Members of the Chino City Council are assigned to represent the City on several external agencies, committees, boards, and task forces. This report summarizes the actions and discussions of those entities as they may impact or be of interest to the City of Chino, its businesses, and its residents.
ANIMAL RESOURCE CENTER OF THE INLAND EMPIRE JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY Council Representative: Curtis Burton | Staff Report by: Rogelio Huerta Meeting Date: May 6, 2025
During the May 6th meeting of the Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire (ARC) Board of Directors, several actions were taken:
City of Chino Hills Membership: The Board considered and adopted a resolution to admit the City of Chino Hills as a new member agency to ARC.
Fiscal Year 2024-25 Mid-Year Budget Adjustment: The Board ratified the mid-year budget adjustment for ARC for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual Budget: The Board ratified the annual budget for ARC for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
Authorized Position List: The Board approved the authorized position list necessary for ARC's start-up operations and established salary ranges for these positions.
BluePearl Cares Grant Acceptance: The Board authorized the Executive Director to accept a grant of $9,000 from BluePearl Cares and execute associated documents.
Sublease Agreement with City of Ontario: The Board authorized the Executive Director, or designee, to execute a sublease agreement with the City of Ontario for the permanent animal services center site located at 13107-13131 South Campus Avenue, Ontario, California. This authorization allows for minor modifications related to escrow closure.
Construction Contract Change Order: The Board authorized Change Order No. 1 to the construction contract with JRH Construction Company, Inc. for the temporary animal services center. This change order is for $128,069, with an additional 20% contingency of $25,613, resulting in a total increase of $153,683 and a revised not-to-exceed contract amount of $3,906,622.
Response to Brown Act Cure or Correct Demand: The Board directed the General Counsel to send a response letter to Maureen Mendoza, stating that the demand letter incorrectly asserts Brown Act violations and is without merit.
Official Seal Approval: The Board introduced an ordinance approving the official seal for the Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire and establishing penalties for unauthorized use of the seal.
Next anticipated meeting date: June 3, 2025
CHAFFEY COLLEGE CHINO COMMUNITY CENTER OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Council Representative: Marc Lucio| Staff Report By: Silvia Avalos No meeting during this reporting period.
Next anticipated meeting date: June 23, 2025
CHINO VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Council Representative: Christopher Flores | Staff Report By: Ellyse Martinez Meeting Date: May 20, 2025
On Thursday, May 1, Ellyse Martinez and Linda Hinojos attended the Taste of the Chino Valley event at the Shoppes in Chino Hills. Local small businesses restaurants showcased menu items, and guests were able to enjoy entertainment throughout the event.
On Thursday, May 8, Council Member Christopher Flores and Ellyse Martinez attended the grand opening of the Salvation Army. While there, Council Member Flores offered a few words of welcome to the business and presented the staff with a certificate of congratulations. The business is located at 5250 E. Philadelphia St., Suite M.
On Wednesday, May 21, Mayor Pro Tem Curtis Burton, Council Member Christopher Flores, Rhonesia Perry, Linda Hinojos, and Ellyse Martinez attended the grand opening for Smash Factor Lounge. Mayor Pro Tem Burton said a few words about the excitement surrounding this new business. Council Member Flores presented the business with a certificate of congratulations. The business is located at 3926 Grand Ave Ste C.
Next anticipated meeting date: June 17, 2025
CHINO BASIN DESALTER AUTHORITY
Council Representative: Curtis Burton | Staff Report By: Pete Vicario Meeting Date: May 27, 2025
The Chino Basin Desalter Authority (CDA) reported that 479 acre-feet of water was delivered to the City of Chino in April.
The CDA Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) recommended the following, all of which were approved:
Approval of a maintenance service agreement with TE Roberts, Inc. for environmental cleanup services and solids handling support in the amount not to exceed $100,000. Services include vacuuming and disposing of pellets generated by the Concentrate Reduction Pellet Reactor, as well as cleaning various tanks. No impact on FY 2025-26 budget.
