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MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF CHINO HILLS
CIVIC CENTER, CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
14000 CITY CENTER DRIVE, CHINO HILLS, CALIFORNIA
MAY 26, 2026
SPECIAL MEETING BUDGET WORKSHOP/
REGULAR MEETING
Vice Mayor Marquez called the Special Meeting to order at 3:32 p.m. and requested City Clerk Balz to call roll.
PRESENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: RAY MARQUEZ
ART BENNETT
CYNTHIA MORAN
PETER J. ROGERS
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BRIAN JOHSZ
ALSO PRESENT: ROD HILL, CITY MANAGER
MARK HENSLEY, CITY ATTORNEY
CHERYL BALZ, CITY CLERK
DANIEL BOBADILLA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
CHRISTA BUHAGIAR, FINANCE DIRECTOR
ELIZABETH CARLOCK, FINANCE MANAGER
BRANDON FONACIER, COMMUNITY RELATIONS ANALYST II
WENDI GENSEL, DEPUTY CITY CLERK II
NICHOLAS LIGUORI, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR
JONATHAN MARSHALL, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
RANDY NAQUIN, SERGEANT, CHINO HILLS POLICE
DEPARTMENT
SUSAN SHAKER, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
HUE QUACH, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG [01:13]
Led by Marianne Napoles, Reporter/Content Editor of the Chino Valley Champion Newspaper.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
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WORKSHOP - FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 BUDGET [02:03]
City Manager Hill provided a PowerPoint presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
He stated that the presentation will not just be about the numbers, but about the city's long-term priorities and the budget continues to support key priorities shared by the City Council and the community, including public safety, streets and infrastructure, community quality of life, wildfire preparedness, parks and open space, and emergency preparedness. He continued with a brief overview of the budget to include an overview of the General Fund and the Capital Improvement Budget.
Council Member Rogers asked for an explanation on vehicle licensing fee swap. City Manager Hill responded that in 2005, the state restructured how certain revenues were distributed. The City's annual property tax revenue now includes a portion that originates from vehicle license fees. This amount is accounted for as a separate funding mechanism, even though it is received through the property tax system and does not anticipate it changing in the future and is the largest revenue source in the City.
Balancing the budget using reserve funds is only possible because the Council has exercised fiscal responsibility over many years and set aside those reserves. However, this is not a sustainable or appropriate long-term solution for addressing a recurring operating deficit. Eventually, this approach will no longer be viable, and we will need to pursue other revenue sources.
Council Member Marquez asked what the difference was between unrestricted and restricted fund balances. City Manager Hill responded that a lot of the fund balances are designated or restricted for specific purposes, restricted fund balances include reserves for pension and risk management, and unrestricted reserves are available money to spend at any given time.
Council Member Bennett asked for an example of where there could be a cut in the General Fund for the City to have a balanced budget. City Manager Hill responded, it would be elective services such as community services. He added that Department Heads are monitoring all their expenditure and the City is holding several unfilled positions and discussing if new recruitment for positions is necessary.
Council Member Bennett stated that the City has been fiscally conservative since inception and if there are no revenues coming in, the expenditures are not being made.
He emphasized that the projected outlook is that in five years, the City will be lacking funds. He asked to circle back later and discuss tree maintenance and open space weed abatement which is mandated.
Vice Mayor Marquez asked what has been done in the meantime to cut costs. City Manager Hill responded that the City has implemented recycled water programs, LED retrofit streetlights, and turf replacement. Public Works Director Bobadilla added that the LED lights is a cost savings of $400,000 per year, solar panel project at the City Yard at a cost savings of$50,000 per year, installation of recycled water that translates
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to about $1.2 million in cost savings, and installation of a 570,000 square feet of turf replacement has generated an additional $91 ,000 in savings that all goes back into the City's budget.
Vice Mayor Marquez inquired about well water and Public Works Director Bobadilla explained that we can pump well water now but will not know what the savings will be yet.
