Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – March 2, 2026 Page 1 of 5
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, MARCH 2, 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 Donald Rucker, Christian Development Center, gave the invocation.
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member/Director Lopez led the 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 Finance Kulbeck; Director of Public Works/City Engineer Heredia; Fire Chief Dierck; City Attorney Robbins; Human Resources Manager Ghobrial; City Clerk Myrick
V. PRESENTATIONS
A. The Mayor introduced a presentation item recognizing Code Enforcement Officers Ortiz and Goodrich for assisting a resident experiencing homelessness due to a severe mental health crisis. He read a letter from the resident detailing the officers' non–judgmental care and support through his recovery, including securing temporary housing and rehabilitation.
The Mayor emphasized the City’s priority of addressing homelessness and mental health through service–based interventions before enforcement, highlighted partnerships with organizations such as Set Free Ministry, and invited the resident, AJ, to speak.
AJ shared his personal experience with his mental health crisis due to a lapse in medication, which led to disorientation and homelessness.
He credited Officers Ortiz and Goodrich for treating him with dignity, ensuring his safety, and connecting him to housing and rehabilitation services. As a result, he completed a 30–day program, was reunited with family, and is progressing toward employment and reconnecting with his children. He emphasized the importance of compassionate policing and expressed deep gratitude to the officers and to the City.
VI. PUBLIC COMMENT
• Ryaieisha expressed gratitude toward the City for partnering with Christian Development Center for the recent Black History Month event held at Alma Hofman Park.
• Dale Roberts, resident, spoke of his dissatisfaction with recent City staff interactions related to Public Records Act request procedures, neglecting enforcement of parking and zoning laws, and emergency responsiveness, and questioned the Mayor’s phone line not being answered.
Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – March 2, 2026 Page 2 of 5 • Bill Kaufman proposed a wellness center concept that would combine cannabis and hemp products with broader herbal and holistic services, emphasizing that his proposal is intended to provide comprehensive wellness options, and provided informational materials to the Council. • Alice Garcia, resident, criticized Council Member Lopez, alleging his use of intimidation tactics related to the recall effort against him for being found liable for sexual harassment, including visiting the homes of residents who signed the Notice of Intention. She called for his immediate resignation.
• Edmund Garcia Sr., resident, supported the intimidation allegation of visiting the homes of residents who signed the petition; criticized the City Council for its perceived inaction, stating that silence equates to complicity; and urged the other members of the City Council to demonstrate accountability and stronger leadership on the issue. • Tenice Johnson, Executive Director, Montclair Chamber of Commerce, extended an invitation to the community for the following Chamber events:
o A “Networking Breakfast” with guest speaker Jennifer
Racadio with the Department of Tax and Administration at 9631 Monte Vista Ave, Montclair, on Thursday, March 12, at 8:00 a.m.
o The Chamber’s next monthly “lunch mob” networking event, hosted at Mr. You Express Gourmet Chinese Food in
Montclair on Thursday, March 26, at 12:00 p.m.
o A workshop on “Understanding Your Financials” in
partnership with the Small Business Development Center in the City’s conference room adjacent to the library on
Thursday, March 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Bruce Culp, resident, spoke on the misuse of authority by Council Member Lopez in relation to the recall petition and called for accountability; requested transparency regarding legal costs incurred by the City and whether he has paid the court–ordered restitution to the victims and the City; and urged him to resign to prevent further financial impact on the City and its residents
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
MOTION: Approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
MADE BY:
SECOND BY:
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Martinez
Council Member/Director Lopez
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Mendez, Lopez, Ruh, Martinez, Dutrey
None
None
None
RESULT: Motion carried 5–0.
Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – March 2, 2026 Page 3 of 5 A. Approval of Minutes
1. Regular Joint Meeting — January 20, 2026
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.
2. Special Meeting — February 2, 2026
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item A–2
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; Motion carried 5–0.
B. Administrative Reports
1. Consider Approval and Ratification of Warrant Register and Payroll Documentation
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item B–1
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.
C. Agreements
1. Consider Approval of Agreement No. 26–13, a Memorandum of Understanding with San Bernardino County Sheriff’s
Department to Enforce General Law and Traffic Enforcement In or Around the Southern California Regional Rail Authority’s Metrolink Commuter Rail System, Subject to Any Revisions Deemed Necessary by the City Attorney
Consider Authorizing City Manager Edward C. Starr and
Police Chief Jason Reed to Sign Agreement No. 26–13
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item C–1
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; Motion carried 5–0.
