Docusign Envelope ID: 10DEFE9F-05AA-4782-9798-907042BDFE8F 2025-034
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF CHINO HILLS
FEBRUARY 25, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
CONVENE MEETING AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Bennett called the Closed Session meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and requested City Clerk Balz to call roll.
PRESENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: ART BENNETT
BRIAN JOHSZ
RAY MARQUEZ
CYNTHIA MORAN
PETER J. ROGERS
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT: BENJAMIN MONTGOMERY, CITY MANAGER
MARK HENSLEY, CITY ATTORNEY
CHERYL BALZ, CITY CLERK
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Bennett declared the meeting recessed at 5.30 p.m. for Closed Session. City Clerk Balz did not attend this portion of the meeting.
EXISTING LITIGATION
Conference with Legal Counsel pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) Existing Litigation - Chino Basin Municipal Water District vs. City of Chino, et al. - Case No. RCV 51010
CLOSED SESSION RECESS
Mayor Bennett recessed the Closed Session at 5:45 p.m.
CONVENE MEETING AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Bennett called the regular meeting to order at 6.00 p.m. and requested City Clerk Balz to call roll.
Docusign Envelope ID: 10DEFE9F-05AA-4782-9798-907042BDFE8F CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-035
REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2025
PRESENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: ART BENNETT
BRIAN JOHSZ
RAY MARQUEZ
CYNTHIA MORAN
PETER J. ROGERS
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT: BENJAMIN MONTGOMERY, CITY MANAGER
MARK HENSLEY, CITY ATTORNEY
CHERYL BALZ, CITY CLERK
JEREMY AULT, DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF, CHINO VALLEY FIRE
DISTRICT
DANIEL BOBADILLA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
ELIZABETH CARLOCK, FINANCE MANAGER
JESSICA CONTRERAS, DEPUTY CITY CLERK II
BRANDON FONACIER, COMMUNITY RELATIONS ANALYST II
NICOLE FREEMAN, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
AL GIRARD, CHIEF OF POLICE, CHINO HILLS POLICE
DEPARTMENT
ROD HILL, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
NICHOLAS LIGUORI, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR
JONATHAN MARSHALL, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
LYNNAE SISEMORE, ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG [01:24]
Led by Vice Mayor Johsz.
INVOCATION [01:49]
Led by Father Elmer Galiza, St. Paul the Apostle Church.
PRESENTATIONS
CITY TILE - SEAN O'CONNOR [03:41]
Mayor Bennett presented a City Tile on behalf of the City and Certificates of Recognition on behalf of the City, Congresswomen Kim and Torres, Assemblymember Chen, and County Supervisor Hagman to Maintenance and Operations Manager Sean O'Connor for his years of service from July 6, 1999, to February 21, 2025.
Mr. O'Connor thanked the Council for the recognition and said that he's been blessed to work for the City of Chino Hills and has enjoyed serving the community alongside his Public Works co-workers.
Docusign Envelope ID: 10DEFE9F-05AA-4782-9798-907042BDFE8F CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-036
REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2025
INTRODUCTION - NEW EMPLOYEE [12:27]
Mayor Bennett introduced Cheryl Melendez, Management Analyst II in the Community Development Department, and welcomed her to the Chino Hills team.
Ms. Melendez thanked the Council for the introduction and warm welcome and stated that she looks forward to working for the City of Chino Hills.
RECOGNITION - 2024 PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS [13:57]
Mayor Bennett and Community Services Coordinator II Badosa presented certificates of Recognition on behalf of the City, Congresswomen Kim and Torres, Assemblymember Chen, and Supervisor Hagman to the winners of the 2024 Photo Contest Winners.
