CHINO CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING - CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
13220 CENTRAL AVENUE
CHINO, CA 91710
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2025
MINUTES
CLOSED SESSION - 5:30 PM
OPEN SESSION – 6:00 PM
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CALL TO ORDER
The February 4, 2025, Regular Meeting of the City Council / Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency was called to order at 5:31 pm by Mayor Eunice M. Ulloa in the Council Chambers.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor Eunice M. Ulloa, Mayor Pro Tem Curtis Burton, Council Member Karen C.
Comstock, Council Member Christopher Flores, and Council Member Marc Lucio ABSENT: NONE.
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no requests to speak.
CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Fred Galante read into the record the item listed on the Closed Session agenda.
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR Pursuant to Government Code 54956.8
Property: APN: 1020 -282-12; NWC of Chino Ave. & 6th St. 13272 6th Street, Chino; Agency Negotiator: Linda Reich, City Manager or her designee; Negotiating Parties: Tannehill Langdon TR; Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Potential Acquisition
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR Pursuant to Government Code 54956.8
Property: APN: 1020 -282-03; 13218 6th Street, Chino; Agency Negotiator: Linda Reich, City Manager or her designee; Negotiating Parties: SKS Property Investment LLC; Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Potential Acquisition
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:32 p.m. and concluded at 5:56 p.m. The City Council reconvened the open session meeting at 6:02 p.m.
FLAG SALUTE
Council Member Lucio led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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CEREMONIALS
City of Chino 2024 Photo Contest Winners - Recognition of the 2024 City of Chino Photo Contest Winners.
Chino Animals: Shaun Gross "Nature in the Backyard"
Chino Fun: Stacey Wiseman "Indiana & Mabel Wiseman"
Chino Landmarks: Miguel S Balderrama "Tower Wings"
Chino Living: Susana Aguilar "Growing Minds Where Everything Grows" Chino Nature: Tirthankar Chakraborty Dipankar "Serenity at Prado Regional Park" Chino Sports: Isabella Chavez "Jump Ball"
Mayor Pro Tem Burton presented certificates of recognition to Shaun Gross, Stacey Wiseman, Miguel S. Balderrama, Susana Aguilar, and Tirthanker Chakraborty Dipankar, who were present to accept their award.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Fred Galante reported out of closed session as follows:
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR Pursuant to Government Code 54956.8
Property: APN: 1020 -282-12; NWC of Chino Ave. & 6th St. 13272 6th Street, Chino; Agency Negotiator: Linda Reich, City Manager or her designee; Negotiating Parties: Tannehill Langdon TR; Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Potential Acquisition The City Council received an update, provided direction, and no further reportable action was taken.
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR Pursuant to Government Code 54956.8
Property: APN: 1020 -282-03; 13218 6th Street, Chino; Agency Negotiator: Linda Reich, City Manager or her designee; Negotiating Parties: SKS Property Investment LLC; Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Potential Acquisition
The City Council received an update, provided direction, and no further reportable action was taken.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/REVISIONS
Assistant City Manager Jackie Melendez reported there were no additions or revisions to the agenda.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Ulloa issued a reminder about the following scheduled community events and closures:
The Run for Russ 5K, attracted over 1,100 participants to honor fallen Chino Police Officer, Russ Miller, with proceeds benefiting the Chino Police Officers Foundation. Special congratulations were extended to all participants and winners.
Chino Youth Museum Annual Dairy/Aire 5k is on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. located at Ruben S. Ayala Park. For information, visit chinoyouthmuseum.com.
Healthy Family Day is on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Neighborhood Activity Center. For more information, visit cityofchino.org/HFD.
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Chino City Hall and most City facilities will close for the President's Day Holiday on Monday, February 17, 2025.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Chaplain Keith Roby, Chino Valley Fire District, provided the invocation.
Melissa Compani, Representative, Fourth District San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman, announced updates and upcoming events.
Sophia Cohen, Field Representative, 53rd District Assemblymember Michelle Rodriguez, announced the upcoming Community Swearing-In Ceremony on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Donna Marchesi, Chino resident, spoke regarding traffic concerns in Chino.
Diane Boudreaux, Chino resident, thanked the City Council for opposing the SCAQMD Rule 1111 and 1121.
Moe Mendoza, Chino resident, spoke regarding the Animal Resource Center and provided a letter that was included in the meeting record.
Mayor Ulloa called up Troop 202 Scouts to provide an introduction.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Warrants. Approve expenses as audited and within budget for warrants 773958 to 774176, and Electronic Fund Transfers 523634E to 523745E, totaling $7,505,252.76.
2. Minutes. Regular Meeting Minutes for January 21, 2025 (All Members Present).
3. Elected City Officials’ Report Regarding Travel, Training, and Meetings. Receive and file the Elected City Officials’ Report reflecting City Council business related expenses incurred by the City.
