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05/12/2009J CITY OF GRAND TERRACE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING - MAY 12, 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 May 12, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. PRESENT: Maryetta Ferre, Mayor Lee Ann Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Miller, Councilmember Bea Cortes, Councilmember Walt Stanckiewitz, Councilmember Brenda Mesa, City Clerk Steve Berry, Acting City Manager Bernard Simon, Finance Director Joyce Powers, Community & Economic Development Director Richard Shields, Building & Safety Director Sgt. Hector Gomez, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department John Harper, City Attorney ABSENT: John Salvate, San Bernardino County Fire Department CONVENE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 4:00 P.M. I. REVIEW THE PROPOSED FY 2009-2010 CRA/CITY COUNCIL BUDGET Acting City Manager Berry thanked Tom Schwab and Finance Director Bernie Simon and the whole team that helped put this budget together. He stated that Grand Terrace has not seen any economic circumstances like this ever. Staff has been working day and night to complete this budget and data is changing almost hourly. He indicated that Finance Director Simon will be going over the budget then Council can discuss the budget. He stated that if another budget workshop is required there is still plenty of time to do that and adopt the budget. Finance Director Bernie Simon, gave an overview of the proposed FY 2009-20I0 Budget. CC-2009-59 MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER MILLER, CARRIED 5-0, to fund the Blue Waves Swim Program for FY 2009-2010. It was the consensus of the Council to continue the Budget Workshop to May 26, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. Council Minutes 05 12/2009 Page 2 Chairman Ferre temporarily adjourned the CRA/City Council Meeting at 5:08 p.m. CONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6:00 P.M. The City Council meeting was opened with Invocation by Chuck Saenz of Calvary, the Brook Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilwoman Bea Cortes. CONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING ITEMS TO DELETE - None SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 2A. Proclamation - Water Awareness Month - May 2009 Mayor Pro Tern Garcia, read the Proclamation proclaiming May 2009 as Water Awareness Month in the City of Grand Terrace and urge all citizens to be responsible water users and protectors. Mayor Ferre presented the Proclamation to Don Hough from Riverside Highland Water Company. 0 2B. Water Poster Contest Winners - Terrace View Elementary Don Hough, Riverside Highland Water Company, thanked the Mayor and the Council for recognizing May as Water Awareness Month in 2009. This gives them the opportunity to remind the customers and share holders that at Riverside Highland Water Company they are not enforcing mandatory restrictions, however, they are in the third year of drought and they encourage everyone to use water wisely. He announced the winners of the Water Poster Contest Winners from Terrace View Elementary School. CONSENT CALENDAR CC-2009-60 MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CORTES, CARRIED 5-0, to approve the following Consent Calendar Items: 3A. Approve Check Register Dated May 12, 2009 3B. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda 3C. Approval of 04-28-2009 Minutes 3D. Resolution - Sale of City -owned Property at 11695 Canal Street to the Redevelopment Agency for Future Affordable Housing Development 3E. Treasurer's Report for Quarter Ending March 31, 2009 Council Minutes 05 122009 Page 3 PUBLIC COMMENT Jan Bledsoe, 22573 Van Buren Street, stated that she has lived in Grand Terrace for many years. She indicated that she met Steve Berry 12 years ago when he worked for BFI. She stated that at no time, during the many years that Steve has used their professional services has he ever asked anything for himself. He has always been very conservative as to the cost to the City and in the many years that he has worked for the City she has seen incredible changes that have given a renewed feeling. She feels that there are big concerns facing the City in the upcoming months and she questioned whether Mr. Schwab would be capable of handling a rigorous task. Gene Carlstrom,1135 Bonita Drive, Colton, stated that he was a former Councilmember and Mayor Pro Tem. He indicated that he has a business in Grand Terrace. He feels that the City may be looking for a chance to change the leadership of Grand Terrace City Hall. He is not aware that in the running for City Council or hiring a key employee that a physical is required. When hiring for a key position with the City isn't it normal to solicit and interview applicants for that position. Isn't it normal for a government employee who has been victim of an illness to be allowed to return to their job provided a reasonable amount of time has elapsed and the employee is no longer in the care of a physician. There was a question about Mr. Schwab's capabilities. Why was he given the task of preparing the Current City budget a few months back. He retains the upmost respect of the entire City Staff for his status and devotion to the servants of this community. In his opinion it is disrespect to the leader who has steered the City through a period of time without scandal and discourse many of the cities around have experienced and kept Grand Terrace in a respectable financial position. Right is right and wrong is wrong. John Bledsoe, 22573 Van Buren Street, thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak in public in Grand Terrace and able to have a voice. He stated that things are good and some things are not so good. There is a turn on everything when it comes to people and positions. He stated that he keeps receiving a paper, which is why he is speaking tonight. He