MINUTES
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 23, 2007 - 6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency of the City of Highland was called to order at 6:02 p.m. by Mayor Jones at the Donahue Council Chambers, 27215 Base Line, Highland, California.
The invocation was given by Reverend Todd Barnett of Immanuel Baptist Church and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Jones.
ROLL CALL
Present: Lilburn, McCallon, Scott, Timmer, Mayor Jones
Absent: None
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
The Highland Area Chamber of Commerce gave their Semi-Annual Presentation.
COMMUNITY INPUT
Mr. Duane Schall, Sr., stated he came before Council in August of 2006 with a complaint regarding a neighbor where he constructed an illegal U-shaped driveway approach. Nothing has been done with this complaint as the driveway approach is still there. He has junk asphalt in the yard, the height hasn't been raised and the dirt has not been put pack. With the current high winds, the asphalt has been blowing into his home and this is a health issue. He also has a great deal of debris in his yard as well. He would appreciate if something can be done with this problem.
Mr. Duane Schall, Jr., stated he wanted to reiterate some of the points his father made and this problem has been going on for nearly two years. This man has violated a city ordinance. He has a garage, which is not a garage, and refuses to convert it back to a garage. He finds the facts unacceptable for the reason that nothing has been done for two years.
Ms. Amanda Garcia stated she has read the Sun Newspaper and found Wal-Mart has come back stating they wish to build in Highland. She does not feel a Super Wal-Mart should be in Highland because she feels the poverty level will rise. It is a bad idea for the citizens of Highland.
Ms. Karen Macias stated she understands that Highland has to develop. She has been a resident for 19 years. She understands businesses have to come into Highland but we also need to bring in businesses which are profitable to the community and residents. She is against the big box, which is the Wal-Mart Superstore. It is known Wal-Mart brings in those that cannot afford to live in the city and they will not be able to live in the City of Highland.
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY CONSENT CALENDAR
A MOTION was made by Councilman Timmer, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lilburn, to approve the consent calendar as submitted with the exception of item #8, item #9, and item #10 being removed for further discussion. Motion carried on a roll call vote, 5-0, with Councilwoman Scott abstaining from item #3.
1. Waive the Reading of All Ordinances
Waived the reading of all Ordinances in their entirety and read by title only.
2. Warrant Register
Approved Warrant Register No. 433 for January 23, 2007, in the amount of $1,112,315.86 and Payroll of $76,369.13.
3. MuniFinancial Contract to Form CFD 2007-1
Approved the contract with MuniFinancial to form CFD 2007-1.
4. A Semi-Annual Report of the Processing of Applications per the City Council's "Come Home to Highland" Program and Policies for the Period of July 1, 2006, to December 31, 2006
Received and filed the report.
5. 2007 Highland Trails Day Event
Approved Saturday, April 14, 2007, (with a Rain Date of April 21, 2007), as the date for the Thirteenth Annual Highland Trails Day Event and the use of Cram Elementary School as the Staging Area for the Event.
6. Final Map Approval/Tract 17263 (Cinnamon Forest, Inc.)
Adopted Resolution No. 2007-07-05 to:
1. Approved Final Map No. 17263;
2. Accepted the Subdivision Bonds; and
3. Authorized the Mayor to sign the standard subdivision agreement.
7. All-Way Stop at Olive and 14th Street
Approved Resolution No. 2007-006 establishing an all-way stop at the intersection of Olive Street and 14th Street.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
8. Resolution No. 2007-007 Summary Vacation of a Portion of Alta Vista Right-of-Way (Catalino and Frances Felipe/30166 Frontera Del Norte)
Councilwoman Scott stated she has concerns about the future of the City of Highland and the safety of the citizens that live in the referenced area. Several months ago we had the issue of expanding Base Line and it was voted down. One of the items regarding this issue was the emergency exit. She would like to have the three items brought back before Council.
Councilman Timmer stated none of these items are involved with the Base Line extension. These are not even close to that.