Discussion ensued regarding the breakdown of General Fund revenues by types.
Vehicle License Swap is the number one revenue source; sales tax is number two and property tax is number four. City Manager Hill stated that the City only receives four cents to every property tax dollar which severely limits the ability to be flexible to meet growing local service demands. He added there have been attempts to negotiate higher shares of property tax over the years. Council members discussed how monies paid on property taxes go to multiple agencies. For commercial properties the City is receiving a million dollars extra but no more for residential properties.
Discussion continued on how with $83 million generated in local sales tax revenue, only $10.7 million is allocated to the City with the State keeping a vast majority. Surrounding cities have a higher sales tax rate than Chino Hills.
Council Member Bennett asked what other tax is generated in the City where we receive 100 percent. Mr. Hill replied with Transient Occupancy Tax and transactions tax and added that local control over revenues is important because it allows for monies to be directed towards local priorities, providing public participation, transparency and accountability in how monies are spent.
Further discussion ensued on key expenditures that are contributing to the General Fund deficit: rising law enforcement costs which are close to $2 million, tree maintenance costs are up $1.5 million over last year's adopted budget, insurance costs are over $350,000 and the street sweeping subsidy is about $365,000. The Public Works team are working closely with the Fire Department to mitigate fire risks in the City to meet current mandates; and discussed General Fund Reserves where there money has been set aside for the Animal Resource Center (ARC), pension stabilization fund, reserve for advances and the unrestricted reserve.
The City Council spoke about the ARC, and how the City will pay 15 percent of the construction costs. City Manager Hill stated that any revenue received will offset the actual costs and noted that the City has been partnered with Inland Valley Humane Society (IVHS) since inception and the same service the City has received from IVHS will be received from ARC.
Mr. Hill reiterated that both revenues and expenditures are projected to keep increasing, however, there is no foreseeable point at which revenues will catch up or exceed expenditures, as expenditures are expected to continue growing faster than revenues going forward. He said this pattern is projected to continue, and fund balances are
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expected to be exhausted by 2030-31. He added that, if there is no alternative funding source, significant service reductions would be necessary.
Discussion continued on grant programs and City Manager Hill added there are limited opportunities due to not being a community in need.
Mr. Hill concluded his presentation stating the City's estimated revenues in the General Fund for 2026-27 are at $59.2 million with projected expenditures to be at $63.5 million with a deficit of $4.3 million and a projected ending fund balance of $25.4 million with the reserves lasting until 2030-31 .
Public Works Director Bobadilla continued the PowerPoint presentation with a summary of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget which has a budget of$11.3 million dollars and 18 projects that allows the City to continue investing into critical infrastructure. He outlined new requests for Fiscal Year 2026-27 for Parks/Open Space, Public Facilities, and Streets, as outlined in the written PowerPoint.
Discussion ensued regarding the protected tree replacement fund. Public Works Director Bobadilla clarified that the fund does not come from the general fund, instead, developers contribute to the fund when they remove trees from properties planned for development rather than replacing those trees directly. The funds are then used to plant trees throughout the City.
Council Member Bennett stated the projects must be included as part of the budget; however, if revenues are not received then the money is not spent. Public Works Director Bobadilla confirmed and stated that they could be deferred. City Manager Hill clarified that the funding is already set aside for each of the projects discussed. He added that deferring maintenance may end up costing more in the long run because costs continue to rise.
Finance Director Buhagiar continued the PowerPoint presentation and recommended the following updates to the budget resolutions: allow the Finance Director to approve appropriation transfers within a fund up to $25,000 and establish Planning Commission review for new CIP projects over $1 million to ensure General Plan consistency.
Discussion ensued on the need for budget adjustments that are in smaller amounts such as Maintenance and Operation items to be approved more quickly while maintaining overall budgetary control and oversight and on the added Planning Commission component of the resolution. Community Development Director Liguori stated it was added for clarification if after the annual review Council wanted to add a project to the CIP that was over a million dollars, it would need to be reviewed by the Planning Commission to be consistent.
