2025-162
2025-076
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF CHINO HILLS
SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
CONVENE MEETING AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Bennett called the Closed Session meeting to order at 5:15 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
ELIZABETH CALCIANO, ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY
CHERYL BALZ, CITY CLERK
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Bennett declared the meeting recessed at 5:15 p.m. for Closed Session. City Clerk Balz did not attend this portion of the meeting.
INITIATION OF LITIGATION
Conference with Legal Counsel pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) - Initiation of Litigation (nine potential cases)
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 5:51 p.m.
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CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-163 REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
CONVENE MEETING AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Bennett called the regular meeting of the City Council to order at 6:00 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
ELIZABETH CALCIANO, ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY
CHERYL BALZ, CITY CLERK
DANIEL BOBADILLA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
CHRISTA BUHAGIAR, FINANCE DIRECTOR
NICOLE FREEMAN, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
WENDI GENSEL, DEPUTY CITY CLERK II
AL GIRARD, POLICE CHIEF, CHINO HILLS POLICE
DEPARTMENT
ROD HILL, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
NICHOLAS LIGUORI, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR
JONATHAN MARSHALL, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
LYNNAE SISEMORE, ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
DAVE WILLIAMS, FIRE CHIEF, CHINO VALLEY FIRE DISTRICT
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG [01:29]
Led by Council Member Marquez.
INVOCATION [01:50]
Led by Pastor Dennis Hostetler, Calvary Chapel Chino Hills.
PRESENTATIONS
PRESENTATION - CALIFORNIA’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF STATEHOOD [04:25] Mayor Bennett presented a PowerPoint presentation depicting images of California and proclaimed September 9, 2025, as the 175th anniversary of California’s statehood. He invited residents to attend the next City Council meeting to welcome Senator Kelly Seyarto who will accept the City’s proclamation.
PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS MONTH [07:29] Mayor Bennett presented a Proclamation proclaiming the month September as National Emergency Preparedness Month to Emergency Services Coordinator I, Joyce Lee.
Ms. Lee thanked the Council for the Proclamation and reminded everyone about the importance of starting the conversation about preparedness for emergencies and disasters to protect our loved ones in case of an emergency and creating a plan and method of communication. She stated the theme this year is “Preparedness Starts at Home.” Lastly, she announced that the City will be hosting an Emergency Docusign Envelope ID: 0D2CEACA-A64E-4923-885D-BCCB1B08DC9A
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Preparedness Workshop at the Chino Hills Community Center on September 18th at 6:00 p.m. including topics on how to build an emergency kit, emergency food and water storage, how to sign up for emergency alerts, importance of wildfire preparedness, defensible space, wildfire terminology and evacuation protocols.
INTRODUCTION - NEW EMPLOYEE [10:53]
Mayor Bennett introduced Noah Calderon, Community Services Coordinator, in the Community Services Department and welcomed him to the Chino Hills team.
Mr. Calderon thanked the Council for the introduction and is honored to be a Community Services Coordinator for the City of Chino Hills.
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER REPORT [12:48]
Public Information Officer (PIO) Freeman announced the following information:
• FREE BULKY ITEM DROP-OFF EVENT - SEPTEMBER 13
o The City will host a free community-wide bulky item drop-off event on Saturday, September 13th from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the Shoppes of overflow parking lot
o Residents can properly dispose of bulky items, appliances, and electronic waste
o All vehicles must enter City Center Drive off Boys Republic Drive near the Library
o Visit www.chinohills.org/CommunityCleanup for a full list of accepted items
• SENIOR RESOURCE FAIR - SEPTEMBER 19
o Chino Hills residents are invited to join us for a free Senior Resource Fair on Friday, September 19th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Community Center
o The event will feature senior-serving organizations offering information about benefits and services to help our seniors stay healthy and independent
o Free health screenings, vendor giveaways, light refreshments and raffle prizes will be available while supplies last
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION [13:46] Assistant City Attorney Calciano reported that there were nine opioid cases that the Council considered and directed to tile the release settlements for those nine opioid settlements. She stated the names of the companies which can be looked up on the Attorney General’s website: Purdue, Alvogen, Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Apotex, Hickma Pharmaceuticals, Indivior Inc., Milan Pharmaceuticals, Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries, Inc., and Zydus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - AGENDIZED ITEMS [14:26]
There were no public comments.
