CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-293
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 1:15 p.m.
Councilmember Cervantes gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENTS IN PERSON/TELEPHONE
Councilmember Robillard announced that the aqua motion pool temperature system will be adjusted and maintained at Shamel Park. Julie Sullivan spoke regarding miscommunication regarding items on the agenda. Amy Hurtado spoke regarding transitional aged youth in Riverside. William Bailey, Jr., expressed best wishes to the Interim City Attorney and commended City Council for hiring the City Manager. Bob Buster spoke regarding the continuance of the public hearing related to the Warmington Residential Project. Mary Humboldt spoke regarding the long tradition of Victoria Avenue Tree Program. Jason Hunter spoke regarding public comments, City Attorney employment agreement, and State Density Bonus Law. Malissa Mckeith spoke regarding public comments and a City staff report referring to a 2025 General Plan and Environmental Impact Report (EIR). One caller spoke regarding the public comment period.
WAIVE SUNSHINE ORDINANCE
ADD CEREMONIAL PRESENTATION AND FAIRMOUNT PARK LAKE DREDGING PROJECT Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Mill and seconded by Councilmember Cervantes to waive Sunshine Ordinance to add (1) Item No. 7a pursuant to Section 4.05.050(D)(1)(c) for ceremonial presentation; and (2) Item No. 19a pursuant to Section 4.05.050(D) (1)(a) for completion of Fairmount Park Lake Dredging Project. The motion carried unanimously.
MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Falcone reported on General Plan 2050, Northside Community Meeting regarding Adventure Park, Insect Fair, Tamale Festival, Lincoln Park Community Group meeting, and Wood Streets Neighborhood Meeting. Councilmember Cervantes reported on the grand opening of Benedetto Gelato and offered an invitation to follow her social media pages. Councilmember Robillard reported on Carpenter Trade Signing
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-294
Day, Mecca Club meeting, Airport Blue Zones kickoff, and First Annual Aerospace Expo.
Councilmember Conder reported on constituent services and Good Friday Prayer Breakfast at The Grove Community Church. Councilmember Mill reported on a tour of the new Casa Blanca Elementary School, Hunt Park meeting, trash pickup and tree planting at Villegas and Arlington Parks, Cinco de Mayo Festival at Villegas Park, playground ribbon cutting at Hunt Park, Every Kid Deserves a Bike event, spoke about misinformation related to the public hearing and thanked Riverside Community Hospital for their help. Councilmember Perry reported on Riverside Arts Academy free concert and postponement of Latina Government Day event. Councilmember Hemenway reported on Art Installation of Article 24 at La Sierra University, Arbor Day Celebration, and Community Health and Wellness Fair at La Sierra Park. Mayor Lock Dawson reported on Happy Earth Day, California School for Deaf Technical Career Job Fair, Good Friday Prayer Breakfast, and Sunrise Service at Mount Rubidoux.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMMITTEE MEETING
The City Council Housing and Homelessness Committee will conduct a meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 3:30 p.m., in the Art Pick Council Chamber.
COMMUNICATIONS
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
The City Council received an update on Economic Development Innovation Month.
COUNCILMEMBERS DECLARATION OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND EX PARTE Councilmember Cervantes declared a conflict of interest on matter proposing Fiscal Year 2024-25 Master Fees and Charges amendment.
PRESENTATIONS
EARTH DAY
Mayor Lock Dawson presented a Proclamation to GRID Alternatives recognizing April 22, 2025, as Earth Day.
AUTISM MONTH
The proclamation to the Autism Society of the Inland Empire, was removed from the agenda.
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-295
RIVERSIDE PROSPERS SUCCESS REPORT - WARD 2
The Success report on Orange Valley Lodge No. 13, was removed from the agenda.
ARMENIAN GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE DAY
Mayor Lock Dawson presented a Proclamation to the Armenian Apostolic Church of Riverside recognizing April 24, 2025, as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.
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 with the Senate Bill 634 regarding filing an Opposition Letter on Homelessness removed from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion. The motion carried with Mayor Lock Dawson voting aye on the Board and Commission appointments, resignation, and removal.
OUTSIDE COUNSEL EXPENDITURES
The City Council received and ordered filed the Outside Counsel Expenditure Report for the period of October 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024, as provided in the outside counsel policy approved by City Council on June 16, 2015.
BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS, RESIGNATION, AND REMOVAL The Mayor and City Council (1) appointed (a) Louise Borda to the Human Resources Board Ward 3 seat for a term through March 1, 2029 and (b) Joshua Fleming to the Human Resources Board Citywide seat for a term through March 1, 2028; and (2) filed the resignation of Kittie Aleman from the Commission on Aging Ward 6 seat; and (3) removed Sandra Polichetti from the Board of Public Utilities Ward 1 seat effective immediately.
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of April 8, 2025, were approved as presented.
PURCHASE ORDER - OMNIA COOPERATIVE PURCHASING AGREEMENT - AS-NEEDED
ELEVATORS REPAIRS - VARIOUS CITY LOCATIONS
The City Council (1) approved a change order in the amount of $100,100 to Purchase Order 251566 for Otis Elevator Company, Anaheim, under Omnia Cooperative Purchasing Agreement 2019001563, for as-needed repairs of City of Riverside elevators at various locations for the current fiscal year for a total Purchase Order amount of $150,000; and (2) authorized the City Manager or designee to execute any purchase orders,
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-296
agreements, and other documents necessary to effectuate this agreement and make any minor and non-substantive changes.
CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY GRANT APPLICATION - LIBRARY LUNCH PROGRAM -
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION
The City Council authorized (1) a grant application for the Lunch at the Library in the amount of $43,366, or the actual grant award, by the California State Library; (2) the Chief Financial Officer, or his designee, to record an increase in revenue and an appropriation in the amount of $43,366, or the actual grant award, in the Grants and Restricted Programs Fund, Lunch at the Library Fiscal Year 2025-26 revenue and expenditure accounts; and (3) the City Manager, or his designee, to execute grant documents with the California State Library, including making minor and non-substantive changes to documents associated with the grant as necessary.
DONATION - RIVERSIDE PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION - TOOL LENDING LIBRARY -
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION
The City Council (1) accepted $10,000 from the Riverside Public Library Foundation; and (2) authorized the Chief Financial Officer, or his designee, to record an increase in revenues in the amount of $10,000 and appropriate expenditures in the same amount in the Grants and Restricted Programs Fund Library Gift and Trust revenue and expenditure accounts to pay for Library materials, programs, and services related to the Tool Lending Library.
SPEED HUMPS IMPLEMENTATION - GREEN ORCHARD/KINGDOM/LONE PEAK - RAMONA/
BROCKTON/MAGNOLIA
The City Council approved the proposed speed humps along (1) Green Orchard Place between Kingdom Drive and Lone Peak Court; and (2) Ramona Drive between Brockton Avenue and Magnolia Avenue.
TRAFFIC CIRCULATION PILOT PROJECT - PROHIBIT THRU AND LEFT-TURN MOVEMENTS -
MARKET/SIXTH
The City Council approved a 12-month traffic circulation pilot project to prohibit thru and left turn movements at the eastbound and westbound approaches of the intersection of Market Street at Sixth Street.
