City of Fontana
8437 Sierra Avenue
Fontana, CA 92335
Minutes
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
2:00 PM
Steelworkers' Auditorium
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 at the Steelworkers’ Auditorium, 8437 Sierra Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Mayor Warren called the meeting to order at 1:0 2 p.m. with all members of the City Council present.
City Treasurer Janet Koehler-Brooks and City Clerk Germaine Key were also present.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATION - CLOSED SESSION:
There were no public communications received for the following items:
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
(Gov. Code section 54956.8)
Property: 15166 Foothill Blvd.
City Negotiator: Phillip Burum, Deputy City Manager
Negotiating Party: Aldea Fontana Foothill, LLC
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of payment
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9 (a)
Case: Doug Locey vs. City of Fontana Workers’ Compensation (Compromise and Releas e)
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9 (a)
Case: Michael Hall vs. City of Fontana Workers’ Compensation (Compromise and Release)
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9 (a)
Case: Samuel Wooten vs. City of Fontana Workers’ Compensation ( Compromise and Release)
5. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9 (a)
Case: Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice v. City of Fontana
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 Ste elworkers’ Auditorium, 8437 Sierra Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Mayor Warren called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 2:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Mayor Warren, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, Council Members Cothran, Roberts and Sandoval.
City Treasurer Janet Koehler-Brooks and City Clerk Germaine Key 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 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.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS:
The following individuals spoke under public communications:
Michael Heftman, of Burrtec Waste Industries, shared an update on education and outreach efforts s upporting SB 1383 compliance. He described a school activity packet focused on waste reduction, recycling, and organics, including lesson plans, storybook, activities, posters, and online resources. He noted Burrtec partnered with Fontana Unified School District and distributed approximately 300 packets at no cost to grades TK–2 classrooms throughout the district.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Prior to the motion, Council Member Sandoval requested that Items Q and R be pulled for discussion.
Item Q:
City Manager Matthew Ballantyne provided the staff report.
Council Member Sandoval expressed concern about continued operating deficits, the risk of repeated loans, and the importance of accountability, monitoring expenditures, and avoiding long-term financial strain on the City.
Mayor Warren and Council Member Cothran voiced support, characterizing the funding as an investment in downtown revitalization, arts and culture, and opportunities for local youth, while acknowledging the need for oversight and eventual financial sustainability.
Item R:
City Manager Ballantyne provided the staff report.
Council Member Sandoval raised concern that the item was placed on the consent calendar, noting that this limited discussion and nomination opportunities for council members and expressing a preference to pull the item for individual consideration and nominations.
City Manager Ballantyne responded that the item was placed on consent due to the lack of changes in recent years and clarified that it could be pulled for discussion and a separate vote if the Council so desired.
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 Items “A-T” w ith Council Member Sandoval voting No on Items “E, Q and R. ” The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Warren, Garcia, Cothran, Roberts , and Sandoval; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
A. Approval of Minutes 26-0727
Approve the minutes of the December 9, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting.
B. 2026 City Holiday and City Council Meeting Calendar - 26-0742 Revisions and Ratification
Ratify the reinstatement of the January 13, 2026, City Council meeting and approve the revised 2026 Calendar of City-recognized holidays and City Council meetings. End
C. Adoption of Ordinance No. 1977 (Second Reading), approving 26-0724 pursuant to a Mitigated Negative Declaration, Zoning District Map Amendment No. 24-0004 to update the zoning map from Multi-Family Medium/High Residential (R-4) to Multi-Family Residential (R-3) for 35 parcels
Conduct a second reading by title only and adopt Ordinance No. 1977, approving pursuant to a Mitigated Negative Declaration, Zoning District Map Amendment No. 24-0004 to update the zoning map from Multi-Family Medium/High Residential (R-4) to Multi-Family Residential (R-3) for 35
parcels (APNs: 0228-051-01, -14, -15, -16, -17, -19, -20, and -21; 0228-052-01, -25, -26, and -27, 0228-061-02 through -14, -16, -17, -18, -20 through -25, and 0228-311-05) on approximately 31.0 acres.
