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MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF CHINO HILLS
CIVIC CENTER, CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
14000 CITY CENTER DRIVE, CHINO HILLS, CALIFORNIA
JANUARY 27, 2026
REGULAR MEETING
CONVENE MEETING AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Johsz called the Closed Session meeting to order at 4:45 p.m. and requested Assistant City Clerk Sisemore to call roll.
PRESENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BRIAN JOHSZ
RAY MARQUEZ
ART BENNETT
CYNTHIA MORAN
PETER J. ROGERS
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT: BENJAMIN MONTGOMERY, CITY MANAGER
MARK HENSLEY, CITY ATTORNEY
LYNNAE SISEMORE, ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
ROD HILL, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Johsz declared the meeting recessed at 4:45 p.m. for Closed Session. Assistant City Clerk Sisemore did not attend this portion of the meeting.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE RECRUITMENT OR APPOINTMENT
Public Employee Recruitment or Appointment pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b) Position: City Manager
CITY MANAGER'S CANDIDATE NEGOTIATIONS
Conference with City's Labor Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6: Unrepresented Employee: City Manager Candidates, City's Negotiator: City Attorney
CLOSED SESSION RECESS
Mayor Johsz recessed the Closed Session at 5.41 p.m.
Docusign Envelope ID:AB82FDFC-E273-4E8E-9453-AAC85C31AF44 CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2026-016
REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 27, 2026
CONVENE MEETING AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Johsz called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and requested Assistant City Clerk Sisemore to call roll.
PRESENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BRIAN JOHSZ
RAY MARQUEZ
ART BENNETT
CYNTHIA MORAN
PETER J. ROGERS
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT: BENJAMIN MONTGOMERY, CITY MANAGER
MARK HENSLEY, CITY ATTORNEY
LYNNAE SISEMORE, ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
JEREMY AULT, DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF, CHINO VALLEY FIRE
DISTRICT
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, 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 [00:36]
Led by Chino Hills Junior All American Cheerleader, Vida Brockham.
INVOCATION [01:00]
Led by Father Elmer Galiza, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.
PRESENTATIONS
WINTER HIGHLIGHTED VOLUNTEER - CHINO HILLS AUXILLARY RADIO TEAM (CHART) [02:32]
Mayor Johsz presented Certificates of Recognition on behalf of the City, Congresswoman Kim, Assembly Member Chen, and County Supervisor Hagman to Ed Rau, a member of the Chino Hills Auxiliary Radio Team (CHART) program.
Mr. Rau thanked the City for the recognition and explained the CHART program and how others could get involved.
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RECOGNITION - CHINO HILLS JUNIOR ALL-AMERICAN MASCOTS, JUNIOR MICRO, AND JUNIOR PEE WEE CHEERLEADERS [06:25]
Mayor Johsz and the Chino Hills Junior All-American Cheer and Football Coaches presented Certificates of Recognition from the City, Congresswoman Kim, Senator Seyarto, and County Supervisor Hagman to the Chino Hills Junior All-American Mascots, Junior Micro, and Junior Pee Wee Cheerleaders for earning placements in the 2025 Southern California Junior All American Cheer Competition and the Junior Pee Wee Division 1 Football players for being the 2025 Super Bowl Champions.
President Marcus Whitney thanked the Council for the recognition and presented the Mayor and City Council with a Superbowl Championship ring.
President Whitney introduced cheer coaches Julianna Brockham and Aubrey Vena who both commended their cheer squads for their accomplishments throughout the year.
President Whitney introduced Coaches Danny Mendoza, Coach Marcus Toscano, and Coach Larry Hatley, who commended the team for their perseverance in winning the Superbowl Championship.
