2025-218
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF CHINO HILLS
CIVIC CENTER, CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
14000 CITY CENTER DRIVE, CHINO HILLS, CALIFORNIA
VICE MAYOR JOHSZ REMOTE ATTENDANCE
LOBBY, CROWNE PLAZA RESORT
CORAL TREE AVENUE, GARAPAN, SAIPAN 96950 NORTHERN MARIANA ISLAND
NOVEMBER 12, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
CONVENE MEETING AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Bennett called the Closed Session meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and requested Deputy City Clerk II Contreras to call roll.
PRESENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: ART BENNETT
BRIAN JOHSZ (via teleconference)
RAY MARQUEZ
CYNTHIA MORAN
PETER J. ROGERS
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT: BENJAMIN MONTGOMERY, CITY MANAGER
MARK HENSLEY, CITY ATTORNEY
NICHOLAS LIGUORI, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR
JESSICA CONTRERAS, DEPUTY CITY CLERK II
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Bennett declared the meeting recessed at 5:00 p.m. for Closed Session. Deputy City Clerk II Contreras did not attend this portion of the meeting.
LIABILITY CLAIMS
Conference with Legal Counsel Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) Existing Litigation:
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a. Ashley Bautista, an incompetent, by and through her Guardian ad Litem, John Bautista v. City of Chino Hills, a public entity; and Does 1 to 50, inclusive. San Bernardino County Court Case No. CIVSB 2103831
b. Kimberly Nicole Carlton, an individual v. City of Chino Hills, a municipality; County of San Bernardino, a municipality; State of California, a government entity; James Ching Chang, an individual; and Does 1 through 50, inclusive. San Bernardino Superior Court Case No. CIVSB 2413692
c. Veronica Quinonez, an individual v. City of Chino Hills, a public entity; San Bernardino County, a public entity; State of California, a public entity; California Department of Transportation, a public entity; Joe Chen, an individual; Annie Chen, an individual; and Does 1 to 50, inclusive. San Bernardino Superior Court Case No. CIVRS 2400968
d. Southern California Edison Company v. City of Chino Hills; and Does 1 through 50 inclusive. San Bernardino Superior Court Case No.: CIVRS 2402157
e. Windi Palmer v. City of Chino Hills; and Does 1 to 50 inclusive.
San Bernardino Superior Court Case No. CIVRS 2500725
f. Hayden H. Measham v. City of Chino Hills, a public entity; HP Communications, Inc., a California corporation; MCI Metro Access Transmission Services LLC dba Verizon Access Transmission Services, a Delaware limited liability company; Constru One, Inc., California corporation; and Does 1 to 50, inclusive. San Bernardino County Superior Court Case CIVRS2401299
g. Amanda Thabet, an individual; Talia Kirmiz, a minor by and through her Guardian ad Litem Amanda Thabet; Athena Thabet, a minor by and through her Guardian ad Litem Amanda Thabet v. City of Chino Hills, a public entity; County of San Bernardino, a public entity; State of California, a public entity; California Department of Education, a public entity; Bryon Aaron Martinez, an individual; and Does 1 to 50, inclusive. San Bernardino County Superior Court Case CIVRS2505022
REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS
Conference with Legal Counsel pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 Real Property Negotiations for price and terms for Shoppes II property; APNs 1022-021-30; -31; & -37 Southeast corner of Shoppes Drive and City Center; Willis Chin, Shea Properties; Mitchell Perez, Lewis Land Developers, LLC; William Pournamdari, Paykan Corporation; John Roberson, Greystar; and Robert Wishner, Sunjoint Properties, Negotiating Parties, and Benjamin Montgomery, City Manager and Nicholas Liguori, Community Development Director, City's Negotiators
CLOSED SESSION RECESS
Mayor Bennett recessed the Closed Session at 5:52 p.m.
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CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-220 REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 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 Deputy City Clerk II Contreras to call roll.
PRESENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: ART BENNETT
BRIAN JOHSZ (via teleconference)
RAY MARQUEZ
CYNTHIA MORAN
PETER J. ROGERS
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT: BENJAMIN MONTGOMERY, CITY MANAGER
MARK HENSLEY, CITY ATTORNEY
JEREMY AULT, DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF, CHINO VALLEY FIRE
DISTRICT
DANIEL BOBADILLA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
CHRISTA BUHAGIAR, FINANCE DIRECTOR
JESSICA CONTRERAS, DEPUTY CITY CLERK II
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
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG [01:32]
Led by Council Member Marquez.
INVOCATION [02:11]
Led by Father Paul Isaac, St. Maurice Coptic Orthodox Church.
PRESENTATIONS
PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL FAMILY WEEK [03:11]
Mayor Bennett presented a Proclamation proclaiming November 24 - 30, 2025, as National Family Week to Community Services Coordinator II Badosa.
Community Services Coordinator II Badosa thanked the Council for the Proclamation and added that National Family Week is a time to celebrate the love and support that families bring to our lives and a reminder and importance to spend quality time together through shared activities and conversations. Lastly, she added that the time we invest in our families today shapes our communities.
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RECOGNITION - 28TH ANNUAL CELEBRATE THE FAMILY POSTER/ESSAY WRITING CONTEST WINNERS [05:42]
Mayor Bennett recognized the winners of the Celebrate the Family Poster and Essay Writing Contest for the Highest School Participation, and the Teacher Award as follows:
Loving Savior of the Hills Lutheran School had the highest participation in the Kindergarten and 7th and 8th grade categories and Rolling Ridge Elementary School had the highest participation in the 1st through 3rd and 4th through 6th grade categories, both with 100 percent participation. Ms. Castillo accepted her certificate in-person, but Principal Oaxaca (Loving Savior) was not in attendance to accept her recognition.
Teachers' names from the classrooms that had 100 percent participation were put in a drawing for $100 and Ms. Castillo from Rolling Ridge Elementary was selected for the award.
Mayor Bennett presented Certificates of Recognition on behalf of the City, Congresswoman Kim, Senator Seyarto, Assemblyman Chen, and County Supervisor Hagman to the winners of the Celebrate the Family Poster and Essay Writing Contest.
Kindergarten
Skylar Mayoral First Place Glenmeade Elementary School Carly Tang Second Place Loving Savior of the Hills
Olivia Pan Third Place Rolling Ridge Elementary School
Grade 1-3
Luminous Flores First Place Oak Ridge Elementary School Sella Song Second Place Country Springs Elementary School Brittany Wong Third Place Acme Art Studio School
Grades 4-6
Laura Wu First Place Butterfield Ranch Elementary School Phoebe Fong Second Place C.T. Morris Elementary School Joseph Zhong Third Place Country Springs Elementary School
Grades 7-8
Aanya Yadav First Place Canyon Hills Junior High School Brielle Huntley Second Place Loving Savior of the Hills Anya Feng Third Place Loving Savior of the Hills
PRESENTATION - MILITARY BANNER PRESENTATION [16:13]
Mayor Bennett presented a military banner to Alice Mikuljan for her military service.
Alice’s father, Igor Mikuljan, attended the Council meeting to receive the banner and certificate on her behalf. He commended his daughter who served for six years in the United States Navy and is still serving as a reserve in Chicago. Mr. Mikuljan thanked the City for their support.
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PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER REPORT [20:35]
Public Information Officer (PIO) Freeman announced the following information:
• WASTE MANAGEMENT TRASH ROUTE CHANGES
o Waste Management (WM) is preparing to update some residential trash collection routes in early 2026
o Most residents will not be affected by these updates and only about 25 percent of residents will see changes to their regular trash collection day. o WM will notify affected households directly and no changes will take effect until after the holidays
• FREE DOCUMENT SHREDDING EVENT
o The City of Chino Hills and Waste Management will host a free document shredding event for Chino Hills residents this Saturday, November 15th at The Shoppes overflow parking lot
o The event will be from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., or until the trucks reach capacity
o Attendees must show photo ID as proof of residency and all vehicles must enter from Boys Republic Drive and City Center Drive near the Library and Fire District
• WINTER BROCHURE NOW AVAILABLE
o A new winter brochure was mailed to households last week and includes City news and information on winter classes and upcoming holiday events such as:
o The City’s Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 6th; and o The Chino Hills Boat Parade on Friday, December 12th
o Information on all these events can be found online at www.chinohills.org/Events
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION [21:38] There was no reportable action taken in Closed Session.
