City of Fontana
8437 Sierra Avenue
Fontana, CA 92335
Minutes
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
2:00 PM
Steelworkers' Auditorium
8437 Sierra Avenue
Fontana, Ca. 92335
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. 1:30 P.M. CLOSED SESSION
The Closed Session meeting of the Fontana City Council scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Steelworkers’ Auditorium, 8437 Sierra Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335, was cancelled due to no update on the below closed session item.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9 (a) Name of 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 Steelworkers’ Auditorium , 8437 Sierra Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Mayor Warren called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 2:02 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 stated that the City Council did not meet in Closed Session as there was no longer a need to discuss the listed item. He also noted that members of the public present were informed of the cancellation and no public comments were received.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS/PRESENTATIONS:
A. Mayo r Warren and City Council to proclaim the month of May 202 6 as National Building and Safety Month
Mayor Warren and the City Council proclaimed the month of May 2026 as National Building and Safety Month. Permit Supervisor Ultima Andrews accepted.
B. Mayor Warren and City Council to proclaim May 4-10, 2026, as Professional Municipal Clerk's Week.
Mayor Warren and City Council proclaimed May 4-10, 2026, as Professional Municipal Clerk's Week. City Clerk Germaine Key accepted.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS:
The following individuals spoke under public communications:
Asher Jones requested that Consent Calendar Item H be pulled from the agenda and spoke regarding homelessness, advocating for increased compassion, resources, housing assistance, and support services for unhoused individuals based on personal experience with transitional housing and disability-related challenges.
Adda called for the removal of a Parks, Community and Human Services Commissioner, citing alleged misconduct during a police- involved incident resulting in a death, and referenced ongoing investigations and legal action related to the case.
Grace, representing the People’s Council of Fontana, opposed Consent Calendar Item H, urging a “no” vote on the proposed opioid support services contract. She raised concerns about the provider’s religious affiliation and requested a legal review and competitive bidding before approval.
Vanessa Antekeier representing the Exchange Club of Fontana, invited the community to attend the upcoming Fontana Days Festival at Veterans Park, highlighting volunteer participation, family activities, and fundraising efforts supporting local youth scholarships and community programs.
Megan Brousseau President of Inland Empire Kids Outdoors, expressed concerns about the Cadiz Water Project’s sustainability, environmental impacts, and financial risk, and urged the City Council to proceed cautiously and consider alternative water supply options.
Danielle Holley , Executive Director of the Fontana Chamber of Commerce, provided a quarterly update highlighting new business engagement, networking events, workforce development efforts, and ongoing initiatives supporting local businesses, job seekers, and community partnerships.
John Pedroza called for the removal of a Parks, Community and Human Services
Commissioner, citing alleged misconduct during a police- involved incident resulting in a death, and referenced ongoing investigations and legal action related to the case.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Prior to the motion, Mayor Warren announced that Item “O”, titled “Initiation of Intention to Levy Assessments for Fiscal Year 2026–27 for Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Districts,” was pulled from the Consent Calendar and continued to a future City Council meeting at staff’s request to allow additional time to review and finalize information.
Item “H” and Item “M” were also pulled for discussion.
Item H:
Deputy City Ma nager Phil Burum provided the staff report and clarified that Item H relates to the Opioid Outreach Program funded through opioid settlement funds, which are required to be used for drug treatment, education, or awareness. He explained the program supports street outreach, health and service referrals, and related support services, and noted the item follows a competitive R equest for Proposals (RFP) process with a recommendation to award a new contract after the prior agreement expired.
City Attorney Duran stated there are no legal concerns with Item H, noting the contract requires compliance with all applicable federal and state laws. Council Member Sandoval clarified his support for the item, stated he does not have ties to the referenced organization, and emphasized his belief in supporting community service providers regardless of religious affiliation. Mayor Warren added that participation in homeless and substance use services is voluntary and reiterated the City’s commitment to providing supportive resources for individuals seeking assistance.
Item M:
Deputy City Manager Burum and Management Analyst I Johnathan Hernandez provided the staff report explained the vendor selection process for Item M , noting that six evaluators independently scored proposals based on criteria in the RFP, including case management, housing navigation, and peer support experience. Helping Hearts was selected based on its experience in homeless services and case management across the Inland Empire.
Council discussion focused on differences in staffing levels among applicants, with staff noting the selected provider emphasized experience and effectiveness over higher staffing numbers.
The contract is for one year with an optional one- year renewal, with Council and staff emphasizing ongoing oversight, accountability, and the ability to evaluate performance before renewal.
