CLAREMONT CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, April 28, 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; Brad Johnson, Director of Community Development; Jeremy Swan, Director of Community Services; Shelley Desautels, City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
There was no closed session meeting.
CEREMONIAL MATTERS, PRESENTATIONS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
This item starts at 1:37 in the archived video.
The City Council recognized the Spring 2026 Pomona College Sagehen Civic Scholar interns for their contributions to the community and the Claremont Colleges Ski and Snowboard Team Accomplishments at the 2026 U.S. Collegiate National Championships.
The City Council received a presentation from Lanae O'Shields, SoCal Gas Company Public Affairs Manager, on community incentives.
Katherine Loeser, Claremont Helen Renwick Library Librarian, provided an update on upcoming Library events.
UPCOMING FEDERAL HOLIDAYS — None
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Council Items — None
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2026
Council Assignment Reports
This item starts at 23:37 in the archived video.
Councilmember Leano reported the Tri-City Mental Health Behavioral Health Services Spending Plan was recently adopted and encouraged all to view the Plan.
Mayor Stark reported that she and Councilmember Reece attended the League of California Cities Conference.
Councilmember Reece added that while at the League Conference he testified before the House Committee on Local Government regarding best value contracting.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
This item starts at 26:22 in the archived video.
City Manager Pirrie provided an update on the temporary closure of the Alexander Hughes Community Center, announced the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park vault restroom facilities are scheduled to be installed tomorrow, the City's Summer Activity Guide is now available online and invited all to attend the upcoming Special Needs and Inclusion Program Resource Fair on May 2.
Lastly, he announced the following 4th of July honorees: Grand Marshall Gary Goltz; Honored Citizen Jack Mills; and Honored Community Group Active Claremont.
PUBLIC COMMENT
This item starts at 29:44 in the archived video.
City Clerk Desautels announced no general written public comment had been received.
Mayor Stark invited public comment.
Unidentified speaker spoke about the recently approved Memorandum of Understanding with Tri-City Mental Health Authority and how that could have assisted in the incident involving Diego Rios.
Unidentified speaker spoke about the recently approved Memorandum of Understanding with Tri-City Mental Health Authority and how that could have assisted in the incident involving Diego Rios.
Zoe, Claremont resident, spoke in support of the Diego Rios family and questioned if the officers involved in the incident are still employed by the City.
Unidentified speaker spoke in support of the comments made previously regarding the approved Memorandum of Understanding with Tri-City Mental Health Authority and expressed concern regarding the Claremont Police Commission.
Kate spoke about the incident involving Diego Rios.
Chloe, Claremont resident, spoke about the incident involving Diego Rios.
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2026
Unidentified speaker spoke about the lack of housing affordability in Claremont and encouraged the development of a permanent housing program.
Laura Caley urged the City Council to look at the City of Pasadena's implementation of AB 1482 and spoke about the increased costs in owning rental property.
Jack, Claremont resident, spoke in support of the comments made regarding the Diego Rios incident.
Lydia Hernandez, Claremont Tenants United, believes that Claremont Tenants United has advocated for things that would positively affect both tenants and landlords.
Emily, Claremont resident, echoed the comments supporting potential rent caps, and asked the City Council to take action to help those that are facing housing instability.
There were no other requests to speak.
Mayor Stark closed public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
This item starts at 59:46 in the archived video.
Councilmember Medina pulled Consent Calendar Item No. 6.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comment had been received on Consent Calendar Items No. 1-5, and 7-10.
Mayor Stark invited public comment on Consent Calendar Items No. 1-5, and 7-10.
Unidentified speaker spoke to Consent Calendar Item No. 10 and questioned why additional funding was being dedicated to the Police Department women's locker room project.
Lydia Hernandez spoke to Consent Calendar Item No. 10 questioned why funding is not being allocated to support affordable housing.
There were no other requests to speak.
Mayor Stark closed public comment.
City Manager Pirrie responded to comments made during the public comment period. He shared that action must be taken to expend all ARPA funds before the statutory deadline on previously identified and approved projects.
Councilmember Leano moved to approve Consent Calendar Items No. 1-5, and 7-10, seconded by Councilmember Calaycay, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember- None
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2026
1. Adoption of a Resolution Approving the City Warrant Rec isters Adopted Resolution No. 2026-17, 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 April 23, 2026.
2. City Council Minutes of April 14, 2026 (Regular)
Approved the regular City Council meeting minutes of April 14, 2026.
