CLAREMONT CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - 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 Stark called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF SILENCE
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; Mike Ciszek, Chief of Police; Jeremy Starkey, Director of Finance; Melissa Vollaro, Director of Recreation and Human Services; Jeremy Swan, Director of Community Services; Brad Johnson, Director of Community Development; Shelley Desautels, City Clerk; Jamie Costanza, Deputy City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
There was no closed session meeting.
CEREMONIAL MATTERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
This item starts at 2:16 in the archived video.
Katherine Loeser, Claremont Helen Renwick Library Manager, provided an update on upcoming Library events.
Jeff Hamlin, Three Valleys Municipal Water District Representative, spoke about hydraulic water systems and future water projects.
FEDERAL HOLIDAYS — None
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Council Item
1. Appointment of a Community Member to the Tri-City Mental Health Governing Board This item starts at 9:03 in the archived video.
Mayor Stark and Vice Mayor Reece highlighted the staff report.
City Council Minutes
January 27, 2026
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comment had been received.
Mayor Stark invited public comment.
There were no requests to speak.
Mayor Stark closed public comment.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to appoint Sandra Grajeda to the Tri-City Mental Health Governing Board for a term commencing February 1, 2026, and expiring January 31, 2028, seconded by Councilmember Leano, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
Council Assignment Reports
This item starts at 11:18 in the archived video.
Councilmember Leano reported on the LA County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency award of rental assistance funds.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
This item starts at 12:29 in the archived video.
City Manager Pirrie invited all to the City Council 2026-28 Priority Workshop on January 31 and the Larkin Park Improvement Plan meeting on February 19. He provided an update on upcoming tree trimmings.
Councilmember Medina requested a link be published on the City website regarding the information Councilmember Leano mentioned about rental assistance funds.
PUBLIC COMMENT
This item starts at 15:01 in the archived video.
City Clerk Desautels announced one general written public comment had been received.
Mayor Stark invited public comment.
Amelie Wong, Silver Lazar, Moxie Mora, Claremont Hich School Theatre, invited all to the Claremont High School's upcoming show SIX.
Macdelena Serrato spoke about her father Al Villanuva's involvement in the EI Barrio Park mural project and asked that the project as approved be constructed.
Dr. Jose Calderon spoke in support of the comments made by Ms. Serrato regarding the EI Barrio Park mural.
City Council Minutes
January 27, 2026
Unidentified speaker spoke about the incident involving Diego Rios and asked for full disclosure from the Police Department.
Jose Antonio Aguirre as the selected artist, spoke in support of the EI Barrio Park mural project.
Nathaniel Treviso spoke about the incident involving Diego Rios and shared information regarding use of force policies.
Unidentified speaker requested the City Council agendize an item for a full review of the officers involved in the incident with Diego Rios and release the missing body cam footage from Officer Alba.
James Sonbrano spoke about former Mayor Judy Wright and the importance of recognizing Mexican American history like that of the EI Barrio Park mural project.
Zarela Boza requested the City Council agendize an item for a full review of the incident involving Diego Rios.
Victor Rios requested the City Council agendize an item for a full review of the incident involving Diego Rios.
Ms. Fairbanks, Claremont resident, spoke about the incident regarding Diego Rios and questioned the City's agreement with Tri City Mental Health.
Lydia Hernandez, Claremont Tenants United, spoke about tenant protections including rent stabilization, expanding the City's just cause eviction protections, and rental assistance funding.
As it has been over 30 minutes, the time set aside for general public comment, Mayor Stark announced public comment would be continued to later in the meeting.
CONSENT CALENDAR
This item starts at 51:18 in the archived video.
Councilmember Medina pulled Item No. 6 from the Consent Calendar for additional discussion.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comment had been received on Consent Calendar Items No. 2-5 and 7-9.
Mayor Stark invited public comment on Consent Calendar Items No. 2-5, and 7-9.
There were no requests to speak.
