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09/25/1997CITY OF GRAND TERRACE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING - SEPTEMBER 25, 1997 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 September 25, 1997 at 6:00 p.m. PRESENT: Byron Matteson, Mayor Dan Buchanan, Mayor Pro Tem Herman Hilkey, Councilmember Jim Singley, Councilmember Lee Ann Garcia, Councilmember Tom Schwab, City Manager John Donlevy, Assistant City Manager Brenda Stanfill, City Clerk Bernard Simon, Finance Director Patrizia Materassi, Community Development Director Virgil Barham, Building and Safety Director Lt. Mike Howell, Sheriffs Department ABSENT: John Harper, City Attorney The meeting was opened with invocation by Mayor Pro Tem Dan Buchanan followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilwoman Lee Ann Garcia. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 2A. Recycling Family of the Month - August 1997 Mayor Matteson announced that Ms. Janice Hill and family are the recipients of the Recycling Family of the Month award for the month of August 1997 and of the local merchant gift certificates from Blue Mountain Coffee House, Flowers By Yvonne, Stater Brothers Market and Demetris Restaurant. 2B. Presentation by Dr. Fischer, Colton Joint Unified School District Dr. Herb Fischer, Superintendent of Colton Joint Unified School District, reported on the progress and plans of the Colton Joint Unified School District for the upcoming school year. He reported that during the past year they have participated in the class size reduction program that the State of California has provided and have completed construction of $450,000 of additional classrooms at Grand Terrace Elementary and Terrace View Elementary. There are plans to include another $150,000 of construction at Terrace View Elementary and another $150,000 at Terrace Hills Middle School for additional classrooms. Colton High School now has air conditioning in all of their classrooms. They are pleased with the improvements that they have been able to make. A program was initiated at Colton High School last year that involves issuing citations to students who violate school rules and misdemeanors. After the initiation of the program the suspensions have been reduced by 50%. They also worked with the Council Minutes September 25, 1997 Page 2 Sheriff's Department and have incorporated Operation Truancy Sweep. The San Bernardino County Probation Office is participating in a grant program along with the IJ Colton Joint Unified School District providing a probation officer to the district for the purpose of preventing students from falling into the juvenile system. He thanked the City for the joint funding of the crossing guards and stated that they are available to consider the D.A.R.E. Program. He stated that if there were other programs that the City feels is better suited they would be interested in joining the City. He reported that they did an evaluation of the D.A.R.E. program in Grand Terrace and Bloomington and it will be provided to the Council for their review. He is pleased with the Sheriffs response to the Districts concerns with the cost of the D.A.R.E. program in reducing their cost in half. He feels that it is very important to keep the lines of communication open between the District and the City and would like to have the principals from the Grand Terrace schools come and report periodically throughout the year. Councilmember Hilkey, complimented Dr. Fischer's staff on the negotiations on their administration building. He stated that Grand Terrace is very excited about the new high school that will be built. He requested that the watering system be looked into at Terrace Hills Middle School. Mayor Matteson, questioned what percentage of the classrooms have air-conditioning. Dr. Fischer, responded that all of the elementary schools in the district are air conditioned, all of the middle schools in the district and most of Colton High School is air conditioned, and approximately twenty-five classrooms at Bloomington High School should have air installed next year. Mayor Matteson, questioned the current position on uniforms. Dr. Fischer, responded that of the twenty-four schools in the district seventeen of them require uniforms. Councilmember Garcia, questioned how much technological wiring would be in the new high school and is that going to be a considerable component. Dr. Fischer, responded that they are planning on having all of the districts schools wired. All of the schools are connected to the Internet. The interiors of many of the schools are already completed. Councilmember Garcia, stated that she has heard that a portion of the library at Terrace View might be used as a class room due to the class size reduction program and questioned whether that was true. Dr. Fischer, responded in the affirmative. Mayor Matteson, questioned whether they had a name for the new high school. Dr. Fischer, responded in the negative. He stated that the naming of the school would Council Minutes September 25, 1997 Page 3 be part of the process in the future. Mayor Matteson, questioned if they would be using bonds to finance the new high school. Dr. Fischer, responded that there are several things that will need to be looked at in order to follow the districts philosophy of being fiscally sound as well as gaining the appropriate community support. Councilmember Sing_ley, stated the Dr. Fischer is also the Chairman of the Gang and Drug Task Force which encompasses every law enforcement agency, every school district, every legislative body state, local and county. CONSENT CALENDAR CC-97-140 MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM BUCHANAN, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER HILKEY, CARRIED 5-0, to approve the following consent calendar with the removal of item 317: 3A. Approval of Check Register No. 092597 3B. Ratify 09-25-97 CRA Action 3C. