City of Fontana
8437 Sierra Avenue
Fontana, CA 92335
Minutes
Tuesday, August 11, 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. 12:30 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, August 11, 2026.
Mayor Warren called the meeting to order at 12:37 p.m. with all members of the City Council present except Mayor Pro Tem Garcia and Council Member Sandoval.
City Treasurer Janet Koehler-Brooks was present.
City Clerk Germaine Key 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(d)(1)
Case: Strnad, David v. Millan; City of Fontana/ Case No: CIVSB2317954/ Claim No: 3029157
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(1)
Case: Valdez, Isabel vs. City of Fontana Case Number: 5:24-cv-2631 Federal Court
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(1)
Case: Ariel Sanchez vs City of Fontana Case Number:USDC Case No.:
5:24-cv-00904-DMG(MBKx)
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(1)
Case: Flora v. San Bernardino County & City of Fontana Case Number: CIVSB2521119
5. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(1)
Case: Ceron de Sanchez, Marcela vs. City of Fontana Case Number: CIVSB2428150 SBCJC
6. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(1)
Case: Gonzalez, Juan vs. City of Fontana Case Number: Case Number: CIVSB2111692 SBCJC
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, August 11, 2026.
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 Treasurer Janet Koehler-Brooks was also present.
ABSENT: City Clerk Germaine Key
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 item s listed on the agenda, provided direction to staff, and took no reportable action on Items 1-5.
For Item 6, City Attorney Duran reported that the matter of Juan Gonzalez v. City of Fontana proceeded to a jury trial, with the jury returning a verdict in favor of the City of Fontana.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS:
A. Mayor Warren and City Council to recognize Fontana Police 26- 1176 Department's June 2026 Employees of the Month.
Mayor Warren and the City Council recognized Sergeant Casey Kirkland, Corporal Joshua Patty, and Officers Regina Barajas, Angel Martinez, Cipriano Lopez, and Shaun Pisani as Fontana Police Department’s June 2026 Employees of the Month.
B. Mayor Warren and City Council to proclaim August as Sickle Cell 26 -1173 Trait Prevention Month (Sickle Cell Trait Prevention Founder and Executive Director, Farron Dozier, to accept).
Mayor Warren and the City Council proclaimed August as Sickle Cell Trait Prevention
Month. Sickle Cell Trait Prevention Founder and Executive Director, Farron Dozier accepted.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS:
The following individuals spoke under public communications:
Jeff Larson expressed appreciation to the Fontana Police Department for its efforts to reduce crime, graffiti, and illegal dumping in Area 2, and recognized its partnership with local neighborhoods. He also invited the City Council Members to attend upcoming monthly neighborhood community meetings.
Grace spoke regarding Consent Item D, Ordinance No. 1996, expressing concerns about the availability of Planning Commission minutes and developer -related campaign contributions.
She requested that the item be pulled from the Consent Calendar and that developer contribution disclosures be required for future land use items.
Gio Tovar raised concerns regarding affordable housing, tenant protections, and the lack of City resources for residents facing eviction. He urged the City to take a more preventative approach to homelessness and use community survey data to inform housing policies and funding decisions.
Isabel Rios 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.
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.
City Manager Matt Ballantune clarified that the Planning Commission minutes for the Ventana Project are available online and reflect that no public comment or written communications were received at that time. He also explained that while staff and legal counsel review any written comments and provide them to the City Council, there is no legal requirement to read those comments aloud into the record.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Prior to the motion, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia announced that he would abstain from voting on Items “B” and “C.” Council Member Sandoval announced that he would abstain from voting on Item “A” and vote no on Item “D.”
ACTION: Motion was made by Council Member Roberts , seconded by Council Member Cothran, and passed by a vote of 5 -0 to approve Consent Calendar Items “A -L” with Mayor Pro Tem Garcia abstaining on Items “B” and “C” and Council Member Sandoval abstaining on Item “A” and voting No on Item “D.” The motion carried by the following
vote: AYES: Warren, Garcia, Cothran, Roberts , and Sandoval ; NOES: None; ABSTAIN:
None; ABSENT: None
A. Approval of Minutes 26-1165
Approve the minutes of July 14, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting.