Councilwoman Scott stated the property behind the fence, why are we going to maintain this property. If we were going to have a road there, that would be an excellent idea. She may have gone to the wrong location and if this is the case, staff will have to take her down and show her the correct location.
Councilman Timmer stated this is the right-of-way for a community trail that is approved.
Mayor Jones stated item #8 is to vacate a piece of property that is right-of-way which basically consists of a v-ditch and some landscaping.
City Engineer Wong stated in the early stages of planning for the Red Hill tract, Camille Bahri requested for his tract not to be directly connected with the tract to the south. As a result, that tract was allowed to not punch through to Alta Vista. There is going to be an emergency exit connecting the two tracts. The project has been constructed and completed with this narrower emergency exit connecting the two projects rather than a regular street. This is just coming back to clean up the right- of-way for that area because we only need a narrow right-of-way for the emergency exits, therefore, any excess right-of-way is being granted back to the property owner.
Councilwoman Scott stated she is concerned with the additional building going on and is very concerned for the years after 2010 with the circulation and public safety. It just doesn't make sense to build big homes and every home having three and four vehicles with only having the one little emergency exit.
A MOTION was made by Councilman McCallon, seconded by Councilman Timmer, to adopt Resolution No. 2007-007 ordering the summary vacation of a portion of Alta Vista right-of-way located at the intersection of Alta Vista and Frontera Del Notre and direct the City Clerk to record the resolution. Motion carried, 4-1, with Councilwoman Scott dissenting.
RESOLUTION NO. 2007-007
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF HIGHLAND ORDERING THE SUMMARY VACATION
OF A PORTION OF THE ALTA VISTA RIGHT-OF-WAY
FOR PUBLIC ROADS, HIGHWAYS AND PUBLIC UTILITY PURPOSES
PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY PROVIDED BY
CHAPTER 4, PART 3, DIVISION 9, OF THE
STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE
9. Easement Acceptance/Catalino and Frances Felipe (30166 Frontera Del Norte)
A MOTION was made by Councilman McCallon, seconded by Councilman Timmer, to accept the Grant of Easement for Road and Drainage Purposes and direct the City Clerk to record the Grant of Easement. Motion carried, 4-1, with Councilwoman Scott dissenting.
10. Easement Acceptance/US Home (Tract No. 14362)
A MOTION was made by Councilman McCallon, seconded by Councilman Timmer, to Accept the Grant of Easements for community trail purposes and direct the City Clerk to record the Grant of Easements. Motion carried, 4-1, with Councilwoman Scott dissenting.
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY LEGISLATIVE
11. California Welcome Center
Mr. Steve Henthorn stated the Welcome Center will be located on Hunts Lane just off of Hospitality Lane and has an exclusive radius of 50 miles, therefore, there will not be another one like it anywhere in the surrounding areas. The mission statement is to provide a statewide network readily accessible and recognizable visitor information centers which will encourage tourism. It is basically a partnership with the state of California in tourism. This is an opportunity for us to leverage as a region on the $25 million dollars that the state of California will spend on tourism. The primary focus will be a Welcome Center with brochure racks for attractions throughout the area. Sixty-four percent (64%) of the people who stop at the centers are a result of the freeway signs. There is a partnership with Caltrans who have already approved the signs along I-10 and we are working on the 215 now. The monthly expenses for the Welcome Center will be approximately $14,000, advertising freeway signs will cost $43,000 and build out is $100,000. One of the benefits of being a partner is being included in the visitor guides, state map and the digital version which is on the state of California website.
Councilwoman Scott stated she thinks the Welcome Center is a fantastic marketing tool. Even if Highland did this one time, we could urge people to know that east Highland and west Highland is all the same city, not two Highlands. Would the Convention Bureau consider being a member of the Highland Chamber of Commerce if we also participated in a membership with your bureau?
Mr. Steven Henthorn stated we already are a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
Councilman McCallon stated he does not see any direct benefit for Highland if we sponsored at the $2,500 level.
