City of Fontana
8353 Sierra Avenue
Fontana, CA 92335
Minutes
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
2:00 PM
Grover W. Taylor Council Chambers
City Council Meeting
Acquanetta Warren - Mayor
Peter A. Garcia - Mayor Pro Tem
John B. Roberts - Council Member
Jesus "Jesse" Sandoval - Council Member
Phillip Cothran - Council Member
Germaine Key - City Clerk
Janet Koehler-Brooks, City Treasurer
CLOSED SESSION:
A. 1:00 P.M. CLOSED SESSION
The Closed Session meeting of the Fontana City Council was held in the Executive Conference Room, 8353 Sierra Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
Mayor Warren called the meeting to order at 1: 00 p.m. with all members of the City Council present.
City Clerk Germaine Key was also present. City Treasurer Janet Koehler-Brooks was absent.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATION - CLOSED SESSION:
There were no public communications received for the following items:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9 (a)
Case: Tina Sanchez vs. City of Fontana Workers’ Compensation (Compromise and Rel ease)
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9 (a)
Case: Jeremy Hintz vs. City of Fontana Workers’ Compensation (Compromise and Release)
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION P URSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9 (a)
Case: Christopher Wessman vs. City of Fontana Workers’ Compensation (Compromise and Release)
4. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6 City Negotiator: John Bakhit, Labor Counsel and Matt Ballantyne, City Manager. Employee Organization: Police Management Association.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL:
A. 2:00 P.M. Call To Order/Roll Call:
The Regular Meeting of the Fontana City Council was held in the Grover W. Taylor Council Chambers, 8353 Sierra Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
Mayor Warren called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 2:11 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Mayor Warren, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, Council Members Cothran, Roberts, and Sandoval.
City Clerk Germaine Key was also present.
ABSENT: City Treasurer Janet Koehler-Brooks
INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
A. Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance:
The invocation was given by Council Member Roberts, followed by the pledge of allegiance led by Council Member Cothran.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT:
City Attorney Ruben Duran reported that the City Council met in Closed Session on the items listed on the agenda, provided direction to staff, and took no reportable action .
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
1. Mayor Warren and City Council to recognize, Corporal Jason Coillot and Officer Danny Millan as May 2025 Employees of the Month (Captain Binks to present).
Mayor Warren and City Council recognized Corporal Jason Coillot and Officer Danny Millan as May 2025 Employees of the Month.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS:
The following individuals spoke under public communications:
Haley Hightower expressed concerns about past unresponsiveness from Mayor Warren, transparency, and community access to meetings. She acknowledged Chief Dorsey and Council Member Sandoval for their engagement and noted organizing a petition to move Council meetings to more accessible hours.
Diane Lopez, a resident and business owner, urged the Council to take a public stand against ICE activit y in Fontana. She called for a resolution denouncing deportation efforts and cooperation with federal agents, citing fear and harm caused to immigrant families in the community.
Rhonda Howard, a 25 -year resident of Hunters Ridge, raised concerns about dog waste not being picked up in the neighborhood despite the availability of waste bags along walking routes.
Dalinef Leon urged the Council to take a stance against ICE activity, expressing concern over harm to the community.
Jennifer Cardenas of the, expressed concern with the City Council’s inaction regarding ICE activity in Fontana, calling for greater police accountability and protection for all residents regardless of document ation status. She also expressed frustration over warehouse developments near neighborhoods and urged the Council to listen to constituents.
Max Cherubin expressed concerns about illegal fireworks, their impact on veterans, and suggested the City consider banning their use and sale. He also raised issues with abandoned vehicles, lack of code enforcement, and overdevelopment of large multi -family housing units in established single-family neighborhoods.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Prior to the motion being made, Council Member Sandoval announced he would be voting No on Item G.
ACTION: Motion was made by Council Member Roberts, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, and passed unanimously by a vote of 5 -0 to approve Consent Calendar It ems “A-J.” The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Warren, Garcia, Cothran, Roberts, and Sandoval; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
A. Approval of Minutes 25-0319
Approve the minutes of the June 10, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting.
B. Annual Placement of Rubbish Charges on the Property Tax 25-0261 Rolls
Adopt Resolution No. 2025-039, of the City Council of the City of Fontana, California, directing the placement of rubbish charges on the property tax bills for collection.
C. Annual Placement of Sewer Charges on the Property Tax Rolls 25-0262 Adopt Resolution No. 2025-040, of the City Council of the City of Fontana, California, directing the placement of sewer charges on the property tax bills for collection.
D. Annual Placement of Weed Abatement Charges on the 25-0263 Property Tax Rolls
Adopt Resolution No. 2025-041, of the City Council of the City of Fontana, California, directing the placement of weed abatement charges on the property tax bills for collection.