D. Adoption of Ordinance No. 1978 (Second Reading), approving 26-0726 Master Case No. 25-0082 and Municipal Code Amendment No. 25-0012, amending Chapter 17 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic), Article X (Truck Routes) to modify the listed city commercial truck route system to be consistent with the proposed
Community Mobility and Circulation Element amendments
Conduct a second reading by title only and adopt Ordinance No. 1978, approving Master Case No. 25-0082 and Municipal Code Amendment No. 25-0012, amending Chapter 17 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic), Article X (Truck Routes) to modify the listed city commercial truck route system to be consistent with the proposed Community Mobility and Circulation Element amendments.
E. Adoption of Ordinance No. 1979 (Second Reading), Amending 26-0728 Fontana Municipal Code Section 2-39 to Increase the Salary for Members of the City Council and Mayor...End
Conduct a second reading by title only and adopt Ordinance No. 1979 (Second Reading), Amending Fontana Municipal Code Section 2-39 to Increase the Salary for Members of the City Council and Mayor.
F. Adoption Ordinance No. 1980 (Second Reading), Adding Article 26-0731 IX of Chapter 23 of the Fontana Municipal Code Regarding Prevention of Pollutants into Storm Drains
Conduct a second reading by title only and adopt Ordinance No. 1980 (Second Reading), Adding Article IX of Chapter 23 of the Fontana Municipal Code Regarding Prevention of Pollutants into Storm Drains.
G. Adoption Ordinance No. 1981 (Second Reading), Amending 26-0733 Fontana Municipal Code Sections 15-820 (Permits Required) and 15-821 (Review Of Permit Application; Decision) to Comply with New State Law and Help Protect the City’s Community by Effectively Regulating the Sale of Food, Goods, and
Merchandise that Create a Health and Safety Danger
Conduct a second reading by title only and adopt Ordinance No. 1981 (Second Reading), Amending Fontana Municipal Code Sections 15-820 (Permits Required) and 15-821 (Review of Permit Application; Decision) to Comply with New State Law and Help Protect the City’s Community by Effectively Regulating the Sale of Food, Goods, and Merchandise that Create a Health and Safety Danger.
H. Final Acceptance of McDermott Soccer Field Fencing & 25-0676 Installation Project (PW-24-139-CC)
Accept as complete the work performed by DASH Construction Company, Inc. for the McDermott Soccer Field Fencing & Installation Project
(PW-24-139-CC).
I. Acceptance of Fontana’s Downtown Economic Development 25-0688 Grant
1. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to enter into a contract with the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors to accept a contribution in the amount of $150,000 for the Downtown Economic Development and promotional events.
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 submittal and execution of the Board of Supervisors discretionary funding allocation.
J. Final Acceptance of Stage Red Theater Outdoor Deck 25-0697 Construction Project (PW-25-125-SB)
Accept as complete the work performed by Oppenheimer National for the Stage Red Theater Outdoor Deck Construction Project (PW-25-125-SB).
K. Approve Amendment No. 1 to a Professional Services 26-0708 Agreement for the Design Services of 8470 Nuevo Avenue
Renovation Project (DE-25-179-SP)
1. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to a Professional Services Agreement with Steiner Studio of 8470 Nuevo Avenue Renovation Project in the amount of $74,500.00 for a total contract amount of $292,800.00.
2. Approve and Authorize the City Manager, or City Manager’s designee, to execute any future amendments and documents necessary for the Design and Engineering Services of 8470 Nuevo Avenue Renovation Project.
L. Approve Right of Entry to Construct and Maintenance 26-0716 Agreement with the Property Owner at 7893 Sierra Avenue, Fontana CA 92335
Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Right of Entry to Construct and Maintenance Agreement with the property owner at 7893 Sierra Avenue, Fontana CA 92335.
M. Approve Joint Use Agreement with Southern California 26 -0721 Edison Company on Locust Avenue and Armstrong Avenue
Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Joint Use Agreement with Southern California Edison Company on Locust Avenue and Arms trong Avenue.
N. Sewer Rate Study and Proposition 218 26-0723
1. Award a contract and authorize the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement for the Sewer Rate Study and
Proposition 218 Process (DE-26-77-SP) with Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc in the amount of $104,640.
2. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute any future amendments for the Sewer Rate Study and Proposition 218 Process agreement (DE-26-77-SP).