ACTION: Motion was made by Council Member Sandoval , seconded by Council Member Roberts, and passed unanimously by a vote of 5 -0 to approve Consent Calendar Items “A-N.” The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Warren, Garcia, Cothran, Roberts, and Sandoval; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
A. Approval of Minutes 26-0990
Approve the minutes of April 28, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting.
B. Approve Final Change Order with Gentry General Engineering, 26-0828 Inc. and Final Acceptance for the Emergency Storm Drain Repair Work along Valley Boulevard Project
1. Authorize the City Manager to approve a change order with Gentry General Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $40,812.35, resulting in an increase of $14,965.35 for a total contract amount of $299,284.35.
2. Accept as complete the work performed by Gentry General Engineering for the Emergency Storm Drain Repair Work along Valley Boulevard.
C. Out-Of-Area Sewer Service Agreement (ANX No. 23-0002) 26-0946 between the City of Fontana and Milagros Perez for sewer service to be provided by the City of Fontana to 9629 Alder Avenue (APN: 0249-091-08), pursuant to a Statutory Exemption in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section No 15268(b)(4).
1. Find that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section No. 15268(b)(4) (Ministerial Project, Utility Connection) and direct staff to file a Notice of Exemption; and,
2. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an Out-Of-Area Sewer Service Agreement (ANX No. 23-0002) with Milagros Perez for the provision of sewer service to an existing single-family residence located at 9629 Alder Avenue.
D. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Task Order No. 26 with TKE 26-0960 Engineering, Inc. for the Etiwanda-Slover Intersection
Improvement Project
1. Approve and authorize the City Manager to enter into Amendment No. 1 to Task Order No. 26 with TKE Engineering, Inc. for the Etiwanda-Slover Intersection Improvement Project (SQ-87-DE-19) in the amount of $531,991.00 for a total task order amount of $576,991.00.
2. Authorize the City Manager to enter into any future amendments to the Task Order not exceeding $60,000.
E. Award a Professional Services Agreement for Design Services 26-0962 with AC Martin for the Children’s STEAM Center at Lewis Library Project (DE-26-101-SP)
1. Award and authorize the City Manager to enter into a Professional Services Agreement with AC Martin for the Children’s STEAM Center at Lewis Library Project in the amount of $864,451.00 (Request for
Proposals DE-26-101-SP).
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute any future amendments to the Professional Services Agreement not exceeding $87,000.
F. Award a Construction Contract for the Transportation 26-0963 Development Act (TDA) Catawba Avenue Safe Routes to
School Project (Bid No. DE-26-73-SB)
1. Award bid and authorize the City Manager to enter into a construction contract with Kalban, Inc. for the construction of the Transportation Development Act (TDA) Catawba Avenue Safe Routes to School Project, in the amount of $783,471.00 and authorize a 10% contingency in the amount of $78,347.10 (Bid No. DE-26-73-SB).
2. Approve and 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 Transportation Development Act (TDA) Catawba Avenue Safe Routes to School Project (Bid No. DE-26-73-SB).
G. Third Amendment to the Disposition and Development 26-0965 Agreement between the City of Fontana, Fontana Housing
Authority and Fontana Courtplace I Housing Partners, L.P.
Acting as the City Council and the Housing Authority Board of Directors, jointly adopt Resolution No. 2026-030 and Resolution No. HA 2026-002 entitled: “A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FONTANA, CALIFORNIA AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY
OF FONTANA, APPROVING, PURSUANT TO A PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND MITIGATION, MONITORING,
AND REPORTING PROGRAM, A THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE
DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
FONTANA HOUSING AUTHORITY, CITY OF FONTANA AND FONTANA
COURTPLACE I HOUSING PARTNERS, L.P.; AND DIRECTING STAFF TO FILE A NOTICE OF DETERMINATION.
H. Approve an Agreement with The River’s Edge Ranch for Opioid 26-0966 Support and Response Services
1. Award and authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with The River’s Edge Ranch to provide Opioid Support and Response Services for one year in the amount of $310,104 (Bid No HD-26-159-SP) for the first year.
2. Approve and authorize the City Manager to enter into four (4) future one-year optional extensions to the agreement with The River’s Edge Ranch for Opioid Support and Response Services not to exceed $2,000,000.
I. Approve a Task Order with LAE Associates, Inc. for the 26- 0970 Building a Better Connected Inland Empire Project (Westgate at Cherry and Victoria Avenues)
1. Award and authorize the City Manager to enter into a Task Order Agreement with LAE Associates, Inc. for the Construction Management and Inspection Services of the Building a Better Connected Inland Empire Project (Westgate at Cherry and Victoria Avenues) (DE-24-195-SQ-12) in the amount of $949,235.00.