E. Final Acceptance of the Construction of the Public Works 25-0290 Concrete Maintenance Project (PW-24-133-SB)
Accept as complete the work performed by MAJ Engineering for the Public Works Concrete Maintenance Project (PW-24-133-SB) and approve the final construction amount of $210,527.00.
F. Police Department Monthly Information Update 25-0309 Accept the Police Department monthly information update for April 2025.
G. Ratification of the 2025 - 2028 Memorandum of Understanding 25-0311 for the Fontana Police Officers’ Association.
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2025- 042, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Fontana, California, approving the Memorandum of Understanding and the updated salary table between the Fontana Police Officers’ Association and the City to establish terms of employment.
2. Approve an increase in budget appropriation in the General Fund (Fund 101) in the amount of $2,442,920 for fiscal year 2025-26.
H. Approve Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services 25-0312 Agreement for Architectural Design Services for the City Hall Renovation Project - Phase II (City Hall; DE-24-147-SP) Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services Agreement with Sillman Wright Architects for Architectural Design Services for the City Hall Renovation Project - Phase II (DE-24-147-SP) in the amount of $189,250.00, for a total contract amount of $2,145,410.00.
I. Award Bid for Janitorial Services, PW-25-126-SP 25-0315
1. Award bid and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with MasterCorp Commercial Services, LLC of Irvine, CA for Janitorial Services PW-25-126-SP in the amount of $1,535,530.56 per year for a period of two (2) years, renewable for three (3) one-year increments at the City’s sole discretion.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute any future amendments to the Janitorial Services Agreement.
J. Approval of SB 1383 Recovered Organic Waste Product 25-0206 Procurement Policy
Adopt Resolution No. 2025-043 approving the City Purchasing Policy to incorporate requirements related to Senate Bill (SB) 1383 regarding the procurement of recovered organic waste products.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. Quarterly Lien Action for Delinquent Sewer, Rubbish and Weed 25-0260 Abatement Accounts .
1. Authorize staff to complete and record lien notices against real property for those sewer accounts sixty days or more delinquent as described in
Certified Lien List and direct staff to forward recorded liens to the County for collection.
2. Authorize staff to complete and record liens against real property for those rubbish accounts more than ninety days delinquent as described in the Certified Lien List and direct staff to forward recorded liens to the County for collection.
3. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-044, of the City Council of the City of Fontana adopting the statement of unpaid expenses for weed abatement and imposing a lien against real property for payment thereof.
Mayor Warren opened the public hearing.
City Clerk Key stated that no written communications were received.
Revenue Operations Manager Lisa Conlon provided the staff report.
With no members of the public wishing to speak either in favor or opposition, Mayor Warren closed the Public Hearing.
ACTION: Motion was made by Council Member Cothran, seconded by Council Member Roberts, and passed unanimously by a vote of 5 -0 to approve Public Hearing Item “A.” The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Warren, Garcia, Cothran, Roberts, and Sandoval; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
B. Hold a Public Hearing and Consider Adoption of Resolution 25 -0240 Adopting Increases for Solid Waste Service Charges
1. Hold a Public Hearing on proposed Solid Waste Service Charges; and
2. Approve Resolution No. 2025-045, of the City of Fontana, California Adopting Increases for Solid Waste Service Charges.
City Attorney Duran explained the requirements of Proposition 218 governing th e Public Hearing and the proposed adoption of the rates and charges.
Mayor Warren opened the public hearing.
Acting Environmental Control Supervisor Leslie Graciano provided the staff report.
A discussion was held regarding discounts for seniors aged 60 and older. The Council reached a consensus to direct staff to actively promote the availability of senior rate discounts.
The following individuals spoke in opposition:
1. Shantoya Gilliard
2. Robert Vasquez, Jr.
3. Ralph Robles
4. Kathleen Bellyton
5. Max Cherubin
City Clerk Key reported that 32 valid written protest letters were received and that a majority protest does not exist.
Mayor Warren provided comments explaining that recent solid waste rate increases are largely driven by state- mandated tipping and processing fees. She emphasized the need to pass these costs to users rather than burdening the City’s General Fund. Mayor Warren also reiterated the City's commitment to supporting seniors on fixed incomes by promoting available discounts and expressed ongoing frustration with state- imposed regulations. She affirmed that City staff and the Council will continue advocating with state legislators to limit future cost increases and unfunded mandates impacting local services.
City Manager Ballantyne explained that the proposed rate adjustments are necessary to cover increased landfill tipping fees and state- mandated processing costs. He emphasized that the adjustments are consistent with contractual obligations and are essential to maintaining uninterrupted solid waste services without impacting the City’s General Fund.
