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02/24/2009J CITY OF GRAND TERRACE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING - FEBRUARY 24, 2009 A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Grand Terrace was called to order in the Council Chambers, Grand Terrace Civic Center, 22795 Barton Road, Grand Terrace, California, on February 24, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. PRESENT: Maryetta Ferre, Mayor Lee Ann Garcia, Mayor Pro Tern Bea Cortes, Councilmember Jim Miller, Councilmember Walt Stanckiewitz, Councilmember Brenda Mesa, City Clerk Steve Berry, Acting City Manager Bernard Simon, Finance Director Joyce Powers, Community & Economic Development Director John Harper, City Attorney Lt. Mike Newcombe, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department John Salvate, San Bernardino County Fire Department ABSENT: Tom Schwab, City Manager Richard Shields, Building & Safety Director GOAL SETTING WORKSHOP - 4 P.M. COMMUNITY MEETING ROOM The City Council held their Goal Setting Workshop and the following are the City Wide Prioritization 2009 Results: Priority_(out of 10) 1. 10.00 Encourage the Commercial Improvement Program to rehabilitate commercial building exteriors 2. 10.00 New Stater Bros/Town Center 3. 10.00 Barton Square (Fresh & Easy, Walgreens) 4. 9.60 Maintain a balanced budget without sacrificing key community services 5. 9.50 Enhance our Safe Community with a coordinated effort of our Public Safety Team —Fire, Sheriff, Community Service Specialist, Crime Prevention and Citizen's Patrol 6. 9.50 Re -habilitate our local businesses and neighborhoods with facades and landscaping improvements using RDA funds 7. 9.33 Monitor Barton Rd. Interchange Project 8 9.00 Aggressive graffiti removal and in-house graffiti tracking coordinated with the Council Minutes 02/24/2009 Page 2 Sheriffs Department 9. 8.80 Emphasis on Emergency Preparedness supporting CERT/EOC with a target goal of 100 CERT members by June 2010 10. 8.75 Plan for the increased traffic on Michigan St. (new high school, Highgrove, etc.)and begin the pre-engineering/planning for the street improvements 11. 8.75 Barton Road Bridge re -construction 12. 8.67 Expand participation in the Neighborhood Watch Programs through neighborhood gatherings and community events 13. 8.50 Pursue the land purchase for the Blue Mtn. Wilderness Park using Federal Funds 14. 8.50 Look for alternative funding/fee eliminations to the Youth Leagues to reduce their reliance on the need for firework sales in the City 15. 8.33 Seek alternative revenue/funding sources for existing services, new services, paramedic programs, and specific projects 16. 8.25 Encourage volunteerism to assist with events, graffiti abatement, and neighborhood cleanups 17. 8.25 Consider the e-commerce module for the website to allow residents to conduct business 24/7 and in some instances, accepting credit card payments 18. 8.25 Pursue a fiber-optic technology plan with Loma Linda that includes seeking Federal Funding and a job creation component for medical facilities type development and satellite offices for the VA and LLUMC 19. 8.00 Visioning City-wide with emphasis on a Downtown Master Plan 20. 8.00 I-215 South Bi-County Gap Closure Project between Riverside and San Bernardino 21. 7.75 Senior Watch - develop a program of volunteers phone calling to independent -living Seniors daily to ensure their safety 22. 7.67 Grand Crossings/Freeway Development 23. 7.40 Speed enforcement off main thoroughfares 24. 7.00 Move toward a more paperless office (project plans, blueprints, etc.) and a more transparent City Hall (Internet access through our website) 25. 6.75 Revitalization of the existing Stater Bros Center 26. 6.33 Establish painting consistency on key walls throughout the city 27. 6.00 Plan to increase senior activities at the new Senior Center once it is completed in 2009 28. 5.60 Re-establish the garden club for the new Senior Center Susan Petta Park 29. 5.60 Initiate new services and programs for our youth in the City 30. 5.50 Promote the Green Initiative throughout the city including making Grand Terrace a more pedestrian friendly city 31. 5.25 Promote smaller venue community events with an emphasis on quality at a lower cost per capita 32. 4.25 Community/Cultural Center/New Library 33. 4.00 Consider increased bidding out of city contracts over $5,000 per year 34. 3.50 Encourage Town Hall style meetings/workshops for key projects/programs to solicit community input Council Minutes 02::24-1009 Page 3 The City Council meeting was opened with Invocation by Lt. Mike Newcombe, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilwoman Bea Cortes. CONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING ITEMS TO DELETE - None SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 2A. Grand Terrace Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month Stephanie Darwin, President Grand Terrace Area Chamber of Commerce, reported that the Chamber recognizes a Business of the Month. Sally McGuire, indicated that she has been on the Chamber Board for about two years. She stated that each month when the Chamber meets they review the Chamber Members and look at the different businesses and their experiences with them good or bad and choose by voting who the business of the month will be. Stephanie Darwinannounced that the Grand Terrace Chamber of Commerce Business ofthe Month for March 2009 is Cisseneros Insurance Agency. Tom Roberts, reported that Market Night has grown from 12 vendors to about 45 vendors. Market Night has grown in popularity. There are quite a few vendors that are interested in Market Night and they are looking forward to the City being a stronger part of the event. 