Community Services Coordinator II Badosa thanked the photo contest judges, which included Council Member Rogers and Community Relations Analyst II Fonacier for helping select the photo contest winners. She announced the photo contest winners and presented them with gift cards from The Shoppes at Chino Hills. 3rd Place Animal Category Stephen Wood
2nd Place Animal Category Roger Su
1 st Place Animal Category Ty Hagenson
3rd Place Beautiful Landscapes Category Marilee Poirier 2nd Place Beautiful Landscapes Category John Clodfelter 1 st Place Beautiful Landscapes Category Li Chen 3rd Place Hometown Pride Category Joe Bartell
2nd Place Hometown Pride Category John Clodfelter 1 st Place Hometown Pride Category Emma Carter
Grand Prize Hometown Pride Category Katie Kim (not present) Lastly, Community Services Coordinator II Badosa announced that the Photo Contest Art Show and Photographer's Reception will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Chino Hills Community Center Lobby (14250 Peyton Drive).
PRESENTATION - CARBON CANYON FIRE SAFE COUNCIL [21:27]
Eric Johnson, Fire Safe Council Member, provided a PowerPoint presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. He spoke about community advocacy for wildfire reduction in Carbon Canyon, the history of fires in the areas, noted the measurable progress made in brush clearance, Arundo removal, and community outreach and spoke about projects currently in process and proposed.
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER REPORT [32:00]
Public Information Officer (PIO) Freeman announced the following information:
Docusign Envelope ID: 10DEFE9F-05AA-4782-9798-907042BDFE8F CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-037
REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2025
• MOBILE PET VACCINE & MICROCHIP CLINIC FEBRUARY 28
o The City of Chino Hills in partnership with Inland Valley Humane Society (IVHS)will host a mobile pet vaccination and microchip clinic this Friday, February 28th from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. outdoors at the Chino Hills Community Center
o Single vaccines will be offered at costs ranging from $10 to $40, and microchipping for $30 per pet
o In Chino Hills, all dogs over four months old are required to be microchipped under the City's Getting 2 Zero program and the City provides a rebate of up to $30 for properly licensed dogs • RECREATION NEWS
o Apply for the Teen Advisory Board
o Chino Hills teens in grades 7 through 12 are invited to apply to serve on the City's Teen Advisory Board
o The Board provides an opportunity to practice leadership and life skills
o Applications are due by Friday, March 14th, or the first 60 applications received, and more information is available online at www.chinohills.org/TeenAdvisoryBoard
• CALTRANS TREE TRIMMING IN CARBON CANYON
o Caltrans is continuing fuel reduction operations and tree trimming along State Route 142 through Friday, February 28th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily, weather permitting.
o Expect delays and a flagging operation from Azurite Drive to Canon Lane.
Council Member Moran inquired why the IVHS clinic was only scheduled for one hour and asked if IVHS will accommodate those still waiting in line.
City Manager Montgomery replied that staff will reach out to IVHS to ask about their process if people are still in line at 6:00 p.m. and will report back to the Council.
Vice Mayor Johsz stated that two dogs were found in Chino Hills and turned into IVHS and inquired if any Chino Hills resident would be able to adopt those dogs at no cost.
City Manager Montgomery answered affirmatively.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION [34:42] There was no reportable action taken in Closed Session.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - AGENDIZED ITEMS [34:50]
Jim Gallagher, resident, spoke about the FY 2024-25 Street Improvement Program Project and asked when the paving would be completed in the area.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST / LEVINE ACT ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no conflict-of-interest or Levine Act announcements to record.
Docusign Envelope ID: 10DEFE9F-05AA-4782-9798-907042BDFE8F CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-038
REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2025
CITY DEPARTMENT BUSINESS
CONSENT CALENDAR [36:201
Mayor Bennett announced the Consent Calendar items and asked the Council if there were any items to pull.
Council Member Rogers pulled Consent Calendar Item No. 13, pertaining to the FY 2024-25 Street Improvement Program Project.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Johsz and seconded by Council Member Rogers to approve the following Consent Calendar Items:
MINUTES
The City Council approved the February 11, 2025, City Council Meeting Minutes.
COMMUNICATIONS LICENSE AGREEMENT AMENDMENT - EQUIPMENT MODIFICATION - 6090 PINE AVENUE
The City Council authorized execution of Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. A05-02 with Verizon Wireless, to modify equipment on existing Verizon wireless facility consistent with the approvals granted by the Wireless Zoning Clearance Permit (WZC) No. WZC-0002-2024, update and revise agreement language and add new sections to the agreement as outlined in the written staff report on file in the City Clerk's office, for the existing cell facility located at 6090 Pine Avenue (Southern California Edison Lattice Tower) and determined that the amendment is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act.
