City Council - Regular Meeting

Recording in progress.

All right. We are going to have our call to order for the city council regular meeting, 02/24/2026. Before we go into closed session, can we get a roll call?

Good evening. Councilmember Broadway?

Here.

Mayor Bass?

Here.

Vice Mayor Alden? Here. And Councilmember Janda is currently away from the dais. Absent.

Absent. Alright, we have public comment on closed session. Anybody? I take no speaker cards. No?

Alright, and we are now going to enter into closed session on CS1, pursuant to government code section 54,957, public employee performance evaluation, city manager, and CS2 pursuant to government code section 54,957, public employee performance evaluation, city attorney. Okay. We are going to get started with the city council regular meeting. We have just come back from closed session. I have nothing to report.

We have nothing to report. And we are now going to call the general session to order. We will start with the pledge of allegiance. If you all please stand. All right. Next on the agenda is agenda review. Do I have from anyone? Nothing? Okay. We now move on to citizens addressing the city council.

This is an opportunity for the public to comment on matters that are not listed on the agenda. Public comment on items listed on the agenda will be taken when the agenda item is heard. Just a couple of items. If you do have something that you would like to say, it's kind of a one way street. We can't make any comments other than to direct staff, and I ask everyone to obviously be respectful. It looks like we've got a great crowd today. So if we do have any speaker cards?

Mayor Bass, we do have a couple of comment cards. The first speaker is Shlak Tiwadi.

And one thing I did forget to say is we've got a fancy little timer here. Everybody gets three minutes, and I ask everyone to just keep an eye on the green, yellow, and red.

Hello. Can you guys hear me well? Perfect. Honorable mayor, respectable council members, and distinguished guests, Namaste. My name is Shluk Dwari, and I'm a proud resident of the city of Rockland, and I'm a volunteer for the Saba Diwali food drive.

I'm here to give information on this year's Saba Diwali food drive. October and November is a very special and meaningful month for Hindus around the world as it is a time when we celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. Diwali is more than just celebration, however, as it is a time to reflect on how love triumphs over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. It encourages us to uphold our values, act with honesty, and promote peace within our families and communities. SEVA or selfless service is the at the heart of our celebrations and daily life.

During Diwali, we focus on this special national project called SEVA Diwali. Seva Diwali is a collective initiative by dharmic organizations, including yoga, spiritual, Hindu, Buddha, Jain, and Sikh organizations, linguistic and sociocultural organizations. These organizations uphold the seva dharma. Service to humanity is service to divinity and believes in society's well-being as a responsibility in which we all share, and its fruits are only nourishing as the care we put into it. Our goal is to give up back to the society we live in during the festival of Diwali.

The Seventh Diwali initiative aims to unite and represent the collective strength and synergy of the Dharma communities living in The United States. We aim to contribute to our local communities and be a part of that national national movement to combat hunger. This initiative helps foster the spirit of selfless service among all members, including kids and families. Such activities also provide an opportunity to expand the footprint of community organizations and reach out to new members who have not yet been connected. Sevi Diwali invites people to use their homes as collection centers for collecting nonperishable items.

These donations go to local food banks and homeless shelters. So the spirit of the Diwali and giving reaches are given to those who need it the most. Starting from the year 2018 in New Jersey, we had more than 25 organizations and collected around 18,000 pounds of food. And now continuing into 2025, we successfully ran the food drive across 38 states in The United States, around 250 plus townships, 555 or more Durmec, linguistic, cultural, and several organizations, And many individuals joined hands together to fight against hunger and collect and distributed 970,000 plus pounds of food items to more than 360 beneficiaries, which include homeless shelters, families in need, community food projects, and food banks in our local cities.

You can finish up.

Okay. In the Sacramento area, more than 12 organizations collected and donated 8,000 or more pounds of food to 12 various homeless shelters, community pantries, and food banks. These results show what we can achieve when communities work together. Thank you, and Namaste. Thank you very much.

The next speaker is Ishaan Mukumala.

Can you hear me well? Okay. I'll begin in a second. Good evening, esteemed mayor, vice mayor, and council members. Namaste.

My name is Ishaan Makamala, and I am a volunteer for the Hindu Swam Sevak Song. The annual Health for Humanity Yogatan or Surya Namaskar Yagna organized by Hindu Swam Sego Sevak Song USA began on January 14. This nineteen day event aimed to raise awareness about yoga and its benefits in achieving a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Surya Namaskar combines simple yoga postures into 10 simple steps with essential breathing techniques, offering many health benefits for the body and the mind. Each year, on January 14, Hindus worldwide celebrate Makarasankranti, a festival marking the change of the seasons.

HSS organized the Health for Humanity Yogatan to honor this occasion from January 14 to February 1 this year. HSS launched launched this health awareness initiative in 2007, and this year, it's marked its nineteenth anniversary. Since its inception, parse participants of all faiths backgrounds from fifth forty three fifty 43 different states have actively joined the Yogatan through yoga centers, community organizations, and schools, as well as colleges. Together, we've performed 800,000 Surya Namaskars. In the Sacramento region alone, we have in the Sacramento region alone, more than 50 people participated with around 15,000 Suri Namaskars.