Approval of a professional services agreement with Carollo Engineers, Inc. for the Concentrate Reduction Facility (CRF) operations support services in the amount not to exceed $100,000. Carollo will work with staff to optimize the operation of the CRF, which includes project management, operations assessment, and operator training services. The approved FY 2025-26 operations budget includes $100,000 for these CRF Support Services.
Approval of a professional services agreement with Aquasystec for SCADA support services in an amount not to exceed $250,000. Aquasystec specializes in troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing SCADA programming systems. The approved FY 2025-26 budget includes $250,000 for SCADA Support Services.
Approval of Amendment No. 2 for a professional services agreement with Babcock Laboratories for laboratory services in the amount not to exceed $700,000. Babcock provides water quality analysis services for routine and special water quality monitoring of raw and treated water. The FY 2025-26 budget for laboratory services is $700,000.
Approval of Amendment No. 4 for a professional services agreement with Hazen & Sawyer for engineering support services in the amount not to exceed $862,000. Hazen & Sawyer will provide engineering support services for several upcoming CDA projects, including a Cyber Security/Network Master Plan and the Chino I Operations and Maintenance Manual/SOP update.
Approval of a professional services agreement with Visual Edge IT for IT management and monitoring services at the Chino II Desalter in the amount not to exceed $100,000. In 2024, Visual Edge IT was contracted to conduct a Cybersecurity Assessment and Evaluation at the Chino II Desalter to identify cybersecurity gaps and vulnerabilities. In response, CDA implemented a real-time monitoring solution to provide continuous (24/7) threat detection and response, with evidence retention for up to one year to support incident investigations. Expenses are included in the FY 2025-26 O&M Budget.
Approval to award a contract to ABC Liovin Drilling, Inc. for the drilling, construction, development, and testing of monitoring Wells #6 and #7 in the amount not to exceed $1,400,000. The drilling bid package was publicly advertised on April 23, 2025, and five bids were received on May 20, 2025. ABC Liovin Drilling, Inc. was the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Funding to cover the contract amount will be deposited into the project account by IEUA.
Next anticipated meeting date: June 24, 2025
CHINO BASIN WATERMASTER
Council Representative: Curtis Burton | Staff Report By: Benjamin Orosco Meeting Date: May 22, 2025
Safe Yield Report Re-evaluation
The discussion focused on the peer review engagement for the 2025 Safe Yield re-evaluation technical results. The current Safe Yield report indicates a reduction of 14,000 acre-feet in Safe Yield between 2020 and 2025. The main objective was to discuss the scope of work for the peer review, which involves five tasks: reviewing materials and the 2022 approved methodology, evaluating elements material to the net recharge calculation, reviewing model calibrations, addressing other relevant issues, and meeting engagement requirements.
The scope aims to ensure consistency with the court order and confidence in the net recharge calculation. The board plans to send the scope to four pre-qualified firms, with a contract expected by June. The discussion emphasized the significance of model calibration for informed decision-making and the necessity of external validation of assumptions in groundwater modeling. The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the scope, emphasizing the importance of getting the process right for future decisions.
Next anticipated meeting date: June 26, 2025
CHINO VALLEY INDEPENDENT FIRE DISTRICT - LIAISON TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS Council Representative: Karen Comstock | Staff Report By: Linda Reich Meeting Date: May 14, 2025
Presentations/Announcements
Legislative Update - The Board received a quarterly report on state and federal legislative advocacy from Jaime Rojas of Rojas Public Affairs, covering the period from January 2025 to March 2025.
Liaison Reports
City of Chino - Council Member Karen Comstock reported on the upcoming Summer Concert series and Movies in the Park in Chino.
New Business
Ordinance No. 2025-01 Designation of Fire Hazard Severity Zones – On a 5-0 vote, the Board adopted the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) maps and set a public hearing for July 9, 2025, during the second reading. Fire Marshal O’Toole stated the FHSZ maps for Chino Valley Fire District (CVFD) were received on March 24, 2025, and that the district published the maps on the CVFD website and at CVFD headquarters. One hundred twenty-three emails were received during the public comment period. During the Board meeting, Mayor Art Bennett of Chino Hills expressed concerns about the proposed map for Chino Hills, which expands the fire hazard severity zones within the city and is expected to increase home insurance rates. Board discussion ensued, with several Board members noting that the Fire District was required to adopt the maps and that concerned residents should reach out to their elected state representatives.
