CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2024, 1:00 P.M.
CITY OF
RIVERSIDE ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
City of Arts & Innovation
PRESENT: Mayor Lock Dawson and Councilmembers Falcone, Cervantes (arrived at 6:17 p.m.), Robillard, Conder, Mill, Perry, and Hemenway ABSENT: None
Mayor Lock Dawson called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. with all Councilmembers present except Councilmember Cervantes.
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
Errol Koschewitz spoke regarding Path of Life, Janet Goeske, Code of Conduct, and City assistance of non-profit organizations. Debra Wong spoke regarding trash cans.
MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Falcone reported on the Lincoln Park Thanksgiving dinner, Festival of Lights (FOL) Switch on Ceremony, community cleanup with Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful at Eden Lutheran Church, La Posada event at Patterson Park, and Snow Day at Bordwell Park. Councilmember Robillard reported on FOL Switch on Ceremony, Sweet Moments at Midtown, and December Community Conversations meeting.
Councilmember Conder reported on funeral service for Kendra McDaniel and FOL Switch on Ceremony. Councilmember Mill reported on services for Seniors, Arlington Business Council, What City Hall Can Do For Local Business event at Arlington Library, Cocoa with a Councilmember at Hunt Park and Breakfast with Santa at Casa Blanca community center. Councilmember Perry reported on the Lincoln Park Thanksgiving dinner, Heritage House at Christmas Time, and Ride Along with Public Works. Councilmember Hemenway reported on 77th Annual Candlelight Concert at La Sierra University Church. Mayor Lock Dawson thanked Mayor Pro Tem Perry for chairing the meeting during her absence and expressed gratitude to the City Council and City staff for working together to make Riverside a wonderful place to live.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS
The City Council Land Use Committee will conduct a meeting on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., in the Art Pick Council Chamber.
The City Council Finance Committee will conduct a meeting on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., in the Art Pick Council Chamber. 110-147
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2024, 1:00 P.M
CITY OF
RIVERSIDE ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
City of Arts & Innovation
COMMUNICATIONS
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
The City Council received Parks, Recreation and Community Services and General Plan updates.
COUNCILMEMBERS DECLARATION OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Councilmembers Mill and Conder recused themselves from the Closed Session item regarding Phaedra Norton v City of Riverside citing conflict of interest.
PRESENTATION
FIRE DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW AND EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION
The City Council received and ordered filed an overview of the Fire Department including recognition of the Department employee of the year.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
1969 JUDGMENT AND RIVERSIDE'S WATER RIGHTS OVERVIEW
Following discussion and without formal motion, the City Council (1) received and ordered filed an overview of the 1969 Judgment and Riverside's water rights; and (2) considered waiving the attorney client/work product privilege for the Memoranda dated November 19, 2024, and September 6, 2023.
SMART CITY AND NAVIGATE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE REVOLUTION Following discussion and without formal motion, the City Council received and ordered filed an overview of the Innovation and Technology Department's initiatives to create a Smart City and Navigate the Artificial Intelligence (Al) Revolution in Municipal Governance.
BIENNIAL LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM FOR 2025-2026 - LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY TEAMS -
LEGISLATIVE AND FUNDING PRIORITIES
Following discussion and without formal motion, the City Council (1) approved the City's Biennial Legislative Platform; and (2) directed staff to coordinate with the City's legislative advocacy teams to advance the City's legislative and funding priorities and strengthen local control.
110-148
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2024, 1:00 P.M.
