CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-187
PRESENT: Mayor Lock Dawson and Councilmembers Falcone, Robillard, Conder, Mill, Perry, and Hemenway
ABSENT: Councilmember Cervantes
Mayor Lock Dawson called the meeting to order at 1:01 p.m.
Councilmember Falcone gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Lock Dawson made a public service announcement regarding local fires and fire safety.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Rich Gardner spoke regarding California fires and fire safety and placement of Mayor and City Council salaries on the agenda.
MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Falcone reported on University of California, Riverside Chancellor luncheon, grand opening of Dapper Restaurant, Martin Luther King Walkathon, and office hours in the Wood Streets. Councilmember Robillard reported on fires in Los Angeles, California Baptist University Dr. Ron Ellis celebration for 30 years of service, and Riverside Youth Council event, and expressed gratitude to the Riverside Fire Department fire fighters. Councilmember Conder reported on constituent services, Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) initiatives and programs, March Joint Powers Authority (JPA) meeting, Western Riverside Council of Government (WRCOG) Strategic Planning meeting, 20th Riverside Clergy Association anniversary honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., at Park Avenue Baptist Church and visit with Mom on the East Coast. Councilmember Mill reported on presenting a City Resolution to California Baptist University Dr. Ron Ellis celebration for 30 years of service, 20th Riverside Clergy Association anniversary honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., at Park Avenue Baptist Church, California League of Cities presentation from the Deputy Commissioner of Insurance, Inside Arlington event, and Community Connection at Arlington Library. Councilmember Perry expressed thoughts and prayers for those affected by the fires, thanked the Riverside Fire Department for their response to over 100 fire calls on January 13, 2025. Councilmember Hemenway thanked the Fire Department for responding to a call in Ward 7 and reported on Feeding America ribbon cutting ceremony, Point-In-Time Count, and Alvord 5K Spirit Run. Mayor Lock
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-188
Dawson reported on several emergency alert services and announced upcoming Standing Committee meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMMITTEE MEETING
The City Council Safety, Wellness, and Youth Committee will conduct a meeting on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., in the Art Pick Council Chamber.
COMMUNICATIONS
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
The City Council received legislative updates.
Councilmember Perry announced that the Closed Session item concerning Phaedra Norton v. City of Riverside was continued to the January 28, 2025, City Council meeting.
COUNCILMEMBERS DECLARATION OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Councilmembers Robillard, Conder, and Mill recused themselves from the Closed Session items regarding (1) Tony Platt v. City of Riverside; and (2) the City of Riverside v.
Councilmember Charles Conder and former Councilmember Steven R. Adams.
CLOSED SESSIONS
The Mayor and City Council adjourned to closed sessions at 1:27 p.m. pursuant to Government Code (1) §54956.9(d)(1) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning Tony Platt v. City of Riverside, Riverside County Superior Court Case No. RIC1822011; (2) §54956.9(d)(1) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning City of Riverside, a charter city and municipal corporation, the City Council of the City of Riverside, acting by and through its duly elected councilmembers, Erin Edwards, Clarissa Cervantes, Ronaldo Fierro, Gabriela Plascencia, James Perry, and Steven Hemenway, in their official capacity v. Councilmember Charles Conder and former Councilmember Steven R. Adams, in their official capacity, and does 1 through 50, inclusive, Riverside Superior Court Case No. CVRI2300725; (3) §54956.9(d)(1) to confer with and/or receive from legal counsel concerning Patrick Gabler v. City of Riverside, Claim No.(s): 230059/ADJ1170592; (4) §54956.9(d)(1) to confer with and/or receive from legal counsel concerning Ronel Newton v. City of Riverside, Claim No.(s): 180152/ADJ12116625, 220330/ADJ16142895; (5) §54956.9(d)(1) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning Leah Spatafora v. City of Riverside, et al., Riverside County Superior Court Case No. CVRI2303413; (6) §54956.9(d)(1) to confer
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-189
with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning Francisco Meregildo v. City of Riverside., Riverside County Superior Court Case No. CVRI2304858; (7) §54956.9(d)(2) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning anticipated litigation regarding one case; (8) §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 County Superior Court Case No. RIC 1906168; (9) §54956.9(d)(4) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning the City Council deciding whether to initiate litigation regarding two cases; (10) §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 (11) §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 returned to open session at 2:54 p.m. with Mayor Lock Dawson presiding and all Councilmembers present.
