Thursday, November 30, 2006

IMPORTANT DATES FOR INTERESTED CITIZENS and CONTRACTORS


IMPORTANT DATES FOR INTERESTED CITIZENS and CONTRACTORS
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NOTICE of PUBLIC HEARING IN GRAND TERRACE
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Meeting Date: December 14th , 2006
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Meeting Regarding: Use of Block Grant Funds
Meeting Location: City Council Chambers
Meeting Begins: 7:30PM
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THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND TERRACE IS SCHEDULED TO HAVE A PUBLIC HARING REGARDING THE FOLLOWING ITEM.

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The Grand Terrace City Cuoncil inviting input to assist in reprioritising projects and determining community needs to be funded during the period of 2006-2007 under its Community Development Block Grant Program.
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Anyone wishing to speak in favor or opposition to the above listed item will be given the opportunity. Any questions regarding the public hearing may be addressed to Steve Berry, Assistant City manager, City of grand Terrace at (909)430-2226.

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SECOND ANNOUNCEMENT: OF INTEREST TO CONTRACTORS
CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
NOTICE INVITING BIDS
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BID NO. GTB 06-02
DUE: 10 A.M.
DATE: DECEMBER 18, 2006
SUBMIT BID IN SEALED ENVELOPE MARKED AS INDICATED BELOW:
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BIDDER'S NAME AND ADDRESS
CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
22795 BARTON ROAD
GRAND TERRACE CA 92313
BID NO. GTB-06-02
DUE DECEMBER 18, 2006
HOUR: 100: A. M.
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PROJECT DESCRIPTION: LA CROSSE AND VIVIENDA ROAD RECONSTRUCTION
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Sealed Proposals will be received at the City Clerk's Office untill December 18, 2006 at 10:00 A.M. at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud at said location.
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Wednesday, November 29, 2006

WIND WIND WIND WIND and more WIND

Wind has been a blowing, branches and palm leaves are on the move. Fences are flying and trash cans are being pushed up hill.

The Dust in the air from plowed fields, and construction projects carries particles that aggravate lungs and carry disease. Please be cautious and aware of your families health and safety during the winds and for up to 21 days after the big wind.

IF you must be out in the wind, wear a dust mask, and remember your car's air filter and oil may need to be changed after it is blocked up with dust and grit.

Wind is a part of living in Grand Terrace. Be a good neighbor, put palm leaves in the trash, not the green bin. Please don't quibble about who's palm tree it comes off.

Dogs and pets may be out in the wind... fences may blow down, help each other out and bring dogs in, and list them on the Blog or Craigs list as found.

Heads up, be alert, and safe out there. Projections are the wind assult will be several days. Most damage will have been done by now, but keep alert and help your neighbors where you can.

Gramps

Monday, November 27, 2006

Crime and Arrests in Grand Terrace and Safety:

For those of you having problems finding the arrest report here is the link...

http://grandterracenews.blogspot.com/2006/10/arrests-october-november-december-2006.html

Arrests for drugs and drinking or related acts, continue to be the most common link in GT Arrests. We all know the impact this has on children, youth and families.

Remember: This is only the Arrests it is not an accounting of Calls to Report Crimes.

If you have time Please Join the Neighborhood Watch and Citizens Patrol or CERTS these are a core to providing a SAFE Community, the folks providing this service are aiding to the community in a significant and important way. Thanks All.

Even IF you are not a member of the above service groups, Please be a Good Neighbor return lost dogs, watch out for children, and remember Safety is a Planned Activity.

Please do not leave Christmas Lights on All Night, Water your Live Trees, and never leave a candle burning unattended. Drapes and Furniture burn quickly.

Remember our Friends and Family
Near and Far
Enjoy the Spirit of the Season,
stay away from the Spirits of Wine and all will be Fine

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Landlords and Suspected Landlords: A Date For You


Landlords Meeting on Rental Inspection Program
7 p.m. on Dec. 6
Rental Inspection Program that takes effect Jan. 1.
Community Room at City Hall, 22795 Barton Road.
For more information, call (909) 430-2226
You will Pay to Have an Inspection. Violations will cost you, this includes rentals to Family Members, and Rooms for Rent.
Put the Date on the Date Book, Attend if You are a Landlord or Suspected Landlord or Potential Landlord.
From the Email Inbox:
Frankly, I think investors will purchase rental homes in other towns, therefore leading to less buyers for each property, and so lower sales number & prices. Let's watch to see if that is true. You tax something you get less of it.
Gramps Add:
Renters often can pay the rent, but not muster a down payment. Investors or Homeowners who provide Rental Housing have the down payment but for either family, or business reasons may find that they have to rent out a house for a short time rather than live in it. Then there are the investers who have the down payment, but depend on renters to make the monthly payments on the house. These transactions will all be affected by the inspection tax of 95.00 per year. Yes call it what it is this is a Tax. The City has determined that it requires a tax to insure a rental unit that is a BUSINESS after all, should pay an inspection tax to make sure it LOOKS Good.
Remember, If the Property Results in an Income for the Owner the Owner will pay State and Federal Income Tax on that Income. This is just another bite at the apple.
Protect your Huts, Tents, and homes ye citizens as the Ruler has a desire for your property.

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Steve Berry Wants Tom Schwab's Job: What Will He Do To Get It?

Official's passion brings innovation
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
San
Bernardino County Sun
Article Launched:11/25/2006 12:00:00 AM PST

GRAND TERRACE - Don't call Steve Berry a bureaucrat. He likes the term "entrepreneur" better.

With a background in the private sector, Berry has brought innovative thinking to this city of nearly 13,000 residents.

Berry, a 44-year-old Riverside resident, was hired as assistant city manager five years ago.

"I don't consider myself a typical bureaucrat," he said. "I'm inside the government, but I still have creative ideas and solutions."

He manages the city's community services, information technology, code enforcement and child care divisions.

Berry also volunteers on several boards and foundations and coordinates the city's major festivals and events.

"He goes above and beyond the call of duty," said Jeff McConnell, a resident and community activist. "He doesn't punch his clock and go home. Because of all his involvement, he has a wealth of knowledge and experience that benefit the city."

Born and raised in Miami, Berry moved to California in 1982. He tried unsuccessfully to make his fortune in mainframe computers, then went back to college and earned a degree in business administration.

He worked for 12 years as vice president of district operations for the Loma Linda
division of Benefit Fraud Inspectorate waste services.

Through his contacts with local government officials, Berry got a job in the mayor's office in Riverside, where he created a program to expand computer and Internet access for low-income families.

In 2001, Grand Terrace City Manager Tom Schwab contacted Berry to ask if he would interested in working as his second in command.

"The one thing about Steve is that he is very passionate about his job," Schwab said. "He really puts a lot of his own heart and soul into putting a project together, whether it's the annual Grand Terrace Days festival or the dump days we have twice a year."

Berry said he is determined to see that Grand Terrace remains a safe, attractive and financially well-off city.

"Whether we're fixing streets, improving parks or enhancing public safety, our overriding purpose is to increase property values for the residents," he said.

Berry, who built the city's original Web site, is working to upgrade it with interactive features. For example, he said residents would be able to report potholes online and track progress made in fixing them.

(Citizens want to have Check Journal, Contact Announcements, and other City Business Online, not just automated pothole reporting and progress reports).

Besides his day job, he serves on the board of the Foundation of Grand Terrace, which raises money to plant trees and wants to create a wilderness park on Blue Mountain.

He is also chairman of the Riverside Educational Enrichment Foundation, which provides grants to teachers for special projects.

Berry hopes someday to become a city manager somewhere in the region.

"I think there's a lot of vision left in me," he said. "I understand the Inland Empire. I believe in the Inland Empire. I think we are destined for greatness."

Contact writer Stephen Wall at (909) 386-3916 (What INOVATIONS?)


From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An entrepreneur (a loanword from French) is a person who undertakes and operates a new enterprise or venture and assumes some accountability for the inherent risks. In the context of the creation of for-profit enterprises, entrepreneur is often synonymous with founder.

Most commonly, the term entrepreneur applies to someone who establishes a new entity to offer a new or existing product or service into a new or existing market, whether for a profit or not-for-profit outcome.

Business entrepreneurs often have strong beliefs about a market opportunity and are willing to accept a high level of personal, professional or financial risk to pursue that opportunity. Business entrepreneurs are often highly regarded in U.S. culture as critical components of its capitalistic society

A bureaucrat is a member of a bureaucracy, usually within an institution of the government.

The term "bureaucrat" today has largely negative connotations, so those who are the members of a governmental bureaucracy usually prefer terms such as civil servant or public servant to describe their jobs. The negative connotation is fueled by the perception that bureaucrats work inefficiently, lack creativity, are unmotivated, and are unresponsive to constituent needs.

Bureaucrat jobs are usually "desk jobs" (the French for desk being bureau), often of a clerical or organizational nature.

Gramps Says:

You pick what word best fits Steve Berry Assistant City Manager, and Apparent City Manager Hopeful.

Let us recall a few of his “triumphs”

He inflated budget and Outside Influence on City Event GT Days so far that GT is no longer the Focus, the Party and Event is.

