2025-066
2025-0
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF CHINO HILLS
APRIL 8, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
CONVENE MEETING AND ROLL CALL
Vice Mayor Johsz called the regular meeting of the City Council to order at 6:00 p.m. and requested Assistant City Clerk Sisemore to call roll.
PRESENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BRIAN JOHSZ
RAY MARQUEZ
CYNTHIA MORAN
PETER J. ROGERS
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: ART BENNETT
ALSO PRESENT: BENJAMIN MONTGOMERY, CITY MANAGER
MARK HENSLEY, CITY ATTORNEY
LYNNAE SISEMORE, ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
DANIEL BOBADILLA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
CHRISTA BUHAGIAR, FINANCE DIRECTOR
JESSICA CONTRERAS, DEPUTY CITY CLERK II
BRANDON FONACIER, COMMUNITY RELATIONS ANALYST II
NICOLE FREEMAN, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
WENDI GENSEL, DEPUTY CITY CLERK II
AL GIRARD, CHIEF OF POLICE, CHINO HILLS POLICE
DEPARTMENT
ROD HILL, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
NICHOLAS LIGUORI, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR
JONATHAN MARSHALL, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
DAVE WILLIAMS, FIRE CHIEF, CHINO VALLEY FIRE DISTRICT
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG [01:30]
Led by Steve Elie, Board Director of Inland Empire Utilities Agency.
INVOCATION [01:51]
Led by Chaplain Adam House, Chino Valley Fire District.
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PRESENTATIONS
PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK [02:45]
Vice Mayor Johsz presented a Proclamation proclaiming April 20-26, 2025, as National Volunteer Week, to longtime volunteer and Chino Hills resident, Laura Montague.
Mrs. Montague thanked the Council for their recognition and stated that it has been an honor volunteering with the City’s Graffiti Program and encouraged everyone, no matter what age, to take advantage of the variety of opportunities in the City to volunteer.
PROCLAMATION - CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH [06:14]
Vice Mayor Johsz presented a Proclamation proclaiming April as Child Abuse Prevention Month to Associate Children’s Network Officer, Hillary Steenson-Ray.
Ms. Steenson-Ray thanked the Council for their recognition and said it is about intervening and creating places for kids to thrive and feel safe and added that Chino Hills excels at that by supporting families and children.
PROCLAMATION - ARTS, CULTURE AND CREATIVITY MONTH [08:34] Vice Mayor Johsz presented a Proclamation proclaiming April as Arts, Culture and Creativity Month to chARTS member, Glen Anderson.
Mr. Anderson thanked the Council for their recognition and expressed gratitude toward the City for promoting an environment that has brought out a tremendous growth of volunteers and artists.
PRESENTATION - PROPOSED SEWER RATE INCREASE [11:30]
Inland Empire Utility Agency (IEUA) General Manager, Shivaji Deshmukh P.E. and Board Director Steve Elie, presented an overview of IEUA’s proposed sewer rate increase.
Mr. Elie explained that IEUA is a wholesale water distributor that also treats the wastewater of 935,000 households. The agency started 75 years ago as the Chino Basin Municipal Water District (CBMWD) and the purpose was to distribute water from the Metropolitan Water District and over the years have taken over the responsibility for treatment plants. He spoke about the wastewater system and recycled water process and referred to his own Chino Hills water bill where he pointed out the line item for “Sewer Treatment IEUA Passthrough” referred to as an EDU, Equivalent Dwelling Unit, which is essentially a single-family home. He pointed out the next line on the bill that is a charge set by the City Council called “Sewer Pumping Charge” that is for water that is sent to IEUA to be treated. The upcoming IEUA Board meeting will evaluate and consider increasing the sewer rates by nine percent, which translates to approximately $2.40 per household per month and the following year, another nine percent. He stated that IEUA does not want to raise sewer rates and has sought grants to defer expenses while also trying to maintain the integrity of the system. He pointed out that other cities charge four times what residents are paying locally.