Community leaders and elected officials from across the nation have expressed their appreciation for this initiative and encouraged their residents to participate and embrace this the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. This year, HSS invited community groups, yoga centers, students, and individuals to learn and take part in the Health for Humanity Yogathon. Today, I am proud to share that the event is has successfully concluded, bringing people together in the spirit of health, well-being, and unity. This program was open to all people of all ages, genders, and races. We look forward to partnering with the city to connect with even more people and community members in the future.

Our goal is to ensure that as many people as possible in our city can take advantage of this benefit from this initiative. Thank you for this opportunity to speak and.

Thank you. No

additional comment cards.

Okay. Anyone else that would like to address the council? Items not on the agenda? No? Alright. We will move on to reports from city council and the city manager. Start to my right with, council member Holden.

Thank you, mister mayor. Just, we had a meeting of the Western Flasker Waste Management Board since we last met. We continue to make good progress on the implementation of all of our new equipment there to accomplish the diversion targets that the state has set for us so that we're not sending as much stuff to the landfill as we have in the past. And we've still got just a little ways to go on that, but we are way ahead of everybody else in the state. And CalRecycle continues to give us a lot of kudos for our efforts there. So all things heading in a good direction there. So that's it. Excellent.

Now to my left, council member Galdo.

Thank you. Pardon me. Just a few things. On February 16, along with Vice Mayor Alden, we met with the Youth Leadership Commission on Sunday at the library. Great opportunity to give them some feedback on what we're doing and what's happening in our community and to also hear from them. Appreciated that. On the nineteenth was the Sacramento, the SACOG board, the full board meeting. Probably most interesting that came out of it is Folsom. The city of Folsom came and did a presentation on what they're doing for affordable housing. They have a significant program and have had some great successes, so I appreciated that.

And then just yesterday was the Placer Mosquito Vector Board meeting. It should be a calm time, but as everybody's noticed, the mosquitoes that stayed in the rice fields and made their ways and hid in all our little cracks and crevices are out. But most importantly is ticks. There are suddenly a very, very high number of ticks in the area, and in particular Colfax. Luckily, Rockland has not had any of those reports, but they have a significantly higher number.

So I want to make people aware to be aware. And then just last is to remind everyone that it is that time of year, except for Councilmember Broadway, who is not going to be running for some time. But April 12 is the Run Rockland event, and this year the Rockland Police Activities League is going to be sponsoring and running that program. So if you haven't signed up yet, sign up for Run Rocklin. It's our opportunity to honor Matthew Redding, our fallen Rocklin police officer.

They're accepting sponsorships, so there's the plug for the sponsorship.

Thank you. Thank you.

Appreciate that. Councilmember Rodwell?

No report today.

Okay. And the only one report that I would have is last week I didn't get to go to the Rockland Breakfast Chamber where we also got to celebrate Robin Trimble, who we're going to be celebrating as well a little later on tonight. So I won't ruin all the good things that were said about her until then. And then thank you, both Councilmember Halden and Geldo for plugging Run Rockland. It's a wonderful event if you ever can get out there as well.

They're definitely looking for sponsors and definitely when we're talking about the you know, health for humanity, it's always good to have these community events where we're pushing for health. And so I wanted to highlight also our speaker for bringing that up. Now we're gonna move on to oh, nope, nope. I almost did it.

I'm ready this time, Augusta.

Next time, I'm not gonna move on at all.

That's okay.

So reports from the city manager.

Thank you. Thank you, Mary. Just a couple of things to share with you and our audience tonight. Out in the hallway, we have a new brand new student art installation that was just put up today celebrating some artwork from the kindergarteners at Antelope Creek Elementary and then sixth graders at, I think it maybe is also Antelope Creek Elementary, but I'd encourage everyone to take a look at our student art that's in the hallway tonight before you leave. I also wanted to invite all of our residents to join us in March where the city will be holding a series of town hall meetings.

We will be holding four meetings. All of the information is available on our website, rockland.ca.us/communitiesurvey. Three of those meetings will be in person. One will be online only. Looking forward to sharing information with the community and seeking feedback from them about their priorities. Also wanted to share that due to some conflicts, we will likely be canceling our March 10 council meeting due to some quorum issues, so be on the lookout for a meeting cancellation from March 10. And then last but not least, today is the city's 130 birthday. It's our incorporation date. So happy birthday Rocklin. You're January. That completes our report.

Excellent. Thank you. Next we move on to the consent calendar. Items C1 through C8 of the consent calendar are considered and acted upon by one motion of the city council. Item nine, C9, which is PFA-one, is concurrently considered and acted upon by the public financing authority of the city of Rockland. Anyone may request an item to be removed for separate consideration. If I have a motion to approve the consent calendar.

