2026-047
20 2026-02526-
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF CHINO HILLS
CIVIC CENTER, CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
14000 CITY CENTER DRIVE, CHINO HILLS, CALIFORNIA
MARCH 10, 2026
REGULAR MEETING
CONVENE MEETING AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Johsz called the Closed Session meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and requested City Clerk Balz 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
ELIZABETH CALCIANO, ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
CHERYL BALZ, CITY CLERK
NICHOLAS LIGUORI, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR
DANIEL BOBADILLA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY
ENGINEER
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Johsz declared the meeting recessed at 5:00 p.m. for Closed Session. City Clerk Balz did not attend this portion of the meeting.
Public Works Director Bobadilla attended the following closed session item.
EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION
Conference with Legal Counsel pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) - Exposure to Litigation (one case)
Community Development Director Liguori joined the meeting for the following closed session item at 5:14 p.m.
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CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2026-048 REGULAR MEETING MARCH 10, 2026
REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS
Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 Real Property Negotiations for price and terms for Shoppes II property; APN 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 Johsz recessed the Closed Session at 5:55 p.m.
CONVENE MEETING AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Johsz called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and requested City Clerk Balz 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
CHERYL BALZ, CITY CLERK
DANIEL BOBADILLA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
CHRISTA BUHAGIAR, FINANCE DIRECTOR
BRANDON FONACIER, COMMUNITY RELATIONS ANALYST II
NICOLE FREEMAN, PUBLIC INFORMATION MANAGER
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 [00:31]
Led by Mayor Johsz.
INVOCATION [00:45]
Led by Chaplain Marco Miranda, Chino Valley Fire District.
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CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2026-049 REGULAR MEETING MARCH 10, 2026
PRESENTATIONS
CITY TILE - LUTHER MARTIN [01:46]
Mayor Johsz presented a City Tile on behalf of the City to Parks and Open Space Supervisor Luther Martin for his years of service from March 14, 2005, to March 20, 2026.
Mr. Martin thanked the Council for their recognition and looks forward to the next phase in life.
PROCLAMATION - WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH [05:51]
Mayor Johsz presented a Proclamation proclaiming March, as Women’s History Month, to Deputy Mallory Lipert of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office who thanked the Council for the recognition and stated that they she is honored accept the Proclamation on behalf of the women in the community who lead, serve and make a difference every day.
PUBLIC INFORMATION MANAGER REPORT [08:23]
Public Information Manager (PIM) Freeman announced the following information:
STUDENT PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPLICATIONS DUE APRIL 10
• High school juniors and seniors looking to gain experience in local government are invited to apply to serve as the Student Member on the Parks and Recreation Commission
• The Commission meets monthly to discuss topics related to parks, trails, community events, and more
• The selected member also serves concurrently on the Teen Advisory Board and acts as a liaison between the Commission and the Board • Applications are available online at
www.chinohills.org/ParksandRecApplication and are due by April 10th
RAMONA AVENUE WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT
• Construction is currently taking place on Ramona Avenue for a Water Main Replacement Project
• Ramona Avenue will be fully closed between Bird Farm Road and Mesa Boulevard during construction hours Monday through Friday, from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm daily, excluding City holidays.
• Detour signage and traffic control measures are in place to guide motorists around the closure
• Learn more at www.chinohills.org
ANNOUNCEMENT OF ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION [09:34]
There was no reportable action taken in Closed Session.
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CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2026-050 REGULAR MEETING MARCH 10, 2026
PUBLIC COMMENTS - AGENDIZED ITEMS [09:44]
There were no public comments.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST / LEVINE ACT ANNOUNCEMENTS [10:12] There were no conflict-of-interest or Levine Act announcements to record.
CITY DEPARTMENT BUSINESS
CONSENT CALENDAR [10:20]
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 Rogers and seconded by Council Member Moran to approve the Consent Calendar Items.
MINUTES
The City Council approved the February 24, 2026, City Council Meeting Minutes, as presented.
PAYMENT REGISTER
The City Council ratified payments over $25,000 totaling $6,854,043.66 for the month ended January 31, 2026, as presented.
MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
The City Council received and filed the Monthly Financial Report for the month ended January 31, 2026, as presented.
AGREEMENT - CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT CONSULTANT
SERVICES - DEL VISTAS RESIDENTIAL PROJECT
The City Council authorized the execution of a five-year Agreement A2026-033 with Moore Iacofono Goltsman (MIG) to provide California Environmental Quality Act consultant services to review the proposed Del Vistas Residential Project, a 17.45-acre property located near the intersection of Carbon Canyon and Canyon Hills Road, for a total contract amount not to exceed $121,575.
ANNUAL REPORT - GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025
The City Council received and filed the Annual Report on General Plan Implementation for Calendar Year 2025 and directed staff to file a copy of the report with the California Department of Housing and Community Development and the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation.