Mr. Deshmukh discussed how staff determine their recommendations and priorities, such as: public health, environmental protection, water supply reliability, recycled water Docusign Envelope ID: 744683F8-E5E7-4964-86A2-0EDC6C383F4C
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REGULAR MEETING
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APRIL 8, 2025
delivery, and affordability. He said that IEUA's job is to keep the rates affordable while balancing the need to protect the system, but stated between the chemical costs, general cost escalation, and cost of living; ultimately, the infrastructure investment needed is what drives the rate increases.
Council Member Marquez inquired about IEUA's budget and what the sewer rate increases would generate in revenue. Mr. Deshmukh responded that the revenue would support $150 million dollars in expenses in the Capital Improvement Budget, and for the following year, $200 million dollars in operations. IEUA is very focused on obtaining State and Federal grants to reduce the costs.
Council Member Marquez asked what IEUA generates in recycled Water. Mr.
Deshmukh responded that IEUA generates on average 50,000-acre feet of recycled water in a year. In perspective, three households use an acre foot a year.
Mr. Elie stated that the rates for Chino Hills were projected for the next two years therefore the rates being proposed will not require a separate Proposition 218 process.
He added they will begin evaluating what it will take to disentangle the long-standing process and how to logistically implement direct billing to customers and conducting the Proposition 218 process through IEUA versus the City for sewer rate increases in the future.
PRESENTATION - HIGH FIRE SEVERITY ZONES [31 :29]
Chino Valley Fire District Fire Chief Dave Williams and Fire Marshall Danielle O'Toole provided a PowerPoint Presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's office.
Fire Marshall. O'Toole navigated the Council and residents through the Chino Valley Fire District's (CVFD) website to show the interactive map and QR Code where residents can look up their property address and view the timeline process for the High Fire Severity Zones mapping approvals.
Council Member Marquez commended CVFD on their weed abatement program and inquired about the Fire District's contract with CAL FIRE, who provides fire protection.
Fire Chief Williams responded that the annual contract is needed primarily as an insurance policy for CVFD with respect to access to aircraft, hand crews, and bulldozers.
Council Member Marquez spoke on his recent visit to Sacramento where he noted 30 bills going through Legislation regarding concerns with insurance rates going up and the effort to keep them down. He thanked CVFD for all the work they do and for their service.
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER REPORT [40:58]
Public Information Officer (PIO) Freeman announced the following information:
•VILA BORBA DOG PARK ANNUAL TURF MAINTENANCE
o The City is performing routine turf maintenance at Vila Borba Dog Park o The large dog side is currently closed through Friday, May 2nd
CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-069 REGULAR MEETING APRIL 8, 2025
o The small dog side of the park will be closed starting Monday, May 5th through Friday, May 30th
o During each of the closures, the other side of the dog park that is not being renovated at that time will remain open and be separated into two areas so all dogs may continue enjoying the park
• RECYCLING & ORGANICS COMMUNITY SURVEY
o The City is conducting a community survey to better understand the community’s knowledge of recycling, organic waste, and the City’s waste-sorting programs
o The short survey is available online now through May 30th at www.chinohills.org/Recycling and responses will help shape future educational efforts
o Participants who enter their email in the survey will have a chance to win a giveaway of Chino Hills merchandise
• CITY & RECREATION NEWS
o Tickets are still available for Breakfast with the Bunny on Saturday, April12th
o Free Bulky Item Drop-off event on Saturday, April 12th from 8:00 am to noon at the Shoppes for Chino Hills residents
o Easter Egg-Citement event is Saturday, April 19th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at Chino Hills Community Park
o The free event includes egg hunts, photos with the Easter Bunny, a craft fair, musical entertainment, activities and more o For children with special needs, there will be a smaller more- controlled egg hunt where they can gather eggs at their own pace or from on top of tables
o Visit www.chinohills.org/Events for more information PUBLIC COMMENTS - AGENDIZED ITEMS [42:22]
There were no public comments.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST / LEVINE ACT ANNOUNCEMENTS [42:48] There were no conflict-of-interest or Levine Act announcements to record.
