505 S. Garey Ave
City of Pomona Pomona, CA 91766
Regular Meeting Minutes
City Council / Housing Authority / Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency
Mayor Tim Sandoval
Councilmember John Nolte
Councilmember Victor Preciado
Councilmember Mayor Nora Garcia
Councilmember Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole
Councilmember Steve Lustro
Vice Mayor Robert S. Torres
VISION STATEMENT
Monday, January 24, 2022 7:00 PM Teleconference via Zoom
CLOSED SESSION
5:30 P.M. Teleconference via Zoom, closed to the public
A) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1))
City Attorney
City Clerk
City Manager
B) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6)
Agency designated representative: Human Resources/Risk Management Director Unrepresented employee: City Attorney, City Clerk, City Manager 7:00 P.M. Teleconference via Zoom, closed to the public
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Sandoval called the City Council Meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. and stated there was no reportable action from closed session.
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes January 24, 2022 Successor Agency to the
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor Torres led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present via Zoom: Mayor Tim Sandoval
Councilmember John Nolte
Councilmember Victor Preciado
Councilmember Nora Garcia
Councilmember Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole
Councilmember Steve Lustro
Vice Mayor Robert Torres
STAFF PRESENT via Zoom
Sonia Carvalho, City Attorney
Rosalia Butler, City Clerk
James Makshanoff, City Manager
John DePolis, IT Director
Kirk Pelser, Deputy City Manager
Mark Gluba, Deputy City Manager
Mike Ellis, Police Chief
Linda Matthews, Human Resources Director
Rene Guerrero, Public Works Director
Andrew Mowbray, Finance Director
Aleli Burgos, Deputy Finance Director
Anita Gutierrez, Development Services Director
Geoffrey Starns, Historic Supervisor
Chris Diggs, Water Resources Director
Julie Carver, Environmental Programs Supervisor
Benita DeFrank, Neighborhood Services Director
Beverly Johnson, Housing
Ed Segura, Purchasing Manager
Hugo Medina, Code Enforcement Supervisor
Alan Fortune, Planner
Patrick Ward, GIS Administrator
Hilda Estrada, contracted by the City, provided translation services via Zoom.
MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Ontiveros-Cole spoke about the devastating winds. She also took a tour of Veterans Park Apartments and advised there were still openings there.
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Councilmember Lustro thanked the fire and police departments and all the City departments that have been working hard to clean debris from the streets.
Vice Mayor Torres thanked the City staff and police department for addressing all the resident's issues due to the severe wind event. He stated he is organizing a food drive for all those who lost food due to the prolonged power outage. He thanked residents who came to his event that provided free COVID take home tests and he is in the process of securing more. He encouraged everyone to get the COVID vaccine and upgrade his or her masks.
Councilmember Preciado also thanked all departments who helped residents during the windstorm. He stated he would be holding an event called Community Pull Up on February 1 to give away food and diapers.
Councilmember Garcia thanked the city manager for providing her updates during the windstorm. She spoke about an upcoming tree-planting event at Ganesha Park. She spoke about February as Women's Heart Health Month.
Councilmember Nolte echoed thanks to City staff. He said he was excited about the progress at the Valley/Holt/Fairplex intersection. He spoke about renter protection expiring soon. He asked for an urgent meeting of the ad-hoc displacement committee to discuss the implications for tenants and if it is possible to do anything to protect tenants. He also wanted to see about rent control policies to help tenants.
Mayor Sandoval spoke about the devastating winds, thanked staff, and the community for all their clean-up efforts. He invited residents to an upcoming informational event "Stop the Spread" hosted by PUSD.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager James Makshanoff advised the community that there was a traffic light out at Towne and Bonita that will take up to two weeks to repair. He reported there would be a Zoom area commander meeting this week and there is information on the website about how to join the meeting. On February 22, the City will be doing its annual Homeless Count.