He Inflated the Halloween Haunt from a Child Friendly Safe Place to an Excessive Budget with hired Outside Entertainment and Noise Levels. He caused the Alienation of Service Clubs and Parents of Smaller children who now attend an alternative, alternative to the Halloween Haunt by taking credit for the work of others.

Design and build of “Island of MT. Vernon” without consideration to impact on Drive way use of homeowners, or full understanding of traffic flow.

He showed a total Disregard of the Citizens Concerns on Palm (The other side of Grand Terrace), not once, but twice if not more.

He supported the Restriction of Public Input on the Pocket Park. He wants total control of the Park Design and Use. He pulled the wool over the eyes of the City Council over what they had agreed to or approved in relation to the Pocket Park, and rushed past Public Input into use and design, of the public space.

Increase in collection of “Contributions” from Developers and Businesses doing business with the City. Berry fails to account and report publicly the full disclosure of these funds and uses.
Innovative? For an alleged computer guy he has consistently said that there is no way the city could improve its web page without great expense. He has shown a lack of understanding of current technology and even basic web skills.

He fails to see that simplicity and local is a good thing. Bigger, Louder, More is not always a good thing. He does not inspire or build a community effort or community identity. He has not added to the self sufficiency or sustainability of community where is the inovation. Take Money from Contractors and Developers, throw a party with outside entertainment, and noise. Where is the inovation?

He is less qualified to be the City Manager than the Local Librarian.

Perhaps the City Clerk or City Manager Tom Schwab’s Secretary would be better qualified and more informed of the daily duties and current status of work underway in the City Manager’s Office and thus a better candidate for a Tom Schwab Replacement.

Perhaps we should recognize that the Work to running the city is done by the City Clerk and Secretary, and that the Decisions being made lie where they lie. What we need to do is hire the Worker, and let the City Council and Citizens return to the Decision Making Process.

Friday, November 24, 2006

The Other Blog: More on the Blue Mt. Senior Villias

"From the Other Blog:"




Senior Center Decision to be appealed

When the City of Grand
Terrace and The Corporation for Better Housing (CBH) began planning construction of our new senior center, a "negative declaration" was entered. This basically means that the city and the CBH feel that the proposed project will not significantly affect the environment in a negative way.

A local Grand Terrace citizens group (Citizens for Responsible and Open Government), who opposes the construction of the senior on the current site on Grand Terrace Road, hired Attorney Raymond Johnson and filed suit against the CBH and the City of Grand Terrace.

On June 27, 2006, San Bernardino Superior Court Judge John Wade ruled in favor of the Citizens for Responsible and Open Government, when he ordered that the approval for the senior center project be vacated, and that a CEQA EIR (environmental impact report) be prepared prior to continuation of the project.

A review of court records now shows that no EIR has been filed with the court, and that this ruling is being appealed to the District Court of Appeals. On 11/8/06, a
notice to prepare transcripts to be forwarded to the District Court of Appeals was filed.

........ is in favor of this appeal and wholeheartedly supports it. A message has to be sent that these types of lawsuits will no longer bear fruit. A quick read-through of the court records and minutes shows how much time, money and court/city resources are being wasted on these types of issues. These are things that should be dealt with outside of a courtroom. This citizen's group doesn't want this project to proceed at it's current location, and will find any excuse to stop it from proceeding.

The excuse this time is that a study of air conditioner noise was not conducted. I have been witness to several discussions by members of this group regarding the senior center, and have never...NEVER heard the word ENVIRONMENT come up once..NOT EVEN ONCE!

Their issue with the center is that some low income seniors might come into town. Section 8 housing is the main topic of every conversation that comes up about the senior center. This elitist attitude is exactly what the city government is accused of by this group. Terracetruth welcomes low income seniors to Grand Terrace.

Many of us have parents or grandparents that have been or are low income, and
are glad that Grand Terrace is in a position to possibly lend a hand. Terracetruth knows exactly which side of the dias the wannabe elitists are working from in Grand Terrace.

So, in closing; rock on with your appeal and best of luck to you. You have majority
support.

Brian Reinarz


Reply From Gramps:

When the “negative declaration” was entered on the EIR submitted by CBH, it was done so prior to Citizen input, and raising concerns. The EIR was not available for Public Review in such a way the public could make an impact on its approval.

Citizens have the opportunity to raise their concerns amongst them being Environmental Impact of Noise, and Population Density, and Traffic Concerns. These concerns were brought up during the hearings at the Planning Commission Meeting. The Planning Commission felt they did not rise to the level that would justify their denial of the application.

The next step in the approval process was a hearing before the City Council. An appeal was made by neighbors of the project and citizens throughout the city for a review of the design, and location of the intended project. Amongst the concerns were, Noise, Traffic, and Housing Density. These are Environmental Issues.

The City Council approved the application and contracts with CBH in this RDA DEBT FUNDED PROJECT.

Citizens who felt their concerns were not mitigated, or responded to do file suit. A part of the process and their full right to do.

A Judge Found that the EIR was not sufficient and provided detail where revisions would be required.

The City and CBH have chosen not to make Revisions and Resubmit an EIR that would be satisfactory, they chose to appeal the case.

You don’t need to say the word Environment to be talking about Environmental Issues. Brian’s representations are significantly flawed. I will go to the records and search the use of words, noise, density, traffic as it relates to this Development plan.

Brian’s Suggestion that the people that brought the suit don’t want Senior Housing. This is a flawed inference. The suit is about the design, density, and location of the planned development. The suit is about the Environmental Impact the Development will have on HUMANS living in and around the Planned Development.

Why does City Manager says to the Council and Press, and Public, oh We just have to do a new EIR and that will cost between 40 and 60 thousand dollars. When he is bringing the case to an Appeals Court? IS it possible that the revised EIR cant get pass a Judge, the project is flawed to the extent it cant handle a simple revision, and filing an appeal is the only way that the City can stick to a flawed plan is to hope the Appeal will run out the resources of the folks who have raised the suit and objections to the project?

Is this where the 3 million provided to CBH has been spent? Where is the money?
When did the City Council Approve an Appeal?

Who did you ask while you determined that a Majority of People want this to be built as is? What question did you ask. Do you want senior housing and a new senior center. Of course that answer is YES. IF you asked do you want Senior Housing that is Very High Density, with Noisy Air conditioners and increased traffic on a narrow road next to the elementary school… The answer may be no not there.

Brian will say in response well they had their chance to say so at the Council Meeting. Yes there was a parade of seniors who had been told they would be on a reserved list for housing, and that they would be able to move in and have a priority as Grand Terrace Citizens. The CBH provided snacks, and other enducements for their participation in the they the Majority did. The Minority has the court to protect them from the Majority in this country.

Only occasionally is the Minority the victor in a case against City Hall, hence the phrase, “You can’t fight City Hall”.

The last election proved that the Majority in Grand Terrace doesn’t vote, doesn’t care, and one could assume is not informed about the details that are of concern of the minority raising the issues in court.

SO: I think the Citizens should be informed about the case, and reasons that a simple revision is not being done, and paying lawyers is easier than redoing an EIR if the PLAN is a GOOD PLAN. I think the Citizens should know where the 3.2 Million has been spent. I think the City Council and Citizens should have an opportunity to review, revisit this and if necessary stop the project as designed if that Design can’t have an EIR Judge Wade would approve.

https://cscda.cacommunities.org/reports/projects/?cn=San%20Bernardino

CSCDA Projects
Blue Mountain Senior Villas

Grand Terrace $10,500,000 2006 Housing Bond New Construction Senior 108 Low Income 120 Total Units.

Extracted from the Press Enterprise
Citizens case claims that the city did not adequately examine environmental impacts of Blue Mountain Senior Villas and failed to evaluate project alternatives.

The suit also says that many of the documents used to get the project approved were not available for public review or comment.

On Sept. 8 the Grand Terrace City Council approved Corporation for Better Housing's $18 million proposal to build 120 low- to moderate-income apartments, a 6,500-square-foot senior center and a 4-acre park on Grand Terrace Road. That would be 120 apartments and a Senior Center on 2 acres of land.

Note to Brian: POPULATION DENSITY is an ENVIRONEMTAL ISSUE.

The decision came after a month long debate during Planning Commission and City Council meetings. Opponents said the original proposal of a three-story building would block their views, and create noise and traffic.

Note to Brian: NOISE AND TRAFFIC are ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.

CBH REP Said: "The lawsuit is really just going to cost time. I think the lawyer didn't do his homework because his statements are erroneous." This person was reassigned to a different project. Apparently Judge Wade didn’t think so.

Note to Brian, These comments have been sent to grandterracenews@yahoo.com

His (Brian’s) lack of interest in facts and a clear interest in pleasing authorities in power has been noted, neither are conducive to advancing his position on the issues.

His first meeting of attendance was in regard to the Town Center. Brian was not in attendance at the meetings regarding the Blue Mountain Senior Villas, he did not hear the words because he was not there. Concerns came from people who live on Brentwood and Grand Terrace Road, and Vista Grande Way, and from citizens from “the other side” across Barton Road. One of the concerns not related to the EIR is that the General Plan places the Senior Housing Planned Element near down town where support services of shopping and care and public transportation is available.

