The 3-2 vote at the council’s July 14 meeting followed hours of public testimony from supporters and foes of the Newland Simpson project — the latest clash in a long-running debate over the value of warehouses in the Inland Empire.

Council members in April voted 5-0 against the project, which at the time called for two warehouses totaling 1.19 million square feet to be built on a 75-acre site near the junction of Warren and Simpson roads and Domenigoni Parkway in southwest Hemet.

This time, developer Newland Capital Group of Irvine proposed just one warehouse of 884,760 square feet with 146 dock doors. The revised project also did away with an 8.9-acre trailing parking lot.

Newland lined up Rialto Pacific LLC, which supplies retailers like Costco, Target and Walmart, as a tenant. Once built, the warehouse would have supported an estimated 1,253 jobs, according to a city staff report.

Local jobs were a key part of Tom Donahue’s pitch to the council. Donahue, a managing director for development at Newland, said the warehouse would employ Hemet residents who drive to places like Ontario, Rialto and Fontana for work.

“This city and its residents are looking for jobs. They’re looking for ways to stay close to home,” Donahue told councilmembers.

“I believe that’s the constituency that needs to (be heard) the loudest today is the folks that want to stay here, spend their money here, work here, (and) not commute” outside of Hemet.

Donahue’s words didn’t persuade critics, who feared the smaller warehouse would still become an air pollution magnet attracting diesel-powered delivery trucks. Critics also said the warehouse would ruin pavement, clog roads with truck traffic and spoil the scenery near a gateway to the city.

Noise, traffic and air pollution would be 40% less with the smaller warehouse, Donahue said, adding that critic’s fears about the volume of truck traffic were exaggerated.

A 40% reduction wasn’t enough for Councilmember Connie Howard-Clark. “I’m not in fear of change,” she said. “The change I’m in fear of is going to be what we cannot undo.”

Councilmembers Linda Krupa and Joe Males supported the smaller project.

“For me, this project checks the boxes,” Males said. “Property rights respected, environmental concerns addressed, public benefits secured, and local revenue generated.”

Mayor Jackie Peterson said while she “feels for” residents who “don’t get to spend a lot of time with their families” due to long commutes, she was struck by a visit to the San Bernardino area during the Los Angeles wildfires.

Smoke from those fires hung over the skies before clearing up the next morning, Peterson said. But when she drove back to Hemet, “all I could see was smoke,” she said, raising her fears about air pollution lingering in Hemet due to its bowl-like topography.

Males and Krupa voted in favor of the project while Howard-Clark, Peterson and Councilmember Tom Lodge voted against.

Supporters say the industry, which exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic and now occupies more than 1 billion square feet in the region, is a vital economic sector employing thousands and offering a path to a middle-class life.

Critics said those jobs often don’t pay a livable wage and could succumb to automation. And they argue jobs don’t excuse the higher risk of cancer and other health threats linked to diesel exhaust from warehouse-bound trucks.

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Mrs. Kendrick was chosen to replace Karlee Meyer in 2023 after Mrs. Meyer passed away from cancer. In November of 2024, Mrs. Kendrick was easily elected by the voters to serve until 2028. 

The Hemet City Council can choose to hold a special election to fill the vacancy or appoint a successor to serve until the next regularly scheduled election. 

Mrs. Kendrick has told several people that she has taken a job in Northern California where her daughter lives as the reason she is leaving Hemet. 

Rustystrait@gmail.com

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The council’s 5-0 vote, which came at the end of a seven-hour meeting featuring dozens of speakers, declined to certify an environmental impact report for the Newland Simpson project.

The vote ends the project, City Attorney Steven Graham Pacifico told councilmembers.

Proposed by Newland Capital Group, of Irvine, the project would have built two warehouses totaling 1.19 million square feet, along with an 8.9-acre trailer parking lot, on a 75-acre site in the southwest portion of Hemet near the junction of Warren and Simpson roads and Domenigoni Parkway.

A likely tenant would have been Rialto Pacific LLC, a logistics company specializing in products such as textiles and apparel for large retailers like Costco, Target and Walmart, a city report states.

The tenant “is definitely looking to hire in this community,” Newland CEO and Managing Partner Ty Newland told councilmembers Tuesday.

Newland added: “We look at (this project) as a huge investment into the community. We aren’t here to build, flip and move on. We’re looking here to build something and own it for 30, 40 (or) 50 years, and make a huge investment into the community along with the tenant.”

Hemet’s planning commission in December voted unanimously to recommend the council turn down the project. Commissioners raised concerns about the project’s effect on the environment, traffic and its neighbors, the city report states.

An attorney for residents of the Solera Diamond Valley community urged councilmembers to vote no.

In a letter to the city, attorney Abigail Smith wrote the project “will bring an onslaught of vehicles and big rig trucks to a rural residential area that lacks adequate road infrastructure to accommodate substantial traffic volumes.”

Smith added the project’s “logistics’ use is fundamentally incompatible with the character of the surrounding area that is agricultural and residential.”

Protesters opposed to the warehouses picketed the project site Friday, April 4. Opponents also filled the council meeting room Tuesday night — some waving signs with anti-warehouse slogans.

During the meeting, residents argued the city didn’t need more warehouses, which they feared would blight the landscape, choke roads with truck traffic and sully the air with toxic diesel truck exhaust.

