CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-167
PRESENT: Mayor Lock Dawson and Councilmembers Falcone, Cervantes, Robillard, Conder, Mill, Perry, and Hemenway
ABSENT: None
Mayor Lock Dawson called the meeting to order at 1:02 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
Jason Hunter spoke regarding Interim City Attorney appointment, audit of the City Attorney’s Office, and the Simpson lawsuit. Aurora Chavez spoke regarding the Senior Meal Program.
COMMUNICATIONS
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
There were no updates from the City Manager’s Office.
COUNCILMEMBERS DECLARATION OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Councilmembers Conder and Mill recused themselves from the Closed Session item regarding Phaedra Norton v. City of Riverside citing conflict of interest.
PRESENTATIONS
KEEP RIVERSIDE CLEAN AND BEAUTIFUL FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 ANNUAL REPORT The City Council received and order filed the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful Annual Report.
LOCAL BUSINESSES RECOGNITION - OUTSTANDING PARTICIPATION IN RECYCLING
PROGRAMS
The City Council received a presentation by Athens Services recognizing local businesses outstanding participation in recycling programs.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 FOURTH QUARTER FINANCIAL UPDATE - CARRYOVER OF UNEXPENDED FUNDS
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Perry and seconded by Councilmember Conder to (1) receive and ordered filed the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Fourth
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-168
Quarter Financial Report; and (2) approve a carryover of unexpended funds of approximately $4.66 million in the General Fund and $39.09 million in other City funds into Fiscal Year 2024-25. The motion carried unanimously.
2024 FIREWORKS ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES UPDATE - RIVERSIDE MUNICIPAL CODE (RMC) CHAPTER 1.18 TO INCLUDE SOCIAL HOST LIABILITY PROPOSED AMENDMENTS Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Perry and seconded by Councilmember Mill to approve the Safety, Wellness, and Youth Committee recommendations to (1) receive and ordered filed the update on fireworks enforcement activities for 2024; (2) utilize sUAS technology for fireworks enforcement; (3) provide funding for advanced night operation training; (4) provide funding for the purchase of four new OJI M30 Drones; (5) amend RMC 1.18 to include Social Host Liability; and (6) request that the Finance Department forward all outstanding citations to the City Attorney's Office (CAO) for collection via the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) Intercept Program, and that Riverside Fire Department, Riverside Police Department, and Code Enforcement Department collaborate in assigning resources so the CAO can effectively process the citations. The motion carried with Councilmembers Falcone, Cervantes, Robillard, Mill, Perry, and Hemenway voting aye and Councilmember Conder voting no.
CLOSED SESSIONS
The City Council adjourned to closed sessions at 2:43 p.m. pursuant to Government Code (1) §54956.9(d)(1) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning Scott Simpson, et al. v. City of Riverside, et al., Riverside Superior Court Case No. RIC 1906168; (2) §54956.9(d)(1) to confer with and/or receive from legal counsel concerning Matthew Lackey v. City of Riverside, WCAB Claim No.: ADJ15551858; (3) §54956.9(d)(1) to confer with and/or receive from legal counsel concerning Lawayne Hearn v. City of Riverside, WCAB Claim No.: ADJ17814899; (4) § 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; (5) §54956.9(d)(2) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning anticipated litigation regarding one case; (6) §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; (7) §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 (8) §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 COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-169
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 returned to open session at 3:25 p.m. with Mayor Lock Dawson presiding and all Councilmembers present except Councilmember Hemenway.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/PLANNING REFERRALS AND APPEALS
VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED MITIGATION BANK PROGRAM - ESTABLISH MITIGATION FEE - RIVERSIDE MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 16 AMENDMENT - RESOLUTIONS - ORDINANCE
INTRODUCED
Public Hearing was called to consider adopting a Resolution approving the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Mitigation Bank Pilot Program and establishing a voluntary mitigation fee, introduce an Ordinance amending Title 16 of the Riverside Municipal Code by adding Chapter 16.80 regarding the VMT Mitigation Bank Pilot Program, and adopt a Resolution amending the VMT threshold for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance related to transportation analysis. Seven people spoke on the matter. The public hearing was officially closed.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Robillard and seconded by Councilmember Mill to (1) adopt a Resolution approving the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Mitigation Bank Pilot Program and establishing a mitigation fee, recommending Option A (VMT Mitigation Bank Option) and associated bike projects detailed within the VMT Mitigation Program Report; (2) introduce an Ordinance, amending Title 16 of the Riverside Municipal Code by adding Chapter 16.80 related to Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Mitigation Program; (3) adopt a Resolution modifying the existing California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) VMT transportation Impact threshold to match the current jurisdictional baseline VMT per capita for new residential projects and the current jurisdictional baseline VMT per employee for new office and industrial projects and revise the Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) Guidelines accordingly; and (4) direct staff to conduct a workshop to educate the development community in the application of the new vehicle miles traveled mitigation program including a training session on the TredLite software to address projects with transportation related VMT impacts. The motion carried with
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-170
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. 24200 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Approving the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Mitigation Bank Program and Establishing a Mitigation Fee for Purchase of VMT Mitigation Bank Program VMT Units Pursuant to Provisions of Section
16.80.040 of the Riverside Municipal Code and Resolution No. 24201 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Amending Resolution No. 23589 to Revise the “Vehicle Miles Traveled” Thresholds of Significance for Purposes of Analyzing Transportation Impacts Under the California Environmental Quality Act, were presented and adopted; and an ordinance entitled “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Amending Title 16 of the Riverside Municipal Code by Adding Chapter 16.80 Regarding the Vehicle Miles Traveled Mitigation Bank Program,” was presented and introduced.
