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MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE JURUPA VALLEY CITY COUNCIL
March 6, 2025
The meeting was held at the Jurupa Valley City Council Chamber, 8930 Limonite Avenue, Jurupa Valley, CA
1. 7:00 PM - CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL FOR REGULAR MEETING ● Brian Berkson, Mayor
● Chris Barajas, Mayor Pro Tem
● Armando Carmona, Council Member
● Veronica Sanchez, Council Member
● Guillermo Silva, Council Member
Mayor Brian Berkson called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Chris Barajas was absent.
2. INVOCATION was given by Pastor Kermit Perry, 3Ps Christian Ministries.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Council Member Guillermo Silva.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A motion was made by Council Member Guillermo Silva , seconded by Council Member Veronica Sanchez, to approve the Agenda, with the removal of Item 10.E, at the request of City staff.
Ayes: B. Berkson, A. Carmona, V. Sanchez, G. Silva
Noes: None
Absent: C. Barajas
5. PRESENTATIONS
A. RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SERVICES –
INTRODUCTION OF “PET OF THE MONTH”
“Nana”, a 3-year old female Pit Bull was introduced to the Council. Anyone interested in giving Nana a home is encouraged to contact the City’s Animal Control Services Department at https://www.rcdas.org.
Mayor Brian Berkson asked City Manager Rod Butler to follow-up on a future pet vaccination clinic with Riverside County Animal Control Services.
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B. JURUPA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE UPDATE
Don Malloy, President of the Jurupa Valley Chamber of Commerce gave an update on their recent activities and events.
C. HEALTHY JURUPA VALLEY UPDATE
Mayra Mixco - Chavez, Director Community Health, Equity & Wellness, gave a quarterly update on the Healthy Jurupa Valley Initiative.
6. PUBLIC APPEARANCE/COMMENTS
Kim Jarrell Johnson speaking as a private citizen stated that at the last Council meeting, Council Member Armando Carmona denigrated former Council Member Leslie Altamirano by calling her a “cancer.” She stated this is just one example where he used his “bully pulpit” on the Council dais to try and intim idate people. She read aloud a poem written during WWII by a Lutheran minister about speaking out and asked that the City Council stop being silent on their colleague’s actions.
Dr. Veronica Contreras express ed concern regarding the ongoing pattern of “hostility, intimidation, and unethical behavior ” displayed by Council Member Armando Carmona.
Dr. Contreras stated that Mr. Carmona recently made remarks referring to former Council Member Leslie Altamirano as a “cancer” despite knowing that her child is currently battling cancer and that she lost her father to the d isease. She stated that this type of behavior is divisive, misogynistic and a blatant attempt to silence critics. (Mark Johnson donated his time to her).
Dr. Doug Herbert voiced concern regarding the following issues: 1) illegal parking on 34th Street and 36 th Street; 2) graffiti on Pyrite ; 3) school gates that are kept locked ; 4) the Jurupa Road Grade Separation Project; and 5) illegal vendors on Opal Street.
Dr. Irene Sanchez Diaz stated that she has known Council Member Armando Carmona for more than 20 years. She addressed various concerning actions by Council Member Armando Carmona and added that Jurupa Valley needs leaders that are honest that unites rather divides and leaders that serve the people – not themselves.
Paula Avey, Communications Director for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints introduced the Ontario Inter -faith Council that represents many different faiths and cultures. She offered their services and guidance as they hope to start an Inter-faith Council in Jurupa Valley. She conveyed an invitation to their upcoming service fair this summer where local non -profits who are in need of resources may benefit from the Inter -faith Council.
Jesse Silva encouraged the Council to work in harmony for the betterment of the community.
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David Daneshmayeh thanked City Manager Rod Butler and his team for putting together the Town Hall meeting with Southern California Edison as it was a very beneficial meeting.
He expressed appreciation to Council Member Armando Carmona and Co uncil Member Veronica Sanchez for their help to residents during the recent power outages. He encouraged residents to show less divisiveness and more unity.
Daniel Silvas responded to some of the earlier comments, stating that Council Member Armando Carmona deeply cares about the community of Jurupa Valley. He congratulated Veronica Sanchez and Guillermo “Willy” Silva on their recent election to the City Council.
Santiago Moran thanked the City Council for their support of his food fest event. He plans to do additional events in the future.
Veronica Hurtado addressed some of the previous speakers stating that Council Member Armando Carmona has done much for the community. She encouraged everyone to work together regardless of their political affiliations.
Robert Ramirez stated that he will work with anyone with a level head regardless of their political affiliation. He spoke in support of Council Member Carmona’s efforts to clean up the community, stating that Council Member Carmona is responsive to the community’s concerns.
7. INTRODUCTIONS, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, COUNCIL COMMENTS AND
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council Member Armando Carmona announced that local 6 -year old resident Ruben Vasquez, Jr. is heartbroken after his pony was stolen from his family’s yard. Anyone with any information about the theft is encouraged to contact the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Department. He congratulated San tiago Moran on his recent food truck fest, which was very successful. He gave an update on the recent cleanup effort at the Mary Tyo Equestrian Staging Area. The next cleanup event is scheduled for April 5, 2025. He announced a new park is in the planni ng stages on 58 th Street by Serendipity and Steve Street. He thanked Colby Diuguid for his leadership and the Jurupa Area Recreation and Park District for their responsiveness. He thanked everyone who came out to the Code Enforcement Workshop.
8. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
City Manager Rod Butler announced the Community Development Department will host a community meeting to solicit input for the trail placement in the Crestmore Heights neighborhood on Tuesday, March 11 at 6:00 p.m. at the Eddie Dee Smith Se nior Center.
Spanish interpreters will be available. He announced the next Code Enforcement Workshop will be held Wednesday, March 19 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall . These meetings are intended to provide an opportunity to meet with Planning staff and get he lpful resources. The Community Development Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday, March 13 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The Committee will finalize their funding recommendations for the City’s public service grants. The meeting is open to the public.
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9. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. FEBRUARY 20, 2025 REGULAR MEETING
A motion was made by Council Member Armando Carmona , seconded by Council Member Guillermo Silva , to approve the Minutes of the regular meeting of February 20, 2025.
Ayes: B. Berkson, A. Carmona, V. Sanchez, G. Silva
Noes: None
Absent: C. Barajas
10. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. COUNCIL APPROVAL OF A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF
THE TITLE AND TEXT OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
INCLUDED IN THE AGENDA
Requested Action: That the City Council waive the reading of the title and text of all ordinances and resolutions included in the agenda. In accordance with Government Code Section 34934, the title of each ordinance is included on the published agenda and a copy of the full ordinance has been available to the public online on the City’s website and will be available in print at the meeting prior to the introduction or passage of the ordinance.
COUNCIL MEMBERS MAY REMOVE ITEMS FROM TH E CONSENT
CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION, OR TO ASK QUESTIONS, OR MAKE A
COMMENT ON THE ITEM
If a Council Member wishes to vote “no” or “abstain” on a Consent Calendar item but does not wish to discuss, ask questions or make a comment, the Council Member may state that they wish to vote “no” or “abstain” on the item and the minutes and certification of the vote will show that the Council Member voted “no” or “abstain.”
B. CONSIDERATION OF CHECK REGISTER IN THE AMOUNT OF
$6,919,795.19
Requested Action: That the City Council ratify the check registers dated January 30, and February 10, 18, 21, 2025 as well as the payroll registers dated January 31, and February 14, 2025.
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C. ORDINANCE NO. 2025-05
Requested Action: That the City Council conduct a second reading and adopt Ordinance No, 2025-05, entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JURUPA
VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, ACTING IN ITS CAPACITY AS THE
LEGISLATIVE BODY OF CITY OF JURUPA VALLEY COMMUNITY
FACILITIES DISTICT NO. PS 2024 -008 (PUBLIC SAFETY,
COUNTRYSIDE ESTATES) AUTHORIZING THE LEVY OF A SPECIAL
TAX THEREIN
D. CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF 2025 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
Requested Action: That the City Council approve the Legislative Platform for the calendar year of 2025.
E. APPROVAL OF FINANCE TRACT MAP NO. 38947 ; VERNOLA RANCH
FOR FINANCE AND CONVEYANCE PURPOSES ONLY LOCATED EAST
OF INTERSTATE 15 (I-15), WEST OF PATS RA NCH ROAD, SOUTH OF BELLEGRAVE AVENUE, A ND NORTH OF LIMONITE AVENUE –
REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA AT THE REQUEST OF STAFF
F. APPROVAL OF TRACT MAP NO. 37857; LAS PALMAS LOCATED NORTH OF 45 TH STREET BETWEEN OPAL STREET AND PACIFIC AVENUE,
ACCEPTANCE OF OFFERS OF DEDICATION, APPROVAL OF
SUBDIVISION AGREEMENTS, AND ACCEPTANCE OF
IMPROVEMENT BONDS
1. Requested Action: That the City Council a pprove Tract Map 37857 and accept the dedication as follows:
a. Accept the real property described as an easement for street, public utility and drainage purposes together with the right of ingress and egress for emergency vehicles within Lot “A” (Majesty Lane), Lot “B” (La Brisa Street), Lot “C” (Areca Lane) , Lot “D” (El Granate Street), and Lots “E” through “L”.
b. Accept the dedication for Lot “37” for basin and water quality purposes.
2. Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign Tract Map 37857.
3. Approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Subdivision Agreements; and
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4. Accept the surety bonds for construction of related improvements and survey monumentation.