Next anticipated meeting date: July 9, 2025 (June 11, 2025 Regular Board Meeting cancelled)
CHINO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Council Representative: Curtis Burton | Staff Report By: Vivian Castro Meeting Date: May 1, 2025
Consent Calendar - Approved 5-0
New Courses - Approved three new courses, Agriculture Advanced Horsemanship P.E., AI Design and Development, Advanced Guitar, and Web Application Design and Development Award of Bid No. 24-25-07F - Awarded Bid No. 24-25-07F for the Chino HS-Old Gym Roofing Project to San Marino Roof Co., Inc. for $232,663.
Meeting Date: May 15, 2025
Action Items
2025/2026 Student Member on the Board of Education – Approved 5-0 to appoint Phoenix Kim from Chino Hills HS as the 2025/2026 Student Member on the Board Public Hearing and Ratification of the Tentative Agreement Between the Chino Valley Unified School District and the Associated Chino Teachers (A.C.T.) for a Successor Agreement Effective July 1, 2025 – On a vote of 5-0, the Board ratified the tentative agreement between CVUSD and ACT for a successor agreement effective July 1, 2025.
The agreement is in effect from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028, subject to reopeners.
Per the Form for Public Disclosure of Proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement, “Effective July 1, 2025, all salary schedules for unit members shall be increased by two and one-quarters percent (2.25%) or by the funded statutory cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) applied to the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) as enacted in the California State Budget for the corresponding fiscal year, whichever is greater. For purposes of this provision, the applicable COLA shall be based on the percentage established in the California Department of Finance's official LCFF COLA projection for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, provided the COLA is funded.” The agreement provides a Salary Schedule change of 2.30% and a Step & Column change of 1%, resulting in a total percentage change for the average represented employee of 3.3%. Per the form, the cost of the agreement for the current year (FY 2025-26) is $4,365,737, a 2.3% cost increase.
Public Notice and Hearing Regarding the California School Employees Association and its Chino Chapter 102, Initial Bargaining Proposal to the Chino Valley Unified School District for a Reopener Collective Bargaining Agreement Effective July 1, 2025 - President Shaw opened the public hearing on this item. There were no speakers, and the hearing was closed. The proposed fiscal impact is not available.
Public Notice and Hearing Regarding the District’s Initial Bargaining Proposal to the California School Employees Association and its Chino Chapter 102, for a Reopener Collective Bargaining Agreement Effective July 1, 2025 - President Shaw opened the public hearing on this item. There were no speakers, and the hearing was closed. The proposed fiscal impact is not available.
Next anticipated meeting date: June 5, 2025
CHINO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT – MEASURE G OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Council Representative: Karen Comstock | Staff Report By: Silvia Avalos No meeting during this reporting period.
Next anticipated meeting date: September 3, 2025
CITIZEN’S COMMITTEE FOR CIM & CIW
Council Representative: Marc Lucio | Staff Report By: Aaron Kelliher No meeting during this reporting period.
Next anticipated meeting date: June 10, 2025
INLAND EMPIRE UTILITIES AGENCY (IEUA) REGIONAL SEWERAGE COMMITTEE Council Representative: Curtis Burton | Staff Report by: Benjamin Orosco Meeting Date: May 1, 2025
Action Item
Approve minutes of April 3, 2025, Policy Committee Meeting - There was a detailed discussion on the accuracy and completeness of the meeting minutes from the last meeting. Some committee members expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of detail in capturing discussions and motions, debating whether non-action items should be documented. Direction was given to go back and add specific requests and bring them back to the next policy committee meeting. Meeting minutes were not approved.
Information Items
A. Ten-Year Sewer Capital Forecast Fiscal Year 2025-26 – Fiscal Year 2026-27 (Written) B. Review of Proposed Biennial Budget for Fiscal Years 2025-26 and 2026-27 for Regional Wastewater Programs (Written/PowerPoint) The committee discussed both items and requested additional information to be provided when these items are brought forward for action at the next policy meeting.
