City of Fontana
8353 Sierra Avenue
Fontana, CA 92335
Minutes
Tuesday, September 23, 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. 12:30 P.M. City Council Workshop
The Workshop of the Fontana City Council was held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, in the Grover W. Taylor Council Chambers, 8353 Sierra Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335. Mayor Pro Tem Garcia called the Workshop to order at 12:31 p.m. with all members of the City Council present except Mayor Warren who arrived at 12:38 p.m.
City Clerk Germaine Key and City Treasurer Janet Koehler-Brooks were also in attendance.
City Clerk Key stated that no public communications were received.
A. CCA Power Purchase Option Presentation
Deputy City Manager Ray Ebert provided a presentation on Community Choice Aggregation (CCA), including background information, results of the City’s feasibility study, and prior Council direction. He reported that no other cities have expressed interest in partnering with Fontana and that the County of San B ernardino is conducting its own feasibility study for unincorporated areas in partnership with GES.
Deputy City Manager Ebert outlined the potential benefits of a standalone CCA, including local control, cost savings, potential profits to the City, and opportunities for investment in renewable energy. He also reviewed disadvantages and challenges, such as startup and administrative costs, price fluctuations, the need for a high customer participation rate, and the complexity of dissolving a CCA.
He stated that staff intends to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for CCA management services, potentially as early as next week, with an award anticipated by January 2026.
Deputy City Manager Ebert concluded by summarizing possible next steps and options:
waiting for the County’s decision, proceeding with a standalone CCA that the County could later join, or joining an existing Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to reduce financial risk and benefit from economies of scale.
Mayor Warren suggested exploring opportunities for West End cities to participate in a CCA.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia inquired how other agencies are utilizing their reserves. Deputy City Manager Ebert provided an example of an agency with large reserves but a high opt -out rate and noted that other agencies continue to build reserves. Mayor Pro Tem Garcia also asked at what point the City could abandon the process during the waiting period. Deputy City Manager Ebert responded that once the City notifies ratepayers, secures financing, and forms the CCA, it cannot opt out.
City Manager Matt Ballantyne recommended attempting to garner interest from other agencies prior to issuing an RFP.
Council Member Sandoval asked how solar customers would be affected and noted the State’s requirement for new homes to include solar panels. Deputy City Manager Ebert explained that while solar reduces the amount of electricity purchased from the grid, there remains significant citywide consumption, and the impact would be minimal.
Council Member Roberts asked why customers typically opt out of or into CCAs. Deputy City Manager Ebert stated that there is no definitive reason for opting out, while customers generally opt in for lower rates and community benefits.
Council Member Cothran expressed concern regarding the City’s limited control over infrastructure and the challenges of operating a standalone CCA. He suggested reaching out to neighboring cities to gauge their interest in collaborating.
Mayor Warren stated that issuing an RFP and reviewing available options would be beneficial to the community.
The City Council provided the following direction:
- Proceed with issuing an RFP.
- Emphasize rate stabilization and community benefit goals.
- Solicit part icipation from West End cities and other interested agencies through the Council of Governments.
- Return RFP responses to the City Council for review.
The Workshop was adjourned at 1:12 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, September 23, 2025.
Mayor Warren called the meeting to order at 1:12 p.m. with all members of the City Council present.
City Clerk Germaine Key and City Treasurer Janet Koehler-Brooks were also present.
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: Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice v. City of Fontana
2. 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
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING
LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 54956.9(d)(1)
Case: Blanche Goforth v. City of Fontana
Claim No. 3032796
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, September 23, 2025.
Mayor Warren called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 2:06 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 Mayor Pro Tem Garcia
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.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS/PRESENTATIONS:
A. Mayor Warren and City Council to swear in new Fontana Police Officers, Donte Gentry and Adam Portillo (Chief Michael Dorsey to present).
Mayor Warren and the City Council swore in new Fontana Police Officers Donte Gentry and Adam Portillo.