Our seniors were promised apartments and a new senior center. It will be filled up with Section 8’ residents, most from out of town. The Senior Center will be a recreation center for them and the Grand Terrace Seniors combined. The no restroom facility park will be intended for use by only seniors who do not need a restroom to be handy, or those of us with good renal health. The seniors were told by Brian’s leash jerker that they will be put on a priority list. As we found out recently that is an “interest list”, not a Priority List. Brian needs to do research before he speaks. That is not to say Section 8 is bad. it is saying that the representation that GRAND TERRACE SENIORS will be a Priority IS a False Statement given to the Seniors and City Council when the Project was approved. THAT is the ISSUE about the Section 8 status. MOST who think they will have a place in the Blue Mt. Villas wont have space in the Villa, that is the point of bringing the income classification to the public.

Even those that are connected with City Hall are laughing at his level of ignorance.

The OAC lawsuit was ruled in favor of the Citizens, because Schwab was going to saddle the taxpayers with 18 million in traffic mitigation fees, that should have belonged to the developer.

Even when outside lawyers advise the City Council not to support a proposed development, they go forward with the folly of the City Manager.

Schwab is contesting the Fee’s of Mr. Johnson, which would have been much lower IF the city had taken the time and effort to resolve out of court the issues contained in the complaint rather than be unable to accept the clear fact that Mr. Schwab has been bringing flawed work product to the City Council for approval.

SO ROCK ON : Minority of GRAND TERRACE Citizens who try to be INFOMED even when the CITY HIDES INFORMATION.

Minority Actions have:

Integrated Schools and Housing.
Integrated the Military
Changed Voting Laws
Changed Marriage Laws

Much work is still needed in this society. Much of the change is raised to the level of awareness by what starts as a MINORITY of one sort or another.

OH heck it was the MINORITY that came to America in the MAYFLOWER Being in the MINORITY is being an AMERICAN.

Gramps Reply to Brain:

Brian:

What you should read and understand from my sending the email was that the comment and perhaps related action is out there. My informing you of it is a heads up for you. I posted a much toned down redacted version. Why, well because you do represent yourself in FBI hats, and as a Criminalist and with that title in your blog and so forth a reader presumes you have done research on a topic which should add to the credibility of your statements. However, it is clear your statements indicate to some you have not done the research prior to formulating an opinion.

For example the statement that you did not hear the word Environment... That is false, and not even cogent to the issue. EIR, is inclusive of Environment... the word, traffic, density, and so forth are Environmental Issues raised by citizens at both the Public Meeting at the Planning Commish, and City Council. So when you write as you do it suggests you do not base your writing on reality, or research.

Email Sent to Brain:

The Primary Issue is 120 units with up to 2 people each unit on 2 acres of land and a Senior Center on that same 2 acres of land is a zone change and density rate and traffic situation that was not addressed in the EIR and apparently can't be thus the appeal of Judge Wade's decision.

The Secondary Issue is the Lie that the Grand Terrace Seniors were told they would be on a Reserved List, then a Priority List and now it is called a list of "Interested Seniors", and they were assured they would qualify to live in the Apartments, when the Citizens supported going into debt for the project, they thought they would be the benefactors of the Debt. Now they are getting the clear picture of the project and finding out the hope of living in a nice apartment complex with less duties of a homeowner, or downsizing is not going to be available to them, as it is for Section 8 folks first, and there is no priority setting on that type of housing.

I know the seniors feel lied to. Not by GrandTerraceNews, or Gramps, but by Schwab/Berry/CBH.

It is not that Section 8 housing is a bad thing. It is not was was sold to the seniors, and to the GT Citizens. It is the "Deal" and how it went down and is going down that is a concern for some folks.

For the folks that live next to the project have not seen hide nor hair of revised air conditioner specifications or redesigning the building so that only 2 story buildings are along the back wall, both were conditions agreed to prior to council approval, but not included in any designs submitted in court, and one would assume would be included in the Revised EIR, if there was going to be a revised EIR. These are related to Noise and Density or Environmental Issues.

The way the zone changed from R3 which is (Horse size Lots) to SUPER HIGH Density did not follow the proper process, and could be challanged in State Court.

These are legitimate issues that the CBH and Schwab refuse to negotiate and resolve and do the paperwork on... It is not the persons making the complaint that is not willing to resolve the concerns, it is the CBH/Schwab team that is holding up resolution.

Final point. The State of California Housing Authority has not approved the expenditure of funds on this project and have rejected the spending of funds unless non senior housing is planned and approved in addition. That housing will have to have a value of about another 150 million of debt. This financial reality is not clear to members of the public or council, and is going to be a co-obligation of the city when and if the Blue Mt. Senior Villas are built.

If the costly law suit stops this crushing debt, like the OAC lawsuit stopped the citizens from a debt for roads I have to say I appreciate the detailed effort being applied on the BMSV topic.

It is not nor has it ever been the issue that Section 8 people are not welcome in GT... not by the opponents. No. as a matter of fact the Senior Housing, and High Density housing would be accepted along the Barton Road Corridor where Public Transportation, limited as it is would be available, to the residents who are most likely in need of Public Transportation, and close to stores and services. The General Plan had the development of the senior housing in front of "The Terrace", and it was rejected by the Housing Authority because of the lack of housing plan for other Low Income People.

The blogsters have repeatedly pointed this out, and have supported the development of affordable green housing that is SAFE for all those in our community who work at the minimum wage jobs in our stores, restaurants, and services, and day care providers.

I have taken a great deal of time to summarize this for you, I hope it is received with respect for the time spent. It is more than about Section 8. If that is all you are hearing, your missing what is being said in its totality. It is difficult to fit all of these things into a 3 minute presentation or comment in the Council Meeting.

If the City won't listen to the Citizens, Citizens have to hire a lawyer. We could argue about what came first the chicken or the egg. However, the party that refuses to accomodate change, or follow the directions of the court is the City. The City's Lawyers are getting paid a lot more than Johnson is, and that is a fact. They have a vested interest in playing the court game. Schwab's motive in dragging it out I don't know. CBH's motive is clear, the deal is a plumb for them. Their other buildings they have to pay much more for the land, and are required to provide more space, and lower density. A Valid and Acceptable EIR is that so hard for them to produce.... why? That is my question at this point.

Gramps

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Saturday, November 18, 2006

QUICK FACT:

About 10,000 people are on a waiting list for the housing-assistance program in San Bernardino County, (SECTION 8).

Friday, November 17, 2006

REWARD: HAVE YOU SEEN

GRAND TERRACE DOG SEARCH LISTED ON CRAIGSLIST.

Lost Dog

Reply to: comm-236376146@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-11-17, 2:43PM PSTlast seen 9-22-06 On Barten and Michigan.

Shes a Lapso Opos shes tan with some black.
please help me fine her we miss her so much.
PLEASE CALL 951-801-1723.OR 951-787-9357 Reward

Location: GrandTerrace

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Court Case UPDATE

It appears that the City is Dragging their feet on paying Johnson for the OAC case.

It appears that the City is not going to file a Revised EIR for the BMSV Project rather they are Appealing the Case to the District Court of Appeals. There is no mention of a filing of a REVISED EIR.
It appears that the City Attorney Harper is now Representing CFBH and the City in the APPEAL and the CITY IS PAYING.

It appears that the ESSCO case is moving forward in January, and that "Negotiations" is not taking hold.

Email Grandterracenews@yahoo.com for a 26 page word document regarding the Case Report for the three cases mentioned above.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

One Night 2 Meetings.... NOV 16 th ..Tailgate Pot Luck?

AES Meeting is in the Community Room and
Begins at
6:00 ending at 8:00

Planning Meeting in Council Chambers
Begins at
7:00 ending.... when they are done...
BOTH ARE ON NOVEMBER 16... 2006 THURSDAY

Planning Commission Meeting Nov 16, 2006

AGENDA
THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF GRAND TERRACE WILL BE HELD ON
DATE: November 16, 2006
PLACE: Council Chambers, Grand Terrace Civic Center
22795 Barton Road, Grand Terrace, California
7:00 P.M. CONVENE SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW


BOARD/PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING

• Call to Order
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Roll Call

• Public address to Commission shall be limited to three minutes unless extended by the Chairman. Should you desire to make a longer presentation, please make written request to be agendized to the Director of Community and Economic Development.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:

• This is a time for anyone in the audience to speak on any item, which is not on the agenda for this meeting.

ITEMS
1.

MINUTES:

Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 21, 2006

RECOMMENDATION:
Approval

2.

TPM-06-03, E-06-12:
TPM-06-03 (TPM 18333 - County Surveyor Number), and E-06-12 - Divide the subject site into four separate lots in conformance with the R1 - 7.2 Zone

APPLICANTS: Edmundo Illabaca for Zapata Real Estate Investments, Inc.

LOCATION: 22000 and 22034 De Berry Street (two parcels totaling 1.06 acres on the north side of De Berry Street about 500 feet westerly of Michigan Street.)

RECOMMENDATION: Open the public hearing, receive testimony, close the public hearing and recommend to the City Council the approval of Tentative Parcel Map No. 06-03 (TPM 18333) and approve Environmental Review Case No. 06-12 to divide the subject site into four separate lots.