Others doubted whether the warehouses would deliver the good-paying jobs and other economic benefits promised by the developer.

Project supporters included construction trade union members, who wore orange safety vests at Tuesday’s meeting. The project, they said, would offer them jobs with quality pay and benefits close to home, negating the need to drive hours to construction sites.

After the public spoke, council members criticized the project’s size, its fit with the surrounding area and the truck traffic it would generate.

“Hemet deserves better,” Councilmember Carole Kendrick said. “I don’t know what more the applicant can do. But I would agree that I’m not in a position to recommend certifying” the environmental study.

Councilmember Joe Males said that, while he wants businesses to come to Hemet, “This is just a monstrosity that nobody wants. It’s just too big.”

Jean Faenza, who opposed the project, praised the council and planning commission for their votes.

“This is an amazing win for the Hemet community at large,” she said via email. “Now our City Council can get back to the business of growing our city in positive ways!”

Tuesday’s vote comes amid concerns from Hemet residents, and many in Riverside County, that the Inland Empire is inundated with mega-warehouses they blame for traffic gridlock and air pollution in a region plagued by notoriously poor air quality.

In December, the council imposed a 45-day moratorium on warehouses not already in the planning pipeline so officials could develop more rules governing warehouse construction. Councilmembers extended that moratorium by 10 months in January.

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Following the usual opening invocation and flag salute came roll call. The Council approved Karlee Meyer’s absence, then came communications from the public which were mild.

PRESENTATIONS:

1. April proclaimed Autism Awareness Month.

2. April proclaimed Earth Day Month.

RECEIVE AND FILE:

1. Received and filed the City of Hemet Warrant Registers Dated March 09, 2023, for $2,789,242.37 and the Payroll Period of February 20, 2023 – March 05, 2023, in the amount of $836,174.50.

CONSENT CALENDAR:

Approved as follows:

A. The Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of March 28, 2023.

B. Waived further reading and adopt Ordinance 2010, an Ordinance of the City of Hemet, California, amending Section 2-44 of the Hemet Municipal Code related to City Council member residency requirements.

C. Adopted a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, accepting the 2021-22 State Citizen’s Option for Public Safety (COPS) and Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act (JJCPA) Enhancing Law Enforcement Activities Subaccount and Growth Special Account Allocation for $214,008.06 and authorizing the Finance Department to establish an Expenditure Account and Budget for the Grant Activity Period.

D. Adopted a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, approving the service agreement with the Institute of Ecological Civilization (EcoCiv) for technical assistance on the California Violence Intervention and Prevention Funds from the Board of State and Community Corrections in the amount not to exceed $254,800.00 and authorize the City Manager to execute all documents; and waive the procurement procedure and contract with EcoCiv for services of Mr. Stewart Wakeling for technical assistance.

E. Adopted a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, to Process the Refund Request for Development Impact Fees (Water and Sewer) for property known as TR29129-9 Lots 1-22, TR 29129-7 Lot 8, TR29129-8 Lots 1-7, 26-29 and TR29129-1 Lot 29 for a total amount of $25,655 to Jeffery MDM Partners VII, LLC.

F. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, authorizing the City Manager to enter Settlement Agreements with Entities Within the Opioid Pharmaceutical Supply Chain.

DISCUSSION – ACTION ITEMS:

A. Approved receiving and filing the update on the pooled cash of all City Funds, including general funds from Public Trust Advisors.

B. Approved adopting a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, establishing an Investment Policy and Rescinding Resolution No. 2021-135.

C. This was the discussion as to whether the City Council would discuss the Riverside University Health system Recovery/Wellness Village Project and consider authorizing the Mayor to send the proposed letter addressed to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors expressing the City of Hemet’s opposition to the project, which the Council has been against from day one.

Representatives from Riverside University Health System’s Recovery/Wellness Village gave an excellent 20-minute Dissertation on the advantages of the project.

The Council has repeatedly said the citizens are opposed to it. Imagine the bombshell when more than two dozen Hemet Citizens showed up in support of the Village and in no uncertain terms, accused the City of being snobbish with a NOT IN MY BACKYARD attitude.

One lady who lives in the proposed area said, “The Village would be a big improvement over a lot of weeds,” which is the current condition of the location.

Both women and men, citizens of Hemet, declared that the matter of mental illness is already filling the streets of Hemet because they have no local place for treatment in this area. Some detractors claimed it would bring the mentally ill to Hemet for treatment. Still, the majority reminded the Council that it was our mental people who were going to other communities miles away for treatment, often out of state. Others stated a fact that most of us in Hemet already know, it starts with drugs in high school and ends up with mentally ill addicts with no place to go but the streets,

Others who were victims of mental illness or had mental illness in their families pointed out that the streets are crawling with mentally ill young people. The problem is here, they declared, but the treatment is not.

One after another, they paraded to the podium to beg the Council to change its mind but to no avail. Ultimately, the Council voted 3 to 1 to send the refusal letter. Only Mayor Pro Tem Lilienthal voted no. As a counselor, he would probably be the only one on the Council who deals with the problem on a daily basis.

With everyone worn to a frazzle, the remaining reports were continued until the next Council meeting—the wisest decision of the evening.

