Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – April 20, 2026 Page 1 of 9
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 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 Robert Edwards, Set Free Ministry, 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; Executive Director of Engineering/Major Projects Manager Hoerning; Fire Chief Dierck; City Attorney Robbins; City Clerk Myrick
V. PRESENTATIONS
A. Proclamation Declaring April 25, 2026, the City of Montclair’s 70th Anniversary and Celebrating the Milestone with a Commemorative 70th Anniversary Logo Mayor Dutrey read from the proclamation celebrating the City’s 70th anniversary, and accepted certificates of recognition from San Bernardino County Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman and representatives from the offices of Assembly Member Michelle Rodriguez and Senator Susan Rubio.
VI. PUBLIC COMMENT
• Roxanna Gracia, District Director, Office of Assembly Member Michelle Rodriguez, invited the community to an educational seminar for seniors including presentations from AAA and the California Department of Insurance about safe driving and scam prevention, which will take place on May 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Montclair Senior Center.
• Bill Kaufman inquired about the timing of the cannabis ordinance workshop and stated that the city has missed potential revenue opportunities by not allowing cannabis–related businesses sooner and described plans for a proposed wellness center that would include cannabis, hemp, and holistic wellness services.
• Alice Garcia criticized Council Member Lopez regarding a judgment affirming his commission of sexual harassment against City employees and advised she is circulating a petition for his recall. • Dale Roberts raised concerns regarding parking enforcement and traffic safety issues near State Street and Monte Vista Avenue and requested increased traffic patrols in the area.
• Pricila Garcia thanked City Staff and Mayor Dutrey for meeting with community representatives regarding immigration–related concerns Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – April 20, 2026 Page 2 of 9 and reiterated requests for the City to provide support to families impacted by ICE.
• Pamela and Steven Naglar shared concerns of ICE enforcement within the community, noting fear has impacted students’ school attendance, extracurricular participation, and emotional well–being, and urged the City to protect and support the community and local students. • Emily Miranda emphasized the importance of listening to educators and impacted families regarding immigration enforcement concerns and encouraged the City to engage with the community. She also voiced support for the recall of Council Member Lopez.
• Denzel Castro thanked Mayor Dutrey for his mentorship and civic engagement opportunities and recognized the City’s efforts to support the community despite limitations on local authority regarding federal actions.
City Clerk Myrick read written comments from the following:
• Matthew Munson, related to concerns about illegal immigration, public spending related to undocumented residents, and opposed proposals for the City to provide funds and legal aid.
• Tina Silva, requesting the City take previously proposed actions in opposition to ICE and in support of undocumented residents and their families.
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 Item C–1
MOTION: Pull Item C–2 and approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar, as presented.
MADE BY:
SECOND BY:
Mayor/Chair Dutrey
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 — March 2, 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.
Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – April 20, 2026 Page 3 of 9 B. Administrative Reports
1. Consider Receiving and Filing of Treasurer’s Report – February 2026
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 & 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 – February 2026
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 – February 2026 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 – February 2026
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 – February 2026 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 – February 2026
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item B–7
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 20, 2026 Page 4 of 9
8. Consider Approval of MHA Warrant Register – February 2026 ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item B–8
ACTING: Montclair Housing Corporation Board
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; motion carried 5–0.
C. Agreements
1. Consider Ratification of Agreement No. 26–18 with TKE Engineering, Inc. for On–Call Project Management and
Engineering Staff Services
Authorize City Manager Edward C. Starr to Sign Agreement No. 26–18
Council Member Lopez asked if the contract would provide emergency infrastructure response services, such as sewer or pothole repairs.
City Manager Starr clarified this contractor would provide temporary professional engineering services and project support to the Public Works Department. He advised that routine sewer and road maintenance remains the responsibility of City Yard staff, and the City maintains standby vendor agreements for such specialized services on an emergency basis as needed.
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item C–1
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; Motion carried 5–0.