The City Council recessed at 5:01 p.m. and reconvened at 6:15 p.m. with Mayor Lock Dawson presiding and all Councilmembers present except Councilmember Hemenway.
Senior Pastor at Robin Montgomery of Crest Avenue Baptist Church gave the Invocation.
Mayor Lock Dawson led the pledge of allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
Patrick Maloney wished everyone Happy Holidays and New Year, thanked the public for participating at the City Council meeting, and spoke regarding Neighbor of the Woodstreet meeting, Open Mic at Back to the Grind, karaoke at the Hideaway Café and Euryale Brewing Company, Social Distortion at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium, free concert Best of the I.E. at Packing House, and thanked the Packing House Brewing Company for hosting Open Mic open mic and karaoke. John Letts spoke regarding iTennis and pickle ball at Andulka Park Tennis Center. John Farnsworth spoke on Mission Grove Kmart Project. One caller spoke regarding COVID vaccinations and global policies. Another caller spoke regarding microphones on the dais.
MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Falcone reported on Wreath Across America at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, toy giveaway with the Fire Department, and Festival of Lights. Councilmember Cervantes reported on Latino Network Annual Breakfast, Mission Grove Neighborhood
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-171
Alliance meeting, University Neighborhood meeting, Victory Outreach Car Show and Toy Drive, Sycamore Canyon Neighborhood meeting, Black Collective event at Victoria Manor, and thanked Malissa McKeith of Citizens United for Resources and the Environment (CURE) for providing gift cards for distribution to the community.
Councilmember Robillard wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and reported on Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa grand opening, pet adoption event, and Magnolia Center Chamber of Commerce meeting. Councilmember Conder reported on Latino Network Annual Breakfast, Riverside Chamber of Commerce Good Morning Riverside, Manufactured Housing Educational Trust (MHET) $500 donation to the Riverside National Cemetery, Wreaths Across America, and 125th meeting of the US Navy. Councilmember Mill reported on Arlington Library Ward 5 Business meeting, Coco with Santa at Hunt Park, walking tour on Magnolia Avenue, Breakfast and Toys at Casa Blanca, Winter Wonderland, Local Ballet Nutcracker Show, 5th Annual Toys for Tots at Casa Blanca, Ward 5 resident Tara Oper for leading Cal Poly Pomona Women’s Soccer team to the National Championship, and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Councilmember Perry reported on Snow Day at Arlanza and thanked employees for their great work and dedication to City events. Mayor Lock Dawson reported on the Casa Blanca Breakfast, Victory Outreach event, and thanked everybody for a wonderful year.
PRESENTATION
DAY OF INCLUSION
Mayor Lock Dawson presented a Proclamation to Riverside Museum Associates Multicultural Council representative Luz Negron designating December 17, 2024, as Day of Inclusion.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Councilmember Perry and seconded by Councilmember Mill to approve the Consent Calendar as presented affirming the actions appropriate to each item. The motion carried with Councilmember Cervantes voting no on the ordinance to rezone property located at 375 Alessandro Boulevard and Councilmember Hemenway absent.
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of December 3, 2024, were approved as presented.
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-172
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL 2394 - AGREEMENT - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TAX
SERVICES - NEW MARKETS TAX CREDITS FOR LOW-TO-MODERATE INCOME AREAS -
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION
The City Council (1) approved the Professional Services Agreement in the amount of $535,000 with Cherry Bekaert, Inc., to complete the economic development and tax services related to New Markets Tax Credits; (2) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Professional Services Agreement and any and all related documents with Cherry Bekaert, Inc., making minor corrections as necessary; and (3) authorized the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $401,205 from General Fund Infrastructure Reserves to the General Fund, City Manager Professional Services expenditure account.