Councilmember Cervantes requested to attend the meeting virtually pursuant to Assembly Bill 2449 under the provision of ‘Emergency Circumstances.’
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.
CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT AMENDMENT - ORDINANCE INTRODUCED The City Council introduced an Ordinance amending Chapter 2.78 of the Riverside Municipal Code regarding the Code of Ethics and Conduct; whereupon an ordinance entitled “An Ordinance of the City of Riverside, California, Amending Chapter 2.78 of the Riverside Municipal Code regarding Code of Ethics and Conduct,” was presented and introduced.
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-190
BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENT
The Mayor and City Council filed the resignation of Aram Ayra from the Human Relations Commission Citywide seat.
ANNUAL BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS, REAPPOINTMENTS, AND
REDESIGNATION
The Mayor and City Council (1) approved the following reappointments for terms through March 1, 2029: (a) Diane C. Kwasman to the Citywide and Jane P. DuBois to the Ward 1 seats on the Commission on Aging, (b) Cynthia Gibbs to the Ward 1 seat on the Airport Commission, (c) Rich D. Vandenberg to the Citywide (Resident), Israel A. Bello to the Ward 3 (Business), and Yundra L. Thomas to the Ward 5 (Business) seats on the Budget Engagement Commission, (d) Kevin A. Castellanos to the Ward 5 seat on the Cultural Heritage Board, (e) Rene Visco to the Ward 1, David O. Reynolds to the Ward 3, Tinka Friend to the Ward 5, and Melinda Moore-Reins to the Ward 7 seats on the Commission of the Deaf, (f) Tedra A. Trimm to the Ward 1 seat on the Commission on Disabilities, (g) Mahmoud Harmoush to the Citywide, Susan Fahrney to the Ward 1, Fern Fujimoto to the Ward 4 seats on the Human Relations Commission, (h) Bedan Kamau to the Ward 3 and Makisha Alexander to the Ward 5 seats on the Human Resources Board, (i) Bianca M. Corales to the Ward 5 seat on the Board of Library Trustees, (j) Sharon J. Tennell to the Ward 1 seat on the Museum of Riverside Board; (k) Chad M. Young to the Ward 1, Matt Friedlander to the Ward 4, Thomas Miller to the Ward 6, and Barry Johnson to the Ward 7 seats on the Park and Recreation Commission, (l) Rafael Elizalde to the Ward 3 seat on Planning Commission, (m) Brian D. Siana to the Citywide and Gary Montgomery to the Ward 4 seats on the Board of Public Utilities, and (n) John C. Bulinski, and Oscar Valadez to the Citywide, and Tyler J. Madary to the Ward 1 seats on the Transportation Board, (2) approved the appointment of Danielle Kilchenstein to a Citywide seat on the Board of Ethics for a term through March 1, 2027; (3) approved the following appointments for terms through March 1, 2029: (a) Lisa Price to the Citywide seat on the Commission of the Deaf, (b) Sandy Tarmo to the Citywide seat on the Commission on Disabilities, (c) Aurelio A. Melendrez to the Ward 1 seat on the Planning Commission, (d) Robert J. Lundy to the Ward 4 seat on the Community Police Review Commission, (e) Jaye Steinbrick to the Ward 4 seat on the Board of Library Trustees, (f) Carlos Trigueros to the Ward 5 seat on the Airport Commission, (g) Tom Evans to the Ward 5 seat on the Board of Public Utilities, and (h) Cindy M. Collins to the Ward 5 seat on the Transportation Board; (4) redesignated Brian Baird from the Human Resources Board to the Planning Commission Ward 5 seat for a term through March 1, 2029; and (5) referred remaining board and commission
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-191
vacancies for Citywide seats to the Mayor and Ward specific seats to respective Councilmembers for appointment.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING - FRINGE BENEFITS AND SALARY PLAN AMENDMENT -
RESOLUTION
The City Council (1) approved a three-year Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) effective January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027, with Riverside Police Officer’s Association (RPOA) and RPOA Supervisory Units which incorporate the negotiated revisions, and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Memoranda of Understanding on behalf of the City; (2) adopted a Resolution amending the Master Fringe Benefits and Salary Plan to reflect the revised MOU provisions as outlined in the staff report; and (3) authorized the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record supplemental appropriations in the approximate amounts of $1.20 million in Fiscal Year 2024-25 in the applicable funds and accounts; whereupon the title having been read and further reading waived, Resolution No. 24209 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Amending Resolution No. 21052 to Amend Parts I and II of the Fringe Benefits and Salary Plan, to Reflect Various Updates and Changes in Connection with the Memoranda of Understanding with the Riverside Police Officer’s Association (RPOA) and the Riverside Police Officer’s Association (RPOA) Supervisory Units; and to Approve the Creation of the New Classification and Salary Range for the Chief Pilot, was presented and adopted.