City Manager Montgomery requested that Item No. 23 regarding the Pine Avenue Extension Project be postponed to the November 25th meeting to allow for Vice Mayor Johsz to attend in person. He stated that there were no speaker cards submitted for that item.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - AGENDIZED ITEMS [23:02]
Public speaker cards were submitted for Discussion Calendar Item Nos. 20 and 22.
Mayor Bennett stated those comments will be heard prior to the discussion of those items.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST / LEVINE ACT ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no conflict-of-interest or Levine Act announcements to record.
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CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-223 REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2025
CITY DEPARTMENT BUSINESS
CONSENT CALENDAR [23:47]
Mayor Bennett announced the Consent Calendar items and asked the Council if there were any items to pull.
Council Member Marquez pulled Consent Calendar Item No. 14, pertaining to the First Quarter Budget Review.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Johsz and seconded by Council Member Marquez to approve the remaining Consent Calendar Items.
MINUTES
The City Council approved the October 28, 2025, City Council Meeting Minutes, as presented.
PAYMENT REGISTER
The City Council ratified payments over $25,000 totaling $9,637,115.00 for the month ended September 30, 2025, as presented.
MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
The City Council received and filed the Monthly Financial Report for month ended September 30, 2025, as presented.
DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE NEXUS STUDY AND PARK DEDICATIONS -
ORDINANCES ADOPTED
The City Council adopted Ordinance No. 423 updating various facilities fees and adopting a Development Impact Fee Nexus Study, entitled: “An Ordinance of the City of Chino Hills, Amending Chapter 3.40 (Various Facilities Fees) of the Chino Hills Municipal Code, Repealing Resolution No. 2017R-012, Adopting a Development Impact Fee Nexus Study Including a Capital Improvement Plan, Adopting New Fire Facilities Fees and Increased General City Facilities, Traffic Facilities Impact, and Parks and Recreation Facilities Fees and Finding the Same to be Exempt From the Provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act" and Ordinance No. 424 adding park dedications and fees entitled: “An Ordinance of the City of Chino Hills, Repealing Ordinance No. 66, Repealing Chino Hills Municipal Code (CHMC) Chapter 16.86, Adding Article 14 (Park Dedications and Fees) Authorized by the Quimby Act to Chapter 4 of Appendix D of the CHMC, and Finding the Same to be Exempt From the Provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act” for second readings (introduced October 28, 2025)
PARKING FINES - ORDINANCE ADOPTED
The City Council adopted Ordinance No. 425 regarding parking fines entitled: “An Ordinance of the City of Chino Hills, Amending Sections Regarding Parking Fines 10.04.020 (Violations), 10.08.020 (Prohibited Stopping, Standing, or
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Parking), and 10.08.200 (Parking in Handicap Stall) of the Chino Hills Municipal Code and Finding the Same to be Exempt From
the Provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act” for second reading (introduced October 28, 2025)
AGREEMENT AMENDMENT - ENGINEERING SERVICES
The City Council authorized execution of Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. A2024- 116 with RKA Consulting Group, increasing total annual not-to-exceed amount from $50,000 to $250,000 and extending the agreement term to June 30, 2029, for additional contract engineering services for entitlement and post-entitlement reviews of development projects.
PURCHASE ORDER - 2026 PETERBILT 536 LEAK TRUCK
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 Rush Truck Centers of Texas, L.P. has an existing contract through Sourcewell, Contract #032824- RTG, which extends to participating dealerships such as Rush Truck Centers of California, Inc., and the procurement process utilized by the entity is substantially similar to the provisions of CHMC Chapter 3.16 - Purchasing System; (2) authorized the issuance of a purchase order to Rush Truck Centers of California, Inc. utilizing Cooperative Purchase Contract #032824-RTG in the amount of $433,349.65 for the purchase of a compressed natural gas (CNG) 2026 Peterbilt 536 Leak Truck; and (3) determined this action to be exempt from review under California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended, Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq ("CEQA") pursuant to Section 15301 of CEQA Guidelines.