B. Mayor Warren and City Council to recognize Officers, Billy Gustason and Richard Jackson as July 2025 Employees of the month (Captain Brian Binks to present).
Mayor Warren and the City Council recognized Officers Billy Gustason and Richard Jackson as the July 2025 Police Department Employees of the month.
C. Mayor Warren and City Council to proclaim September as Human Resources Month (Director of Human Resources and Risk Management Rakesha Voss to accept).
Mayor Warren and City Council proclaimed September 2025 as Human Resources Month.
Director of Human Resources and Risk Management Rakesha Voss accepted.
D. Mayor Warren and City Council to recognize Human Resources and Risk Management Department Employee of the Year (Human Resources and Risk Management Director Rakesha Voss to present).
Mayor Warren and the City Council recognized Human Resources Analyst Kimberly Clayton as the Human Resources and Risk Management Department Employee of the Year.
E. Mayor and City Council to proclaim the 10-Year Anniversary of the City's Housing Rehabilitation Program (Housing Manager, Valerie Gonzales to accept).
Mayor and City Council proclaimed the 10-Year Anniversary of the City's Housing Rehabilitation Program. Housing Manager Valerie Gonzales accepted.
F. Value of Water Presentation- West Valley Water District, to present.
General Manager John Teel provided an overview of West Valley Water District’s operations, service areas, ca pital projects, and investments in fire resiliency and infrastructure. Council Members asked about district boundaries, reclaimed water use, and coordination with fire agencies.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS:
The following individuals spoke under public communications:
Roberto Aguirre announced the upcoming grand opening of Santa Maria Church in November and requested City support for the event and future community outreach efforts serving
homeless and low-income residents.
Vanessa Antekeier, representing the Fontana Exchange Club, announced the upcoming Fontana Christmas Parade, invited community participation, and recognized the memory of Randy Binks for his long-standing service to the event.
Jeff Larson expressed concern regarding the use of fireworks in residential areas and suggested the City consider more organized public displays. He also noted that response times on the Fontana 311 app could be improved.
Grace expressed concerns about traffic safety near Mango Elementary School, including a recent accident, and requested additional safety measures such as speed bumps and stop signs. She also discussed concerns related to student safety and emergency communication following reports of threats near local schools.
Deborah Hall Lindsey thanked Mayor Warren and Community Services staff for their support of the recent Chill N’ Grill community event, announced the winners, and promoted the upcoming Hoops and Heroes basketball event on October 11 at the Jessie Turner Center.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
ACTION: Motion was made by Council Member Cothran, seconded by Council Member Roberts, and passed unanimously by a vote of 5 -0 to approve Consent Calendar Items “A-L.” The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Warren, Garcia, Cothran, Roberts, and Sandoval; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
A. Approval of Minutes 25-0528
Approve the minutes of the September 3, 2025, Special City Council Meeting and the September 9, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting.
B. Award Bid for On-Call Public Works Pavement Markings 25-0454 Thermoplastic and Paint Services PW-26-03-SB
1. Award bid for On-Call Pavement Markings Thermoplastic and Paint Services and authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement and execute a contract for two (2) years, for Pavement Markings Thermoplastic and Paint Services PW-26-03-SB with Chrisp Company with an annual not-to-exceed amount of $355,855.00 per year.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute future contract amendments for the remaining three (3) additional one-year (1) renewals, for a total 5-year contract.
C. Award Bid for Thermoplastic Artwork Installation Services 25-0471 (DS-25-184-SP) to Creative Paving Solutions
1. Award bid and authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Creative Paving Solutions for Thermoplastic
Artwork Installation Services in the amount of $231,867.88 and authorize a 10% contingency in the amount of $23,186.78 (DS-25-184-SP).
2. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute any future amendments to the agreement.
D. Approve and Authorize the City Manager to Execute an 25-0486 Easement with Southern California Edison (SCE) Company at Locust Avenue, south of Jurupa Avenue, for West Valley
Logistics Center
Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Easement with Southern California Edison (SCE) Company.