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER REPORT [20:45]
Public Information Officer (PIO) Freeman announced the following information:
• REC IN THE PARK
o The community is invited to a free Rec in the Park event on Saturday, February 7th at Pinehurst Park to learn about the City's spring recreation programs and enjoy a free painting activity
o Staff will be onsite from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to answer questions, and the introductory painting class will be broken into two 30-minute sessions starting at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
o Separate painting classes will be offered for both adults and children and required art supplies will be provided
• EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS RESOURCES
o As the new year begins, now is the ideal time to inspect your emergency preparedness kit to ensure you are prepared for the year ahead o Use this time to restock any items to have 72 hours of supplies on-hand of food and water, flashlights, batteries, and medication. Use this time to verify expiration dates and test all devices
o The City has many emergency preparedness resources available online, including a recording of the most recent emergency preparedness workshop which has tips to prepare for wildfires or extended outages, and steps you can take now to mitigate fire risks and harden your home
o Visit www.chinohiIls.org/EmergencyPreparedness for more information
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• TRASH SERVICES REMINDERS
o Waste Management will be implementing changes to trash collection routes beginning Monday, February 2nd
o If your trash day is changing, you should have been notified directly by Waste Management. If you did not receive notice, your trash day is not affected
ANNOUNCEMENT OF ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION [22:10]
There was no action taken during Closed Session.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - AGENDIZED ITEMS [22:18]
There were no public comments.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST / LEVINE ACT ANNOUNCEMENTS [22:48] There were no conflict-of-interest or Levine Act announcements to record.
CITY DEPARTMENT BUSINESS
CONSENT CALENDAR [22:54]
Mayor Johsz announced the Consent Calendar items and asked the Council if there were any items to pull.
Hearing none, a motion was made by Council Member Moran and seconded by Council Member Rogers to approve the Consent Calendar Items.
MINUTES
The City Council approved the January 13 and 15, 2026, City Council Regular and Special Meeting Minutes, as presented.
CITY OFFICIALS' TRAVEL EXPENSE AND REIMBURSEMENT REPORT The City Council received and filed the City Officials' Travel Expense and Reimbursement Report regarding trainings and/or meetings reimbursed by the City, pursuant to Government Code Sections 53232.2 and 53232.3 and the City Official Travel Expense and Reimbursement Policy Section 2.2.5 for the period of October 28, through November 25, 2025, through January 26, 2026, as presented.
COMMUNICATIONS LICENSE AGREEMENT AMENDMENT EQUIPMENT MODIFICATION - 2190 GRAND AVENUE
The City Council (1) authorized execution of Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. A2021-155 with Southern California Edison Company and Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership, dba Verizon Wireless, to modify the equipment on an existing wireless facility by replacing three 72" antennas with three new 55.63" antennas on the existing Southern California Edison steel lattice tower, installing a utility H-frame within a new 64-square-foot chain-link enclosure and a new underground conduits at the tower location per the plan, consistent with the approvals granted by the Wireless Zoning Clearance Permit No. 23WZC11 for the existing cell facility located at 2190 Grand Avenue (Grand Avenue - Monte Verde - Peyton) (Southern California Edison
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Lattice Tower); and (2) determined that the amendment is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act.
AGREEMENT - MICROSOFT SOFTWARE AND OFFICE 365 USE LICENSING The City Council (1) approved Microsoft as a sole source provider of Microsoft Software and Office 365 User Licensing per Chino Hills Municipal Code Section 3.18.050.B; (2) found the exception to competitive bidding procedures under the Chino Hills Municipal Code (CHMC) Section 3.18.050.F applies to allow the City to contract with Crayon Software Experts LLC without the usual competitive bidding process, because Crayon Software Experts LLC has an existing cooperative (piggyback) contract through the County of Riverside, contract #ITARC-00931, obtained within the last sixty months through a competitive bidding process, and the contracting process utilized by the County of Riverside is substantially similar to the provisions of CHMC Chapter 3.18 - Contracting System; and (3) authorized the City Manager to execute appropriate contracts and documentation with Crayon Software Experts, LLC for the purchase of Microsoft Software and Office 365 User Licensing in an amount not-to-exceed $291,929.35 for a three-year term.
SALE OF SURPLUS VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT
The City Council authorized the auction of City surplus vehicles and equipment identified in Attachment A of the written staff report, with an estimated total value of $130,600.00.
PURCHASE ORDER - 2025 FORD CREW CAB PICK-UP TRUCK
The City Council authorized (1) the exception to competitive bidding procedures under the Chino Hills Municipal Code Section 3.16.110.D applies because it has been determined in writing by the Public Works Director that three responsive bids cannot be obtained; (2) the issuance of a purchase order to Chino Hills Ford in the amount of $71,080.65 for the purchase of a 2025 Ford Crew Cab F-150 XLT Lightning 4x4 Pickup Truck; and (3) determined this action to be exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended, Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq. ("CEQA") pursuant to Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines.