feels that things have been so one sided and he needs to speak up. He stated that there are two very good men and both need to be respected. He feels that newspapers should not have an agenda. He supports Steve Berry and everything that he has done for Grand Terrace. Belly Trimble, 22816 DeBerry Street, stated that she would like to comment on two matters this evening. First she thanked the Council for their time and effort expended to get our high school named Grand Terrace High School. She gave special thanks to the Committee. They were outstanding and worked non-stop to reach their goal. She thanked Mayor Ferre for her professional way that she represents the City at meetings, ground breakings and with the media. Councilmember Stanckiewitz never gave up and was a constant reminder that the board needed to do the right thing. The second matter is regarding the City Manager. Some time ago her husband was talking to someone from another City and they commented how Council Minutes 05.1" 112009 Page 4 fortunate he was to live in Grand Terrace. Her husband replied that he knew that but what do you mean. He replied that you never hear of a real problem. It is a safe place and one of the best cities in which to live. You always have a balanced budget and never seem to have a problem large enough that can't be handled. There is an easy answer for that. Grand Terrace has had an exceptional City Manager. Things have changed in recent months, there is a rumor that we won't get our City Manager back. Normally when someone is out for an illness that position is protected and they are waiting for that person when their health returns. To bring back the City Manager that has performed so well for a city for 20 years is the honorable thing to do. We have tough times ahead of us and we need a seasoned City Manager taking care of business. She is a walker and you get the pulse of the City by talking to citizens. The citizens are tired of rumors. She encouraged the Council to listen to the people. Virainia Harford, 11825 Arliss Way, stated that she attended last months Council Meeting and was struck down. She was so astounded, she could not speak. Everyone encouraged Tom Schwab to return to his job. Several in the audience praised him and made their wishes known. Not one person on the Council came forward and thanked or acknowledge the work and contributions that Steve Berry has given to the City of Grand Terrace. Throughout all of the speeches she thought surely someone would come forward and show appreciation for all of his work. After all he has preserved Tom Schwab's job for him in good order. It is her understanding that Grand Terrace is in good financial shape, which is difficult for other small towns to say. This condition is due, in most part, to the efforts of Steve Berry. She appreciates Tom Schwab, she likes him, he has been good to her and gives her an interview whenever she asks for one. She feels that it is appropriate for him to return to his job, but couldn't he have said a few word in appreciation of Steve's work. She Questioned why we can't keep both of them. There is a rag that has been circulated that says damaging things about Steve that she believes are untrue and printed only to hurt him and she feels that Grand Terrace should come to his rescue. She feels that Steve is a good man and not a criminal. He works diligently for the City of Grand Terrace and his family can be hurt by this rag. She feels that the City of Grand Terrace should demand an apology. Richard Loder. 12610 Garden Avenue, thanked the Council for the opportunity to share his feelings about the subject of City Manager. He stated that he would like to point out that he has no preference for either Tom Schwab or Steve Berry. While he has never had the opportunity to work with Mr. Schwab, his past record of providing a safe and comfortable community for him to raise his family speaks for itself. As for Mr. Berry, he has had several business and community dealings with him and he has always been professional and efficient. As this debate whips through the community a new term has surfaced, the old guard and a new guard. He is 42 years old, has lived in Grand Terrace his entire life, he is a soccer dad, a cub scout leader and a City of Grand Terrace Business owner. He receives many hugs and handshakes at the Lion's Club pancake breakfast as he does at opening ceremonies for soccer. Which guard does he belong to? How about that of a grateful and Council Minutes 05 r12l2009 Page 5 proud resident of the City of Grand Terrace. He wants to remind everyone that the decision of selecting a City Manager is one of the most important decisions affecting the future of this great City. With that being said he feels that the citizens deserve the best choice that the Council can provide and to reach that goal it is imperative that the Council exhaust every resource available to them. He strongly believes that given the import of the position of City Manager to the community and City of Grand Terrace it is vital that a recruitment search be conducted in order that we avail ourselves of the very best City administration. Although there may be additional costs involved in a recruitment process, the return of this effort to the community offers the opportunity to leave no stone unturned and therefore will be invaluable. The citizens that the Council represents deserve the best. Let's not squander a golden opportunity to keep Grand Terrace great. REPORTS 5A. Committee Reports 1. Historical and Cultural Activities Committee a. Minutes of April 6, 2009 CC-2009-61 MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER MILLER, CARRIED 5-0, to accept the April 6, 2009 Minutes of the Historical and Cultural Activities Committee. 2. Emergency Operations Committee a. Minutes of April 7, 2009 CC-2009-62 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER CORTES, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM GARCIA, CARRIED 5-0, to accept the April 7, 2009 Minutes of the Emergency Operations Committee. 