Next anticipated meeting date: June 5, 2025
LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES – INLAND EMPIRE DIVISION
Council Representative: Marc Lucio | Staff Report by: Jackie Melendez Meeting Date: May 29, 2025
The League’s Inland Empire Division met at the Burrage Mansion in Redlands. Mayor Pro Tem Burton and Administration Department staff attended the meeting.
Division President Kristine Scott of Rancho Cucamonga introduced the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority’s (SBCTA) new Executive Director, Carrie Schindler. Ms. Schindler replaced longtime Executive Director Ray Wolfe, who retired this summer. She previously served as SBCTA’s Deputy Executive Director. She holds a degree in Civil Engineering from San Diego State University and is a registered Professional Engineer in California. Before joining SBCTA, she served as the Chief of Transportation Planning for the County of San Bernardino. Ms. Schindler presented on the SBCTA’s role, its structure, and major issues.
Other IE Division officers and members discussed issues of importance to member cities, including several state bills, with much of the discussion centered on opposition to SB 79 (Wiener) and the erosion of local control on housing issues. Opposition to the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Proposed Rules 1111 and 1121 was also discussed.
Next anticipated meeting date: June 30, 2025
OMNITRANS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Council Representative: Eunice Ulloa | Staff Report by: Dennis Ralls Meeting Date: May 7, 2025
The Board adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Service Plan and Annual Budget. In FY2025-26, OmniTrans expects to achieve 100% of planned service levels on fixed routes, following the slowdown caused by the pandemic. The approved budget of $130.9M includes $118.5M for operating costs and $12.4M for capital costs. Increases were attributed to increases in salaries, benefits, insurance, and the continued deployment of zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure. The adopted budget was balanced with proposed revenues.
Next anticipated meeting date: June 4, 2025
ONTARIO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY (OIAA)
INTER-AGENCY COLLABORATIVE (ROUNDTABLE)
Council Representative: Christopher Flores | Staff Report by: Jackie Melendez No meeting during this reporting period.
Next anticipated meeting date: TBD
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Staff Report By: Rogelio Huerta
Meeting Date: May 6, 2025
During the May 6 meeting of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, the Board approved the following items:
Federal Lobbying & Legislative Advocacy Services
Item No. 14 involved the approval of an update to the contract with Potomac Partners DC, LLC. This update, concerning federal lobbying and legislative advocacy services, includes the addition of a subcontractor and an increase in the contract amount of $88,825, plus travel costs. This adjustment raises the contract total to a new maximum of $808,825, excluding travel expenses.
Legislative Platform
Under Item No. 16, the Board of Supervisors approved a waiver of the County policy to allow for a two-year legislative platform. This decision aims to better align the County's advocacy efforts with the two-year legislative session cycle.
Meeting Date: May 20, 2025
During the May 20th meeting of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, the board approved the following item(s):
Prado Regional Park Master Plan
The Board of Supervisors approved a time extension to its agreement with KTU&A Planning and Landscape Architecture for updating the Master Plan for Prado Regional Park. The contract now runs through June 2, 2025, with no increase to the original cost.
Next anticipated meeting date: June 10, 2025
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SOLID WASTE ADVISORY TASK FORCE
Council Representative: Christopher Flores | Staff Report by: Xochitl Huerta No meeting during this reporting period.
Next anticipated meeting date: October 15, 2025
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (SBCTA) BOARD OF DIRECTORS Council Representative: Eunice Ulloa | Staff Report by: Dennis Ralls Meeting Date: May 7, 2025
SBCTA and SBCOG Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budgets – The Board adopted the FY 2025-26 budgets for SBCTA and SBCOG. The proposed combined revenue is expected to be $1,008,495,818, with the major funding sources to include Measure I Sales Tax, the Local Transportation Fund, and intergovernmental funds. The combined expenditures are expected to be $1,283,877,089, which are primarily divided into three categories: Transit, Project Delivery, and Fund Administration. Carryover funds, totaling $278,989,359, are included to balance the budget. Staff noted that Measure I Sales Tax is expected to drop by $3.2M or 1.3% due to a projected economic slowdown.