E. Declaring a Portion of Certain Real Property on Sierra Avenue a 25-0496 Public Right-of-Way and Accepting it into the City Street System Adopt Resolution No. 2025-092, declaring a portion of certain real property on Sierra Avenue a public right-of-way and accepting it into the City Street System.
F. Final Acceptance of Perimeter Street, Sewer, Storm Drain, 25-0499 Traffic Signal, Interconnect, Signing & Striping, and CFD Landscape Improvements Within the Arboretum Specific Plan for Tract No. 20362
1. Accept as complete the perimeter street, sewer, storm drain, traffic signal, interconnect, signing & striping, and CFD landscape improvements for Tract No. 20362.
2. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-093, of the City Council of the City of Fontana accepting sewers for Tract No. 20362 as part of the City sewer system.
G. Final Acceptance of the Fontana Lewis Library & Technology 25-0501 Center Entry Precast Stair Replacement Project
(PW-24-227-SB).
Accept as complete the work performed by Ace Capital Engineering for the replacement of the precast entry steps at the Fontana Lewis Library.
H. Approve Public Highway At-Grade Crossing Agreement with 25-0502 Union Pacific Railroad Company for the Etiwanda Avenue at Slover Avenue Intersection Widening Project
1. Approve and authorize the City Manager to enter into the Public Highway At-Grade Crossing Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company for the Etiwanda Avenue at Slover Avenue Intersection Widening Project.
2. Authorize the City Manager to enter into any future individual
amendments of $100,000 to the Public Highway At-Grade Crossing Agreement for the Etiwanda Avenue at Slover Avenue Intersection Widening Project
I. Award a Contract for the Demolition of 16756 and 16766 Arrow 25-0507 Blvd.
Award bid (PW-26-14-CC) and Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Demo Leaders Inc. in the amount of $195,800 for the Demolition of 16756 and 16766 Arrow Blvd and authorize a 10% contingency in the amount of $19,580.
J. Police Department Monthly Information Update 25-0508 Accept the Police Department monthly information update for July 2025.
K. Final Acceptance for the Emergency Repair Storm Structure at 25-0518 Valley Poplar Culvert (PW-26-13-CC).
Accept as complete the work performed by Gentry General Engineering for the Emergency Repair Storm Structure @ Valley Poplar Culvert project (PW-25-64-CC) and approve the final contract amount of $ 114,812.72.
L. Award a Construction Bid for the Old Timers Renovation 25-0538 Project (DE-26-06-SB).
1. Award bid and authorize the City Manager to enter into a construction contract with Estate Design and Construction for the construction of the Old Timers Renovation Project in the amount of $528,900.00 and authorize a 10% contingency amount of $52,890.00 (DE-26-06-SB).
2. Authorize the City Manager to enter into any and all utility agreements, utility easements, and subsequent agreements on behalf of the City of Fontana for the Old Timers Renovation Project (DE-26-06-SB).
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. Public Hearing for Consolidated Annual Performance 25-0487 Evaluation Report (CAPER) Fiscal Year 2024-2025
1. Conduct a public hearing for the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report prepared for the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development to report on specific Federal housing assistance and community development activities undertaken by the City of Fontana during Fiscal Year 2024-2025; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to enter into and/or transmit any documents necessary to submit the Consolidated Annual Performance, along with any comments received during the public hearing and public comment period, to the Department of Housing & Urban Development.
Mayor Warren opened the public hearing.
City Clerk Key stated that no written communications were received.
Housing Manager Valerie Gonzales provided the staff report.
With no one interested to speak in favor or opposition of this item Mayor Warren closed the Public Hearing.
ACTION: Motion was made by Council Member Roberts, seconded by Council Member Sandoval 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. Appeal No. 25-0001: Request to overturn the Planning 25-0519 Commission’s June 3, 2025 decision certifying a Final
Environmental Impact Report (State Clearinghouse Number 2023030788) and adopting a Mitigation, Monitoring, and
Reporting Program, and approving Tentative Parcel Map No. 22-000025 (TPM No. 20611) and Design Review No.