Yes, I'll make a motion to approve the consent calendar.

Second. All All in favor, aye. Aye. No's? Abstentions? The ayes have it. Consent calendar passes. We are now going to move on to our presentations. We are going to start with a presentation honoring the retirement of Rockland Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Robin Trimble. That will be followed by a short break so that everyone else can go and celebrate Robin, but we are gonna be asking for people to come up and and talk about her, which is her favorite thing.

And then I'm sure there's maybe one or two things that the city council may want to say to Robin. But here's what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna walk up to the podium, and I'm gonna ask Robin to come up with me. And I'm gonna get my old man glasses on. Alright.

I'm reading the whole thing. This is a proclamation issued by the city council. Whereas the Rockland area chamber of commerce has long served as a vital partner in supporting local business, fostering economic development, and strengthening the sense of community throughout the city of Rockland, And whereas Robin Trimble has served with distinction as chief executive officer of the Rockland Area Chamber Of Commerce for nearly twenty one years, providing consistent and dedicated leadership that has helped shape Rockland's vibrant and thriving local economy. Whereas during her tenure, Robin Trimble has guided the chamber through significant growth, expanded membership, enhanced programs like Leadership Rockland, and strengthened financial stability positioning the organization for continued success into the future. Whereas Robin Trimble has elevated the chamber's role as a cornerstone of community connection through the coordination and continued success of Rockland's signature annual events, including the state of the city, hot chili and cool cars, and the beloved tree lighting ceremony, which bring residents, businesses, and visitors together each year and contribute to Rockland's strong civic pride and vibrant local culture.

Whereas Robin Trumbull has supported Rockland's remarkable transformation over the past two decades, including the growth of the city's education sector, the expansion of workforce opportunities, and the development of a strong and diverse local economy, now home to nearly 2,800 businesses. And whereas Robin Trimble has been a steadfast champion for Rockland, known for bringing people together, promoting collaboration, and serving as a convener, coach, and advocate for the community's continued progress. And whereas Robin Trimble's leadership has made a lasting impact on Rockland's business, community, residents, and future, and her retirement in early twenty twenty six marks the close of an extraordinary chapter of service. Now, therefore, it be it proclaimed that the city of Council of the city of Rockland hereby recognizes and honors Robin Trimble for her twenty one years of outstanding service as CEO of the Rockland Area Chamber of Commerce and expresses its deepest gratitude for her dedication, leadership, and commitment to the City Of Rockland.

So can we do a photo now?

Do you want to get a photo really quick? We're going to do a photo, and then I'm going give you the mic, And then you're going to have to stand here probably and listen to people talk about you for a little bit.

I didn't know about that.

Knew

us. Ali didn't tell me about that. Okay,

everybody. Okay.

Thank you. Well, I'm going to ask you to say a few things. Okay. And then we're going to get back up there and say a few things about you as well. You can be on this side or that side.

I think I wanna talk to you guys. This is directed to you. Do I need to watch the buttons like I'm gonna

get in trouble?

Think that definitely not.

Well, I promised Ali we'd keep it brief. But I do wanna say to all of you that I'm truly honored and I'm so grateful to receive this proclamation this evening from the council. After twenty years, almost twenty one, David, like you said, with the chamber, I stand tonight filled with gratitude and great pride in what we've done together. When I began this journey, I believed it was going to be a very simple journey, one that is about building a strong business, will make a strong business community, and what I didn't realize along the way was how much it would change my life. What a personal journey it became.

So over the years, obviously I've worked with all of you. We've done some amazing work together. And together we didn't just promote ribbon cuttings and mixers and all the things that traditional chambers do, but we built relationships. We created opportunities not only for our business community but also for the families in our community. And we strengthened the foundation of our local economies.

So no good twenty one year journey doesn't have its little hitches. So along the way of course we had COVID. And as you guys know those were very very challenging times. They caused great uncertainty, fear, and hardship for all of us. But along the way, this community and all of you, we became very resilient, we were innovative, And we also created a lot of unity when there was not a lot of unity going on.

We saw all of you I personally saw all of you step up, rally, and our community chose courage over fear which made us so special during that period of time and continues to do so. Last week at breakfast David mentioned he was there. I had a member who has never been to a breakfast before. It was their first breakfast. They knew it was my last breakfast and they reminded me that they started and opened their business in Rockland in January 2020.

And she said to me, without the support of the City Council and the City of Rockland and the chamber, she would not be here six years later. That is the work that we did together. Those are the things that we did together and I'm just so grateful that we did it. And we have really been so positive the twenty one years that we've been here, even when times were tough. And it's that time that I want all of us to remember what a Chamber of Commerce is about.

And that is the Rockland Chamber has always been an or not just an organization every community has a Chamber of Commerce. But our Chamber of Commerce has always been a lifeline, a connector, and a voice for our community. And that is all because of you guys. I mean, these partnerships are so incredibly impactful to people's lives. I talked to Ashley Straight today and she talked about how her family would not be in Rockland had it not been that her dad stumbled into the Rockland Chamber of Commerce almost twenty years ago as well and became a member.