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CONFLICT OF INTEREST / LEVINE ACT ANNOUNCEMENTS [14:54] There were no conflict-of-interest or Levine Act announcements to record.
CITY DEPARTMENT BUSINESS
CONSENT CALENDAR [15:05]
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. 16, pertaining to city-wide street sweeping services and Item No. 19, pertaining to the fire risk reductions services.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Johsz and seconded by Council Member Rogers to approve the remaining Consent Calendar Items.
MINUTES
The City Council approved the August 12, 2025, City Council Meeting Minutes, as presented.
PAYMENT REGISTER
The City Council ratified payments over $25,000 totaling $13,745,201.09 for the month ended July 31, 2025, as presented.
MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
The City Council received and filed the Monthly Financial Report for month ended July 31, 2025, as presented.
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL UPDATE
The City Council approved updates to Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual:
Section 12.1 - Use of City Council Chambers and City Council Conference Rooms to add additional conference rooms; outline responsibilities; and, other minor changes; and Section 12.7 - City Hall Building Standards to rename to Office Space Standards; reflect updated general standards for workstations, offices, and other areas; and, add sections on prohibited items and Information Technology equipment standards.
PURCHASE ORDER - LAPTOP COMPUTER UPGRADES
The City Council (1) found that the exception to competitive bidding procedures under Chino Hills Municipal Code (CHMC) Section 3.16.110.G applies because Lenovo (United States) Inc., has an existing contract through the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO), contract # 23013, and the procurement process utilized by the entity is substantially similar to, and achieves the objectives of, the provisions of CHMC Chapter 3.16 - Purchasing System; and (2) authorized the issuance of a purchase order to Lenovo (United States) Inc., utilizing cooperative purchase contract # 23013 in the amount of $87,591.58 for the purchase of 52 laptops and docking stations, consisting of 37 ThinkPad P14s Gen 6 AMD with USB-C docks, Six (6) ThinkPad P14s Gen 6 AMD Ryzen 9 with Thunderbolt docks, and Nine (9) ThinkPad P16s Gen 4 AMD with USB-C docks to address aging computing equipment currently in use.
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2025 HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE - RESOLUTION ADOPTED The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025R-040 of the City of Chino Hills, Adopting the 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, Authorizing Future Non-Substantive Amendments to the Plan, and Rescinding Resolution No. 2020R-055.
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL UPDATE -
RESOLUTION ADOPTED
The City Council (1) adopted the revised Section 4.2 - Debt Management of the Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual, including the removal of Exhibit A - Local Goals and Policies for Mello-Roos Community Facilities Districts; (2) adopted the Local Goals and Policies for Mello-Roos Community Facilities Districts as a standalone policy, to be incorporated as new Section 4.9 of the Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual; (3) adopted Resolution No. 2025R-041 of the City of Chino Hills, Repealing the City’s Disclosure Policy; and (4) adopted the revised Disclosure Policy as a standalone policy, to be added to the Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual as Section 4.10.
MEASURE I FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL PROJECT NEEDS ANALYSIS - RESOLUTION
ADOPTED
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025R-042 of the City of Chino Hills, Adopting the Measure I Five-Year Capital Project Needs Analysis for Fiscal Years 2026-27 Through Fiscal Year 2030-31 for Pine Avenue Extension Project and Soquel Canyon Parkway/Peyton Drive Connection Project.
REJECT AND RESOLICIT BIDS - AGREEMENT AMENDMENT - MONTECITO
DRIVE TRANSIT ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
The City Council (1) rejected all bids received for the construction of the Montecito Drive Transit Access Improvements Project; (2) authorized staff to revise the bid package and resolicit bids for construction; and (3) authorized the execution of Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. A2023-113 with Engineering Resources of Southern California, increasing the total not-to-exceed amount from $46,990 to $58,620 and retroactively extending the agreement term to June 30, 2028 for additional scope of services to maintain existing edge of pavement along Montecito Drive between El Molino Boulevard and Lugo Avenue.
BUTTERFIELD RANCH LIFT STATION SWITCHGEAR UPGRADE PROJECT The City Council (1) authorized the City Manager to negotiate and execute all necessary agreements, amendments to agreements, and associated documents with Inland Empire Utilities Agency related to the Butterfield Ranch Lift Station Switchgear Upgrade Project for an amount not-to-exceed $280,000, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney; (2) appropriated $80,000 from the Sewer Utility Fund; and (3) found that the project is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act.
