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02/28/1991CITY OF GRAND TERRACE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING - FEBRUARY 28, 1991 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 28, 1991 at 6:00 p.m. PRESENT: Byron Matteson, Mayor Hugh J. Grant, Mayor Pro Tem Gene Carlstrom, Councilmember Ronald Christianson, Councilmember Herman Hilkey, Councilmember Thomas J. Schwab, City Manager/Finance Director David Sawyer, Community Development Director Brenda Stanfill, Deputy City Clerk John Harper, City Attorney Joe Kicak, City Engineer ABSENT: Randall Anstine, Assistant City Manager The meeting was opened with invocation by Pastor Tom Comstock, Assembly of God, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilmember Carlstrom. Mayor Matteson convened City Council meeting at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Matteson reconvened City Council meeting at 6:10 p.m. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 2A. Lisa Coburn, Grand Terrace Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Miss Grand Terrace Pageant, formally invited Council to the Miss Grand Terrace Pageant, which is to be held at 7:00 p.m. on April 20, 1991, at Terrace Hills Junior High School. Ms. Coburn and Lori Hazelton, Co -Chairman, presented the contestants for the upcoming pageant. CONSENT CALENDAR CC-91-24 MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM GRANT, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CARLSTROM, CARRIED 5-0, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar with removal of Items E and H. A. APPROVE CHECK REGISTER NO. 022891 B. RATIFY 02/28/91 CRA ACTION Council Minutes - 2/28/91 Page 2 C. WAIVE FULL READING OF ORDINANCES ON AGENDA D. APPROVE 02/14/91 MINUTES F. SOLICITING PERMIT - TEEN CHALLENGE OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA G. RENEWAL OF BINGO LICENSE - LIONS CLUB ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR 3E. Consideration of Refuse Collection Exemptions CC-91-25 MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM GRANT, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CARLSTROM, CARRIED 5-0, to approve the presented requests for refuse collection exemptions. 3H. Final Tract Map 14264 (Forest City Phase II) CC-91-26 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER CARLSTROM, SECOND BY MAYOR MATTESON, CARRIED 5-0, to approve final Tract Map 14264 (Forest City Phase II). PUBLIC COMMENT Debra Mueller, 22608 La Paix, Grand Terrace; announced that the yellow ribbons that were placed along Barton Road as a show of support for the troops in the Persian Gulf were refurbished. She stated that the ribbons will be maintained and left in place until all of the troops return home. Gene McMeans, General Manager of Riverside Highland Water Co., addressed the issue of water conservation and the availablity of water, commenting that customers of Riverside Highland have practiced voluntary water conservation since 1986. He stated that well levels have dropped 250' since the drought began, adding that due to the costs of pumping water, the drilling of new wells, and the interconnection between other water agencies to ensure adequate potable water, conservation must continue but there are no plans for water rationing. He indicated that the company began an aggressive water transmission, distribution, main, and service replacement program in 1986 after a detailed study of water losses revealed that in 1985 4,801 acre feet of water was pumped from company wells but was not utilized by consumers. He stated that 56,838 feet of water transmission and distribution lines and 383 services have been replaced, reducing water losses to 1,868 acre feet. He indicated that in 1991 the company will not institute mandatory rationing nor the dictated savings percentage for conservation, stating that in -home audits and other methods will be sufficient for adequate water conservation. He explained that the California Department of Water Resources has recommended that each household in the state restrict water consumption to 300 gallons per day. He stated that the average consumption for 1990 was 562 gallons per day per residence. He indicated that rates will increase by 15.6% Ll— Council Minutes - 2/28/91 Page 3 to reflect the rise in the consumer price index and stated that the State of California Department of Water Resources recommended a block rate billing schedule to equalize water consumption between all users. He commented that De Berry has experienced numerous leaks, adding that the line replacements will begin on De Berry at Michigan and travel east to Mirado, progressing farther east at Mt. Vernon and to Whistler. He stated that at that point the construction will move to Pascal and to Mavis, Willet, and Fulmar and then to Mt. Vernon. He added that the main on Preston between Brentwood and Arliss will be replaced also, adding that the