CITY DEPARTMENT BUSINESS
CONSENT CALENDAR [42:57]
Vice Mayor Johsz announced that there was a revision to Item No. 7, pertaining to the March 25, 2025, Meeting Minutes which were distributed to the Council and made available to the public.
Vice Mayor Johsz announced the Consent Calendar items and asked the Council if there were any items to pull.
Council Member Rogers pulled Consent Calendar Item No. 12, pertaining to the 1,2,3- Trichlorophane Removal Treatment Plant Project.
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CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-070 REGULAR MEETING APRIL 8, 2025
A motion was made by Council Member Marquez and seconded by Council Member Rogers to approve the remaining Consent Calendar Items.
MINUTES
The City Council approved the March 25, 2025, City Council Meeting Minutes, as amended.
PAYMENT REGISTER
The City Council ratified payments over $25,000 totaling $6,899,872.90 for the month ended February 28, 2025, as presented.
MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
The City Council received and filed the Monthly Financial Report for month ended February 28, 2025, as presented.
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL UPDATE
The City Council approved updates to the Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual, Section 8.4 - Federal Purchasing and Section 9.3 - Workplace Violence Prevention Plan as outlined in the written staff report, on file in the City Clerk’s office.
INVESTMENT POLICIES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 AND DELEGATION OF
INVESTMENT AUTHORITY - RESOLUTION ADOPTED
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025R-013 of the City of Chino Hills, Adopting the City’s Investment Policy, Adopting the City’s Section 115 Trust Investment Policy, and Delegating Investment Authority for the City’s Investment Portfolio for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
Motion carried by electronic vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: JOHSZ, MARQUEZ, MORAN, ROGERS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BENNETT
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION
AGREEMENT AMENDMENTS - 1,2,3-TRICHLOROPROPANE (1,2,3-TCP) REMOVAL TREATMENT PLANT PROJECT [43:49]
Council Member Rogers pulled this item for discussion and asked staff to educate the residents about the 1,2,3-TCP Removal Treatment Plant Project and the construction delays.
Public Works Director Bobadilla stated that 1,2,3-TCP Removal Treatment Plant Project is focused on treating the 1,2,3-TCP, which is the contaminate that the City is focused on removing from the ground water and is the reason that the City’s wells have been offline for several years. He added that once construction is complete, the City will be able to pump their own water, treat the water, and put it back into the system for customer use. The amendments being approved are amendments to existing contracts for design and construction management teams and the delay is due to compliance with Docusign Envelope ID: 744683F8-E5E7-4964-86A2-0EDC6C383F4C
CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-071 REGULAR MEETING APRIL 8, 2025
regulations from the Water Board and the need to install a new metering station to blend different water sources as well as incorporating an additional design. Lastly, the hope is for completion of the project by the end of April or May, assuming the treatment plant complies with the Water Board regulations.
Discussion ensued concerning the approvals needed to go through the Water Board to ensure quality clean water is provided to their customers. The chemical being treated is also being treated by other cities who are building similar treatment plants to remedy.
Council Member Marquez inquired about the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contaminate and if it is something to worry about next. Public Works Director Bobadilla responded that PFAS is another contaminate and added the treatment plant does have the capacity and ability to treat PFAS once completed.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Rogers and seconded by Council Member Moran to (1) authorize the execution of Amendment No. 7 to Professional Services Agreement No. A2021-042 with Hazen and Sawyer for additional engineering design services for the 1,2,3-TCP Removal Treatment Plant Project in the amount of $284,635, increasing the total agreement to a not-to-exceed amount of $1,954,421 and authorizing the City Manager to extend the agreement term through March 8, 2027; and (2) authorize the execution of Amendment No. 3 to Professional Services Agreement No. A2022-160 with Butier Engineering, Inc. for additional construction management support and extended post-construction services for the 1,2,3-TCP Removal Treatment Plant project in the amount of $195,940, increasing the total Agreement to a not-to-exceed amount of $1,675,538.25.