3. Consider Rescinding Agreement No. 25–49, Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 15–63 with the City of Chino, for Interchange Improvements at Central Avenue and State Route 60
Consider Approval of Agreement No. 26–20, Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 15–63 with the City of Chino, for Interchange Improvements at Central Avenue at State Route 60
Consider Authorizing an Additional $5,228 Appropriation from Measure I Funds for a Total Amount of $104,327 for the City’s Fair Share Contribution for the Project
Consider Authorizing City Manager Edward C. Starr to Execute Agreement No. 26–20 and Related Documents
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item C–3
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; Motion carried 5–0.
4. Consider Approval of Agreement No. 26–21 with Pasadena Consulting Group LLC dba Electronic Filing Systems for Use of its eFile Platform to Facilitate the Electronic Filing of Fair Political Practices Commission Disclosure Statements, Subject to Any Revisions Deemed Necessary by the City Attorney
ACTION – Consent Calendar – Item C–4
ACTING: City Council
RESULT: Approved on Consent Calendar; Motion carried 5–0.
D. Resolutions — None
Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – April 20, 2026 Page 5 of 9 IX. PULLED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
2. Consider Authorizing an $890,000 Appropriation from the Redevelopment Project Area No. III Tax Allocation Bond Fund for Costs Related to Construction of the Fremont Avenue
Improvement Project
Consider Award of Contract to Garcon Construction, Inc. in the Amount of $3,082,734.20 for Construction of the Fremont Avenue Improvement Project
Consider Approval of Agreement No. 26–19 with Garcon
Construction, Inc. for Construction of the Fremont Avenue Improvement Project, Subject to Any Revisions Deemed Necessary by the City Attorney
Consider Authorizing a $307,265.80 Construction Contingency for the Fremont Avenue Improvement Project
Will Hernandez, representative of Gentry General Engineering Inc, requested the City Council not reject the company’s bid due to the City’s misunderstanding the subcontracting percentages listed in the bid documents. He asserted that Gentry General Engineering remained in compliance with California’s requirement that prime contractors perform at least 50 percent of the work. He urged the City Council to accept their bid and award the contract to Gentry General Engineering as the lowest responsive bidder.
City Attorney Robbins advised the City Council that the bid documents and Addendum “A” required contractors to specify when only portions of work items would be subcontracted; however, the bid documents submitted by Gentry General Engineering did not indicate partial subcontracting percentages, and staff were required to interpret the listed subcontractors as performing the full value of the associated bid item; therefore, based on this interpretation, subcontracted work in Gentry General Engineering’s proposal accounted for 61.2 percent of the total bid amount, exceeding the allowable 50 percent limit, and rendering the bid nonresponsive. She further advised that accepting a bidder’s clarification after bid submission could create an unfair competitive advantage over other bidders.
Executive Director of Engineering/Major Projects Manager Hoerning noted that contractors had the opportunity to provide additional explanations, attachments, or clarifications prior to bid submission.
Council Member Lopez raised concerns regarding impacts of the project on residential parking along Fremont Avenue due to planned multimodal corridor improvements, bicycle lanes, landscaping, sidewalks, and parking modifications.
City Manager Starr advised that residents would retain driveway access and some parallel street parking, although certain parking spaces would be reduced due to the installation of landscaped parking islands.
ACTION – Item C–2
ACTING: City Council
MOTION: Authorize an $890,000 appropriation from the
Redevelopment Project Area No. III Tax Allocation Bond
Fund for costs related to construction of the Fremont
Avenue Improvement Project (Project);
Award a contract to Garcon Construction, Inc. in the
amount of $3,082,734.20 for construction of the Project; Approve Agreement No. 26–19 with Garcon Construction,
Inc., for construction on the project, subject to any
revisions deemed necessary by the City Attorney; and
Authorize a $307,265.80 construction contingency for the Project.
Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – April 20, 2026 Page 6 of 9 ACTION – Item C–2
MADE BY:
SECOND BY:
Mayor Dutrey
Council Member Mendez
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Mendez, Martinez, Dutrey
Lopez, Ruh
None
None
RESULT: Motion carried 3–2 (Lopez and Ruh opposed).