REJECT AND RESOLICIT BIDS - RAMONA AVENUE WATER MAIN
REPLACEMENT AND STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
The City Council (1) renamed the Ramona Avenue Water Main Replacement Project (WA22002) in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program to the Ramona Avenue Water Main Replacement and Street Improvements Project and amend the scope to include the street improvements; (2) rejected all bids for the construction of the Docusign Envelope ID: 0D2CEACA-A64E-4923-885D-BCCB1B08DC9A
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Ramona Avenue Water Main Replacement and Street Improvements Project; and (3) authorized staff to revise the bid package and resolicit bids for construction.
AGREEMENT - SLEEPY HOLLOW STREETS PAVEMENT REHABILITATION AND
WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT
The City Council (1) renamed the Sleepy Hollow Streets Pavement Rehabilitation Project (ST24006) in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program to the Sleepy Hollow Streets Pavement Rehabilitation and Water Main Replacement Project and amend the scope to include the water main replacement; (2) appropriated $1,200,000 from the Water Utility Fund, $150,000 from the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) Fund, and $15,000 from the Special Maintenance Area 2 - Sleepy Hollow Road Improvements (SMA2) Fund to the Sleepy Hollow Streets Pavement Rehabilitation and Water Main Replacement Project; (3) awarded a Professional Services Agreement No. A2025-175 to West & Associates Engineering, Inc., in a not-to-exceed amount of $147,000 for the preparation of the design plans and specifications for the Sleepy Hollow Streets Pavement Rehabilitation and Water Main Replacement Project; and (4) authorized the City Manager, at his discretion, to approve the cumulative amendments up to 10 percent ($14,700) of the awarded agreement.
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 ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION [15:37]
AGREEMENT - CITYWIDE STREET SWEEPING SERVICES
Council Member Rogers pulled this item for discussion to provide public education. He asked City Manager Montgomery to explain to the residents why the City funds street sweeping. City Manager Montgomery responded that street sweeping is provided to prevent accumulation of debris that occurs through the normal operations of a street from getting into the storm drain. The City has the obligation to ensure debris does not get into the waterways.
Council Member Marquez inquired if a street sweeping contract was signed a couple of years ago. Public Works Director Bobadilla responded that we executed a contract five- years ago with Valley Vista Services; however, Valley Vista requested to pull out of the contract and provided the City time to solicit bids. He added that the issue was the concern over mileage.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Rogers and seconded by Council Member Marquez to (1) appropriate $252,800 from the Special Maintenance Area 1 (SMA 1) - Street Sweeping Fund; and (2) authorize the execution of a five-year Maintenance Services Agreement No. A2025-176 with CMAX Commercial Docusign Envelope ID: 0D2CEACA-A64E-4923-885D-BCCB1B08DC9A
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Maintenance, Inc., to provide citywide street sweeping services for an amount not-to- exceed $2,591,200.
Motion carried by electronic vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BENNETT, JOHSZ, MARQUEZ, MORAN, ROGERS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
AGREEMENTS - FUEL REDUCTION, BRUSH CLEARANCE, AND INVASIVE SPECIES CLEARANCE [18:27]
Council Member Rogers pulled this item for discussion and explanation on the purpose of fire risk reduction services.
Public Works Director Bobadilla stated that recently the State prepared a new Fire Hazard Severity Map that was subsequently adopted by the Chino Valley Fire District (CVFD) that shows a larger portion of the City is now under a High Fire Zone. This poses new requirements for managing vegetation to comply with, including more tree trimming, raising tree canopies, and removal of dead trees which increases the workload for the City. The approval is to authorize funding to start meeting those requirements. He outlined projects that are pending which will require further Council action at a later date.
Council Member Marquez pointed out that the new Fire Maps depict three areas and most of the City is in the High and Very High areas and asked if the City in its entirety falls under either of those areas. Mr. Bobadilla responded yes. Council Member Marquez asked if the amount of money requested is enough or if more is needed. Mr.
Bobadilla responded they are in process of creating a phasing plan so that within three to five years they can be in compliance, and they will request additional funding at a later date.