So once again I just want to say thank you to all of you and all of my friends and folks in the audience my husband, my board members that are here I just want to say thank you. Because this journey is really not a solo effort and you guys know that. So thanks again and thank you all for allowing me the honor of serving as the chamber CEO for the last almost twenty one years. Thank you mayor I appreciate it.

If there are council members that would like to yeah. I I figured you rose your hand, so you're first.

So I could go on for a long time, but I I was in the interview panel that chose Robin almost twenty years ago twenty one years ago. And, you know, the average I don't know what the average tenure is for a chamber CEO, but it's not twenty one years. It's probably more like four or five years. So Robin jumped in. I ended up becoming her second chairman of the board of the chamber.

And I don't wanna say it was the blind leading the blind, but the two of us had not done this before and we kind of threw ourselves in and had a great time. And as she said, you know, she has built such extraordinary relationships with so many people in this community, so many supporters of the chamber. It's really seeing, when Robin took over, we wanted to move the chamber to kind of a next level, higher level. And we definitely got to that level and then some other levels over those twenty one years. Just really appreciate you, Robin, and putting your full energy into our community and into this chamber.

It's been a pleasure working with you. And one thing I learned early on, just don't say no to Robin, and everything goes well. So it's looking forward to all the fun things you're gonna have ahead for you. And I don't like to use the word retirement because you've plenty of things to do, Robin. But good luck. Thank you for everything.

Thank you. Well, I should point out that we get to vote on a lot of things. I didn't vote for this. I'm just saying. I did not vote for your retirement. I didn't get an opportunity. I when Robin first came, I got to meet her in the most entertaining spot ever. My my dear sweet mother-in-law had a lot, a vacant lot on next door to her laundromat on Pacific Street. And Robin had said, hey, we're doing this hot, chilly, cool cars. Could we put in some parking or do some absolutely use the lot?

And then we came to show up to visit, and we had a pony ride on the lot, which promptly gave my sweet mother-in-law about a heart attack as there were this pony ride set up. And so Robin got to deal with the panic call of, hey, don't think our insurance covers this. Could we do something about the horses? And it was just the the best, worst, weirdest meeting. And what I learned from that is she is a force.

She can make stuff happen and she can keep us calm, cool, and collected and make everything happen that needed to happen. You know, your creativity, I think about March, the March Madness, the enrollment event, which is something that's just really hard for us all to hit up and call everybody and say, hey, we want you to join the chamber, and you made it so darn fun and so competitive, and I should point out who won that event. And then the tree lighting. I mean, you know, we were so crushed, I think, in 2008 when we lost the Jubilee and we wanted to do something different. And there was this handful of us that said, let's try a tree lighting and make a free event for everyone.

And we literally had no business doing what we were doing. We didn't know what we were doing. And reaching out to you to help us and get organized. And I say I'll never forget that first event, and we thought, will anybody come? And I think we figured twelve, fifteen hundred people showed up, and then we realized we really didn't know what we were doing for the next one.

And sitting out there with you with the the borrowed sound system and the borrowed stage on that mud, and the little kids were dancing, and the stage kept sinking and sinking. And and we were timing till we got them off before it sunk. I mean, it was just it was just fun, and you just made it happen so well. You're such a force that I I love it dearly. Getting us through COVID, and even now, you know, when I have a business that that is struggling and worried and to be able to call you and you go, okay, we're all going go have lunch there and we'll do a little gathering.

It's just so appreciative. Can't even imagine. One, personally, can't imagine not seeing you and talking to you all the darn time, but I just can't imagine it will be such a different place without you there. I you are truly a force and most importantly to me truly a friend. Congratulations.

Well, Robin, thank you. Thank you for your ability to really bring people together. Doing so and your skill at accomplishing that task has elevated not just our chamber but our community. And we are better as a result. When you look at our businesses that have continued to flourish, that the number of not only events that have been created but have grown and continue to grow, and our reputation as a community that engages and helps and assists our businesses just really is above comparison.

And we can't thank you enough for getting us there. And so for me, there's a quote. I try to always throw a quote out there when I have a chance. And it's a leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but where they ought to be. So Robin, thank you for taking us to where we ought to be, and we will all continue to work hard to keep us there and to keep the chamber and our community moving forward. And enjoy your retirement.

So just so everyone knows, at the chamber event, the breakfast, I congratulate everyone here because I don't think anybody mentioned Robin's name without crying. And you didn't even hand out mimosas at the breakfast, so everyone was completely sober and crying. That was that pretty impressive. You know, I I just have to say, you know, I was on the board of the with on the chamber during the COVID period. And I think that was a period where you really can see leadership.

