Minutes, joint meeting — Montclair City Council, January 21, 2025

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 TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2025 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
Reverend Maggie Burbank–Yenoki, Monte Vista Unitarian Universalist Congregation, gave the invocation.

III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Martinez led meeting participants in the Pledge.

IV. ROLL CALL

Present: Mayor/Chair Dutrey; Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Martinez; Council Members/Directors Ruh, Lopez, and Mendez
City Manager/Executive Director Starr; Assistant City Manager/ Director of Human Services Richter; Director of Community Development Diaz; Director of Finance Kulbeck; Director of Public Works/City Engineer Heredia; Acting Fire Chief Dierck; Director of Economic Development Agency Fuentes; Police Chief Reed; City Attorney Robbins; City Clerk Myrick
V. PRESENTATIONS
A. Introduction of New and Promoting Police Officers
Police Chief Reed introduced recently hired Lateral Police Officer Arad Tatarian and Lateral Police Officer Brandon Burns and announced the recent promotion of Police Sergeant Anthony Del Rio.

B. Community Activities Commission Military Banner Presentation Community Activities Commission (CAC) Chair Ferraro stated that seventeen years ago, the CAC began sponsoring a military street banner program to recognize Montclair residents currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. She advised that in 2024, 21 military banners and two banners honoring “all Veterans” were proudly displayed throughout Montclair.

As CAC Vice Chair Ferraro introduced and summarized the service of each military banner, Mayor Dutrey and Council Members
congratulated and presented each honoree or their family member(s) with their military banner. The four honorees were:
 Dan Patrick Benavides, Marine Corps, 2020–2024
 Alfred Daniel Lopez, Marine Corps, 2018–2024
 Mario Amado Monsibais, Marine Corps, 2019–2023
 Christopher Tanner, Army, 2012–2024
C. Recognition of the MHS Cavaliers Boys’ Water Polo Team for Competing in the 2024 CIF–SS Division 6 Championships
Mayor Dutrey and the City Council congratulated and presented certificates to the Montclair High School Cavaliers boys’ water polo team and their coach for competing in the CIF–SS Division 6 Championships.

Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – January 21, 2025 Page 2 of 8 VI. PUBLIC COMMENT
 Ruby Long, Senior Field Representative for San Bernardino County Fourth District Supervisor Cut Hagman, announced vacancies on County boards, committees, and commissions for airports, behavior health, and campaign accountability advisories, noting applications can be found online and applicants must be residents of the County’s fourth district.
 Sophia Siqueiros and Armando Rodriguez, Office Representatives for San Bernardino County Congresswoman Norma Torres, introduced themselves, congratulated the City on receiving over one million dollars in federal grants, and advised that Congresswoman Torres is working to secure more federal funding for the City.
 Josette Luffey representing I–10 Towing and Recovery raised concerns about the City’s absence of an open selection process for towing companies authorized to operate within the City. She noted that none of the current towing companies are located in Montclair and expressed her company's interest in being able to assist and provide services to the City.

City Manager Starr advised that the City completed its last bid for authorized towing services in 2019 for a term of 10 years, noting at the time there was an absence of companies located within Montclair, which was a prior requirement of the Police Department’s.  Jorge Sanchez, resident, addressed concerns regarding perceived intimidation by Montclair Police Officers during two incidents he was involved with over the past year.
 Mukthika Ananda, Kailasa USA Los Angeles, invited the City Council and community to participate in a Kumbh Mela celebration at their temple located in the City on San Bernardino Street.

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 C–3, C–4, and D–1
MOTION: Approve the Consent Calendar as presented.

MADE BY:

SECOND BY:

Council Member/Director Mendez
Council Member/Director Martinez
AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

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

1. Regular Joint Meeting — December 2, 2024
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 – December 2024
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item B–1
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

2. Consider Approval of 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 – December 2024
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 –
December 2024
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 December 2024
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 –
December 2024
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 – December 2024
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 –
December 2024
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item B–8
ACTING: Montclair Housing Authority Commissioners
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

9. Consider Authorizing an $11,500 Appropriation from the Federal Asset Forfeiture Fund to Send a Member of the
Command Staff to the California Police Chiefs’ Executive Leadership Institute at Drucker
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item B–9
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

C. Agreements

1. Consider Approval of Agreement No. 25–02 with Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo to Provide Legal and
Consulting Services Related to Litigation and Employee
Relations Matters
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item C–1
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

2. Consider Approval of Agreement Nos. 25–03, 25–04, and 25– 05 with Montclair Little League and Golden Girls Softball League for Use of Ball Field Facilities, Subject to Any Revisions Deemed Necessary by the City Attorney
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item C–2
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

3. Consider Approval of Agreement No. 25–06 with Ontario– Montclair School District for the Lease of the Field at Vernon Middle School (Golden Girls)
Council Member Lopez received clarification that the Buena Vista School parking lot would be slurry sealed by the City as part of the agreement.

ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item C–3
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

4. Consider Approval of Agreement No. 25–07 with the U.S.

Department of Transportation to Accept a $750,000
Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Award for the
Design of Crossings Along the San Antonio Creek Trail at the Metrolink Rail Line and the I–10 Freeway
Consider Authorizing a $181,965 Appropriation from 2021 Lease Revenue Bond Proceeds in Matching Funds for the San Antonio Creek Trail Crossing Design Project Pursuant to Agreement No. 25–07
Council Member Mendez questioned safety measures planned for the channel and tunnels.

City Manager Starr outlined plans for lighting, security cameras, park hours, gates and fencing, and promoting foot and bike traffic. He added it would function as a park with open/closed hours, and residents would be urged to report suspicious activity.

Council Member Lopez voiced concerns about potential access to restricted areas and stated he remains opposed to building a trail along the channel.

ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item C–4
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

D. Resolutions

1. Consider Accepting a Written Petition from CRP/VP Montclair, LLC, Owner of the Village at Montclair, Requesting Formation of a Community Facilities District (CFD)
Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 25–3468 Declaring the City’s Intent to Form CFD No. 2025–1 (The Village at Montclair), Setting a Public Hearing for the Establishment of CFD No. 2025–1 on March 3, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, and Taking Other Actions Related Thereto
Consider Approving the Boundary Map of Proposed CFD No. 2025–1
Council Member Mendez asked if the City expects a majority of the affected property owners to vote in favor of the CFD, and how the taxes are calculated.

City Manager Starr noted that CFDs are typically approved prior to tenant occupancy, requiring only the developer’s vote, as they are the sole property owner.

Economic Development Agency Director Fuentes explained the tax rates are based on building square footage, and fund services like street maintenance, water, signage, and park upkeep, noting the funds are maintained separately from the General Fund.

ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item D–1
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

IX. PULLED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS — None
X. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Department Reports — None
B. City Attorney — None
C. City Manager/Executive Director — None
D. Mayor/Chair

1. Announcement of an Unscheduled Vacancy on the Planning Commission for a Term Ending June 30, 2027.

Mayor Dutrey announced an unscheduled vacancy on the Planning Commission , noting the application deadline is February 9, 2025.

2. Consider Agendizing Resolution and Letter of Opposition for Proposed South Coast Air Quality Management District
(SCAQMD) Amended Rules 1111 and 1121 Banning New Gas
Water Heaters and Furnaces
Nick Wilson, a member of the public, expressed concerns relating to potential negative effects these changes will have on residents and small business owners due to significant costs associated with replacing gas heaters and appliances.

Mayor Dutrey requested consensuses from the City Council to endorse a letter of opposition regarding the proposed changes to the regulations, which would be burdensome on businesses and residents.

Council Members Lopez and Ruh spoke on their opposition to SCAQMD’s proposed rule changes.

Mayor Pro Tem Martinez spoke in favor of agendizing the matter for the next meeting for further review before making a decision.

ACTION – COMMUNICATIONS – Item D–2
ACTING: City Council
MOTION: Authorize the Mayor to Sign a Letter of
Opposition for Proposed SCAQMD Amended
Rules 1111 and 1121 Banning New Gas Water
Heaters and Furnaces.

MADE BY:

SECOND BY:

Council Member Ruh
Council Member Lopez
AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Mendez, Lopez, Ruh, Dutrey
Martinez
None
None
RESULT: Motion carried 4–1 (Martinez opposed).

3. Consider Council Committee/Liaison Assignments
Mayor Dutrey proposed changing the name of the Real Estate Committee to the Economic Development Committee, eliminating the Tri–City Gold Line Council Committee, and having the liaisons assigned to the Community Activities and Planning Commissions (CAC and PC) also serve on the respective Interview Panels.

Mayor Dutrey entertained requests from Council Members to be assigned to vacancies on City Council committees and to represent the City on external boards and entities.

ACTION – COMMUNICATIONS – Item D–3
ACTING: City Council
MOTION: Make the following revisions to the City Council Committee/ Liaison Assignments, last revised
February 6, 2023:

Community Activities Commission (CAC) Interview Panel
Public Works Committee
Dutrey & Martinez
Personnel Committee
Ruh & Martinez
Planning Commission (PC) Interview Panel
Real Estate Economic Development Committee
Dutrey Mendez & Martinez
Code Enforcement/Public Safety Committee
Ruh & Mendez
Tri–City Gold Line Committee
Chamber of Commerce
Ruh & Martinez
CAC Liaison & CAC Interview Panel
PC Liaison & PC Interview Panel
Dutrey & Mendez
Gold Line Phase II JPA Board
Ruh (Member) & Mendez (Alternate)
Omnitrans Board
Dutrey (Member) & Ruh (Alternate)
SBCTA Board
Dutrey (Member) & Martinez (Alternate)
IEUA Regional Sewerage Program Policy Committee
Dutrey (Member) & Martinez Mendez (Alternate)
League of CA Cities IE Division
Dutrey (Member) & Ruh (Alternate)
National League of Cities
Ruh & Mendez
SBC Solid Waste Advisory Task Force
Mendez
MADE BY:

SECOND BY:

Council Member Ruh
Council Member Mendez
AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Mendez, Ruh, Martinez, Dutrey
Lopez
None
None
RESULT: Motion carried 4–1 (Lopez opposed).

4. Mayor Dutrey announced the Mid–Year Budget Review Special Meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. He acknowledged all Fire and Police Department personnel who assisted with the nearby fires, as well as staff for promptly assisting with the high winds in Montclair, and recognized Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

1. Council Member/Director Ruh informed the community of Assembly Bill AB 413 which prohibits stopping, standing, or parking within 20 feet of any intersection, sidewalk or crosswalk. He acknowledged the passing of President Jimmy Carter, longtime resident Betty Giovanni, and famous African American Civil Rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, who is related to Donald Rucker of the Christian Development Center. He expressed sympathy for those affected by the fires.

2. Council Member/Director Lopez received updates on repairs that were necessary due to recent wind storms, expressed frustration with semi–trucks driving on Monte Vista Avenue where it is not permitted; and welcomed Council Member/Director Mendez to his first official full meeting.

3. Council Member/Director Mendez thanked the community for their support as well as his former Planning Commission colleagues for ensuring a smooth transition.

4. Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Martinez sympathized with those affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires and expressed appreciation for the community’s effort to provide support to those affected by them during this challenging time.

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

1. Personnel Committee – December 16, 2024
XI. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:00 p.m., the 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

Montclair City CouncilJanuary 21, 2025

Montclair City Council
January 21, 2025