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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-30-2023 MCC Special City of San Bernardino 201 North E Street San Bernardino, CA 92401 http://www.sbcity.org Minutes FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO, MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ACTING AS THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ACTING AS THE SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ACTING AS THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ACTING AS THE SAN BERNARDINO JOINT POWERS FINANCING AUTHORITY TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2023 9:00 AM The Special Meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino was called to order at 9:09 AM by Mayor Helen Tran on Tuesday, June 30, 2023, at 201 N ‘E’ Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401 - Multipurpose Conference Room 2nd Floor. CALL TO ORDER Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Mayor Helen Tran Council Members Theodore Sanchez Sandra Ibarra Juan Figueroa Fred Shorett Ben Reynoso Kimberly Calvin Damon L. Alexander Special Meeting Minutes June 30, 2023 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 2 PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ITEMS LISTED ON THE SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA Jody Eisenberg expressed concern that the City's homelessness strategy does not address the interim needs of unhoused residents awaiting housing placement, urging the City to provide temporary accommodation. Kath Rodgers opposed Items 2–7, arguing that the proposed measures would criminalize homelessness, displace unhoused individuals, expose the City to potential legal challenges, and divert resources from housing-first solutions that more effectively address homelessness. Christina spoke in support of Item 1 and opposition to Items 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7, expressing concern that the City’s strategy emphasizes enforcement of anti-camping laws rather than expanding permanent housing solutions, and urged continued investment in meaningful housing initiatives. Mike Dickerson advocated for a housing-first approach to homelessness and expressing concern that increased enforcement measures would criminalize unhoused individuals, undermine outreach efforts, and hinder access to permanent housing. Eugene Ryang supported Item 1 and stated that increased enforcement and security measures would be ineffective, costly, and counterproductive to addressing the root causes of homelessness. Helen Smith spoke in support of Item 1 and opposed Items 2 through 7, urging the City to pursue housing-first solutions rather than enforcement measures, and expressing concern that the proposed actions would displace unhoused residents, disrupt access to services, and fail to address homelessness effectively. Desiree Sanchez stated the need for housing-focused solutions such as rent stabilization and expressing concerns that enforcement actions would displace unhoused and disabled residents without addressing the root causes of homelessness. Name Unintelligible spoke in support of Item 1 and opposed Items 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7, urging the city to prioritize permanent housing solutions and housing assistance programs rather than enforcement measures targeting unhoused residents. Tracy Weed spoke in support of expanding housing opportunities for all unhoused individuals and expressed opposition to Items 2 and 3 The Interim City Manager Charles McNeely presented the Council Priority Action Plan, explaining that it was developed following the City Council retreat to reflect the Council's established vision and priorities. He emphasized that the purpose of the presentation was informational only and that no action was requested at this meeting, allowing the Council time to review the proposed action plans, receive public input, and ask questions before considering them at a future meeting. He outlined the implementation process, which includes Council consideration and approval, staff implementation, regular progress updates, performance evaluation, and annual plan revisions, emphasizing accountability and a structured approach to achieving the Council's priorities. Special Meeting Minutes June 30, 2023 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 3 PRESENTATION 1. Quality of Life-Addressing the City’s Homeless Crisis Deputy Director of Housing & Homelessness, Cassandra Searcy presented an overview of the City's homelessness strategy, emphasizing that addressing homelessness requires a balanced approach that combines housing, supportive services, and enforcement. Staff reviewed the current legal landscape, outlined ongoing efforts to expand shelter capacity, highlighted the launch of the City's dedicated homeless outreach team operated by Hope the Mission, and summarized recent Council actions and funding allocations supporting homelessness initiatives. Staff also discussed plans for an interim motel-based shelter, the development of the SB Hope Campus navigation center, partnerships with healthcare and community organizations to provide wraparound services, and future recommendations to support long-term operations, funding, and grant opportunities. Council Members discussed the City's homelessness response, emphasizing coordination with partner agencies, services for transitional-age youth, foster youth, seniors, families, and individuals with disabilities, as well as the importance of formalizing partnerships with the school district, county, and community organizations. Cassandra Searcy explained that referrals are made to specialized service providers, certified substance use counselors are being added to the outreach team, and additional county funding and grant opportunities are being pursued to support interim shelter operations and the future navigation center. Council Members also discussed the use of motel-based interim shelters, expressing both support for providing immediate housing while permanent facilities are developed and concerns regarding one of the motel operators oversight, safety, and long-term effectiveness. Staff responded that the motel was selected due to existing operations, security measures, and building code limitations that prevented the immediate use of other facilities, while noting that an experienced lead operator would be essential to successful operations. Additional discussion focused on ensuring prompt responses to homelessness referrals, expanding outreach to vulnerable populations, increasing collaboration with the County and nonprofit providers, and incorporating Council feedback before the item returns for formal Council consideration. 