Council Member Marquez inquired about the audit taking place at the State Park. City Manager Montgomery responded that Senator Seyarto posed questions to the Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC) regarding how the State Park maintains the property from a fire risk perspective and added the process has been accepted by JLAC and we haven’t received an update on timing and continue to engage with State park staff.
Council Member Rogers emphasized that the City takes public safety seriously.
Mayor Bennett expressed the importance and reminded residents not to remove and cut down City owned trees.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Rogers and seconded by Vice Mayor Johsz to (1) appropriate $217,300 from the Open Space Management Fund and $148,000 from the Oaks/Green Valley Fund to support enhanced fire risk reduction services, which includes $78,000 for tree trimming services to be performed by West Docusign Envelope ID: 0D2CEACA-A64E-4923-885D-BCCB1B08DC9A
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Coast Arborists, $10,000 for biological monitoring provided by Leatherman BioConsulting, $27,300 for regulatory compliance for the Santa Ana Watershed Association, and $250,000 for California Conservation Corps (CCC); (2) find that the exception to competitive bidding under Chino Hills Municipal Code Section 3.18.050.G applies to an agreement with CCC because CCC is a governmental entity that provides cost-effective services while offering valuable skills development to young participants; (3) authorize the execution of an Inter-Agency Sponsor
Agreement No. A2025-177 with CCC and a project agreement for fuel reduction, brush clearance and invasive species clearance in the amount of $250,000; and (4) find that the proposed project is statutorily exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.49 (wildfire risk reduction) and categorically exempt pursuant to Class 1 (existing facilities), Class 4 (minor alteration to land), and Class 8 (actions by regulatory agencies for environmental protection) exemptions.
Motion carried by electronic vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BENNETT, JOHSZ, MARQUEZ, MORAN, ROGERS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
DISCUSSION CALENDAR [25:26]
DISCONTINUATION OF RESIDENTIAL WATER SERVICE FOR NON-PAYMENT
POLICY - ORDINANCE INTRODUCED
Finance Director Buhagiar presented a PowerPoint and briefed the City Council on the staff report, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Council Member Moran requested a list of all the current delinquent commercial water accounts. Finance Director Buhagiar responded that commercial accounts are very few in comparison to residential and stated she will provide a list to Council.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Vice Mayor Johsz and seconded by Council Member Marquez to (1) introduce an Ordinance entitled: “An Ordinance of the City of Chino Hills, Amending Chino Hills Municipal Code Chapter 13.05 Utility Billing, Section 13.05.060 “Billing and Collection - Generally,” Section 13.05.070 “Late Payment of Utility Bills,” Section 13.05.130 “Notices” and Section 13.05.140 “Discontinuance of Service” and Finding That This Ordinance is Exempt From Review Under the California Environmental Quality Act” for first reading by title only and waiving further reading and
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(2) approve updates to “Section 4.3 - Discontinuation of Residential Water Service for Non-Payment” of the Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual.
Motion carried by electronic vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BENNETT, JOHSZ, MARQUEZ, MORAN, ROGERS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
GOVERNMENT CENTER OVERNIGHT SIGNAGE MODIFICATION - ORDINANCE INTRODUCED [28:30]
Assistant City Manager Hill briefed the City Council on staff report, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. He stated that the ordinance will modify the sign language that was adopted back in December of 2024 which was determined to be too lengthy; therefore, updated sign language was established to fit on the common smaller signs.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Vice Mayor Johsz and seconded by Council Member Moran to introduce an Ordinance entitled: “An Ordinance of the City of Chino Hills, Amending Section 12.48.020 of the Chino Hills Municipal Code and Finding the Same to be Exempt From the Provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act” for first reading by title only and waiving further reading.
Motion carried by electronic vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BENNETT, JOHSZ, MARQUEZ, MORAN, ROGERS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
NOTICE OF VIOLATIONS FOR REAL PROPERTY - ORDINANCE INTRODUCED [29:55]
Assistant City Manager Hill briefed the City Council on the staff report, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. He stated that the Ordinance is related to Code Enforcement activities and allows issuance and recordation of notices of violations which can be a valuable tool ensuring abatement and corrections of property related violations. The Notice of Violation would be recorded against the property through the County Recorder and provide notice to the prospective buyer of an outstanding Municipal Code Violation with the intent of encouraging compliance.
Mayor Bennett asked for an example of a type of violation that would fall under this provision.
