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MINUTES   Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35 Cajon Street, on February 15, 2022 at 5:00 P.M.
Present: Paul Barich, Mayor     Eddie Tejeda, Mayor Pro Tempore     Denise Davis, Council Member     Jenna Guzman-Lowery, Council Member     Mick Gallagher, Council Member   Staff: Janice McConnell, Assistant City Manager; Chris Boatman, Assistant City Manager; Dan McHugh, City Attorney; Robert Dawes, City Treasurer; Jeanne Donaldson, City Clerk; Carl Baker, Public Information Officer; Chris Catren, Police Chief; Danielle Garcia, Management Services/Finance Director; Brian Desatnik, Development Services Director; John Harris, Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director; Rich Sessler, Intermin Fire Chief

				Mayor Barich called the meeting to order and explained that comments could be presented in-person, via Zoom, via cell phone or landline. He offered the public an opportunity to provide comment on any item on the agenda for the closed session.
				PUBLIC COMMENT None forthcoming
				CLOSED SESSION
				Conference with labor negotiator - Government Code §54957.6 (Mayor Barich, and Council Member Gallagher) Agency Negotiators: Paul Barich, and Mick Gallagher Employment Organization: Redlands Professional Firefighters Association (RPFA)
				RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING The meeting reconvened at 6:00 P.M.
				2021 By-District Council Member Election Boundaries
				Mayor Barich opened the public hearing and called on Development Services Director Desatnik who introduced Todd Tatum, of National Demographics Corporation (NDC) for a brief recap of the redistricting process to examine the current district boundaries and how that lines up with the 2020 Census data. Mr. Tatum presented the details of eight draft maps and the demographic data associated with each one, including those from NDC and the public (listed as: NDC 101, 102, 102b, 102c and 103, Public 1, Public 1b and Public 2). All draft map submittals were published to the redistricting website on February 1, 2022, and have been reviewed for compliance with Federal and State law including the Voting Rights Act and the Fair And Inclusive Redistricting And Political Subdivisions (FAIR MAPS) Act. As public comment, Tracy Wise stressed the importance of drawing district lines to keep communities of interest together and provide equitable representation for every citizen. She thought Public Map 1 accomplished this goal the best. No written comments were received. Mayor Barich and Council Member Gallagher were comfortable with the existing district boundary map. Mayor Pro Tem Tejeda strongly recommended keeping neighborhoods together and supported Public Map 1 because it had clean lines and kept communities of interest together. He also liked NDC 102c. Council Members Davis and Guzman-Lowery wanted to see more public participation, and they encouraged their colleagues to hold off selecting a specific map tonight to allow for more time to hear from constituents. The final map is anticipated to be selected with the Ordinance introduction at the next public hearing on March 1, 2022 and final adoption on March 15, 2022.

				On motion of Mayor Paul Barich, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously agreed to continue the public hearing till March 1, 2022.

				Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
				Pledge of Allegiance Council Member Davis provided an invocation which was followed by the pledge of allegiance to the American flag.
				CLOSED SESSION REPORT City Attorney McHugh announced that no reportable action was taken during the closed session.
				PUBLIC COMMENT None forthcoming
				CONSENT CALENDAR
				Minutes

				On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved the minutes of the regular meeting of February 1, 2022.

				Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
				Resolution No. 8304 Remote Teleconference Meetings

				On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 8304 authorizing remote teleconference meetings by the City Council and all Boards, Commissions, and Committees of the City in accordance with Assembly Bill 361 (2021) for a period of 30 days.

				Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
				Resolution No. 8305 Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act

				On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 8305 opposing the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act (Initiative 21-0042 A1).

				Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
				MOU Equipment Sharing

				On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding for equipment sharing between the City of Redlands and the Big Bear Fire Authority, a California Joint Powers Authority, doing business as the Big Bear Fire Department, for the loan of an Alternate Transport Vehicle.

				Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
				Police Department K-9 Retirement

				On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved an agreement to retire the Redlands Police Department’s narcotic detection and apprehension dog “Duke” and sell him to Joseph Valdivia, the handler, for the sum of one dollar.

				Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
				Resolution No. 8300 Public Records Destruction

				On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 8300 approving the destruction of certain Police Department public records.

				Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
				Redlands Bicycle Classic In-Kind Request
				As public comment, Dennis Bell stated this in-kind request of $91,943 does not belong on the Consent Calendar, nor does the next item related to an in-kind request for the Run Through Redlands. He questioned the City's funding priorities, thought the amount requested was exorbitant and not in the publics best interest and said the attendance numbers as reported in the staff report were inflated.

				On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously determined the authorization for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages during the Redlands Bicycle Classic is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061 (b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; approved a request for in-kind support in the amount of $91,943 related to this event; and authorized the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages during the Redlands Bicycle Classic event to be held on April 22, 2022, through April 24, 2022.

				Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
				Run Through Redlands In-Kind Support

				On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously determined the authorization for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages and waiver of fees during The Run Through Redlands event is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061 (b)(3) of the state’s guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; approved the expenditure of City resources and a waiver of fees in the amount of $32,952 related to this event; and authorized the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages during The Run Through Redlands event to be held on March 6, 2022.

				Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
				Water / Wastewater Treatment Process Chemical Pricing

				On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously determined approval of the price increases from chemical vendors is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and approved the price increases from chemical vendors as listed in the staff report, due to a nationwide shortage of water and wastewater treatment process chemicals.

				Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
				Cummins Portable Generators Purchase

				On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously determined approval of the purchase of two portable generators is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and approved the purchase of two Cummins portable generators from Cummins Sales and Services in the amount of $174,840.64.

				Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
				Amending Wastewater Professional Services Agreement

				On motion of Council Member Denise Davis, seconded by Council Member Mick Gallagher, the City Council unanimously determined that approval of the Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act; and approved the Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement between the City of Redlands and Krieger & Stewart, Incorporated extending the contract by one year to February 28, 2023, for the provision of wastewater pretreatment program and local limit study consulting services.

				Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
				Amending Consulting Services Agreement in UAC Support

				On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement with Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. for continued consulting services to support the Utilities Advisory Committee. The term of the original agreement was for one year, commencing April 1, 2021, and will now be extended for one year.

				Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
				Final Map Tract No. 18762-2

				On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved Tract No. 18762-2 Final Map prepared and submitted by the San Bernardino County Housing Authority related to the project located on the northeast corner of Orange Street and Lugonia Avenue.

				Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
				Oakmont Park Tributary Rehabilitation Project

				On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 8299 adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan for the proposed Oakmont Park Tributary Rehabilitation Project, and approval of the preliminary project plans and specifications.

				Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
				Joint Defense Confidentiality Agreement
				As public comment, Richard O'Donnell pointed out numerous Redlands citizens are asking for a neutral judgement on a state environmental law and the Redlands General Plan as it relates to the property known as the England/Attwood Estate, and he thought the Joint Defense/Common Interest and Confidentiality Agreement with Redlands Palm Investments, LLC, Inc. and Diversified Pacific Development Group should be rejected.

				On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Mick Gallagher, the City Council unanimously approved the Joint Defense/Common Interest and Confidentiality Agreement with Redlands Palm Investments, LLC, Inc. and Diversified Pacific Development Group in connection with a legal challenge to the City's approval of the residential subdivision recently approved for property commonly referred to as the England/Attwood Estate.

				Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
				Boards, Commissions, Committees and Outside Agencies

				On motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Eddie Tejeda, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council unanimously approved the 2022 City Council Liaison assignments to the City's Boards, Commissions, Committees and Outside Agencies as presented in the staff report.

				Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
				COMMUNICATIONS
				Redlands Police Community Foundation Annual Report
				Chief Catren introduced Redlands Police Community Foundation (RPCF) outgoing President Stan Weisser, incoming President Judy Cannon, Vice President Chris Martin and Treasurer Kathy Johnson, who presented the 2021 Annual Report. Each member highlighted a different aspect of the Foundation's work. Mr. Weisser expressed the great loss felt by the community with the passing of Citizen Volunteer (CV) Jim Stellar. Mr. Stellar was recognized for his 30 years as a CV, with approximately 900 hours of volunteer service. He founded the 365 Club and fund raised more than $320,000 for the RPD CVs. Since its inception, the Foundation has given back directly to the RPD and the Redlands community totaling $373,053. RPD programs supported include, Citizen Volunteer Unit, K9 Unit, Community Youth Programs, such as Back 2 School Jam, Christmas Block Party, Community Bike Fund, Heroes & Helpers, and Community Outreach and Safety with Crime Prevention, Coptober Community Fair, Thanksgiving Events, Surveillance Camera Project, etc. Other programs include, Redlands Emergency Services Academy (RESA), which exposes participants to the types of tasks and responsibilities required of safety personnel, as well as core values. In 2021, 18 young men and women participated in the week-long academy. The Garner Holt Animatronics Academy Career Camp hosted six students who were chaperoned by RPD Community Policing Officers. K9 Jake is a three-year-old, 85-pound Belgian Malinois that is partnered with his handler, Officer M. Shahabi. Jake is trained in apprehension and the detection of explosives and together, the K9 team provides enhanced public safety services to the City. Golfers at Redlands Country Club collected $23,000 in donations for the RPCF which underscores the community’s strong support of the Department. Deep appreciation was expressed for all the donors.
				Redlands Historical Museum Association Funding
				Library Director McCue provided background of the Redlands Historical Museum (MOR), describing their strong vision for establishing a new cultural, historical and educational center for Redlands. He introduced Steve Stockton, Tim Rochford, Char Burgess, and Mario Saucedo who each addressed a different aspect of MOR. President Stockton described the ongoing fundraising efforts and how the capital campaign to raise $24 million has left them with a shortfall. Having successfully raised $18 million dollars, the Redlands Historical Museum Association (RHMA) is requesting $6.6 million dollars from the City in order to complete the final phase of the museum's construction. Through a series of renderings and construction photos, they stressed that now was the time to assist with the vision to present its citizens with a new cultural asset. The requested amount included contingencies, MOR soft costs and will complete the interior to the State-of-the-Art American Alliance of Museums standards, offering highly filtered, constant humidity HVAC system operating 24/7; backup generator; energy efficient low UV lighting 24/7 and a second story to ensure adequate storage, office and display space. Rising steel costs have greatly impacted the total costs. They reminded the Council that in September 2014, Resolution 7445 was approved, which reconfirmed the Board of Trustees of A.K. Smiley Public Library as the administrator of the museum, and established interim and permanent improvement, repair, maintenance and operational obligations for the City and the Library Board of Trustees both before and after the City obtains title to the building. The City Council made these commitments based upon their finding "that the payment of such costs serves a valid public purpose because such payments will facilitate the opening and initial operation of a historical museum that will provide cultural enrichment to the Redlands community and contribute to the city's goals of enhancing tourism and economic development." As public comment, Andy Hoder supported the Museum in principle but raised concerns with the escalating costs. Dennis Bell likened this to a taxpayer bailout, and he said the City was giving away too much money instead of seeking ways to generate revenue. Council Members were pleased with the presentation and appreciated the fundraising efforts the group has already accomplished. Assistant City Manager Boatman stated staff will present funding options related to MOR's request at the midyear budget presentation on March 1, 2022.
				Ad Hoc Subcommittee to Rename Streets
				Mayor Pro Tem Tejeda explained his request to consider revisiting the matter of the newly formed Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee, to establish criteria for the renaming of streets. Council Member Guzman-Lowery pointed out Resolution No. 7711, approved in 2017, already establishes a general process for the naming of City parks, buildings, streets and other public facilities. With this resolution already in place, Council agreed no action was needed at this time.
				NEW BUSINESS
				Ordinance No. 2886 City Council Compensation
				Mayor Pro Tem Tejeda explained that on February 1, 2022, the Council introduced Ordinance No. 2886, adjusting compensation for Council Members. The increase would amount to $900 for a total monthly compensation of $1,400 and be effective following the next municipal election in November 2022. As public comment, Andy Hoder was not opposed to an increase but thought the amount was too high and made effective too quickly. Council Member Gallagher reiterated his support of an increase but was uncomfortable with the $900 monthly adjustment. Council Member Guzman-Lowery stated the City has not kept pace with other cost of living increases, and she and Council Member Davis saw this matter was a way to establish more equity and encourage diversity to positions of power. Mayor Pro Tejeda admitted the jump in compensation might appear high, but it has been 36 years since the matter was last reviewed. He expressed his appreciation of all the comments on both side but stated this was for future Council Members and future elections, rather than for his immediate colleagues. Mayor Barich pointed out Council Members must commit a huge amount of time and the increase does not take effect until January 2023.

				On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman-Lowery, seconded by Council Member Denise Davis, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2886, increasing compensation for City Council Members effective following the next municipal election in November 2022. The increase would amount to $900 for a total monthly compensation of $1,400 beginning in January 2023.

				Vote: 4 - 1 Passed
				NAY: Council Member Mick Gallagher
				Replanting of the Lugonia Grove
				Assistant City Manager Boatman summarized the recommendation by the Citrus Preservation Commission (CPC) to direct staff to solicit bids for replanting Lugonia Grove. This would consist of the mastication of the existing grove consisting of approximately 1,420 trees, and the acquisition and replanting with Barnfield Late Navel Orange trees and would be funded by the re-allocation of the Nevada Palmetto Grove sale proceeds. As public comment, Andy Hoder raised several questions about the merits of replanting and said it will take 3-4 years before a crop is ready for sale, and he opposed the project. As a liaison of the CPC, Council Member Guzman-Lowery thanked the CPC Commissioners for their expertise, and she encouraged her colleagues to move forward with the bidding portion of the project.

				On motion of Council Member Mick Gallagher, seconded by Council Member Jenna Guzman-Lowery, the City Council unanimously directed staff to solicit bids for the replanting of the Lugonia Grove, as recommended by the Citrus Preservation Commission.

				Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
				CDBG Program
				Tricia Munoz, of Development Services, presented staff's recommendation for the FY 2022-23 Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Year beginning on July 1, 2022. The City received a total of seven eligible PSA applications totaling $457,600 in funding requests. Staff recommended funding five of the seven PSA requests at $10,955 each. A comprehensive evaluation and analysis was completed for all applications received and the five PSA's recommended for funding have a history of providing services to the residents of the City and are consistent with previous Council CDBG funding priorities. They have demonstrated the ability to successfully meet project objectives and perform the administrative obligations of the CDBG program. Two Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) were submitted and deemed eligible totaling $455,000 in funding requests, and include a rehabilitation of the Joslyn Senior Center auditorium and lounge and a rehabilitation of the handicap parking at the Redlands Senior & Community Services Center. Both projects will address compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. As public comment, representatives from three of the public service agencies who applied, including David Gerhartz of Partners Against Violence, Kyra Stewart, of Redlands Family Service Association and Joy Juedes, of the Boys & Girls Club provided overviews of their individual organization’s contributions to the community and expressed their appreciation of the City's continued support. Mayor Pro Tem Tejeda suggested the Council consider providing a smaller amount of support ($4,775) to the Salvation Army but Development Services Desatnik explained there are very heavy administrative costs associated with running this program and the cost benefit would be difficult to justify if the amount was under $7,500.

				On motion of Council Member Jenna Guzman-Lowery, seconded by Council Member Mick Gallagher, the City Council unanimously directed staff to prepare the 2022-2023 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Cooperating City Recommended Projects Form using the recommendation in this report and submit to the County of San Bernardino, Community Development and Housing Division prior to the February 24, 2022, deadline; authorized staff to make any necessary minor adjustments to the final awards in the event the 2022-2023 CDBG Program Year final allocation is more or less than the planning estimate; authorized the City Manager to execute the 2022-2023 CDBG Sub-recipient Agreements with the public service agencies once the final allocation is released; and authorized an additional appropriation in the amount of $15,277.79 for the 2021-2022 CDBG Program Year.

				Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
				Parcel Map No. 20185 & Deferred Improvement Agreement
				Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Harris reviewed Parcel Map No. 20185, to subdivide an 8.8 acre parcel located at 301 W, Palm Avenue at the southeast corner of Alvarado Street and Palm Avenue, and explained the need for a Deferred Improvement Agreement with Redlands Palm Investment LLC. The project meets all conditions of approval from City departments and the map has been reviewed and approved by the City Engineer and the City Surveyor, and will become final upon approval by the City Council. The Agreement will defer the improvements required for Parcel Map No. 20185 until Parcel four is developed. This Agreement constitutes a lien against Parcel four. The Deferred Improvement Agreement will terminate when the subdivider enters into a Subdivision Improvement Agreement and posts surety to complete the required improvements for this parcel map, as well as additional improvements associated with Tract Map No. 20305, which will subdivide Parcel four. As public comment, Richard O'Donnell urged the Council to reject approvals of the Parcel Map and Deferred Improvement Agreement and thought this item premature, with a neutral interpretation of a state environmental law regarding the property, still pending. He added that splitting the property into pieces might be in violation of CEQA regulations and could be in conflict with the City's General Plan. City Attorney McHugh stated the Deferred Improvement Agreement was appropriate for the Parcel Map and was a part of the Conditions of Approval. Approving the Parcel Map will also help to facilitate the sale of the historic properties and their eventual renovations.

				On motion of Council Member Mick Gallagher, seconded by Council Member Jenna Guzman-Lowery, the City Council unanimously approved a Deferred Improvement Agreement between the City and Redlands Palm Investment, LLC; and approved the Final Map for Parcel Map No. 20185 to subdivide an 8.8 acre parcel located at 301 W, Palm Avenue at the southeast corner of Alvarado Street and Palm Avenue (APN: 0173-231-05-0000) into four (4) parcels.

				Vote: 5 - 0 Passed
				COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
				Mayor Barich was pleased to attend two ribbon cutting events at Sugar Bloom Cakery & Coffee on Redlands Blvd and another at Goodwin's Organic Market on Lugonia and Nevada. He enjoyed the annual Watchorn Lincoln Dinner, celebrating 90 years. Mayor Pro Tem Tejeda attended the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Municipal Utilities Public Works Commission meetings. Council Member Davis thanked Assistant City Manager Boatman for providing an informative session with the Youth Council and over the last weekend, she and the Youth Council assisted Assemblyman James Ramos hand out free Covid test kits in Highland. She also encouraged everyone to take a look at the Black art show on display at the Artlands on Vine Street.
				ADJOURNMENT There being no further action required the meeting adjourned at 7:59 P.M. The next regular meeting of the City of Redlands City Council will be held on March 1, 2022