AGREEMENT - GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS SUPPORT SERVICES The City Council authorized the execution of Agreement No. A2025-050 with Infinity Technologies through December 31, 2025, with two one-year renewal options, for a total contract amount not-to-exceed $90,000 to provide Geographic Information Systems (GIS) support services.
AGREEMENTS - BUILDING INSPECTION AND PLAN CHECK SERVICES The City Council (1) authorized the execution of a one-year reimbursement Agreement No. 2025-051 with TH Shady View LLC (Trumark), with an option for Trumark to extend for an additional year, to reimburse the City for contracting for additional building inspection and plan check services to supplement existing City staff inspectors to facilitate more frequent inspections, (2) appropriated $250,000 from the Trust Deposit Account Fund; and (3) authorized execution of Agreement No. A2025-052 with CSG Consultants, Inc., to provide building inspection and plan check services for a total contract amount not to exceed $250,000.
AGREEMENT AMENDMENT - CONTRACT PLANNING SERVICES - PHASE II OF
SENIOR HOUSING PROJECT
The City Council authorized the execution of Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. A2024-208 with Rincon Consultants, Inc., increasing the total not-to-exceed amount
Docusign Envelope ID: 10DEFE9F-05AA-4782-9798-907042BDFE8F CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-039
REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2025
from $46,576 to $170,668 for additional contract planning services for Phase II of the Senior Housing Project.
RAMONA AVENUE WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT - RESOLUTION
ADOPTED
The City Council (1) adopted Resolution No. 2025R-005 of the City of Chino Hills, Approving the Design and Plans for Construction of the Ramona Avenue Water Main Replacement Project Pursuant to Government Code Section § 830.6, (2) authorized staff to solicit bids for construction of the Ramona Avenue Water Main Replacement project, and (3) determined the project to be exempt from review under California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended, Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq. ("CEQA"), pursuant to Sections 15302, Class 2(c), and 15301, Class 1(c) Categorical Exemptions pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines.
Motion carried by electronic vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BENNETT, JOHSZ, MARQUEZ, MORAN, ROGERS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM PULLED FOR DISCUSSION [36:46]
PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION - FY 2024-25 STREET
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT - RESOLUTION ADOPTED
Council Member Rogers pulled this item for discussion to mention the general areas that are proposed for street improvements. He asked Public Works Director Bobadilla what the anticipated time frame for the beginning of the project.
Public Works Director Bobadilla stated that if the project is approved, it is anticipated to begin in the summer after the project is bid and the contract is awarded. He stated that there are several other projects in the queue for street repairs and asked the residents to be patient during the construction activities. Public Works Director Bobadilla said that the streets are reviewed for maintenance every seven to ten years.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Rogers and seconded by Council Member Marquez to (1) adopt Resolution No. 2025R-006 of the City of Chino Hills, Approving the Design and Plans for Construction of the FY 2024-25 Street Improvement Program Project Pursuant to Government Code Section § 830.6, (2) authorize staff to solicit bids for construction, and (3) determine the project to be exempt from review under California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended, Public
Docusign Envelope ID: 10DEFE9F-05AA-4782-9798-907042BDFE8F CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-040
REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2025
Resources Code Section 21000 et seq. ("CEQA") pursuant to Section 15301 of CEQA Guidelines.
Motion carried by electronic vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BENNETT, JOHSZ, MARQUEZ, MORAN, ROGERS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
PUBLIC HEARING
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS - PUBLIC SERVICE PROJECTS [41:40]
Principal Management Analyst Hernandez briefed the City Council on the staff report, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Mayor Bennett opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to speak.