Mayor Stark closed public comment.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to approve Consent Calendar Consent Calendar Items No. 2-5, and 7-9, 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
January 27, 2026
2. Adoption of a Resolution the Approving City Warrant Register Adopted Resolution No. 2026-04, 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 January 15, 2026.
3. City Council Minutes of January 13, 2026 (Recular)
Approved the regular City Council meeting minutes of January 13, 2026.
4. Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACHSA) to Participate in the Sector Representative and Eligible Jurisdiction Capacity Support Program, and Authorization to Enter Into a Professional Services Acreement with a Consultant to Provide Administrative and Technical Support Services to the LACAHSA Board (Funding Source: Measure A Funds) A. Authorized the City Manager to execute the proposed Memorandum of Understanding with the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency to provide grant - funded administrative and technical support services to San Gabriel Valley Cities Sector appointees to the LACAHSA Board of Directors for the six-month period ending June 30, 2026, and authorized an additional one-year extension to allow for services to be provided through June 30, 2027, subject to the appropriation of funding by the LACAHSA Board; and
B. Authorized the City Manager to enter into a Professional Service Agreement with consultant Guido Dominguez to provide administrative and technical support services to the City of Claremont's appointee to the LACAHSA Board of Directors and Board members representing the San Gabriel Valley Cities Sector in the amount of up to $75,000 for the six-month period ending June 30, 2026, and authorized an additional one-year extension in the amount of up to $155,000 for the period ending June 30, 2027.
5. Investment Report — Quarter Ending December 31, 2025 Received and accepted the Investment Report for the quarter ending December 31, 2025.
6. Annual Hotel/Motel Ordinance Report for Calendar Year 2025 (Funding Source: General Fund)
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar.
7. Authorization to Enter Into an Acreement with Kam Software Technolocies, Inc. DBA Crossroads Software Inc. for Crossroads Report Writinc Products and Citation Management Services (Funding Source: 2025-26 California Office of Traffic Safety Grant) Authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with KAM Software Technologies, Inc., DBA Crossroads Software Inc., for the purchase, installation, and implementation of Crossroads eCitation and Traffic Collision Reporting software, in the amount of $74,500, funded through the Office of Traffic Safety Traffic Records Improvement Grant.
8. Authorization to Amend the Existing Professional Services Agreement with Blais & Associates to Increase Compensation for Grant Research and Management Services Funding Source: General Fund)
Authorized the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing Professional Services Agreement with Blais & Associates adding $25,000 in compensation, increasing the total agreement not -to -exceed amount to $62,000 for 2025-26.
City Council Minutes
January 27, 2026
9. Award of Contract to Pineda General Construction, Inc. and Appropriation from the Equipment and Facility Reserve for the Padua Hills Theatre Renovation Project (Fundinc Source: General Fund)
A. Awarded a contract to Pineda General Construction, Inc. in the amount of $51,450 for the Padua Hills Theatre Pergola Renovation Project, authorized a ten percent contingency in the amount of $5,145 for a total amount not to exceed $56,595, and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement; and B. Appropriated $56,595 from the Equipment and Facility Revolving Reserve to fully fund the project.
Item Removed from the Consent Calendar
6. Annual Hotel/Motel Ordinance Report for Calendar Year 2025 Fund)
This item starts at 52:39 in the archived video.
Funding Source: General
Chief Ciszek and City Manager Pirrie responded to questions from the City Council regarding the increase in calls for service, calls for service during construction, CIT program, participation and compliance with the Hotel/Motel Ordinance, and metrics used in determining calls for service.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comment had been received.
Mayor Stark invited public comment.
Unidentified speaker, Claremont resident, expressed disappointment with the high number of calls for service and questioned what the City is doing to address this trend.
Jim Keith spoke in support of refining the metrics used and provided suggestions that may help deter unbecoming behavior in and around Motel 6.
There were no other requests to speak.
Mayor Stark closed public comment.
Chief Ciszek and City Manager Pirrie responded to additional questions from the City Council regarding automated license plate readers and sign installation regarding video surveillance.
Councilmember Medina encouraged additional police presence in and around the Motel 6 as well as the use of grant funding to suppress activities occurring around Motel 6.