Motion carried by electronic vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: JOHSZ, MARQUEZ, MORAN, ROGERS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BENNETT
DISCUSSION CALENDAR [48:49]
DECORATIONS ON CITY-OWNED NEIGHBORHOOD MONUMENT SIGNS
City Manager Montgomery briefed the City Council on the staff report and PowerPoint Presentation, which are on file in the City Clerk’s Office.
Council Member Moran inquired about how the Homeowners Association (HOA) was able to decorate for that length of time before knowing it was City property. City Manager Montgomery responded it was based on a Code Enforcement reactive program, where the City received a compliant and staff investigated. He added that there is no written process for permitting monument decorations and it has been occurring for the past 20 years.
Discussion ensued about how many monuments and HOA’s there are in the City and who determines which ones get decorated.
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City Manager Montgomery responded that there are 52 monument sites throughout the City and added that there are some areas that look like a City monument but in actuality belong to an HOA.
Council Member Marquez requested that staff reach out to all HOA’s to see what they desire before this item moves forward.
City Attorney Hensley stated that in 1995 when Proposition 218 was established, the City stopped accepting a lot of the common lots because they were able to accept the costs from the residents to maintain those common areas. He said it became very difficult when Proposition 218 came into place, so the City started having HOA’s maintain the common areas.
Council Member Marquez reiterated taking a step back on making a decision that could affect 52 sites and HOA’s.
Council Member Moran asked for clarification on this item and asked if Council was to vote for monuments on City property or discuss HOA monuments on private property.
City Manager Montgomery responded that they are not looking to place regulations on property privately held by HOA’s; however, acknowledged that the decision this evening may need to include HOA’s involvement and agreed that staff will conduct more research.
Following further discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Marquez and seconded by Council Member Rogers to bring back the item regarding decorated City- owned neighborhood monument signs to a future meeting after surveying the Homeowners Associations.
Motion carried by electronic vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: JOHSZ, MARQUEZ, MORAN, ROGERS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BENNETT
PLANNING COMMISSION MATTERS
DESIGN REVIEW NO. DR-0008-2024 - 4644 BIRD FARM ROAD [1:07:38] Design Review No. DR-0008-2024 - 4644 Bird Farm Road, Earnest Little, Applicant (on behalf of property owner, Liang Chen): The Planning Commission adopted a resolution approving Custom Home Design Review No. DR-0008-2024 for the construction of a single-family residence at 4644 Bird Farm Road consisting of a 1,635-square-foot, two- story, single-family detached residence with attached 480-square-foot two-car garage and determining project exempt from review under California Environmental Quality Act.
There was no action taken on the forgoing Planning Commission item.
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CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-073 REGULAR MEETING APRIL 8, 2025
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED [01:08:18]
Avraham Coutin, resident, spoke about free speech and constitutional rights.
Jasser asked that the City divest from Caterpillar bonds.
Selena, resident, spoke about a protest that was held over the weekend and freedom of speech.
Sarah, resident, spoke about the one-minute public comment section, freedom of speech, and the recent protest that was held in the City.
Vice Mayor Johsz stated that the Council will reevaluate the length of time for public comments at a future meeting.
SAFETY UPDATES [01:15:53]
Fire: Fire Chief Williams announced that the Chino Valley Fire District’s Open House that is usually held in October will be held on May 3rd this year.
Police: Police Chief Girard had nothing to report, however, Council Member Marquez inquired about e-bikes that ride on the wrong side of the street and inquired about enforcement. Police Chief Girard responded that the Deputy Sheriffs enforce both the Chino Hills Municipal Code (CHMC) and Vehicle Code. He pointed out the difference between an electric bike (E-Bike) and electric motorcycles and said that electric motorcycles are just like regular motorcycles where a driver license is required to operate. E-bikes follow the same rules as bicycles except the CHMC prohibits them on sidewalks and city-owned open space. He stated that deputies will inform E-bike users of the law and will write a citation if in violation. Lastly, if under 18 years old, a helmet is required, and a citation will be issued if not in compliance.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE [01:17:50]
City Manager Montgomery had nothing to report.