3.
SA-06-17, E-06-14: SA-06-17, E-06-14 to construct a two story addition of 1,146 square feet of living area at 22154 Pico Street, Grand Terrace.

APPLICANTS: Mandry Construction for property owners Terry and Valerie Futch
LOCATION: 22154 Pico Street (APN# 1167-281-52)

RECOMMENDATION: Open the public hearing, receive testimony, close the public hearing, and approve SA-06-17, and E-06-14 to construct a two-story single family residential addition of 1,146 square feet.

4.
APPLICANTS: City of Grand Terrace - Department of Community Development

PROPOSAL: Workshop and briefing on a first “draft” of the “Amateur Radio Antenna (HAM) Ordinance” for the City of Grand Terrace (Z-06-02)

LOCATION: City-wide

RECOMMENDATION: Provide any comments on the proposed “HAM” Ordinance and to determine if the “draft” is ready for public release.

ADJOURN SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD/PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING

CONVENE PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION
• Information to Commissioners
• Information from Commissioners

ADJOURN PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION
NEXT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TO BE HELD ON December 7, 2006

Monday, November 13, 2006

Problems at the GT Polls being reported:

The Email InBox has been full of complaints about the past election. Not about the Results but the Process and Conduct of Individuals at the Polling Places. "The numbers changed only 15, one way or the other it did not matter, enough to change the results." is one quote. The number of votes is not the issue, be it 15 or 1500 if there was a problem at the polls it should be addressed regardless of the number of votes it affects. The "Problem", may be more significant than the number of votes.

The statements of observation and concern should be compiled in detail and provided to the registrar of Voters, and Possibly the D.A.'s Office and if you feel your voting rights have been violated sufficiently perhaps even to the F.B.I..

The Conduct of the Individuals and the equipment may not change the election results, however the conduct may change the validity of the process and there may conduct that is beyond an error but raises to a violation of the law. This should be evaluated by the Legal Authorities and the Regulatory Agency of the Registrar of Voters, the D.A. and the F.B.I.

For example a voter may not cast a ballot if their name has to be on the ballot, or as one report the voter booklet was being used to cast votes. This with a City Official insisting a count of those booklets. If this reported event took place the detail of it should be reported to the ROV and FBI, as it is a process violation to have a Voter's Name directly traceable to a particular vote or ballot. What ever happened and who did what needs to be investigated and dealt with appropriately, and we hope problems resolved and corrected.

I voted, my machine worked, yes I had to wait to vote, but there was a paper print out on the left of the machine to check so I personally did not experience a problem. However, I did hear and observe that there was a machine that was being difficult to use and the election official repeatedly had to intervene and assist the voters using that machine in the City Hall. Other than that I have no particular first hand knowledge of what happened as the polls closed, the use of booklets for ballots, or alleged City Officials actions which may have compromised the integrity of the election process,(even if it was "only a matter of 15 votes one way or another").

If you feel you have input to these concerns please write them down and send them to the ROV, DA, and the FBI. Insist that elections in Grand Terrace are conducted without the problem of insufficient working machines, or provisional ballots so that a voter can cast a ballot in anonymity as the process is supposed to insure, and that each person has an opportunity to vote and have that vote counted.

Contact Registrar of Voters
777 East Rialto Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0770

General Information 909 - 387 - 8300
Absentee Voting 909 - 387 - 2047
Campaign Disclosure 909 - 387 - 2080

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contact us via our online form

http://www.sbcounty.gov/rov/general_info/contact.asp

Note: E-mail for this address is normally checked once a day during regular office hours(Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.). We make every attempt to respond to all inquiries in a timely manner; however there can be delays during peak election periods and for questions that require special research. If your question needs immediate attention, or if there is a deadline involved, PLEASE call our office at (909) 387-8300 or toll free at (800) 881-8683.

Saturday, November 11, 2006

GOT OLIVES? Here may be a Cure... PUNNY PUNNY

Email forwarded you this craigslist.org posting.Please see below for more information.

WANTED: Olive trees/ fresh olives in Yucaipa/CalimesaReply to:
sale-232152455@craigslist.org

Date: 2006-11-08, 5:48PM I hate to see so many olives wasted on the ground in Calimesa and Yucaipa because so few people know how to cure the bitter fruit. The problem is, I can't "rescue" this Mediterranian gold because most of the trees I have seen in our area are on private property.

The proposal: I would love to come to your house and pick the olives from your trees (preferrably the ripe, black ones!) with your permission, and I will recompense your generosity with a few large jars of home-cured, beautiful olives from your very own tree.
Let me know. Your olives are likely spoiling on the ground. Don't let them go to waste! We will all benefit from this one. :-) Peace.
-Juliette.

Original URL: http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/wan/232152455.html

AES MEETING NOTICE

Bring your Questions and Concerns to this Meeting.

Remember the "HS #3" and the Rail Road tracks....

Mary's Housing in Indio...

Mr. Schwab stated that the Senior Housing is not a H.U.D. project. So does that mean that the interest list from the Seniors can become a priority list. That it does not have to be for low to low low income? I am so happy that this has been straightened out and we will all live happy ever after, although I have my doubts about the folks on Brentwood. I guess they can write off the loss of their property value. Ah who cares as long as it's not in Honey Hills. Please click on the link below. Perhaps this will be informative as to the type of Corporation that the Corporation for Better Housing is. By the By they have still not filed their 2005 990's with the Attorney Generals Office.

Here is a link to show that Mr. Schwab is in error that there is no State and Federal Housing Funds in the projects… by the way HUD stands for Federal Agency of Housing and Urban Development…

http://www.kget.com/mediacenter/?videoId=6753 WATCH THE SECOND VIDEO WILL BE IT. Corporation for Better Housing in Indio.

It is not what is being built, it is where it is being built, the process used to attract the Corporation for Better Housing, the City Debt to add to the funding of the project, the lack of competitive bids, the placing the seniors away from the center of town as in the general plan, and the change of R3 zone land to HIGH VERY HIGH density without doing all the Environmental studies, and contracts out in the open..

Senior Housing, or Low Income Housing is important. HOW, WHERE, WHO, WHEN, and What all are IMPORTANT TOO. THIS DEAL IS BAD BECAUSE SCHWAB RUSHED IT IN HIS TYPICAL ARROGANT WAY HE WANTS IT SO APPROVE IT WAY.

A little more info on the Corp. for Better Housing. Please note the first name on the list of funders
*
Corporation for Better Housing understands that in order to create enhanced new communities, it must first work in conjunction with the community it intends to improve. Corporation for Better Housing has worked with various housing departments and governmental agencies in completing its projects, which include:
*
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
Federal Home Loan Bank (San Francisco)
California Tax Credit Allocation Committee
California Debt Limit Allocation Committee
California Department of Housing and Community Development
California Housing Finance Authority

Schwarzenegger/ Wilden Pump's John Allen & Mexico

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harsh words for Washington on immigration
- Carla Marinucci, Chronicle Political Writer
Saturday, November 11, 2006



(11-11) 04:00 PST Monterrey, Mexico -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told Mexican President-elect Felipe Calderon that the inability of the U.S. government to approve a comprehensive overhaul of its immigration policies, especially a guest worker program, represents a "total failure."

"It's insane not to ... have been able to accomplish that this year," said Schwarzenegger, in a conversation at the transition office of Calderon, who will be inaugurated Dec. 1. "I thought it was a total failure. ... (Right now) there are crops in California spoiling because we can't get enough workers," he said. "And it has a direct effect on our economy."

Schwarzenegger, in a 45-minute meeting with Calderon, also urged the president-elect to lift the embargo that remains on California spinach since the recent E. coli scare, asking his help in returning the product to Mexican grocery shelves. To underscore his efforts, the governor appeared at a trade show in Monterrey, where against the backdrop of a huge billboard featuring his face and the words "California-Mexico Partnership,'' he sampled the "amigo salad,'' made with California spinach and Mexican products.

The frank conversation -- and what appeared to be the GOP governor's strong critique of the Republican-controlled Congress on immigration -- came as Schwarzenegger plunged into a second day of his Mexican trade mission, in which he stressed technology and trade issues.

Schwarzenegger flew to Monterrey, a dynamic industrial and high-tech city in central Mexico stocked with American businesses like Home Depot, Wal-Mart and Sam's Club. He signed a memorandum of understanding with Gov. Jose Natividad Gonzalez Paras of Nuevo Leon state intended to strengthen academic, technological and economic exchanges.

Schwarzenegger urged the Mexican president-elect to address intellectual property and piracy -- issues he also underscored during a trade mission to China last year. Part of the two leaders' conversation was videotaped and made available to reporters.

Schwarzenegger also said he was pleased in his landslide re-election to receive more than 40 percent of the Latino vote. But he appeared to acknowledge his shaky standing with Latino voters, saying that for them, "the sticking point is driver's licenses."

The California governor, who has repeatedly vetoed legislation that would permit undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses, told Calderon that he is waiting for regulations from the federal Real ID Act to be finalized "so there's a certain uniformity."