PURCHASE - MICROSOFT SOFTWARE LICENSES, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES The City Council (1) approved the purchase of Microsoft software licenses, products and services through Dell Marketing, L.P., for a three-year term in the amount of $3,834,925.35; (2) authorized staff to issue change orders in an amount not-to-exceed 15 percent of the total contract amount, allowing for additional purchases not exceeding $575,239 for a total contract amount of $4,410,165; and (3) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to effectuate this Addendum, optional extensions, and amendments to add-on additional licenses, as well as making minor and non- substantive changes.
REVISED PURCHASE ORDER 251896 - LIBRARY MATERIALS AND SERVICES The City Council (1) approved and authorized an increase of Purchase Order 251896 with Midwest Tape, LLC, Holland, Ohio, in the amount of $40,000 for the purchase of library materials and services for a revised purchase order amount of $100,000 with automatic annual renewal; (2) authorized the increase from $60,000 to $100,000 annually for the term of the contract for a total contract amount of $160,000; and (3) authorized the City
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-192
Manager or designee to execute any purchase orders and other documents affecting the purchase.
DEACCESSION - MEIER COLLECTION - MUSEUM OF RIVERSIDE'S PERMANENT COLLECTION The City Council approved deaccession from the permanent collection of 373 objects from the Meier collection, including 193 books and magazines, 79 documents, 27 photographs and prints, 20 household utensils, 13 household objects, 4 personal objects, 4 recreational objects, 31 tools, and 2 miscellaneous objects.
BID 8110 - CHANGE ORDER AUTHORITY - NICHOLS PARK PLAYGROUND, SHADE STRUCTURE,
AND RESILIENT SURFACING INSTALLATION PROJECT - SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS - 5505 DEWEY
The City Council (1) awarded Bid 8110 to ZECO Inc., Santa Ana, in the amount of $213,500.00 for the Nichols Park Playground, Shade Structure, and Resilient Surfacing Installation Project; (2) authorized 25 percent change order authority in an amount up to $53,375 for project changes including, but not limited to, unforeseen conditions or necessary design changes, for a total contract amount not-to-exceed $266,875; (3) authorized the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record all necessary supplemental appropriations and interfund transfers in the amount of $245,525 from General Fund unexpended and unobligated ARPA funds to the Capital Outlay Fund, Nichols Park Project; and (4) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute a Construction Agreement with ZECO Inc., Santa Ana, including making minor and non- substantive changes.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING - FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 PUBLIC SAFETY REALIGNMENT
REIMBURSEMENT OF PERSONNEL, VEHICLE, AND OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS -
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION
The City Council (1) approved the Memorandum of Understanding between the Riverside County Probation Department and Post-Release Accountability and Compliance Team for reimbursement of personnel, vehicle, and operation and maintenance costs related to Public Safety Realignment for Fiscal Year 2024-25; (2) authorized the acceptance of additional funding from Riverside County Probation Department in the amount of $138,150 for vehicle and operation and maintenance expenditures related to Public Safety Realignment for the total amount of $535,150 for Fiscal Year 2024-25; (3) authorized the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record an increase in revenue in the amount of $138,150 and appropriate an equal amount of expenditures in the General Fund, Special Operations revenue and expenditure
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-193
accounts related to Public Safety Realignment; and (4) authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents, including making minor and non- substantive changes.