He reported that the City received a $270,000 per capita grant from the State, which will be used for improvements at Hamilton Park. He reported that the public works staff are working on acquiring more bins to place at park sites for the excess green waste.
He requested that an emergency resolution be added to tonight's agendas.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-21 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, PROCLAIMING A LOCAL
EMERGENCY DUE TO THE WINDSTORM ON JANUARY 21 AND 22, 2022.
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MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, CARRIED 7-0, to add this emergency item to the agenda as it came up after the posting of the agenda.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER PRECIADO, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2022-21.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Public Participation - In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic and in accordance with City Council Resolution No. 2022-08 adopted January 10, 2022 regarding the Brown Act and California State Assembly Bill 361 extending the rules regarding virtual meetings and guidance from the California Department of Public Health on gatherings, please note that comments for Public Participation or for a specific item on the agenda were accepted by email and also were accepted live during the meeting via the chat feature on Zoom or voice. Comments received electronically via email were read into the record by the City Clerk.
** PLEASE SEE ATTACHMENT FOR EIGHT (8) EMAIL COMMENTS READ DURING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.
Live comments were as follows:
Gloria Almanza spoke about the City still suffering the effects of the pandemic. She acknowledged the community organizations that are helping the residents through these hard times.
Benjamin Wood from P.U.S.H. spoke on their participation in the Stay Housed LA Initiative and their outreach efforts to inform tenants about their rights and protections. He spoke about tenants' still needing help and protection and the protections that have been in place are already expired from the state or expiring soon from the county. He asked that the council please bring this issue back to the forefront and pass tenant protections to avoid displacement and homelessness.
Don Martens from Compassionate Pomona spoke about expressing gratitude to those that show compassion to individuals in need within the City, which will in turn further perpetuate compassion. Therefore, this month he would like to recognize the City's workers who serve the public and all the groups that work together to form government in the community.
Everyone must work together to be able to benefit everyone.
Yesenia Miranda Meza from P.U.S.H. spoke about the need for tenant protections. She asked whether the council had reached out to Supervisor Solis' office regarding this issue and wondered if the City has a plan if the County does not extend tenant protections. She urged the need for rent stabilization.
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Isela Galindo spoke about the need to pass a policy like City of Santa Ana for rent protection and against unjust evictions. She said this is important to keep stability in families and housing should be a human right.
Miranda Sheffield spoke in support of the extension of rental protection for tenants. She stated that during this time the least our leaders can do is protect those that are most vulnerable. She said that since the housing element is also being discussed that this is a good time to make a sustainable policy that helps housing issues instead of having to continually come back to council to put policies in place that have deadlines.
Darrell Kruse spoke about his concern with the process on how cannabis businesses were now being allowed in the City and his frustration with how cannabis has been viewed and handled in the City in the past specifically in regards to medical cannabis.
Arleen Yaz Alonso from Gente Organizada asked the council to extend rent protections and moratorium on unjust evictions to protect families hit hard by the pandemic. The protections currently in place have allowed families to take care of their health first and foremost.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, CARRIED 7-0, to approve the entire consent calendar except for Item 3 which was voted on in a separate motion.
1. Approval of Lot Line Adjustment LLA1-2021, Assessor Parcel Numbers 8327-019-004 and -005, for Improved Business Operations of the Mixed use Property Located at 1330-1344 S. Reservoir Street, Pomona (Council District 3) It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-11 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING LOT LINE
ADJUSTMENT LLA1-2021, FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 1330-1344 S. RESERVOIR STREET, ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBERS 8327-019-004 AND -005
2) Authorize the City Engineer to sign the Lot Line Adjustment LLA1-2021 on behalf of the City.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2022-11.
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2. Approval of Annual Audit Reports, Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2021 It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the annual audit reports for fiscal year ended June 30, 2021.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt receive and file the annual audit reports for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021.