Motion carried by electronic vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: JOHSZ, MARQUEZ, BENNETT, MORAN, ROGERS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
CITY HALL FIRE STATE OF EMERGENCY REVIEW - UPDATE NO. 10 [23:22] City Manager Montgomery briefed the City Council on staff report, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. He noted that the cost of remediation and reconstruction has
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increased due to cabinetry costs and cubicle-related work. City Manager Montgomery asked for an appropriation of $60,000 as additional cubicle work needs to be done throughout City Hall, and recommended that the City Council continue the local emergency action until the work is completed.
Council Member Marquez asked how much the repairs would cost the City directly. City Manager Montgomery said a majority of the costs are covered by insurance and the actual cost to the City is approximately $48,000.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Marquez 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; (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; and (3) appropriate $60,000 from the General Fund for additional costs.
Motion carried by electronic vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: JOHSZ, MARQUEZ, BENNETT, MORAN, ROGERS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
PUBLIC HEARING
NONCONFORMING USES, STRUCTURES, AND PARCELS (MCA-0003-2025) - ORDINANCE INTRODUCED [27:50]
Community Director Liguori provided a PowerPoint presentation and briefed the City Council on the staff report, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. He spoke about the existing and new regulations for Chapter 16.82 of Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Parcels and establishing amortization periods for certain nonconforming uses.
Mayor Johsz opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to address the City Council on the matter.
Joseph Schofield inquired about the Conditional Use Permit and its potential impact it would have on his spouse's massage business in the City of Chino Hills, including whether the City would allow grandfathering for existing businesses or extend the amortization schedule.
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Vice Mayor Marquez inquired whether approval of the two-year amortization schedule would affect businesses operating under a four-year lease. City Attorney Hensley said that the business owners could petition the Planning Commission for an extension of the amortization period.
Vice Mayor Marquez asked if a Conditional Use Permit for a massage parlor in the City of Chino Hills has ever been denied. Community Development Director Liguori responded that none have been denied.
Mayor Johsz closed the Public Hearing.
Discussion ensured regarding Accessory Dwelling Units regulations and setbacks, as well as Senate Bill 9 which pertains to the subdivision of lots.
Vice Mayor Marquez asked if there were any unpermitted Accessory Dwelling Units.
Community Development Director Liguori stated that there are approximately ten cases that Code Enforcement is currently working on.
Vice Mayor Marquez stated that businesses that have been in the City for a long time should be grandfathered in and should not be required to obtain a Conditional Use Permit.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Rogers and seconded by Council Member Moran to introduce an Ordinance entitled: 'An Ordinance of the City of Chino Hills, Amending Chapter 16.82 - Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Parcels (MCA-0003-2025) of the Chino Hills Municipal Code, Revising the City's Requirements for Use, Repair and Replacement of Nonconforming Structures and Uses and Amortizing Certain Nonconforming Uses and Structures, and Finding the Same to be Exempt From the Provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act." Motion carried by electronic vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: JOHSZ, BENNETT, MORAN, ROGERS NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: MARQUEZ
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED [44:25]
Suzette Dang, Field Representative for County Supervisor Curt Hagman's Office, congratulated the Chino Hills Junior All American winners, wished Mayor Johsz a happy belated birthday, and invited constituents in the Fourth District to apply for the County Behavioral Health Commission by scanning the QR Code on the County flyer or by calling (909) 387-3961. Ms. Dang also encouraged residents to sign up for County Supervisor Hagman's newsletter to stay up-to-date on county events and updates, or constituents could contact the County Office directly at (909) 465-5265.
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SAFETY UPDATES [46:18]
Fire: Deputy Fire Chief Ault said that construction is ongoing for Fire Station 68 and that the Chino Valley Fire District is recruiting for firefighter and paramedic vacancies in the coming week.
Vice Mayor Marquez inquired about vegetation management in the City with the amount of rainfall recently. Deputy Fire Chief Ault said that residents are asked to provide their own vegetation management to mitigate the fire risk. Vice Mayor Marquez asked if the City of Chino Hills is in communication with the State Park about their vegetation management. Deputy Chief Ault said that the City and the Fire District are both active in communicating with the State Park and are looking for long-term solutions. Vice Mayor Marquez asked Deputy Fire Chief Ault to explain the Ready, Set, Go! Program.