And in fact, much of the leadership that was there behind Robin because you were out there on the leading bleeding front. Phenomenal job for our community during that period, especially. So much good was happening during that time period in Rockland because of you. And one of them that I want to just let everyone know about is we have Image Outfitters photography here as well as RC Willian. At the time, we couldn't get kids together to be able to take photos.

And two members of the community through the chamber got together, and it's just because of those relationships that we were able to do something for the community, not we, but members of the chamber, so that some kids could actually get their school photos. Just a little thing you would not think that the chamber has any impact on. But it's because Robin is so magnetic that she's able to pull so many people together to do good things even they didn't know were within themselves. So that is the true true measure of a leader. We're gonna miss you.

Anyone else? Everyone else gets the the three minute button, though. No? Well, what I'd like to do is oh, we do have someone.

Some guy.

No. Some this guy.

Thank

you,

mayor Bass and council people. Well, I only get three minutes. Anthony Demetay, your Placer County Board of Supervisors for this district.

Crap.

I'm not gonna look at her. I just wanna thank Robin. When I was running and joined, the chamber, I never thought I'd ever join a chamber, I didn't really know what chambers were. As a farmer, was just head down and doing what we did and barely saw Rockland during the daytime. But when I ran She was a huge support, so I just wanna say thank you.

Okay. Wait a little side see, this is why. We're we we knew there was gonna be someone else.

Jay Lang, current board member. And I think I just wanna ask if is it too late to stay? No? No turning back?

Don't ask this one. But,

yeah, everything that you guys said is true. And and Robin, she's just about connections. Me personally, I

live

in Rockland and I work in Rockland and you are so much to my business. So thank you on behalf of the board that sits behind you and beside you. We, you know, we're looking for a replacement, but that's going to be so hard to do. So, such big shoes to fill. So, Robin, thank you. You can feel it in my voice, and you're going to be missed. So, thank you for all the years.

Hi, Bob Romness, the plus one of Robin Trimble. And, I just wanna say that, I met Robin when she first invited me to come speak at the Rockland Chamber leadership class on volunteering at the time. I was running a volunteer center in Lincoln. And, after that, one thing led to another, and she when I was hired as the Lincoln Chamber CEO, she was my mentor, and all she did a fabulous job, obviously. And one thing led to another from professional to personal, and, I am the luckiest man here. I probably

shouldn't follow Bob. Todd Olson, Image Outfitters Photography, we've been mentioned twice via my lovely daughter Ashley Straight and the story David Bass that you shared. I don't know how you got that story but yes Robin it had a lot to do with you the opportunity to have bondage with a lot of members. The most important part I really wanna share is Robin created the the template to say Rockland Area Chamber of Commerce and then some other people stole it after that. But the whole thing was my business was in Orangeville.

In 2008, I joined the Rockland Chamber and never looked back. So I've been part of the board, been part of the board during COVID, been on the, government relations committee. And as a result, Rockland became a very small town to me when I never thought that that was possible. And it all started with getting to know all of you. I got to introduce Bill in leadership Rockland.

I got to be involved with the fire and the chief has asked me to help him a couple times. We do things with the education and the leadership of the local area, all as a result of a lot of projects. And then also we have the RAD PAC that involves Rockland to get involved to screen and at least give the opinions of members that get elected. And it's always been done professionally with great skill and just with a smile on her face at all times. Rocklin is going to miss you Robin. Well done.

All right. Well, I appreciate all the comments. We are going to actually go ahead with the second presentation, and then we'll be able to take a

break

and have everyone meet up for a bit. The second presentation here is the proclamation recognizing the Sierra College Women's State Champion soccer team. I am gonna ask for Jason Grant, head coach, and Rachel Johnson, athletic director, come on up and Alright. Uh-oh. My old man.

To the soccer team, don't get old. We're gonna do this one. Okay. Issued by the city council a proclamation. Whereas the Sierra College women's soccer team achieved a historic milestone by capturing the first three c two a state championship in program history, defeating Golden West College by a score of two to zero on Sunday, 12/07/2025 at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo.

Whereas after years of perseverance and competitive excellence, the Wolverines delivered a dominant championship performance controlling possession and tempo throughout the match and demonstrating exceptional teamwork, preparation, and resolve on the sport's biggest stage. And whereas the team's championship victory was marked by standout performances, including goals by Addison Johnson and Olivia Sisto, and a complete effort from players across the field reflecting a collective commitment to excellence. And whereas sophomore midfielder Josie Young was named tournament most valuable player, recognizing her pivotal role throughout the postseason and her leadership, versatility, and impact on both sides of the ball. And whereas the Wolverines concluded their championship season with an outstanding overall record of nineteen two and four, an 11 game winning streak, an unbeaten run dating back to October 10, and a Big eight Conference championship exemplifying sustained excellence and competitive integrity. And whereas the head coach Jason Gantt, and the coaching staff provided exceptional leadership and mentorship fostering a culture of discipline, unity, and resonance that propelled the program to its first state title, and whereas the accomplishments of the Sierra College women's soccer team bring pride to the college and the community and serve as an inspiration to student athletes throughout the region.