O. Final Acceptance of Perimeter Street, Storm Drain, Sewer and 26-0725 CFD Landscape Improvements for Tract No. 18974
1. Accept as complete the perimeter street, storm drain, sewer and CFD landscape improvements for Tract No. 18974 along Knox Avenue and Havana Court.
2. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-001, accepting sewers in Tract 18974 as part of the City sewer system.
P. Award Bid for Heritage Community Center Pool Plastering 26-0740 (PW-26-70-SB)
1. Award bid and authorize the City Manager to enter into a construction contract with California Landscape and Design, Inc., for Heritage Community Center Pool Plastering in the amount of $151,219.00 and authorize a 10% contingency in the amount of $15,122.00 for a total contract authorization amount of $166,341.00 (PW-26-70-SB).
2. Approve an appropriation of $23,341.00 from available fund balance in ORG# 60437000.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute any related items on the behalf of the City of Fontana for Heritage Community Center Pool (PW-26-70-SB).
Q. Authorize Operating funding to the Stage Red Enterprise Fund. 26-0738
1. Approve funding for operating expenses to ASM Global in an amount not to exceed $500,000.
2. Amend the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the inter-city loan between the City of Fontana General Fund and the Stage Red Enterprise Fund increasing the loan by $314,587 from $1,750,000 to $2,064,587.
R. Appointment of Mayor Pro Tem and City Council Members to 26-0751 Local Agencies and Regional Boards for Calendar Year 2026
1. Appoint Council Member Peter Garcia as Mayor Pro Tem for a one-year term.
2. Approve the appointments of City Council Members to various local agencies, regional boards, authorities, and advisory committees for calendar year 2026, as outlined in the attached appointment list.
S. Police Department Monthly Information Update 26-0747 Accept the Police Department monthly information update for October 2025.
T. Police Department Monthly Information Update 26-0748 Accept the Police Department monthly information update for November 2025.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS:
City Manager Ballantyne thanked City sta ff for their efforts in the expedited transition to the temporary Council Chambers, commending Public Works, IT, and F XN staff for successfully setting up the facility. He noted that the January 27 Council Meeting was canceled and that the next meeting would be held on February 10. He also informed the public that a temporary City Hall has been established at 16860 Valencia Avenue to accommodate City services (City Clerk, Finance and Housing Departments) during the transition.
ELECTED OFFICIALS COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS:
City Clerk Key wished everyone a Happy New Year and wished her granddaughter London a happy birthday.
City Treasurer Koehler-Brooks wished everyone a Happy New Year.
Council Member Sandoval wished Council Member Cothran a happy birthday, expressed appreciation to public safety personnel and City staff for maintaining operations and public order during the holiday break, and extended New Year’s greetings to all.
Council Member Roberts extended New Year’s greetings to the community.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia commended staff for their efforts in preparing the Steelworkers’ Auditorium and ensuring the comfort of the Council and public in the new setting, and extended New Year’s greetings.
Council Member Cothran wished Council Member Sandoval a happy birthday and thanked staff for their hard work in setting up the Steelworkers’ Auditorium and relocating offices during City Hall construction.
Mayor Warren commended City staff for their successf ul transition to the temporary City Hall and thanked employees for maintaining positive service to the public during the relocation. She recognized community members, businesses, and City departments for their charitable efforts during the holiday season, i ncluding toy drives and support for families, youth, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Mayor Warren also highlighted the City’s P ath program and expressed appreciation to partners and volunteers who contributed to holiday outreach efforts.
Additionally, she encouraged public participation in the upcoming Point -in-Time Homeless
Count scheduled for January 22, emphasizing its importance for securing resources and funding to address homelessness in the community.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Warren and the City Council led a moment of silence in memory of the following individuals:
1. Victor F. Reeves Sr.
2. Rowena “Rena” Ramos
Mayor Warren adjourned the meeting at 2:36 p.m. to the Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Steelworkers’ Auditorium located at 8437 Sierra Avenue, Fontana, California.
_______________________
Christina Rudsell, CMC
Chief Deputy City Clerk
THE FOREGOING MINUTES WERE ADOPTED AND APPROVED BY THE FONTANA CITY COUNCIL ON FEBRUARY 10, 2026.
_______________________
Germaine Key
City Clerk