CITY OF
RIVERSIDE ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
City 9f Arts & Innovation
CLOSED SESSIONS
The Mayor and City Council adjourned to closed sessions at 2:31 p.m. pursuant to Government Code (1) §54957 for selection of Interim City Attorney; (2) §54956.9(d) (1) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning George and Ayden Errichetto v. City of Riverside, et al. Riverside County Superior Court Case No. CVRI2402364; (3) §54956.9(d) (1) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning People of the State of California v. Pepe's Inc., Riverside County Superior Court Case No. CVRI2205025; (4) §54956.8 to instruct City's Negotiator, Charles M. Futrell, regarding price and terms of payment for the purchase, sale, exchange, or lease of real property, generally described as 2681 Dexter Dr., Riverside, CA., 92501, Assessor's parcel number: may include portions of 207060005, 207070006, 207070007, 207110010, and 207090011, by Topgolf International and/or assigns; Matt Smith, Negotiator: (5) §54956.9(d) (2)/54956.9(e) (3) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning Phaedra Norton v City of Riverside, Claim No.: 24-09-28; (6) §54956.9(d) (2) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning anticipated litigation regarding one case; (7) §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; (8) §54957 (a), for consultation with Larry Gonzalez, Riverside Chief of Police, or his respective deputy, and George Khalil, Chief Information Officer regarding threat to public services or facilities; and (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.
The Mayor and City Council reconvened at 6:15 p.m., with Mayor Lock Dawson presiding and all Councilmembers present.
Councilmember Mill gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Councilmember Cervantes entered the meeting at 6:17 p.m. 110-149
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2024, 1:00 P.M.
CITY OF
RIVERSIDE ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
City of Arts & Innovation
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
Errol Koschewitz spoke regarding City government accountability. Adam spoke regarding Pride flag stolen from the Unitarian Church the night of the Festival of Lights Switch on Ceremony. Darryl Terrel spoke regarding catalytic converter theft. Patrick Maloney spoke regarding Festival of Lights, The Bell Raise Social Distortion Concert, Karaoke at the Hideaway Café, Open Mic Night at Back to the Grind, Euryale Brewing Company, and street entertainment.
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 with (1) the resolution regarding Final Parcel Map 38174 to subdivide one parcel into three developable parcels at 841 Alphine Meadows Lane removed from the agenda; and (2) Councilmember Cervantes recusing herself from the Lease agreement with Farmworkers Institute of Education and Leadership Development, Inc., at Cesar Chavez Community Center citing conflict of interest. The motion carried unanimously.
OUTSIDE LEGAL SERVICES - TRANSMISSION REVENUE REQUIREMENT - SUPPLEMENTAL
APPROPRIATION
The City Council (1) approved a legal budget for the law firm of Thompson Coburn in an amount not-to-exceed $600,000 to initiate a petition with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regarding the City's Transmission Revenue Requirement; and (2) authorized the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $600,000 in the Electric Fund, PU Elec Power Supply Operation-Outside Legal Services account.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST AMENDMENT - RESOLUTIONS
The City Council adopted a resolution (1) amending the Conflict of Interest Code for designated City employees and officials thereby repealing Resolution No. 23931; (2) amending the Conflict of Interest Code for the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Riverside employees and officials thereby repealing Resolution No. 23932; (3) amending the Conflict of Interest Code for board and commission members thereby repealing Resolution No. 23933; and (4) adding the Conflict of Interest Code for the Housing Authority of the City of Riverside employees and officials, effective upon adoption; whereupon, the titles having been read and further readings waived, Resolution No. 24191 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Amending the Conflict of Interest Code of the City of Riverside for City 110-150
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2024, 1:00 P.M.
CITY OF
RIVERSIDE ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
City f Arts & Innovation
Employees and Officials in its Entirety and by Repealing Resolution No. 23931 which Amendment is to be Effective upon Adoption; Resolution No. 24192 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Amending the Conflict of Interest Code of the City of Riverside as Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Riverside for Agency Officials and Employees in its Entirety by Repealing Resolution No. 23932 which Amendment is to be Effective upon Adoption; Resolution No. 24193 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Amending the Conflict of Interest Code of the City of Riverside for City Boards and Commissions Members in its Entirety by Repealing Resolution No. 23933, which Amendment is to be Effective upon Adoption, and Resolution No. 24194 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Adopting the Conflict of Interest Code of the City of Riverside as Housing Authority of the City of Riverside for Agency Officials and Employees which is to be Effective upon Adoption, were presented and adopted.