Now, therefore, it be it proclaimed and that the city of council of the city of Rockland thereby recognizes and congratulates the Sierra College women's soccer team on winning the three c two a state championship and commend the players, coaches, and staff for their historic achievement. Congratulations. Now what I'd ask is if the ladies stand up and anybody that's participated, come on up here, please. And if Very good. Appreciate it.

Thank you for that big Soccer tips. Soccer tips. Give you the mic if you wanna say a

few things. I

just wanna, first off, thank Chris Starve, my assistant coach, for showing up and and everything I just done throughout this year. I'd also like to thank Rachel Johnson and Brandon Johnson, no relation, but as our athletic director, super thankful for everybody, and the community. I think us being in Rockland, last time was here was at the fireworks booth registration, so I'm here every year. But we're a part of the community and we really wanna thank as as members of the the college and the community. Super thankful for the board, super thankful for all the opportunities they have.

And these these young women are a product of the recreation departments that the city puts on through all the activities, everything the the high schools. Elise won the high school championship last year for Rockland High School. She's here again as a player. We have players that are doing that. So we really thank you guys all for your help and helping them win something that's really difficult to do. Like going to Southern California and taking it from the host kind of colleges down there. So really thankful for everything. Thanks guys.

Thank you. I I just wanted to say how excited I was to have you all here. Thank you so much for what you do. Sierra College is such a huge piece of our community, and we have so much pride. And I know sometimes with council we're a little separated from what you're doing and we just wanted you to know that we're watching, we're paying attention. I can tell you my husband proudly played football for Sierra many years ago and he did not win a state championship, I can tell you that. But we just have such pride in what you do, and you bring so much to our community. And I you mentioned one had Rockland High state champion, and now here, clearly, she needs to stay on somebody's team. She is the secret. But hopefully, you guys are tremendously proud.

I will tell you, you know, when I was younger and growing up, we just didn't have much in the way of women's sports. It was cheerleading or cheerleading. And so that's what I did because we didn't have these opportunities. I love what you're doing. Thank you so much for making us proud and congratulations.

Yeah, just want to echo that and I think it's wonderful that you went down to Southern California and kicked some butt. I know the competition's rough. I got a daughter in travel ball, and everybody hates going down to Southern California. Just they've got the population to be able to have some amazing athletes. So that is just awesome to represent up here and go down there and and just win. That is great. And, you know, it's what's great about these types of sports, for for young women, is 90% of all CEOs and executives played a competitive sport. And so you see something wonderful like tonight where you have wonderful leadership. Right? It starts there.

So just wonderful, inspirational. Thank you. Alright. Well, is there anybody else that has anything, a parent, that wants to complain about the coaches? It's kinda hard it's kinda hard when you win. Right?

Yeah. Mister mayor, mister president, the only thing we can say is clause up.

Right?

Yeah. Alright. There we go.

Thank you. Great job, ladies. Great job.

Alright. Well, excellent. We are going to take a break at this point. It also allows people that wanna leave for the boring stuff that's gonna come after. This is your exit strategy right here.

Man, I should have kept them here. We're going to move on to our discussion items. These include presentations and those recommending receiving file. So first, D1, engineering and traffic study. We have our community development director, David Mullenbrook, giving us a presentation.

Good evening and thank you. David Mullenbrook, community development director. This item is a follow-up to the engineering and traffic survey item for establishing speed limits in the city that was brought before you last October. At that time, there were four roadway segments that needed to be resurveyed. Those have now been completed, and we're seeking the council's introduction of an ordinance amending chapter 10.11 of title 10 of the Rockland Municipal Code.

The survey on these additional segments in this ordinance creates the ability for all Rockland roadways to be radar enforceable. Of all the city roadways, only run one roadway segment, Whitney Ranch Parkway, between State Route 65 and University Avenue, is having its current speed limit changed based upon the surveys. In this case, this current speed limit of 45 miles per hour will be reduced to 40 miles an hour. We actually conducted a survey prior to the signalization of Whitney Ranch Parkway and University Avenue and then thinking that that might change once that signal went in we did a post signal installation survey and the results stayed the same. So again that segment is being recommended to be reduced to 40 miles an hour based upon the survey results.

So unless there are any questions, that concludes my presentation, and I look forward to the introduction of the ordinance.

Okay. We'll start with questions by council members. Any?

It's not often that we do them when we reduce, it seems like. So how can we do notice to people to make sure that they're aware of that reduction?

We'll certainly have to repost the signage for that segment of the roadway, but we could use our social media outlets to make people aware that that speed limit is being reduced for that roadway segment.

Such a popular roadway segment. And you know how we are, it's habit. You know what the speed limit is on a street because you've driven it a zillion times. They might not be aware. So I think that would be a good idea since we're doing a reduction in particular.

Thank you.

And to clarify, of the study had mentioned that people were driving actually slower than 45 on that road.