Mr. Steve Henthorn stated the benefit would be, first of all for the businesses here now and the ones yet to come. People who travel through the City of Highland and who are aware of what is here, then these businesses will benefit. Also, the possibility of getting additional residents to reside in your city that otherwise wouldn't know what a great city Highland is. The quality of life in Highland speaks volumes for people who are looking to move into this area and find this information on the website. As a partner, Highland is linked and whoever visits the California.com site will have the opportunity to visit the Welcome Center site where Highland will be linked. From a regional standpoint, the center is able to collectively persuade people to stop in Highland and realize what the amenities are.
Councilman McCallon stated speaking realistically, won't most of the effort be directed towards attractions that do not include Highland such as San Bernardino, Big Bear and the casino.
Mayor Pro Tem Lilburn stated all of which we are on the way to.
Councilwoman Scott stated and we are going to have a gorgeous state of the art library to be proud of.
Mr. Robert Visconti stated he is in favor of the City supporting the California Welcome Center. He believes the City will benefit from this contact.
Mayor Pro Tem Lilburn stated Highland has a lot to offer. Some of our businesses have invested because they understand that we will be able to showcase and if we can't support what we have to offer, it concerns me. She definitely wants to support it.
Councilman Timmer stated initially when the presentation was made to the Finance Subcommittee, he too asked many of the same questions that are being asked tonight. He also could not see a direct benefit. It certainly wouldn't hurt for one year to see what benefits are derived.
A MOTION was made by Mayor Pro Tem Lilburn, seconded by Councilwoman Scott, to approve a minimum of $2,500 in sponsorship with the California Welcome Center. Motion carried, 5-0.
Mayor Jones stated this is an opportunity and as Highland continues to grow and develop into an even more beautiful community than it is, the secret to what is attracting so many people is also going to be needed to sell it on a regional basis.
City Manager Hughes stated this motion would require a budget adjustment.
Councilman Timmer stated it would be appropriate to add it to the normal budget process for July 1, 2007.
Councilwoman Scott stated we should pay for the sponsorship now to participate in the April opening. We need to participate in this publicity.
Director of Administrative Services Dantuono stated the $2,500 would be coming from the General Fund Unreserved Undesignated to an account that he has not assigned a number as it would be a brand new account.
A MOTION was made by Mayor Jones, seconded by Councilwoman Scott, to make the budget adjustment of $2,500 now and to address it again during the next budget process. Motion carried, 5-0.
12. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 311, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Highland, California, Acting in its Capacity as the Legislative Body of City of Highland Community Facilities District No. 2007-1 Authorizing the Levy of Special Taxes within that District
A MOTION was made by Councilman McCallon, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lilburn, to adopt Ordinance No. 311, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Highland, California, Acting in its Capacity as the Legislative Body of City of Highland Community Facilities District No. 2007-1 Authorizing the Levy of Special Taxes within that District. Motion carried, 4-1, with Councilwoman Scott dissenting.
City Clerk Hughes introduced Ordinance No. 311:
ORDINANCE NO. 311
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND, CALIFORNIA, ACTING IN ITS CAPACITY AS THE LEGISLATIVE BODY OF CITY OF HIGHLAND COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2007-1 AUTHORIZING THE LEVY OF SPECIAL TAXES WITHIN THAT DISTRICT
which title was read.
13. Emergency Repairs of Greenspot Road Bridge over Santa Ana River
City Engineer Wong gave a brief review of the staff report.
Mayor Jones requested an update of the engineering report in the investigation of the bridge.
City Engineer Wong stated T.Y. Linn International did a detailed inspection and damage assessment. They have found the middle column of the bridge has been basically cut in half and separated from the bridge structure. Also, the truss beam underneath the bridge stack was also sheared and broken. We have found the existing paint is lead based, therefore, it will need to be repainted. The area is small enough that the work area will not be confined and only the workers will need to use respiratory equipment to protect themselves. Staff has met with two contractors in the field and have given them the repair specifications. We are expecting two bids on Thursday and the bids will provide us with a cost and time line for completion. With your approval of this resolution, the City Manager will be able to authorize the contract.