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-297
RIVERSIDE VISION ZERO ACTION PLAN - ESTABLISH INITIAL GOAL OF REDUCING TRAFFIC
DEATHS AND SERIOUS INJURIES - RESOLUTION
The City Council (1) adopted a Resolution establishing a Vision Zero policy to work towards a fifty percent reduction of preventable traffic deaths and severe injuries by 2040; and (2) directed staff to develop a City of Riverside Vision Zero Action Plan (VZAP) in alignment with existing national, state, and regional programs and grant funding requirements; whereupon the title having been read and further reading waived, Resolution No. 24252 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Supporting the Development of a Vision Zero Policy and Establishing an Initial Goal of Reducing Traffic Deaths and Serious Injuries by 50 Percent by 2040, was presented and adopted.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
SENATE BILL 634 - HOMELESSNESS - FILE OPPOSITION LETTER Councilmember Cervantes spoke on Senate Bill 634 regarding Homelessness. No one spoke in the matter.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Mill and seconded by Councilmember Perry to (1) approve Mayor Pro Tem Mill’s recommendation that the City Council receive and order filed a report from the City Attorney's Office regarding recently introduced Senate Bill 634, an act to add Sections 11145.1 and 53069.44 to the Government Code relating to homelessness; and (2) direct and authorize the City Manager to file an opposition letter on behalf of the City. The motion carried with Councilmembers Falcone, Robillard, Conder, Mill, Perry, and Hemenway voting aye and Councilmember Cervantes voting no.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION GRANT - PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IMPROVEMENT -
RESOLUTION
The City Council received a report on the California Department of Transportation grant acceptance. No one spoke on the matter.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Falcone and seconded by Councilmember Conder to authorize (1) the acceptance of three grant awards in the combined amount of $6,209,870, under the 2024 Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 12 Program as administered by the California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS), for the construction of 160 new traffic signal controllers, installation of pedestrian median fencing, audible pedestrian push button systems, high visibility
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-298
crosswalks, multi-way stop sign compliance improvements, and construction of Class II buffered bike lane enhancements along Van Buren Boulevard from Arlington Avenue to Magnolia Avenue; (2) the City Manager, or designee, to execute any and all grant agreements and related grant documents with the California Department of Transportation, including making minor and non-substantive changes and executing agreement amendments and extensions, subject to the availability of budgeted funds; (3) the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record an increase in grant revenues and supplemental appropriations in a total amount of $6,209,870 in the Capital Outlay-Grants Fund, in various capital project revenue and expenditure accounts as outlined in the fiscal impact section of this report; and (4) the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record a supplemental appropriation in total amount of $1,400,030 from available fund balance in the Measure A Fund, in various capital projects expenditure accounts as outlined in the fiscal impact section of the report for the purposes of the City-match portion of the grant. The motion carried unanimously.
RIVERSIDE MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT - TITLE 4 SUNSHINE ORDINANCE - ORDINANCE
INTRODUCED
The City Council received a report to introduce an Ordinance amending Chapter 4.05 of the Riverside Municipal Code, the Sunshine Ordinance. No one spoke on the matter.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Perry and seconded by Councilmember Conder to (1) review Title 4 of the Riverside Municipal Code, known as the Sunshine Ordinance, and considered the Governmental Processes Committee proposed amendments to update and streamline the Ordinance; (2) introduce an Ordnance amending Chapter 4.05 of the Riverside Municipal Code, the Sunshine Ordinance; and (3) change agenda publication for advisory bodies from twelve days to three business days. The motion carried unanimously.
Whereupon, an Ordinance entitled “An Ordinance of the City of Riverside, California, Amending Chapter 4.05 of the Riverside Municipal Code, the Sunshine Ordinance,” was presented and introduced.
BID 8083 - COMPLETION OF FAIRMOUNT PARK LAKE DREDGING PROJECT - SUPPLEMENTAL
APPROPRIATION
The City Council received a report for a change order for the Completion of Bid 8083 for the Fairmount Park Lake Dredging Project. No one spoke on the matter.
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-299
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Mill and seconded by Councilmember Conder to (1) approve a Change Order to Bid 8083 to MidCal Dredging, Inc., Riverdale, California, in the amount of $500,000 for the completion of the Fairmount Park Lake Dredging Project; and (2) authorize the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $638,750 in the Regional Parks Special Capital Improvement Fund, Fairmount Lake Dredging project expenditure account; and (3) authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a Change Order to the Construction Agreement with MidCal Dredging, Inc., Riverdale, California.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/PLANNING REFERRALS AND APPEALS
CASE PR-2024-001656 (TM) - APPEAL - WARMINGTON RESIDENTIAL - SUBDIVIDE 9.91-ACRE PARCEL INTO 49 SINGLE FAMILY LOTS - LA SIERRA/VICTORIA - CONTINUED The Public Hearing scheduled to consider an appeal, requested by Matthew Esquivel of Warmington Residential, of the Planning Commission’s denial of a Tentative Tract Map to subdivide a 9.91-acre project site into 49 single family lots to facilitate a residential development of 46 market rate dwellings and 3 affordable dwellings was continued to a date uncertain. Twenty-two people spoke on the continuance.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Mill and seconded by Councilmember Conder to continue the public hearing to a date uncertain. The motion carried unanimously.
