CLAREMONT CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 - 6:30 PM
Video Recording is Archived on the City Website
https://www.claremontca.gov/Government/City-Council/Watch-a-Meeting
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Calaycay called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF SILENCE — In honor of Joanna Gray, Anthony Joseph Marino, and Maria Eugenia Acuna Delgado.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT COUNCILMEMBER: CALAYCAY, LEANO, MEDINA, REECE,
STARK
ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER: NONE
ALSO PRESENT
Adam Pirrie, City Manager; Jamie Earl, Assistant City Manager; Alisha Patterson, City Attorney; Jeremy Swan, Director of Community Services; Brad Johnson, Director of Community Development; Jeremy Starkey, Director of Finance; Melissa Vollaro, Director of Recreation and Human Services; Shelley Desautels, City Clerk; Jamie Costanza, Deputy City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
There was no closed session meeting.
CEREMONIAL MATTERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
The City Council received an update from Katherine Loeser, Claremont Helen Renwick Library Manager.
FEDERAL HOLIDAYS
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Council Items — None
Council Assignment Reports
Councilmember Reece reported on the Gold Line Pomona to Glendora segment and shared a video of the project.
Councilmember Medina reported on recent meetings with CalTrans Deputy District 7 Director Marlin Regisford and staff from Assemblyman Harabedian's office to discuss areas of improvement along the I-10 Freeway.
Mayor Calaycay reminded all to be mindful of standing water.
City Council Minutes
March 25, 2025
CITY MANAGER REPORT
This item starts at 20:35 in the archived video.
City Manager Pirrie reported the Pooch Park will be closed April 1 to May 1 for biannual turf maintenance, and invited all to incoming Police Chief Ciszek's badge ceremony on April 17 and the City's Spring Celebration on April 19.
PUBLIC COMMENT
This item starts at 22:40 in the archived video.
Mayor Calaycay invited public comment.
City Clerk Desautels announced one general written public comment had been received.
Dr. Lisa Pion -Berlin, CEO of Parents Anonymous, provided information related to Parents Anonymous and shared they run the only 24 -hour National Parent and Youth Helpline.
Steve Cabrera, Los Angeles County Assistant Fire Chief Division 2, shared Cal Fire has recently updated its Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps.
Unidentified speaker expressed concerns regarding the Hope for Home Homeless Services Center in Pomona.
Steven Felschundneff suggested the City Council direct staff to address dead/overgrown lawns in the City that are not in compliance with the City's Municipal Code.
Ash shared his negative experiences regarding Foothill Transit and asked that the lighting at bus stops be addressed, specifically the bus stop at the Claremont Transit Center.
Chris spoke about the intersection at Harrison and Mountain and asked for increased police presence during school drop off and pick up.
There were no other requests to speak.
Mayor Calaycay closed public comment.
City Manager Pirrie confirmed that Code Enforcement will address unmaintained lawns, police presence will be increased to improve safety at the intersection of Harrison and Mountain, and lighting at bus stops will be addressed.
CONSENT CALENDAR
This item starts at 46:41 in the archived video.
Mayor Calaycay invited public comment on the Consent Calendar.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comment had been received on the Consent Calendar.
City Council Minutes
March 25, 2025
Gene Boutillier, President of Housing Claremont, spoke to Consent Calendar Item No. 3, and asked the City Council to increase its efforts to build more affordable housing.
Lydia Hernandez, Claremont Tenants United, spoke to Consent Calendar Item No. 3, and encouraged forward movement regarding tenant protections as well as implementation of a rental registry and rent stabilization.
There were no other requests to speak.
Mayor Calaycay closed public comment.
Councilmember Stark moved to approve the Consent Calendar, seconded by Councilmember Leano, and carried on a vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember — Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
1. Adoption of a Resolution Approving the City Warrant Register Adopted Resolution No. 2025-13, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING THE FUNDS OUT OF WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID, dated March 13, 2025.
2. City Council Minutes of March 11, 2025 (Recular)
Approved the regular City Council meeting minutes of March 11, 2025.