3. Adoption of an Updated "Policy for Naming of a City Facility" It is recommended that the City Council adopt the "Policy for Naming of a City Facility to replace the existing "Policy for Naming of Park and Recreation Facilities." This item was pulled for a speaker comment.
** PLEASE SEE ATTACHMENT FOR ONE (1) EMAIL COMMENT READ REGARDING THIS ITEM.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER NOLTE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt the "Policy for Naming of a City Facility".
4. Adoption of Resolution to Continue Virtual Meetings for City Council and City Board, Commissions and Committees Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Pursuant to Assembly Bill 361
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-17 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, MAKING FINDINGS AND DETERMINATIONS UNDER AB 361 FOR THE CONTINUATION OF VIRTUAL MEETINGS
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2022-17.
5. Adoption of a Resolution Accepting a Donation of One (1) New Police K-9 from the Rotary Club
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-07 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF ONE (1) NEW POLICE K-9 IN AN IN-KIND AMOUNT OF $10,500 FROM THE ROTARY CLUB
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MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2022-07.
DISCUSSION
6. Finding of Public Benefit to the Community at Large-Recommended Expenditure(s) and Recap of Expended Funds
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Approve the expenditure(s) recommended and make the finding that the community at large will receive a public benefit from the expenditure of funds for the recommended items); and
A) Amount to be determined to Pomona American Little League in support of finger printing for Board Members and Coaches - Requested Amount: $1,500 B) Amount to be determined in support of Little Free Libraries- Requested Amount: TBD
2) Receive and file the recap of final amounts for previously approved projects/activities.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, SECOND BY MAYOR SANDOVAL, CARRIED 7-0, to make a finding of public benefit for Items A-B.
7. Update regarding Sidewalk Vending Enforcement Activities It is recommended that City Council take the following actions:
1) View staff's presentation on sidewalk vending enforcement activities; 2) Review the information contained therein; and
3) Receive and file the report.
Deputy City Manager Mark Gluba and Code Enforcement Supervisor Hugo Medina gave the staff presentation.
** PLEASE SEE ATTACHMENT FOR ONE (1) EMAIL COMMENT READ REGARDING THIS ITEM.
Live comment was as follows:
Miranda Sheffield expressed shock and displeasure with the presentation focusing on enforcement rather than how the City can create better processes to help get street vendors in compliance. She said everyone enjoys the street vendors and the City should City of Pomona Page 7
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be helping and not talking about enforcement.
Councilmembers asked questions and made comments regarding this item.
Mayor Sandoval spoke about looking in to use of ARP funds to develop specific processes to help this issue and there will be a working group to discuss that.
This item was a receive and file item so no action was taken.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. Adopt a Resolution to Allow for an Adjustment of Pomona Choice Energy Rates It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Continue Public Hearing;
2) Adopt the following resolutions:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-06 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, ADJUSTING RATES FOR POMONA
CHOICE ENERGY COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION PROGRAM
and
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-09 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE FY 2021-22 OPERATING BUDGET BY APPROPRIATING $2,400,000 FROM WATER FUND RESERVES AND TRANSFERRING $2,400,000 TO THE POMONA CHOICE
ENERGY AUTHORITY FUND, APPROVE A PAYBACK SCHEDULE TO THE
WATER FUND FROM THE POMONA CHOICE ENERGY AUTHORITY FUND AND AMEND THE FY 2021-22 OPERATING BUDGET BY
INCREASING REVENUE ESTIMATES AND APPROPRIATIONS IN
THE AMOUNT OF $2,400,000
Water Resources Director Chris Diggs gave only a brief overview as this was a continued item and a staff presentation was given at a previous meeting.
There were no written or verbal comments for this public hearing item.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER NOLTE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 5-2 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE AND VICE MAYOR TORRES OPPOSED) to adopt Resolution No. 2022-06 and Resolution No. 2022-09.