B. Adoption of Ordinance No. 1994 (Second Reading), approving 26-1162 pursuant to an Addendum to the Arboretum Specific Plan
Environmental Impact Report, Specific Plan Amendment No. 23-000002, an amendment to the Arboretum Specific Plan to modify permitted land uses and to reconfigure planning areas and park sites; and that the reading of the title constitutes the first reading thereof.
Conduct a second reading by title only and adopt, Ordinance No. 1994, approving pursuant to an Addendum to the Arboretum Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report, Specific Plan Amendment No. 23-000002, an amendment to the Arboretum Specific Plan to modify permitted land uses and to reconfigure planning areas and park sites; and that the reading of the title constitutes the first reading thereof.
C. Adoption of Ordinance No. 1995 (Second Reading), approving, 26-1163 pursuant to an Addendum to the Arboretum Specific Plan
Environmental Impact Report, a third amendment to the
Arboretum Specific Plan Development Agreement; and that the reading of the title constitutes the first reading thereof.
Conduct a second reading by title only and adopt, Ordinance No. 1995, approving, pursuant to an Addendum to the Arboretum Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report, a third amendment to the Arboretum Specific Plan Development Agreement; and that the reading of the title constitutes the first reading thereof.
D. Adoption of Ordinance No. 1996 (Second Reading), approving, 26-1164 pursuant to an Addendum to the Environmental Impact Report for the Ventana at Duncan Canyon Specific Plan (SCH No. 2021100400), Specific Plan Amendment No. 26-0001 to add gas station and drive through uses as conditionally permitted uses to Planning Area 4 of the Ventana at Duncan Canyon Specific Plan; and that the reading of the title constitutes the first reading thereof.
Conduct a second reading by title only and adopt, Ordinance No. 1996, approving, pursuant to an Addendum to the Environmental Impact Report for the Ventana at Duncan Canyon Specific Plan (SCH No. 2021100400), Specific Plan Amendment No. 26-0001 to add gas station and drive through uses as conditionally permitted uses to Planning Area 4 of the Ventana at Duncan Canyon Specific Plan; and that the reading of the title constitutes the first reading thereof.
E. Approve the purchase order of Lakeshore Learning to 26 -1166 support materials/supplies for the Fontana Expanded Learning Program’s school sites.
1. Authorize to procure Teaching Aids: Instructional and Classroom Supplies utilizing the Purchasing Policy and Procedure Manual Section
3.1.5 Non-Competitive Proposal - Purchased by Another Agency.
2. Authorize Purchasing Division to procure and use the Education Services Center, Region 2 Agency Contract 26-27 E000 to purchase the Instructional and Classroom Supplies.
3. Authorize the purchase order to Lakeshore Learning for FY 2026/2027 in the amount of $200,000 to support materials/supplies for the Fontana Expanded Learning Program’s school sites.
F. Acceptance of Homeless Housing, Assistance and 26-1167 Prevention (HHAP) Round-5 Funding.
1. Accept the San Bernardino County Continuum of Care’s Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention Round 5 (HHAP-5) funding in the amount of $500,000;
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to enter into and transmit all necessary agreements, amendments, reporting and documentation to ensure the City’s timely submittal and execution of the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention Round 5 (HHAP-5) funding.
G. Termination of Solar Power Purchase Agreement with Fontana 26-0973 Solar Project 2019, LLC for Assessor Parcel Number
0192-031-23
1. Terminate the solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Fontana Solar Project 2019, LLC for Assessor Parcel Number 0192-031-23.
2. Authorize the City Manager to enter into all documents to satisfy the termination on behalf of the City of Fontana.
3. Remit a termination payment in the amount of $490,019.00 to Fontana Solar Project 2019, LLC.
H. Final Acceptance for the Construction of the First Responders 26-1119 Memorial Monument Project (DE-25-76-SB)
Accept as complete the work performed by Jergensen Construction, Inc. for the construction of the First Responders Memorial Monument Project (No. 37600009).