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of November 19, 2024, were approved as presented.
RIVERSIDE MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT - CHAPTER 9.29 UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF
CATALYTIC CONVERTERS - ORDINANCE INTRODUCED
The City Council approved the Safety, Wellness, and Youth Committee recommendation to introduce an Ordinance amending the Riverside Municipal Code to add Chapter 9.29 prohibiting the unlawful possession of catalytic converters in the City of Riverside; whereupon, an ordinance entitled "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Adding Chapter 9.29 to the Riverside Municipal Code Regarding Unlawful Possession of Catalytic Converters," was presented and introduced.
ZONING MAP AMENDMENT - 4970 AND 4990 VAN BUREN - ORDINANCE ADOPTED The City Council adopted an Ordinance amending the Zoning of approximately 75- acres from R-1-7000 - Single-Family Residential to CR - Commercial Retail; whereupon, the title having been read and further reading waived, Ordinance No. 7693 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Amending the Zoning Map of the City of Riverside Pursuant to Chapter 19.090 of the Riverside Municipal Code by Rezoning Approximately .75 Acres of Property Located at 4970 and 4990 Van Buren Boulevard, from R-1-7000 - Single Family Residential To CR - Commercial Retail Zone, was presented and adopted.
110-151
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2024, 1:00 P.M.
CITY OF
RIVERSIDE ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
City of Arts & Innovation
SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT - REPLACEMENT OF END-OF-LIFE EMERGENCY RESPONSE
DATA ANALYTIC SOFTWARE
The City Council (1) approved the Software License Agreement with Firstwatch Solutions, Inc., Carlsbad, in the amount of $233,928 for the replacement of end-of-lite emergency response data analytic software, and (2) authorized the City Manager or his designee to execute the Agreement with FirstWatch Solutions, Inc., including making minor and non- substantive changes.
BID 8129 - 2024 FORD BRONCO SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES
The City Council awarded Bid 8129 to Fritts Ford, Riverside, for the purchase of six 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Utility Vehicles for the Public Works Department, Engineering Division in the total amount of $202,1.27.46.
CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY GRANT - FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 ADULT AND FAMILY LITERACY
PROGRAMS - SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION
The City Council (1) approved the acceptance of block grant funds from the California State Library for adult and family literacy programs for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 in the amount of $43,946, plus an estimated final installment amount of $4,883, based on the per capita of literacy program learners served combined with a match of local funds raised and expended on the Adult and Family Literacy Program during the previous year, for a total of $48,829, or in the amount of the actual award; (2) authorized an increase in revenue and appropriation of expenditures in the amount of $48,829, or in the amount of the grant award, in the Grants and Restricted Programs Fund - California State Library Literacy 2024/2025 Program and Family Literacy 2024/2025 Program; and (3) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute all grant documents including making minor and non-substantive changes as needed.
LEASE AGREEMENT - OFFICE SPACE - CESAR CHAVEZ COMMUNITY CENTER - BOBBY BONDS - 2060 UNIVERSITY
The City Council (1) approved the Lease Agreement with the Farmworkers Institute of Education and Leadership Development, Inc., for $2,430.48 revenue for 247 square feet of office space at Cesar Chavez Community Center at Bobby Bonds Park from September 3, 2024, through December 31, 2024; and (2) authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to execute necessary documents to amend the Lease Agreement.
Councilmember Cervantes recusing herself citing conflict of interest. 110-152
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2024, 1:00 P.M.
CITY OF
RIVERSIDE ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
City of Arts & Innovation
PRODUCTION AGREEMENT ADDENDUM - FOURTH OF JULY PYROTECHNIC SHOW - LA
SIERRA PARK
The City Council (1) approved Addendum No. 1 to Production Agreement with Pyro Spectaculars, Inc., Rialto, to extend the agreement terms to July 5, 2025, in the amount of $34,075 with a 10 percent change order; and (2) authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute Addendum No. I to the Production Agreement with Pyro Spectaculars, Inc, for the amount of $34,075.