David Nix, Anthesis, provided the history of Anthesis and stated that the request is in support of The Learning Labs at Rebel Ranch that provides opportunities for life and social skills development for community integration for developmentally disabled individuals by caring for animals and general ranch work. He stated that Anthesis currently has 17 participants in the City of Chino Hills with a goal during this period of 28 participants and they are hoping to increase the program goal to 36 participants with this request. Lastly, Mr. Nix provided statistics of those who have succeeded in job placements.
David Harrison and Carlos Rojas, Rebel Ranch, (formerly Paws for Success), spoke about a four-month experiential learning program where participants will gain life skills and work with a personal coach to learn basic horsemanship, groundwork and riding.
Carlos Rojas spoke about his personal journey with the program and how it helped him build confidence and give back to the program.
Carmen Garcia, Inland Fair Housing Mediation Board (IFHMB), stated that IFHMB provides stability, fair housing information, and landlord tenant mediation services. Last year they provided services to 139 residents in Chino Hills. She thanked Council for their past support and those residents seek these services for landlord-tenant rights and responsibilities.
Council Member Moran inquired about additional funding that IFHMB already receives from the CDBG Action Plan. Principal Management Analyst Hernandez stated that IFHMB also provides fair housing services which comes out of the administrative portion as part of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) requirement to affirmatively further fair housing and will already receive administrative funds in the amount of$18,200. She
Docusign Envelope ID: 10DEFE9F-05AA-4782-9798-907042BDFE8F CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-041
REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2025
clarified that what they are asking for is additional funding for landlord and tenant mediation.
Kevin Cisneros, Board President of Chino Neighborhood House, requested funding for the Food Assistance Program and stated that the need for grocery assistance is even more prevalent now than before the pandemic. Mr. Cisneros stated that children and the elderly are the largest base of clients they serve. He stated the store provides groceries to more than 350 families in the Chino Valley. The amount being requested is to service Chino Hills residents specifically.
Griselda Flores, James S. Thalman Library, spoke about the Adult Literacy Program that assists English speaking adults to read and write and help them accomplish goals in their everyday life. She stated services include free tutoring, instructional support, mature Drivers Education, and a computer basics course. Ms. Morita spoke about the success of their program and thanked the Council for their past support and is hoping for their continued support.
Sabrina Almaraz, Community Services Director, House of Ruth, requested funding for their program that services victims of domestic violence by providing emergency shelter, transitional housing and rapid rehousing, twenty-four-hour hotline, counseling, children's counseling, case management, and educational classes. Ms. Almaraz spoke about the success of their programming and thanked the Council for their past support and hoping for their continued support.
Christine Charland, Pomona Habitat for Humanity, spoke about the Brush with Kindness Program which is a neighborhood program that assists low-income aging-in-place seniors with minor exterior repairs primarily using volunteer labor and donated materials.
Mayor Bennett closed the public hearing.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Rogers and seconded by Council Member Moran to (1) award program year 2025-26 Community Development Block Grant funding for public service projects as follows:
• House of Ruth - $10,000
• San Bernardino County Library -$10,000
• Chino Neighborhood House - $10,000
• Anthesis - $10,000
• Paws 4 Success (Rebel Ranch) - $10,000
• Habitat for Humanity - $10,000; and
(2) authorize staff to decrease the 2025-26 grant awards for public service projects proportionately, with no grant award decreasing to lower than $5,000, if allocation is decreased by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and it will
Docusign Envelope ID: 10DEFE9F-05AA-4782-9798-907042BDFE8F CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-042
REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2025
impact the maximum allowable allocation (15 percent of total CDBG funds) to public service funds.
Motion carried by electronic vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BENNETT, JOHSZ, MARQUEZ, MORAN, ROGERS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED [1:11:04]
Ronnie Guyer, resident, stated that he attended the informative Wildfire Workshop as well as the annual prayer breakfast and commended Mayor Bennett.
Suzette Dang, representing Supervisor Hagman's office, announced the upcoming free document shredding event on Saturday, March 29th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the overflow parking lot at The Shoppes of Chino Hills, located at 13920 City Center Drive.
Jim Gallagher, resident, recited a portion of the Gettysburg Address to point out that it was a two-minute speech.