He told Calderon that he has been asked repeatedly by reporters in Mexico about the issue, noting that he reminds them that Mexico does not allow illegal immigrants to have driver's licenses.

In Monterrey, business leaders who attended the trade exposition -- and who have been along for the Schwarzenegger mission in Mexico -- say there have been rewards already.

John Allen, president of Wilden Pump & Engineering Co., based in Grand Terrace (San Bernardino County), said Schwarzenegger's efforts have had measurable results: His business announced it had secured a $500,000 contract in Mexico as a result of the trade mission.

Allen's firm came away from Schwarzenegger's China trade mission last year with $100,000 worth of business for his firm and its partners. Allen said this week that while "China set a measurable track record and provided good results ... Mexico could be even more lucrative."

Allen said that as Schwarzenegger completes his mission, he has seen evidence of a trend toward "backshoring." He defined that as the tendency of many businesses like his own, which had established trade with China, to consider Mexico instead. He said that while labor costs are higher in Mexico, they are offset because it is easier to set up business in North America, and transportation costs and shipping delays that can affect Asian partners are avoided.

"People are realizing that Mexico is closer logically and the distance traveled is less -- so they're beginning to take a second look at Mexico," Allen said. "Mexico is so much more in sync with California, because there are so many cultural and geographic ties. And doing business in Monterrey is not much different than doing business in Dallas."

Throughout the day, Schwarzenegger appeared to be relishing the opportunity to push California products, appearing on stage with a Mexican chef at one point to showcase the state's agricultural products. As he assembled his salad, the California governor -- always the salesman -- amused onlookers by reminding them to buy California spinach at least a dozen times, saying to laughs that "it builds muscles.''

E-mail Carla Marinucci at cmarinucci@sfchronicle.com.

Page B - 1
URL: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/11/11/BAGETMAKBI1.DTL

Friday, November 10, 2006

MAYOR ELECT FERRE MISSES MEETING AFTER ELECTION

The part of the meeting that was observed after the announced start time of 6:00 pm, did benefit from the absence of the constant interjection of Your 3 minutes are up please summarize. Speakers heard the timer signal and concluded their summary without this annoyance perhaps Mayor Elect Ferre could replay the tape and learn something.

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
NOVEMBER 9, 2006 at 6:00 PM
GRAND TERRACE CIVIC CENTER
22795 Barton Road
CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA

IF YOU DESIRE TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL DURING THE MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE A REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM AVAILABLE AT THE ENTRANCE AND PRESENT IT TO THE CITY CLERK. SPEAKERS WILL BE CALLED UPON BY THE MAYOR AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME.THE CITY OF GRAND TERRACE COMPLIES WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990. IF YOU REQUIRE SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING, PLEASE CALL THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE AT (909) 824-6621 AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING.

* Call to Order -
* Invocation - Jennifer Franco, Mass Communication Specialist, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class and SANBAG Director of Intergovernmental & Legislative Affairs* Pledge of Allegiance -

* Roll Call -CONVENE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

1. Approval of 10-26-2006 Minutes

ADJOURN COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCYCONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING

NO OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT FOR CRA?

1. Items to Delete

2. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS -
None3. CONSENT CALENDAR

The following Consent Calendar items are expected to be routine and noncontroversial. They will be acted upon by the Council at one time without discussion. Any Council Member, Staff Member, or Citizen may request removal of an item from the Consent Calendar for discussion.

A. Approve Check Register Dated November 9, 2006 (NO WEB DETAIL)

B. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda (None Listed)

C. Approval of 10-26-2006 Minutes


4. PUBLIC COMMENT THIS IS WHERE CH 3 BEGAN to BROADCAST THE MEETING A FEW MINUTES PAST 6:00, MR. HORNSBY WAS SPEAKING. PUBLIC NOTICE WAS 6:00 NOT EARLIER. NO MAYOR, NO LAWYER, NO ONE HAS A WORKING WATCH, CELL PHONE WITH A CLOCK, DOES THIS INVALIDATE THE ENTIRE MEETING, IT DOES SHOW A DISRESPECT FOR THE PUBLIC VIEWING AT HOME OR WERE TRYING TO ARRIVE AT 6:00, WHO MAY HAVE HAD COMMENTS COGENT TO AGENDA ITEMS PRIOR TO THIS POINT ON THE AGENDA. NOT FUNNY.

This is the opportunity for members of the public to comment on any items not appearing on the regular agenda. Because of restrictions contained in California Law, the City Council may not discuss or act on any item not on the agenda, but may briefly respond to statements made or ask a question for clarification. The Mayor may also request a brief response from staff to questions raised during public comment or may request a matter be agendized for a future meeting.

5. REPORTS

A. Committee Reports - None
B. Council Reports

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None

7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

A. Contract with Pope and Associates as the Landscape Architect for the Passive Park on Mt. Vernon and DeBerry (STAFF BLOCKS PUBLIC INPUT TO DESIGN)

FOR Your INFO... HH Accounting Report.


Here is an Accounting of the Donations and Expenses of the Halloween Haunt for 2006

Note the Name of Donors is still heavy with people or businesses that have current or recient decisions before the council or city staff.

How about an Election Day Party.... Beginning at 7:00 Coffee and Donuts for all Voters, and... 3:00 to 8:00 spaghetti Dinner... And music...?

Where is the same detail from the GT DAYS?


GRAND TERRACE HALLOWEEN HAUNT 2006 REVENUE/EXPENSE REPORT

FUNDS/REVENUE

Carryover Balance ............................................1900
*
Grand Terrace Real Estate ........................... 250
Wilden Pump................................................... 250
Tony & Ann Petta .......................................... 250
Maryetta & Frank Ferre .............................. 250
Cal Skate, GT (pending receipt) .................. 250
Bobbie K. Forbes ........................................... 250
Friends of Lloyd Dodd, III........................... 250
Waste Management(pending receipt)........ 500
Grand Terrace Soccer Club.......................... 250
Grand Terrace Chamber of Commerce ..... 250
AES ................................................................. 500
SB Co Fire Dept. Recycling Grant............. 1704
Council Member LeeAnn Garcia.................. 250
Grand Terrace Seniors Club......................... 250
WEC................................................................. 250
Spring Mountain Investments,LLC............. 250
Grand Terrace Little League........................ 250
Terra Loma Real Estate................................ 250
City News Group............................................ 250
Roque Paving.................................................. 250
The Brook.......................................................... 30
*______________________________
Total FUNDS/REVENUE ..................................8884
11/7/2006 HALLOWEEN HAUNT EXPENSES - 2006
Event Insurance ................................................................380
JZ's Party Charm (rentals) ..............................................843
Riding Jugglers ...................................................l..............900
Roaming Clown ..................................................................200
Magician ..............................................................................500
All Pet Feed & Tack (straw) ............................................245
Oriental Trading Co (costume prizes/medallions)...........77
Mailers/School Flyers (includes Postage)....................1704
Supplies/Electrical Equip/Lighting ................................690
Candy ...............................................................................1000
Haunted House ..................................................................310
Balloons................................................................................100
Costume Contest Awards .................................................618
Decorations .........................................................................572
Event Posters .....................................................................151
Candy Bags .........................................................................213
Meetings ...............................................................................23
Newspaper Ads .................................................................250
*____________________________________
***********************************Total Expences 8776
*
Total Revenues ................. $ 8884
Total Expenses ..................... 8776
________________________
NET $ 108 Carry Over to 2007

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Council Member Hilkey Asks:

SHOW THE CITIZENS THE MONEY:

He Asked for the documentation of the Payment of the Commission to Gene Carlstrome for the Purchase of the Dotson Property purchased by the City Redevelopment Agency at a premium price, with the justification that the OAC zoning required the CRA to purchase the property because zoning limitations and planning limited the owners ability to sell the property so seriously prior buyers could not close escrow.

This land deal, sniffs,,, it is a family friend, relative of Mayor Ferre's Campaign Manager, and the home where City Manager Tom Schwab lived at the onset of the Marriage Problems which ended in the Divorce, and his being given a HOUSE by the City... THIS BALL of yarn and no paper work showing the payment of the commission on the check ledger why?

Why has there not been a record provided showing the Sale of the City Car, and receipt of Payment and Deposit by the City for the Crown Victoria sold to Assistant City Manager Steve Berry.... Or at least that is the STORY we have been told without having been provided paperwork to support that STORY.

WHO is the City Paying with the backroom closed door meetings?

Will the City Council Step up to the Management of the Staff?

WHY?

One reason WHY.... WELL LOOK WHO didn't Show up at the Polls
Apparently the Citizens Haven't Had Enough...

Let's Review:

Gene Carlstrom: is the Employeer of a Council Member.... , a Campaign Supporter/former Campaign Manager for the New Mayor and they were party and part of the Deal Negotiations, along with City Manager Tom Schwab.

OH what a web...

HUD and City Manager Tom Schwab

From the Email Inbox:

City Manager Tom Schwab deliberately misled the Council and the Public. Yes the 9 million from the City is not H.U.D. but the money, another 9 million so the corp says, from the Corp. for Better Housing is. That is why all their locations are section 8 and that is why the senior project here is section 8. That's what makes it section 8. All the Corps locations are section 8 because all their contributions to the projects they have done are funded on their part by the Federal Government

Grandpa Adds:

City Manager Tom Schwab's failure to see a reason to have a HUD representative explain to the City Council and the Citizens of Grand Terrace the conditions of qualifying to live in the Proposed Blue Mountain Senior villas is a continued effort on his part to preclude the citizens from full knowledge about what is being built and for whom it is being built.