3. Investment Report — Quarter Ending March 31, 2026
Received and accepted the Investment Report for the quarter ending March 31, 2026.
4. Quarterly Financial Update — March 31, 2026
Received and filed the Quarterly Financial Update for the quarter ending March 31, 2026.
5. Authorization to Enter Into an Acreement with Galvin Preservation Associates for the Foothill Country Day School Master Plan Project (Funding Source: Applicant — Foothill Country Day School)
Authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Galvin Preservation Associates in the amount of $463,796 to provide environmental review services for the Foothill Country Day School Master Plan project at 1035 West Harrison Avenue, and approved a ten percent contingency of $46,380, for a total not -to -exceed amount of $510,176.
6. Purchase and Installation of Public Art for El Barrio Park (Funding Source: Public Art Fund) This item was removed from the Consent Calendar.
7. Award of Contract to All American Building Services and Authorization to Enter Into Acreements with Precision Concrete Cutting, Inc. and RKA Consultinc Group for the 2026 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Project (Funding Source: Measure R Fund) A. Awarded a contract to All American Building Services in the amount of $570,000 for the sidewalk removal and replacement components of the 2026 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Project, authorized a ten percent contingency in the amount of $57,000 for a total amount not to exceed $627,000, and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement; B. Authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Precision Concrete Cutting, Inc. in the amount of $115,000 for concrete cutting services associated with the 2026 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Project;
C. Authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with RKA Consulting Group in the amount of $105,300 for inspection and monument preservation services; and D. Found this item is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
8. Authorization to Amend the Acreement with Athens Services, Inc. to Increase the Base Contract Rates and Extend the Term for Organic Material Processing and Transfer Hauling (Funding Source: Sanitation Fund)
Authorized the City Manager to amend the contract with Athens Services, Inc. for organic material processing and transfer hauling, exercising the option to extend for an additional three-year term and increasing the base contract rates.
9. Approval of Final Parcel Map No. 83881 for Senate Bill 9 Subdivision Purposes A. Approved Parcel Map No. 83881 for Senate Bill 9 subdivision purposes; and B. Found this item is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2026
10. American Rescue Plan Act ARPA) Update and Reallocation of Unspent Funds (Funding Source: American Rescue Plan Act Fund)
A. Reallocated and reappropriated unspent American Rescue Plan Act appropriations of $142,036 to the Police Department Women's Locker Room Addition Project as allowed by the Obligation IFR;
B. Authorized the City Manager to execute an amendment to the Inter -Agency Agreement with the City Manager's Office increasing the budget amount for the Women's Locker Room Addition to the Claremont Police Station by $142,036; C. Authorized the City Manager to execute an amendment to the Inter -Agency Agreement with the Community Development Department reducing the budget amount for the Business Grant Program by $65,000 and reducing the Commuter Rebate Program by $56,839;
D. Authorized the City Manager to execute an amendment to the Inter -Agency Agreement with the Community Services Department decreasing the budget amount for the Sign Replacement Program by $11,806; and
E. Authorized the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing professional services agreement with Data Climb, LLC, increasing the compensation by $85,000 for a total contract amount of $340,108.
Item Removed from the Consent Calendar
6. Purchase and Installation of Public Art for EI Barrio Park (Funding Source: Public Art Fund) This item starts at 1:09:46 in the archived video.
Bevin Handel, Public Information Officer, responded to questions from the City Council regarding the timeline of the project, community input, and cost of the proposed project.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comment had been received on this item.
Mayor Stark invited public comment.
Lydia Henry, Claremont resident, asked that the artist agreement be amended to address concerns related to the City's existing covenant that the park must remain a park in perpetuity.
James Sanbrano spoke in support of the proposed artwork being located in the park in perpetuity.
Elizabeth Tulac spoke in support of public art and cautioned that all elements of art be for the greater good of the community.
Macdalena Villanueva, daughter of Al Villanueva, spoke in support of the proposed art piece.
Jose Antonio Aguirre provided additional information related to his artwork and looks forward to displaying his art in EI Barrio Park. He questioned the agreement specifically regarding ownership of the art piece.
There were no other requests to speak.
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2026
Mayor Stark closed public comment.
City Attorney Patterson suggested that language be added to section 9.4C of the proposed agreement to state that the City's obligations (covenants) would transfer and apply to the new property owner of the Park if the Park were to change ownership.
Councilmember Medina spoke in support of the additional contract language as it would help strengthen the protection of the art piece in El Barrio Park.