The City Council directed staff to work with Motel 6 to add signage regarding security cameras around the property are currently in use.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to accept and file the annual Hotel/Motel Ordinance Report for the calendar year 2025 seconded by Councilmember Medina, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
City Council Minutes
January 27, 2026
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
10. Request for Direction on the GoSGV E -Bike Subsidy Procram (Fundinc Source: American Rescue Plan Act Fund)
This item starts at 1:15:44 in the archived video.
Alex Cousins, Senior Management Analyst, gave a PowerPoint presentation Mr. Cousins and Jose Jimenez, ActiveSGV, responded to questions from the City Council regarding exit interviews, number of participants, program extension, program funding, availability of other subsidies or support for e -bicycles, income qualified users, voucher program, Active SGV users that are subsidized, survey requirement, and current budget.
City Clerk Desautels announced one written public comment had been received.
Mayor Stark invited public comment.
There were no requests to speak.
Mayor Stark closed public comment.
City Manager Pirrie responded to an additional question from the City Council regarding reallocation of unexpended funds.
Councilmember Leano spoke in support of funding the program through the end of the year.
Councilmember Calaycay asked the program be amended to include that participants be mandated to complete the survey as requested.
Councilmember Medina suggested that any future programs include a requirement that a survey must be completed as requested.
City Manager Pirrie suggested the City Council direct City staff to cap the number of users at 63, allocate the necessary funding for those 63 users, and in March confirm the final funding amount for the program.
Mr. Cousins clarified there are a few program participants currently in the application process and suggested those individuals be included in the cap proposed by City Manager Pirrie.
Councilmember Leano spoke in support of the suggestion made by Mr. Cousins.
City Manager Pirrie confirmed City staff will report to the City Council in March the funds required for the program to run through the end of the year.
Mayor Stark spoke in support of the proposed program.
Councilmember Reece moved to continue the GoSGV subsidy program until the end of calendar year 2026 using existing funding, limit the number of participants to existing and those already in the process, and in March 2026 discuss options for the remaining funds, seconded by Councilmember Medina.
City Council Minutes
January 27, 2026
The City Council directed staff, that if another program such as this is funded, to mandate that a program survey be completed as asked.
The motion carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember — Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
11. City Council Policy on Thresholds for Revocations and Modifications of Existing Conditional Use Permits (CUPS) (Funding Source: General Fund)
This item starts at 1:45:20 in the archived video.
Brad Johnson, Director of Community Development, highlighted the staff report, Councilmember Calaycay stated that he will be suggesting an amendment to the resolution to include two or more uncontested or upheld citations within a 30 -day period or three or more uncontested or upheld citations within a six-month period.
Director Johnson and City Manager Pirrie responded to questions from the City Council regarding violations and noise complaints.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comment had been received.
Mayor Stark invited public comment.
Lydia Hernandez, Claremont resident, raised concern that the punishment seems to be an extreme for a noise complaint.
Unidentified speaker questioned the difference between an officer responding to a complaint versus a citation as well as determining the validity of a complaint.
There were no other requests to speak.
Mayor Stark closed public comment.
City Attorney Patterson responded to the speaker regarding validity of complaints and clarified the policy reads "upheld or uncontested citations".
Councilmember Leano spoke in support of Councilmember Calaycay's suggestion regarding the number of citations.
Councilmember Medina spoke in support of the proposed resolution as it will apply to all businesses equally.
Mayor Stark spoke in support of the proposed resolution as it will be enforced equally amongst all businesses with a Conditional Use Permit.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to adopt Resolution No. 2026-05, A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING
A CITY COUNCIL POLICY REGARDING THE ENFORCEMENT OF CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS amending language to clarify that a
City Council Minutes
January 27, 2026
hearing could be called if a disturbance or nuisance results in two (2) or more uncontested or upheld citations within a thirty (30) day period or three (3) or more uncontested or upheld citations within a one hundred eighty day (180) period; seconded by Councilmember Reece, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember — Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember— None
The City Council recessed at 8:33 PM
The City Council reconvened at 8:38 PM
CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING
12. Continued Public Hearing of City Council Review of the Planning Commission's Decision to Amend the Existing Conditional Use Permit (File #22-004AMD) Allowinc Music Entertainment in Con'unction with an Existing Bona -Fide Eating Establishment for the La Popular Restaurant, Located in the Claremont Village, 235 North Yale Avenue This item starts at 2:08:38 in the archived video.
