City of Fontana
8353 Sierra Avenue
Fontana, CA 92335
Minutes
Tuesday, July 8, 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
WORKSHOP:
A. 12:00 P.M. City Council Workshop
The Workshop of the Fontana City Council was held on Tuesday, July 8 , 2025, in the Grover W. Taylor Council Chambers, 8353 Sierra Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335. Mayor Warren called the Workshop to order at 12:0 8 p.m. with all members of the City Council present except Mayor Pro Tem Garcia who arrived at 12:18 p.m.
City Clerk Germaine Key and City Treasurer Janet Koehler-Brooks were also in attendance.
A. FY Commercial Land Use Review
Associate Planner Alexia Barberena provided the staff report.
Discussion followed regarding the importance of thoughtful, long- term planning and development to ensure sustainability over the next 10 to 15 years. The Mayor and City Council also discussed concerns about existing retail centers operating at or near capacity (e.g., Costco, Stater Bros, Lowe’s) and the need to explore strategies to address future demand.
Mayor Warren thanked staff for the information.
The Workshop was adjourned at 12:55 p.m.
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, July 8, 2025.
Mayor Warren called the meeting to order at 1 2:55 p.m. with all members of the City Council present.
City Clerk Germaine Key and City Treasurer Janet Koehler-Brooks were also in attendance.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATION - CLOSED SESSION:
There were no public communications received for the following items:
1. 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.
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to subdivision (c) of Government Code Section 54956.9: (One potential case).
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, July 8, 2025.
Mayor Warren called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 2:03 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Mayor Warren, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, Council Members Cothran, Roberts, and Sandoval.
City Clerk Germaine Key and City Treasurer Janet Koehler-Brooks were also present.
ABSENT: None
INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The invocation was given by Council Member Roberts, followed by the pledge of allegiance led by Council Member Sandoval.
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 Public Works Maintenance Worker II Adam Trigger (Captain Stover to present).
Mayor Warren and the City Council recognized Public Works Maintenance Worker I I Adam Trigger, who received the Lifesaving Award for his heroic actions in saving a choking victim.
2. Mayor Warren and City Council recognized Deputy City Clerk, Susana Gallardo on her recent Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation.
Mayor Warren and the City Council recognized Deputy City Clerk Susana Gallardo for earning the Certified Municipal Clerk designation.
3. San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) presentation on Measure I (Otis Greer, Director of Legislative & Public Affairs to present).
Otis Greer, Director of Legislative and Public Affairs for the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA), provided an update on regional and local acc omplishments funded by Measure I.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS:
The following individuals spoke under public communications:
Jonathan Garcia requested that the City of Fontana be declared a sanctuary city in response to immigration enforcement efforts.
Ronald Cox expressed concerns regarding the use of safe and sane fireworks and requested the establishment of a citywide curfew. He also commented on immigration enforcement.
Giovanni Tovar, Andrew Sciandra, Chris C., Jasmine Castro, Kirey Guzman, Jag Damixi, Grace, Diane Lopez, I'Cha, Joanna Aguilar, Axoquen, Jesse Rosas, and Anahi C. each expressed concerns about immigration enforcement and ICE activity in the community, and urged the City Council to take action.
Hailee Hightower shared concerns regarding the City’s response to Public Records Act requests and the lack of job opportunities in Fontana. She also expressed interest in partnering with the City on the I.E. Next initiative.
Danielle Holley, Executive Director of the Fontana Chamber of Commerce, provided a quarterly update on the Chamber’s recent events and activities.
David Hanson, representing the "We Shall Be Free" movement, expressed concerns that certain state laws conflict with the U.S. Constitution and urged the City Council to ensure public officials act lawfully. He submitted a written notice for the record.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Prior to the motion being made, the following items were pulled for discussion. Council Member Cothran announced he would be recusing from voting on Item K.
Item D.
Housing Manager Valerie Gonzales provided the staff report.
Mayor Warren thanked Housing Manager Gonzales for the presentation and Supervisor Jesse Armendarez for their support.
Item G.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Gia Kim provided the staff report.
Mayor Warren and the City Council praised the Safe Routes to School project’s impact on student safety and discussed prioritization methods for future projects, coordination with school districts, and the importance of partnering with San Bernardino County to address gaps in unincorporated areas. Staff noted continued efforts to pursue grant funding and align projects with community and school district needs.
Item I.
Deputy City Manager Phillip Burum provided the staff report.
ACTION: Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Garcia , seconded by Council Member Roberts, and passed unanimously by a vote of 5 -0 to approve Consent Calendar Items “A-K” with Council Member Cothran recusing on Item “K.” The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Warren, Garcia, Cothran, Roberts, and Sandoval; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
A. Approval of Minutes 25-0354
Approve the minutes of the June 24, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting.