3. Housing Element — 2024 Annual Progress Report (Funding Source: General Fund' Approved the 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report.
4. Community Development Block Grant Program — Budget Amendment for 2024-25 (Funding Source: Community Development Block Grant Fund)
Appropriated $65,785 in the unallocated Community Development Block Grant program balance to the Housing Rehabilitation and Energy Efficiency Grant Program and $50,000 to the Job Creation and Business Incentive Program, and authorize staff to allocate any new funds proportionally as necessary.
5. Authorization to Enter Into an Acreement with Rincon Consultants, Inc. for Completion of the General Plan Safety Element (Funding Source: General Fund) A. Authorized the City Manager to enter into a professional services agreement with Rincon Consultants, Inc. for completion of the General Plan Safety Element in the amount of $60,830, including a ten percent contingency in the amount of $6,083, for a total not to exceed agreement of $66,913; and
B. Appropriated $66,913 from the unassigned General Fund balance to fully fund the agreement.
6. Authorization to Amend the Professional Services Agreement with Houseal Lavicne to Increase Compensation for Completion of the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update (Funding Source: General Fund and Housing and Community Development Grants) A. Authorized the City Manager to execute an amendment to the professional services agreement with Houseal Lavigne, increasing compensation by $27,537 for a total not to exceed amount of $477,484 for the completion of the Claremont Housing Element for the 6th Cycle (2021-2029); and
City Council Minutes
March 25, 2025
B. Appropriated $27,537 from the unassigned General Fund balance to fully fund the agreement.
7. Utility Box Painting Project Phase Three Artist Selection (Funding Source: Public Art Fund) A. Approved the Phase Three Utility Box Painting Project and Artist Selection as recommended by the Public Art Committee; and
B. Appropriated $7,750 from the Public Art Fund to fully fund the project.
8. Authorization to Amend the Existinc Agreement with West Coast Arborists, Inc. to Increase Compensation for Urban Forest Maintenance Services 'Funding Source: Landscape and Lighting District Fund and General Fund)
A. Authorized the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing urban forest maintenance agreement with West Coast Arborists, Inc., adding $90,000 in compensation to account for their response to the windstorm of January 2025; and B. Appropriated $90,000 from the unassigned General Fund balance to fully fund the cost of WCA's response to the wind event of January 2025.
9. Annual Report for the Military Equipment Use Policy of the Claremont Police Department as Required by Assembly Bill 481 — Miliary Equipment: Funding, Acquisition, and Use (Fundinc Source: General Fund)
Received and filed the Annual Military Equipment Report.
PUBLIC HEARING
10. Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 Hearinc to Approve the Issuance of Up To S95 Million in Revenue Bonds by the California Municipal Finance Authority for the Benefit of Scripps College
This item starts at 52:47 in the archived video.
Jeremy Starkey, Finance Director, highlighted the staff report.
Mayor Calaycay opened the public hearing and invited public comment.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comment had been received on this item.
There were no requests to speak.
Mayor Calaycay closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Stark moved to adopt Resolution No. 2025-14, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE
ISSUANCE BY THE CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FINANCE AUTHORITY OF REVENUE BONDS IN THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $95,000,000
FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE ACQUISITION, RENOVATION,
CONSTRUCTION, AND EQUIPPING OF ACADEMIC FACILITIES LOCATED ON THE CAMPUS OF SCRIPPS COLLEGE; AND APPROVING CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO, seconded by Councilmember Leano, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
City Council Minutes
March 25, 2025
ORDINANCE
11. Ordinance Codifyinc Trail Etiquette Standards and Regulating the Use of Electric Bicycles in the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park Fundinc Source: Wilderness Park Parking Lot Fund) This item starts at 57:44 in the archived video.
Eric Ey, Recreation and Human Services Manager, gave a PowerPoint presentation.
Mr. Ey and City Attorney Patterson responded to questions from the City Council regarding dog leashes, additional signage, dissemination of information, enforcement of the proposed ordinance, Americans with Disabilities Act, use of electric powered bicycles on the trail, Other Power -Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD) waiver, top speed of a class 1 e -bicycle, width of trails in the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park (CHWP), prohibition of e -bicycles in other areas, number of park users and number of those that use e -bikes, maintenance requirements, speed of bicycles on the trail, Section 11.10.180 of the proposed ordinance using due care, and organizations that conduct education on pedestrian and bicycle safety.