4. Tobacco Grant Program Acceptance. Adopt Resolution No. 2025 -008 and grant proceeds in the amount of $46,899, over a three -year fiscal period; appropriate $15,633 for FY 24 -25, from the unappropriated reserves of the General Fund and increase the General Fund revenue budget by $15,633.
5. Amendment No. 2 with Biggs Cardosa Associates, Inc. for the Euclid Avenue Bridge Project (ST243) Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Approve Amendment No. 2 with Biggs Cardosa Associates, Inc. in the amount of $388,534.24 for additional consultant services to prepare an EIR for Project ST243 for a new contract total not-to-exceed $4,332,759.58.
Motion by Council Member Comstock, seconded by Council Member Flores, to approve the Consent Calendar items 1-5 as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: ULLOA, BURTON, COMSTOCK, FLORES, AND LUCIO
NOES: NONE.
ABSENT: NONE.
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NEW BUSINESS
6. Introduction of Ordinance No. 2025 -001. Approve the Introduction of Ordinance No. 2025 -001 Amending Chapter 8.12 of the Chino Municipal Code Pertaining to Fireworks.
Staff Report By: Silvia Avalos, Director of Community Services, Parks & Recreation RECOMMENDATION: Approve the Introduction of Ordinance No. 2025 -001, to be read by number and title only, waiving further reading of the ordinance, amending Chapter 8.12 of the Chino Municipal Code (CMC) pertaining to fireworks.
Silvia Avalos, Director of Community Services, Parks & Recreation (CSPR), provided a presentation on the item.
Mayor Ulloa called upon the public comments received from the audience.
Karlee Remender, representing Don Lugo Performance Arts/Band Booster, spoke in opposition of the ordinance, as presented.
Aiden Flores, spoke in opposition of the ordinance, as presented.
Tony Flores, representing the parents of Troop 202 and Chino High School Band Booster, spoke in opposition of the ordinance, as presented. He suggested a central location be established in the City of Chino for drop off of unsold fireworks.
John Kelly, TNT Fireworks, provided an introduction, spoke in opposition of the ordinance, as presented. He offered to work together on alternate solutions.
Mayor Ulloa asked if there were any additional requests to speak from the audience.
Bobby Martinez, community member, spoke against the firework vendor’s decision to require non-profit organizations to pay a $1,500 merchandise pickup fee, and advocated for exploring other vendor options.
Neal Jerry, CSPR Commissioner, spoke in support of the ordinance, as presented.
Donna Marchesi, spoke in opposition of the proposed item.
Hearing no additional requests to speak, Mayor Ulloa requested Council Member comments.
Council Member Comstock asked Staff when the fireworks wholesaler representatives were notified of the CSPR Fireworks Subcommittee recommendations. Both Ms. Avalos and Nikki Love, Strategic Initiatives Manager, confirmed the wholesalers were notified approximately two weeks before the January CSPR Commission meeting. Ms. Love confirmed TNT and Phantom representatives had no questions at the time of notification.
Council Member Comstock asked if TNT and Phantom were the only fireworks providers in Chino, and Ms. Love confirmed currently they are the only two wholesalers being utilized.
Mayor Pro Tem Burton clarified the current distribution and collection practices of fireworks stock, and expressed concerned regarding the fireworks wholesaler fees.
City Attorney Galante confirmed the Chino Municipal Code has a provision that requires wholesalers to secure a permit, and it could be amended to include language that will obligate
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the wholesaler to pick up the fireworks stock by a specified date or provide a central drop off location within the City.
Council Member Lucio discussed the practices of other city programs and suggested the City conduct an RFP process in order to ensure transparency and offer multiple options to the stakeholders.
Council Member Flores asked how many non -profits have contracted with TNT this year, and Ms. Avalos explained the number is unknown, noting the City application is scheduled to be sent on February 14, 2025.
Mayor Ulloa explained she preferred the non -profits handle the negotiations with the vendors, however, she acknowledged the City might need to get involved to help develop a solution through revising the ordinance. She suggested delaying the ordinance introduction approval until the next meeting.
Mayor Ulloa asked staff to consider alternate solutions, and invited Council Member Comstock to serve as a liaison for the City Council as Staff reviews the ordinance.
Council Member Flores expressed concern regarding the application start date. Ms. Avalos explained staff is required to issue applications on February 14, 2025, however, the applications are not due until March 14, 2025, allowing time to make changes before the applications are due.
Council Member Comstock recommended applications should contain language to advise all applicants the ordinance is currently under review by the City Council.
Assistant City Manager Melendez confirmed staff will proceed with the current application process and existing regulations will continue to apply, and the recommended changes will be tabled, reviewed, and re-introduced at the next meeting.