Assistant City Attorney Calciano provided an example of a structure on a property that has been developed and is in violation of a setback law. She pointed out that for Building Code violations that are a Health and Safety issue, those would be handled Docusign Envelope ID: 0D2CEACA-A64E-4923-885D-BCCB1B08DC9A
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through a different procedure that is already in place. She added that this procedure had not been addressed previously because it was not allowed, however, there is new statutory authority that allows cities to do this.
Discussion ensued on whether this provision will ensure that a violation is resolved to obtain clear title on the property.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Moran and seconded by Vice Mayor Johsz to introduce an Ordinance entitled: “An Ordinance of the City of Chino Hills, Adding Chapter 1.40 (Issuance and Recordation of Notices of Violation) to Title 1 of the Chino Hills Municipal Code” for first reading by title only and waiving further reading.
Motion carried by electronic vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BENNETT, JOHSZ, MARQUEZ, MORAN, ROGERS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
CITY HALL FIRE STATE OF EMERGENCY REVIEW - UPDATE NO. 2 [33:32] City Manager Montgomery briefed the City Council on staff report, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. He stated that part of the process established for a local emergency coupled with authority given to speed up the restoration of City Hall, this item needs to be heard at every Council Meeting to provide an update of the progress. He stated that he anticipates all staff back in City Hall in October.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Vice Mayor Johsz and seconded by Council Member Rogers to (1) review and file the update to the City Hall Fire emergency declaration in accordance with Public Construction Code 22050 and continue to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute all necessary agreements related to the repair and restoration of City Hall under Chino Hills Municipal Code 2.08.065.A.1 on an emergency basis; and (2) determine by four-fifths vote, there is a need to continue the City Manager's authority under Public Construction Code 22050 to repair City Hall and procure the necessary equipment, services and supplies for these purposes, without giving notice for bids to let contracts, due to the continued existence of the local emergency caused by the City Hall fire and flooding.
Motion carried by electronic vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BENNETT, JOHSZ, MARQUEZ, MORAN, ROGERS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
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ITEMS INITIATED BY COUNCIL
LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES - VOTING DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE [36:34] City Clerk Balz briefed the City Council on the staff report which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
A motion was made by Council Member Johsz and seconded by Mayor Bennett to designate Council Member Ray Marquez as Voting Delegate and Vice Mayor Brian Johsz as Alternate for the Cal Cities Annual Conference scheduled for October 8 through 10, 2025, in Long Beach, California.
Motion carried by electronic vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BENNETT, JOHSZ, MORAN, ROGERS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: MARQUEZ
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
PLANNING COMMISSION MATTERS [38:01]
SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. SPR-0001-2025 AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. CUP-0001-2025 - HILLS VIEW PLEASANT LIVING ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY 2549 MADRUGADA DRIVE
Site Plan Review No. SPR-0001-2025 and Conditional Use Permit No. CUP-0001-2025:
Hills View Pleasant Living Assisted Living Facility located at 2549 Madrugada Drive, Michael Frazier, applicant on behalf of Niaz Khalid, property owner: The Planning Commission adopted a resolution approving Site Plan Review No. SPR-0001-2025 and Conditional Use Permit No. CUP-0001-2025 for the addition of 13,180-square-feet, to existing 14,612 square-foot main building, permitting the operation of an assisted living facility and determining project is exempt from review under California Environmental Quality Act, subject to Conditions of Approval, as amended.
There was no action taken on the forgoing Planning Commission item.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED [38:19]
Doug McAllister, Vice President of External Affairs for Frontier Communications, provided praise and thanked the local Chino Hills law enforcement assisting with copper cable thefts. He noted that these minor thefts take away from emergency needs and wanted to raise awareness that it is a Homeland Security issue and recommended reaching out to him directly when this type of theft occurs.
Tim Beuman, resident and Fairfield Ranch Board Member, spoke about conflicts with upcoming new trash pick-up days and times with the current street sweeping schedule.
Jim Gallagher, resident, congratulated California on 175 years of statehood and expressed his concern on raid at the Chino Hills car wash that took place on September 4th.
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Bobby Patel, resident, spoke about water bill issue at Woodview Plaza and stated the Water Rate Study is outdated.
SAFETY UPDATES [49:20]
Fire: Fire Chief Willaims thanked City staff for attending the kick-off meeting for Fire Station No. 68. Mayor Bennett inquired about a local brush fire. Fire Chief Williams responded it was in the Riverside County area and kept to five acres.