2. Authorize the City Manager to enter into any future amendments to the Task Orders for a total not to exceed $100,000.
J. Award a Professional Services Agreement for Construction 26-0971 Management Services with Griffin Structures for the City Hall Renovation Project - Phase II (SQ-43-DE-23-1)
1. Award and authorize the City Manager, or City Manager’s designee, to enter into the Professional Services Agreement with Griffin Structures for the City Hall Renovation Project - Phase II in the amount of $1,465,000.00 (Request for Proposals SQ-43-DE-23-1).
2. Approve and authorize the City Manager, or City Manager’s designee, to enter into future individual Professional Services Agreement Amendments not exceeding $100,000.00 for the City Hall Renovation Project - Phase II (Request for Proposals SQ-43-DE-23-1).
K. Approval of Final Map for Tract No. 18631 26-0972
Approve the Final Map for Tract No. 18631 located North of Foothill Boulevard along Oleander Ave and authorize the City Manager to enter into a Subdivision Agreement with the subdivider.
L. Adopt a Resolution of Intention to Vacate a Public 26-0977 Right-Of-Way Easement on Highland Avenue and Oleander
Avenue, and Setting of Public Hearing Thereon
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-031, Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fontana, California, declaring its intention to vacate a Public Right-of-Way Easement over Highland Avenue and Oleander Avenue pursuant to Streets and Highways Code Section 8300 ET SEQ, and directing the City Clerk to administratively set a Hearing date, time and place, and publish and post required notices.
M. Award Interim Housing Support Services Operator Contract 26-0978
1. Approve a proposal and authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Helping Hearts of California, in the amount of $498,508.67 for Interim Housing Support Services Operator and Case Management Services at Path located at 17133 Valley Boulevard, Fontana, CA.
2. Approve and authorize the City Manager, or City Manager’s designee, to execute all future amendments to the agreement with Helping Hearts of California for Interim Housing Support Services Operator and Case Management Services.
N. Approve Amendment No. 2 to Task Order No. 1 26-0981 (DE-24-195-SQ) with Iteris for Traffic Plan Checking Services
1. Approve and authorize the City Manager to enter into Amendment No. 2 to Task Order No. 1 (DE-24-195-SQ) with Iteris for Traffic Plan Checking Services in the amount of $105,185.00, for a total task order amount of $195,185.00.
2. Approve and authorize the City Manager to enter into any future amendments to Task Order No. 2 in the amount not to exceed $10,000.00.
O. Initiation and Intention to Levy Assessments for 2026-27 for 26-0983 Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Districts
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-032, of the City of Fontana, California, Initiating Proceedings to Levy and Collect Assessment Within Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 for 2026-27 and Ordering the Preparation of the Engineer’s Report Therefore.
2. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-033, of the City of Fontana, California, Declaring its Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments within Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 ("LMD #1") for 2026- 27 and Giving Notice of and Setting the Time and Place of the Hearing on the Levy of the Proposed Assessment.
3. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-034, of the City of Fontana, California, Initiating Proceedings to Levy and Collect Assessment Within Landscape Maintenance District No. 2 for 2026-27 and Ordering the Preparation of the Engineer’s Report Therefore.
4. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-035, of the City of Fontana, California, Declaring its Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments within Landscape Maintenance District No. 2 ("LMD # 2") for 2026- 27 and Giving Notice of and Setting the Time and Place of the Hearing on the Levy of the Proposed Assessment.
5. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-036, of the City of Fontana, California, Initiating Proceedings to Levy and Collect Assessment Within Landscape Maintenance District No. 3 for 2026-27 and Ordering the Preparation of the Engineer’s Report Therefore.
6. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-037 of the City of Fontana, California, Declaring its Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments within Landscape Maintenance District No. 3 ("LMD # 3") for 2026- 27 and Giving Notice of
and Setting the Time and Place of the Hearing on the Levy of the Proposed Assessment.
7. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-038, of the City of Fontana, California, Initiating Proceedings to Levy and Collect Assessment Within Landscape Maintenance District No. 3-1 for 2026-27 and Ordering the Preparation of the Engineer’s Report Therefore.
8. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-039, of the City of Fontana, California, Declaring its Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments within Landscape Maintenance District No. 3- 1 ("LMD # 3-1") for 2026-27 and Giving Notice of and Setting the Time and Place of the Hearing on the Levy of the Proposed Assessment.
9. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-040, of the City of Fontana, California, Initiating Proceedings to Levy and Collect Assessment Within Local Lighting Maintenance District No. 3 for 2026-27 and Ordering the Preparation of the Engineer’s Report Therefore.
10. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-041, of the City of Fontana, California, Declaring its Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments within Local Lighting Maintenance District No. 3 ("LLMD # 3") for 2026-27 and Giving Notice of and Setting the Time and Place of the Hearing on the Levy of the Proposed Assessment.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Mayor Warren requested that Public Hearing Item “ B” be heard prior to Public Hearing Item “A.”