Time for the citizens to come out in force, either for or against the Village. If the demand is anything like tonight, we can guess the public’s attitude. Just sayin’

rustystrait@gmail.com

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On Tuesday, February 28th, Hemet City Council Meeting turned into a free for all, with all standard procedures taking second place to three specific issues:

1. The proposed Mental Health Facility proposed at the corner of State Street and Menlo Avenue.

2. The proposed Bicycle lane up and down Palm Street. Seventeen or eighteen citizens took the floor to either protest or supported the Mental Health facility. The majority of those in favor of the project were folks involved in mental health. At times the evening took on the aura of an old-time Southern Holy Roller meeting with shouting and amens.

The council members were unified in meetings with their constituents who supported the project but not in that location. Most didn’t even want it in Hemet and it was the same old “Not in my backyard” excuse.

Stacie Olsen, initially for the Mental Health Village, spoke up about the need for the idea but not at that location. “That particular corner is a magnet for the homeless.” She said these particular homeless are a dangerous group of people, sleeping on sidewalks and worse. “This is not a safe location that is already out of control in a residential area.”

The next speaker said there was a misconception about the facility. “It is not a haven for the homeless. It is a crisis center. Coachella wanted the recovery center but there was some a conflict that prevented building it there. “The Center will be like a Village, a four-story building with a Cafeteria and a pharmacy open to the public. It will even allow patients to bring their pets with them.”

Another speaker insisted that the location would place additional stress on an already overworked Police Department. “No one says help is unnecessary, but not at this location. We know that most of the homeless have mental problems. Hemet is a catch-all for such people. Temecula is known to send homeless people here.”

The next speaker hailed the idea that 600 well-paying jobs would be created, boosting the Valley’s economy.”

Mayor Males wanted an accurate number of beds that would be at the facility. “I first heard 178 and then it shot up to 400. Why were we misled on the count?” The speaker admitted that all in all, there would be 486 beds.” The mayor also mentioned that patients would be free to walk away at any time.

Councilwoman Linda Krupa stated, “I am against it. I recently spoke to 75 people who are all against the project.”

Mayor Joe asked how long someone could stay at the center and was told 3 to 6 months.

The most prolific speaker against the center being erected anywhere in the Valley was Jim Lindenberger who operates the Community Pantry. “I’m not against the facility, but never in this city or the valley.” He accused the Council of having a meeting last March but kept it secret. The Council is not doing its job. Why aren’t we doing something now instead of wasting time?”

He also stated the Valley doesn’t need a Taj Mahal “Build it in the desert.” He ended by accusing the Council members of simply not doing their job.

By a 3-2 vote, the Council voted to rescind its support.

After much dialogue about the need for paving streets or installing bicycle lanes on Palm Avenue, the Council voted 3-2 to accept the Hemet Valley Bikeway project.

By a 5-0 yes vote the Council agreed to the following:

1. Open a public hearing and take testimony, if any; and

2. Introduce, read by title only, and waive further reading of an Ordinance of the City Council of Hemet, California, amending various sections of Chapter 90 (Zoning) of the Hemet Municipal Code, including Division 2 Nonconformities of Article II Administrative Regulations and Article III Special Uses and Conditions of Chapter 90 (Deemed Approved Alcohol ad Tobacco Use Nuisance Regulations).

By a vote of 5-0, the Council adopted a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Approving the Second Amendment to the Agreement for Services between the City of Hemet and Wildan Engineering for $265,357.32 for a total amount not-to-exceed $435,357.52; and (w) the Finance Director to increase the Department of Life Safety budget for $265,357 to Contract Inspection/Plan Check (Account no. 120-3300-2610).

By a vote of 5-0, the Council adopted a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Awarding C.S. Legacy Construction Inc., a Construction Agreement for the Construction of a Skate Park at Gibbel Park for $2,216,687 Excluding the Additive Bid Items, and waiving any minor bid irregularities, and Authorizing the City Manager to Approve Additional Construction Expenditures not to exceed 10% of the Contract Amount or $221,668 and Authorize the Finance Director to Appropriate an additional $519,055 of Unencumbered ARPA funds to the Project Account to fund the total project costs, and Authorize the City Clerk to Record the Notice of Completion upon acceptance of the work by the City Engineer, and Direct the City Engineer upon project completion to bring the final plans to City Council acceptance.

The Consent Calendar was accepted without change on a 5-0 vote.

One thing was evident throughout the evening, Karlee Meyer still has resentments against Joe Males being Mayor.

All in all, the Council settled some crucial issues, but not to everyone’s liking, especially the many who spoke in favor of the Recovery Village. Oh well, we can’t have everything we want., Just saying’

rusty strait@gmail.com

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This week I had an opportunity to interview Hemet’s new Council Member, Jackie Peterson, and it was a refreshing and eye-opening event.

Q. You have attended your first City Council Meeting, one that will go down in legend locally. How do you think this new position will change your life?

A. It is a big responsibility. I’ll know I have to do my homework; I want to represent the people and get along with city employees also. Hemet needs a lot of improvement and I’m willing to listen to others’ ideas from people who are well-known or lesser-known. I believe in people occupying the more menial jobs, Somebody who sits in an office doesn’t always have the best answers or how we can make the best improvements and how we can make things better for our city.