Correct. The speed survey, the California Vehicle Code requires speed surveys, speed limit to be based on what's called the eighty fifth percentile. So what 85% of the traveling public are traveling speed wise when the survey is being done.

Of course, that's 85%. There's also people that are probably going a little too fast, but those are the outliers, so that's why we can justify the lowering of it.

That's correct. Mr. Mayor? I think people have been slowing down to look at the Nugget construction

in that area. That could be. There's a lot of new activity going on at that corner.

So when it gets built out, are you saying we have to do a new study? No, no, no.

Well, if I can I love that you remind people about, cause you know, you'll see where people say, hey, we should have a different speed limit on that street? So getting people educated to understand, like you said, you get a feel for a street, what is 85% of the population doing, that is part of the guideline we have to follow. So I think that's a great message just for people to understand, because I don't think I would have realized that if it hadn't been for you all these years. Thank you.

If I may, Mr. Mayor, just tying into Council Member Gallardo's comment, would it be possible to potentially use one of our construction signs, the electronic signs, to basically have that out there for a week or so to basically make people aware that that speed limit has not necessarily changed, but that the speed limit is 40 miles an hour. So having that flashing signage that says speed limit 40 miles an hour at least provides another means of communication. And I don't know our availability of the signage, but I know that we've used them in the past for events and other purposes.

I think when so we'll assuming that the ordinance is introduced tonight, there'll be a second reading and thirty days before implementation. And during that time, the police department will determine how they're going to implement this new thing or this new segment into and including potentially that type of messaging. I don't see why we couldn't do that, assuming there was a safe place to place the trailer. But we can also look at other ways to communicate as well.

Outside of Andrew being there on his motorcycle. He'll be there too.

All right. If I have no other questions for staff, I will now open the public comment period.

Do we have any speaker cards? No comment cards received.

All right. Anyone from the public would like to speak on traffic studies? Seeing no one, I am going to close the public comment period, and ask for any further discussion.

Discussion, Mr. Mayor, but I'll make a motion to introduce and waive the full reading and read by title only an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Rockland, amending 10.11 of title 10 of the Rockland municipal code related to speed limits within the City Of Rockland.

I'll second.

Okay. We have a first and a second. Take a vote at this point. All in favor, aye. Aye. Noes? Abstentions? Passes unanimously. Move on to discussion item D2, the establishment of a fire and arson investigation unit. And we have deputy fire chief Ryan Brighton.

We gotta figure it out. Good evening, mayor and council members, deputy fire chief Ryan Brayton. Tonight's staff is recommending that the council introduce and waive the full reading of an ordinance establishing a fire and arson investigation unit within the city of Rockland in the Rockland Fire Department authorizing designated personnel to exercise limited peace officer powers pursuant California Penal Code section eight thirty dot 37. The Rockland Fire Department is responsible not only for fire suppression, but also for fire prevention, fire code enforcement, and the investigation of fires within the city of Rockland. This includes investigating fires that may be incendiary in nature as well as suspected arson and related insurance fraud.

These functions are critical to protecting public safety, public health, and welfare. Under California penal code section eight thirty dot 37, members of the city's fire department arson investigation unit may be recognized as peace officer officers when their primary duty is the detection and apprehension of individuals who have violated fire laws or committed to insurance fraud. Importantly, this authority is limited to those assigned duties and does not grant general law enforcement powers. Over the past several years, the fire department has taken significant steps to professionalize and formalize its fire and arson investigation function. Designated personnel have completed California Department of Justice background investigations and the required post training under penal code section eight thirty two.

In January 2023, the city administratively established a fire and arson investigation unit. Since that time, the unit has conducted and coordinated closely with the Rockland Police Department and allied agencies, particularly in cases involving fatalities, serious injury, and criminal conduct beyond fire laws. While penal code section eight thirty dot 37 provides limited peace officer authority, access to criminal justice information such as CLETs is governed by separate state and federal requirements. In order for the fire department's arson investigation unit to obtain this access, the unit must formally establish by city council action and assigned originating agency identifier or ORI through the Department of Justice and the FBI's criminal justice information services division. The Rockham Municipal Code does not currently contain express language establishing this unit as a criminal justice subunit for these administrative purposes.

Adoption of the proposed ordinance provides the necessary formal authorization to support issuance of an ORI and ensure compliant access to criminal justice information systems. This ordinance does not expand the fire department's authority, duties, operational scope. Instead, it provides administrative clarity, supports compliance with state and federal requirements, and formalizes a function the department is already performing in coordinating with law enforcement partners. There is no fiscal impact to the general fund associated with this recommendation. For these reasons, staff respectfully recommends that the city council introduce the ordinance, waive the full reading, and read by title only. Thank you, and I'm available for any questions.

Thank you. Any questions from council? Okay. Having none, I will now open the public comment period. Do we have any speaker cards?

All

right. We do have a speaker. No. Come on up.

