Minutes — Montclair City Council, November 20, 2023

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE MONTCLAIR

CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR AGENCY AND MONTCLAIR HOUSING

CORPORATION BOARDS, MONTCLAIR HOUSING AUTHORITY

COMMISSION, AND MONTCLAIR COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
BOARD HELD ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2023, AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 5111 BENITO STREET,

MONTCLAIR, CALIFORNIA
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor/Chair Dutrey called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

II. INVOCATION
Police Department Chaplain/Pastor Josh Matlock, Bethany Baptist Church, gave the invocation.

III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member/Director Lopez led meeting participants in the Pledge.

IV. ROLL CALL

Present: Mayor/Chair Dutrey; Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Johnson; Council Members/Directors Ruh, Martinez, and Lopez
City Manager/Executive Director Starr; Director of Community Development Diaz; Director of Finance Kulbeck; Director of Public Works/City Engineer Heredia; Acting Police Chief Reed; City Attorney Robbins; City Clerk Myrick
V. PRESENTATIONS
A. Introduction of New Police Officers
Mayor Dutrey announced this presentation would be rescheduled for another meeting.

VI. PUBLIC COMMENT
 Carolyn Raft, Board Trustee representing Montclair, West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, stated she has no updates from the District and wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving.

VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS — None
VIII. CONSENT CALENDAR
ACTION – Consent Calendar
ACTING: City Council
Successor Agency Board
Montclair Housing Corporation Board
Montclair Housing Authority Commissioners
Montclair Community Foundation Board
DISCUSSION: Items B–10, C–2, and C–3
MOTION: Approve the Consent Calendar as presented.

MADE BY:

SECOND BY:

Council Member/Director Ruh
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Johnson
AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Lopez, Martinez, Ruh, Johnson, Dutrey
None
None
None
RESULT: Motion carried 5–0.

1. Regular Joint Meeting — November 6, 2023
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item A–1
ACTING: City Council
Successor Agency Board
Montclair Housing Corporation Board
Montclair Housing Authority Commissioners
Montclair Community Foundation Board
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

B. Administrative Reports

1. Consider Receiving and Filing City Treasurer’s Report – October 2023
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item B–1
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

2. Consider Approval of City Warrant Register and Payroll Documentation
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item B–2
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

3. Consider Receiving and Filing SA Treasurer’s Report – October 2023
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item B–3
ACTING: Successor Agency Board
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

4. Consider Approval of SA Warrant Register – October 2023 ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item B–4
ACTING: Successor Agency Board
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

5. Consider Receiving and Filing MHC Treasurer’s Report – October 2023
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item B–5
ACTING: Montclair Housing Corporation Board
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

6. Consider Approval of MHC Warrant Register – October 2023 ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item B–6
ACTING: Montclair Housing Corporation Board
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

7. Consider Receiving and Filing of MHA Treasurer’s Report – October 2023
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item B–7
ACTING: Montclair Housing Authority Commissioners
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

8. Consider Approval of MHA Warrant Register – October 2023 ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item B–8
ACTING: Montclair Housing Authority Commissioners
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

9. Consider Confirming the Mayor’s Recommendation to
Reappoint Carolyn Raft to a Four–Year Term on the West
Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District Board
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item B–9
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

10. Consider Authorization to Advertise for Bid Proposals for the Alleyway Improvements Project
Consider Authorizing a $2,000,000 Appropriation from 2021 Lease Revenue Bond Proceeds for Construction Costs Related to the Alleyway Improvements Project
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson and Council Members Ruh and Lopez expressed concerns about impacts to residents whose alleyways will be affected by construction.

Staff provided clarification on the project timeline of three months to complete all of the scheduled alleyways, and on staff’s intent to communicate and coordinate with affected residents and make accommodations such as suspending the issuance of parking citations on the streets in front of impacted homes on street sweeping days during construction, and moving trash pickup to the front of those homes.

ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item B–10
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

C. Agreements

1. Consider Authorizing a $719,800 Appropriation from the Redevelopment Project Area No. III Tax Allocation Bond Fund for Costs Related to Construction of the Arrow Highway and Fremont Avenue Improvement Project
Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – November 20, 2023 Page 4 of 7 Consider Award of Contract to Gentry Brothers, Inc. in the Amount of $1,588,920 for Construction of the Arrow
Highway and Fremont Avenue Improvement Project
Consider Approval of Agreement No. 23–75 with Gentry
Brothers, Inc. for Construction of the Arrow Highway and Fremont Avenue Improvement Project, Subject to Any
Revisions Deemed Necessary by the City Attorney
Consider Authorizing a $158,892 Construction Contingency for the Arrow Highway and Fremont Avenue Improvement
Project
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item C–1
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

2. Consider Approval of Agreement No. 23–87 Amending
Agreement No. 22–118 with Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. for Security Guard Services at the Montclair Transcenter Mayor Pro Tem Johnson received confirmation that there is one security guard assigned to the Transcenter at all times, and was informed that the City intends to hire a new company to take over security services at the Transcenter in the coming months.

ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item C–2
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

3. Consider Approval of Agreement No. 23–88 with Incremental Movement Consulting, LLC to Provide Homeless Outreach
Consulting Services on an As–Need Basis, Subject to Any Revisions Deemed Necessary by the City Attorney
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson requested more information about the consultant, noting she was not able to find information online.

City Manager Starr advised that before starting his consulting firm, Ken Gominsky provided homeless services in Orange County and has developed several successful homeless
assistance programs. He noted Mr. Gominsky has extensive knowledge of relevant laws and can also assist with securing grants for homeless services.

Economic Development Agency Director Fuentes added that Mr. Gominsky is the former Deputy Police Chief of Santa Ana where he oversaw homeless outreach services and brought Santa Ana into compliance with laws related to addressing homeless issues and responding to lawsuits brought by
homeless advocates.

Council Member Lopez asked what resources in San Bernardino County could be accessed by IMC, and for information about the property the City is looking to acquire for transitional housing.

City Manager Starr advised San Bernardino County does not currently have homeless assistance programs or resources available, and IMC would assist with developing those
connections. He stated the City is looking to purchase the Welcome Inn Motel on Mission Boulevard and IMC will assist with acquiring grants for the conversion and programming for that property.

Council Member Ruh stated he looks forward to the City working with this consultant.

Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – November 20, 2023 Page 5 of 7 ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item C–3
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

4. Consider Amending the 2019–2024 Capital Improvement
Program to Include the Silicon Avenue and Third Street
Improvements Project
Consider Approval of Agreement No. 23–89 with Rick
Engineering Company for Design Services for the Silicon Avenue and Third Street Improvements Project, Subject to Any Revisions Deemed Necessary by the City Attorney
Consider Authorizing a $144,520 Appropriation from Sb1
Funding for Costs Related to Agreement No. 23–89
Consider Authorizing a $15,480 Design Services Contingency for the Silicon Avenue and Third Street Improvements Project ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item C–4
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

D. Resolutions — None
IX. PULLED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS — None
X. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Department Reports

1. Human Services — Holiday Events
Recreation Manager Saltos made the following announcements:
 The Community Activities Commission invites everyone to the Holly Jolly Holiday Event on Thursday, November 30, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Youth Center. The event includes a tree–lighting ceremony, complimentary photos with Santa, a letter–to–Santa writing station, and free refreshments while supplies last. Gift Lights in honor or memory of a loved one may also be purchased at the event.
 Holiday Home Decoration Contest — Applications are
available on the City’s website and entries are due by Friday, December 1, at 6:00 p.m. The Community Activities
Commission will select the winners and present them at an upcoming City Council meeting.

2. Police — Dashing Through Montclair & Costco Food & Toy Drives
Acting Police Chief Reed made the following announcements:
 The Police Department will accompany Santa and Mrs. Clause as they go dashing through Montclair on Saturday,
December 2, from noon to 6:00 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be dashing through the streets of Montclair on their sleigh to greet residents and spread holiday cheer. The route is available on the City’s website, including several stops.  The Police and Fire Departments are hosting food and toy drives in support of the Holiday Food & Toy Basket Program at Costco in Montclair on Friday, December 1, and Friday, December 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. both days.

Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – November 20, 2023 Page 6 of 7 B. City Attorney
City Attorney Robbins stated the City Council is no longer requested to hold a closed session for the following item:

1. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.8 Regarding Real Property Negotiations
Property: APNs 1008–011–14–0000 & 1008–011–15–0000
Negotiating Parties: City of Montclair and Mu–Wang Liu
Agency Negotiator: Edward C. Starr, City Manager
Under Negotiations: Recommendations Regarding Purchase Price City Attorney Robbins confirmed the City Council’s availability to hold an appeal hearing for former Police Sergeant John Minook on January 29, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. She also provided the following update on the Dow/Alvarran v. Montclair case: The City of Pomona has refused to enter into a tolling agreement with the City of Montclair in relation to this case; therefore the City of Montclair will file a claim with the City of Pomona.

C. City Manager/Executive Director — None
D. Mayor/Chair

1. Notice of Cancellation of December 4, 2023 Regular Joint Meeting
Mayor/Chair Dutrey announced the December 4, 2023 regular joint meeting is cancelled due to the anticipated lack of pressing business.

2. Mayor/Chair Dutrey complimented the Veterans Dance event held at the Senior Center, announced tonight’s meeting would be adjourned in memory of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter and his wife Anne’s mother Patricia Maloon; and wished
everyone a happy Thanksgiving.

E. Council Members/Directors

1. Council Member/Director Ruh discussed the accomplishments of Rosalynn Carter including her advocacy for mental health and her extensive work with and dedication to Habitat for Humanity; noted two food distribution events he participated in recently, one by local church Christian Development Center and another hosted by Assembly Member Blanca Rubio in
partnership with State Senator Susan Rubio; stated November 22 will be the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy; and read an excerpt from
President Kennedy’s 1963 Thanksgiving Proclamation.

2. Council Member/Director Lopez received clarification from City Manager Starr that the City does not have a park rental policy and currently rents parks to established leagues on a contract basis; congratulated Montclair High School’s football team for making it to the CIF Championships, despite not winning the title, and for its booster club having a very successful first annual antique car show; encouraged everyone to shop local on Small Business Saturday this weekend; and read an excerpt from President Abraham Lincoln’s decree of the first Thanksgiving issued on October 3, 1863.

3. Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Johnson praised Montclair High School for its Ready to Launch event that was very successful and clearly produces students who are prepared to enter the workforce; invited everyone to attend the Montclair Chamber of Commerce Holiday Lunch and Donation Event on November 29 at noon in the Community Center, with a BBQ lunch sponsored by I–10 Towing free with a food, toy, or $10 monetary donation; Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – November 20, 2023 Page 7 of 7 and announced the Chamber is working with the Economic
Development Agency to develop a shop local promotion where those who shop in Montclair can be entered into a monthly raffle.

4. Council Member/Director Martinez congratulated Carolyn Raft on her reappointment to the West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District Board; wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving; and stated she hopes to see everyone at the upcoming holiday events.

F. Committee Meeting Minutes
The following committee minutes were received and filed for informational purposes:

1. Personnel Committee – November 6, 2023
XI. CLOSED SESSION — None
XII. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS — None
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:08 p.m., the City Council, Successor Agency Board, Montclair Housing Corporation Board, Montclair Housing Authority Commission, and Montclair Community Foundation Board were adjourned.

Submitted for City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/ Montclair Housing Authority
Commission/Montclair Community Foundation Board approval, Andrea Myrick,
City Clerk
The meeting was adjourned in memory of former U.S. First Lady Rosalynn Carter and Patricia Meade Maloon, mother–in–law of Mayor Dutrey.

Montclair City CouncilNovember 20, 2023

Montclair City Council
November 20, 2023