Q. How will you react with other members of the Council?

A. I’ve previously worked with a couple of them prior to coming on the Council and the other two I have not. I truly hope we can all come together in harmony for the benefit and life of the community and to seek the best solutions to problems that do and may in the future beset us.

Q. What is your connection to the local American Legion Post 54?

A. I’ve been a member of the American for about one and a half years. I joined Post 53 after my husband passed; before that, I was very active in my community of Four Seasons; I helped Veterans Village at March Air Reserve Base, doing holiday collections for them. I co-chair that. I was doing things when a couple of years ago, I became involved with the Veterans’ Mobility Project here in town. They have a strong tie with The American Legion. It is like everything I do with The American Legion and Veterans Mobility Project is entertained. I began to work with other non-profits here in town; I believe we should all have one common goal. I am told that we have more veterans in Hemet than any other town of its size in America. We have many veterans in Hemet that we help and who are willing to help others who are not even members of the Legion. Many people think we do much in town, but we really do.

Q. Explain your connection with Gerry Chase and his Cloverlane Foundation.

A. That came about through Veterans Village, actually. We were collecting things during the holiday season two years ago with Leonard Gleason who is a Board Member of the Community Pantry Group. There was this gentleman I knew as Mr. Chase with The Cloverlane Foundation and that he liked to help veterans especially. He gave us a donation for Veterans Village. Mr. Chase wrote a personal check for $250, which I used to buy ten $25 Walmart Gift Cards for the families at Veterans Village. Then I sat down and wrote him a personal handwritten note of thanks for his donation. He, in turn, called Leonard Gleason and asked, “Who is this Jackie Peterson?” This was during the height of the Pandemic. He is an older gentleman and doesn’t travel a lot. He said, “I need to come down and talk with the guys at the Veterans Mobility Project.” We ended up talking on the phone every once in a while. He finally made his way down here in the winter of 2020/2021. That was the first time I met Gerry Chase. He does so much for this Valley. He has a wonderful heart and is a remarkable man, a 91-year-old Korean War Veteran that can run circles around other people.

Q. You are one busy person yourself. What else do you do in your spare time? Just what do you do?

A. I like to travel. I have a timeshare that I shared with my husband which allows me to visit various areas of the country. My husband, as I am, are Navy Veterans which also gave us some travel experience. Yes, I am quite busy. I retired from the Navy in 2009 and I’ve since traveled to several foreign countries in addition to the places I visited while on active duty. I’ve taken advantage of every opportunity to see our own wonderful country; the national parks, mountains, lakes and historical monuments. You could say that I am a genuine nature lover. The great outdoors is so refreshing.

Q. Rusty: Let me ask you about some of the things that have been hammering at the Hemet City Council for years that still leave a lot of corrections. How do you feel about this new mentally ill facility that they plan to build on State and Menlo?

A. Jackie: It is in the works but not fully approved yet. We have a homeless problem which is also nationwide. This proposed facility is targeted for disturbed homeless people who have mental issues. They want to erect it in the heart of the city where we already have a lot of problems. These people can sign themselves in and they voluntarily leave.

Q. Rusty: Sort of come and go at will? A. Jackie: They claim they will have resources available that will help with any kind of addictions. Q. Rusty: Will it be staffed with medical personnel?

A. Jackie: The company that will operate the facility – I’m not sure but I understand it is Riverside Unified Health System. They also have a facility in Riverside that was shut down last week.

Q. Rusty: By whom?

A. Jackie: I haven’t personally verified it, but I am told that it was shut down by the state and I have none of the details as yet.

Q. Rusty: Hemet has a really bad reputation as to their treatment of small business operations. They pretty much leave the big corporations alone because they can afford expensive attorneys to protect themselves. How can we improve those relations and bring new businesses into the city?

A. Jackie: First of all, we need to clean up the city. We have disgusting sights all up and down our streets. I just came down Devonshire from Four Seasons to this interview and I was fuming. On Devonshire and California Road, brand new since yesterday, was a full-sized sofa and two huge oversized chairs just dumped off at the side of the road and if I would have had time and the traffic wasn’t backed up behind me I would have stopped and taken a picture of it. We just recently conducted a quarterly clean-up that CR&R assisted us with. We need people to start respecting their town. Clean it up and keep it looking respectful if we ever expect to attract anything except horseflies. The old buildings need attention and landscaping which is a city-wide responsibility. Everybody complains about what they want here but until we begin to present a city that looks like a welcoming committee rather than “welcome to the dump,’ we are going to be left out of the mix when it comes to new business.

Q. Rusty: How do you feel about the Gibbel Building in the center of town with no roof and in total disarray, an eyesore if ever there was one?

A. Jackie: I’ve heard something about that issue but I don’t know enough to comment right now. I need to do my research. I know there are a lot of infractions in town that are not being taken care of.

Q. Rusty: Could that not be called favoritism?

A. Jackie: Some, probably, but not all. If so, it shouldn’t exist.

Jackie Peterson is a genuine breath of fresh air, like lilacs in the spring. She brings something to our City Council that has been lacking, not only recently but for years. She wants harmony on the Council without all the personal and petty feuds that have existed for what seems like forever. Our community should support her ideas by attending City Council Meetings and applauding her attempts to make us the city we ought to be. You go girl! Just sayin’

rustystrait@gmail.com

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Rusty Strait | Senior Reporter

This week’s Hemet City Council Meeting was primo from the opening gavel (on time, I might add).