Mayor Calaycay invited public comment.
City Clerk Desautels announced 14 written public comments had been received on this item.
George Renville, Claremont resident, expressed concern in allowing e -bikes at the CHWP and provided the City Council with a handout titled "Keep the Wilderness Park Wild".
Pauline, Claremont resident, expressed concern regarding e -bike usage at the CHWP and believes if e -bikes are to be allowed it will increase the number of cyclists that use the park.
Unidentified speaker urged the City Council to not adopt the proposed ordinance as it is unfairly restrictive to potential users of the park.
Unidentified speaker spoke in support of the proposed ordinance in order to implement protections for all and suggested speed limits be enforced for e -bikes.
Murial Poston, Claremont Wildlands Conservancy Board Member, urged the City Council to ban all e -bike usage in the CHWP.
Barbara Perry Lorick, Claremont resident, urged the City Council to create an environment with fair access to the CHWP for all.
Tom Shelley, Claremont resident and City of Claremont volunteer Park Ranger, spoke in support of allowing e -bikes in the CHWP and shared he is a certified bicycle instructor in case the City Council would like to form educational classes for cyclists.
Susan Neely spoke in support of allowing e -bikes in the park and expressed concern that not enough research was conducted in order to ban e -bikes.
Nancy Hamlett, Friends of the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park, shared the Friends believe that class 2 and class 3 e -bikes should be prohibited in the park and expressed concern regarding enforcement.
Steven Felschundneff asked the City Council to regulate e -bikes in the CHWP.
City Council Minutes
March 25, 2025
Dex Sturgis, Claremont resident, asked that additional research be conducted before a decision is made on e -bike usage in the park.
Carol Blainey, Claremont resident, expressed concern regarding e -bikes being allowed in the CHWP due to their potential negative impacts.
E Lorick, Claremont resident, expressed concern regarding the lack of data and believes it is hard to make a decision given that all information received to date is anecdotal.
Jason Wong, Claremont resident, spoke in support of allowing class 1 and class 2 bicycles in the CHWP and believes the current issue is etiquette of park users.
There were no other requests to speak.
Mayor Calaycay closed public comment.
The City Council recessed at 9:04 PM.
The City Council reconvened at 9:10 PM.
Mr. Ey and City Attorney Patterson continued to respond to questions from the City Council regarding JPIA's concern of e -bikes on the trail, potential to regulate the speed of bicyclists on the CHWP, restricting time of use, definition of an e -bike, CHWP Master Plan prohibition of off road vehicles, possibility to limit direction of the trail, option for designating pedestrian only areas, grants and grant eligibility, prohibition of e -bikes in Los Angeles County, ineffective ordinance, enforcement, comparative negligence, and ordinance versus policy.
Councilmember Leano spoke in support of adoption of an ordinance that would allow staff to address egregious and un-safe conduct with the understanding that education of park usage should always come first.
Councilmember Medina suggested the City Council adopt an ordinance that allows for enforcement and prohibits certain motor vehicles including class 3 e -bikes.
Mayor Calaycay suggested the City Council discuss amending the proposed ordinance to address those who do not follow the orders of the Park Rangers and are not respecting the park.
Mr. Ey responded to Mayor Calaycay that it is important to include a removal clause in the ordinance as well as trail etiquette as it allows for enforcement mechanisms.
Councilmember Stark spoke in support of amending the proposed ordinance to allow class 1 and class 2 e -bikes.
Councilmember Leano suggested the City Council:
A. Adopt the proposed ordinance allowing class 1 and class 2 e -bikes; B. Add Section F to 11.10.180 to read: "This section does not relieve a pedestrian, bicyclist, or equestrian from the duty of exercising due care for the safety of other users on the trails"; and
C. Direct staff to educate proper park usage before resulting in enforcement of unsafe and egregious park usage.
City Council Minutes
March 25, 2025
Mayor Calaycay suggested mechanisms be added to the ordinance to help strengthen and support the efforts of the Park Rangers.