LA84 FOUNDATION GRANT - FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 AQUATIC PROGRAMS - VARIOUS PARKS The City Council (1) accepted the LA84 Foundation Grant in the amount of $24,500; and (2) authorized the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record an increase in revenues in the amount of $24,500, or the actual award amount, and appropriate expenditures in the same amount to the Grants and Restricted Programs Fund, Aquatics grant revenue and expenditure accounts.
CALSTART GRANT APPLICATION - CLEAN MOBILITY VOUCHER PILOT PROGRAM - RIVERSIDE
CLEAN AIR CARSHARE PILOT PROGRAM
The City Council authorized the (1) Public Works Department to submit a grant application to CALSTART under the "Clean Mobility Voucher Pilot Program" for an additional funding request in an amount of up to $300,000 to supplement the Riverside Clean Air Carshare (RCAC) Pilot Program, a network of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with free usage for qualifying low-income residents, in partnership with Mobility Development Operations and the University of California Riverside's Center for Environmental Research and Technology (UCR CE-CERT); and (2) City Manager to sign applications, documents, extensions, or related items to this grant application, making minor and non-substantive changes as necessary.
BID 8120 - CRIDGE STREET AT-GRADE RAIL QUIET ZONE STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT The City Council (1) awarded Bid 8120 for the Cridge Street At-Grade Rail Crossing Street Improvements Project to Sol Construction, Inc., Riverside, in the amount of $644,477; and (2) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Construction Contract with Sol Construction, Inc., including making minor non-substantial changes. 110-153
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2024, 1:00 P.M.
CITY OF
RIVERSIDE ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
City of Arts & Innovation
PUBLIC HEARINGS/PLANNING REFERRALS AND APPEALS
CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT ANNUAL REVIEW - RIVERSIDE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 2.78 - CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT
Public Hearing was called to perform the annual review of the Code of Ethics and Conduct for its effectiveness and to consider revisions recommended by the Governmental Processes Committee. One person spoke regarding the matter. The public hearing was officially closed.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Falcone and seconded by Councilmember Conder to (1) approve the Governmental Processes Committee recommended revisions to the Code of Ethics and Conduct; and (2) direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance for introduction and adoption reflecting the revisions as outlined in the staff report. The motion carried unanimously.
CASE PR-2022-001359 - APPEAL AND OVERRULE OF FINDINGS BY RIVERSIDE COUNTY
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION - GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, SPECIFIC
PLANAMENDMENT, REZONE, TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP, DESIGN REVIEW, AND CERTIFY FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT - MISSION GROVE APARTMENTS PROJECT - 375 ALESSANDRO - RESOLUTIONS - ORDINANCE INTRODUCED
Public Hearing was called to consider facilitating construction of a multi-family residential development consisting of 347 units on 9.92-acres, located at 375 Alessandro Boulevard:
(a) Appeal and overrule of Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) inconsistency determination for the proposed project located in Zone C2 of the March Air Reserve Base Land Use Compatibility Plan (MARB LUCP); (b) Certification of the Environmental Impact Report, Findings of Fact, and Statement of Overriding Considerations, (c) Project entitlements (Planning Case PR-2022-001359): (i) General Plan Amendment - To amend the land use designation of the project site from C - Commercial to MU-U - Mixed Use-Urban (ii) Specific Plan Amendment - To revise the Mission Grove Specific Plan and establish a Mixed-Use Urban category for the subject site, and minor text modifications, (iii) Zoning Code Amendment - To rezone the project site from C-Commercial Retail and Specific Plan (Mission Grove) Overlay Zones to MU-U-SP - Mixed-Use- Urban and Specific Plan (Mission Grove) Overlay Zones, (iv)Tentative Parcel Map (TPM-38598) - To modify Parcel Map 36320 to create two parcels for financing and conveyance purposes, and (v) Design Review for site design and building elevations. Thirty-four people spoke regarding the matter. The public hearing was officially closed.
