Minutes — Montclair City Council, January 20, 2026

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 TUSEDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026, 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
Pastor Heather Freeman, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–Day Saints Church, gave the invocation.

III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member/Director Ruh 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 (Remotely present via webinar pursuant to GC 54953.8.3(c)(2)—contagious illness) City Manager/Executive Director Starr; Assistant City Manager/ Director of Human Services Richter; Director of Finance Kulbeck; Director of Public Works/City Engineer Heredia; Director of Community Development Diaz; Fire Chief Dierck; City Attorney Robbins; City Clerk Myrick
V. PRESENTATIONS
A. Community Activities Commission Military Banner Presentation Community Activities Commissioner Escalante stated that 18 years ago, the Community Activities Commission (CAC) began sponsoring a military street banner program to recognize Montclair residents currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. He advised that in 2025, 35 military banners and two banners honoring all veterans were proudly displayed throughout Montclair.

Commissioner Escalante introduced and summarized the service of Ryan Miller (Army, 2016–2025), whose military service has concluded. Because he could not attend the meeting, Mayor Dutrey and Council Members presented Mr. Miller’s banner to his mother and extended the City’s gratitude for her son’s service to this country.

B. Introduction of New Administrative Services Department Employee Assistant City Manager/Director of Human Services Richter introduced Human Resources Manager Mina Ghobrial, who began his employment with the City on December 8, 2025.

VI. PUBLIC COMMENT
• Sue Boyer, Feral Cat Friends of Chino, introduced her nonprofit organization, which provides foster and trap–neuter–return (TNR) services in the City of Chino. She requested that the City of Montclair or the Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire (ARC) provide or assist her organization to expand TNR services into the area, noting ARC does not currently offer a TNR program to assist residents with controlling feral cat populations. She recommended mobilizing local volunteers in Montclair to assist with TNR, foster care, and other important animal services that are needed but not currently available to residents seeking assistance.
• Hillary, a resident, complained about an RV that remains parked in Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – January 20, 2026 Page 2 of 10 the O’Reilly Auto Parts parking lot on Mills Avenue as well as several homeless individuals inhabiting and sleeping on the property, noting a lack of response from the City despite reporting the issues to Code Enforcement. She noted other issues that frequently occur at businesses near her home including repeated false alarms from a security tower, excessive lighting, trespassing, and break–ins.

City Manager Starr explained that enforcement related to recreational vehicles (RVs) stored on private property requires coordination with the property owner, a formal abatement procedure, and court action, which can be time–consuming. He advised Code Enforcement has been working with the property owner and RVs have been removed from the property previously; however, repeat occurrences require restarting the process from the beginning. He referenced the City’s recently–adopted oversized vehicle ordinance, which allows the City to quickly enforce RVs and other oversized vehicles that are parked or stored on public streets. In response to the security alarm issue, he stated that false alarms are handled by the Police Department, which may issue citations for repeated violations, and requested Police Chief Reed look into recurring false alarms in the area.

VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. First Reading — Consider Ordinance No. 25–1014 Amending the Zoning Code and Repealing and Replacing Chapter 11.23 of the Montclair Municipal Code Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) in
Residential Zones (Case No. 2025–48)
Consider Setting a Public Hearing for Second Reading and to Consider Adoption of Ordinance No. 25–1014 on Monday,
February 2, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers Mayor Dutrey announced this as the time and place set for a public hearing on the above matter, opened the public hearing, and invited comments from the public. Seeing no one in the audience wishing to speak, Mayor Dutrey closed the public hearing and returned the matter to the City Council for consideration.

Senior Planner Gutierrez provided a presentation on the updated ordinance that updates the Municipal Code’s current ADU chapter to comply with recent state housing laws by incorporating newly signed Assembly and Senate Bills, which address unpermitted ADUs built before 2020, parking replacement, definitions of livable space, short–term rental limits, owner–occupancy for JADUs, impact fee exemptions, and expanded ADU allowances on various properties.

She noted the ordinance aligns with mandatory state requirements, further limits local discretion, and follows a model drafted by the City’s special legal counsel. She added that once adopted, the ordinance must be submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HUD) within 60 days.

Council Member Lopez requested staff to provide him with a detailed report on the number and types of ADU permits submitted to date.

He suggested considering implementing a rental unit inspection program, and received confirmation that short–term rentals remain prohibited and clarification that single–family residential lots may now, in addition to the primary dwelling structure, have one attached ADU, one detached ADU, and one JADU. He expressed concerns regarding the potential impacts of the state’s legislation, including increased density, exacerbated parking issues, removal of local owner–occupancy requirements, and additional strain on the City’s services and infrastructure. However, he noted he would likely be forced to support the ordinance’s adoption due to the City’s obligation to comply with state law.

Mayor Dutrey requested a report of all the ADUs and JADUs that have already been constructed within the City.

Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – January 20, 2026 Page 3 of 10 ACTION – Public Hearing – Item A
ACTING: City Council
MOTION: Conduct the First Reading of Ordinance No. 25–1014 and set a Public Hearing to conduct the Second Reading
and to consider adoption of Ordinance No. 25–1014 on
Monday, February 2, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the City
Council Chambers
MADE BY:

SECOND BY:

Council Member Lopez
Council Member Ruh
AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

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

VIII. CONSENT CALENDAR
ACTION – Consent Calendar
ACTING: City Council
Successor Agency Board
Montclair Housing Corporation Board
Montclair Housing Authority Commissioners
Montclair Community Foundation Board
MOTION: Approve the Consent Calendar as presented.

MADE BY:

SECOND BY:

Council Member/Director Lopez
Mayor Pro Tem/ Vice Chair Martinez
AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

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

A. Approval of Minutes

1. Regular Joint Meeting — December 1, 2025
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 – November 2025
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item B–1
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

2. Consider Approval and Ratification 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 – November 2025
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 Report – November 2025 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 – November 2025
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 – November 2025
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 – November 2025
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 – November 2025
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item B–8
ACTING: Montclair Housing Authority Commissioners
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.

2. Consider Approval of Agreement Nos. 26–03, 26–04, and 26–05 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
Council Member Lopez questioned the deposit amount and
contract restrictions on banners and shade cloths due to concerns that banning league banners limits outreach and volunteer efforts, and that requiring removal of shade cloths after field is an additional burden on the league.

Assistant City Manager/Director of Human Services Richter confirmed the annual deposit is approximately $300, which is rolled over from the previous season. She explained the restrictions are necessary for compliance with the City’s Municipal Code; prevent vandalism and theft of unattended banners and shade cloths; and ensure safety, maintenance, and appearance by preventing wear and damage from weather and other natural elements over time. She acknowledged the rules have not been consistently enforced during renovations, and noted future enforcement will prioritize safety and condition over strict removal deadlines.

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

3. Consider Approval of Agreement No. 26–06 with Blais & Associates, Inc. for Grant Writing Services, Subject to Any Revisions Deemed Necessary by the City Attorney
Consider Authorizing a $39,787 Appropriation from the
Lease Revenue Bond Fund for Costs Related to Agreement No. 26–06
Council Member Mendez commended staff for securing 17
grants totaling over $23 million and requested a list of the remaining 14 grants not detailed in the staff report. He requested clarification on the fiscal impact breakdown, noting the $120,000 cost of the contract is not fully reconciled by the reported funding sources.

Assistant City Manager/Director of Human Services Ritcher clarified that $39,787 is requested to be funded through lease revenue bond funds, $60,000 for the contract will be requested in the upcoming FY 2026–27 budget, and the remaining
approximately $20,213 is covered by the current fiscal year’s budget.

Council Member Lopez expressed similar concerns regarding the fiscal impact breakdown as written, and requested that all funding sources, including those from current, past, and future fiscal years, be explicitly identified in future staff reports for clarity and transparency.

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

4. Consider Approval of Agreement No. 26–07, Amendment
No. 1 to Agreement No. 22–62 with CASC Engineering, Inc. for Assistance with the City’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program, Subject to Any
Revisions Deemed Necessary by the City Attorney
Council Member Mendez requested a copy of the audit report of the City’s sewer program, noting that his prior request had not yet been fulfilled. He suggested that once hired, the new Public Works Inspector could assist with construction–related
stormwater inspections to help alleviate inspection workload and improve efficiency.

City Manager Starr clarified that only a preliminary audit report has been received and noted the City is awaiting the final audit report from the state. He confirmed that the final audit report will be provided to Council once it is received.

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

1. Consider Approval of Agreement No. 26–01, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the County of San Bernardino for Participation in, and Operation of, a Proposed Regional West End Navigation Center (WENC) Serving the West End Communities of San Bernardino County, Subject to Any Revisions Deemed
Necessary by the City Attorney
Consider Approval of Agreement No. 26–02, a MOU with the County of San Bernardino for Funding Terms and Conditions for the City of Montclair’s Participation in WENC, Subject to Any Revisions Deemed Necessary by the City Attorney
Consider Authorizing City Manager Starr to Execute Agreement Nos. 26–01 and 26–02 and All Other Documents Related to Participation in and Operation of WENC
Consider Appointing Mayor Dutrey to Serve on the WENC
Oversight Committee
Consider Appointing Community Development Director Diaz to Serve on the WENC Operations Committee
City Manager Starr discussed regional homeless trends and noted that, while Montclair has proactively implemented its own programs to address homelessness within its boundaries, staff continues to engage with regional partners and County leadership to promote the issue as a shared responsibility. He emphasized the complexity addressing homelessness and the need for collaboration, innovation, and regional involvement, noting the loss of state redevelopment resources has further prevented cities from handling the issue independently over the past decade.