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda 3D. Approval of 09-11-97 Minutes 3E. Designate CJPIA Alternate Voting Delegate (Donlevy) 3G. 1998 Redlands Bicycle Classic ITEM REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR 3F. Capital Improvement Program Request For Proposals CC-97-141 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER HILKEY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, FAILED 2-3 (MAYOR MATTESON, MAYOR PRO TEM BUCHANAN, AND COUNCILMEMBER SINGLEY VOTED NO), to table this item until the GIS system has the data base for the streets. CC-97-142 MOTION BY MAYOR MATTESON, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM BUCHANAN, CARRIED 3-2 (COUNCILMEMBER HILKEY AND GARCIA VOTED NO), to approve a Request for Proposal for a Consulting Engineer to assist the City in the development of a Capital Improvement Program. PUBLIC COMN ENT I j Elizabeth Kennedy, 11831 Preston Street, stated that when the City makes improvements f or changes to the facility they are required to follow the Federal Government American with Disabilities Act requirement to provide access for people with mobility problems for an accessible path of travel. She feels that this is very important due to the unsafe conditions at the City Hall. She stated that Building and Safety Director Barham and Council Minutes September 25, 1997 Page 4 Assistant City Manager Donlevy have come up with an acceptable solution that will solve the problem. Assistant City Manager Donlevy, stated that they plan to install a ramp, widen parking spaces, and install some signage at the current time. There are other improvements that need to be done and will be done as a Community Development Block Grant Program. City Manager Schwab, stated that since 1994 the City has spent almost $170,000 on ADA issues to meet the needs of the community. ORAL REPORTS 5A. Committee Reports 1. Crime Prevention Committee (a) Minutes of 08-11-97 CC-97-143 MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM BUCHANAN, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER SINGLEY, CARRIED 5-0, to accept the August 11, 1997 Minutes of the Crime Prevention Committee. 2. Park & Recreation Committee (a) Make -a -Difference Day Food Drive CC-97-144 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER SINGLEY, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM BUCHANAN, CARRIED 5-0, to hold a nonperishable food drive for National "Make a Difference Day" from October 25 through 31, 1997 at the Grand Terrace Civic Center and Child Care Center and on October 25, 1997 in front of Stater Brothers. 5B. Council Reports Mayor Matteson, reported that the library needs volunteers to help with the literacy program during the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. He also reported that the Friends of the Library will be holding their annual book sale on September 26 and 27. On October 5, 1997 is Tour de Terrace, October 31, 1997 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. the Annual Halloween Haunt will be held at Pico Park. On November 1, 1997 the Annual Country Fair hosted by the Historical and Cultural Activities Committee will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. He questioned whether our storm drains were prepared for the forecasted El Nino. Assistant City Manager Donlevy, responded that we are getting prepared. Councilmember Singlev, questioned whether the County EOC has given any briefings of what we can expect. Assistant City Manager Donlevy, responded that they have provided some information Council Minutes September 25, 1997 Page 5 and will be talking about some pro -active things that we can do to be prepared. Mayor Pro Tem Buchanan, reported that on Sunday, October 5, 1997 the Tour de Terrace will take place and will be an excellent community event. The start time for the ride is 8:00 a.m. at the Richard Rollins Park with the check -in time beginning at 6:30 a.m. Councilmember Sin lg_ey, questioned if the fireworks ordinance needs to be looked at again. City Manager Schwab, stated that the Ordinance automatically sunsets and is out of effect in September. So the process would need to start all over again for next year. Councilmember Hilkey, complimented the staff on the black out that took place on the west side of the City and suggested that Council check their radios to make sure that they are working. Councilmember Garcia, complimented the Recreation Staff for their creativity on the Tour de Terrace t-shirts. She reported that Susie Vanderlip will be doing another presentation at Terrace Hill Middle School and requested that the Community Services Officer provide an update on her upcoming activities. On October 18, 1997 the Volunteer Picnic will be held to honor our volunteers. She reported that she is the first Vice -President of the League of California Cities Inland Empire Division. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6A. Expenditure of AB3229 Funds (COP's) Mayor Matteson opened discussion to the public, there being none, he returned discussion to Council. CC-97-145 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER SINGLEY, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM BUCHANAN, CARRIED 5-0, to set aside the entire balance in the AB3229 account to be expended for law enforcement purposes to be determined at a future date. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None NEW BUSINESS 8A, Accept Resignation - Planning Commissioner Sims CC-97-146 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER SINGLEY, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM BUCHANAN, CARRIED 5-0, to accept the Resignation of Jim Sims from the Planning Commission and the General Plan Task Force effective immediately and to authorize the City Clerk to post the vacancy and advertise to fill the unexpired term. Council M inutes September 25, 1997 Page 6 8B. General Plan Task Force Presentation/Public Forum Community and Economic Development Director Materassi, stated that this forum is an invitation to the members of the Council and the residents of the City of Grand Terrace. She introduced the members of the General Plan Task Force that have spent numerous amount hours working on the General plan to create a "Vision" for the City for the next twenty -years. She presented the "Vision" and stated that the Proposed Action Plan of the General Plan Task Force consists of the following eight major recommendations that will be introduced by Mary Trainor, Don Larkin, and herself: Community Image, Blue Mountain Area, Family & Children Orientation, Economic Development, City Center, Noise, Safety & Infrastructure and Strategic Implementation. She requested input from Council and the community. Mayor Matteson opened discussion to the public. Dennis Kidd, 22874 Pico Street, stated that part of the plan includes the protection of Blue Mountain from development and the establishment of a small parking lot and trail - head. He questioned that if this plan is adopted would it prevent him from using his property on Blue Mountain for agricultural purposes, specifically expanding his avocado grove. Community and Economic Development Director Materassi, responded that she feels that an avocado grove would match the intent to preserve Blue Mountain, however it would be resolved through the specific plan process which he would participate in. Dennis Kidd, questioned if there would be fees. Community and Economic Development Director Materassi, responded in the negative. Dennis Kidd, questioned where the parking lot and trail -head would be. Community and Economic Development Director Materassi, responded that the idea is to have the trail -head on City property located behind Finch and Wren near the water reservoir. Dennis Kidd, questioned if the City had any intention on expanding the wilderness park by purchasing more property on Blue Mountain. Mayor Matteson, responded that at the current time there is no plan to purchase more property on Blue Mountain. Community and Economic Development Director Materassi, stated that the idea is to make the trails public and enter into some type of maintenance agreement with property owners. Fran Van Gelder, 11975 Mt. Vernon Avenue, commended staff and the General Plan Task Force for the tremendous job that they have done and for the time, effort, energy Council Minutes September 25, 1997 Page 7 and thought and perseverance. She feels that this plan is doable and very exciting and highly recommends that the City Council adopt it. There being no further discussion, Mayor Matteson returned discussion to Council. Mayor Pro Tem Buchanan, commended staff and the General Plan Task Force for the tremendous amount of time and effort that they have put into the General Plan Update and the wonderful amount of creative and practical thought that has gone in to the development of this document. He stated that he was very impressed that so much information, thought and detail could be broken down and presented in such an easy to read format that allows everyone to get their hands on it and put it to use. He feels that there is an interrelationship between all eight of the major recommendations and while all of the recommendations can't be tackled at once it is important to see the relationship between all of the elements and how they all fit together to come back to the overall "Vision". He feels that this is a wonderful document and would support it without hesitation by adopting it by Resolution as a strategic plan to start serving as a principle guiding the City's policies and for the continued development of the General Plan and would ask staff to devote their immediate resources to concluding the housing element as it is a legally mandated portion that we can run into problems if it is not complete. He feels that we don't have to wait until we have a formally adopted General Plan before we start living up to some of these principals and adopting some of these actions. Councilmember Singley, concurred with everything that Mayor Pro Tem Buchanan commented on and questioned that if this is adopted by resolution does it mean that we are bound by every item that is in the document. Or will the items come back to Council for discussion. Community and Economic Development Director Materassi, responded that it will all come back to Council for discussion. This will serve as a guide. Councilmember Hilkey, stated that for the first time since he has been on the Council, members of the General Plan Task Force have given a shopping list and it was the first time that we had a shopping list from the community during the budget and feels that it is a valuable tool and thanked staff for their work. Councilmember Garcia, expressed her satisfaction with the process of the General Plan Task Force and feels that it is something that we can use as a model for future projects. She thanked Community and Economic Development Director Materassi and Associate Planner Cappiello for their efforts and for making this a smooth process and feels that this is a tribute to the wonderful community that we have. Community and Economic Development Director Materassi, stated that the recommendations are to guide the General Plan update. Mayor Matteson, commended the staff and General Plan Task Force for their excellent work. Council Minutes September 25, 1997 Page 8 It was the consensus of the Council for Community and Economic Development Director Materassi bring a resolution adopting the strategic element at the first meeting in November, 1997. ORDER OF ADJOURNMENT Mayor Matteson adjourned the City Council Meeting at 8:45 p.m., until the next Regular CRA/City Council Meeting which is scheduled to be held on Thursday, October 9, 1997 at 6:00 p.m. � LL�gAA� CITY CLERK of the tity of Grand Terrace OR of the City of Grand Terrace