2B. Presentation to Lt. Mike Newcombe Acting City Manager Steve Berry, announced that Lt. Mike Newcombe is being transferred to the City of Yucaipa. He has been with the City of Grand Terrace for 364 days. He feels that Lt. Newcombe has a great passion for his job and goes above and beyond. He has worked with our Code Enforcement Division and increased the visibility of the Sheriffs Department. He provided instant communication to staff which is very much appreciated. Our crime stats are down and our community is safe. He is sorry to see Lt. Newcombe leave and feels that it is Yucaipa's gain. Staff is looking forward to working with Sgt. Hector Gomez and Lt. Dave Williams. He thanked Lt. Newcombe for everything. Lt. Newcombe, stated that this has been a year of firsts. This was his first opportunity to be a contract chief. He thanked the Council and Staff for their support. He has enjoyed working with the Staff getting the jab done and having fun. He thanked the Council for the opportunity. He stated that Lt. Dave Williams will be taking over for him. He introduced Sgt. Hector Gomez who has been along his side the whole way and reported that he is always Council Minutes 02;`24;`2009 Page 4 available. Mayor Ferrd, presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Lt. Newcombe. Mayor Pro Tern Garcia, concurred with what Acting City Manager Berry and Mayor Ferr6 said. Grand Terrace has high standards and at all levels Lt. Newcombe exceeded them with professionalism, passion and kindness. She really appreciated all of his efforts. Councilmember Cortes, thanked Lt. Newcombe for everything and stated that we will all miss him. Councilmember Stanckiewitz, didn't have as much time with Lt. Newcombe as everyone else did but he appreciated his hospitality at the Sheriffs facility. He was always accessible and he really appreciated that. He wished him luck. Councilmember Miller, thanked Lt. Newcombe for everything and wished him the best. He expressed his appreciation that he and Barrie Owens got on top of the graffiti issue that was going on in town. CONSENT CALENDAR CC-2009-28 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER CORTES, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM GARCIA, CARRIED 5-0, to approve the following Consent Calendar Items: 3A. Approve Check Register Dated February 24, 2009 3B. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda 3C. Approval of 01-15-2009 and 2-10-2009 Minutes 3D. Authorize Purchase of AM Radio Station for Emergency Broadcasts Using EMPG and C.E.R.T. Funding 3E. Mid- Year Budget Adjustments FY 2008-2009 3F. Review 2009 Community Events Report 3G. Agreement Between the City and Agency Regarding Residual Receipts for the Senior Housing Project 3H. Landscaping Project on the West Side of Mt. Vernon South of Van Buren 3I. Resolution Establishing a New Starting Time for the Planning Commission Meetings PUBLIC COMMENT Dennis Kidd, 22874 Pico, stated that he is a member of the Highgrove Municipal Advisory Council. He stated that some seem to think that there is a fire hazard at the closed electric generating power plant on Taylor Street. Along Taylor there are several red wood cooling Council Minutes 02.24 2009 Page 5 towers that haven't had water in them for many years, so the wood is really dry, add to that some of the trees in cage park are dead. During a Santa Ana wind event if an arsonist should set those cooling towers on fire we could end up with a disaster like the one that occurred in the Santa Ana Canyon. Barney Barnett, 474 Prospect, Highrove, reported that on December 13, 2001, the City Council passed a resolution supporting the Metrolink Sation in Highgrove. Since that time he has written approximately 30 articles in the Highgrove Happenings Newspaper over the years in regards to the benefits that it would have on the Highgrove area, UCR area, Grand Terrace and so on. In the last two weeks there has been some interest created about this Highgrove location and the RCTC Commissioners are taking another look at this. They found out that where they wanted to put a station on Palmaritto a large warehouse is going to be built. He asked that the Council do their own research and visit their website at www.hieh rog vehappenings.net. They need letters of support from members of the community. He state that there are 30,777 residents that live within a two mile radius of the Highgrove Metrolink stop that they want. There are also 1,555 vacant acres and most of them already have pads ready in the Spring Mountain Ranch area for homes. Charles Hornsby, 22656 Brentwood Street, read an article that he read in the San Bernardino County Sentinal that was written about the Grand Terrace Child Care Center. Acting —OM Manager Berry, stated that he will work with AES and express the fire hazard concerns. He stated that you can not believe everything that you read in the paper. He read a memo that went out to the parents at the Child Care Center from the directors. "Over the weekend there was a newspaper circulated in Grand Terrace which contained an article about our Child Care facilities. The San Bernardino County Sentinal, which is based in Rancho Cucamonga, insinuates in the article that there are talks about our child care service being terminated. I want to take a moment to clear the air. This is not true. On the contrary, our enrollment is slowly increasing as we move forward with our plans to continue serving our City and surrounding cities for a long time to come. If you have any questions, please feel free to come to us. Thank you." REPORTS 5A. Committee Reports 1. Crime Prevention Committee a. Minutes of November 10, 2008 CC-2009-29 MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CORTES, CARRIED 5-0, to accept the November 10, 2008 Minutes of the Crime Prevention Committee. Council Minutes 02/24/2009 Page 6 2. Historical and Cultural Activities Committee a. Minutes of January 5, 2009 CC-2009-30 MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILN-tFMBER STANCKIEWITZ, CARRIED 4-0-0-1 (COUNCILMEMBER MILLER ABSTAINED), to accept the January 5, 2009 Minutes of the Historical and Cultural Activities Committee. 