SAFETY UPDATES [1:15:18]
Fire: Deputy Fire Chief Ault stated Chief Williams wanted to extend his gratitude and thanks as he attended the Wildfire and Emergency Response Community meeting at Western Hills and said he received a lot of great feedback and comments. He continued that there are six cameras within Carbon Canyon and the Chino Hills State Park, and people can access those cameras on the "Watch Duty" app. He said that the free Watch Duty app contains a lot of information regarding active fires throughout the state.
Anyone can access that app and click on an icon for a camera view. Deputy Fire Chief Ault said the Fire Safe Council is a 501 c3 non-profit and is a great group of citizens that advocate for fire safety in the Carbon Canyon community. Lastly, he announced the upcoming Chino Valley Fire Foundations Annual St. Patty's Day Brew Fest being held at The Shoppes in Chino Hills on March 8th.
Police: Police Chief Girard spoke about an incident that took place on Thursday, February 13th where a male subject entered a local business and stole approximately $200 worth of merchandise. He stated that between the store clerk's description of the vehicle and the assistance of the automated license plate readers the suspect was arrested. Police Chief Girard stated that he highlighted this case because due to the passing of Proposition 36, The Homeless Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act passed by voters in November of 2024 the suspect was charged with felony shoplifting due to prior theft related convictions.
Docusign Envelope ID: 10DEFE9F-05AA-4782-9798-907042BDFE8F CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-043
REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2025
CITY MANAGER UPDATE [01:19:17]
City Manager Montgomery had nothing to report.
COUNCIL REPORTS [1:19:22]
Mayor Bennett
• CHINO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD
Mayor Bennett attended the Chino Valley Unified School District Board meeting and said that the Board received an LCAP update, and most of the meeting was about parents and students advocating for the reinstatement of the Chino High School's Athletic Director.
Vice Mayor Johsz
• WEST VALLEY MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT BOARD Vice Mayor Johsz attended the West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District Board meeting and said the Board spoke about the annual review of the General Manager in Closed Session.
Council Member Marquez
• SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY BOARD o GENERAL POLICY COMMITTEE
Council Member Marquez attended the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority General Policy Committee meeting and said the Committee approved (1) the Measure I extension request for Fiscal Year 2023-24 for local street programs; (2) the San Bernardino County Council of Governments Inland Regional Energy Network Program; and (3) the updates on the San Bernardino Regional Housing Trust. o LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE
Council Member Marquez attended the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority Legislative Policy Committee meeting and stated that the Committee had briefings on the state and federal legislation by the lobbyists.
o METRO VALLEY STUDY SESSION
Council Member Marquez attended the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority Metro Valley Study Session meeting and said that the Committee approved the Long-Range Multimodal Transportation Plan.
o TRANSIT COMMITTEE
Council Member Marquez attended the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority Transit Committee meeting and said that the Committee approved (1) the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operators Allocation Mountain Transit; (2) the State Transit Assistant Fuel Population State Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2025-26; (3) the Local Transportation Fund
Docusign Envelope ID: 10DEFE9F-05AA-4782-9798-907042BDFE8F CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-044
REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2025
Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and (4) the State of Good Repair Program Apportionments.
COUNCIL COMMENTS [1:21:30]
Rogers: Council Member Rogers asked Public Work Director Bobadilla for an update on the water treatment plant off Eucalyptus Drive, near Boys Republic. Public Works Director Bobadilla stated that the City is building a water treatment plant to treat a contaminant in the underground water known as 1,2,3 Trichloropropane (1,2,3 - TCP).
He stated that all City's wells are offline, and the water is being imported from various providers. Public Works Director Bobadilla stated that the plant is approximately 95 percent complete, additional security measures are being put in place, that they are at the point of doing final touches and have had several inspections by the water board in order for the plant to be operational. He stated that once the plant is operational, which is slated for late March or early April, it will pump approximately three million gallons of water into the system per day. Council Member Rogers stated that there are several cities who had to shut down their wells due to regulation changes. Lastly, Council Member Rogers spoke about the Wildfire and Emergency Response Workshop and the team effort between the City and outside entities that made the workshop successful.