110-154
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2024, 1:00 P.M.
CITY OF
RIVERSIDE ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
City of Arts & Innovation
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Falcone and seconded by Councilmember Robillard to (1) approve and adopt a Resolution making findings overruling Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission's finding of inconsistency with the March Air Reserve Base Land Use Compatibility Plan, and if in agreement, adopt the Resolution to Overrule Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission's determination; (2) adopt a Resolution certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report for the Mission Grove Apartments development, and finding that the Final Environmental Impact Report:
(a) Has been completed in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act; (b) Was presented to the City Council and the City Council reviewed and considered the information contained in the Final Environmental Impact Report prior to approving the Project; and (c) Reflects the City's independent judgment and analysis and making certain findings of fact; (3) concur with the findings contained in the Final Environmental Impact Report, the California Environmental Quality Act Resolution, the case file and the administrative record, and adopt the Findings of Fact attached to the California Environmental Quality Act Resolution; (4) adopt the Statement of Overriding Considerations, related to hazards, land use and planning, and transportation, attached to the California Environmental Quality Act Resolution; (5) adopt the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program attached to the California Environmental Quality Act Resolution; (6) find that no feasible alternatives to the Project have been proposed that will avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effects as set forth in the Final Environmental Impact Report; (7) reject all late comments as untimely; (8) uphold the applicant's appeal of the Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission; (9) adopt the Resolutions amending the General Plan Land Use Designation and the Mission Grove Specific Plan; (10) introduce an Ordinance amending the Zoning Map; and (11) approve Planning Case PR-2022-001359 - General Plan Amendment, Specific Plan Amendment, Rezone, Tentative Parcel Map, Design Review, and Environmental Impact Report, based on and subject to the Planning Commission findings and recommended conditions outlined in the staff report. The motion carried with Councilmembers Falcone, Robillard, Conder, Mill, Perry, and Hemenway voting aye and Councilmember Cervantes voting no.
Whereupon, the titles having been read and further readings waived, Resolution No. 24195 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Making Specific Findings to Overrule Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission's Finding of Inconsistency with the Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Regarding the Anton Mission Grove Apartments Project, Located at 375 Alessandro Boulevard, Generally Situated on the Northwest Corner of Mission Grove Parkway and Mission Village Drive, South of 110-155
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2024, 1:00 P.M.
CITY OF
RIVERSIDE ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
City of Arts & Innovation
Alessandro Boulevard, Riverside, California Assessor's Parcel Number 276-110-018, Resolution No. 24196 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report for the Mission Grove Apartments Project, Making Certain Findings of Fact Related thereto, Adopting a Statement of Overriding Considerations, and Adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, all Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, Resolution No. 24197 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Amending the Land Use Designation of the Riverside General Plan 2025 as to Approximately 9.92 Acres of Property Located at 375 Alessandro Boulevard, from C - Commercial to MU-U - Mixed Use-Urban, Resolution No. 24198 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Amending the Mission Grove Specific Plan to Establish a Mixed-Use Urban Category for 375 Alessandro Boulevard and Minor Text Modifications, were presented and adopted; and an Ordinance entitled, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Amending the Zoning Map of the City of Riverside Pursuant to Chapter 19.090 of the Riverside Municipal Code by Rezoning Approximately 9.92 Acres of Property Located at 375 Alessandro Boulevard, From CR-SP - Commercial Retail and Specific Plan (Mission Grove) Overlay Zones To MU-U-SP - Mixed Use- Urban and Specific Plan (Mission Grove) Overlay Zones," was presented and introduced.
COMMUNICATIONS
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT ON CLOSED SESSIONS
Interim City Attorney Liu announced that there were no reportable actions taken during closed session.
ITEMS FOR FUTURE CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
Councilmember Falcone requested review of the City Council meeting rules, particularly Mayor/Chair authority referred to the Government Processes Committee.
The City Council adjourned the meeting at 9:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ill
DONESIA GAUSE
City Clerk
110-156