company is presently concentrating on fixing the areas that are experiencing the worst leaking. He stated that when water shut-off is anticipated, the residents are given 24 hour notice, commenting that the company always attempts to notify residents even in emergencies. He indicated further that in case of a failure to make payment, reminder notices are sent to the consumer and a hang -tag is placed on the residence before service is discontinued. Mayor Matteson, queried Mr. Mc Means about tier billing and a rate increase. He commented that he received numerous calls regarding water leaks on De Berry and the discontinuation of service to residents without notification. Peggy Taylor, 22843 Vista Grande Way, Grand Terrace; explained that she was given a brochure recently by a member of the Purple Heart Veteren's Chapter, which detailed the correct uses, care, and disposal of the American flag, commenting that the literature was donated by the Mayor's company. She expressed satisfaction with the information and thanked the Mayor. ORAL REPORTS 5A. Committee Reports 1. Historical & Cultural Committee Minutes of 2/ 7/ 91 CC-91-26 MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM GRANT, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CHRISTIANSON, CARRIED 5-0, to accept the Historical & Cultural Committee minutes of February 7, 1991. 5B. Council Resorts Councilmember Christianson, indicated that he attended the seminar by Best, Best & Krieger regarding the Brown Act and Conflict of Interest laws. He thanked Mr. McMeans for meeting with him about the water situation in Grand Terrace. Councilmember Carlstrom, stated that he and Mayor Pro Tem Grant attended the Queens ommittee Meeting. He commented that he had a letter from Omnitrans, dated February 27, 1991, which indicates Council Minutes - 2/28/91 Page 4 that three items will be heard at the meeting of March 6, 1991 at 8:00 a.m. at the Norman Feldhym Library, Kellogg rooms A & B at 555 W. 6th, San Bernardino. He stated that the approval of a three year tire leasing service agreement with Bridgestone/Firestone, a call for a Public Hearing for Wednesday, May 1, 1991 at 8:30 a.m. at the Feldhym Library to hear any and all testimony regarding the 1991 proposed service changes for bus and special transit services, and miscellaneous routine items will be on the Agenda for the March 6, 1991 meeting. He stated that he has a copy of the 1991 Short Range Marketing Plan, the Operating and Capital Budget for 1991, and the Annual Service Plan and indicated that those copies will be available in his office for Council perusal, stating that those items will be discussed at the April 3, 1991 meeting of Omnitrans. He declared that he does not have a SANBAG agenda yet. He indicated that the Grand Terrace transit issue is not on the Agenda but commented that Bob Chapin indicated that service was expected to be established in the area by February 1991. He added that Omnitrans indicated that service is not available for Grand Terrace yet because 40 of their buses are being refurbished but stated that Omnitrans indicated that they would re-examine the possiblity of service in Grand Terrace when the buses are in operation. He stated that he understood that the service would entail a route which would traverse Grand Terrace and proceed into Cooley Ranch and San Bernardino. He indicated that he has a proposal from Omnitrans that encompasses the Cooley Ranch area and proceeds to Waterman, commenting that that is not the proposal which was discussed previously. He emphasized that he will pursue the issue at every opportunity at future Omnitrans meetings. Mayor Pro Tem Grant, questioned whether the Omnitrans Annual Service Plan addresses the issue of increased service to Grand Terrace beyond that offered by the Riverside Transit Agency. He expressed general dissatisfaction with the local transit service and inquired whether this matter is part of the Annual Service Plan for 1991. He expressed concern about senior citizen access to bus service in the area and indicated disbelief that service is unavailable to Grand Terrace because the buses are down for maintenance, adding that he also experienced difficulties with Omnitrans when he attempted to establish service for the City. He offered support to Councilmember Carlstrom regarding the transit issue. He expressed appreciation to Gene McMeans for briefing him on the functions of the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District Advisory Commission, adding that he had attended his first meeting of that Commission. He commented further that Councilmember Carlstrom also attended that meeting. He referred to a previous presentation made by Mr. McMeans regarding a number of local contamination plumes that are spreading. He indicated that the U.S. Geological Survey and a consultant are working with the Upper Santa Ana Water Resources Association and