HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010/12/01 - Minutes - SpecialDecember 1, 2010
RANCHO CUCAMONGA
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, FIRE DISTRICT AND CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
A. CALL TO ORDER
The Rancho Cucamonga Redevelopment Agency, Fire Protection District and City Council held a
special meeting on Wednesday, December 1, 2010, in the City Council Chambers of the Civic Center
located at 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. The meeting was called to
order at 8:30 p.m. by Chairman/President/Mayor L. Dennis Michael.
Present were Agency Members/Board Members/Council Members: Bill Alexander, Diane Williams,
Sam Spagnolo and Chairman/President/Mayor L. Dennis Michael.
Also present were: Jack Lam, City Manager; James Markman, City Attorney; John Gillison, Assistant
City Manager; Linda Daniels, Deputy City Manager; Bill Wittkopf, Public Works Director; Mark Steuer,
Engineering Director; Chris Paxton, Human Resources Director; James Troyer, Planning Director;
Kevin McArdle, Community Services Director; Joe Pulcinella, Animal Care and Services Director;
Joe Cusimano, Police Chief; Mike Bell, Fire Chief; Jim Frost, City Treasurer; Debra McKay, Records
Manager/Assistant City Clerk and Kathy Scott, Assistant City Clerk.
B. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
(Public comments were heard during the end of the regular City Council meeting on December 1,
2010 at 7:00 p.m.).
61. Jerie Lee encouraged the City Council to appoint Marc Steinorth to the City Council. She noted
that the recent election results show that 36% of the people thought he would be a good addition to
the City Council.
B2. Marc Steinorth noted that he had actively campaigned for Mayor and spoke about the need to
bring businesses back to the community. He noted that community members had collected signatures
in his support and provided petitions containing about 1,700 signatures to the City Council.
B3. Loree Gaskill stated that another election would be ideal. If that is not feasible, she encouraged
the City Council to appoint Marc Steinorth.
64. Luella Hairston pointed out that most of the people in the room did not believe that an election
was a viable option. She encouraged the City Council to appoint the person who had received the
third highest vote for City Council.
85. Brian Fratt stated that he supported appointing the person who had received the next highest
vote. He had interacted with one of the signature gatherers and was told that two seats were open.
He wondered how many people thought this when they signed the petition.
B6. John Lyons agreed that a special election was too expensive. He noted that there were qualified
people in the community who could serve on the City Council who chose not to run against two 20-
yearveterans. Mr. Lyons suggested that the City Council obtain applications.
B7. Leslie Grimes believed that the community was looking for fresh ideas. She noted that Marc
Steinorth should be considered, noting that the person receiving the third highest vote should not
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automatically be appointed. Mrs. Grimes suggested that the City Council consider and interview
everyone before making a decision.
88. Jim Moffatt noted that a special election may be necessary, even if it is expensive. He noted that
the person who received the third highest votes spent a lot of money and had a lot of ties with
developers. Eventually, promises will come due.
Michael Kennedy spoke in support of Marc Steinorth, noting that he brings business savvy and
intelligence to the team.
Joel Snuster noted the procedural unfairness in considering the remaining candidates. Whoever is
appointed will have an advantage at the next election.
C. COUNCIL BUSINESS
C1. CONSIDERATION AND DISCUSSION OF SELECTION FOR MAYOR PRO TEM
Mayor Michael removed the item from the agenda and requested that it be scheduled for the next
City Council meeting or at such time that there is a full Council.
C2. DISCUSSION AND SELECTION OF A PROCESS TO FILL A VACANCY ON THE CITY
COUNCIL OR APPROVING THE ATTACHED RESOLUTIONS CALLING FOR A SPECIAL
ELECTION, OR APPOINTING AN INDIVIDUAL TO FILL THE VACANCY.
RESOLUTION NO. 10-177
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA, CALLING AND GIVING NOTICE OF A
SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN SAID CITY ON
TUESDAY THE 7th DAY OF JUNE, 2011 FOR THE ELECTION OF A
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER TO FILL THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF L.
DENNIS MICHAEL AS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE
LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA RELATING TO GENERAL
LAW CITIES, AND CONSOLIDATING SAID ELECTION WITH THE
GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON SAME DATE
RESOLUTION NO. 10-178
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A CHARGE TO
CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE, FOR PREPARATION OF
MATERIALS SUBMITTED TO THE ELECTORATE AND THE COSTS
OF THE CANDIDATE STATEMENT FOR THE SPECIAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE CITY ON TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2011
Jim Markman, City Attorney, presented the staff report.
Mayor Michael suggested that the discussion start with a decision on whether to have a special
election or an appointment.
Council Member Alexander noted that there are many projects and items needing attention. He did
not support calling a special election due to the estimated cost. Council Members Williams and
Spagnolo concurred.
Jack Lam, City Manager, noted that a special election is projected to cost between $525,000 and
$575,000.
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Mayor Michael inquired on the Council's thoughts about filling the existing vacancy by appointment
Council Member Williams noted that different ways have been tried over the years by different
Councils. The best way in which the decision was received and perceived was to appoint the next
highest vote getter in the City Council race.
Council Member Alexander noted that when he had considered this previously with Council Member
Williams, she chose differently. He liked Chuck but noted that the Council has an opportunity to look
at a young man with a lot of business savvy. Marc Steinorth would be a good choice.
Council Member Spagnolo appreciated the insight and wisdom expressed. He noted that the best
way would be to have another election, but its cost prohibitive. If the process were opened up, it
would create more animosity. He supported Chuck Buquet.
Mayor Michael noted that the race for City Council was bigger and did not believe that Mr. Steinorth
would have received 36% of the votes. He didn't want to hold a popularity contest by going through
an application process. Mayor Michael noted that in 1994, the Council had a similar situation and
chose the person receiving the third highest number of votes. He supported Chuck Buquet.
Council Member Alexander spoke about the need for a united Council. While he had a different
candidate in mind, he supported the decision of the majority.
MOTION: Moved by Williams, seconded by Spagnolo, to appoint Chuck Buquet to fill the vacant seat
on the City Council. Motion carried 3-1. Alexander voted no.
C3. COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council Member Williams announced the Spark of Love Toy Drive on December 12, 2010
Mayor Michael congratulated Council Members Alexander and Williams.
C4. .LEGISLATIVE AND REGIONAL UPDATES
This item was noticed and discussed at the regular meeting on December 1, 2010 at 7:00 p.m
D. IDENTIFICATION OF ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Mayor Michael requested that Chuck Buquet be sworn in on December 15, 2010.
E. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Michael adjourned the meeting at 9:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitte\d,/
~~~ ~~Y
Debr@ L. McKay, MMC
Assistant City Clerk/Records Manager
Approved: December 15, 2010
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