X. BUSINESS ITEM
A. Consider Adoption of Urgency Ordinance No. 26–1017–U Adding Chapter 11.79 to the Montclair Municipal Code Relating to Additional Development Standards to Facilitate Ministerial Approvals for Development of Multi–Family Housing City–Wide Consider Directing Staff to Process Ordinance No. 26–1017 as a Non–Urgency Ordinance for Consideration by the Planning Commission and City Council in Accordance with California Law and Development Code Hearing Requirements
Amid Nadban, owner of 5093 Mission Boulevard, expressed concern about the potential rezoning of his property from its existing C–3 commercial zoning designation to residential.
City Clerk Myrick read a written comment submitted by Henry Fung stating additional housing could benefit the City’s economy, transit systems, tax revenue base, and overall community vibrancy.
City Manager Starr noted the proposed Ordinance is being adopted under urgency procedures to meet the Housing Element adoption deadline to avoid penalties, and will take effect immediately upon adoption; however, it will be reviewed by the Planning Commission and brought back to the City Council for approval through the normal process with first and second readings.
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez received confirmation that the rezoning affecting Mr. Nazban’s property is necessary to meet the state’s requirements.
Community Development Director Diaz additionally clarified that the property would fall under the new "Neighborhood Edge" zone, permitting residential or mixed–use, and noted that the property was also identified as a housing opportunity site in prior approvals.
Council Member Ruh stated his support for the updated Housing Element, noting the state is not producing enough housing to meet demand and most new housing remains unaffordable for average and lower–income residents.
Council Member Lopez expressed concern about the impact the Ordinance may have on private property owners who may eventually be required to incorporate housing into future development plans, criticized the state for taking away local control and imposing unfunded mandates on cities, and acknowledged staff’s diligent work on the Housing Element since 2021 to comply with the state’s ever–evolving requirements.
Mayor Dutrey discussed the issue from a regional planning perspective through his experience as a representative of Region 9 on the Southern California Association of Governments Board of Directors, explaining that, while population growth in Southern California may level off, household growth will continue, increasing demand for smaller housing units. He discussed Montclair’s historical efforts to provide housing, including affordable housing developments, mobile home communities, and several major residential projects already underway, and criticized the state for imposing new Housing Element requirements during the City’s Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – April 20, 2026 Page 7 of 9 update process. Although frustrated with Governor Newsom’s warning letter, he concluded that the city ultimately must comply with state law to avoid penalties and litigation from the state.
ACTION – BUSINESS ITEM – A
ACTING: City Council
MOTION: Adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 26–1017–U adding chapter
11.79 to the Montclair Municipal Code relating to
additional development standards to facilitate ministerial approvals for developments of multi–family housing City– wide; and
Direct Staff to Process Ordinance No. 26–1017 as a non– urgency Ordinance for consideration by the Planning
Commission and City Council in accordance with California Law and Development Code hearing requirements.
MADE BY:
SECOND BY:
Mayor Dutrey
Council Member Ruh
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Mendez, Ruh, Martinez, Dutrey
None
Lopez
None
RESULT: Motion carried 4–1 (Lopez abstained).
Council Member Lopez noted his abstention is due to his opposition to the impact this Ordinance will have on property owners.
XI. COUNCIL WORKSHOP
A. Master User Fee Schedule Update Presentation
The City Council continued this presentation to an adjourned meeting to be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 5:45 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
XII. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Department Reports
1. Public Works — Arbor Day Event
Executive Director of Engineering/Major Projects Manager Hoerning invited the community to celebrate Arbor Day by planting trees at Sunset Park on April 24, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
B. City Attorney
City Attorney Robbin rescinded her request for the City Council to meet in closed session to discuss the following matters:
1. Regarding Potential Litigation (Two Potential Case) – Gov. Code §54956.9(d)(2)
2. Pursuant to Gov. Code §54956.9(d)(4) Regarding Potential Litigation (Two Potential Case)
3. Pursuant to Gov. Code §54956(d)(1) Regarding Pending Litigation
Chism v. Montclair
Fuentes/Garcia v. Lopez, City of Montclair
Ibanez v. Montclair
Kresback v. Montclair
Young, etc. v. Montclair
Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – April 20, 2026 Page 8 of 9 City Attorney Robbins requested the City Council meet in closed session to discuss the following matters as listed on the agenda:
4. Request to Meet in Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code §54957.6 Regarding Conference with Designated Labor
Negotiator Edward C. Starr
Agency: City of Montclair
Employee Management Employees
Associations: Montclair City Confidential Employees Association Montclair General Employees – Teamsters Local 1932
Montclair Fire Fighters Association
Montclair Police Officers Association
C. City Manager/Executive Director — No comments
D. Mayor/Chair
1. Announcement of Four (4) Scheduled Vacancies on the
Community Activities Commission for Full Four–Year Terms Ending June 30, 2030
Mayor Dutrey announced four scheduled vacancies on the
Community Activities Commission, noting the application deadline is May 1, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.