B. Adoption of Ordinance No. 1971 (Second Reading), updating 25-0355 Chapter 25 of the Fontana Municipal Code to include closure hours for the Fontana City Hall Campus...End
Adopt Ordinance No. 1971 on Second Reading, an Ordinance establishing closure hours for the Fontana City Hall Campus.
C. San Bernardino County SECURE Electronic Recording 25-0161 Memorandum of Understanding
Authorize the City Manager his designee to enter into a “Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Owner Counties and Government Participants for the use of the SECURE Government to Government Portal" and all related documents including extensions or modifications for the MOU.
D. Acceptance of the County of San Bernardino Reimbursement 25-0308 Funds for Furnishings for Housing Program
1. Accept the County of San Bernardino Reimbursement Funds in the amount not to exceed of $45,000;
2. Authorize the City Manager, or City Manager’s designee, to execute and transmit any documents necessary or desirable to ensure the City's timely receipt of the County of San Bernardino’s Reimbursement Funds.
E. Final Acceptance of the Arrow Boulevard at Cypress Avenue 25-0317 Traffic Signal Project (Bid No. SB-162-DE-23)
Accept as complete the work performed by DBX, Inc. for the Arrow Boulevard at Cypress Avenue Traffic Signal Project (#37603386).
F. Approve Amendment to Task Order for STC Traffic, Inc. for the 25-0318 Baseline Ave. and Palmetto Ave. Traffic Signal Project Design Services
1. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to Task Order No. 4, for STC Traffic, Inc., in the amount of $8,010.00 for an amended task order total of $108,175.00 for additional plan revisions and design support services.
2. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute any future amendments to the Task Order in the amount not to exceed $10,000.
G. Final Acceptance of the Active Transportation Program (ATP) 25-0330 Fontana Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Gap Closure Project [Federal ID No. ATPSB1L-5307(029)] (Bid No. DE-24-01-SB) Accept as complete the work performed by CT&T Concrete Paving, Inc. for Active Transportation Program (ATP) Fontana Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Gap Closure Project (#37600003).
H. Loan amendment from the City of Fontana to the Stage Red 25-0333 Enterprise
Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the inter-city loan repayment of one million dollars ($1,000,000) from the City of Fontana General Fund to the Stage Red Enterprise Fund.
I. Approve an increase for Architectural Services for Tenant 25-0346 Improvements for the Warm Shell Phase II Project for City Owned property located at 8572 Sierra Avenue.
1. Approve and Authorize the City Manager, or City Manager’s designee, to increase the Warm Shell Phase II Architectural services in the amount of $88,500.
2. Approve and Authorize the City Manager, or City Manager’s designee, to execute any future amendments and documents necessary for the architectural services of 8572 Sierra Avenue not to exceed an additional
$20,000.
3. Approve the Non-Competitive Proposal Single Source/Sole Source method of the City’s. Purchasing Policy and Procedure Manual 3.1.5 Non-Competitive Proposal.
J. Approval of Revised Administrative Policy - Section 10-01: 25-0356 Content of Administrative Policy Manual
Adopt Resolution No. 2025-046, approving the revised Administrative Policy Section 10-01, titled “Content of Administrative Policy Manual,” which establishes updated guidelines for the structure, approval, distribution, and maintenance of the City’s Administrative Policy Manual.
K. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fontana 25-0359 Approving and Authorizing an Access License and Indemnity Agreement between the City of Fontana and Narra Hills
Community Association
Adopt Resolution No. 2025-047, approving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Access License and Indemnity Agreement with Narra Hills Community Association for fire and emergency ingress and egress purposes.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance No. 1972 , 25-0340 adopting the 2025 State of California Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map Pursuant to California Government Code Sections 51177 -51179 and amending Chapter 30, Article IX (Overlay Districts), Division 8 (Fire Hazard Overlay District), Section 30- 656(a) of the City of Fontana Zoning and Development Code.
Adopt Ordinance No. 1972, designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones ( FHSZ) within the Local Responsibility Area identified by the 2025 State of California Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map updated by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE) as required by California Government Code Sections 51177- 51179, and amending Chapter 30, Article IX (Overlay Districts), Division 8 (Fire Hazard Overlay District), Section 30 -656(a) of the Fontana Zoning and Development Code to reflect the same.
Prior to opening the public hearing, Mayor Warren announced that, due to conflicts of interest, Council Members Garcia, Cothran, and Roberts were disqualified from voting. In accordance with state law (Regulation 18705(c)(3), Title 2, CCR), Mayor Pro Tem Garcia was randomly selected to participate to establish a quorum. Council Members Cothran and Roberts recused themselves.
Mayor Warren opened the public hearing.
City Clerk Key stated that no written communications were received.
Director of Building & Safety Jeff Baughman provided the staff report.
Mayor Warren and the City Council discussed updates to the State Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps and expressed concerns regarding the methodology used by the state, lack of local
input, and inconsistencies in t he new mapping—particularly in newly developed areas.