Councilmember Stark spoke against Mayor Calaycay's suggestion she believes it could be problematic and asked that the term "or horses" be deleted from Section 11.10.120(C) as it relates to horse waste.
Councilmember Reece spoke in support of Mayor Calaycay's suggestion for additional language to support the efforts of the Park Rangers.
City Attorney Patterson believes Section 11.10.160(B) of the proposed ordinance addresses Mayor Calaycay and Councilmember Reece's suggestion.
City Manager Pirrie confirmed City staff will provide the City Council with an update one-year after adoption of the ordinance to provide information regarding park enforcement and citations.
Councilmember Reece asked that Section 11.10.120(C) be voted on separately as he has concerns related horse waste being picked up.
Councilmember Leano moved to introduce for first reading and that reading be by title only AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT AMENDING TITLE 11 OF
THE CLAREMONT MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT TRAIL ETIQUETTE STANDARDS
AND RESTRICT THE USE OF MOTORIZED DEVICES IN THE CLAREMONT HILLS WILDERNESS PARK, amending the ordinance to allow class 2 e -bikes, bifurcating Section 11.10.120(C) so that it may be voted on separately, and adding Section F to
11.10.180 to read: "This section does not relieve a pedestrian, bicyclist, or equestrian from the duty of exercising due care for the safety of other users on the trails"; seconded by Councilmember Stark, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
Councilmember Stark moved to add Section 11.10.120(C) to the proposed ordinance amending the sentence to read: "Fail to clean up any waste products left by their dog.", seconded by Councilmember Leano, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Leano, Medina, Stark
NOES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Reece
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEM
12. Authorization to Extend the Professional Services Agreement with Inland Valley Humane Society and S.P.C.A. for Animal Care and Control Services (Funding Source: General Fund) This item starts at 3:52:36 in the archived video.
Jeremy Swan, Director of Community Services, provided a PowerPoint presentation.
Mr. Swan and City Manager Pirrie responded to questions from the City Council regarding construction costs of the newly proposed Animal Resources Center (ARC), evergreen
City Council Minutes
March 25, 2025
clause in the Inland Valley Humane Society (IVHS) agreement, and ability to strike language from the agreement.
Mayor Calaycay invited public comment.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comment had been received on this item.
Lydia Hernandez, Claremont Tenants United, spoke in support of the agreement with Inland Valley Humane Society as ARC would lead to significant financial contributions.
Bernie Bernstein, Claremont resident and member of the IVHS Board of Directors, spoke in support of staffs recommendation and shared that IVHS is currently evaluating and making changes as it relates to its existing contracts with community partners.
There were no other requests to speak.
Mayor Calaycay closed public comment.
Councilmember Reece spoke in support of staffs recommendations and hopes to work with IVHS on its rate setting process and its communication with the public.
Councilmember Leano spoke in support of staffs recommendations and looks forward to continuing to work with IVHS.
Councilmember Stark is looking forward to improving the City's relationship with IVHS and hopes for more in-depth City participation.
Councilmember Medina believes that ARC is not a viable option for the City at this moment and spoke in support of staff's recommendations.
Mayor Calaycay spoke against IVHS as there seems to be a disconnect between IVHS being accountable to cities and citizens that it serves and believes IVHS should be transparent in their rate setting process.
Councilmember Reece moved to:
A. Authorize the City Manager to extend the current agreement with the Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. for an additional two years, effective July 1, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $466,416 annually, plus a Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment (not to exceed four percent) in 2026-2027; and B. Appropriate $36,502 from the unassigned General Fund balance to fund the increased cost of service for 2025-26;
Seconded by Councilmember Leano, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember — Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark
NOES: Councilmember — Calaycay
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Calaycay adjourned the regular meeting of the Claremont City Council at 10:50 PM. The next regular meeting of the Claremont City Council will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 6:30 PM, in the Claremont Council Chamber.
City Council Minutes
March 25, 2025
ATTEST:
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