22-000051 for the consolidation of six (6) parcels into one parcel and the vacation of Windflower Avenue and the
development of an industrial warehouse building totaling approximately 398,514 square feet on approximately 18.3 acres located between Sierra Avenue and Mango Avenue,
approximately 1,300 feet south of Summit Avenue (Assessor Parcel Numbers: 1119-241-10, -13, -18, -25, -26, and -27).
Deny Appeal No. 25-0001, thereby upholding the Planning Commission’s decision on June 3, 2025 approving, pursuant to the certification of a Final Environmental Impact Report and adoption of a Migitation Monitoring and Reporting Program, Tentative Parcel Map No. 22-000025 (TPM No. 20611) and Design Review No. 22-000051 for the consolidation of six (6) parcels into one parcel and the vacation of Windflower Avenue and development of an industrial commerce building totaling approximately 398,514 square feet on approximately 18.3 acres located between Sierra Avenue and Mango Avenue, approximately 1,300 feet south of Summit Avenue (APN Nos.:
1119-241-10, -13, -18, -25, -26, and -27).
APPELLANT / APPEAL APPLICANT:
Appeal No. 25-0001: Golden State Environmental Justice Alliance, 765 N.
Main Street, Ste. 151, Corona, CA 92880.
Mayor Warren opened the public hearing and announced Public Hearing Item “B” would be continued to the October 14, 2025, City Council meeting.
ACTION: Motion was made by Council Member Roberts , seconded by Council Member Sandoval, and passed unanimously by a vote of 5-0 to continue Public Hearing Item “B” to the October 14, 2025, City Council meeting. 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 recognized the important contributions of the City’s volunteers, noting their role as a “force multiplier” in supporting community programs and thanking them for their dedication and service.
ELECTED OFFICIALS COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS:
A. Elected Officials Communications/Reports
Mayor Warren noted that the meeting would include an adjournment in memory of Charles Kirk and acknowledged that flags had been flown at half -staff in accordance with a presidential proclamation.
City Treasurer Koehler-Brooks wished City Clerk Key a happy birthday.
City Clerk Key had no comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia had no comments.
Council Member Cothran had no comments.
Council Member Sandoval thanked the Community Services Department and City volunteers, especially senior volunteers, for their service. He also thanked Housing Manager Valerie Gonzalez for addressing concerns at a senior apartment complex on Sierra Avenue. Council Member Sandoval expressed condolences to the Kirk family and emphasized the importance of educators, requesting the meeting be adjourned in memory of former Fontana educator and Superintendent Anthony J. Lardieri Sr. who made significant contributions to local schools.
Mayor Warren requested that advance information be provided for future adjournments in memory, including the individual’s name and a photo, so they can be properly honored.
Council Member Roberts expressed condolences to the family of Anthony J. Lardieri, Sr., and thanked the new police officers, noting appreciation for their joining what he described as “the best police department.”
Mayor Warren reiterated the C ity’s practice of honoring individuals’ memories at meetings and encouraged advance notice to ensure proper recognition. Sh e highlighted participation in a Fontana Unified School District program showcasing student progress and collaboration with the Police D epartment, praising the district leadership and shared efforts. Mayor Warren also spoke about recent community events, including La Gran Fiesta, downtown business openings, and local cultural activities, emphasizing community engagement and support for
local businesses. Finally, she announced a new program for churches and 501(c)(3) organizations to learn about state grant opportunities and encouraged participation.
ADJOURNMENT:
A. Adjournment
Mayor Warren and the City Council led a moment of silence in memory of the following individuals:
1. Randy Binks
2. Anthony J. Lardieri Sr.
Mayor Warren adjourned the meeting at 3: 39 p.m. to the Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 14, 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 OCTOBER 14, 2025.
_______________________
Germaine Key
City Clerk