Lastly, City Manager Hill concluded the presentation and stated that the budget continues to fund essential services and community priorities: Public Safety, Infrastructure Maintenance, Wildfire Preparedness, Quality of Life and Emergency Preparedness. It is the second year using unrestricted fund balance to fund programs
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and it's not a long-term solution. The City will need to secure new revenue sources or look at service reductions in the upcoming year.
Council Member Rogers inquired about the rising police service costs and asked why the invoice was higher than expected, along with details on past increases. City Manager Hill responded that the police received a new employee contract and the cost went up, along with an increase in liability costs in the law enforcement field.
Council Member Bennett asked if there are programs principally provided to the residents that are subsidized to provide the service. City Manager Hill responded those services are a quality of life and some of those services would not be fully funded. If the City does not get alternate sources of revenue, these types of things are going to be cut.
Vice Mayor Marquez spoke about the uptick in Landscaping and Lighting District costs and how they are trying to work on it, he also stated that the money spent on the Police contract is the best money spent.
Council Member Moran complimented the budget outreach that has been sent to residents via social media and the water bill.
Community Services Director Marshall spoke about his team and how they are able to manage the programs as usual with reduced part-time staff, from 160 to 129. He commended their hard work for the summertime programming and events throughout the year.
Vice Mayor Marquez adjourned the Budget Workshop at 4:42 p.m.
CONVENE MEETING AND ROLL CALL
Vice Mayor Marquez called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and requested City Clerk Balz to call roll.
PRESENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: RAY MARQUEZ
ART BENNETT
CYNTHIA MORAN
PETER J. ROGERS
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BRIAN JOHSZ
ALSO PRESENT: ROD HILL, CITY MANAGER
MARK HENSLEY, CITY ATTORNEY
JEREMY AULT, DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF, CHINO VALLEY FIRE
DISTRICT
CHERYL BALZ, CITY CLERK
DANIEL BOBADILLA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
CHRISTA BUHAGIAR, FINANCE DIRECTOR
JESSICA CONTRERAS, DEPUTY CITY CLERK 11
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BRANDON FONACIER, COMMUNITY RELATIONS ANALYST II
NICOLE FREEMAN, PUBLIC INFORMATION MANAGER
WENDI GENSEL, DEPUTY CITY CLERK II
NICHOLAS LIGUORI, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR
JONATHAN MARSHALL, COMMUNITY SERVICES MANAGER
RANDY NAQUIN, SERGEANT, CHINO HILLS POLICE
DEPARTMENT
HUE QUACH, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG [01:13:45]
Led by Johnathon Bao, Boy Scout Troop 2399.
INVOCATION [01:14:28]
Led by Imam / Missionary Ahmad Salman, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community U.S.A.
Council Member Bennett spoke on the significance of the America 250 Flag, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country, and is currently displayed in the Council Chambers and other locations throughout the City.
PRESENTATIONS
RECOGNITION - OUTGOING PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION STUDENT MEMBER [01:16:07]
Vice Mayor Marquez recognized outgoing Parks and Recreation Commission Student Member Junseo (May) Lee who was appointed by Council Member Bennett and presented certificates on behalf of the City, Assemblymember Chen and County Supervisor Hagman.
Ms. Lee thanked Council, staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission for the recognition and said it was an honor to serve on the Commission.
INTRODUCTION - NEW CHINO VALLEY FIRE DISTRICT FIREFIGHTERS / PARAMEDICS [01:18:40]
Vice Mayor Marquez welcomed Deputy Fire Chief Ault to the podium to introduce the new Chino Valley Fire District Firefighters/Paramedics: Lucas Timm, Arturo Villalobos and Anthony Ramos. Deputy Fire Chief Ault stated they are currently in their orientation academy, will graduate in about a week and a half and then begin their time working on the engine company in the community.