2. Quality of Life – Police Department Chief of Police Darren L. Goodman presented an overview of the Police Department's public safety initiatives, reporting a significant reduction in violent crime while emphasizing that quality-of-life issues remain a priority. He highlighted Operation Restore Hope, a downtown pilot program that combines proactive policing, homeless outreach, and behavioral health services to address crime, reduce blight, and improve public safety. Chief Goodman stated that the department enforces laws without criminalizing homelessness and concluded by outlining plans to expand the Special Meeting Minutes June 30, 2023 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 4 collaborative quality-of-life enforcement model citywide through a dedicated outreach team. Council Members discussed the Operation Restore Hope pilot program, emphasizing the need to address quality-of-life concerns through consistent law enforcement, community education, and a coordinated response to homelessness. Chief Goodman explained the Police Department's enforcement authority and legal limitations, highlighted the department's partnership with outreach and behavioral health teams, and reaffirmed that criminal activity—not homelessness—is the focus of enforcement. Council Members also recognized the Police Department's recent public safety efforts and expressed support for the City's multidisciplinary approach to improving safety and quality of life. 3. Quality of Life- Securing Public Spaces Parks & Recreation Director, Lydie Gutfeld presented an update on the City's after- hours private park security program, highlighting its collaborative approach with other departments to improve park safety and support community programming. She reported that park security was identified as the community's top concern during Parks Master Plan outreach and reviewed the successful implementation of overnight security during special events, which led to the expansion of patrols to additional parks and City facilities as part of the "All Hands on Deck" maintenance initiative. She stated that Redwood Security provides overnight patrols from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., issues citations, distributes homeless outreach information, and submits daily reports documenting incidents, service referrals, police responses, and compliance, with early results indicating minimal incidents and high voluntary compliance with park closure rules. Public Works Director, Daniel Hernandez reported that the City is currently conducting a Request for Proposals (RFP) for citywide security services to consolidate and expand security operations. The proposed scope includes City Hall, parks, libraries, community centers, the California Theatre, and other City-owned facilities, with added services such as parking lot and perimeter patrols, gate and parking lot closures, roving patrols, money transport, and security for the School of Hope. The RFP also includes pre- established rates for special event security, allowing departments to obtain services more efficiently without conducting separate procurements for each event. Council Members commended staff for the improvements made to the City's parks, successful community events, and the national recognition received for Festival. Council Members expressed support for continuing park improvements and requested that additional parks, including Nicholson, Hudson, Littlefield Shultis, Blair, and Lytle Creek Parks, be considered for future security patrols. Questions were raised regarding the RFP process, park security operations, daytime versus after-hours enforcement, and the proposed park ranger program. Special Meeting Minutes June 30, 2023 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 5 Staff clarified that Redwood Security currently provides overnight patrols, gate closures, and enforcement at designated parks, while the proposed park ranger program would provide daytime patrols under the Parks Department. Staff also confirmed that park security locations may be expanded through future contract amendments and that maintenance priorities continue to guide the deployment of security resources. The meeting recessed at 11:24 a.m. and reconvened at 11:43 a.m. 4. Quality of Life - Health & Safety, Encampment Clean-ups (All Wards) Deputy Director of Operations and Maintenance, Ernesto Salinas presented an overview of the City's homeless encampment cleanup program, noting that program management transitioned from the Police Department to Public Works in September 2022 while maintaining close coordination with the Police Department for security and enforcement. The presentation outlined the City's cleanup process, including required 72-hour notices, consent procedures, property storage, and inventory requirements, as well as reporting through the City's CRM system. He provided statistics on encampment cleanups, identified high-priority locations, and highlighted recent cleanup and restoration efforts at Perris Hill and Meadowbrook Parks, where extensive maintenance, safety improvements, and beautification projects are underway to restore public access. Staff also discussed coordination with outside agencies, current staffing levels, and future recommendations