CITYWIDE TRAFFIC SIGNAL BACKPLATE REPLACEMENTS - RESOLUTION
ADOPTED
The City Council (1) adopted Resolution No. 2025R-058 of the City of Chino Hills, Approving the Design and Plans for Construction of the Citywide Traffic Signal Backplate Replacements at Forty-Six Signalized Intersections Pursuant to Government Code Section § 830.6; (2) authorized staff to solicit bids for construction of traffic signal backplate replacements for 46 intersections throughout the City; 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 Section 15301 of CEQA Guidelines.
SKATE PARK ENHANCEMENT PROJECT - RESOLUTION ADOPTED
The City Council (1) adopted Resolution No. 2025R-059 of the City of Chino Hills, Approving the Specifications and Scope of Work for Construction of the Chino Hills State Park Enhancement Project Pursuant to Government Code Section 830.6; (2) authorized staff to solicit bids for enhancement construction of Chino Hills State Park adjacent to Big League Dreams estimated at $250,000; and (3) determined the project to be exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended, (California Public Resources Code Section 21000, et. seq. ("CEQA") pursuant to Section 15301 of CEQA Guidelines.
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AGREEMENT AMENDMENT - OUTDOOR RESTROOM FACILITY
The City Council authorized the execution of Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. A2025-107 with US Metro Group, Inc., to include janitorial services for the new outdoor restroom facility at the City Yard, increasing the total not-to-exceed amount from $2,516,953 to $2,541,074, and extending the agreement term to June 30, 2030.
Motion carried by roll call 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 [24:35]
FIRST QUARTER BUDGET REVIEW FISCAL YEAR 2025-26
Council Member Marquez pulled this item for further discussion. He inquired about the Development Impact Fee (DIF) balance on the books. Finance Director Buhagiar responded the balance on the books is $9.4 million. Council Member Marquez thanked staff for bringing the number down.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Marquez and seconded by Council Member Rogers to appropriate $2,962,922.32 from the Existing Infrastructure Fee Fund for the First Quarter Budget Review.
Motion carried by roll call vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BENNETT, JOHSZ, MARQUEZ, MORAN, ROGERS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT - PROPERTY TAX REVENUES [26:03]
Assistant City Manager Hill presented a PowerPoint and briefed the City Council on the staff report, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Council Member Rogers stated that he is happy to see this come forward.
Mayor Bennett stated that when Proposition 13 passed in 1978, it took the dollars that were being paid to the County, to the taxing entities. Chino Hills did not become a City Docusign Envelope ID: 1981A985-DBF5-4DD5-A1CC-DDB43CE70229
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until 1991, and as a result the City was not included in the original allocation. Because of that, the City only receives four percent of the annual property taxes paid. Due to the inequity, the City has been working diligently with the County to receive some benefit for all the developments for commercial properties over the past several years.
Council Member Marquez commended the Property Tax ad hoc Committee, staff, and the County for their hard work on bringing this amendment forward. He noted that surrounding cities get 15 to 17 percent more than what the City of Chino Hills gets, so he appreciates the hard work it took to get the additional share of revenue.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Rogers and seconded by Council Member Moran to authorize Amendment No. 3 to Agreement A00-14 with the County of San Bernardino for the transfer of property tax revenues, updating the definition of “Specified Properties," expanding the number of commercial and industrial zoned properties within the City that the County will transfer property tax revenue from, to the City, resulting in a likely increase in property tax revenue to the City effective with the revenue transfer for FY 2024-25 which is slated to occur on June 30, 2026.
Motion carried by roll call vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BENNETT, JOHSZ, MARQUEZ, MORAN, ROGERS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
WEST END NAVIGATION CENTER MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING [31:27] City Manager Montgomery presented a PowerPoint and briefed the City Council on the staff report, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. He stated that Carrie Harmon, Director of Community Development and Housing with San Bernardino County was in attendance to answer any questions.