Jose Antonio Aguirre expressed concern regarding the language proposed by City Attorney Patterson.
Councilmember Reece moved to direct staff to continue their discussions with the artist on the proposed agreement and bring the agreement back for City Council review at the next meeting.
Councilmember Calaycay suggested the motion be amended to approve portions of the agreement that would allow the artist to move forward with purchasing supplies while addressing issues related to perpetuity.
City Attorney Patterson added the City Council does have the option to approve the contract as proposed and bring back a contract amendment addressing concerns related to perpetuity.
Councilmember Reece confirmed that his motion does not include the suggestions made by Councilmember Calaycay and City Attorney Patterson.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Medina, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Leano, Medina, Reece, Stark NOES: Councilmember- None
PUBLIC HEARINGS — None
ORDINANCES — None
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
11. Appeal of Community and Human Services Commission Decision to Deny the Request for Removal of One Canary Island Pine Tree at 347 Indiana Avenue (Fundinc Source:
Landscape and Liqhtinc District Fund)
This item starts at 1:50:53 in the archived video.
Cari Dillman, Community Services Manager, gave a PowerPoint presentation.
Ms. Dillman, Richard Hecker, City Arborist, and City Manager Pirrie, responded to questions from the City Council regarding examination of City Pine trees, roots, past tree failures, maintenance schedule, and tree trimming.
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2026
Richard Suter, Appellant, highlighted the reasonings for his appeal and responded to questions from the City Council regarding location of the structure in comparison to the tree, and if the tree was present when the property was purchased.
Brad Johnson, Director of Community Development, Ms. Dillman, and Mr. Hecker responded to additional questions from the City Council regarding engineering review, bridging options, natural reinforcement of a tree, balancing urban forest maintenance, and balance of tree trimming.
City Clerk Desautels announced no written public comment had been received on this item.
Mayor Stark invited public comment.
Unidentified speaker asked the City Council to deny the appeal as the tree should take precedence over the appellants' safety concerns.
Nancy Brower, Community and Human Services Commissioner and Chair of the Tree Committee, highlighted the reasons for the decisions made by the Commission and Committee.
Trevor Grant, Claremont resident, spoke in support of the appellants' request for tree removal.
Brisa Sifuentes, Chair of the Community and Human Services Commission and Member of the Tree Committee, highlighted the actions taken by the Commission and Committee denying the request for tree removal.
There were no other requests to speak.
Mayor Stark closed public comment.
Ms. Dillman continued to respond to questions from the City Council regarding other trees in the area and trees that are deemed to be hazardous.
Councilmember Calaycay spoke in support of staff's recommendation to uphold the Commission's decision denying tree removal as he believes the Commission did not err in their decision.
Councilmember Medina believes the Committee and Commission made an educated decision and spoke in support of staffs recommendation to uphold the denial.
Councilmember Reece spoke in support of the comments made previously and added that the tree was there when the appellant moved in, which was a risk at that time they were willing to accept.
Councilmember Leano spoke in support of removing the Canary Island Pine Tree due to his personal experiences during the January 2022 windstorm.
Mayor Stark spoke in support of staffs recommendation as she believes the Committee and Commission did use the guidelines in the Tree Policies and Guidelines Manual when making their decisions.
City Council Minutes
April 28, 2026
Councilmember Calaycay moved to uphold the Community and Human Services Commission's decision to deny the request for the removal of the Canary Island pine tree at 347 Indiana Avenue, seconded by Councilmember Medina, and carried on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmember— Calaycay, Medina, Reece, Stark
NOES: Councilmember— Leano
12. Claremont Hills Wilderness Park Trail Etiquette and Electric Bicycle Ordinance One -Year Implementation Update
This item starts at 2:53:25 in the archived video.
Eric Ey, Recreation and Human Services Manager, gave a PowerPoint presentation.
City Clerk Desautels announced two written public comments had been received on this item.
Mayor Stark invited public comment.
There were no requests to speak.
Mayor Stark closed public comment.
Councilmember Medina spoke in support of the efforts made to increase different safety aspects of the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park and is happy to see all sharing the Wilderness Park.
City Manager Pirrie confirmed that staff will not provide any future updates on this topic, unless otherwise directed by the City Council.
The City Council received and filed the one-year implementation update on the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park electric bicycle and trail etiquette ordinance.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Stark adjourned the regular meeting of the Claremont City Council at 9:36 PM. The next reg lar meeting of the Claremont City Council will be held on May 12, 2026.
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