Marquez: Council Member Marquez stated that Wildfire and Emergency Response Workshop was a coordinated effort due to the recent fires. He stated there are approximately 14,100 acres of brush in the Chino Hills State Park, 3,000 acres throughout the State Park and 1,750 acres in Tres Hermanos. Council Member Marquez said the workshop was held to educate the community on the Ready, Set, Go Program and to reassure the community through its strong partnerships with the Chino Valley Fire District and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. Council Member Marquez thanked everyone involved with the workshop and all those that attended from the community. He continued that he attended the Metrolink Comms, Southern California Association of Governments Legislative Communication and Membership, the Latino Caucus Committee, and the Cal Cities Board meetings where he received a lot of good information. Council Member Marquez stated that at the Cal City's Board meeting they discussed Prop 36, which is serving felony convictions well, but not drug convictions. He stated that Cal Cities is trying to move forward legislation at the state level to start applying pressure for convictions. He spoke of a personal story of a close friend, Joanne Genis, whose son is homeless and addicted to drugs but is unable to get assistance due to current legislation. Council Member Marquez said the City Manager Montgomery had a briefing with Reva Fieldman, who said that the State Fire maps will be released in March and that all of Chino Hills is expected to be in a high fire area. He continued that the City should be concerned as fire insurance companies are using these maps to determine rates, even though they should not. Council Member Marquez noted that Ms. Fieldman commented about proposed legislation to update new building standards to harden homes and spoke about a program through the state insurance that will allow people to certify their homes to help reduce their homeowner's insurance costs. He asked City Manager Montgomery to investigate the program. Ms. Fieldman also suggested that the City implement a volunteer CERT program, as volunteers can
Docusign Envelope ID: 10DEFE9F-05AA-4782-9798-907042BDFE8F CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-045
REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2025
be essential in emergencies. He asked to agendize the CERT program at a future meeting. Ms. Fieldman also spoke about invasive trees and vegetation that is flammable in the City's Open Space, and he asked if the City could try to mitigate these issues.
Council Member Marquez stated the City has been trying to work with Chino Valley Unified School District to use the tennis Courts at Ayala High School, which will come at a cost of $53,000 per year. He asked Community Services Director Marshall if it would be more feasible to install lights at Crossroads Park. Community Services Director Marshall said that in addition to the cost of $53,000, the City would have incurred an additional $24,000 in staffing fees by using Ayala High School courts. He suggested that staff bring the item forward to the Parks and Recreation Commission or hold a workshop to gain support from the community, as tennis is very popular in the City. Council Member Marquez inquired about the Vellano Pickle Ball Courts being closed again. Community Services Director Marshall said that the repairs have been completed and asked that the Community obey the signage on the courts when it asks for the community not to use them. He continued that the new section of Grand Avenue Park's parking lot turned out wonderful, however the existing parking lot was not accepted by the Engineering Division, which will require more extensive repairs.
Council Member Marquez stated that the new pickle ball courts at Big League Dreams will have approximately eight courts up and running in about 60 days. He said that when he visited Big League Dreams, he had some concerns with the maintenance of the property, and he asked Council Members Moran and Johsz to look into the issues.
Council Member Marquez asked if an assessment for cell phone service can be reviewed for the Carbon Canyon area due to poor cell service, and people no longer having landlines.
Moran: Council Member Moran asked if the City has communicated its designation as a Fire Safe City to the residents, so they are able to provide that information to their insurance companies for a possible discount. City Manager Montgomery stated that the Chino Valley Fire District lead the effort for securing the designation and the City has disseminated the information to its residents. Through the Insurance Commissioner's office, that designation should provide a tool to get rates reduced. However, not every agent is aware of how the program works and the City is looking for ways to convey this information. Public Information Officer Freeman stated the information is available on the City's website and the City is waiting to learn more about the program before it pushes out the information on its public platforms. Council Member Moran asked for the information to be disseminated to the Community via the water bill insert and any other way that is easy for the community to access. Deputy Fire Chief Ault clarified that the City is a Firewise Community, and that the official name of the list is the Fire Risk reduction Community List, which can be found on Cal Fire's website. Council Member Moran stated the Council is looking forward to Student Government Day on February 26th. She continued that Big League Dreams is a work in progress and the Council is aware of the repairs that are still needed. Council Member Moran said that the Committee identified some low hanging fruit that needs to be addressed immediately and asked the City Manager Montgomery to let her and Vice Mayor Johsz know when the work has been completed.