B. Appeal No. 26-0001: Request to overturn the Planning 26-0932 Commission’s March 17, 2026 decision adopting a Categorical Exemption per Section 15332 (Class No. 32) and approving Tentative Parcel Map No. 18-000005 (TPM No. 19950), and Design Review No. 18-000010 - a request to split one (1) parcel into two (2) and for site and architectural approval for the development of two (2) new industrial commerce center
buildings of 41,218 square feet and 30,767 square feet with associated site improvements on 3.98 acres located north of Hilton Drive and west of Hemlock Avenue, and identified as Assessor Parcel Numbers 1110-151-03.
Deny Appeal No. 26-0001, thereby upholding the Planning Commission’s decision on March 17, 2026, approving, pursuant to a categorical exemption under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section No. 15332 (Class No. 32. Infill Development), Tentative Parcel Map No. 18-000005 (TPM No. 19950) and Design Review No. 18-000010 to split one (1) parcel into two (2) and for site and architectural approval for the development of two (2) new industrial commerce center buildings of 41,218 square feet and 30,767
square feet, with associated site improvements, on 3.98 acres located north of Hilton Drive and west of Hemlock Avenue, and identified as Assessor Parcel Numbers 1110-151-03.
Mayor Warren opened the public hearing and announced Public Hearing Item “B” would be continued to the June 23, 2026, City Council meeting.
Associate Planner Alexia Barberena provided the staff report.
City Clerk Key stated that two written public communications were received.
ACTION: Motion was made by Council Member Roberts , seconded by Council Member Cothran, and passed unanimously by vote of 5-0 to continue Public Hearing Item “B” to the June 23, 2026, City Council Meeting. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Warren, Gar cia, Cothran, Roberts, and Sandoval ; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
A. 2026 Action Plan; Substantial Amendments to 2025-2029 26-0921 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Action Plan
1. Adopt the 2026 Action Plan.
2. Adopt the Substantial Amendment to the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan.
3. Adopt the Substantial Amendment to the 2025 Action Plan.
Skipped to PH-B
Mayor Warren opened the public hearing.
City Clerk Key stated that no written public communications were received.
Housing & Homeless Services Analyst Jessica Haro 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 Cothran, seconded by Council Member Roberts, and passed unanimously by 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
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS:
City Manager Matt Ballantyne did not have any comments.
ELECTED OFFICIALS COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS:
City Clerk Key stated she had no comments and thanked Mayor Warren for adjourning the meeting in memory of her aunt.
City Treasurer Koehler -Brooks reported attending Music Under the Stars at the Mary Vagle Nature Center on Saturday and described the event as excellent.
Council Member Sandoval reported being away for a period due to travel supporting local high school students’ performance at Carnegie Hall and later the passing of his mother, and expressed appreciation for condolences received. He also commented on the importance of following proper processes regarding the Parks Commissioner issue before forming conclusions. He congratulated his grandson Francisco for academic achievements and leadership program participation, and his daughter Cecelia for earning a bachelor’s degree, and offered belated Mother’s Day remarks honoring mothers.
Council Member Roberts congratulated Cecilia on her academic achievement and recognized the demands of balancing family responsibilities. He also noted he would be attending the upcoming wedding of Mayor Warren’s daughter Aajee and expressed personal well-wishes.
Council Member Cothran congratulated local graduates and shared a personal note about his son’s preschool graduation. He acknowledged a former fire chief in attendance and provided an update on citywide weed abatement efforts, noting crews are actively working in the south end ahead of peak fire season and will move to the north end soon. He also encouraged residents to maintain their properties to help reduce fire risk.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia encouraged residents to visit Stage Red and highlighted upcoming events, including the Victrola Record Club and other live performances scheduled over the next few months. H e noted the variety of programming available and encouraged community participation and support of downtown entertainment offerings.
Mayor Warren congratulated graduates and noted personal family celebrations, and reported attending the Southern California Association of Governments General Assembly meeting with Mayor Pro Tem Garcia to represent the City on regional housing and transportation policy. She highlighted progress at Stage Red and encouraged residents to use the City’s recreation events guide. The Mayor also emphasized the importance of residents reporting issues directly to the City so staff can respond effectively, and noted ongoing efforts to maintain and improve quality of life, including parks, public safety, and collaboration with regional partners.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Warren and the City Council led a moment of silence in memory of the following individual:
1. Germene Berry Stewart Garr
Mayor Warren adjourned the meeting at 3: 02 p.m. to the Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 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 MAY 26, 2026.
_______________________
Germaine Key
City Clerk