City Manager Montgomery provided the background on the homeless resource center known as the West End Navigation Center as proposed by the County of San Bernardino. He stated that it started with a meeting of Mayor's and staff from west end cities for a multi-jurisdictional solution to address homelessness. It is structured to provide homeless individuals with services to support growth, development and transition from the streets to a traditional housing environment. Behavioral services and other resources would be available at the center. The plan is to have the center operational by December 2026. He spoke about the participating agencies, annual contributions, emergency bed allocations by agency and provided the point in time count.
Mayor Bennett noted that there is a large inequity in the structure of pricing when comparing the individual cities contribution and the homeless point in time count. Mayor Docusign Envelope ID: 1981A985-DBF5-4DD5-A1CC-DDB43CE70229
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Bennett asked if the City had reached out to the City of Ontario to see if there was an opportunity to join their potential future facility. City Manager Montgomery responded they have expressed interest but have not received commitment from the City of Ontario and stated that it is important to note that it is providing recuperative care and sobering services that will help people with whatever issues they are having.
Council Member Marquez stated that per Proposition 36 and CARE Court, the City needs something like this in place to comply. City Manager Montgomery added that it would be a tool to facilitate more aggressively pushing people into recovery and implement Proposition 36. He also stated that the City could see its costs potentially lower if the County receives funding from other sources.
Joanne Genis, resident, spoke about the specifics of the agreement and questioned the cost of the City’s contribution.
City Manager Montgomery invited Carrie Harmon to speak about the West End Navigation Center (WENC) on behalf of the County. Ms. Harmon thanked the Council and public for the thoughtfulness and consideration given to the agreement. She shared the County's vision for the WENC and said that the County is covering 100 percent of the development cost, estimated at $20 million dollars and are leveraging funding from several different sources, including the County General Fund. The facility requires significant investment and explained the funding range that exists between the Cities.
She said that it was important for the County to have this be affordable to those cities involved. Lastly, she believes this will serve as a model state-wide for homeless services.
Mayor Bennett asked if there is State or Federal funding available to offset initial investment or ongoing operations. Ms. Harman responded that under Proposition 1, some of the funds could be redirected to this type of facility for behavioral health. She said she’s optimistic that cities could see a reduction in funding in the first year due to redirection of funds.
Council Member Rogers said that he has attended some of the meetings regarding the WENC and believes the services will be extremely beneficial to the region. He noted that the Chino Hills pays SWAG $250,000 per year and the WENC contribution is a very large hit to a small city with such a low homeless count. He stated the City wants to be a good partner in the region, but the facility is quite a distance away from the City. He instead proposed a three-year agreement or suggested a rebate if we do not use any beds that are allocated.
Vice Mayor Johsz stated that this is a significant general fund use and that the County has stepped up and is not sure if this is the right fit for Chino Hills. He asked if they had a resident from the City of Chino Hills showed up at the facility, would they be turned away. Ms. Harman responded that if the City is not a participant, then homeless people from Chino Hills would not be serviced. City Manager Montgomery added that this is not a walk-in facility; it is by referral only from the partnering agencies. Ms. Harman Docusign Envelope ID: 1981A985-DBF5-4DD5-A1CC-DDB43CE70229
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stated that the City could have a side agreement with other participating cities to sell unused beds.
Mayor Bennett asked if there could be a pro-rated cost that reflects the City’s true usage and inquired about transportation to facility. He added that there are more discussions to be had.
Council Member Marquez confirmed that the County is covering the $20 million for the construction and acquisition costs and said that the County is covering the cost of employees. Ms. Harman said that the contract will be reviewed annually to see if costs can be adjusted accordingly.
Council Member Moran stated that the way the MOU is presented does not fit well with Chino Hills’ fiduciary responsibilities. She suggested that City Manager Montgomery go back to the negotiation table with the County.
Vice Mayor Johsz asked if a side agreement could work with the City of Chino on possibly “renting” one of their beds.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Marquez and seconded by Council Member Rogers to authorize the City Manager to continue to negotiate terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and any related documents with the County to operate the West End Navigation Center (WENC), an emergency housing facility located at 11109 Jasmine Street in Fontana, which will provide integrated support services to the homeless. Specifically, seeking a reduced annual contribution from the City under $200,000, a shorter term below ten years and seeking alternative participation from a member agency, whether Chino or some other and return the item to the November 25, 2025, City Council Meeting.