City Manager Tom Schwab's Comment that no HUD money is being spent on the building of the Project, is not really cogent to the need to understand what Section 8 Housing Qualifications are. Section 8 Housing Regulations are a HUD Regulation.

He went on to say that the funds are coming from bonds, loans and Housing Agency. HUD requirement REGULATE each of those sources of Funding. REGULATIONS are perhaps a Foreign Concept to City Manager Tom Schwab, but they do exist, and HUD is the Head of the Lion that wags the tail of Section 8 Housing. 90 % of the Blue Mt. Senior Villas will be occupied by Low and Very Low Income Seniors. THIS designation is a HUD designation, not a Corporation for Better Housing Designation or Regulation, and Not a City Ordinance or Regulation.

One must ask why is he resistant to the inclusion of HUD in the sharing of information? Is it perhaps that there were process problems in the selection of the Developer, the funding or some other problem he does not want revealed to the light of day and the awareness of the public. One must ask.

One Must ASK... what has 3.2 Million Dollars of Bond (Long Term Debt to the City Redevelopment Agency) paid for? BUT, dare not ask it of the City Council, or word it not quite right in a letter... Perhaps a Full GSA Audit may be informative.

BARK about A PARK is about Staff RULES COUNCIL

From the Email InBox:

Do not forget to mention that the land was extorted from Barney as the "price" to get the other homes approved that had taken 2 years to process, on land he had owned for years and within the zoning and plan requirements for the land. HE is forced to "Give" land and PAY FEES, that did not exist when he purchased the land. HIS Fees weren't waived like they were for others.

Bark about the Park?

A quick history of the "Pocket Park", what does a review of concept mean, an approval of a concept? an approval to have a park? an approval of a specific park? City Staff, City Manager and Assistant City Manager, strong armed the City Council to Approve a Contract which excluded public input. WHY?

It isn't a BIG DEAL it is just the Same Bad Deal all over again.... WHEN WILL IT STOP? 100,000.00 for rocks, thorns and grass to drive by. Remember we have no program for Youth between the ages of 13 to 18. NONE ZIP ZERO

News Paper represented that the Park to be discussed by the City Council was the Passive Park on Grand Terrace Rd, adjacent to the Senior Center and Senior Housing.

Council Agenda September 28, 2006 page 2

8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Council to Review Proposed Passive Park Design and Comment on the Concept
Review and Comment

Council Minutes September 28, 2006 Page 5 and 6

NEW BUSINESS

8A.

Council to Review Proposed Passive Park Design and Comment on the Concept Assistant City Manager Berry, stated that the City is looking to design and build a simple pocket park on the corner of DeBerry and Mt. Vernon. The cost estimate for the completion of the park ranges from $61,000 to $95,000 depending on the maturity of the landscaping installed, electrical infrastructure, public art, and other incidentals. Funding of the park can come from a combination of sources like Fund 13, the Parks Development derived from developer fees and community donations. The Foundation of Grand Terrace has agreed to work with the City on accepting all financial donations as part of their non-profit tax status.

If the Council approves this concept, staff will return to Council in the following months with a formal plan and statement of construction costs. It was the consensus of the Council to support the concept of the Pocket Park with the understanding that this corner will compliment the opposite corner by the Middle School and that staff consider using art from local artists if it is used in the park

NO PUBLIC MEETINGS or Inclusion of the Public on the Design and Use of the park was done, and no public notice for bid was done in selecting a design contract .

Comments included a desire that there be public input, in the design and use of the proposed park area. THIS WAS IGNORED…Staff went on to select a bid, prior to making a report to the Council regarding Citizen Input, and Citizen Participation, Staff Jumped right to Design Contract Selection, without Council Approval of Citizen Participation in Design, and Use, and prior to Council Approval to Solicit Design Bids.

Council Minutes October 26, 2006

NEW BUSINESS

8A. Approve Pope and Associates as the Landscape Architect for the Passive Park on Mt. Vernon and DeBerry

City Manager Tom Schwab detailed the selection process as being he called 3 vendors to submit a proposal, and he and staff recommends Pop and Associates as their proposal was more inclusive of details important to the Council and Staff. THE contact had not been made publicly available for bid, nor has the public been included in the design and use input as requested by the Council at the September 28, 2006 meeting. Other related and important communication by City Manager Tom Schwab and Assistant City Manager have been excluded from the record of the minutes. The Cost of 11,600.00 was not spoken to the Citizens to my best recollection and if known should have been part of the agenda detail. Why is this not in the minutes?

CC-2006-115 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER HILKEY, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM CORTES, CARRIED 5-0, to approve Pope and Associates of San Bernardino as the landscape architects of the Mt. Vernon/DeBerry passive park, to authorize staff to negotiate a contract with Pope and Associates and to appropriate $11,600 from Fund 13, Parks Development Fund, derived from Development Fees.

Specifically noted by Council Member Lee Ann Garcia was the requirement item of 3 meetings with the public, prior to Council approval, and a utterance of approval from Council Member Herman Hilkey about the Meeting requirement being included. This was not included in the minutes of the meeting.


Nov 9, 2006 City Council Meeting Agenda Item:

7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

A. Contract with Pope and Associates as the Landscape Architect for the Passive Park on Mt. Vernon and DeBerry

Tonight we saw how the Staff Manages the City Council, rather than the City Council Exercising Management and Oversight of the City Staff.

There was a concept approved that concept was “Lets build a pocket park”. Here is a draft design by Not Related Garcia…. Of what it may look like, the council liked the concept, and directed a meeting with public input in design and use of the park be held. Staff went right to the Lets Design it and Hire an Architect to draw up the engineering plans, cutting out the Public Input, Council Review of Plan, and never mind Bidding Process for Architectural Services. That is a summary of what has happened over a small park. Recall the Mt. Vernon Boulders or one could say Mt. Vernon Pocket Strip Park which because Public Input was not included caused a need for a driveway re-alignment, and did not include best use of road way as a consideration? Oh but we don’t need public input, in such matters.

It is “Only the size of a House”; it was a condition of the Planning Being Approved and Park Fees.

How about a Center for the 4-H kids, or a Teen Center, or, a Restroom and Water Fountain for Bike Riders, and Walkers? How about a Mini Dog park with an Agility Training component designed attractively into the park. Or a Park with Chess Tables or a Small Band Shell for Non Amplified Music like the Carnation Plaza at Disneyland, with no amplification…. A Place to Swing Dance under the Stars, or Square Dance in the Sun Set… Is the City Staff Afraid of the Public, so much it can’t hear ideas, even if they ignore them how about a hearing.

Cut to the chase, the park is to be named “Steve Berry Park”, he wants total control over its design and construction, perhaps he’ll share credit with the candidate of his choice in an future election.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

GT Company Looks to Mexico FOR?

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, in his first official act after today's election, will travel to Mexico on Wednesday to begin a two-day trade mission that includes events to promote California business and meetings with President Vicente Fox and President-elect Felipe Calderon.

The California-Mexico partnership is important to both sides of the border, and our trade mission is one big step to making that relationship even stronger.

Sixty-three invited business and political leaders -- some of whom are donating unspecified amounts of cash -- will be part of the delegation as the governor pushes California agriculture, high tech and movies.

Mr. John Allen, President, Wilden Pump, Grand Terrace is one of the Businesses going to Mexico City.

Wilden Pump was formerly a locally owned business with close ties to the community. However, it has been absorbed into a larger corporation and has increased its international business and manufacturing facilities.

Is this trip to Mexico a Marketing of Product or a look for a new location for assembly and distribution of the products and jobs from Grand Terrace.

Could it be that City Interest in that area for a more "Productive Revenue Source" is providing an encouragement to look at alternative business locations? Perhaps it is prudent for Wilden to look for a location they can "OWN" without the risk of being the victim of Eminent Domain Take Over of their Property.

These are questions their employees should be asking, and the city council should be asking, and the citizens of GT should be asking.

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

GOOD NEWS

OWNER FOUND: YEAH
NO POUND FOR HOUND
or
ELECTION HOUND RETURNED TO OWNER
GOOD NEIGHBORS IN GRAND TERRACE

CC MEETING MINUTES TO BE APPROVED OCT 26, 2006

CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES TO BE APPROVED
FOR THE REGULAR MEETING - OCTOBER 26, 2006

A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Grand Terrace was called to order in the Council Chambers, Grand Terrace Civic Center, 22795 Barton Road, Grand Terrace, California, on October 26, 2006, at 6:00 p.m.