2. Notice of Cancellation of June 15, 2026 Regular Joint Meeting Mayor/Chair Dutrey advised that the June 15, 2026, regular joint meeting has been cancelled due to the lack of a quorum.
3. Reinstatement of the July 6, 2026 Regular Joint Meeting Mayor/Chair Dutrey reinstated the previously–cancelled July 6, 2026, regular joint meeting.
Mayor/Chair Dutrey reported on his recent trip to Washington, D.C., involving meetings with federal agencies and officials, including the National Endowment for the Arts, Department of Justice, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, U.S.
Rep. Torres (CA–35), and staff from Rep. Gil Cisneros’ (CA–31) Office—which resulted in funding secured for the Central Avenue bridge, Saratoga Park, Montclair Transcenter upgrades, rehabilitation of City–owned affordable housing units, and Police Department; and advised he and City staff met with the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice to discuss immigration
enforcement and police interactions, with plans to meet for further discussion.
E. Council Members/Directors
1. Mayor Pro Tem/ Vice Chair Martinez highlighted the City’s Easter Extravaganza event, promoted the upcoming Bingo Bash
scheduled for May 1st at the senior center, and addressed concerns related to Brown Act discussions, emphasizing the importance of following proper procedures and stating that abstentions should generally be tied to identifiable conflicts of interest rather than avoiding a vote.
2. Council Member/Director Mendez acknowledged the Easter Extravaganza and the Volunteer Recognition event, discussed attending the City of Chino’s State of the City event, where businesses and residents were recognized, and expressed interest in seeing Montclair revive its own former State of the City, and mentioned that former baseball player Orel Hershiser attended the Chino event after purchasing the MK Smith Chevrolet dealership in Chino.
3. Council Member/Director Lopez acknowledged Montclair’s 70th anniversary and highlighted a recent Inland Empire Housing presentation, where developers discussed current regional housing trends and shared concerns about market conditions, rising Joint City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority Commission/ Montclair Community Foundation Board Meeting Minutes – April 20, 2026 Page 9 of 9 interest rates, state housing regulations, and population growth projections, while emphasizing the speaker’s view that local governments should retain more control over housing decisions.
4. Council Member/Director Ruh emphasized the importance of homeownership and intergenerational wealth building,
acknowledged the upcoming Bingo Bash event, congratulated friends and local business owners who were honored at Chino’s State of the City event, and highlighted Montclair’s 70th anniversary, emphasizing the importance of preserving Montclair’s history and legacy for future generations.
F. Committee Meeting Minutes
The following committee minutes were received and filed for informational purposes:
1. Personnel Committee — April 6, 2026
XI. CLOSED SESSION
At 9:21 p.m., the City Council went into closed session to discuss labor negotiations.
XII. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
At 10:00 p.m., the City Council returned from closed session. Mayor Dutrey announced that information was received and direction was given to staff related to labor negotiations, and no further announcements would be made at this time.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:00 p.m., the Successor Agency Board, Montclair Housing Corporation Board, Montclair Housing Authority Commission, and Montclair Community Foundation Board were adjourned.
At 10:00 p.m., the City Council was adjourned to Monday, June 1, 2026, at 5:45 p.m. in the City Council Chambers for a Council Workshop presentation of the Master User Fee Schedule Update.
Submitted for City Council/Successor Agency Board/Montclair Housing Corporation Board/Montclair Housing Authority
Commission/Montclair Community Foundation Board approval, Andrea Myrick,
City Clerk