RECOGNITION - RUBEN S. AYALA AND CHINO HILLS HIGH SCHOOLS PERCUSSION AND DRUMLINES [01:20:53]
Vice Mayor Marquez presented certificates of recognition on behalf of the City, Assemblymember Chen and County Supervisor Hagman to Ruben S. Ayala High School Principal Diana Yarboi and Band Director Mr. Tim Trost, and Chino Hills High School Assistant Principal Mr. Bryant Aquino and Band Director Mr. Jonathan Probst for their Percussion and Drumline members as the WGI Percussion World Champions.
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Principal Yarboi thanked the Council for their recognition and added that their students put in a lot of hard work, and it shows. Band Director Trost, thanked the parents for all their support and dedication to their children.
Chino Hills High School Assistant Principal Aquino thanked the Council for their recognition and spoke highly of the music programs within the Chino Valley School District. Lastly, he thanked Band Director Probst for all his hard work with the students and his dedication to inspiring their passion for music.
PUBLIC INFORMATION MANAGER REPORT [01:29:11]
Public Information Manager (PIM) Freeman announced the following information:
• CHINO HILLS CELEBRATES AMERICA250
o The City of Chino Hills is joining communities across the country in recognizing America250, leading up to July 4th
o As of this weekend, City Hall and the Community Center, and the Council Chambers are displaying the America250 flags, which will remain on display through the end of July
o In partnership with the Chino Hills Community Foundation, the Patriotic Display of Chino Hills art exhibit is on display at the Community Center through mid-August
o And in culmination of the celebration, residents are invited to the City's Independence Celebration and concert on Wednesday, July 1 st, where there will be a special America250-themed giveaway
• NATIONAL TRAILS DAY
o Join the City for a guided hike at the McCoy trailhead on June 6th o Door prizes, crafts, and educational booths will be available starting at 8:00 a.m., and the intermediate three-mile hike will begin at 8:30 a.m. • STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
o Mayor Johsz will host the annual State of the City address on Thursday, June 4th. The event is now sold out, and the full video and ceremony will be available to watch on the City's website following the event PUBLIC COMMENTS - AGENDIZED ITEMS [01:30:23]
There were no public comments.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST / LEVINE ACT ANNOUNCEMENTS [01:30:31] There were no conflict-of-interest or Levine Act announcements to record.
CITY DEPARTMENT BUSINESS
CONSENT CALENDAR [01:30:39]
Vice Mayor Marquez announced the Consent Calendar items and asked the Council if there were any items to pull.
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Hearing none, a motion was made by Council Member Bennett and seconded by Council Member Rogers to approve the following Consent Calendar Items.
MINUTES
The City Council approved the May 12, 2026, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes as presented.
CITY COUNCIL CANCELLATION OF MEETINGS
The City Council authorized cancellation of the June 23rd City Council meeting due to inaccessibility of the Council Chambers from the Broadcast Room Equipment Upgrade Project, and the July 28, August 25, and December 22, 2026, City Council meetings to allow Council Members and staff who wish to plan vacations to do so without having to miss a Council Meeting.
NOVEMBER 3, 2026 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION - RESOLUTIONS
ADOPTED
The City Council (1) adopted Resolution No. 2026R-022 of the City of Chino Hills, Calling for the Holding of a General Municipal Election to be Held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the Election of Certain Officers as Required by the Provisions of the Laws of the State of California Relating to General Law Cities; (2) adopted Resolution No. 2026111-023 of the City of Chino Hills, Requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Bernardino to Consolidate a General Municipal Election to be Held on November 3, 2026, With the Statewide General Election to be Held on the Date Pursuant to Section 10403 of the Elections Code; and (3) Resolution No. 2026R-024 of the City of Chino Hills, Adopting Regulations for Candidates for Elective Office Pertaining to Candidates' Statements Submitted to the Voters at the General Municipal Election to be Held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
AMENDMENT - LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES
The City Council authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 42 to Agreement A94-93 (County Agreement 94-765) for law enforcement services with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 for $21,139,476.