With the usual opening ceremonies, they got right down to business. Announcing that in closed session, the council voted 5-0 to settle an issue. Then came public comments. There were several, and they were passionate and pointed:

1. Rosie Roper spoke about the proposed Pickle Ball Court at Gibbel Park, stating that it would be a waste of money to have only two courts; that it would be more economical to have four because the sport is very popular in Hemet and growing.

2. Stephen (last name not recalled) griped that his neighbor had a motor home with a trailer parked in his yard and that he reported it to code enforcement, etc., and nobody responded or did anything. He believes the neighbor is breaking the law. The council promised to look into it.

3. William Potts stated that his neighbor is housing a dog kennel with seven large dogs and assorted others. Drainage from the kennels drains into his yard, creating a terrible stink. Code enforcement no longer accepts his calls. He says that he and his wife (transplants from San Diego) are fed up. Councilman Males promised to go to the location himself.

4. Jerry Ann Franklin spoke about street lights that need to be installed at Meyer and Devonshire Avenue. Complimented the Hemet Police Department for keeping an eye on a homeless encampment behind Win-Co Grocery across the street from Hemet West Mobile Homes.

5. Andy Allen was somewhat irate that nobody was doing anything about sinking sidewalks on Florida Avenue and wanted to know whose responsibility it was to maintain and repair them? The city of Cal Trans. Council promised to look into it and said it would be helpful if he would provide what blocks on Florida were problematic. His response was, “That’s your job.”

So much for public comments.

PRESENTATIONS:

1. Declared July to be Parks and Recreation Month and Craig Schultz, from Valley Wide, accepted the commendation.

2. Presented Certificate of Appreciation to Four Seasons, thanks to their golf tournament, which raised $4,006 for the Hemet PD Canine Corps. Councilman Russ Brown, a resident of Four Seasons said all the tournament winners donated their winnings to charitable causes, adding that he played in the tournament. “I scored under par and that’s all I’ll say,” hinting that there might be something amusing involved. However, his lips were sealed. Several members of Hemet PD were on hand with two of their canine buddies.

ACTION ITEMS:

A. Resolved to:

1. Open the Public Hearing and take testimony, if any, and

2. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Approving the Fiscal Year2022-2023 through Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for the City of Hemet and;

3. Direct the Finance Director to establish total project appropriations per the CIP for new requests only.

B. Resolved to:

1. Open the public hearing and take testimony, if any, regarding the Engineer’s Reports and levy and collection of assessments for the existing Hemet Streetlight and Landscape Maintenance Districts, and;

2. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Amending and/or Approving the Engineer’s Report for the Existing Streetlight Maintenance Districts for Fiscal Year 2022-2023, and;

3. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Amending and/or Approving the Engineer’s Report for the Existing Landscape Maintenance Districts for Fiscal Year 2022-2023, and;

4. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Ordering the Levy and Collection of Assessments for the Existing Streetlight Maintenance Districts for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 and;

5. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Ordering the Levy and Collection of Assessments for the Existing Landscape Maintenance Districts for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.

C. Open a Public Hearing and take testimony, if any, for objections to Resolution 2022-076 Declaring Public Nuisance by Virtue of Weed Growth and/or Accumulation of Rubbish, Debris, and/or Accumulation of Rubbish, Debris, and/or Dirt on Private Property Pursuant to Government Code Sections 39560-39586, adopted at the Regular City Council Meeting on May 24, 2022.

D. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Approving the Non-Participation in the County of Riverside Urban County Three-Year (2023/2024 through 2025/2026) CDBG, home, and ESG Program and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Documents

E. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Awarding AtoM Engineering Construction, Inc. The Outdoor Fitness Court at Mary Henley Park project, CIP 5735, of an amount of $136,078.00 and rejected the bid protest submitted by Jon Giler Construction, waiving any Minor Bid Irregularities, authorizing the City Manager to Execute all Contract Documents and Approve Additional Construction Expenditures not to exceed $14,000, which is approximately 10% of the contract amount, direct the Finance Director to Appropriate an additional $85,478 from unencumbered Park Development Impact funds (Fund361), and authorizing the City Clerk to record the Notice of Completion upon acceptance of the work by the City Engineer.

F. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Approving an Agreement, in final form and format as approved by the City Attorney, for the Placement of Survey Monuments, Monument Security, and Final Tract Map 36892, Located on the northwest corner of West Florida Avenue and Myers Street (WSI Poppy Ridge, LLC, and WSI Desert Properties, LLC).

G. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, adopting $963,573.00 of California Violence Intervention and Prevention Funds from the Board of State and Community Corrections, and direct the Finance Director to establish supplemental appropriations of $963,573.00 into Public Safety Grand Fund 232, and authorize the City Manager to execute all documents.

H. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Declaring City-Owned Property located at the Northwest Corner of Stetson Avenue and North Sanderson Avenue, also known as Riverside County Assessor’s Parcel Number 456-050-023 as Surplus Land and directing the City Manager to follow the procedures set forth in the Surplus Land Act, California Government Code Section 54220, Et Seq., as Amended on January 1, 2020, for the Sale of Surplus Land.

I. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Acting in its Capacity as the Legislative Body of Community Facilities District No. 2005-1 Public Safety Services, Authorizing the Levy of a Special Tax in Community Facilities District 2005-1.

J. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Acting in its Capacity as the Legislate Body of Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 2019-01 for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 and authorizing the Finance Director to establish revenue and expenditure appropriations in support of the CFD.

K. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Acting in its Capacity as the Legislative Body of Community Facilities District No. 2021=01 (Saddle Point), for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 and authorizing the Finance Director to establish revenue and expenditure appropriations in support of this CFD.

L. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Awarding Calmex Engineering, Inc. The 2021/222 Citywide Pavement Rehabilitation Project, CIP 726 in the amount of $3,074,860, and waive any Minor Bid Irregularities, and Authorize the City Manager to execute all Contract Documents and approve additional construction expenditures not to exceed roughly 10% of the contract amount or $307,500 and authorize the Finance Director to appropriate an additional $1,607,360 of Measure ‘A’ Funds from CIP 5704 t9 the project account to fund the total project cost, and accept a request for relief for the mistake in bid from Vance Corporation, and authorize staff to release the bid submitted by Vance Corporation under the grounds that a mistake(s) was made in filling out the Bid Form Consistent with state law, and authorize City Clerk to record the Notice of Completion upon acceptance of the work by the City Engineer.

M. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, approving an application for the Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Grants FY 2023 WATERSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grant in the amount of $100,000.00 and Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents.

N. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, approving an agreement for services between the City of Hemet and Lilburn Corporation for the preparation of a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Documents and Peer Review for the proposal at Devonshire Commercial and Multi-Family Residential Project located at the northwest corner of Sanderson and Devonshire Avenues for a Not-To–Exceed contract amount of $56,260 to be paid for by the developer, Amco Fuels, LLC; and a CEQA document preparation and deposit agreement between the City, Lilburn and Amco Fuels, LLC for the Delfina at Devonshire commercial and multi-family residential project.

O. Adopt a resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Acting in its Capacity as the Legislative Body of Community Facilities District No. 1999-1 Heartland Project, Authorizing the Levy of a Special Tax in Community Facilities District 1999-1.

P. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Acting in its Capacity as the Legislative Body of Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 2021-02 (Heritage Pointe), Authorizing the Levy of a District (CFD) No. 2021-02 (Heritage Pointe), Authorizing the Levy of a Special Tax for Community Facilities District No. 2021-02 (Heritage Pointe) for Fiscal Year 2022-2023, and Authorizing the Finance Director to Establish Revenue and Expenditure Appropriations in Support of the CFD.

Q. 1. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Approving the First Amendment to the Agreement for Landscape Maintenance Services with Adame Landscape, Inc., updating the annual “not to exceed” compensation amount to $580,441.96; and

2. Authorize the Acting City Manager to execute the First Amendment to the Agreement for Landscape Maintenance Services with Adame Landscape, Inc; and

3. Authorize the Acting City Manager to approve purchase orders for additional work from $50,000 to $100,000 and for Maintenance Services from $430,660 to $480,441.96; and

4. Authorize the Finance Director to increase revenue projections for Turf Renewal and Irrigation Conversion Rebates in the amount of $1,225,000 and record a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $50,000 in LLMD fund $225 for additional work related to Turf Removal and irrigation Conversion.

R. Designated Mayor Lilienthal as the Voting Delegate and Councilwoman Krua as Alternate for the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo – September 7-9, 2022.

S. Discuss and take possible action on a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Ordering the Submission to the Qualified Electors of the City of Hemet an Ordinance Extending Without Increase the City of Hemet Transactions and Use Tax Pursuant to Hemet Municipal Code Section 74-136.

T. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California to Establish City of Hemet Community Facilities District No. 2022-01 to Establish City of Hemet Community Facilities District No. 2022-01 (Tres Cerritos) and to Authorize the Levy of a Special Tax Within City of Hemet Community Facilities District No. 2022-01 (Tres Cerritos), Generally Located northeast of Devonshire Avenue and Old Warren Road (DR Horton).

U. Appointed Fire Chief sells interim City Manager.

Hold on folks, next week I have a story that the taxpayers of Hemet have been harping on, questioning and simply disgusted because they aren’t getting answers. Next week I will overly satisfy their desires and concerns. I promise. So stay tuned. Just sayin’

rustystrait@gmail.com

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During Work Study Session, they voted 4-0 in favor of the following:

1. Receive the report on the Council Protocols from the Council Protocols Ad-Hoc Committee with assistance from the City Manager and City Attorney.

2. Review, discuss and revise the Council Protocols as the Council deems appropriate.

3. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Adopting City Council Protocols, as amended if applicable.

Coming out of a work session, the mayor graveled the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. On a 4-0 vote in favor, Mayor Pro-Tem Karlee Meyer’s absence was approved.

After the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, the meeting was open to public comments.

Under presentations:

1. Women’s History Month was proclaimed for 2022. The citation was presented to 93-year old Agnes Kennedy. Some of the special honors went to Ann Jennings and Mary Whitney, both who are fixtures in the Valley’s history.

2. Reality Rally 2022 Video Presentation, a Temecula Valley event to which The City of Hemet was invited to participate.

3. Highlight Reel of Recent Accomplishments in Hemet.

The following items were discussed or approved by 4-0 vote:

1. Receive a presentation regarding the My Water Advisor 2.0 in order to promote the use of the program among the community.