Motion carried by roll call 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. 6 [01:22:36] City Manager Montgomery briefed the City Council on staff report, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. He said with the continuation and restoration of City Hall, he anticipates the elevator project will conclude at the end of the month and public services will return to our counters.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Rogers and seconded by Council Member Moran to (1) review and file the update to the City Hall Fire emergency Docusign Envelope ID: 1981A985-DBF5-4DD5-A1CC-DDB43CE70229
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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 roll call vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BENNETT, JOHSZ, MARQUEZ, MORAN, ROGERS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES AND QUIMBY IN-LIEU FEES [01:24:31] 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 relating to the grandfathering or phase-in options for the Development Impact Fees and Quimby In-Lieu Fees. She outlined the assumptions of the analysis of the fiscal impacts.
Carlos Rodriguez, Building Industry Association (BIA), thanked the Council for their consideration. He said that costs would be passed onto home buyers. He said the BIA supports the Council direction from the last meeting to offer a three-year phase-in option and grandfathering in of developments who can record their Tentative Tract maps by October 2028. Lastly, he said there is a housing policy crisis and tonight the Council has the opportunity to offer a balanced approach to this situation.
Mayor Bennett stated that homebuyers are essentially reimbursing the developers for the cost of housing and all the fees. He said that the City cannot subsidize the fees of the developers. He recommends the three-year phase-in.
Vice Mayor Johsz asked the City Manager to re-state what the direction was from the previous meeting.
City Manager stated that the Council gave staff directions to bring back for further discussion the BIA plan as proposed with a modification of shorter grandfathering period and the discussion for a three-year phase-in. We are recommending a three-year phase-in only.
Council Member Marquez asked Mr. Rodriguez if the three-year phase-in was preferred.
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Mr. Rodriguez reaffirmed his previous statements that he urges the Council to stay the course to keep the exemption in place for the current developments in process to not change the rules in the middle of game.
Finance Director Buhagiar requested clarification of the recommendation. Mayor Bennett suggested the three-year phase-in option only.
Council Member Moran thanked staff for bringing this back for further discussion. The revenue loss is significant for the City. She asked City Manager Montgomery to clarify the three-year phase-in option.
City Manager Montgomery explained that the phase-in option is consistent with what the Council discussed at the last meeting, minus the grandfathering exemption. He said the new fees would be phased in over three years, at 33 percent, 66 percent, and then 100 percent.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Mayor Bennett and seconded by Council Member Rogers to return to the November 25, 2025 City Council meeting with a staff report introducing an Ordinance and adopting a Resolution approving a three-year phase-in schedule for the Parks and Recreation Facilities Fees and Quimby In-lieu Fee, respectively, for residential development.
Motion carried by roll call vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BENNETT, JOHSZ, MARQUEZ, MORAN, ROGERS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
PINE AVENUE EXTENSION PROJECT - CONTINUED
This item was pulled from the agenda to be brought back at a later date.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED [01:44:29]
Joe Alagna, resident, spoke on insurance rate costs and his vision is to spearhead a committee for the Butterfield Ranch Community. He announced details of a meeting to be held through Zoom on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. to make Butterfield a Firesafe community. Visit www.chinohills.com or call 951-313-7200 for more information. Lastly, he wants to create a community driven initiative.
Council Member Marquez asked City Manager Montgomery to reach out to Commissioner Lara’s office if a discount exists for Firewise Communities and to get clarification on the meaning of hardening of homes and have further discussion on subsidizing permit fees for home hardening.
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City Manager Montgomery asked Deputy Fire Chief Ault if they have secured Firewise designation for Chino and Chino Hills. Deputy Fire Chief Ault responded that the Carbon Canyon Fire Safe Council has helped make Chino Hills a Firewise Community Designation and is one of 50 cities listed in the Fire Risk Reduction Community List and have taken preventative measures.
City Manager Montgomery added that there was a presentation at the Emergency Preparedness Workshop on how dramatically you can improve your home survival chances and can have the presentation at an upcoming Council meeting.