Docusign Envelope ID: 10DEFE9F-05AA-4782-9798-907042BDFE8F CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-046
REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2025
Johsz: Vice Mayor Johsz stated that Big League Dreams is making slow progress and is pushing for more major league baseball sponsored programming such as camps and outreach events. He inquired about the status of the skate park. City Manager Montgomery stated that the scope of work exceeds the budget allotment, despite the dedicated money from the City, and supplementary money from County Supervisor Curt Hagman. He stated that the City is inquiring if an extension of time can be issued for the grant from the County. City Manager Montgomery said the scope of work will be revised to reflect the actual budget and he anticipates the project moving forward in the next month or so.
Bennett: Mayor Bennett recognized Chino Valley Fire District Board Member Mike Kreeger and a boy scout in the audience. He asked the boy scout to introduce himself and to state why he was attending the meeting. Vivid, stated that he is with Boy Scout Troop 220 and that he is in attendance for his communication merit badge. Mayor Bennett encouraged Vivid to work towards his Eagle Scout and thanked him for his involvement in Boy Scouts. Mayor Bennett continued that he attended the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast and said that Riley Gains was the guest speaker. He announced that 55+ Club Member, Chuck Haeflinger's funeral will be held on Thursday, March 6th, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and the burial will immediately follow thereafter at the Riverside Veteran's Cemetery.
ADJOURN IN MEMORIAM AND IN HOPE [1:45:35]
Mayor Bennett adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m. with deep gratitude, respect, and appreciation for the brave individuals who serve and have served in the Armed Forces.
Their selfless contributions protect us all. He said may we as a community continue to support and honor them.
Respectfully submitted, pg
.aF°��RNo
DocuSigned by,
.,,,,,,, Imo.
1044881 BFA20430...
CHERYL BALZ, CITY CtERK
APPROVED: March 11, 2025
0 docusign,
Certificate Of Completion
Envelope Id: 10DEFE9F-05AA-4782-9798-907042BDFE8F Status:Completed Subject: Please Sign Approved 02-25-2025 CITY COUNCIL DRAFT Minutes.docx Source Envelope:
Document Pages: 13 Signatures: 1 Envelope Originator:
Certificate Pages: 1 Initials:0 Wendi Gensel AutoNav: Enabled Stamps: 1 [email protected] Envelopeld Stamping: Enabled IP Address:69.63.82.50 Time Zone: (UTC-08:00)Pacific Time(US&
Canada)
Record Tracking
Status:Original Holder:Wendi Gensel Location: DocuSign 3/12/2025 11:03:50 AM [email protected]
Signer Events Signature Timestamp
Cheryl Balz Docusigned by: Sent:3/12/2025 11:05:08 AM [email protected] E1044881:4F22-04D30... Viewed:3/12/2025 11:34:54 AM City Clerk Signed:3/12/2025 11:35:16 AM
City of Chino Hills
Security Level: Email,Account Authentication
(None)
Signature Adoption: Uploaded Signature Image
Using IP Address:69.63.82.50
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Not Offered via Docusign
In Person Signer Events Signature Timestamp
Editor Delivery Events Status Timestamp Agent Delivery Events Status Timestamp
Intermediary Delivery Events Status Timestamp Certified Delivery Events Status Timestamp Carbon Copy Events Status Timestamp
Witness Events Signature Timestamp
Notary Events Signature Timestamp
Envelope Summary Events Status Timestamps
Envelope Sent Hashed/Encrypted 3/12/2025 11:05:08 AM Certified Delivered Security Checked 3/12/2025 11:34:54 AM Signing Complete Security Checked 3/12/2025 11:35:16 AM Completed Security Checked 3/12/2025 11:35:16 AM Payment Events Status Timestamps