CITY’S INVESTMENT POLICY - RESOLUTION ADOPTED
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2026R-004 of the City of Chino Hills, Adopting the City’s Investment Policy, Adopting the City’s Section 115 Trust Investment Policy, and Delegating Investment Authority for the City’s Investment Portfolio for Fiscal Year 2026-27 to the Finance Director / City Treasurer.
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CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2026-051 REGULAR MEETING MARCH 10, 2026
CITY YARD REHABILITATION AND MODERNIZATION PROJECT - RESOLUTION
ADOPTED
The City Council (1) adopted Resolution No. 2026R-005 of the City of Chino Hills, Approving the Specifications/Scope of Work for the Parking Lot Rehabilitation Portion of the City Yard Rehabilitation and Modernization Project Pursuant to Government Code Section § 830.6; (2) authorized staff to advertise and solicit bids for the rehabilitation of the City Yard Parking Lot, located at 15091 La Palma Drive, Chino, California 91710; 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.
AGREEMENT - BIOLOGICAL MONITORING SERVICES
The City Council authorized the execution of a one-year Professional Services Agreement A2026-034 with four additional one-year renewal options with Leatherman BioConsulting, Inc. to provide biological monitoring services in an estimated amount of $26,376.25 per year for a total contract amount not-to-exceed $131,881.25.
FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 ENGINEERS REPORTS - RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED The City Council adopted (1) Resolution No. 2026R-006 of the City of Chino Hills Acting in its Capacity as the Governing Body of the Chino Hills Landscape and Lighting District No. 1, Pursuant to Provisions of Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 (Streets and Highways Code, Section 22500 Et Seq., State of California) Ordering the Preparation of the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Engineer's Report; (2) Resolution No. 2026R-007 of the City of Chino Hills Acting in its Capacity as the Governing Body of the Chino Hills Vellano Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District, Pursuant to Provisions of Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 (Streets and Highways Code, Section 22500 Et Seq., State of California) Ordering the Preparation of the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Engineer's Report; (3) Resolution No. 2026R-008 of the City of Chino Hills Acting in its Capacity as the Governing Body of the Chino Hills Los Serranos Lighting Maintenance District, Pursuant to Provisions of Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 (Streets and Highways Code, Section 22500 Et Seq., State of California) Ordering the Preparation of the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Engineer's Report; and (4) Resolution No. 2026R-009 of the City of Chino Hills Initiating Proceedings and Ordering the Preparation of the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Engineer's Report for the Chino Hills Special Maintenance Areas 1 and 2.
AGREEMENT RATIFICATION - CITY HALL EMERGENCY POWER DISTRIBUTION
AND RESILIENCY PROJECT
The City Council ratified the execution of Agreement No. A2026-008 by the City Manager with Odyssey Power Corporation, for which competitive bidding was waived due to urgency pursuant to Chino Hills Municipal Code Section 3.18.050.E, in the
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CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2026-052 REGULAR MEETING MARCH 10, 2026
amount of $79,878.14 for replacement of the City Hall Server Room Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system, which is part of the City Hall Emergency Power Distribution & Resiliency Project.
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. 13 [10:45] City Manager Montgomery briefed the City Council on staff report, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. He stated that City Hall is getting closer to the final full repair of City Hall including completion of workspace cubical reskinning and upcoming millwork and restoration of counter areas in the evenings and over the weekends.
Following the report, a motion was made by Mayor Johsz and seconded by Vice Mayor Marquez 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: JOHSZ, MARQUEZ, BENNETT, MORAN, ROGERS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED [12:34]
Alex Lopez, Outreach Specialist for Reach Out, spoke on substance abuse prevention specifically the substance 7-hydroxymitragynin (7-OH), an opioid sold in smoke shops and advised of the dangers. He also stated that local cities have taken measures to ban 7-OH.
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CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2026-053 REGULAR MEETING MARCH 10, 2026
Suzette Dang, representing Supervisor Hagman's office, announced two events: Free Document Shredding Event for all San Bernardino County residents on Saturday, March 14th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Montclair City Hall, 5111 Benito Street, Montclair CA 91763 and upcoming low-cost spay, neuter, and vaccine clinic on Friday, March 27th with advanced registration required. Vaccines available from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on a first come first served basis at Chino Valley YMCA, 5665 Edison Ave, Chino, CA 91710 and open to Fourth District residents.
SAFETY UPDATES [18:06]
Police: Police Chief Girard spoke about the increase of catalytic converter thefts and advised how to prevent these thefts including reporting suspicious activities.
Fire: Fire Chief Williams spoke about Fire Station 68 and said that construction efforts have been delayed due to the recent rain, but he is hopeful it will be completed by the end of the year. He stated that there are no updates on the ambulance program pending the State’s decision. Lastly, he stated tickets are on sale for the Saint Paddy’s Brew Fest hosted by the Chino Valley Fire Foundation to be held on March 14th.