SAFETY UPDATES [01:51:10]
Fire: Deputy Fire Chief Ault stated that construction of Fire Station 68 is approaching the end of the grading phase of the new station.
Police: Police Chief Girard stated he had nothing to report.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE [01:51:53]
City Manager Montgomery had nothing to report and deferred his time to Public Works Director Bobadilla. Mr. Bobadilla stated the Public Works Department completed construction on a recycled water line project from approximately Peyton through Chino Hills Parkway up to Veterans Park. As part of the project, a component that has not been completed, a pedestrian signal at Galloping Hills Road on Eucalyptus Ave is currently in process and they are hoping the signal will be completed by the end of next week.
Council Member Rogers asked if any residents on English Road taken the City up on the offer to tap into the recycled water line project. Mr. Bobadilla responded they have received some inquiries, but no one has officially signed up to tap into the system..
Mayor Bennett asked if the City could estimate the costs savings for English Road residents as a measure to assist them in possibly making the switch.
COUNCIL REPORTS [01:55:19]
Vice Mayor Johsz
• OMNITRANS BOARD
Vice Mayor Johsz attended the Omnitrans Board meeting and stated the Board honored drivers for their service and discussed how to move forward with the State’s mandate for alternative fuel vehicles and maintain Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for their vehicles because it fits their current needs.
Council Member Marquez
• SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY BOARD
o BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Council Member Marquez attended the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) Board of Directors meeting and the Docusign Envelope ID: 1981A985-DBF5-4DD5-A1CC-DDB43CE70229
CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-232 REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2025
Committee said the bids came in for the Tunnel Project from Rancho Cucamonga to Ontario Airport in excess of $1,000,000,000 and this may halt the project and they received a presentation from San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services and requested they attend a future Council meeting to provide services their offer to residents.
o GENERAL POLICY COMMITTEE
Council Member Marquez attended the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) General Policy Committee meeting nothing to report.
o LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE
Council Member Marquez attended the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) Legislative Policy Committee meeting and received a Federal update from U.S. Secretary of Transportation; Sean P. Duffy might shift funding from bullet train and allocate it to the Brightline project.
Council Member Rogers
• CHINO BASIN DESALTER AUTHORITY BOARD
Council Member Rogers attended the Chino Basin Desalter Authority Board and stated there is nothing to report since the meeting became a workshop.
COUNCIL COMMENTS [01:57:36]
Moran: Council Member Moran commended the City on the Veteran’s breakfast event.
She announced Boys Republic is having their Thanksgiving Bake Sale on Wednesday, November 27th, Thursday, November 28th, and Thanksgiving Day until 12:00 p.m.
Marquez: Council Member Marquez said he attended the memorial service for Cody Genis and it was beautiful. He attended the Orange Couty Transportation Authority and Legislative Committee meetings and apologized for not attending the Veteran’s Day event due to car issues.
Rogers: Council Member Rogers said that Metropolitan Water District (MWD) is the one of the major providers and partners with Water Facilities Authority (WFA). MWD decides the cost per acre foot of water, it used to be $450 per acre foot years ago and in 2025 we are at $912 per acre foot. The cost next year will increase to $984 per acre foot. He said this is why water is expensive. Chino Hills has not increased water rates for customers over the last three years. Lastly, he commended the staff for the Veteran’s Day event and said the Veterans were very thankful for the event and recognition.
Johsz: Vice Mayor Johsz apologized for not being able to attend the Veteran’s Day event due to work travel. He thanked staff for accommodating his call-in for this evening’s meeting.
Docusign Envelope ID: 1981A985-DBF5-4DD5-A1CC-DDB43CE70229
CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2025-233 REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2025
Bennett: Mayor Bennett thanked staff for the Veteran’s Day event and all of their assistance.
ADJOURN IN MEMORIAM AND IN HOPE [02:03:34]
Adjourned by reading a poem, “Lest we forget.”
Mayor Bennett adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
CHERYL BALZ, CITY CLERK
APPROVED: November 25, 2025
Docusign Envelope ID: 1981A985-DBF5-4DD5-A1CC-DDB43CE70229
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