The item was pulled and returned to City staff for further review. It is anticipated to be returned for City Council consideration at the next regular meeting on February 18, 2025.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Ulloa
7. Planning Commission Appointments. Approve Planning Commission Member and North and South Sphere of Influence Ex-Officio Member appointments.
Staff Report By: Mayor Eunice M. Ulloa
RECOMMENDATION: Approve the re -appointment of Commissioner Brandon Blanchard; and appointment of Sphere of Influence Ex -Officio Members Jerry Rowe (North) and Alan “Drew” Sasser (South) to the Planning Commission.
The City Council thanked the residents for their participation in the Commission recruitment process and congratulated the appointed Commissioners.
Motion by Council Member Flores, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Burton, to approve the re-appointment of Commissioner Brandon Blanchard; and appointment of Sphere of Influence Ex-Officio Members Jerry Rowe (North) and Alan "Drew" Sasser (South) to the Planning Commission. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: ULLOA, BURTON, COMSTOCK, FLORES, AND LUCIO
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NOES: NONE.
ABSENT: NONE.
Mayor Ulloa directed the City Clerk to administer the Oath of Office to the appointed Commissioners. City Clerk Natalie Gonzaga administered the Oath of Office to Brandon Blanchard, Jerry Rowe, and Alan "Drew" Sasser.
Newly re -appointed Planning Commissioner Brandon Blanchard, North Sphere of Influence Ex-Officio Planning Commissioner Jerry Rowe, and South Sphere of Influence Ex -Officio Planning Commissioner Alan "Drew" Sasser, expressed their gratitude to the City Council for their support and the opportunity to serve the community.
Mayor Ulloa
Mayor Ulloa reported on the following meetings and events including Omnitrans Plans and Programs Committee meeting and the Heman G Stark Property Ad-hoc Committee meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Burton
Mayor Pro Tem Burton reported on the following meetings and events including Chino Basin Desalter Finance Committee Board meeting; Orbis meeting at Crosspoint Church; Southern California Water Coalition Board of Trustees meeting; Chino Valley Historical Society meeting; City Manager meeting; Animal Resource Center meeting; League of California Cities Conference; Run for Russ 5K; Tres Hermanos Ranch tour; Water Facilities Authority Orientation and tour; and City Manager meeting.
Council Member Comstock
Council Member Comstock reported on the following meetings and events including City Manager meeting; meeting with a resident; CSPR Commission meeting; Chino Valley Unified School District Measure G Oversight meeting, where new legislation impacting school districts was discussed related to development impact fees and asked Assistant City Manager Melendez to review this legislation; City Manager meeting; and Closed Session.
Council Member Flores
Council Member Flores reported on the following meetings and events including Bevy Beans Coffee Grand Opening; congratulated All American Car Wash on the Grand Opening of their Grand/Pipeline location; thanked residents for coming forward to speak at tonight's council meeting; and requested the Animal Resource Center agenda be posted to the City's website.
Council Member Lucio
Council Member Lucio reported on the following meetings and events including a meeting with Erren O'Leary regarding the proposed Community Building at The Preserve; City Manager meeting; Heman G. Stark Property Ad -hoc Committee meeting; Run for Russ 5K; City Manager meeting; Closed Session; and thanked the non -profit organizations who spoke regarding the fireworks ordinance.
City Manager's Report
Assistant City Manager Melendez had no report.
City Attorney's Report
City Attorney Galante provided information regarding SB 937, to address Council Member
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Comstock's inquiry regarding legislation related to development impact fees and school districts.
Police Chief's Report
Police Chief Mensen thanked Run for Russ participants, the Public Works Department, and the Kiwanis Club for their support, and spoke regarding the Police Department's efforts related to traffic safety.
Director's Report
Hye Jin Lee, Director of Public Works, provided an update on the windstorm recovery; announced residents north of Chino Avenue are asked to conserve water from February 12-25 due to possible water service interruptions related to the Metropolitan Water District works on the Rialto feeder pipeline, she also noted the City has secured additional water sources from the City of Ontario and Upland if needed; announced CalRecycle will be conducting audits from February 3-6, as part of their Flip the Lid Program to survey for recycling of organics, but no tickets will be issued; and reported on the City's efforts to deter illegal dumping with the installation of signage, cameras and flood lights in some alleys, and partnerships with Code Enforcement and the Police Department have been established to help prosecute offenders.
Fire Chief's Report
Fire Chief Dave Williams announced the Chino Valley Fire District Administrative Office front counter will be closed on Fridays, however, appointments still can be made in advance by the end of the business day on Wednesdays.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the City Council will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. (Closed Session no earlier than 4:00 p.m. if necessary) in these Council Chambers.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2025.
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EUNICE M. ULLOA, MAYOR
ATTEST:
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NATALIE GONZAGA, CITY CLERK
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(These minutes are not official until signed.)