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**Prior to opening the public hearing for Item No. 9, the Mayor acknowledged that he made an error during Public Hearing Item No. 8, as he did not open and close the public hearing, he had only asked the City Clerk if there were any comments. The City Attorney and the City Clerk advised that as long as this acknowledgement was part of the record in the minutes then they could move forward to the next item.
9. Public Hearing Amending the Consolidated Plan, the FY 2021-22 Annual Action Plan and the FY 2021-22 City Operating Budget for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Community Development Block Grant Corona Virus (CDBG-CV), HOME Partnerships Program (HOME), Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG), Lead Hazard Reduction and Health Homes (LHRHH), CALHOME Funds, and Appropriating Program Income for CDBG and HOME Programs
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-10 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE CONSOLIDATED PLAN, THE FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2021-22 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN AND THE FY 2021-22 CITY
OPERATING BUDGET BY INCREASING/DECREASING REVENUE ESTIMATES
AND APPROPRIATIONS AND REALLOCATING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT (CDBG), COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
CORONA VIRUS (CDBG-CV), HOME PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM (HOME),
EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT (ESG), LEAD HAZARD REDUCTION AND
HEALTHY HOMES (LHRHH), CALHOME FUNDS AND APPROPRIATING
PROGRAM INCOME FOR CDBG AND HOME PROGRAMS
Neighborhood Services Director Benita DeFrank gave the staff presentation.
The Mayor opened the Public Hearing and with no public comments, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2022-10.
10. Appeal of Minor Certificate of Appropriateness No. 16810-2021 It is recommended that the Council approve one of the two following options:
1) Deny the appeal and uphold the Historic Preservation Commission and Staff's decision to deny the request to install a front yard fence on the basis that the proposed location of the fence would enclose a historically open front yard. or
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2) Approve the appeal and the request to install the proposed fence as proposed and recommend that Staff issue Minor Certificate of Appropriateness (MINCOA 16810-2021).
Development Services Director and Historic Supervisor Geoffrey Starns gave the staff presentation.
The Mayor opened the Public Hearing.
Live comments were as follows:
Mirna Sanchez, a resident of the Wilton Heights district, gave her time to Gary Aguirre.
Discussion took place regarding how much time the appellant and applicants would be given to speak.
Gary Aguirre, appellant, said that safety should take precedence over historic preservation.
He said he has tried several other things including asking for more streetlights and working with the police department before coming to the conclusion that a fence is needed. He said that a fence is needed for safety reasons and he is willing to follow any historic preservation guidelines regarding time appropriate style fence or type of fence materials.
He understands a fence is just a deterrent but without a fence, local law enforcement cannot do their job to enforce no trespassing on the property. He asked several questions regarding fees, commission's procedures regarding certificate of appropriateness, how the City benefits from historic districts
Kristy Therrien, applicant, spoke about wanting to keep the look in the yard the same as mentioned in the zoning code and her plan was to grow plants up the fence. She spoke about the safety issues and illegal activities occurring in her driveway. She expressed frustration with strangers who have no boundaries regarding her property.
Shawn Therrien, applicant, said that his wife had spent a lot of time researching the right type of fence to fit the historical era. He spoke more about their personal safety and the constant illegal activity happening in their neighborhood. He expressed frustration that their safety was not as important to people as maintaining the historic look.
The Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
Councilmembers asked questions and made comments about this item. There was discussion about reviewing and clarifying the language of the ordinance with regard to whether fences are allowed or not so that it will be clearer to residents what is allowed in their historic district.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER NOLTE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER
ONTIVEROS-COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to deny the appeal and uphold the Historic City of Pomona Page 10
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Preservation Commission and Staff's decision to deny the request to install a front yard fence on the basis that the proposed location of the fence would enclose a historically open front yard.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council Meeting adjourned at 10:51 p.m. on January 24, 2022.