2. Open a public hearing and take testimony, if any, and waive full reading, read by title only, and introduce an ordinance of the city of Hemet, California, Amending Division 3, “Water Conservation Plan,” of the City’s Municipal Code.

3. Receive and file the Investment Report for February 2022.

4. Receive and update regarding the Water Shut-Off Moratorium.

5. Waive full reading and adopt by title only Ordinance 1996, an Ordinance of the Cit Council of the City of Hemet, California, Amending Section 2-45 of Article II (City Council) of Chapter 2 (Administration) of the Hemet Municipal Code Regarding By-District Elections, Adjusting the Boundaries of City Council Election Districts and Confirmed such revised Council District Boundaries.

6. Consider a Letter of Support for Assembly Bull 1599, a measure to repeal Proposition 47.

7. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Accepting the Growth Allocation for FY20-21 State Citizen’s Option for Public Safety (COPS) Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Account (SLEAZY) in the amount of $79,294.91, and Authorizing the Finance Department to Increase Budget in the Established Revenue and Expenditure Accounts by the Amount of $79,294.91.

8. Adopt a Resolution of th3 City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Awarding an Additional Services Agreement which will add an additional Twenty (20) Flock Safety Cameras and One (1) Raven Auto-Detection Device for $83,500 from Flock Safety and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Additional Services Agreement and Purchase Orders in Support of the Additional Services Agreement.

9. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the city of Hemet, California, Approving a Subdivision Improvement Agreement. Improvement Security, and Final Tract Map 36892, Located at Southeast Corner of Thornton Avenue and Elk Street (D.R. Horton Los Angeles Holding Company, Inc.).

10. Adopt a Resolution of the City council of the City of Hemet, California awarding the purchase of an Eventide NexLog DX 96 Analog Channel System with an extended warranty program for the Amount of $112,902.15 from Goserco, Inc., utilizing the CMAS Contract #3-17-70-2555D and authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement and purchase orders in support of the agreement.

11. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California Accepting $248,200 in SB 821, “Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program” funding for the State Street Sidewalk Improvements, CIP 5728, direct the Finance Director to Establish a supplemental appropriation of $248,200 into SB821 (Fund 223) and reduced the Measure “A” project budget from $300,000 to $82,733 (Fund 222), and Authorize the City Manager to Execute Agreement No. 22-62-063-00 with the Riverside County Transportation Commission Substantially in the Form and Format Attached and in Such Final Form as Approved by the City Attorney.

It was pretty much agreed by all involved that the additional crime prevention and capture methods now installed and with more to come, that some crimes will be prevented while more perpetrators of the crime will be caught.

Also, coming out of the COVID Pandemic, the city will now be able to invoke new projects that are long overdue.

All in all, it was a very Happy City Council that closed the meeting. Just sayin’ rustystrait@gmail.com

Rusty Strait | Senior Reporter

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At the January 11, 2022 city council meeting, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A79JGYgjBSE Stephen Graham, attorney for the city of Hemet, told Malcolm Lilienthal: “Being king is good, sir” (time: 1:08:58)

We live in America, Mr. City Attorney. We do not have kings. In America, kings have no power. In America, Attorney Graham, we have Mayors of cities, and Mayors do have power.

Mayor Lilienthal, you are the Mayor of Hemet. You DO have power.

For example, last year’s Mayor, Karlee Meyer, overturned Hemet citizens’ vote. Karlee Meyer and the rest of Council appointed the city manager and finance director to invest Hemet’s money instead of the Treasurer the citizens had elected. You have the power to correct the disservice to Hemet citizens.

Free speech is the first amendment in America. The first amendment allows me to speak freely. Yet, Mayor Lilienthal, (time 1:29:05) you can be seen turning off my microphone during my speech and then telling me what I could and could not say. A clear violation of my first amendment rights recorded for all to see on YouTube.

Not only does the city of Hemet overturn the vote of its citizens, it denies them their constitutional rights. As Mayor, Mr. Lilienthal, you do NOT have the power to restrict my speech or tell me what to say.

Citizens are allowed three minutes to speak in front of city council. As the elected Treasurer of Hemet, I do not interrupt you nor do I tell you what you can say. It would be much appreciated if you would not use my time with your words and would not tell me what to say.

As Mayor, Mr. Lilienthal, you have the power and the opportunity to restore the will of the people and their vote. You have the power and the opportunity to cause the Treasurer of Hemet to invest on behalf of Hemet citizens.

The citizens of Hemet would appreciate you restoring their vote. As Mayor, you can cause the city Treasurer to do the investing for Hemet, just like the other city treasurers invest for their cities.

Sue Savage, Hemet City Treasurer,

Working hard for Hemet Citizens

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There were three items for discussion from the closed session. No action was taken with two of them. One item involving litigation was settled.

The following presentations were made by the council:

1. Presentation of a Donation to the City of Hemet Fire Department Explorer Post Number 620. The family of deceased fireman Kevin Wojeck donated $15,000 in cash plus new helmets and boots to the local Explorer Post 620. They promised to donate in the future if needed. An emotional film depicting young Kevin’s life was screened. Needless to say, there was hardly a dry eye in the room when it ended.