AMENDMENT - AFFORDABLE SENIOR HOUSING PROJECT
The City Council authorized the execution of Amendment No. 4 to Agreement No. A2021-157 with Keyser Marston Associates, Inc., to extend the termination date until the completion of the project, and to continue their services on the Affordable Senior Housing Project.
CHINO HILLS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION - REAPPOINTMENT
The City Council re-appointed Delinia Lewis to the Board of Directors of the Chino Hills Community Foundation as recommended by the Board for a term ending May 2030.
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CITYWIDE BLANKET PURCHASE ORDER - VARIOUS SUPPLIES
The City Council authorized an increase of $25,000 to the Amazon Capital Services (Amazon) purchase order, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $125,000, for the purchase of various supplies.
AGREEMENT - SKATE PARK ENHANCEMENTS PROJECT
The City Council (1) transferred $65,883 in the General Fund from Park Repair Projects - FY 2022-23 (PK23005) to the Skate Park Enhancements Project (PK23010), which includes skating area concrete bowl repairs, new beginner skating features, painting, seating areas, and related user enhancements at the Chino Hills Skate Park; (2) awarded Agreement No. A2026-073 to Golden Coast Construction in the amount of $250,495 for the Skate Park Enhancements Project (PK23010); (3) authorized the City Manager, at his discretion, to approve cumulative change orders up to ten percent ($25,049) of the awarded contract amount; and (4) determined this project to be exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended, California Public Resources Code § 21000, et seq. ("CEQA") pursuant to Section 15301 of CEQA Guidelines.
AGREEMENT - CITY YARD REHABILITATION AND MODERNIZATION PROJECT The City Council (1) awarded Agreement No. A2026-074 to Elegant Construction Inc. in the amount of $193,047.50 for the parking lot rehabilitation portion of the City Yard Rehabilitation & Modernization Project which includes seal coating, restriping, and select asphalt and concrete removal and replacements for the City Yard parking lots located at 15091 La Palma Drive, Chino, California; (2) authorized the City Manager, at his discretion, to approve cumulative change orders up to ten percent ($19,304.75) of the awarded contract amount; and (3) determined this action to be exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended, (California Public Resources Code § 21000, et seq., "CEQA") pursuant to Section 15301 of CEQA Guidelines.
Motion carried by electronic vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: MARQUEZ, BENNETT, MORAN, ROGERS NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: JOHSZ
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
CITY HALL FIRE LOCAL EMERGENCY UPDATE NO. 18 [01:31:02] City Manager Hill briefed the City Council on the staff report, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Rogers and seconded by Council Member Moran (1) to review and file the update to the City Hall Fire emergency declaration in accordance with Public Construction Code 22050 and continue to
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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: MARQUEZ, BENNETT, MORAN, ROGERS NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: JOHSZ
CITY COMMISSIONS MEETING SCHEDULE CHANGES - ORDINANCE INTRODUCED [01:31:51]
Deputy City Clerk II Contreras briefed the City Council on the staff report, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Bennett and seconded by Council Member Rogers to (1) approve the Parks and Recreation, Planning and Public Works Commissions meeting schedules, update inconsistencies amongst Chino Hills Municipal Code chapters and meeting procedures; and (2) introduce an Ordinance entitled: "An Ordinance of the City of Chino Hills, Repealing Section 2.04.090 (Improper Conduct of Meeting), Amending Various Sections Within 2.32 (Parks and Recreation Commission), 2.36 (Planning Commission) and 2.40 (Public Works Commission) of the Chino Hills Municipal Code Updating the Commissions'Meeting Schedules, Respective Commission Duties and Meeting Procedures and Determining Project is Exempt From Review Under 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: MARQUEZ, BENNETT, MORAN, ROGERS NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: JOHSZ
PUBLIC HEARING
2025 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN AND WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN - RESOLUTION ADOPTED [01:35:26]
Utility Operations Manager Wiley provided a PowerPoint presentation and briefed the City Council on the staff report, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
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Vice Mayor Marquez opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to address the City Council on the matter, hearing none, Vice Mayor Marquez closed the Public Hearing.