5B. Council Reports Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, reported that she toured the Senior Center and it is beautiful and will be a grand addition to Grand Terrace. She attended the League dinner with Mayor Ferrd and Councilmember Stanckiewitz. A very interesting presentation was given by former Senator Jim Brulte on why the State is so dysfunctional. She felt like it was an informative and helpful meeting to attend. She reminded everyone that the Taste of the Terrace will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 at City Hall. She feels that the Staff goes above and beyond making it safe for the residents. A lot of things will be happening at the fire station as the remodel begins. She reminded everyone not to leave their valuables in their vehicles. Councilmember Cortes, reported that she is the person that donated the wine for the 30" Anniversary Celebration and she feels that she should be able to do whatever she wants with Council Minutes 05-12-2009 Page 6 the bottles that were left over. She would like the papers to stop the nonsense. She feels that the newspaper owes Mr. Berry an apology and stated that he is doing a great jab for the City. Councilmember Jim Her, reported that the City of Grand Terrace lost a beautiful person, this past week. Colleen Edmundson a member of the Woman's Club, married to a member of the Lion's Club and a member of the Historical and Cultural Activities Committee. He stated that her services will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Montecito Valley View. We will miss her and he would like to adjourn the meeting in her memory. He reported that the Lion's Club Golf Tournament will be held on June 5, 2009. Councilmember Stanckiewitz, reported that the Grand Terrace High School Group met last night. They are now moving to take their efforts and carry it forward to create a foundation for Grand Terrace High School for the betterment of the students and the school. They are working on putting together a 501 C3 non-profit organization. One of the first goals that came up was a scholarship to the first graduating class. He encouraged everyone to support any activities of the Grand Terrace High School Foundation. He encouraged everyone to attend the Taste of the Terrace. He stated that the Senior Center is going to be the crown jewel of Grand Terrace. They have thought of everything. We are really going to be proud when the center opens up. He commended Steve for doing an excellent job of Acting City Manager and thanked him for a job well done. He requested an update on the Little League and Soccer situation regarding fireworks. Acting Ci1y Manager Be , responded that he spoke to the Little League regarding the City's proposal. He has not heard from the Soccer League and reminded the Council that Staff would not sign the lease until we hear from both organizations. Mavor Fen:e, reported that last week Assemblyman Emmerson had his annual Woman of Distinction Luncheon. Four women of Grand Terrace were honored and will be recognized at the next City Council Meeting. It was wonderful and Grand Terrace should be very proud. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6A. Resolution Approving the Reissuance of Bonds by the California Statewide Communities Development Authority for Blue Mountain Senior Villas Cily Attorney John H er, stated that as Council is aware the Blue Mountain Senior Villas are funded in part by bonds issued on the State level. The bonds would be tax-exempt private activity bonds for the purposes of the Internal Revenue Code and Federal Laws require that local agency where the project is located hold a pubic hearing on the project. The City will not be under any obligation to repay the Bond indebtedness. Mayor Ferrd opened the public hearing for discussion, there being none she returned 0 Council Minutes 05.12 '2009 Page 7 discussion to Council. CC-2009-63 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER MILLER, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CORTES, CARRIED 5-0, to adopt a Resolution approving the issuance by the California Statewide Communities Development Authority of Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds for the BIue Mountain Senior Villas. UNFINISHED BUSINESS- None NEW BUSINESS SA. Resolution - Grant Application to SCAG's Compass Blueprint Demonstration Program for Updating the Barton Road Specific Plan CC-2009-64 MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CORTES, CARRIED 5-0, to adopt a Resolution Supporting Participation in the Compass Blueprint Program in Cooperation with the Southern California Association of Governments SB. Potential Refunding of City of Grand Terrace 1997 Certificates of Participation CC-2009-65 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER STANCKIEWITZ, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM GARCIA, CARRIED 5-0, to direct staff to proceed with the refunding of the I997 Certificates of Participation. CLOSED SESSION 9A. Public Employment - City Manager (Govt. Code 54954.5) (There will be no selection of City Manager) Mayor Ferrd announced that the Council met in Closed Session to discuss Public Employment - City Manager (Govt. Code 54954.5) and reported that the Council has directed the City Attorney to commence recruitment for City Manager candidates through the League of California Cities. We expect that we will close the recruitment mid to late August. This is no reflection whatsoever on Steve Berry or Tom Schwab. We hope that they will apply for this position as well. Mayor Ferrd adjourned the meeting in memory of Colleen Edmundson at 6:50 p.m., until the next City Council Meeting which is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. Council Minutes 05/12/2009 Page 8 CITY CLERK of the City of Grand Terrace MAYOR o e City of Grand Terrace I� 1 0