PRESENT: Maryetta Ferré, Mayor
Bea Cortes, Mayor Pro Tem
Lee Ann Garcia, Councilmember
Herman Hilkey, Councilmember
Jim Miller, Councilmember
Tom Schwab, City Manager
Brenda Mesa, City Clerk
Steve Berry, Assistant City Manager
Richard Shields, Building & Safety Director
Lt. Hector Guerra, Sheriff's Department
John Harper, City Attorney

ABSENT: Larry Ronnow, Finance Director
Gary Koontz, Community Development Director
The City Council meeting was opened with Invocation by Pastor Salim Elias, Azure Hills Seventh-Day Adventist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Pro Tem Bea Cortes.

CONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
ITEMS TO DELETE - None
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
2A. First Class CERT Training Graduates
Steve Berry, Assistant City Manager, introduced Lt. Rich Solemento, San Bernardino County Fire Department.

Rich Solemento, San Bernardino County Fire Department, thanked the residents of Grand Terrace, Steve Berry, and Barrie Owens for being the driving force behind the new adventure in the City of Grand Terrace. It was an honor to be a part of the instruction staff and seeing how the group was able to progress. He thanked all the CERT Trainers for their participation and he hopes that the success of the team will be an asset to the City of Grand Terrace and to the Emergency System if they are called upon.

Mayor Ferré, introduced all of the CERT Training Graduates and presented them with a certificate.

Margie Miller, on behalf of the City News presented to each of the graduates a framed front page of the City News with their individual names on them.
Assistant City Manager Berry, stated that these graduates spent 21 hours going through pretty intense training. He thanked the instructors for doing a great job.
An Oath was given by City Clerk Mesa to all of the graduates.


CONSENT CALENDAR
CC-2006-112 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER MILLER, CARRIED 5-0, to approve the following Consent

Calendar Items with the removal of item 3A.:
3B. Waive Full Reading of Ordinance on Agenda
3C. Approval of 10-12-2006 Minutes

ITEM REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR

3A. Approve Check Register Dated October 26, 2006

Patricia Farley, 12513 Michigan Street, indicated that she is a busy person and doesn’t like to keep getting up to speak at Council Meetings. She realizes that Council has a busy job and that they receive a lot of paperwork. One of the reasons that she doesn’t run for Council is because she can't make the commitment to know all of facts and look through all the material for approving things, however, when citizens make the effort to do that they should be supported. One of her concerns is that at every meeting these check registers are passed and she really doesn’t believe that they are actually looked over and understood. Also, when she asks questions they are not answered or at least not on public record. They have been told that Mr. Rollins is not an employee of the City, however, the City continues to issue checks for work that he has done for the City and he received a $50.00 birthday bonus. She appreciates the citizens that are looking at more than what the Council Members are looking at.

CC-2006-113 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER MILLER, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, CARRIED 5-0, to approve the following Consent

Calendar Item:

3A. Approve Check Register Dated October 26, 2006
PUBLIC COMMENT

Council Minutes October 26, 2006 Page 3

Bills Hays, 22656 DeBerry Street, stated the following:

Why is the public being misled on the type of Senior Housing planned on Grand Terrace Road in Grand Terrace?

It is not what was published in the media and presented by staff or the developer at Public Hearings.

It is not the low and moderate income senior housing that Grand Terrace seniors were promised and is referred to in the Housing Element of the General Plan as affordable housing and required.

There will be no moderate income housing. It states in a Regulatory Agreement approved on October 27, 2005, that almost 90 % of the units will be leased at very low and lower income levels. They appear to be in totally different categories. Only 10% will be at market rate.

In a Ground Lease Agreement approved on September 22, 2005, it describes the maximum monthly rental for the required lower income units to be rented to very low income households shall be established at one-twelfth (1/12) of thirty percent (30%) of fifty percent (50%) of San Bernardino County Medium Income for a household of a size appropriate to the housing unit.

The maximum monthly rental amount for the required lower income units to be rented to lower income households shall be established at one-twelfth (1/12) of thirty percent (30%) of sixty percent (60%) of the San Bernardino County medium income for a household of a size appropriate to the housing unit.

Also in the Ground Lease Agreement it also defines Amedium income, as the medium income for the area as most recently determined by the secretary of housing and urban development under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended, or, if programs under section 8 are terminated, medium income for the area determined under the method used by the secretary prior to such termination.

According to these agreements that have already been approved by our City Council, many of our Grand Terrace seniors may not qualify. They were supposed to be provided for and have first priority. That does not appear to be what City Staff, Officials and the Developer really have planned for most of the seniors living in our City.


Seniors need to become involved and fight for what they are entitled to regarding Senior Housing. All types of senior housing should be made available and not just cater to only certain categories. Priority should be only given to what is needed most in our City and nearby homes should not be impacted regarding property values or zoning.
Council Minutes October 26, 2006 Page 4

If there needs to be more apartments in Grand Terrace after most people in the City did not want any more, everything has to be taken into consideration and planned more carefully. The Senior Housing should also have been located in a much more convenient location to everything, like it was planned years ago in the General Plan.
He thanked Herman Hilkey for his service to the community. He and Herman never agreed on anything but at least he was fair and would debate with him.

R. A. Barney, Barnett, 474 Prospect, Highgrove, congratulated the CERT graduates. He indicated that for the last five years they have been working on a Metrolink Station for Highgrove. Grand Terrace passed a Resolution supporting a Metrolink Station in Highgrove back in 2002. There is a renewed interest because they have an ideal location for it. He knows that two of the City Council Members have been to visit the site. They are trying to educate everyone and let them know about the location. He reported that tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. he will be meeting the Mayor of Loma Linda to show him the location. Anyone that would like to join them can meet at City Hall in Grand Terrace. He stated that transportation issues are going to affect Highgrove and Grand Terrace and this is a prime location for a Metrolink Station. They need help from Grand Terrace. He encouraged people to come and see the site and contact him if they would like to get involved.

Anne Wade-Hornsby, 22656 Brentwood Street, indicated that she gave each of the Council Members a packet from the Senior Housing Developments in Riverside, some of which are section 8 housing and some of which are not. She has been to all of them and there is a big difference between the two. She expressed her concern with the Senior Housing Project being built behind Brentwood affecting their home values. At the last Council Meeting she questioned discrepancies in the financial support given to the development. She stated that she has concerns with the requirements of residents of the housing project. She requested that the Council look at the financial requirements of residents for the project.


Patricia Farley, 12513 Michigan Street, pointed out that she and other residents are expressing items publicly that are public questions that need to be answered publicly not privately. She expressed her concern with small agendas right before the election when there are many things that need to be taken care of. She stated that the Housing Element has never been certified. The Housing Element requires that the City provide for all of the Senior Citizens in the appropriate percentages. The General Plan says that the Senior Housing is not called Senior Housing unless it is 65 and older. She feels that there are games going on and guidelines that are not being followed. She feels that City Staff should be able to tell residents what the medium income is. She stated that Cynthia Bidney presented to the Council an Eminent Domain proposal to support and they have been stalling. Measure O has nothing to do with Grand Terrace. Grand Terrace must have an Eminent Domain Proposal for Grand Terrace to protect Grand Terrace and she expects that to come back on an Agenda. They have questions and they want answers. She feels that the Council should support

Council Minutes October 26, 2006 Page 5

people coming up and taking the time to look at documents and bringing item to their attention and not be slamming them as if they are trouble makers. They have taken a lot of time to look at these items and they are trying to help to alert them. More people in Grand Terrace need to be involved and the Council has an obligation to answer the questions and to answer them publicly. They are important and if you can=t answer them or won=t you are not serving the public. She reported that on Wednesday, November 1, 2006 at 7 p.m. in the Community Room at City Hall candidates running for City Council will be there to talk to residents and answer questions.

City Manager Schwab, stated that in regards to the Check to Richard Rollins, he stated that he is not a City Employee, however, the City has paid him for the last 10 years to open and close the parks. Mr. Rollins is out there at 7 a.m. and back to close them. Mr. Rollins is 86 years old and my not be able to do that for much longer. If anyone has an interest in going out there seven days a week and performing those duties we may be looking for someone soon.

On the Senior Housing Project, these homes are for low income seniors. Most seniors by definition are low income. One thing that Grand Terrace has done that he has not seen with other Senior Housing Projects, is to set aside 10% of the units for market rate seniors. If the Council would like staff to have CBH decifer what medium income means in terms of actual dollars rather than the formula, he will do that.

REPORTS

5A. Committee Reports

1. Crime Prevention Committee
a. Minutes of September 11, 2006
CC-2006-114 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM CORTES, CARRIED 5-0, to accept the September 11, 2006 Minutes of the
Crime Prevention Committee.

5B. Council Reports

Councilmember Hilkey, reported that there is a meet and greet the candidates on November 1, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. He noticed some pavement cuts on Preston and questioned if this is a foreshadowing of the traffic control or lights. He questioned the status of the sequencing of the lights and the project to put a light at Barton and Westwood.

Richard Shields, responded that he attended a pre-job conference with SANBAG last week and the Honey Hill light is set for February and March. The whole process for tier 2 has already started and will go through June. He stated that it is not just Barton Road that they are working on, there are other communities that are having work done as well. There will be new cabinets put on at each intersection all the way to the 215 freeway. He has given a brief scenario for the website.

Council Minutes October 26, 2006 Page 6

Assistant City Manager Berry, stated that the cuts on Preston were a direct result of Mr. Miller’s question on the loops and they have been replaced. They had to do a sidewalk cut to get the new two inch pvc pipe in. All of these loops have been completed.