to expand cleanup operations, increase contractor support, purchase additional maintenance equipment, establish a biohazard cleanup contract, and consider incentive pay to improve recruitment and retention of employees assigned to homeless encampment cleanup operations At 12:03, Mayor Helen Tran excused herself from the meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Fred Shorett assumed the chair. Council Members commended Public Works staff for their collaborative efforts and ongoing work addressing homeless encampments and illegal dumping throughout the City. Discussion focused on strategies to deter illegal dumping through increased surveillance, proactive cleanup operations, and potential physical barriers in high- dumping areas. Council Members also discussed tree replacement following park restoration projects, irrigation repairs, park signage replacement, and restroom improvements. Additional discussion addressed improving communication with residents through the City's CRM system, with staff agreeing to review notification procedures for duplicate and completed service requests to provide clearer updates to the public. 5. Quality of Life – City Website Updates Director of Information Technology, Rolland Kornblau gave a brief presentation proposing enhancements to the City's website to improve access to housing and homelessness resources. The presentation included repurposing an existing homepage button to highlight housing services, redesigning the current housing webpage, and adding a live dashboard that would display real-time homelessness encounter data Special Meeting Minutes June 30, 2023 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 6 through the SRI system. Staff noted that Housing is also exploring a potential standalone website with another vendor. 6. Quality of Life - Discussion on Public Parks and Recreational Facilities (All Wards) Parks & Recreation Director, Lydie Gutfeld presented proposed updates to the Municipal Code governing City parks to improve safety, accessibility, cleanliness, and enforcement. The proposed amendments included updated definitions, regulations for smoking, motor vehicles, drones, splash pads, fountains, restroom use, indecent conduct, and park operations, as well as provisions addressing sensitive areas and enhanced enforcement near parks and recreational facilities. Staff indicated the proposed amendments reflected best practices from other jurisdictions and requested future Council direction on additional policy considerations. Council Members sought clarification regarding the proposed Municipal Code amendments, including exemptions for barbecue and grilling activities, the scope of smoking and smokeless tobacco regulations, and the potential installation of electric vehicle charging stations at parks. Council also discussed the misuse of splash pads and inquired about the availability of mobile shower and laundry services for unhoused individuals. The meeting recessed at 12:15 p.m. and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. 7. Quality of Life – Prohibiting Storage of Personal Property in Public Areas (All Wards) Assistant City Manager, Edelia Eveland presented proposed amendments to the Municipal Code regarding the storage of personal property in public areas. The presentation outlined a framework to codify existing cleanup procedures, establish clear definitions and notice requirements, classify property for removal or disposal, and provide legally defensible processes for storing, reclaiming, and discarding personal property. Staff explained the proposed amendments were intended to improve consistency, protect public health and safety, preserve access to public spaces, and support future enforcement efforts. Staff concluded by indicating that a draft ordinance incorporating these provisions would be brought back to the City Council for consideration at a future meeting. 8. One Stop Shop Update (All Wards) Management Analyst, William Lampi presented on the proposed One-Stop Shop initiative to streamline the City's permitting process by consolidating permitting services into a single location, modernizing permitting software, and improving online customer access. Staff reported on ongoing planning efforts, community outreach, and conceptual designs, and outlined future recommendations, including the creation of an ombuds person position, a bilingual senior customer service representative, and construction of the One-Stop Shop to improve customer service, coordination among departments, and permit processing times. Special Meeting Minutes June 30, 2023 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 7 Council Members expressed support for the One-Stop Shop initiative and discussed opportunities to improve customer service, interdepartmental coordination, and the entitlement review process. Questions focused on streamlining reviews with outside agencies, implementing integrated permitting software, project timelines, the proposed ombuds person position, communication with Council regarding permit issues, staffing needs, and the potential use of artificial intelligence to assist with application reviews. Staff responded that the initiative would improve coordination, provide simultaneous departmental reviews, modernize permitting technology, and that future recommendations would address staffing, software implementation, and additional process improvements. At this time, Mayor Helen returned to the dais. 9. Infrastructure Master Plan Public Works Director, Daniel Hernandez presented an overview of the proposed Infrastructure Master Plan and City Hall Building assessment, highlighting existing and planned infrastructure initiatives, including roadway safety, street lighting, parks, pavement management, facilities, storm drain systems, bridges, and ADA compliance. Staff also reviewed the condition of City Hall, outlined previous structural and facilities assessments, discussed estimated costs and timelines for seismic retrofitting and renovation, and presented recommendations to develop additional master plans and initiate preliminary engineering and space planning for future City Hall improvements. 