G. RESOLUTION DENYING THE WARMINGTON RESI DENTIAL
PROJECT LOCATED AT 7 586 JURUPA ROAD (MA2 3357);
(APPLICANT: WARMINGTON RESIDENTIAL)
Requested Action: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-26, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JURUPA
VALLEY DENYING MASTER APPLICATION NO. 23357 CONSISTING
OF TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 38888, SITE DEVELOPMENT
PERMIT NO. 231 72, AND DENSITY BONUS APPLICATION NO. 24001 THAT SOUGHT TO ALLOW THE SUBDIVISION OF 6.92 ACRES OF
LAND INTO 72 LOTS FOR 67 SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED HOMES AT 7586 JURUPA ROAD (APN: 183-030-014), AND MAKING A FINDING THE
PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PURSUANT
TO CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT SECTION 15270
SINCE THE PROJECT IS BEING DENIED (WARMINGTON
RESIDENTIAL PROJECT)
H. COMPLIANCE REPORT FOR AB 1600 DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES
Requested Action: That the City Council receive and file the annual compliance report for Development Impact Fees.
A motion was made by Council Member Guillermo Silva, seconded by Council Member Armando Carmona , to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of Item 10.E, which was removed from the Agenda.
Ayes: B. Berkson, A. Carmona, V. Sanchez, G. Silva
Noes: None
Absent: C. Barajas
11. CONSIDERATION OF ANY ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT
CALENDAR
12. PUBLIC HEARING
A. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN APPROVAL
RECOMMENDATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR MASTER
APPLICATION NO. 25018 (MA25018) ZONING CODE AMENDMENT NO. 25002 (ZCA25002) CONSISTING OF AN ORDINANCE ADDING
SECTIONS 9.05.103, 9.05.105, AND 9.05.108 TO THE JURUPA VALLEY
MUNICIPAL CODE ESTABLISHING AN APPLICATION PROCESS,
ENTITLEMENT PERIOD, AND APPEAL PROCESS FOR
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STREAMLINED, MINISTERIAL HOUSING PROJECTS AND APPEALS
PROCESS FOR INCOMPLETENESS DETERMINATIONS UNDER THE
PERMIT STREAMLINING ACT, AND MAKING A FINDING OF
EXEMPTION UNDER CEQA
Staff Report presented by Roberto Gonzalez, Principal Planner. Mr. Gonzalez reported that California mandates streamlined approvals for certain housing projects. The current Municipal Code lacks an appeal process for these decisions.
The proposed ordinance will create a formal application process for streamlined, ministerial housing projects and will create an appeals process for decisions on streamlined housing projects and development applications that are deemed incomplete.
Further discussion followed.
Joe Perez, Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director, provided additional information and responded to Council’s questions.
Mayor Brian Berkson opened the public hearing.
There being no further comments, the public hearing was closed.
A motion was made by Council Member Guillermo Silva, seconded by Council Member Veronica Sanchez, to introduce Ordinance No. 2025-07, entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JURUPA
VALLEY ADDING SECTIONS 9.05.103, 9.05.105 AND 9.05.108 TO TITLE 9 (PLANNING AND ZONING) OF THE JURUPA VALLEY MUNICIPAL
CODE ESTABLISHING AN APPLICATION PROCESS, ENTITLEMENT
PERIOD, AND APPEALS PROCESS FOR STREAMLINED,
MINISTERIAL HOUSING PROJECTS AND AN APPEALS PROCESS
FOR INCOMPLETENESS DETERMINA TIONS UNDER THE PERMIT
STREAMLINING ACT, AND MAKING A FINDING OF EXEMPTION
UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
Ayes: B. Berkson, A. Carmona, V. Sanchez, G. Silva
Noes: None
Absent: C. Barajas
13. COUNCIL BUSINESS
A. AGREEMENT WITH UNLIMITED ENVIRONMENTAL INC., FOR THE
ABATEMENT AND DEMOLITION OF THE DILAPIDATED BUILDING
AT 6631 CLAY STREET
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Staff Report presented by Joe Perez, Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director. Mr. Perez reported that the site is the home of the former Sizzler restaurant. The building has been in severe decline since it closed in 2020.
It has a history of general decline, major structural incidents, and two fires. In May 2024, a judgement was obtained from a third -party hearing officer declaring the building a public nuisance. A lien will be placed on the property to ensure recovery of any associated costs.
Further discussion followed.
City Attorney Peter Thorson clarified how the lien will allow the City to recover any associated costs.
A motion was made by Guillermo Silva , seconded by Council Member Armando Carmona, to authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement with Unlimited Environmental, Inc. for the demolition of the dilapidated building located at 6631 Clay Street, which poses a hazard to public safety and is in violation of local building codes; and allocate funding for the demolition and any associated costs, ensuring that the amount does not exceed $89,000 dollars for the safe removal of the structure.
Ayes: B. Berkson, A. Carmona, V. Sanchez, G. Silva
Noes: None
Absent: C. Barajas
14. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ORAL/WRITTEN REPORTS REGARDING
REGIONAL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
A. MAYOR BRIAN BERKSON
1. Mayor Brian Berkson gave an update on the Riverside County Transportation Commission meetings of February 20 and 21, 2025.
2. Mayor Brian Berkson gave an update on the Riverside Transit Agency Board of Directors meeting of February 27, 2025.
3. Mayor Brian Berkson gave an update on the Metrolink / Southern California Regional Rail Authority Board of Directors meeting of February 28, 2025.
4. Mayor Brian Berkson gave an update on the Southern California Association of Governments - Transportation Policy Committee meeting of March 6, 2025.