Police: Police Chief Girard spoke about a recent Driving Under Influence (DUI) Enforcement Operation where they conducted 21 traffic stops resulting in one arrest for DUI, ten citations for speeding violations and one for driving without a license. There will be another DUI Enforcement Operation on September 13th from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and reminded the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol but from prescription medications and over the counter drugs can also impair driving. Charges for the first DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties as well as a suspended license.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE [52:02]
City Manager Montgomery had nothing to report.
COUNCIL REPORTS [52:08]
Mayor Bennett
• CHINO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD
Mayor Bennett attended the Chino Valley Unified School District Board meeting and spoke about Board Member John Monroe’s resignation due to him moving out of State to Utah and the appointment of a new Board Member, Shaun Smith for Trustee Area 4 who was sworn in at the meeting. Lastly, he said Board Member John Cervantes was selected as Vice President and several other committee assignments were made.
Vice Mayor Johsz
• LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY COMMITTEE
Vice Mayor Johsz attended the Legislative Advocacy Committee meeting and received an update for State/Federal Lobbyist on federal funding for earmarks which are going well for the Los Serranos and Fire Protection submissions. Council Member Moran asked what will be in the upcoming ballot regarding the redistricting measure. Vice Mayor Johsz responded that Proposition 50 is the new redistricting measure. Under the current drawn maps the City will longer share a Congressional District with part of Orange County and there will be a whole new district for the City.
• OMNITRANS BOARD
Vice Mayor Johsz attended the Omnitrans Board meeting and received an update on new high speed bus routes in Ontario to help with interconnectivity to Los Angeles County.
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• WEST VALLEY MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT BOARD Vice Mayor Johsz attended the West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control Board meeting and had nothing new to report.
Council Member Marquez
• SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY BOARD
o GENERAL POLICY COMMITTEE
Council Member Marquez attended the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) General Policy Committee meeting and the Committee approved: the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program, Senate Bill 1 Cycle 5 Candidate Projects, and awarded a contract for San Bernardino Council of Governments 5-Year Work Plan Implementation Outreach and Engagement Activities.
o LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE
Council Member Marquez attended the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) Legislative Policy Committee meeting and received State and Federal Legislative updates.
o TRANSIT COMMITTEE
Council Member Marquez attended the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) Transit Committee meeting, and the Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operator Allocation and the Omnitrans Specialized Transportation Services for Consolidated Transportation Services Agency Budget for Fiscal Year 2025/2026.
Lastly, they reviewed Gold Line to Montclair Project costs.
o METRO VALLEY STUDY SESSION
Council Member Marquez attended the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) Metro Valley Study Session meeting and the Authority requested updates through 2025 projects. He attended two ad hoc committees for Gold Line and the Committee went over the costs and safety concerns, and change orders.
o BOARD MEETING
Council Member Marquez attended the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) Board meeting and the Board approved the Trade Corridor Enhancement Program (TCEP), Zero Emission Multiple Unit (ZEMU) project updates, public hearing for resolution of necessity to acquire a temporary construction easement for West Valley Connector Project, amendment to Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget for Arrow Operations, and denied funding for Gold Line to Montclair Project Cost Increase and Funding Request.
• SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS
o EXECUTIVE / ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Council Member Marquez attended the Southern California Association of Governments Executive/Administration Committee meeting, and the Docusign Envelope ID: 0D2CEACA-A64E-4923-885D-BCCB1B08DC9A
CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-175 REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
Committee adopted a 2025 California Clear Air Day Proclamation and budget review.
• SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS
o LEGISLATIVE / COMMUNICATIONS AND MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Council Member Marquez attended the Southern California Association of Governments Legislative / Communications and Membership Committee meeting where the Committee received State and Federal legislative updates.
• SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS
o TRANSPORATION COMMITTEE
Council Member Marquez attended the Southern California Association of Governments Transportation Committee meeting and stated that the Committee approved the 2024 Solutions for Congested Corridors Program (SCCP) Grant Award and Next Steps for Metrolink Sustainable Locomotive Replacement Project and 2027 Federal Transportation Improvement (FTIP) Guidelines.
• SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS
o REGIONAL COUNCIL
Council Member Marquez attended the Southern California Association of Governments Regional Council meeting where the Regional Council received a presentation regarding the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and approved the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Comprehensive Budget.