Council Member Cothran acknowledged that while Burrtec is a business, its contract is competitively bid and consistentl y offers the best value compared to other providers. He emphasized the quality of Burrtec’s facilities and services, the importance of providing livable wages for local employees, and the impact of rising operational costs, including state clean- air mandates. He expressed concern about rate increases but noted Burrtec previously deferred an increase to support the community. He affirmed that the Council continues exploring ways to minimize cost impacts on residents while balancing service quality and econom ic sustainability.
City Manager Ballantyne added that while competitive bidding is beneficial, having multiple waste haulers complicates co mpliance with state- mandated diversion and reporting requirements. He explained that exclusive contracts help ensure accurate reporting and avoid potential state penalties, noting that other agencies have moved away from multiple haulers for this reason.
ACTION: Motion was made by Council Member Roberts , seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garcia and passed unanimously by a vote of 4 -1 to approve Public Hearing Item “B.” The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Warren, Garcia, Cothran, and Roberts; NOES: Sandoval; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance No. 1971, 25-0328 updating Chapter 24 of the Fontana Municipal Code to include closure hours for the Fontana City Hall Campus
Introduce and conduct the first reading, by title only, for Ordinance No. 1971, an Ordinance establishing closure hours for the Fontana City Hall Campus.
Deputy City Manager Ray Ebert provided the staff report.
ACTION: Motion was made by Council Member Cothran, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, and passed unanimously by a vote of 5 -0 to approve New Business Item “A.” The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Warren, Garcia, Cothran, Roberts, and Sandoval; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS:
A. City Manager Communications
City Manager Ballantyne announced that the City’s free Concerts in the Park series is underway, taking place Thursdays at 7 p.m. at the Miller Amphitheater. He also highlighted the upcoming Independence Day fireworks show on Saturday, June 28, at Summit High School, with gates opening at 6 p.m. Both events are free to attend, with food available for purchase.
ELECTED OFFICIALS COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS:
A. Elected Officials Communications/Reports
City Clerk Key congratulated the Police Department employees of the month and shared her appreciation for rece nt community events. She highlighted the Miss Fontana Pageant, expressing pride in the young woman she sponsored, and praised the event's organization.
She also enjoyed attending the Quakes baseball game, especially seeing local summer camp kids participat e, including her granddaughter. Lastly, she noted her enjoyment of Council Member Roberts' 80th birthday celebration.
Council Member Cothran invited the community to attend the City's 4th of July celebration at Summit High School, noting no tickets are required. He congratulated Council Member Roberts on his 80th birthday and acknowledged the Miss Fontana Pageant, praising this year’s winners and the event’s positive impact on local youth.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia wished the community a happy and safe 4th of July, encouraging everyone to enjoy the holiday with their families.
Council Member Sandoval thanked the Police Chief for the public service announcement clarifying that local officers are not involved in recent protests, emphasizing the importance of maintaining community trust in the police. He expressed concern that national events are negatively impacting public perception and highlighted the professionalism of the local police in protecting all residents while focusing on criminal activity. He also wished his wife a happy anniversary, celebrating 42 years of marriage.
Council Member Roberts commended the Police Department for their balanced approach during challenging demonstrations, echoing Council Member Sandoval’s praise. He also reflected on his 55 years of public service and expressed gratitude for the community support at his recent birthday celebration. Lastly, he extended wishes for a happy 4th of July to all.
Mayor Warren thanked colleagues and community members for celebrating Council Member Roberts’ birthday. She reported on her participation at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in
Tampa, where she was appointed Chair of the Women’s Mayors Network Alliance, aiming to support women leaders and advocate for national change. She praised Mayor Pro Tem Garcia for representing the City at a recent Q uakes baseball event. Mayor Warren congratulated the winners of the Miss Fontana Pageant and encouraged young participants to stay involved in the community.
She also highlighted the City’s focus on heart health awareness and shared a personal achievement in a recent 5K run. Addressing fireworks concerns, she urged residents to report illegal activity through the Fontana 311 system and explai ned restrictions in high fire -risk areas. She emphasized the City’s commitment to safety, community unity, and support for seniors seeking rate discounts. Finally, she encouraged continued faith in the nation’s freedoms and peaceful community engagement.
ADJOURNMENT:
A. Adjournment
Mayor Warren adjourned the meeting at 3: 18 p.m. to the Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Grover W. Taylor Council Chambers located at 8353 Sierra Avenue, Fontana, California.
_____________________
Christina Rudsell, CMC
Chief Deputy City Clerk
THE FOREGOING MINUTES WERE ADOPTED AND APPROVED BY THE FONTANA CITY COUNCIL ON JULY 8, 2025.
_______________________
Germaine Key
City Clerk