CLAREMONT CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, February 24, 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 6:31 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF SILENCE
ROLL CALL
PRESENT COUNCILMEMBER: CALAYCAY, MEDINA, REECE, STARK
ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER: LEANO
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 CLOSED SESSION REPORT - None
CEREMONIAL MATTERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
This item starts at 1:57 in the archived video.
John Neiuber, on behalf of Claremont Heritage and its Board of Directors, presented a historic Claremont Route 66 sign, four of which will be placed along Foothill Boulevard.
Priscilla Espinoza, Claremont Helen Renwick Library Librarian, provided an update on upcoming Library events.
FEDERAL HOLIDAYS — None
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Council Items — None
Council Assicnment Reports — None
CITY MANAGER REPORT
This item starts at 9:40 in the archived video.
City Council Minutes
February 24, 2026
City Manager Pirrie reported on the upcoming Every 15 Minutes Program Indian Hill Boulevard closure, Committee on Human Relations two-part community panel on building an inclusive culture, the third annual Special Needs St. Patrick's Day dance, and the upcoming Arbor Day ceremony.
PUBLIC COMMENT
This item starts at 11:36 in the archived video.
City Clerk Desautels announced one general written public comment had been received.
Mayor Stark invited public comment.
Isabel spoke about the incident involving Diego Rios and asked if the officers involved will be disciplined.
Nasa spoke about the incident involving Diego Rios, questioned the City's FAQs, unaddressed questions regarding the officers, body worn cameras and footage, PACT program funding, and mental health training.
Victor Rios spoke about the LA County Medical Examiner's report, the incident involving Diego Rios, and inquired about the duty status of the officers.
Frances Curry spoke about the incident involving Diego Rios and inquired about the duty status of the officers.
Jason Alferin spoke about the incident involving Diego Rios and the need for clear and consistent information.
Victor Rios spoke of the incident involving Diego Rios and inquired if the law applies to everyone.
Zoe, Peer Health Educator at the Claremont Colleges, spoke about the passive response to Diego Rios death, the Tri City Mental Health Response Team, and asked for assurances that the City values public safety.
David Taylor, 5C College Democrats, spoke in support of the Diego Rios family and asked for public servants to look out for the well-being of its people.
Zara spoke about missing middle -housing in Claremont and asked for implementation of solutions to combat the inequality, one of which would be the implementation of AB 1033.
Unidentified speaker, spoke about the incident involving Diego Rios, the cancellation of the March Police Commission meeting, the results of the LA County Medical Examiner's report, the wrongful death lawsuit filed against the City, and called for accountability.
Georcia demanded justice and accountability for the incident involving Diego Rios.
Chloe, on behalf of Katcha Fairbanks, spoke about the availability of Tri City Mental Health mobile crisis health services, and asked if the Police Department gets a call about a non-violent mental health issue, is the mobile crisis unit called.
City Council Minutes
February 24, 2026
Jack spoke about the revocation of the Dial -a -Ride program, benefits the City receives from the Colleges, the incident involving Diego Rios, and inquired what the City will do to represent the citizens of Claremont.
Emily, spoke about the incident involving Diego Rios and asked what is being done to hold officers accountable and make clear the steps and protocol of what happens in these types of incidents.
Nicole spoke about the incident involving Diego Rios and asked the City Council to put themselves in the family's place.
As it had been over 30 minutes, the time set aside for general public comment, Mayor Stark announced public comment would be continued following the agendized business of the meeting.
CONSENT CALENDAR
This item starts at 49:53 in the archived video.
Councilmember Calaycay removed Item No. 7 from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comment had been received on Consent Calendar Items No. 1 through 6.
Mayor Stark invited public comment on Consent Calendar Items No. 1 - 6.
Unidentified speaker, spoke about Consent Calendar Item No. 5, and questioned why staff could find funding for this item, but not prepare a presentation for the Police Commission meeting, and added that the uniform stipend should be suspended until the Diego Rios case is resolved.
There were no further requests to speak.
Mayor Stark closed public comment.
City Manager Pirrie addressed the provisions of certain Memoranda of Understanding of three employee associations including sworn officers that reimbursement be made for equipment and clothing used in the course of doing their jobs. The change from reimbursement to a stipend was recommended only as an efficiency in Finance staff time required to process requests.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to approve Consent Calendar Items No. 1-6, seconded by Councilmember Medina, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Medina, Reece, Stark
NOES: Councilmember— None
ABSENT: Councilmember— Leano
1. Adoption of a Resolution Approving the City Warrant Register Adopted Resolution No. 2026-08, 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 February 12, 2026.
2. City Council Minutes of February 10, 2026 Regular Meetinc Approved the regular City Council meeting minutes of February 10, 2026.