Council Member Rogers
• ANIMAL RESOURCE CENTER OF INLAND EMPIRE (ARC) JOINT POWERS
AUTHORITY
Council Member Rogers attended the Animal Resource Center of Inland Empire Joint Powers Authority and pointed out the City is not part ARC until July 2027.
They authorized procurement of two service trucks, a debate occurred for Chino Hills to fund a large truck and horse trailer and it was decided to table the discussion for a month to determine what is really needed, they provided authorization to apply for self-insurance for workers compensation insurance for the 35 or so employees on staff. They discussed the formation of Friends of ARC Board of Directors, applications have been received for five spots with each agency to select one individual per agency. Lastly, they adopted a five-pillar strategic plan and approved a Trap Neuter Return (TNR) program for cats.
• CHINO BASIN DESALTER AUTHORITY BOARD
Council Member Rogers attended the Chino Basin Desalter Authority Board and stated the Board approved various agreements, revised Emergency Plans for the facilities in Jurupa Valley and Chino and discussed reserve and investment policies.
Docusign Envelope ID: 0D2CEACA-A64E-4923-885D-BCCB1B08DC9A
CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-176 REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
COUNCIL COMMENTS [01:03:32]
Moran: Council Member Moran attended the reopening of Community Park and expressed that it is a jewel in the recreational sports world. She announced an event hosted by the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce, a women’s conference on Thursday, September 25, 2025, and stated that more information is available on their website.
Rogers: Council Member Rogers announced two upcoming events hosted by the Chino Hills Community Foundation: Andy Vargas Concert on Saturday, September 13th which is sold out and the Chino Hills Wine Walk on Saturday, October 11th. He attended the reopening of Community Park and was amazed to see investment is kept up to speed and how well it is put together. Lastly, he announced the Boat Parade on Friday, December 12th that will include a new route as of last year that goes partially through the Shoppes, the Government Center, and down Peyton Drive.
Marquez: Council Member Marquez thanked the Chino Valley Fire District (CVFD) for their patience and asked that since most of the City is either in the High or Very High areas, will the CVFD oversee inspecting all the properties. Fire Chief Willaims responded that they will continue the inspections in the areas that require inspections which is most of Chino Hills. Council Member Marquez requested that communication happen with realtors regarding the Hazard Disclosure Inspection since it is an inspection that must occur to sell a home. Fire Chief Williams responded that the Fire Marshal is in contact with all the Stakeholders to go over and explain requirements as it relates to selling a piece of property. Council Member Marquez suggested that a camera be installed as you are coming into Carbon Canyon to capture the timeframe if anybody is taking down wires. City Manager Montgomery stated for the public that an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) is what is being suggested and added that they will be looking into to see if it will provide more information. Lastly, he mentioned the Transportation ad hoc Committee attended where there were productive discussions.
Johsz: Vice Mayor Johsz inquired about the Electric Bicycle and Motorcycle Awareness Workshop. Police Chief Girard responded he hoped for more attendees and noted there were 25 who attended. Lastly, he thanked staff for all their work on Community Park and added that the additional 88 parking spaces make a world of a difference.
Bennett: Mayor Bennett thanked CVFD Board Members Sarah Ramos-Evinger and Mike Kreeger for being attendance at the meeting. He spoke on the well-attended Community Park Re-Grand Opening. He spoke on the Music and Motion event that occurs the same day as Wine Walk. Lastly, he spoke about the Electric Bicycle and Motorcycle Awareness Workshop and added that the concern is worldwide and not just locally.
Docusign Envelope ID: 0D2CEACA-A64E-4923-885D-BCCB1B08DC9A
CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-177 REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
ADJOURN IN MEMORIAM AND IN HOPE [01:17:28]
Mayor Bennett adjourned the meeting at 7:17 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. May we as a community continue to support and honor them.
Respectfully submitted,
CHERYL BALZ, CITY CLERK
APPROVED: September 23, 2025
Docusign Envelope ID: 0D2CEACA-A64E-4923-885D-BCCB1B08DC9A
Certificate Of Completion
Envelope Id: 0D2CEACA-A64E-4923-885D-BCCB1B08DC9A Status: Completed Subject: 09-09-2025 CC Minutes.pdf
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City Clerk
City of Chino Hills
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