Adjourned City Council Meeting Minutes – November 18, 2024 Page 1 of 1
MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE MONTCLAIR
CITY COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2024, AT
5:47 P.M. IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 5111 BENITO
STREET, MONTCLAIR, CALIFORNIA
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Dutrey called the meeting to order at 5:47 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Dutrey; Mayor Pro Tem Johnson; Council Members Ruh, Martinez, and Lopez
City Manager Starr; Finance Director Kulbeck; Director of Public Works/City Engineer Heredia; Assistant City Manager/Human Services Director Richter; Community Development Director Diaz; City Clerk Myrick
III. COUNCIL WORKSHOP
A. Federal Legislative Advocate Presentation by David Turch & Associates (DTA)
David Turch, owner and founder of DTA, discussed the uncertainty of what is to come with the incoming Trump administration and provided his perspective on potential changes to come in relation to regulatory agencies his previous administration had targeted.
Jamie Jones, DTA lobbyist, indicated that the appropriations bill may be delayed to next year, including the transportation bill from which a $3.6 million grant has been allocated to the City for improvements to the Montclair Transit Center. He encouraged Montclair officials to continue accompanying DTA to participate in meetings in Washington, D. C. with agency and congressional staff in the coming years.
Council Member Ruh remarked on the divisive nature of contemporary politics and reflected on a time when bipartisan efforts were more prevalent.
Council Member Lopez spoke on President–Elect Trump’s objective to eliminate job protections for federal employees; sought clarification on significant planned capital projects that still need funding sources to be identified or secured; and encouraged DTA to persist in advocating for funding to reconstruct the I–10 overpass instead of merely repairing it.
Mayor Dutrey requested clarification regarding the prioritization of future projects for potential federal funding.
City Manager Starr noted that while several significant capital projects are expected to commence soon, the City may receive a lower level of funding under the incoming administration compared to Republican– leaning states and congressional districts.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson thanked David Turch and Jamie Jones for lobbying for Montclair.
IV. PUBLIC COMMENT — None
V. ADJOURNMENT
At 6:35 p.m., the City Council was adjourned.
Submitted for City Council approval,
Andrea Myrick
City Clerk