Councilmember Hilkey, stated that he would like clarification on what the threshold is for the Senior Housing Project and questioned if children will be allowed to live there. He would also like it explained to him how section 8 works with this project. He feels that it is a super project and is 100% for it, he just wants to be sure to understand everything.

City Manager Schwab, responded that children will not be allowed to live in this project. He stated that he will have Corporation for Better Housing come to the Council meeting to explain the formulas.

Councilmember Garcia, stated that it’s that special time of year and that there are a lot of neat things happening in town. The Library will be having an alternative to Halloween for the little ones. She reported that the Friends of the Library meet on the third Wednesday at 2 p.m. She reminded everyone that the Halloween Haunt will be held on Tuesday, October 31, 2006 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Calvary, the Brook Church is wanting to build a church so they are having a fund-raiser, the Brooks Autumn Twilight Dinner on Wednesday, November 1, 2006 at the Castaways. On October 31, 2006 from 4:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at Pico Park for the installation of the new playground equipment. She reported that the Country Fair will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2006. She feels that it is important to stay well involved in the Metrolink Station in Highgrove. She appreciates the comments on the Senior Housing Project. It is important to make sure that all of the requirements that we want to go into that project are there. She stated that Housing is very controversial, the State wants the additional housing not the local cities. She stated that local cities are not pushing for increased density and increased housing in our area it is the State. She expressed her sympathy to Bill Hays for the passing of his mother. She wished everyone a safe Halloween.

Councilmember Miller, reported that the Traffic Mitigation Committee is winding down. They had a meeting this past Monday and they will have one more meeting in December. Staff will consolidate all of their ideas that they feel would be best and they will be brought to the Council for action. This should be brought to the Council at the December meeting. He questioned when the list started for those who are going to pay the market rate for the Senior Housing Project.

City Manager Schwab, responded that currently there is an interest list for the Senior Housing Project only. There has not been an application process to date. This is a list of individuals that have said that they are interested in the project only. When the time comes where they are close enough to where they are going to start their marketing, those individuals on the list will be contacted first. Since the project is much farther away, the list

Council Minutes October 26, 2006 Page 7

will have to be updated since it has been compiling for the last six or seven months.

Councilmember Miller, questioned who will be making the decision on who will move into the facility.

City Manager Schwab, responded that it will not be staff. The project will be administered by Corporation for Better Housing, however, there is input from the City.

Councilmember Miller, feels that it was worth while to go out and look at the site for the Metrolink Station. He felt that it was educational. He feels that it is an exciting project and he hopes that it works.

Mayor Pro Tem Cortes, reported that the Grand Terrace Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament is tomorrow and that they still have some openings. She reported that the Country Fair will be held on November 4, 2006. The Friends of the Library will be having their book sale at very low prices. She reminded everyone that Free Dump Day will be held on Saturday, October 28th and requested that Assistant City Manager Berry give the details.

Assistant City Manager Berry, announced that the Free Clean-up Day will be held on Saturday, October 28th from 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Canal and Mt. Vernon. This is a good opportunity for residents to clean up their property and bring it to the dumpster. He requested that residents do not bring construction material or hazardous waste, this is for trash and garbage only. The Clean-Up Day is free.

Mayor Pro Tem Cortes, announced that Calvary, the Brook was asking for assistance with door prizes for their fund-raising event and that she was going to donate some. She introduced former Councilmember Don Larkin and announced that he has received orders to go back to active duty and will be leaving in a week.

Don Larkin, stated that he has been in the Military for 22 years, 10 of which were active duty. He indicated that many people have asked him how he feels about being activated and the possibility of being deployed to Iraq. He stated that he has answered that question many times throughout his career. He was given an Oath that he has to fulfill. It is an Oath that many have made before him and many have died fulfilling. It is an Oath that still many are doing now and some are also making the ultimate personal sacrifice and it is because of their sacrifice we live in this free country. The simple fact is, the freedom that were having to even have this meeting is a freedom that doesn’t exist in many other countries. It is because of the Oath that people have taken. In that Oath, as others have done, we solemnly swear to support and defend the constitution of the United States. We are not talking about a bunch of weathered pieces of paper but really the freedoms and rights and what makes this country great. Against all enemies foreign and domestic. The interesting thing about that Oath, especially in this time when people are trying to separate church and state, it still ends with so help me God. Sometimes you hear people say AND So Help Me God, almost as a threat, in

Council Minutes October 26, 2006 Page 8

this case when he makes his Oath, he makes it as a prayer. So help me God, make me fulfill this Oath and honor. He stated that he is very proud that he may be going to Iraq. He asked for help in finding out who from Grand Terrace is serving in Iraq. He would like all individuals serving our Country to be recognized. He stated that many people say that they support our troops but they question the President or policy. He questions how can you say you support our troops if you don’t support what they are doing or the reason they are doing it.

Mayor Ferré, announced that there will be some entertainment at the Country Fair this year. There is going to be a quartet out on the front lawn from 11 to 12 on the corner of Vivienda and Barton. At 12:30 inside the auditorium there will be a karate performance. At 1:30 there will be a square dancing performance. So not only is there an opportunity to buy food to eat, people to see, books to buy but entertainment as well. She thanked the Historical and Cultural Activities for all of their hard work. She visited the site for the Metrolink Station with Barney Barnett and found it very enlightening and an important thing to do. She thanked the Traffic Mitigation Committee. It is a great commitment from our community volunteers for a very important situation in Grand Terrace.

PUBLIC HEARING - None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS

8A. Approve Pope and Associates as the Landscape Architect for the Passive Park on Mt. Vernon and DeBerry

CC-2006-115 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER HILKEY, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM CORTES, CARRIED 5-0, to approve Pope and Associates of San Bernardino as the landscape architects of the Mt. Vernon/DeBerry passive park, to authorize staff to negotiate a contract with Pope and Associates and to appropriate $11,600 from Fund 13, Parks Development Fund, derived from Development Fees.


MR SCHWABS DETAIL ON HOW THE BID WAS SELECTED SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE MINUTES AS IT IS A RESULT ON NON OPEN BIDDING SELECTION FOR A CONTRACT OVER 5,000.00.

CLOSED SESSION - None

Mayor Ferré adjourned the meeting at 7:17 p.m., until the next CRA/City Council Meeting which is scheduled to be held on Thursday, November 9, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.

CITY CLERK of the City of Grand Terrace
Council Minutes October 26, 2006 Page 9
MAYOR of the City of Grand Terrace

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PLEASE IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED YET
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San Bernardino County's Election Results
November 7th, 2006 General Election
Last Update:11/1/2006 6:50PM

Monday, November 06, 2006

City Council Agenda NOV 9, 2006

VOTE NOV 7th
YOUR DAY TO CHANGE CITY OF GT
Vote For WILSON and DODD and Build NEW CITY COUNCIL



CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
NOVEMBER 9, 2006 at 6:00 PM
GRAND TERRACE CIVIC CENTER
22795 Barton Road

CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA

IF YOU DESIRE TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL DURING THE MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE A REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM AVAILABLE AT THE ENTRANCE AND PRESENT IT TO THE CITY CLERK. SPEAKERS WILL BE CALLED UPON BY THE MAYOR AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME.



THE CITY OF GRAND TERRACE COMPLIES WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990. IF YOU REQUIRE SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING, PLEASE CALL THE CITY CLERK=S OFFICE AT (909) 824-6621 AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING.

* Call to Order -
* Invocation - Jennifer Franco, Mass Communication Specialist, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class and SANBAG Director of Intergovernmental & Legislative Affairs
* Pledge of Allegiance -
* Roll Call -
CONVENE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
1. Approval of 10-26-2006 Minutes
ADJOURN COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
CONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
1. Items to Delete
2. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS - None
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
The following Consent Calendar items are expected to be routine and noncontroversial. They will be acted upon by the Council at one time without discussion. Any Council Member, Staff Member, or Citizen may request removal of an item from the Consent Calendar for discussion.

A. Approve Check Register Dated November 9, 2006 (NO WEB DETAIL)

B. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda (None Listed)

C. Approval of 10-26-2006 Minutes


4. PUBLIC COMMENT
This is the opportunity for members of the public to comment on any items not appearing on the regular agenda. Because of restrictions contained in California Law, the City Council may not discuss or act on any item not on the agenda, but may briefly respond to statements made or ask a question for clarification. The Mayor may also request a brief response from staff to questions raised during public comment or may request a matter be agendized for a future meeting.

5. REPORTS
A. Committee Reports - None

B. Council Reports
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None

7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Contract with Pope and Associates as the Landscape Architect for the Passive Park on Mt. Vernon and DeBerry


(THE ABOVE IS AN Example of QUESTIONABLE Bidding Process and limited Public Input PRIOR to the Contract being Let)
8. NEW BUSINESS - None
9. CLOSED SESSION - None

ADJOURN
THE NEXT CRA/CITY COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2006 AT 7:30 P.M.

AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS FOR THE 12-14-2006 MEETING MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE CITY CLERK=S OFFICE BY NOON 12-07-2006.