BIENNIAL LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM FOR 2025-2026 - LEGISLATIVE AND FUNDING PRIORITIES The City Council (1) approved the City of Riverside’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.
CASE PR-2022-001359 - ZONING CODE AMENDMENT - CONSTRUCTION OF MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT - 375 ALESSANDRO - ORDINANCE ADOPTED The City Council adopted an Ordinance 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 - 375 Alessandro Boulevard (former K-Mart retail store); whereupon, the title having been read and further reading waived, Ordinance No. 7694 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 adopted. Councilmember Cervantes voting no.
FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 FOURTH QUARTER CASH, INVESTMENTS, AND DEBT REPORTS The City Council received and order filed the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Fourth Quarter Cash, Investments, and Debt Report.
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-173
DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES UPDATE
The City Council received and order filed the status report on development impact fees for Overlook Parkway Crossing at Alessandro Arroyo, Local Parks, Regional and Reserve Parks, and Trails.
HUMAN RESOURCES POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL REVISIONS
The City Council approved the proposed revisions to the City’s personnel policies contained in the Human Resources Policy and Procedure Manual including Veterans Preference Policy (I-15), Municipal Volunteer Program (I-9), Miscellaneous Leave Compensation (II-8), and Subpoena for Employment Records (III-3).
MASTER FRINGE BENEFITS AND SALARY PLAN AMENDMENT - RESOLUTION The City Council adopted a Resolution amending Resolution No. 21052 and the Master Fringe Benefits and Salary Plan to reflect the 2024 State mandated increase to the minimum wage and salary adjustments to additional temporary job classifications to maintain minimum wage increase differentials; whereupon, the title having been read and further reading waived, Resolution No. 24202 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Amending Resolution No. 21052 and the Master Fringe Benefits and Salary Plan to Reflect the 2024 State Mandated Increase to the Minimum Wage and Salary Adjustments to Additional Temporary Job Classifications to Maintain Minimum Wage Increase Differentials, was presented and adopted.
AGREEMENT - MANAGE AND OPERATE ANDULKA PARK TENNIS CENTER - 5201 CHICAGO The City Council (1) approved a Concessionaire Agreement with iTennis Inc., South Pasadena, to manage and operate the Andulka Park Tennis Center for a period of five years with the option to extend for three additional five-year renewals not-to-exceed twenty years; (2) approved an interest-bearing account within the Interest-Bearing Special Deposits Fund specifically for capital improvements for the Tennis Center with the account be administered by the City as the sole trustee to provide for the continued funding of capital improvement projects at the Tennis Center and the City to deposit twenty percent of iTennis’ quarterly rent payments into the account; and (3) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Agreement and renewals with iTennis, Inc., including making minor and non-substantive changes.
LETTER OF CONSENT - PURCHASE AND DELIVERY - AVIATION FUEL FOR HELICOPTERS The City Council (1) authorized the Purchasing Manager, or designee, to execute the letter of consent to reassign Purchase Order 250024, for the purchase and delivery of Jet-
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-174
A Aviation Fuel for City of Riverside helicopters, to Ascent Aviation Group, INC, Parish, New York, dated August 15, 2024; (2) approved the purchase and delivery of Jet-A Aviation Fuel for City of Riverside helicopters with Ascent Aviation Group, INC, in the amount of $122,475 from October 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025; and (3) approved two one-year renewal periods with Ascent Aviation Group, INC, for the purchase and delivery of Jet-A Aviation Fuel products in the amounts of $260,150 for Fiscal Year 2025-26 and $286,165 for Fiscal Year 2026-27 inclusive of 10 percent annual increases for future fuel market volatility.
AGREEMENT - STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE’S 2024-25 TOBACCO GRANT
PROGRAM AWARD - ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY AIMED AT REDUCING ILLEGAL SALES AND
MARKETING OF CIGARETTES AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO MINORS - SUPPLEMENTAL
APPROPRIATION - RESOLUTION
The City Council (1) approved an Agreement with the State of California Department of Justice for the Tobacco Grant Program grant award in the amount of $320,994 to increase enforcement efforts to reduce the illegal sale of tobacco products to minors for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028; (2) adopted a Resolution to accept the State of California Department of Justice for the Tobacco Grant Program grant award in the amount of $320,994 to increase enforcement efforts to reduce the illegal sale of tobacco products to minors for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028; (3) authorized the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record an increase in revenue in the amount of $320,994 and appropriate expenditures in the same amount in the Grants and Restricted Programs Fund, Police Department Tobacco Grant Program revenue and expenditure accounts; and (4) authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all necessary grant documents for the California Department of Justice Tobacco Grant Program, including making minor and non-substantive changes; whereupon, the title having been read and further reading waived, Resolution No. 24203 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Accepting the State of California, Department of Justice’s 2024-25 Tobacco Grant Program Award to Increase Enforcement Activity Aimed at Reducing Illegal Sales and Marketing of Cigarettes and Tobacco Related Products, Including E-Cigarettes, to Minors; and Authorizing the City Manager, or His Designee, to enter into and Execute all of the Necessary Grant Documents, was presented and adopted.