Greetings council members. Benjamin Bjorkman, lifelong Rockland resident. Just a friendly reminder and advice for you as you make this decision. The safe wise, the safest cities in California which you have referenced previously has come out for 2026. Lincoln has our sister city has gone from the fourth safest city in California last year to the third safest city in California last year.

It saddens me only slightly to inform you that Rockland has dropped from eleventh to fifteenth place. This is out of the 169 cities that qualify that have reported their data to the FBI. This is the top decile or decile top 10%. Is Rockland is a very, very safe city. I am not necessarily certain that that would that a that an arson unit is warranted. However, if you figure it's necessary, just make sure that it's fiscally responsibly and not super over budget. Thank you.

Do we have any other

members of the public that would like to speak? All right. Well, I'm going to close the comment period, and is there any further discussion? I actually do have something. Okay.

And it's actually in response to the statistics and whatnot. Because I do, I respect the rankings and everything, but one of the things that's interesting about criminal justice specifically is that there's a saying, Lies, damn lies, and statistics. Numbers can tell a story, and they can also tell a lie. That being that it's not always necessarily true just because someone has underreported or not reported some criminal statistic that they suddenly get placed maybe somewhere on a list. And one of the reasons I bring that up is because I've had chief banks up here when we're going over the numbers.

And one of the questions I like to ask is, with our population, we have quite a number of people that report crime. Rockland certainly does report a lot of things to our law enforcement, and they respond. And because they respond, that leaves a trail of numbers. Numbers that sometimes make it sound like we are less safe because there are more arrests. But actually, the fact is that, and especially since I come from a place in my day job in Sacramento where crime is underreported or fear of reported, we have no idea how dangerous it might actually be done there, but we know how safe it is here because we do arrest and we do prosecute.

So I would say that I do respect the numbers and I guarantee you if we were number three, we would be running around telling everybody we were number three. But I also think that the deeper numbers tell an even better tale, and that is that we will be able to put someone who is an arson investigator on an arson case, who I presume will be have at least the powers of law enforcement to be able to execute on that as the resident expert in arson. And that may mean that next year, people think we have a bunch of firebugs because we report maybe more accurately an arson than was otherwise a fraudulent fire that's been lit. And having worked in insurance fraud, can tell you that happens a lot more than it should. So I am definitely in support of it, but I appreciate the comments because we always have to be vigilant as to where we are.

Just know how the numbers tell a story.

Mayor Bass, I just wanted

to If may, also I will note that US News And World Report ranked Rockland number four and that our adjacent city that was ranked did not make the top 40. So when, you know, you look at where they are when it comes to best places to live in California, I'll I'll take that. And, you know, Rockland was ranked very well there and where we were ranked number one in our county. So I I do wanna point that out that Rockland is doing quite well. And I also want to thank the fire department for standing up the actual addition to our fire services and the fire prevention side.

Having a father-in-law who, basically was responsible for the city of Sparks, Nevada's fire prevention bureau and then deputy chief, I know all too well how important that service is to a community. So thank you for that. And of course, this is just giving us that ability now to have the team members secure the access necessary to the information to be even more effective in their role. Thank you for that.

Any other comments? Okay.

I'm sorry, I stepped on the city manager.

That's fine, I appreciate you mentioning our US News and World Report recent ranking. I should have mentioned that in the city manager report earlier. Just wanted to clarify for the speaker as well that we are in our third or fourth year of having already established under the leadership of chief Williams and deputy chief Brayton a fire and arson investigation unit. The adoption of this ordinance will allow those investigators and the deputy chief to be able to investigate when they're the full complement of the DOJ and FBI investigative powers.

That's great. And I do want to correct myself. We were number nine, not number four.

Oh, I was I was gonna go with the four.

You can always correct me.

I No. Was keeping the four.

I love it.

Think Cupertino would be upset with me, but, you know well, anyway, we're in the top 10.

All right. I think I hate those rankings. I really do. All right. Well, I think that concludes everything. And again, thank you, Benjamin, for always stepping up. I love the insight. I really do.

Mr. Mayor, I'm just going tell you you should take credit for those rankings because a few years ago when I was seated in the mayor seat and we got the Safewise recognition and the best places to live, and I had someone from the media ask me why I thought that was and I told them clearly it was the mayor. I figured they'd blame us if it wasn't. There you go. Take the credit and run.

I don't know about that. I'm to be blamed if we move down anywhere in the rankings. Great. All right. Well, at this point, I'll seek an action item, motion and a vote.

Mr. Mayor, I'll move to introduce, waive the full reading, and read by title only an ordinance of the city council of the city of Rockland establishing a fire and arson investigation unit within the Rockland Fire Department and authorizing designated personnel to exercise peace officer powers pursuant to California Penal Code Section 830.37.

Second. All right. We have a first and a second. And we'll now take a vote. All in favor, aye. Aye. Noes? Abstain? All right. Motion passes unanimously. And we are now on to future agenda items. Is there anyone here that has a future agenda item? No. All right. Then we are adjourned.