PUBLIC HEARING
2023-2024 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT - ANNUAL
ACTION PLAN AMENDMENT - RIVERSIDE ACCESS CENTER RENOVATION PROJECT - SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION - FUNDS TRANSFER - 2880 HULEN PLACE Public Hearing was called to consider an amendment to the City of Riverside Fiscal Year 2023-2024 United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Annual Action Plan to allocate $400,695 of Community Development Block Grant Unprogrammed Funds to the Riverside Access Center renovation project located at 2880 Hulen Place and approve a Design/Build Agreement with Cal-City Construction Inc., Cerritos, from Request for Proposals 2381 for design services and construction for the Riverside Access Center renovation project in the amount of $1,339,000 plus a 15 percent contingency in the amount of $200,850 for a total not-to-exceed the amount of $1,539,850. No one spoke regarding the matter. The public hearing was officially closed.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Conder and seconded by Councilmember Mill to (1) authorize an amendment to the City of Riverside Fiscal Year 2023-2024 United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Annual Action Plan to allocate $400,695 of Community Development Block Grant Unprogrammed Funds to the Riverside Access Center renovation project located at 2880 Hulen Place; (2) authorize a transfer in the amount of $400,695 within the Community Development Block Grant Fund Unprogrammed Funds account to the Riverside Access Center Rehabilitation Project account; (3) authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a First Amendment to a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Housing and Human Services for an additional allocation of $400,695 of Community Development Block Grant funds for the 2023-2024 Riverside Access Center Renovation Project, including making minor non-substantive changes, and to sign all documents and instruments necessary to implement this action; (4) authorize the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record a supplemental appropriation of $400,695 in the Grants and Restricted Programs Fund 23-24 Riverside Access Center Rehabilitation account, and a supplemental appropriation in the same amount to the inter-fund account for reimbursement of CDBG-related expenditures; (5) approve a Design/Build Agreement with Cal-City Construction, Inc., Cerritos, from Request for Proposal 2381 for design services and construction for the Riverside Place Access Center renovation project in the
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-194
amount of $1,339.000; (6) approve a 15 percent contingency change order authority in the amount of $200,850 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $1,539,850; and (7) authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Design-Build Agreement including making minor, and non-substantive changes. The motion carried unanimously.
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL COMPENSATION - SALARY AND FRINGE BENEFITS -
ORDINANCES INTRODUCED
Public Hearing was called to determine whether to increase compensation for the Mayor and Members of the City Council not exceeding 5 percent of the current salary. One person spoke on the matter. The public hearing was officially closed.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Robillard and seconded by Councilmember Falcone to (1) increase the compensation for the Mayor and Members of the City Council five (5%) percent of the current salary; (2) introduce an ordinance establishing the level of compensation of the Mayor and providing certain fringe benefits, and repealing Ordinance No. 7626 in its entirety; (3) introduce an ordinance establishing the level of compensation for Members of the City Council and providing certain fringe benefits, and repealing Ordinance No. 7627 in its entirety. The motion carried with Councilmembers Falcone, Cervantes, Robillard, Mill, and Hemenway voting aye and Councilmembers Conder and Perry voting no.
Following further discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Robillard and seconded by Councilmember Falcone to adjust the Fringe Benefits and Salary Plan to increase the City Council and Mayor Pro Tem automobile allowance to $500 per month. The motion carried unanimously.
Whereupon ordinances entitled “An Ordinance of the City of Riverside, California, Establishing the Level of Compensation for the Members of the City Council and Providing Certain Fringe Benefits, and Repealing Ordinance No. 7627 in its Entirety,” and “An Ordinance of the City of Riverside, California, Establishing the Level of Compensation of the Mayor and Providing Certain Fringe Benefits, and Repealing Ordinance No. 7626 in its Entirety,” were presented and introduced.
COMMUNICATIONS
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT ON CLOSED SESSIONS
Interim City Attorney Liu announced there were no reportable actions taken during Closed Session.