Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – April 6, 2026 Page 1 of 7
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, APRIL 6, 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
Minister Jimmy Crowell, Calvary Montclair/Montclair Fire Department Chaplain, gave the invocation.
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member/Director Ruh 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; Executive Director of Engineering/Major Projects Manager Hoerning; Police Chief Reed; Fire Chief Dierck; City Attorney Robbins; City Clerk Myrick
V. PRESENTATIONS
A. Recognition of a Montclair Resident for Heroic Actions During a Fire Incident
Mayor Dutrey recognized Jeffery Johnson for his immediate intervention to prevent a significant fire on March 18, 2026, saving property and potentially lives.
B. Recognition of Montclair Youth Basketball League’s “Portland Trailblazers” for winning the 2026 Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation Inland Empire Basketball Tournament of League Champions for Division–C
Mayor Dutrey recognized the Montclair Youth Basketball League “Portland Trailblazers” for winning the 2026 Southern California Municipal Athletix Federation Inland Empire Basketball Tournament.
C. Proclamation Declaring April 24, 2026 as Arbor Day in the City of Montclair
Mayor Dutrey presented the proclamation declaring April 24, 2026, as “Arbor Day” in the City of Montclair to Executive Director of Engineering/Major Projects Manager Hoerning.
D. Proclamation Declaring April 2026 as “DMV/Donate Life California Month” in the City of Montclair
Mayor Dutrey presented a proclamation declaring April 2026 as DMV/Donate Life California Month to OneLegacy Ambassador Maribel Galvan.
VI. PUBLIC COMMENT
• Alice Garcia, resident, stated that, despite findings of liability for sexual harassment, Council Member Lopez refuses to resign and announced she has recently received approval to circulate a petition for his recall. She expressed her disappointment with the silence of other members of the City Council on this matter.
Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – April 6, 2026 Page 2 of 7 • Dominic Mistretta speaking on behalf of IAFF Local 935 advised the City Council of a significant staffing shortage within the Montclair Fire Department, noting nine firefighters have accepted positions with other agencies, and expressed concern that this level of attrition could lead to serious understaffing resulting in increased overtime costs, firefighter burnout, and a higher risk of injuries. He urged the City to take immediate action to stabilize staffing levels and maintain reliable fire protection services.
• The following individuals requested the City establish a fund for families affected by ICE activities, implement and enforce a policy restricting ICE use of City property, prohibit City contracts with companies providing goods, services, or information to immigration enforcement agencies, and investigate why ICE enforcement actions are focused on neighborhoods from Monte Vista to Mills Avenues, spanning from Kingsley Street to Holt Boulevard:
1. Shirley M.
2. Tina Silva
3. Rose
4. Oscar Urena
5. Rosa Gonzale
6. Maria Santay
7. Alexis Teodoro
8. Priscila
9. Phebe
10. Melissa Morales
At 8:01 p.m., Mayor Dutrey called for a short recess. The meeting reconvened at 8:14 p.m. with all members present.
The following individuals expressed the same as above:
11. Emily Miranda
12. Caitlin Shaw
13.Phoenix Nere
14. Axoquen
15. Benjamin Wood
16. Kassy Francis–Mora
17.Travon Newman
18. Jennifer Smith
19. Heather
• Jonathan Chavez, resident, spoke in opposition to the City’s planned development of the San Antonio (SA) Creek Trail, citing ongoing issues in the area over the past eight years, and arguing that the project would not benefit residents. He criticized the city’s reliance on grant funding without sufficient accountability or safety considerations. • Omar Carrillo, resident, criticized the SA Creek Trail project for reducing his property by about 800 square feet, and stated he felt the City’s compensation offer was inadequate and disrespectful. He also raised safety concerns, including increased crime, fire hazards, and risks to his family, arguing the project would worsen these issues. • Luis Hernandez, resident, stated the SA Creek Trail project would result in the loss of approximately 1,429 square feet of his property for minimal compensation and expressed fear for his family’s safety due to ongoing neighborhood issues such as theft, noise, trespassing, and other criminal activity; and suggested City resources should instead be used to address existing problems rather than introduce new ones.