that a representative of the USAWRA approached the Advisory Commission to determine whether the Commission would support an increase in the provision of services through the consultant, quoting, "in order to Council Minutes - 2/28/91 Page 5 develop or better develop a forecasting improvement relative to the effect of new water wells in the five existing contamination plumes as well as the recommendation for the location of new wells for better control of these contaminants." He summarized that new wells can draw out the contaminants depending upon the location of the wells. Mayor Matteson, suggested that Councilmember Carlstrom stress to Omnitrans the ease of looping a bus route from Colton onto Barton Road. He commented that a citizen inquired about the removal of a tree, which was not to be removed, from the Senior Citizen site. He expressed the belief that any contractor should check with City Hall before removing trees from a project site. He stated that he attended an American Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. recently with 125 other elected officials from across the United States. He indicated that the U.S. officials met with representatives from Russia, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Hungary, explaining that the Conference was an informative exchange of ideas. Councilmember Hilkey, stated that he also attended the Best, Best & Krieger seminar. He commented that Comcast will upgrade announcements on Channel 44, adding that community and public service announcements can be taken to him or to City Staff to be placed on television. City Manager Schwab, indicated that he was unaware that the Walnut tree at the Senior Citizen location was to be saved and stated that he would need to speak to the contractor regarding the matter. He added that he was out of town when the tree in question was removed but reassured Ms. Taylor that he would investigate the situation and report back to Council. Peggy Taylor, 22843 Vista Grande Way, Grand Terrace; stated that the trees were discussed at the time the Senior Citizen site was discussed, commenting that one of the trees had the shape of a cross in it. She stated that she was assured that the trees would remain at the site. She expressed surprise that some of the trees were removed from that location which she believed was to be a passive park site. She indicated that she was aware that it was in the parking area but expressed the opinion that the parking area could have been built around the tree. PUBLIC HEARING 6A. Appeal of SA-90-27 (Roussos) Mayor Matteson opened discussion to the public. CC-91-27 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER CARLSTROM, SECOND BY MAYOR MATTESON, CARRIED 5-0, to grant the appeal with the understanding that improvements recommended pursuant to provisions of Municipal Code Council Minutes - 2/28/91 Page 6 Section 15.28 be completed in conjunction with future development of the property. 6B. Expenditure of Housing & Community Development Block Grant Funds Mayor Matteson opened discussion to the public. CC-91-28 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER CARLSTROM, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM GRANT, CARRIED 5-0, to expend Housing & Community Development Block Grant Funds on the Senior Center improvements. NEW BUSINESS 8A. Graffiti Abatement Procedure Mayor Matteson directed Staff to prepare a Graffiti Removal Agreement. 8B. Joint Lawsuit Regarding Booking Fees CC-91-29 MOTION BY MAYOR MATTESON, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM GRANT, CARRIED 5-0, that the City of Grand Terrace join with the other cities in San Bernardino County in challenging the validity of the 'Criminal Justice Administration Fee' established by County Ordinance No. 3428 and authorize staff to expend budgeted funds with the total outlay estimated to be less than $1,000.00. 8C. Grand Terrace Swim Club Donation CC-91-30 MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM GRANT, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CHRISTIANSON, CARRIED 5-0, to approve the donation of three starting blocks to the Grand Terrace Swim Club, and to appropriate $2,280.00 from the unappropriated General Fund Balance for the blocks. 8D. CUP-90-06/SA-90-07 - Request for Extension (Blake) CC-91-31 MOTION BY MAYOR MATTESON, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CARLSTROM, CARRIED 5-0, to grant the applicant a 60-day extension to complete the project. Mayor Matteson reported that Council went into Closed Session to discuss potential litigation. No decisions were made. Council Minutes — 2/28/91 Page 7 ORDER OF ADJOURNMENT Mayor Matteson adjourned the City Council meeting at 8:35 p.m., until the next regular CRA/City Council Meeting, which is scheduled to be held on Thursday, March 14, 1991. � 0A & �-�] kZI-V DeputyCity- Clerk of th City of Grand Terrace L M YOR the City of Grand errace