2. November 11th was proclaimed Veterans Day.

3. November proclaimed as Diabetes Awareness Month.

4. Proclamation honoring the 246th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

5 November proclaimed to be Military Appreciation Month.

Comments from the Public:

Debra Scarcelli: Follow up from the previous meeting regarding issues between citizens and power outages that cost taxpayers thousands of dollars. Council agreed to investigate further.

Richard Cantla: Praising Hemet PD for taking care of an incident that began in his driveway into the streets, praising their quick action.

Jerry Ann Franklin: Representing Hemet West Mobile Home Park regarding surveyor action east of the Mobile Home Park. Council agreed to check into an application for a commercial-residential project that might interfere with the rights of Hemet West residents.

Received and filed: City of Hemet Warrant Registers dated October 7th, 2021, in the amount of $648,109.97 and October 21, 20-21, in the amount of $1,062,841.06. The payroll periods of September 20th, 2021-October 3, 2021, in the amount of $746,109.88, and October 4th, 2021- October 17th, 2021 in the amount of $762,187.65.

Passed 4-0 with conditions, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, adopting a schedule of user and regulatory fees for various city services.

Passed 4-0 with conditions, an ordinance of the City of Hemet, California, amending sections of Chapter 90 (zoning) of the Hemet Municipal Code to include emerging trends businesses for allowable uses.

Passed 4-0 An ordinance of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, amending three sections of Chapter 90 (zoning) of the Hemet Municipal Code Regarding an Amendment to the Building Height allowance in the (CM) Commercial Manufacturing Zone with Exceptions in the C-M (Commercial Manufacturing), Business Park (BP), M-1 (limited manufacturing) and M-2 (General Manufacturing Zones. Passed 4-0, with amendments, First Reading and introduction of an ordinance entitled, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, amending two sections of Chapter 90 (zoning) of the Hemet Municipal Code to establish objective design and development standards and to amend site development review applications citywide.

Passed 4-0, First reading and adoption of ordinance 19811, an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, approving a second amendment to development agreement amendment No. 20-001 for Amendment to Development Agreement Amendment No. 20-001 for Tres Cerritos West Between the City of Hemet and JMP Busby Hemet.

Passed 4-0, Consent Calendar with the exception of Resolution of the City of Hemet, California renewing a three-year small government enterprise license agreement (SGEA) with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI) in the amount of $158,500 and authorize the City Manager to Execute the Agreement, annual purchase orders, and all other supporting documents related to the agreement. Mayor Karlee Meyer voted against the agreement because she claimed that the company injected itself into the recent municipal election.

Accepted Fiscal Year; end 2020-2021 Review and Quarterly Budget Update for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Quarterly Report.

Passed 4-0 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California Approving a subdivision improvement agreement, improvement security, and final tract map 36889 located at northwest corner of Thornton Avenue and Elk Street.

Passed 4-0 Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California approving a subdivision improvement agreement, improvement security and final tract map 36889, located at northwest corner of Thornton and Elk Street.

Passed 4-0 a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, approving a subdivision improvement agreement, improvement security, and final tract map 36891, located at southwest corner of Thornton Avenue and Elk Street.

Passed 4-0 a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California authorizing the award of a purchase order to Fairview Ford for a 2022 Ford F-450 Super Cab Gas Engine Truck with a Pacific Service Body in the amount of $75,053.33 and authorizing the finance director to record a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $75,053.33 from fund 380 and authorize the City Manager to execute a purchase order to support of the award and declare vehicle #8254 as Surplus to be sold at auction.

Passed 4-0 A resolution of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, authorizing the award of a purchase order to Plumbers Depot for a Compressed Natural Gas freightliner/GAPVAX combination jet/vacuum truck in the amount of $557,291.31; authorize the finance director to record a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $557,291.31 from Fund 224, and authorize the City Manager to execute a purchase order in support of the award and declare vehicle #4609 surplus to be sold at auction.

Passed 4-0 A resolution of the City of Hemet, California awarding a vehicle purchase of one 2022 Ford F-750 with a Douglas Service Body to Fritts Ford in the amount of $154,718.42.

Passed 4-0 A resolution of the City council of the City of Hemet, California to establish City of Hemet Community Facilities District No. 2021-02 (Heritage Pointe and to authorize the levy of a special tax within City of Hemet Community Facilities District No. 2021-02 (Heritage Pointe), generally located between Stetson Avenue, Chambers Street, Lyon Avenue and Palm Avenue.

Passed 4-0 First reading and adoption of Ordinance 1981, an ordinance of the city council of the City of Hemet, California approving a second amendment to development agreement amendment No. 20-001 for Tres Cerritos West between the City of Hemet and JMP Bixby Hemet.

Future Agenda Items:

1. Broadcasting of City Council Meetings

2. Vagrancy and Pan Handling Laws

3. Council Protocols

4. Animal Control Regulations for Businesses

5. Solar Feasibility

6, Review of Resolution No. 4703

7. Legal Review of Hemet Youth Baseball

8. Code Enforcement Efficiency Plan

9. Building Code Ordinances for New Single-family residence constructions.

10. Review of Section 82-172 of the City of Hemet Municipal code the council would get to the point and not argue and debate forever.

Rusty Strait | Senior Reporter

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