Following the report, a motion was made by Council Member Moran and seconded by Council Member Rogers to adopt Resolution No. 2026R-025 of the City of Chino Hills, Adopting the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan and Determining the Action to be Exempt From Review Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Motion carried by electronic vote as follows:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: MARQUEZ, BENNETT, MORAN, ROGERS NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: JOHSZ
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED [1:39:44]
Nilkunth Patel, resident and BAPS volunteer, spoke about how special America's 250th anniversary is for people who came to this country with hopes, dreams, and the belief that they could build a better life for themselves and their families. He invited the Chino Hills community, Council Members and City staff to a block party event to be held at the BAPS Temple on July 3rd and 4th, 2026, in celebration of America's 250th anniversary, and thanked the Council for their service and help to make Chino Hills a welcoming community.
SAFETY UPDATES [01:43:38]
Fire: Deputy Fire Chief Ault thanked Council for the opportunity to introduce the new Firefighters / Paramedics. He stated that there have been some busy days in the community in the past two weeks with the Grand Avenue and Willow Fires. He stated that the Grand Fire took place on May 13th and was 36 acres with 100 percent containment reached on May 17th. The Willow Fire took place on May 19th and was kept at three acres. He pointed out that the significance of both incidents is that it required the community to comply with evacuation orders and warnings. It also required collaboration with local agencies such as law enforcement partners and City staff.
Lastly, he highlighted the partnership of the community and their compliance with evacuation orders.
Police: Sergeant Naquin echoed Deputy Fire Chief Ault's sentiments, noting that the relationships built between agencies have never been stronger and expressed his appreciation for the close collaboration.
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Vice Mayor Marquez introduced Chino Valley Fire District Board Members in the audience, President Mike Kreeger and Board Member Sarah Ramos-Evinger. Mike Kreeger spoke at the podium to express how proud the Board is of their new hires and the importance of the relationship between the fire department and law enforcement.
Vice Mayor Marquez inquired about a discussion with Mr. Mason regarding high fire hazard insurance and options for the community. President Kreeger responded that homeowner insurance has raised significantly and he is working with Mr. Mason on how to get the message out to the community.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE [01:50:10]
City Manager Hill expressed his appreciation for the relationship between the fire department, law enforcement, and the City. He commended the Community Relations team for dispersing information from the Chino Valley Fire District to residents in a timely manner. Lastly, he commended the Community Services Department for opening two shelters in the last six weeks for residents.
COUNCIL REPORTS [01:51:27]
Vice Mayor Marquez
• SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
o GENERAL POLICY COMMITTEE
Vice Mayor Marquez attended the General Policy Committee and stated that the committee discussed and approved the Measure I Compliance Audit for Fiscal Year 2024/2025; reviewed their annual insurance policy; approved the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority Vehicle Miles Traveled Mitigation Bank Program Funding Strategy and received San Bernardino County Regional Housing Trust Update, Fund, Task and Program Approval, and Pooling of Funds.
o LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE
Vice Mayor Marquez attended the Legislative Policy Committee meeting and stated that they received an update on the Southern California Regional Rail Authority Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Metrolink Budget Development and Recommendation for prior Fiscal Year Surplus.
Council Member Bennett
• CHINO VALLEY FIRE DISTRICT BOARD
Council Member Bennett attended the Chino Valley Fire District (CVFD) Board meeting and stated they introduced a new employee in the Finance Department, Accountant Emilee Aispure, the three new hire Firefighter/Paramedics that were introduced earlier during presentations, there were promotions, recognitions and badge pinning for Deputy Clerk of the Board Kelly O'Toole, Engineer Blake Lemke, Captain Ethan Sanders, Battalion Chief Casey May and Deputy Chief Greg Gabel. He added that over the weekend CVFD was serving as mutual aid for a structure fire in Pomona and thanked staff for all their hard work.