COUNCIL REPORTS [01:17:59]
Council Member Rogers
• CHINO BASIN DESALTER AUTHORITY BOARD
Council Member Rogers attended the Chino Basin Desalter Authority Board meeting and stated that the Board adopted the Fiscal Year Budget for 2025-26 and approved various amendments to various contracts for design of wells and booster pumps.
• TRES HERMANOS CONSERVATION AUTHORITY BOARD
Council Member Rogers attended the Tres Hermanos Conservation Authority Board meeting and stated that the Board adopted the Fiscal Year Budget for 2025-26 and future tours of the property.
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CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-074 REGULAR MEETING APRIL 8, 2025
Council Member Marquez
• SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY BOARD
o BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Council Member Marquez attended the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) Board meeting where the new Executive Director, Carrie Schindler and the upcoming retirement of Ray Wolfe was announced. He stated that Cal Cities was going to provide a presentation on Proposition One; however, the Closed Session took longer than anticipated so the presentation will take place at a later time.
Lastly, the Board received a presentation from the South Coast Air Quality Management District regarding Proposed Amended Rules (PAR) 1111 and 1121 requesting SBCTA change their position; however, SBCTA will continue to oppose.
Council Member Moran
• CALIFORNIA INSTITUTION FOR MEN AND WOMEN’S CITIZENS ADVISORY
COMMITTEES
o CALIFORNIA INSTITUTION FOR WOMEN
Council Member Moran attended the California Institution for Women Advisory Committee meeting and stated that the El Prado Adult School on campus has passed their Western Association of School and Colleges (WASC) accreditation and continues to have great programs. Lastly, Interim Warden Lavelle Parker will no longer serve in the Interim capacity and will be sworn in on April 14th by Governor Newsom.
o CALIFORNIA INSTITUTION FOR MEN
Council Member Moran attended the California Institution for Men Advisory Committee meeting and stated they continue to provide great programs for re-entry, they have 53 organizations that visit the facility providing resources for individuals paroling within a year. Lastly, she encouraged community members or businesses to donate and be involved as these are how these types of programs are funded.
Vice Mayor Johsz
• OMNITRANS BOARD
Vice Mayor Johsz attended the Omnitrans Board meeting and said the Board honored employees for safe driving and heard labor negotiations in Closed Session.
COUNCIL COMMENTS [01:22:28]
Rogers: Council Member Rogers acknowledged former Parks and Recreation Commissioner, Pat Collins, who recently passed away. He also inquired about the property on Carbon Canyon Road with the tall walls. Community Development Director Liguori responded that the property is currently a subject of code enforcement action and that they are working with the property owner to gain compliance.
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Marquez: Council Member Marquez attended the Southern California of Governments (SCAG) Transportation Committee and stated the Committee received a presentation on the Last Mile Freight Program that includes electric (EV) vehicles. He spoke about the SCAG Regional Council meeting and said the Council discussed the 2025-26 officer nominees recommended by the Nominating Committee (Cindy Allen for President, Ray Marquez for First Vice President, and Jenny Crosswhite for Second Vice President) to be ratified by the General Assembly in May. . Lastly, he attended the Cal Cities Public Safety Committee and stated that the Committee received updates on the wildfires and CARE Court, they refused to discuss Proposition 36 and spoke in support of legislation on Assembly Bill 992 (Law Enforcement Education) and Assembly Bill 75 (Insurance and CARE Court).
Moran: Council Member Moran acknowledged the Community Services Department for revitalizing the use of the Equestrian Center and said the City Manager Memo notes that there will be 17 upcoming equestrian shows throughout the year.
ADJOURN IN MEMORIAM AND IN HOPE [01:26:17]
Vice Mayor Johsz adjourned the meeting at 7:26 p.m. in memory of Deputy Sheriff Hector Cuevas, Jr. of the San Bernardino County Sherri’s Department who passed away at the age of 36 on March 17, 2025, in the line of duty.
Respectfully submitted,
LYNNAE SISEMORE, ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
APPROVED: April 22, 2025
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Certificate Of Completion
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Lynnae Sisemore
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Assistant City Clerk
City of Chino Hills
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