I. Award a Task Order for Geotechnical Engineering Services for 26-1152 the West End Regional Navigation Center Project (Request for Proposals DE-24-195-SQ-17)
1. Award and authorize the City Manager to enter into a Task Order in the
amount of $218,348.00 with Geocon West, Inc. for the Regional Navigation Center Tenant Improvements Project (Request for Proposals DE-24-195-SQ-17).
2. Approve and authorize the City Manager to enter into any future amendments to the Task Order with a not-to-exceed amount of $50,000.00.
J. Award a Construction Contract for the Etiwanda Avenue at 26-1157 Slover Avenue/Airport Drive Intersection Improvement Project (DE-26-220-SB)
1. Award bid and authorize the City Manager to enter into a construction contract with CT&T Concrete Paving Inc. for the Etiwanda Avenue at Slover Avenue/Airport Drive Intersection Improvement Project in the amount of $11,000,774.00 and authorize a 10% contingency in the amount of $1,100,077.40 (DE-26-220-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 Etiwanda Avenue at Slover Avenue/Airport Drive Intersection Improvement Project (DE-26-220-SB).
K. Police Department Monthly Information Update 26-1179 Accept the Police Department monthly information update for June 2026.
L. Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fontana, California, 26-1180 Approving an Amendment to the Naming Rights Agreement and Approving the Addition of a Merchandising Addendum Between the City of Fontana and Red Head Inc.
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-080, approving an amendment to the Naming Rights Agreement between the City of Fontana and Red Head Inc., approving the addition of a Merchandising Addendum to the Naming Rights Agreement, and authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to enter into the amended agreement, addendum, and any related documents necessary to implement the agreements.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS:
City Manager Ballantyne highlighted the approval of $200,000 for after -school programming, receipt of a $500,000 County grant for homelessness and housing assistance, and the award of $11 million for improvements at the intersection of Etiwanda and Slover. H e noted that the City of Ontario will cover one-third of the project costs and thanked staff for their work. H e also announced that the second meeting in August would be canceled and the next meeting would be held on September 8.
ELECTED OFFICIALS COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS:
City Treasurer Koehler-Brooks had no comments.
Council Member Cothran reminded motorists to exercise caution as students return to school and encouraged drivers to slow down and prioritize student safety. He highlighted the Fontana Police Department’s efforts to partner with local school districts to promote safety.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia reported attending the grand opening of Oak Grove School and noted that the school, which was approved approximately 10 years ago, provides a college-campus-like setting with modern classrooms and laboratory facilities. He expressed appreciation for the new school and noted that students are now walking to school rather than being bused.
Council Member Sandoval had no comments.
Council Member Roberts congratulated the Fontana Police Department for its outstanding service to the community and recognized the Department’s efforts to deter crime in Fontana.
Mayor Warren r ecognized community partners for recent back -to-school backpack giveaways and youth programs, including Project 360, the Inland Empire Black Chamber of Commerce, and Empire Strikers. She highlighted the grand opening of Oak Grove School and its benefit to families in the northern area of the City. She also recognized the ninth anniversary of Fontana Walks and thanked participants and vendors for their continued support.
Mayor Warren provided clarification regarding the Regional Homeless Navigation Center, emphasizing the regional partnership among participating cities and the comprehensive services that will be provided to individuals experiencing homelessness. She noted that the program will focus on connecting individuals with housing, treatment, and other supportive services and encouraged residents to be patient as the center is developed.
Mayor Warren also announced a $1.2 million federal grant presented by Congressman Pete Aguilar to support the acquisition and expansion of Aldea Apartments, including plans for approximately 80 additional units and family amenities, and thanked staff and federal partners for their efforts.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Warren adjourned the meeting at 2:50 p.m. to the Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Steelworkers’ Auditorium located at 8 437 Sierra Avenue, Fontana, California.
_______________________
Christina Rudsell, CMC
Chief Deputy City Clerk
THE FOREGOING AMENDED MINUTES WERE ADOPTED AND APPROVED BY THE FONTANA CITY COUNCIL ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2026.
_______________________
Germaine Key
City Clerk