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• CHINO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD
Council Member Bennett attended the Chino Valley Unified School District Board meeting and spoke about the major construction project underway in the parking lot at Ayala High School for a new $43.6 million Performing Arts Center, which was approved on May 7th. The project will be funded through Measure G bond money and will include a 500-seat theater along with 250 music and drama instructional spaces with anticipated completion at the end of 2028.
COUNCIL COMMENTS [1:55:12]
Bennett: Council Member Bennett reminded the community that since school is out, drivers should be extra observant of children who may be out on the streets and not always paying attention to traffic and wished all to have an eventful summer.
Moran: Council Member Moran asked Public Officer Manager to remind residents how to sign up for e-notify to receive emergency alerts. Public Information Manager Freeman said residents can sign up via the city website to receive notifications at https://www.chinohills.org/l 947/Notify-Me-Sign-Up which will allow you to receive either emails or texts. Council Member Moran attended Supervisor Curt Hagman's Open House event on May 21 st and reminded residents how many County services they have access to. She spoke about the budget workshop earlier in the day and encouraged residents to watch the meeting to stay informed and up to date on City budget discussions. Lastly, Council attended the 1,2,3 TCP Ribbon Cutting for the water treatment plant that is up and operating.
Public Works Director Bobadilla stated that at the intersection of Eucalyptus Avenue and Pipeline Avenue, a new water treatment plant has been under development for the past ten years. The treatment plant provides additional redundancy for the City's potable water supply. Previously, the City relied on agreements with other agencies to purchase water, and those agreements will remain in place. However, the new facility will allow the City to pump, treat, and distribute its own water through the City's water system. Overall, the project increases the City's water supply redundancy and strengthens its ability to provide water independently in the event of shortages.
Rogers: Council Member Rogers announced tickets for Chino Hills Foundation Wine Walk will go on sale in July. He reiterated that the Council is 100 percent against truck restriction removals that are currently in place in Carbon Canyon.
Vice Mayor Marquez asked if the City has received information from Caltrans on a public hearing regarding S-Turns Widening Project or from the City of Brea. City Manager Hill responded City of Brea is fully supportive of what our City needs and added he has heard nothing from Caltrans.
Marquez: Vice Mayor Marquez attended the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Advocacy Trip in Washington, D.C., where he met with nine members of Congress, representatives from the Center for Transportation, the Director of Federal Affairs, staff from Governor Gavin Newsom's office, a Senior Advisor for
Docusign Envelope ID: BEB6D76D-05EB-840A-823F-39DAD4B84807 CHINO HILLS CITY COUNCIL 2026-119
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Transportation, staff from the Senate Banking and Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, the National League of Cities' Director for Transportation, and representatives from the Mexican Embassy, as well as U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff. He stated the three primary asks discussed were the surface transportation reauthorization that was approved Sunday, they asked about the funding for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics Games and how Utah when they hosted the Olympics eight years ago, they had their money two years prior to the Olympics and we do not, and the third ask was housing policy. He attended a few events: Supervisor Curt Hagman's Open House event on May 21 st; meeting with Ali Navid Chief of Staff for Assemblymember Phillip Chen to discuss Caltrans; City County Conference in Lake Arrowhead and interviewed and accepted a position on the Executive Committee for California Joint Powers Insurance Authority.
ADJOURN IN MEMORIAM [02:02:19]
Vice Mayor Marquez adjourned at in memory of Amin Abdullah, Mansour Kaziha and Nadir Awad, who were victims of the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego in Clairemont, San Diego and passed away on May 18, 2026.
Respectfully submitted, os
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