Respectfully submitted, ATTEST:
ROSALIA A. BUTLER, MMC TIM SANDOVAL
City Clerk/Secretary of the Pomona Mayor/Chair of the Pomona Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Redevelopment Agency
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JANUARY 24, 2022 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
PUBLIC COMMENTS
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
FANELLY MILLAN
JOSE DIAZ
EVELIA ROCHA
NATALY BAUTISTA
MELLY MURGA
CARLOS GOYTIA
BRENDA CHAVEZ
PRISCILLA MERLO
CATALINA GOYTIA
FABIAN PAVON
LIGIA ANDERSON
CLAUDIA BAUTISTA- Good evening Mayor Sandoval, members of the council, city Staff & community members. My name is Jose Diaz. I am a tenant & community organizer in Pomona. Our rent protections are expiring on January 31, 2022. I am requesting an recently passed a new set of rent protections and a ban on unjust evictions and we think that Pomona City Council can do the same. On top of existing hardship due to the pandemic, not extending payment of rent deadlines or not banning unjust evictions would unduly harm the safety and well-being of tenants, sending many to the streets and thus exacerbating a public health crisis. In summation, please consider adopting the following course of action: 1) extend the rent payment deadline, and 2) put a moratorium on unjust evictions.
DEBRA MENDEZ - Good evening Mayor Sandoval and members of the city council. My name is Debra Mendez and I am a lifelong Pomona resident and a Stay Housed LA Lead for the County of Los Angeles. As SHLA Lead, I've spent the last year helping tenants with their issues during a global pandemic. As I'm sure you are well aware, our tenant protections are about to expire on January 31, 2022. Although there is a possibility they will be extended AGAIN, this is just a bandaid to an underlying problem. If you really want to address the housing issue long-term, city legislature needs to be addressed. What this pandemic has brought to light is the need for rent control. Please extend tenant protections for Pomona residents and a ban on unjust evictions. The City of Santa Ana recently passed new rent protections and a ban on unjust evictions and used The City of Pomona data for justification for their ordinance (http://www.santa-ana.org/rso). Don't you think the residents of Pomona deserve the same? Please be the change agent that fights for its residents. Thank you for your time.
DICK BUNCE - To the Mayor and City Council,
Please do everything humanly possible to prevent evictions when rent payment protections expire on January 31. Eviction in the midst of winter season is an unimaginable hardship on individuals and families and will compound the health challenges in this time of pandemic.
CATHY TESSIER - We have heard today that there may a presentation before the Council in the meeting this evening, 1.24.2022, regarding matters of rental housing.
Rental housing, as an industry, has undergone recent serious challenges (as has its residents). We are already operating under the rules of a state rent control program.
There have been nearly 3 years of rent raise prohibition, eviction moratorium for 2 years, and rent non-payment programs that have severely affected rental income. Some tenants don't/can't pay rent; owners are often not reimbursed by any government programs.
Additionally, the costs to service and upgrade rentals have greatly increased: salaries by 10 to 15% or more, repair items, at least by 15% or more, and major increases in utility costs. Most rental housing owners are responsible, complying with regulations, and trying their best to cope with the pandemic crises. We urge the council to consider and study very seriously any rulings that affect the Pomona rental housing business. Further restrictions that have already negatively affected the industry have already discouraged investment in rentals (especially by small investors, such as purchases for small complexes, duplexes, etc.) Pomona needs more rental housing. Making it difficult, costly, and unrealistic to own (and/or build new) rental buildings denies housing to Pomona. Thank you for your consideration.
FERNANDO ROMERO - Dear Mayor and City Council,
My name is Fernando Romero, I am the Executive Director for the Pomona Economic Opportunity Center. I am submitting a public comment today in support of an extension on protections for tenants and renters in Pomona. The protections for renters are set to expire on Jan. 31st. We are asking to support an extension on the protections but also an extension on unjust evictions. Our community members in Pomona are still facing difficulties in bouncing back from the effects of this pandemic and need support of community leaders. Thank you.