• Juan Armas, resident, spoke in opposition to the SA Creek Trail project and requested the City not to proceed with construction. • Anjana Patel, resident, spoke in partial support of the concept of the SA Creek Trail project, but objected to the compensation and potential loss of residential property, including structural impacts such as garages, and requested the City to reevaluate the project and consider stopping it if it negatively affects the community.
• Edmund Garcia Sr., resident, spoke about the need for community unity and criticized Council Member Lopez for lacking accountability and integrity by denying his wrongdoing despite a court of law finding him liable for sexual harassment of two City employees.
Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – April 6, 2026 Page 3 of 7 At 9:00 p.m., Mayor Dutrey called for a short recess. The meeting reconvened at 9:07 p.m. with all members present.
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:
Council Member/Director Lopez
Council Member/Director Ruh
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 — February 17, 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 — March 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 Registers & Payroll Documentation
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item B–1
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.
2. Consider Approval of the Fiscal Year 2025–26 Schedule of Recommendations from the Community Activities Commission for Community Benefits Funding ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item B–2
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.
Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – April 6, 2026 Page 4 of 7
3. Consider Authorizing a $2,450 Appropriation from the State Asset Forfeiture Fund for the Purchase of Workspace
Furniture for the Crime Analyst Office in the Police Department ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item B–3
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.
C. Agreements
1. Consider Approval of Agreement No. 26–17 with the County of San Bernardino for Equipment Maintenance and Access to the County’s Emergency Radio Communications System
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. 26–3512 Approving the 2026 Tree City USA Application and Authorizing the Director of Public Works to Sign the Application
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
City Attorney Robbin rescinded her request to meet in closed session to discuss the following matters listed on the agenda:
1. One Potential Litigation Case – Gov. Code §54956.9(d)(2)
2. One Potential Litigation Case – Gov. Code §54956.9(d)(4) She requested the City Council meet in closed session to discuss the following matters listed on the agenda:
1. One Potential Litigation Case – Gov. Code §54956.9(d)(2)
2. One Potential Litigation Case – Gov. Code §54956.9(d)(4)
3. Pending Litigation – Gov. Code §54956(d)(1):
Brambila v. Montclair Mathison v. Montclair
Chism v. Montclair Griffin v. Montclair
Cook v. Montclair Kresback v. Montclair
Ibanez v. Montclair Young, etc. v. Montclair
Searing v. Montclair Fuentes/Garcia v. Lopez, City of Montclair C. City Manager/Executive Director
City Manager Starr made the following comments addressing concerns raised by the public during Public Comment:
• The City is not acquiring property for the San Antonio Creek Channel project, but is seeking easements over existing rights primarily held by the Army Corps of Engineers to create a linear Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – April 6, 2026 Page 5 of 7 park connecting north and south Montclair to enhance recreation, public health, and transit access. The project is unlikely to extend south of Holt Boulevard due to traffic concerns. In addition to the future trail, securing these easements would help the City address issues like homeless encampments along the channel without having to obtain federal approval.
• Regarding federal immigration enforcement activity, at its meeting on March 16, 2026, the City Council directed staff to prepare a report on these issues, which he is still working on, but which will likely not be ready until the following meeting. He acknowledged the community’s concerns and requests for direct intervention by the City and clarified that federal law limits the City's authority on ICE activities. He advised that the Montclair Police Department only cooperates with ICE when legally required, such as in felony cases and traffic safety issues, and their investigative tools are used solely for Montclair’s own law enforcement endeavors and are not automatically shared with other agencies, nor are they voluntarily shared with ICE. He noted the City is taking a compassionate approach to these issues by assisting the community with Human Services Department programs to provide support to affected families and those in need.