5B. Council Reports Mayor Pro Tern Lee Ann Garcia, thanked Mayor Ferre for a great State of the City address on February 17, 2009. She thanked Community and Economic Development Director for bringing the Business Survival Workshop on February 18, 2009. It is amazing how much free help is available to small businesses. She reported that there are at least 20 different groups that will provide free services. She reported that Redlands does something called Bulldogs in Service. They send a letter out showing all of the different groups in town and the different activities that you can volunteer or give to. She thought this might be something good for Grand Terrace to do . She feels that volunteerism is going to be very important in the coming years. She reported that the Walk on Blue Mountain will be on March 15, 2009. She requested that Acting City Manager Berry give some information on the event. Acting City Manager Berry_, reported that the Blue Mountain Walk will be held on March 15`h from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. He stated that if it rains the event will be canceled. The first 100 people to the top will get something Special. Mayor Pro Tern Garcia, questioned how long the walk is. Acting City Manager Berry, responded that he doesn't know the exact amount. Mayor Pro Tern Garcia, stated that the EOC is going to have an activation drill on April 22, 2008. She asked Acting City Manager Berry to share some information about the upcoming C.E.R.T. training. The information for this training is on the website. It starts on March 2, 2009 at Azure Hills Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Councilmember Bea Cortes, also thanked the Mayor for doing an excellent job on the State of the City Address. She thanked Acting City Manager Berry and the Department Heads for doing a good job at the luncheon. She stated that the signs are back up at the end of Van Buren. She reminded everyone to call we -tip anytime to report something illegal going on. Councilmember Miller, stated that he has received a lot of calls the past few weeks. One of the concerns that has been brought to his attention is the article that came out in the newspaper regarding the Child Care Center. He suggested receiving some revised numbers Council Minutes 0124.2009 Page 7 on the child care center on where they are with their enrollment and what their current financial position is. Another item that he has received a lot of phone calls on is the GT Bucks. It is a good idea, however, it is only for restaurants and some of the other retailers in town are upset with the fact that they aren't being included in the program. The last item is on the burma shave signs. They have been placed on a curve and he is concerned that it can be a safety issue. Mayor Ferre, complimented Community Economic Development Director Powers on the small business workshop. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6A. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Year 2009-10 Re- allocation of Un-programmed Funds Acting City Manager Berry, stated that the City of Grand Terrace is under contract with the County of San Bernardino Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD) who is responsible for the review and compliance of programs conducted within Grand Terrace. The City has been notified by the County to expect a total of $49,639 for FY 2009- 10. This funding has decreased 7% from last year. He indicated that there is a 151,10 funding limit for public service activities. Staff is recommending funding the full 15% of the public service portion to the San Bernardino County Library Literacy Program and that the remaining balance of $42,194 be added to the un-programed fund balance. Mayor Ferre opened the public hearing for discussion, there being none, she returned discussion to the Council. CC-2009-31 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER CORTES, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM GARCIA, CARRIED 5-0, to Authorize staff to submit the following to the County of San Bernardino Department of Economic and Community Development: San Bernardino County Library - Continuation of Literacy Education at the Grand Terrace Branch Library in the amount of $7,445 (the maximum public services amount). The remaining balance of $42,194 be added to our un-programmed funds to be used for future projects. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None I NEW BUSINESS Council Minutes 02.24;'2009 Page 8 8A. Review the Report from the City's Traffic Engineer on Speed Control for Palm Avenue and Make a Determination on a New 3-way Stop. CC-2009-32 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER CORTES, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM GARCIA, CARRIED 5-0, to continue this item to March 24, 2009 so that staff can research additional options for speed control on Palm Avenue between Honey Hill and Paradise and direct the Sheriffs Department to continue radar enforcement in the area and capture the stats of the radar trailer and tickets. CLOSED SESSION - None Mayor Ferre adjourned the meeting at 7:55 p.m., until the next City Council Meeting which is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. CITY CLERK of the City of Grand Terrace 11