CINDY RAMOS - My name is Cindy Ramos and I am a resident and voter of Pomona, and so is my entire family and circle of friends. Developers and property owners need to be restricted!! We need rent control measures expanded!! In Pomona, like other small cities with a majority of people of color, families generations of families, live near each other to survive the day to day grind, networking with their family members and close by friends & community for support like child care, disability services, transportation, food are selling entire families and communities out to the highest bidders knowingly and willingly!! As it is, we're being forced into cohabitating with more people, well over the capacity of our living spaces, in order to combine incomes to meet the demands of increasing rents! Sharing smaller spaces is dangerous as we continue to see new variants in a pandemic that's looking like it will last forever and just keep getting worse! This is literally killing us!
RAAM RAVI - Good evening to the council members and to the mayor of Pomona. My name is Raam Ravi and I work for Pomona United Stable Housing (PUSH) and for the Pomona Economic Opportunity Center (PEOC). I am writing to request a rent extension for the renters/tenants of the city of Pomona due to systemic injustices that have occurred over the course of not only this pandemic but also over multiple generations of housing policies that have not adequately met the needs of the vast majority of residents of the city. I am requesting that: 1) immediate rent freezes be adopted to make sure that renters receive some sort of financial protection that they otherwise would not receive, 2) a ban on unjust evictions be implemented due to the public health crises that evictions would create in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, and 3) that the city of Pomona adopt a rent control ordinance similar to the rent control ordinance that was recently adopted in the city of Santa Ana. Implementation of the above policies will lead to a better quality of life for all. Thank you for your time.
ANEL HERNANDEZ - Good Evening, My name is Anel Hernandez and I am here today to request permanent protections for renters in the city of Pomona. Not only as a COVID 19 relief, but also long-term rent control. Los Angeles County protections expire 1/31/2022 and this only supports that Pomona needs to implement our own protections, such as a rent control ordinance. In my time as a volunteer with Pomona United for Stable Housing, I have encountered too many families being displaced because they can no longer afford rent. It is bad enough that the rent and housing markets continue to increase, but we are also still living through a pandemic that I am sure has affected us all as a collective in one way or another. I appreciate your efforts with the Pro Housing element, but Pomona does not only need an 8-year plan, we need action to be taken NOW. Actions that can keep folks in their homes and provide the stability that is so desperately needed TODAY. As city council, it is within your power to help improve our community, and I hope you all find the compassion to do whatever it takes to keep our beloved folks in their homes. Thank you.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 3 (Adoption of an Updated "Policy for Naming of a City Facility")
HANK FUNG - Having a policy is a good start, however there needs to be a provision for unnaming facilities not just for reason of "falsely credited with the honor for which the facility was named", but also is the individual is found to be convicted of, or have substantial evidence of if they are dead, a felony or serious misdemeanor. For example, in the city of Los Angeles several council members have pled guilty to felony corruption.
Many public figures have been convicted or credibly accused of sexual misconduct. There needs to be a provision such that future City Councils can choose to strip names if needed to prevent embarrassment for the city. J
DISCUSSION CALENDAR ITEM NO. 7 (Update Regarding Sidewalk Vending Enforcement Activities)
HANK FUNG - I find that street vendors add benefit to Pomona. At this time of the pandemic, it should be assumed that anyone purchasing food, services, or other goods from these vendors is doing so at their own risk. All of their activity is out in the open and the public can judge whether it is appropriate to patronize them or not. While I think they need to be careful not to block sidewalks, it is important not to put our police or code enforcement of risk to enforce something that many Pomonans enjoy. I also note that on the last slide for 1645 West Holt Avenue, it shows a food truck which is permitted throughout LA County and is definitely permitted by the Health Department. Food trucks, in particular, should be permitted throughout the city if they have health department permits, as the food safety aspect has been reviewed.
Note: Comment incorporated into meeting minutes as submitted and received by the City Clerk's Office.