Ontario International Airport Connector Project - The Board approved an amendment to the Ontario International Airport Connector Project Agreements to address new challenges. The amendment authorizes an increase of $2 million, bringing the total to $5 million, from State Transit Assistance funds already approved for the project, to enhance the contract with Ontario Tunnel Constructors. The new challenges include a change in scope to reduce the number of stations at ONT from 2 to 1 and address the expected coordination needed with the anticipated overlapping construction of the Brightline Rancho Cucamonga Station improvements.
Regional Transportation Funding Survey - The Board received a presentation from FM3 Research on Voter Views in 2023 concerning the potential need for additional transportation funding. 61% of those surveyed said there is a great need for additional funds for transportation. The research collected is anticipated to help inform a potential ballot measure to extend or replace Measure I in the future.
Next anticipated meeting date: June 4, 2025
SBCTA – CITY SELECTION COMMITTEE
Council Representative: Eunice Ulloa | Staff Report by: Jackie Melendez No meeting during this reporting period.
Next anticipated meeting date: TBD
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SCAG) – GENERAL ASSEMBLY Council Representative: Marc Lucio | Staff Report by: Jackie Melendez Meeting Date: May 1, 2025
The SCAG General Assembly had its Annual Business Meeting during the SCAG Conference in Palm Desert. Council Member Marc Lucio is the City’s representative to the General Assembly. The General Assembly voted on the following:
Adopted the FY 2025-26 General Fund Budget and Membership Assessment Schedule.
Ratified the Regional Council’s election of Officers, whose terms commence upon the adjournment of the day’s General Assembly meeting:
President - Cindy Allen, Long Beach
First Vice President - Ray Marquez, Chino Hills
Second Vice President - Jenny Crosswhite, Santa Paula
Approved the minutes of the May 2, 2024 General Assembly meeting.
San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman, the outgoing SCAG President, provided a Year-in-Review, highlighting the accomplishments of 2024-25. Incoming President Cindy Allen from Long Beach was recognized.
Next anticipated meeting date: TBD, May 2026
SANTA ANA WATERSHED ADVISORY COUNCIL
Council Representative: Karen Comstock | Staff Report by: Benjamin Orosco Meeting Date: May 6, 2025
No current items to report.
Next anticipated meeting date: June 3, 2025
WATER FACILITIES AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Council Representative: Curtis Burton | Staff Report by: Benjamin Orosco Meeting Date: May 15, 2025
Chino Basin Program (CBP) – During the Water Facility Authority (WFA) Board Meeting, WFA staff were directed to request that the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) address two CBP items: (1) give a presentation on CBP at the next WFA meeting and (2) provide written information/responses to a letter requesting information for the CBP. IEUA refers to the CBP as a first-of-its-kind water program that moves beyond traditional water management practices to achieve new levels of water security, flexibility, and affordability.
IEUA General Manager Shivaji Deshmukh responded that he would attend the July 17 WFA Board meeting to discuss the CBP. As for providing written representations to the CBP, IEUA has yet to respond.
Next anticipated meeting date: July 17, 2025
WEST VALLEY MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT
Council Representative: Christopher Flores | Staff Report by: Vivian Castro Meeting Date: May 27, 2025
FY 2025-26 Proposed Budget - The Board received information and discussed the proposed FY 2025-26 budget. The discussion included consideration of a 2% COLA pay scale adjustment for staff. Other items of note impacting the proposed budget include a 3% increase in benefit assessments, an increase in the number of homes in the District, two additional full-time positions to support the District’s SIT program, an increase in the District’s unfunded liability, and contractual percentage increases for deferred compensation. No vote was taken on the item.
Assessments for FY 2025-26, Resolution #2025-02 – The Board approved a resolution of intention to continue assessments for FY 2025-2026, preliminarily approving the engineer’s reports, and providing for notice of hearing for the West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, Vector Control Assessment (Assessment No. 1) and Mosquito, Vector and Disease Control Assessment (Assessment No. 2). The item passed unanimously.
Next anticipated meeting date: June 24, 2025
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MONTHLY AGENCY REPORTS – JULY 15, 2025 (Covering Meetings from 5/1/25 – 5/31/25) PAGE 1