2018-2019 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL
ACTION PLAN AMENDMENT - RIVERSIDE MUSEUM ROBINSON HOUSE RESTORATION HOUSE
PROJECT
Public Hearing was called to consider approving an amendment to the 2018-2019 United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Annual Action Plan to cancel the Community Development Block Grant funded City of Riverside Museum Robinson House Restoration House project and reimburse $155,684.45 of Community Development Block Grant funds to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
No one spoke on the matter. The public hearing was officially closed.
Following discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Conder and seconded by Councilmember Robillard to authorize (1) an amendment to the 2018-2019 United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Annual Action Plan to cancel the Community Development Block Grant funded City of Riverside Museum Robinson House
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-300
Restoration House project and reimburse $155,684.45 of Community Development Block Grant funds to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development; and (2) reimbursement of $155,684.45 of Community Development Block Grant funds from the CDBG Fund to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development through HUD’s Line of Credit Control System (LOCCS).
PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 MASTER FEES AND CHARGES SCHEDULE AMENDMENT -
REGULATION, PRODUCT, AND SERVICES - ORDINANCE INTRODUCED - RESOLUTION Public Hearing was called to consider the proposed user fees and charges effective May 22, 2025, introduce an ordinance amending the Riverside Municipal Code (RMC) Chapter 3.30 Section 3.30.030 – Schedule of Regulation, Product and Services to add one subsection and five additional categories and delete one category and adopt a resolution amending the City’s Master Fees and Charges Schedule for Fiscal Year 2024-
25. No one 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) introduce an ordinance amending the Riverside Municipal Code (RMC) Chapter 3.30 Section 3.30.030 – Schedule of Regulation, Products and Services, subsection IV – Community and Economic Development, to delete one category titled Day Care Permit Review, and subsection XIV – Utilities and Enterprises – Refuse to add two additional categories titled Supplemental Residential Waste Services and Supplemental Commercial Waste Services, and add subsection XX - Administration and Community Development Support – Parks and Recreation, to add three categories titled Planning Case Review, Public Works Permit Plan Check and Inspection, and Building Permit Plan Check and Inspection; and (2) adopt a resolution approving the proposed amendments to the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Master Fees and Charges Schedule. The motion carried with Councilmembers Falcone, Robillard, Conder, Mill, Perry, and Hemenway voting aye and Councilmember Cervantes recused.
Whereupon, the title having been read and further reading waived, Resolution No. 24253 of the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, Amending the City’s Master Fees and Charges Schedule as Set Forth in Resolution No. 21960, as Amended, Providing for Adjustments for Various Development Services Departments and Other User Fees and Charges and Parking Bail Schedule, and Authorizing the Chief Financial Officer to Amend the Master Fees and Charges Schedule, was presented and adopted; and an Ordinance entitled “An Ordinance of the City of Riverside, California, Amending Chapter 3.30 of the Riverside Municipal Code, to Add One Subsection and Five Additional Categories and
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025, 1:00 P.M.
ART PICK COUNCIL CHAMBER
3900 MAIN STREET
110-301
Delete One Category to the Schedule of Regulation, Products, and Services, was presented and introduced.
CLOSED SESSIONS
The Mayor and City Council adjourned to closed session at 4:10 p.m. pursuant to Government Code (1) §54956.9(d)(1) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel in the matter of application of Southern California Edison Company (U338E) for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the RTRP Transmission Project; CPUC proceeding No. A15-04-013 and CPUC Decision 20-03-001 related thereto; (2) §54956.9(d)(1) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning Jon Basil Markarounas v. City of Riverside, et al., Riverside County Superior Court Case No. CVRI2301636; (3) §54956.9(d)(1) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning Huihsien Chiang v. Parking Concepts, et al., Riverside Superior Court Case No. CVRI2305474; Claim No: 23-03-36; (4) §54956.9(d)(2) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning anticipated litigation regarding two cases; (5) §54956.9(d)(4) to confer with and/or receive advice from legal counsel concerning the City Council deciding whether to initiate litigation regarding seven cases; (6) §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 (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 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 5:57 p.m. with Mayor Lock Dawson presiding and all Councilmembers present except Councilmember Mill.
COMMUNICATIONS
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT ON CLOSED SESSIONS
Interim City Attorney Liu announced that the City Council authorized initiation of litigation of seven cases. The motion carried with Councilmembers Falcone, Cervantes, Robillard,