10. Legislative Affairs Update (All Wards) Senior Management Analyst, Cory Hodges and Public Information Office Jeff Kraus presented an overview of the City's legislative affairs program, including a proposed legislative calendar, updates to the legislative platform, and strategies for strengthening state and federal advocacy efforts. The presentation outlined proposed additions to the legislative platform, progress on procuring legislative advocacy services, and recommendations to establish a Government Relations and Legislative Affairs Manager position, update the City's legislative priorities, and prepare funding strategies to better position the City for future legislative and grant opportunities. Council Members discussed strategies to strengthen the City's legislative advocacy efforts, including expanding regional partnerships, improving coordination with other jurisdictions, preparing funding requests in advance, and increasing the City's competitiveness for state and federal funding. Questions focused on the proposed Government Relations and Legislative Affairs Manager position, the role and selection process for legislative advocacy firms, accountability measures for contracted advocates, and ensuring proactive engagement with legislators and funding opportunities. Staff explained that the proposed position would coordinate legislative priorities, advocacy efforts, and grant strategies, while advocacy firm recommendations would be brought to the City Council for review and selection. 11. Economic Development Workshop Economic Development Division Manager, Amanda Hernandez presented an overview of economic development strategies focused on downtown revitalization and investment Special Meeting Minutes June 30, 2023 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 8 attraction. The presentation highlighted the economic importance of a vibrant downtown, reviewed successful revitalization initiatives implemented by other cities, and discussed potential programs for San Bernardino, including business improvement districts, façade improvement programs, business liaison and ambassador programs, special events, and the activation of City-owned assets. Staff emphasized that these strategies are intended to support business growth, increase investment, enhance public spaces, and strengthen the City's overall economic vitality. City Manager McNeely emphasized the importance of partnering with local businesses to accelerate downtown revitalization, noting that several economic development opportunities could be realized within the next year. Discussion focused on attracting restaurants and outdoor dining to activate vacant commercial spaces near the theater, leveraging nearby government employees and local entrepreneurs to increase downtown activity, and fostering public-private partnerships to support long-term economic growth and investment in the downtown area. At this time, Council Member Calvin was excused from the meeting to attend a community engagement event. Staff presented recommendations to advance the City's economic development initiatives, including expanding entrepreneurial services, advancing the Investment Playbook, evaluating a University Center, and establishing a standalone Economic Development Department with dedicated staffing to support business growth and investment. 12. Bottom Line: Fiscal Impact Presentation and Discussion (All Wards) Agency Director of Administrative Services, Barbara G. Whitehorn presented a strategic staffing plan outlining proposed organizational changes and staffing recommendations across multiple departments. The presentation included creating a standalone Community Development Department, expanding staffing in Economic Development, Housing and Homelessness, Planning, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Animal Services, and the Police Department's Quality of Life Team to improve service delivery, operational capacity, and implementation of City priorities, while balancing available funding and future budget considerations. Human Resources Director, Susie Soren presented a proposed reorganization of the City Manager's Office to improve oversight and operational efficiency. The proposal included adding a second Assistant City Manager, creating a Government Affairs and Legislative Manager position, realigning departmental reporting responsibilities, establishing a standalone Economic Development Department, and updating department and executive titles to better reflect organizational functions. Council Members discussed the proposed staffing plan, focusing on long-term fiscal impacts, funding priorities, and implementation timelines. Questions centered on recurring personnel costs, phased hiring, unfunded capital improvement projects, staffing priorities, the proposed One-Stop Shop positions, additional management positions, and pension obligations. Council Members requested a comprehensive list of all proposed initiatives and associated costs, a review of existing vacant positions and funding, and additional information to assist with prioritizing future staffing and budget Special Meeting Minutes June 30, 2023 Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino Page 9 decisions. Staff agreed to provide the requested analysis for future Council consideration. ADJOURNMENT The meeting of the Mayor and City Council was adjourned on Wednesday, June 30, 2023, at 5:25 p.m. The next joint regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council and the Mayor and City Council Acting as the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency will be held on July 19, 2023, at the Feldheym Central Library located at 555 West 6th Street, San Bernardino, California 92410. Closed Session will begin at 5:30 PM. and Open Session will begin at 7:00 PM. Telicia Lopez, CMC City Clerk