• Governor Newsom issued a notice of violation to several cities including Montclair for failing to adopt a compliant Housing Element, originally due in 2021. He advised that City staff has been working with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for the past five years on
requested amendments, including zoning overlays and court– mandated adjustments that no other agencies had in their previously adopted and approved Housing Elements. As the City’s Housing Element was adopted in December of 2024, the Housing Element facilitation ordinance that brings the adopted Housing Element into compliance is now scheduled for approval as an urgency ordinance on April 20, 2026, to meet the Governor’s April 23, 2026 deadline. Final adoption of a non–urgency ordinance is expected by June 2026. HCD staff has indicated they are satisfied with the City’s process and timeline.
D. Mayor/Chair
1. Consider Making Appointments to Four (4) Scheduled
Vacancies on the Community Activities Commission for Full Four–Year Terms Ending June 30, 2030
Mayor John Dutrey announced four scheduled vacancies on the Community Activities Commission, noting the application deadline is May 1, 2026, by 6:00 p.m.
2. Notice of Special Meeting of the City Council and Montclair Housing Corporation Board on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers for the Fiscal Year 2026–27 Preliminary Budget Review Workshop and to
Consider Approval of the Fiscal Year 2026–27 Annual
Budget; and Tentatively Scheduling Monday, June 29, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. to Continue Discussion and Consideration of Fiscal Year 2026–27 Annual Budget If Necessary
Mayor/Chair Dutrey scheduled a Special Meeting of the City Council and Montclair Housing Corporation to review and consider adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026–27 City and MHC Budgets on Thursday, June 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., and
tentatively scheduling Monday, June 29, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers
Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – April 6, 2026 Page 6 of 7
3. Notice of Cancellation of May 18, 2026 Regular Joint Meeting Mayor/Chair Dutrey announced the May 18, 2026, regular joint meeting is cancelled due to the lack of a quorum, noting several officials will be attending the International Conference of Shopping Centers that week.
4. Notice of Cancellation of July 6, 2026 Regular Joint Meeting Mayor/Chair Dutrey announced the July 6, 2026, regular joint meeting is cancelled due to the lack of business, and in observance of the preceding Independence Day holiday.
Mayor/Chair Dutrey shared updates on recent activities including Omnitrans’s 50th anniversary celebration, the West End Homeless Navigation Center groundbreaking ceremony, and the City’s successful Easter Eggstravaganza event; recognized Denzel Castro for his civic engagement; and acknowledged various observances in the month of April.
E. Council Members/Directors
1. Council Member/Director Ruh commented on his support for affordable home ownership; noted the success of the City’s Easter Eggstravaganza event, thanking staff and community partners for their contributions; and reported that Victor J. Glover Jr., an astronaut from Pomona, piloted the historic Artemis II mission that launched on April 1, 2026, and should be seen as a source of local pride and community inspiration.
2. Council Member/Director Lopez raised a constituent concern regarding ongoing enforcement of oversized vehicle restrictions on Monte Vista Avenue; extended well wishes to the community observing Passover; and shared about his efforts assisting local families with immigration–related concerns by connecting them to consular and legal resources, emphasizing continued commitment to support affected residents.
3. Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Martinez emphasized the importance of having an open dialogue about community concerns, particularly regarding immigration–related issues, and indicated support for the requests raised by the public. She sought confirmation that these topics, along with additional concerns such as ICE’s mask usage, would be included in the report staff is working on.
City Manager Starr confirmed that all raised immigration–related topics would be addressed in a forthcoming report, while clarifying that the City’s authority is limited regarding federal enforcement actions. He advised that policies such as ICE agents’ mask usage fall under federal jurisdiction and cannot be enforced by the City, though discussion and policy consideration can be presented to the council for direction.
F. Committee Meeting Minutes
The following committee minutes were received and filed for informational purposes:
1. Personnel Committee — March 16, 2026
XI. CLOSED SESSION
At 9:35 p.m., the City Council went into closed session to discuss potential and pending litigation.
XII. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
At 10:14 p.m., Council Member Lopez recused himself from the Fuentes/Garcia v. Montclair matter and left the meeting.
Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – April 6, 2026 Page 7 of 7 At 10:18 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 10:18 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