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-175
FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POWER AUTHORITY SEMI-ANNUAL
EXPENDITURE REPORT UPDATE
The City Council received and order filed the Southern California Public Power Authority semi-annual expenditure report for Fiscal Year 2023-24.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL 2363 - AGREEMENT - ENGINEERING DESIGN PLAN PREPARATION
SERVICES - RIVERSIDE CIVIL RIGHTS WALK PROJECT
The City Council (1) approved a Professional Consultant Services Agreement in accordance with Request for Proposals 2363 with TKE Engineering, Inc., Riverside, for a two-year term through 2026 for engineering design plan preparation services for the Riverside Civil Rights Walk Project, in the amount of $185,525.00 plus a 5 percent contingency in the amount of $9,276.25 for a not-to-exceed amount of $194,801.25; and (2) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Professional Consultant Services Agreement, including making minor and non-substantive changes subject to the availability of budgeted funds.
BID 8105 - VICTORIA AVENUE AND PLEASANT STREET STORM DRAIN CONSTRUCTION - FUND
TRANSFER
The City Council (1) awarded Bid 8105 for Victoria Avenue and Pleasant Street Storm Drain to Q&E Pipeline Company, Pomona, in the amount of $214,725; and (2) authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Construction Contract with Q&E Pipeline Company, including making minor and non-substantive changes.
MASTER PARKING SCHEDULE AMENDMENT - REMOVE EXISTING PREFERENTIAL PARKING ZONES, “NO PARKING ANY TIME, EXCEPT FOR RESIDENTS WITH PERMITS” - TENTH/
PINE/REDWOOD - RESOLUTION
The City Council adopted a Resolution to remove the existing (1) “No Parking Any Time, except for residents with permits” Preferential Parking Zone (PPZ) on the south side of Tenth Street from the westerly terminus to Pine Street; and (2) “No Parking between the hours of 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., except for residents with permits” PPZ on the north side of Tenth Street from Redwood Drive to the westerly terminus; whereupon, the title having been read and further reading waived, Resolution No. 24204 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Amending Resolution No. 22451 Known as the Master Parking Schedule Resolution to Remove the Existing Preferential Parking Zones on Tenth Street, was presented and adopted.
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-176
PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF SECURITY CAMERAS - PARKING GARAGES 6 AND 7 The City Council (1) authorized the purchase and installation of security cameras for Parking Garages 6 and 7 with Convergint Technologies, LLC, Orange, under Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement 030421-CTL, in the amount of $175,336; (2) approved additional change order authority up to 15 percent $26,300 of the original quote; and (3) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents including, but not limited to the scope of work, change orders, amendments, and other minor non-substantive changes.
FINAL PARCEL MAP 38174 - ALPINE MEADOWS/HARBART/KINGDOM - 841 ALPINE
MEADOWS - RESOLUTION
The City Council (1) adopted the Resolution of Acceptance for final approval of Parcel Map 38174; and (2) accepted the agreement and sureties for the installation and faithful performance of improvements and the labor and material bond in accordance with the improvement plans for the development of Parcel Map 38174; whereupon, the title having been read and further reading waived, Resolution No. 24205 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Accepting the Final Map of Parcel Map No. 38174, was presented and adopted.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
IMPLEMENT TEMPORARY TWO-WAY TRAFFIC CIRCULATION PILOT PROJECT - REDWOOD/
UNIVERSITY/NINTH
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Falcone and seconded by Councilmember Conder to (1) approve the temporary two-way traffic circulation twelve- month pilot project on Redwood Drive between University Avenue and Ninth Street; and (2) authorize the Public Works Department to implement a temporary conversion of University Avenue south to one-way westbound between Redwood Drive and Mount Rubidoux Drive if deemed appropriate by the City Traffic Engineer during the course of the Redwood Drive two-way circulation pilot. The motion carried with Councilmember Hemenway absent.
COMMUNICATIONS
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT ON CLOSED SESSIONS
Interim City Attorney Liu announced that no reportable action was taken during closed session.