City Council Minutes
February 24, 2026
3. City of Claremont Annual Audited Financial Reports for the Year Ended June 30, 2025 The City Council received and filed the following letters and financial reports for the year ended June 30, 2025:
A. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR);
B. Transportation Fund Financial Statements;
C. Housing Successor Agency Fund Statements;
D. Area Agency on Aging (Senior Nutrition Program) Financial Statements; and E. Letters: Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) 114 Letter and Internal Controls Letter.
4. Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Willdan Financial Services to Prepare the 2026-27 Landscape and Lighting District Annual Report (Funding Source: Landscape and Lighting District Fund'
Adopted Resolution No. 2026-09, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, DIRECTING WILLDAN FINANCIAL SERVICES, AS ENGINEER OF RECORD, TO PREPARE AND FILE THE 2026-27 ANNUAL REPORT PERTAINING TO LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. LL001 (PURSUANT TO THE LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972).
5. Adoption of a Resolution Approving Side Letter Agreements with the Claremont Police Officers' Association (CPOA), Claremont Police Manacement Association (CPMA), and Claremont Manacement Association (CMA) Related to Uniform and Equipment Allowances (Fundinc Source: General Fund)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026-10, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING SIDE LETTER AGREEMENTS WITH THE
CLAREMONT POLICE OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION (CPOA), CLAREMONT POLICY
MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (CPMA), AND CLAREMONT MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (CMA) RELATED TO UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT ALLOWANCES.
6. Historical Property (Mills Act) Agreement #25-MA02, Between the City and Mecan and Anthony Claremont, Property Owners of 746 Harvard Avenue A. Approved and authorized the City Manager to execute the Historical Property (Mills Act) Agreement between the City of Claremont and Megan and Anthony Claremont, property owners of 746 Harvard Avenue; and
B. Made the finding this item is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
7. Approval of Final Tract Map No. 83121 Subdividing 9.58 Acres for the Development of 55 Sincle-Family Detached Homes at 2475 Forbes Avenue. Applicant — Taylor Morrison This item was removed from the Consent Calendar.
Item Removed from the Consent Calendar
7. Approval of Final Tract Map No. 83121 Subdividing 9.58 Acres for the Development of 55 Single -Family Detached Homes at 2475 Forbes Avenue. Applicant — Taylor Morrison This item starts at 57:38 in the archived video.
City Manager Pirrie responded to questions from the City Council regarding clarification on when a new Assessor's Parcel Number will be assigned to the remaining School District parcel.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comment had been received
City Council Minutes
February 24, 2026
Mayor Stark invited public comment.
There were no requests to speak.
Mayor Stark closed public comment.
Councilmember Calaycay moved to:
A. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-11, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING FINAL TRACT MAP NO. 83121, which includes the associated Subdivision Improvement Agreement for Completion of Public Improvements as an Exhibit; and
B. Find this item is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);
Seconded by Councilmember Medina, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Medina, Reece, Stark
NOES: Councilmember— None
ABSENT: Councilmember— Leano
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
ORDINANCES - None
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEM
8. 2025-26 Mid -Year Budget Report
This item starts at 1:00:51 in the archived video.
Jeremy Starkey, Finance Director, gave a PowerPoint presentation.
Mr. Starkey and City Manager Pirrie responded to a question from the City Council regarding the process of budget presentations that takes place in other cities.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comments had been received.
Mayor Stark invited public comment.
There were no requests to speak.
Mayor Stark closed public comment.
The City Council received and filed the 2025-26 Mid -Year Budget Report.
CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENT
This item starts at 1:16:32 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.
City Council Minutes
February 24, 2026
Kate, Claremont resident, spoke about the Diego Rios incident and asked the City Council to protect its community.
Claire, Claremont resident, questioned the values the City places on its wellbeing and safety of the community and spoke about the Diego Rios incident.
Unidentified speaker questioned if the Police Officers involved in the Diego Rios incident will be held accountable for their actions.
Miriam Auchmachman, Claremont resident, spoke about the Diego Rios incident and questioned the status of the crisis response team, the upcoming Police Commission meeting, and the body worn camera footage of the Officers involved.
Tessa, Claremont resident, expressed concern regarding the withholding of body worn camera footage in the Diego Rios incident, the withholding of over 60 emails, and the postponed Police Commission meeting.
Saman spoke in support of the Diego Rios family and asked the City Council to provide accountability and care to the incident.
Unidentified speaker expressed that many high school students have safety concerns after learning of the Diego Rios incident and urged the City Council to listen to those concerns.
Unidentified speaker asked the City Council to agendize an item addressing the use of illegal choke holds.
There were no other requests to speak.
Mayor Stark closed public comment.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Stark adjourned the regular meeting of the Claremont City Council at 8:15 PM. The next regular meeting of the Claremont City Council will be held on March 10, 2026.
ATTEST:
ayor