City Manager Starr explained the proposed formation of the Regional West End Navigation Center (WENC), which aims to address homelessness as a regional and statewide challenge that individual cities have not been able to resolve alone. He described WENC as a temporary, service–oriented facility designed to connect individuals to housing and support services. He discussed the City’s allocated number of beds based on the 2024 Point–in–Time Count of homeless individuals living in the City, and annual membership cost. He advised the MOU term is ten years, and WENC is anticipated to begin operating in 2027 and the facility will be located at 11109 Jasmine Street, in Fontana.

Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – January 20, 2026 Page 7 of 10 He advised that since publication of the agenda report, negotiations with the County regarding the City’s annual participation cost share have continued, and the County has proposed contributing “up to $150,000” per year pursuant to availability of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funds, and requested that the funding terms be incorporated into Agreement No. 26–01. He noted staff would like to negotiate to amend the language to guarantee the County’s offset at $150,000; therefore, staff’s original recommendation for the City Council to approve Agreement No. 26–02 is withdrawn, and the recommendation for approval of Agreement No. 26–01 would be subject to the following, should the City Council approve the MOU:
• Participation will be based on final acceptance, by the City of Montclair, of terms related to the proposed CDBG funding approach via the County’s annual action plan, as provided for in San Bernardino County’s letter dated January 15, 2026, referencing the “West End Navigation Center — Proposed CDBG Funding Approach via Annual Action Plan.”
• City staff will work with the City Attorney to ensure the agreement letter meets the City’s requirements prior to final acceptance of Agreement No. 26–01.

Mayor Pro Tem Martinez concurred that homelessness requires coordinated regional solutions and emphasized the importance of understanding the long–term operational and fiscal impacts of the Navigation Center. She asked whether the County could arbitrarily choose to allocate less than $150,000 or nothing at all from their CDBG allocation if they refuse to alter the language. She also questioned the number of available beds and what would happen if there are not enough for homeless individuals brought from Montclair.

City Manager Starr advised CDBG funds are allocated by the Board of Supervisors annually and cannot be preemptively committed, so the language may simply be intended to protect them from HUD’s grant restrictions. In response to bed allocation, he noted City would have the ability to purchase the use of available beds by paying for them at a rate of $125 per night. He clarified that the homeless individual would need to claim the sponsoring City as their residence to claim a bed from the City’s allocated beds.

Council Member Mendez acknowledged the challenges associated with homelessness. He asked whether non–participating cities like Ontario would coordinate and share resources with WENC.

City Manager Starr advised he is not aware of whether Ontario would allow other cities to use its planned homeless center.

Council Member Lopez received confirmation that the City is no longer considering the purchase of a local motel to provide homeless services; WENC could not prevent participants from checking themselves out; cities would need to determine whether they will re– admit those who have voluntarily left the facility;
Council Member Ruh expressed concerns regarding the long–term commitment to this agency, noting we may discover it is not meeting the City’s needs after five years and would not be able to leave. He also criticized the location of the center, noting it is in Fontana which is nowhere near Montclair. He noted unhoused individuals who call the City of Montclair their home likely have friends, family, and connections that they would like to remain near. He stated his preference is for a more local model akin to what Azusa and Montebello have implemented.

City Manager Starr responded to additional questions and concerns of Council Members by clarifying that the WENC concept is intended to focus on assessment, stabilization, and connection to permanent housing, rather than to function as a short– or long–term shelter. He explained that the successful operation of a navigation center relies heavily on County participation, regional cooperation, and the Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – January 20, 2026 Page 8 of 10 availability of wrap–around services, including behavioral health, substance use treatment, and housing placement. He advised City staff—which may include any agent of the City but would likely be Police or Code Enforcement Officers depending on time of day and availability—would be responsible for transporting these individuals both to the navigation center and back to the City if they choose to leave.

He further acknowledged concerns regarding future and ongoing costs and accountability, and advised that any navigation center model would require clear operational guidelines, performance metrics, and regular reporting to the governing bodies of its member agencies. He added the two advisory committees for Oversight and Operations will provide the City with an opportunity for continuous input and control.

In response to concerns regarding neighborhood impacts and the proposed location of the navigation center, he acknowledged that this is a sensitive issue and emphasized that the City must carefully balance public health and safety, economic considerations, and residents’ quality of life—both housed and unhoused. He noted that the navigation center approach aims to reduce unsheltered homelessness and related impacts, rather than worsen them. He also reiterated that staff is actively exploring alternative solutions and, should any feasible options arise, will present those to the City Council prior to any formal implementation or commitments.

ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item C–1
ACTING: City Council
MOTION: Approve Agreement No. 26–01, a Memorandum of
Understanding with the County of San Bernardino for
participation in, and operation of, a proposed Regional West End Navigation Center (WENC) serving the west
end communities of San Bernardino County—based on
final acceptance, by the City of Montclair, of terms
related to the proposed CDBG funding the County’s
annual action plan, as provided for in San Bernardino
County’s letter dated January 15, 2026, referencing the “West End Navigation Center — Proposed CDBG
Funding Approach via Annual Action Plan,” subject to
any revisions deemed necessary by the City Attorney;
Authorize City Manager Starr to execute Agreement
No. 26–01 and all other documents related to
participation in and operation of WENC;
Appoint Mayor Dutrey to serve on the WENC Oversight
Committee; and
Appoint Community Development Director Diaz to
serve on the WENC Operations Committee.

MADE BY:

SECOND BY:

Mayor Dutrey
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez
AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Mendez, Lopez, Martinez, Dutrey
None
Ruh
None
RESULT: Motion carried 4–0–1 (Ruh abstained).

X. BUSINESS ITEM
A. Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 26–3505 Making Certain Findings for an Exception to the 180–Day wait Period Pursuant to Government Code Sections 7522.56 and 21224 with Authorization to Hire Marcia Richter into the Part–Time, Temporary Retired Annuitant Position of Assistant City Manager/Director of Human Services
Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – January 20, 2026 Page 9 of 10 Consider Authorizing a $60,000 Appropriation from the FY 2025–26 Administrative Services/Human Services Departments’ Personnel Budgets to Fund the Part–Time, Temporary Retired Annuitant Positions of Assistant City Manager/Director of Human Services
Council Member Mendez questioned the $60,000 fiscal impact, noting that the employee retired in December and that remaining personnel funds for the fiscal year should result in overall cost savings rather than an added impact.

City Manager Starr confirmed that salary savings exist due to the employee’s retirement; however, City Council’s authorization is required to reallocate those saved wages in order to continue compensating the retiree under the proposed arrangement.

ACTION – Business Item – Item A
ACTING: City Council
MOTION: Adopt Resolution No. 26–3505 making certain findings for exception to the 180–day wait period pursuant to
Government Code Section 7522.56 and 21224 with
authorization to hire Marcia Ritcher into the part-time, temporary retired annuitant position of Assistant City
Manager/Director of Human Services
MADE BY:

SECOND BY:

Mayor Dutrey
Council Member Lopez
AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

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

XI. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Department Reports — None
B. City Attorney
City Attorney Robbins requested the City Council meet in closed session concerning the following:

1. Pursuant to GC §54956.9(d)(2) Regarding Potential
Litigation
One Potential Case

3. Pursuant to GC §54956.9(d)(1) Regarding Pending Litigation Dow/Alvarran v. Montclair
Ibanez v. Montclair

4. Pursuant to GC §54956.8 Regarding Property Negotiations Property: APNs 1008–611–20–0000 and 1008–611–13–0000
Negotiating Parties: City of Montclair, Brito Brothers LLC City Negotiator: Edward C. Starr, City Manager
Under Negotiation: Recommendations Regarding Purchase Price City Attorney Robbins rescinded her request to meet in closed session concerning the following:

1. Pursuant to GC §54956.9(d)(2) Regarding Potential
Litigation
One Potential Case

2. Pursuant to GC §54956.9(d)(4) Regarding Potential
Litigation
One Potential Case
Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – January 20, 2026 Page 10 of 10 C. City Manager/Executive Director
City Manager Starr discussed scheduling of the midyear budget review, tentatively set for Thursday, February 26, pending confirmation, and directed staff to circulate confirmation emails.

D. Mayor/Chair
Mayor/Chair Dutrey announced the passing of former Fire Chief Troy Ament and noted tonight’s meeting would be adjourned in his memory. He extended condolences to Mr. Ament’s family and friends.

E. Council Members/Directors

1. Council Member/Director Lopez reported that since January 6, ARC has taken in 125 dogs and is currently overwhelmed. In early January, 39 stray dogs arrived in five days, highlighting the urgent need for fostering, adoption, and volunteers to assist with dog care.

2. Council Member/Director Mendez expressed condolences regarding the passing of former Montclair Fire Chief Troy Ament.

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

1. Personnel Committee Meeting — December 15, 2025
XI. CLOSED SESSION
At 10:01 p.m., the City Council went into closed session to discuss potential litigation, pending litigation, and property negotiations.

XII. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
At 10:14 p.m., the City Council returned from closed session. Mayor Dutrey announced that the City Council discussed potential, pending litigation, and property negotiations; information was received from staff; and no further announcements would be made at this time.

XIII. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:14 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
This meeting was adjourned in memory of Troy Ament,
former City of Montclair Fire Chief.

Montclair City CouncilJanuary 20, 2026

Montclair City Council
January 20, 2026