Councilmember Calaycay asked the language that was previously adopted in City Council Resolution No. 2026-05, be included in the proposed resolution.
City Attorney Patterson highlighted the staff report and provided background information.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to:
A. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-6, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA AFFIRMING, WITH MODIFICATIONS, THE
PLANNING COMMISSION'S APPROVAL OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT #22-004AMD, A REQUEST FOR MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT IN
CONJUNCTION WITH AN EXISTING BONA -FIDE EATING ESTABLISHMENT, LOCATED IN THE CLAREMONT VILLAGE AT 235 NORTH YALE AVENUE.
APPLICANT - LA POPULAR RESTAURANT, modifying the terms of the approval, such as the hours and/or days live music entertainment and/or DJ -hosted events are permitted, or enforcement mechanisms for potential violations of CUP conditions, including the language adopted in Resolution No. 2026-05; and B. Find this item is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comment had been received Mayor Stark invited public comment.
Adrien Selena, music coordinator for Back Abbey and Union on Yale, shared information related to their handling of live music and spoke in support of the new language proposed.
There were no other requests to speak and the public hearing was closed.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Reece and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
City Council Minutes
January 27, 2026
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember- None
ORDINANCES — None
CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENT
This item starts at 2:16:49 in the archived video.
Mayor Stark invited continued public comment from those who were not able to speak earlier due to the 30 -minute time limit.
Justin requested the full and un-redacted body cam footage be released related to the Diego Rios incident and questioned various Police Officer trainings.
Katie requested the City Council agendize an item for a full review of the incident involving Diego Rios.
Patrick, Claremont resident, raised concern regarding the lack of transparency and accountability with the Diego Rios incident.
Unidentified speaker expressed concern regarding the City's Public Art Committee as well as the City's lack of public art.
Francis Curry requested the City Council agendize an item for a full review of the incident involving Diego Rios and release the full body cam footage.
Unidentified speaker requested the City Council agendize an item for a full review of the incident involving Diego Rios and review the City's response in dealing with individuals experiencing mental health issues.
Zoe Dorado requested the City Council agendize an item for a full review of the incident involving Diego Rios.
Marsha Eckert, Claremont resident, requested the City Council agendize an item for a full review of the incident involving Diego Rios and release the full body cam footage.
Mariam Achmachen requested the City Council agendize an item for a full review of the incident involving Diego Rios and release the full body cam footage.
Kate Evans requested the City Council agendize an item for a full review of the incident involving Diego Rios and release the full body cam footage.
Maria Ryker requested the City Council agendize an item for a full review of the incident involving Diego Rios and release the full body cam footage.
Noah requested the City Council agendize an item for a full review of the incident involving Diego Rios and release the full body cam footage.
Echo requested the City Council agendize an item for a full review of the incident involving Diego Rios and release the full body cam footage.
City Council Minutes
January 27, 2026
Claire requested transparency regarding the Diego Rios incident.
Jason requested the City Council agendize an item for a full review of the incident involving Diego Rios and release the full body cam footage.
Denise expressed concern regarding a lack in transparency in the Diego Rios incident.
Emily Downholder expressed concern regarding the Diego Rios incident and questioned how the Police Department will be making amends.
There were no other requests to speak.
Mayor Stark closed public comment.
City Attorney Patterson provided information related to the Diego Rios incident and confirmed two investigations are currently on -going.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Stark adjourned the regular meeting of the Claremont City Council at 9:27 PM. The next regulEr meeting of the Claremont City Council will be held on February 10, 2026.
ATTEST:
Diputy City Clerk