoir Maintenance Contract with Harper & Associates Engineering Inc., Corona, in the amount of $241,184.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
AGREEMENT AMENDMENT - EXTEND PARK TREE MAINTENANCE SERVICES Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Perry and seconded by Councilmember Conder to (1) approve the Fifth Amendment to the Agreement for Park Tree Maintenance Services with West Coast Arborists, Inc., to increasing the compensation of the extended term of the agreement by $117,760, increasing the total contract amount of the extended term to $580,000 with change order authority of 10 percent in the amount of $58,000 for a total amount of $638,000 for the remaining term of the agreement ending June 30, 2024; and (2) authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Agreement with West Coast Arborist, Inc., including making minor and non-substantive changes and to extend the term for up to one additional one-year period, subject to the same terms and conditions and availability of funds. The motion carried unanimously.
WORKSHOP
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 20 - CULTURAL RESOURCES
The City Council (1) conducted a workshop on the proposed amendments to Title 20 (Cultural Resources) of the Riverside Municipal Code and the Cultural Heritage Board
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2024, 1 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
109-297
recommendation to review policies including noticing for administrative review of ministerial projects, elimination of owner consent for designation, demolition review, and preliminary review; and (2) directed staff to prepare a code amendment related to (a) Policy Area 1: Ministerial project notici ng with an automated process for noticing, (b) Policy Area 2: Landmark Nominations sim ilar to State and County process if owner rejection (project) does not move forward; (c ) Policy Area 3: Demolition Review adding another noticing provision and include language for looking at older properties and demolition by neglect; and (d) Policy Area 4: Preliminary Review addressing timing between the Cultural Heritage Board and the Planning Commission.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
SHORT-TERM RENTAL REGULATIONS AMENDMENTS
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Falcone and seconded by Councilmember Cervantes to approve the Land Use, Sustainability and Resilience Committee recommendation of December 11, 2023, to direct staff to amend the Short- Term Rental regulations by adopting an ordinance and reevaluate the regulations in one year. The motion carried with Councilmembe rs Falcone, Cervantes, Robillard, and Hemenway voting aye and Councilmembers Conder, Mill, and Perry voting no.
PILOT SUPPLEMENTAL RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SENIORS AT-RISK OF BECOMING
HOMELESS
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Perry and seconded by Councilmember Mill to (1) authorize the establishment of a pilot Supplemental Rental Assistance Program for seniors at-risk of becoming homeless; (2) authorize the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to: (a) allo cate American Rescue Plan Act Expenditure Plan interest earnings in the amount of $900,000 to General Fund revenue replacement; (b) record a supplemental appropriation in the Grants and Restricted Fund, American Rescue Plan Act accounts in the amount of $900,000 and record an interfund transfer of the same amount to the General Fund to effectuate the American Rescue Plan Act revenue replacement allocation; and (c) re cord a supplemental appropriation in the General Fund in the amount of $900,000 an d record an interfund transfer and supplemental appropriation of the same amou nt in the Grants and Restricted Fund, Senior Rental Assistance Program account. The motion carried unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2024, 1 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
109-298
LEGISLATIVE PROCESS AND ASSEMBLY BILLS (AB) 1772, 2042, 3037 AND 3038 OVERVIEW - REAFFIRM 2023-24 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Perry and seconded by Councilmember Falcone to (1) receive an overview of the legislative process; (2) reaffirm the 2023-2024 Legislative Platform; (3) introduce resolutions (a) supporting AB 1772 Ramos Bill on theft; (b) opposing AB 2042 Jackson Bill on police canine standards and training; and (4) request staff to report to City Co uncil when The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act qualify for the November ballot for City Council to take a position.
Following further discussion, Councilmembe r Perry amended the motion, seconded by Councilmember Falcone, to introduce a resolution supporting AB 1772 Ramos Bill on theft requiring the government to keep track of how many people are convicted of theft from retail stores during the COVID-19 pandemic and report it to the Legislature by 2026. The motion carried unanimously.
Following further discussion, a subsequent motion was made by Councilmember Perry and seconded by Councilmember Falcone to introduce a resolution opposing AB 2042 Jackson Bill police canine standards and training. The motion carried with Councilmembers Falcone, Robillard, Conder, Mill, Perry, and Hemenway voting aye and Councilmember Cervantes abstaining.
CLOSED SESSIONS
The City Council adjourned to closed sessions at 5:22 p.m. pursuant to Government Code (1) §54956.9(d)(1) to confer with and/or receive from legal counsel concerning Kelly Starkey v. City of Riverside, WCAB Claim No.(s): 150182 / ADJ10257746; (2) §54956.9(d)(1) to confer with and/or receive from legal counsel concerning Richard Bell v. City of Riverside, WCAB Claim No.(s): 240044; (3) §54956. 9(d)(1) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning (a) Li onel Cabrera and David Riley v. City of Riverside, et al., Riverside County Superior Court Case No. CVRI2301971; and (b) City of Riverside v. Lionel Cabrera, Riverside County Superior Court Case No. CVRI2301971; (4) §54957(a) for consultation with Chief of Police Larry Gonzalez, or his respective deputy, and Chief Information Officer George Khalil regarding threat to public services or facilities; (5) §54956.9(d)(2) to confer wi th and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning anticipated litigation regarding one case; (6) §54956.9(d)(4) to confer with
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2024, 1 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
109-299
and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning the City Council deciding whether to initiate litigation regarding two cases; (7) §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 Polic e Officers Association (Police and Police Supervisory Units), Service Employees International Union #721, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers #47, and Riverside Po lice Administrators Association; (8) §54957 for performance evaluation of City Attorney; (9) §54957.6 to review the City Council’s position and instruct designated representativ es regarding salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits of unrepresented employee: City Attorney; (10) §54957 for performance evaluation of City Manager; and (11) §54957.6 to review the City Council’s position and inst ruct designated representatives regarding salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits of unrepresented employee for City Manager.
The Mayor and City Council returned to op en session at 6:52 p.m. with Mayor Lock Dawson presiding and all Councilmembers present.
COMMUNICATIONS
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT ON CLOSED SESSIONS
City Attorney Norton announced that (1) the City Council authorized the City Attorney’s Office to initiate litigation regarding one case concerning Government Code §54956.9(d)(4) and the actions, def endants, and other particulars may be disclosed after litigation has formally commenced; and (2) Closed session items 38 – 41 on the agenda were continued to the May 7, 2024, City Council meeting.
ITEMS FOR FUTURE CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
There were no items requested at this time.
The City Council adjourned at 6:54 p.m. in memory of Jacob Fuerte.