Vice Mayor Marquez thanked the Chino Valley Fire District for reaching out to Los Angeles County for putting up a display board in Tonner Canyon advising drivers about a controlled burn in the area.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE [22:00]
City Manager Montgomery had nothing to report.
COUNCIL REPORTS [22:16]
Vice Mayor Marquez
• SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY BOARD
o BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Vice Mayor Marquez attended the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority Board of Directors meeting and approved Amendment No. 1 to Employment Contract with Executive Director Carolyn L. Schindler and approved a five percent raise; and approved fee schedule for use of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations; reviewed SBCTA/WRCOG Emergency Evacuation Network Resilience (EENR) Study Final Report.
• SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY BOARD
o CITY SELECTION COMMITTEE
Vice Mayor Marquez attended the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority City Selection Committee meeting and reelected the following positions: City of Montclair Mayor John Dutrey as Chair, City of Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren as Vice Chair, City of Loma Linda Mayor Phill Dupper as Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) Primary Position, and City of Yucca Valley Council Member Rick Denison LAFCO Alternate Position.
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CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2026-054 REGULAR MEETING MARCH 10, 2026
Council Member Rogers
• ANIMAL RESOURCE CENTER JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY BOARD
Council Member Rogers attended the Animal Resource Center Joint Power Authority Board (ARC) meeting and reviewed the mid-year budget adjustment, reviewed renderings of the new animal shelter and selected an architectural style to proceed and move forward with. Lastly, the board conducted their annual rotation of officers, selecting Curtis Burton, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Chino, as Chair, and John Dutrey, Mayor of the City of Montclair, as Vice Chair.
Discussion ensued on ARC inheriting more animals than anticipated from the Inland Valley Humane Society and are creating partnerships with other entities that adopt animals from the shelter. Over time, the goal is to achieve a 90 percent adoption rate and qualify them as a no kill shelter.
• CHINO BASIN DESALTER AUTHORITY BOARD
Council Member Rogers attended the Chino Basin Desalter Authority Board meeting and reviewed and approved agreements pertaining to Wells.
COUNCIL COMMENTS [30:12]
Rogers: Council Member Rogers attended the Habitat for Humanity dedication for two homes, and one home was acknowledged as the 50th home constructed and was honored by the Pomona Valley Habitat for Humanity. He also attended the opening ceremonies for Chino Hills and Canyon Hills Little League. Lastly, he attended a reception at the Community Center for the Photo Contest Winners where their photos are being displayed.
Bennett: Council Member Bennett as a United States Army Vietnam Veteran asked everyone to honor the memory of the seven service members who lost their lives while serving in the Middle East and to keep their families in your prayers.
Marquez: Vice Mayor Marquez attended the Southern California Regional Rail Authority Board of Directors meeting, and the Board reviewed the Fiscal Year Budget, approved amendments, are preparing for the upcoming 2028 Olympics and updating video devices in locomotives to upgrade the system. He stated that ridership is down and they are concerned that services in San Bernardino County may be cut back. He attended the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Executive/Administrative Committee meeting, and the Committee approved Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget totaling $269,189,145. He attended the SCAG Regional Council, and the Council reviewed the Resilience Resolution Update regarding Eaton and Pacific Palisades Wildfires and approved Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget in amount of $269,189,485. Lastly, he commended staff on the Tri-Counties Association Event where they discussed Regional Needs Allocation (RHNA) and Housing.
Johsz: Mayor Johsz asked if customers enrolled in AutoPay for their water bill may opt out of receiving a hard copy in the mail and added that eliminating mailed bills could be a cost savings in postage for City. Finance Director Buhagiar responded that on the Docusign Envelope ID: 60BE6BB4-3AA2-41F3-9732-56593281FCF3
CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2026-055 REGULAR MEETING MARCH 10, 2026
online portal customers can select their options for the paperless option. He attended the Habitat for Humanity dedication for homes and met the family who will reside there and attended the Chino Hills and Canyon Hills Little League Opening Day. He announced the Battle of the Bone event taking place this evening at Chino Hills Community Park for Girls Softball. Lastly, he called up students in the audience to introduce themselves.
Jonathan Chen, Vice Chair of Teen Advisory Board (TAB) and student at Chino Hills High School and is attending the meeting to learn more about the processes of the city and announced the Teen Leadership - Next Gen Summit on March 21st.
Freshman at Cal Poly Pomona student, stated she is in attendance for her government class.
ADJOURN IN MEMORIAM [38:17]
Mayor Johsz adjourned the meeting at 6:39 p.m. in memory of the Seven Service Members whose lives were lost in the Middle East
Respectfully submitted,
CHERYL BALZ, CITY CLERK
APPROVED: March 24, 2026
Docusign Envelope ID: 60BE6BB4-3AA2-41F3-9732-56593281FCF3
Certificate Of Completion
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Status: Original
3/25/2026 10:59:04 AM
Holder: Jessica Contreras
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Cheryl Balz
[email protected]
City Clerk
City of Chino Hills
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