Mayor Jones inquired what time line is expected.
City Engineer Wong responded staff figures not less than four weeks but we will know more when the bids are received.
A MOTION was made by Councilman McCallon, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lilburn, to proclaim that the damage on Greenspot Road over Santa Ana River and the closure of Greenspot Road is a local emergency; and adopt Resolution No. 2007-008 declaring its finding that the local emergency will not permit a delay caused by the solicitation of competitive bids for the necessary work to alleviate the emergency, and that the public interest and necessity demand immediate expenditure of public money to safeguard life, health and property; and delegate to the City Manager the authority to order any action related to the procurement of necessary equipment, services and supplies to alleviate the emergency, without competitive bidding. Motion carried, 5-0.
RESOLUTION NO. 2007-008
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND,
CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE EMERGENCY PROCUREMENT OF
REPAIR WORK FOR GREENSPOT ROAD BRIDGE
OVER SANTA ANA RIVER WITHOUT COMPETITIVE BIDDING
14. AB 1234 Ethics Training
City Clerk Hughes stated effective January 1, 2006, AB1234 came into effect regarding two hours of ethic training for specified local officials in general ethics principals and ethic laws. For those already in office as of January 1, 2006, had one year to complete the training. Thereafter, the local officials are required to complete two hours of training every two years.
City Clerk Hughes stated on January 9, 2007, Mr. Hatfield informed her that he will not comply with AB1234.
Councilman McCallon stated the ethics issue is one that we need to continue to make a strong statement on. We have included the requirement for ethics training and signing of the city's ethics code on all of the applications for boards and commissions.
A MOTION was made by Councilman McCallon, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lilburn, to declare the appointment held by Mr. Hatfield vacant and advertise the position as directed by law. Motion carried, 5-0.
A MOTION was made by Mayor Jones, seconded by Councilwoman Scott, to receive and file the report. Motion carried, 5-0.
15. Update on SANBAG, SCAG, Omnitrans, Work Program and Regional/Legislative Issues/Development Issues/Subcommittees/AB 1234 Updates
Councilman McCallon stated SANBAG elected a new vice president for the Board, Mayor Lawrence Dale of Barstow. Councilman McCallon stated he was appointed by the President to be the SANBAG Representative to the California Associated Council of Government. A copy of a request from SANBAG has been given to Council regarding a letter of support for the CMIA Projects, which are going before the California Transportation Commission. These are the projects that were approved by the SANBAG Board and Caltrans as ones that we want to put forward to the California Transportation Commission to meet the requirements of 1B funding.
Under the requirements of AB1234, he needs to report on a city funded activity, which was the League of California Cities Policy Committee meeting held in Sacramento. He was in attendance as he is a member of the Administrative Services Policies Committee and a written report was provided to Council as well.
A MOTION was made by Mayor Jones, seconded by Councilman McCallon, to issue a letter of support for the CMIA Projects with the statement regarding the connection of 210 extension into the Highland 30 will, in fact, create a greater impact than this connection will solve. Motion carried, 5-0.
16. San Bernardino International Airport Authority and IVDA
None
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wednesday, January 31 at 11:00 a.m. Work Program Study Session
CLOSED SESSION
At 7:27 p.m., the City Council and Redevelopment Agency convened into closed session regarding the following:
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 regarding the following property:
Property: APN 1210-371-12
Negotiating parties: Joseph Hughes, City of Highland
Verizon Wireless
Under negotiation: Instruction to City's negotiator concerning price and terms of lease.
At 7:44 p.m., the City Council and Redevelopment Agency convened into open session, with all members present, making no announcements.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, Mayor Jones adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m. in memory of Susan Zinn.
Submitted By: Approved By:
Betty Hughes, CMC Ross B. Jones
City Clerk Mayor