Questions were raised about the impact on insurance rates, prioritization of updates, and the role of computer modeling in determining severity zones. Staff clarified that adoption of the maps is required by the state and noncompliance could result in legal consequences.
The following individuals spoke:
1.George Sabbagh
ACTION: Motion was made by Council Member Sandoval , seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, and passed unanimously by a vote of 3-0 to a pprove Public Hearing Item “A.” The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Warren, Garcia, and Sandoval; NOES:
None; ABSTAIN: Cothran, Roberts; ABSENT: None
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS:
City Manager Ballantyne recognized Public Works Maintenance Worker II Adam Trigger for receiving the Fontana Police Department’s Lifesaving Award and thanked staff for their efforts in delivering a successful Fourth of July celebration.
ELECTED OFFICIALS COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS:
City Treasurer Koehler-Brooks had no comments.
City Clerk Key wished her grandson, Carter, a happy 15th birthday . She also complimented the City’s fireworks show, recognized Public Works Mainten ance Worker II Adam Trigger for receiving the Fontana Police Department’s Lifesaving Award, and congratulated Deputy City Clerk Susana Gallardo on receiving her Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation.
Council Member Roberts echoed appreciation for Public Works Maintenance Worker II Adam Trigger, emphasizing the significance of his lifesaving actions. He also complimented the City’s fireworks show, noted enjoying City Treasu rer Koehler -Brooks’ birthday celebration, and wished her a continued recovery.
Council Member Sandoval shared concerns about the recent flooding in Texas that affected his grandson and expressed gratitude for his safety. He promoted the upcoming Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) beginning September 25th to help residents prepare for emergencies and reminded seniors about Burrtec’s discount program for those 60 and older.
He praised the City’s Fourth of July fireworks show and suggested exploring an ordinance to restrict fireworks after midnight due to impacts on seniors, pets, and individuals with sensory sensitivities.
City Manager Ballantyne noted that current regulations prohibit fireworks after 11:00 p.m., even for safe and sane fireworks, and stated that the issue may be more related to enforcement. He acknowledged the concern and agreed that enhanced enf orcement efforts
may be needed.
Mayor Warren emphasized that the loud fireworks heard were illegal, not safe and sane, and noted the severity of the is sue this year. She shared that the Police Department is preparing a report on citations issued and used drones to identify violators. Despite deploying over 40 officers, enforcement was challenging due to the size of the city. Mayor Warren encouraged residents to report addresses and acknowledged the risks officers face when intervening in large gatherings. She reiterated that citations start at $2,500 and that enforcement efforts are ongoing.
Lastly, Council Member Sandoval expressed strong support for the Fontana Police Department and raised concerns about masked ICE agents conducting enforcement operations without coordination with local law enforcement. He shared the potential risks this poses to community trust and officer s afety and suggested the City explore ways to inform residents of their rights, such as providing informational materials. He encouraged continued community vigilance and communication with local police and concluded by wishing his daughter, Teresa, a happy birthday.
Council Member Cothran commended Community Services staff for an outstanding Fourth of July celebration and expressed excitement for the upcoming 250th anniversary. He thanked the Police Department for their extensive enforcement efforts and acknowledged the challenges residents faced when reporting illegal fireworks. He also praised the San Bernardino County Fire Department for handling a high volume of fire and medical calls over the holiday weekend and thanked all first responders for their dedication.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia thanked staff for a successful Fourth of July event and recognized Public Works Maintenance Worker II Adam Trigger for his lifesaving actions, highlighting the quality of City personnel. He also congratulated Mayor Warren for being featured in a recent New York Times article as one of 16 U.S. mayors interviewed, noting it reflects positively on her leadership and the City’s prominence.
Mayor Warren thanked staff for a successful Fourth of July celebration and shared positive feedback from visitors who were impressed by the community’s spirit. She rem inded residents to stay safe during the upcoming heat wave, emphasizing the dangers of leaving children, pets, or others in parked cars and encouraging neighbors to check on one another. She noted the possibility of power outages and urged residents to prepare accordingly.
Mayor Warren expressed appreciation for the Police and Fire Departments for managing increased calls and maintaining public safety during the holiday weekend. She highlighted Fontana’s continued growth, community collaboration, and national recognition, including her recent feature in The New York Times, which she credited as a reflection of the city’s progress.
She also spoke about attending a youth event led by Stage Red and the Boys & Girls Club, praising its impact on local students and thanking those involved in supporting arts and career development programs.
Mayor Warren concluded her remarks by honoring the lives of recently deceased community members Michael Rusich and retired Undersheriff Horace Boatwright, offering prayers to their
families. She also acknowledged recent natural disasters across the country and called for continued unity and compassion.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Warren and the City Council led a moment of silence in memory of the following individuals:
1. Michael Rusich
2. Undersheriff Horace Boatwright
Mayor Warren adjourned the meeting at 4:15 p.m. to the Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 22, 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 22, 2025.
_______________________
Germaine Key
City Clerk