D. Resolutions
1. Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 26–3510 Authorizing Placement of Liens on Certain Properties for Delinquent Sewer and Trash Charges
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item D–1
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; Motion carried 5–0.
IX. PULLED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS — None
Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – March 2, 2026 Page 4 of 5 X. BUSINESS ITEM
A. Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 26–3508 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 Rosemary Hoerning Into the Part–Time, Temporary Retired Annuitant Position of Executive Director of Engineering/Major Projects Manager
Consider Authorizing a $37,500 Appropriation from the FY 2025– 26 Public Works Personnel Budget to Fund the Part–Time, Temporary Retired Annuitant Position of Executive Director of Engineering/Major Projects Manager
ACTION – Business Item – Item A
ACTING: City Council
MOTION: Adopt Resolution No. 26–3508; and authorize a
$37,500 appropriation from the FY 2025–26 Public
Works Personnel Budget to fund the part–time,
temporary Retired Annuitant position of Executive
Director of Engineering/Major Projects Manager.
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.
XI. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Department Reports — None
B. City Attorney
City Attorney Robbins requested the City Council meet in closed session to discuss the following matters as listed on the agenda:
1. Pursuant to Gov. Code §54956.9(d)(2) Regarding Potential Litigation (One Potential Case)
2. Pursuant to Gov. Code §54956.9(d)(4) Regarding Potential Litigation (One Potential Case)
3. Pursuant to Gov. Code §54956(d)(1) Regarding Pending Litigation
Fuentes/Garcia v. City of Montclair
Ibanez v. Montclair
Kresback v. Montclair
City Attorney Robbin rescinded her request to meet in closed session to discuss the following matters listed on the agenda:
1. Pursuant to Gov. Code §54956.9(d)(2) Regarding Potential Litigation (One Potential Case)
2. Pursuant to Gov. Code §54956.9(d)(4) Regarding Potential Litigation (One Potential Case)
C. City Manager/Executive Director — None
D. Mayor/Chair
1. Mayor/Chair Dutrey recognized celebrations and holidays observed in March; advised Omnitrans will consider funding two passenger vans in support of the City’s Senior Transportation Program; noted the meeting will be adjourned in memory of Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – March 2, 2026 Page 5 of 5 longtime resident Myrna Tuscher, who had been involved with the community for decades including service on the Community Activities Commission from 1995 to 2004; and announced the recently started construction of Dutch Bros. Coffee in Montclair, opening by summer.
E. Council Members/Directors
1. Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Martinez announced the upcoming community shredding event hosted by Fourth District
Supervisor Kurt Hagman on Saturday, March 14, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at City Hall, and reminded the community that the Montclair After–School Program will host its fifth annual Masters of Montclair Art Show and Awards in the Community Center on Thursday, March 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
2. Council Member/Director Mendez expressed appreciation for all City departments, acknowledging their ongoing assistance, efforts, and contributions to the City during his first year in office.
3. Council Member/Director Lopez spoke of a recent fundraiser supporting Montclair Little League and promoted the league’s upcoming Opening Day event at Saratoga Park on Saturday, March 7, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., detailing activities, food vendors, and encouraging community attendance and support for local youth programs.
4. Council Member/Director Ruh emphasized the importance of Women’s History Month and honored the legacy of Myrna Tuscher for her civic engagement; reported his attendance at the swearing– in ceremony of Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes of California’s 29th Senate District; and concluded with remarks promoting unity, respect, and dignity in a challenging global climate.
F. Committee Meeting Minutes
The following committee minutes were received and filed for informational purposes:
1. Personnel Committee — February 17, 2026
XI. CLOSED SESSION
At 7:33 p.m., the City Council went into closed session to discuss potential litigation and pending litigation.
XII. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
At 8:57 p.m., the City Council returned from closed session. Mayor Dutrey announced that information was received and direction was given to staff related to matters of potential and pending litigation; and no further announcements would be made at this time.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:57 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 Myrna Tuscher, a longtime resident, former Community Activities Commissioner, and cherished member of the Montclair community.