Deputy Chief Ault replied that the program provides tangible guidance to help residents prepare for approaching wildfires and possible evacuations.
Police: Police Chief Girard stated that on Friday, January 23rd, Chino Hills Deputies, the Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement (HOPE) team, and the City and County Code Enforcement divisions conducted operation Shelter Me in Chino Hills and surrounding unincorporated areas. He stated that 50 unhoused individuals experiencing homelessness were contacted; 11 unhoused individuals accepted referrals, 15 individuals were arrested on criminal violations with six of those individuals residing in Chino Hills, and the remaining nine individuals were in the unincorporated areas.
Vice Mayor Marquez thanked Police Chief Girard for his team's fast response to the copper theft that recently took place near his home.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE [51:00]
City Manager Montgomery had nothing to report.
COUNCIL REPORTS [51:06]
Mayor Johsz
• WEST VALLEY MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL BOARD
Mayor Johsz attended the West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control Board and stated that the Board updated its annual policies for the new year.
Vice Mayor Marquez
• SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
o GENERAL POLICY COMMITTEE
Council Member Marquez attended the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) General Policy Committee meeting and said that the Committee conducted an evaluation of Executive Director Carrie Schindler.
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o MEASURE I POLICY COMMITTEE
Council Member Marquez attended the Measure I Committee meeting and stated that the Committee set dates for upcoming meetings throughout the year and discussed the potential placement of a half-cent sales tax measure on the ballot for 2040 and beyond.
Council Member Bennett
• CHINO VALLEY FIRE DISTRICT BOARD
Council Member Bennett attended the Chino Valley Fire District Board meeting, during which several service awards and badge pinnings were presented. He also thanked Board President Mike Kreeger and Director Sara Ramos-Evinger for attending this evening's Council meeting.
Council Member Rogers
• WATER FACILITIES AUTHORITY BOARD
Council Member Rogers attended the Water Facilities Authority Board meeting and stated that the Board discussed a mid-year budget amendment that increased their annual budget.
COUNCIL COMMENTS [53:33]
Moran: Council Member Moran thanked staff for organizing the City Council Goal Setting Workshop and stated that she appreciated the productive conversation and the opportunity to share ideas with her colleagues.
Rogers: Council Member Rogers thanked facilitator Jan Perkins and staff for hosting the City Council Goal Setting Workshop, and said the workshop was very insightful and successful. He added that he attended an event honoring Bill Hughes, representing the City Council, as well as the Chino Hills Community Foundation, where the City named the main equestrian arena after Mr. Hughes.
Marquez: Vice Mayor Marquez attended the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Legislative and Communications meeting, where they discussed the upcoming legislative trip to Sacramento to discuss housing density and the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). He noted that the RHNA Cycle 7 will begin this summer and noted that there is a potential $30 to $40 billion state budget deficit. He continued that he met with Will Fleet of the Chino Valley Champion, who will be attending a SCAG meeting with him regarding transportation. Vice Mayor Marquez stated that he took a tour of the West Coast Arborist facility, expressing appreciation for the tour, and noting that he learned about the number of trees city-wide and in open space, for a total approximate value of$161 million in the City of Chino Hills. He thanked the Boy Scouts for picking up trash on the community trails. Lastly, Vice Mayor Marquez stated that he attended the Cal Cities Public Safety Policy Committee meeting and said that the committee discussed existing policies and guiding principles and developed a work plan for calendar year 2026.
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Johsz: Mayor Johsz congratulated the Chino Valley Fire Department for winning the charity softball game against the Ontario Fire Department, which raises funds for the fire foundations. He also thanked the 55+ Club for giving him the opportunity to share his vision for his Mayoral year.
ADJOURN IN MEMORIAM [58:58]
Mayor Johsz adjourned the meeting at 6:59 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 and may we as a community continue to support and honor them. DS
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Respectfully submitted, U�Z
Signed by:
for 2/13/2026
8315D9626C754B1...
CHERYL BALZ, CITY CLERK
APPROVED: February 10, 2026
a docusign.
Certificate Of Completion
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