CLOSED SESSION
5:30 P.M. Teleconference via Zoom, closed to the public- No Closed Session items
A) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - PENDING LITIGATION
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1))
Julian Shelby Bryant, a minor, By and Through His Guardian Ad Litem, Rochelle Bryant and Jerry Bryant vs. City of Pomona; and Foothill Transit and D OES 1 to 20; City of Pomona vs. James Edward Reed, Jr. Foothill Transit; and ROES 1 through 20, Inclusive
Superior Court Case No. 19STCV46308
B) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1))
Chino Basin Municipal Water District vs. City of Chino, et al.
San Bernardino County Superior Court Case No. RCVRS 51010
C) CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8)
505 S. Garey Ave
Pomona, CA 91766 City of Pomona
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
Pomona will be recognized as a vibrant, safe, beautiful community that is a fun and exciting destination and the home of arts and artists, students and scholars, business and industry. 7:00 PM Monday, April 4, 2022 Teleconference via Zoom
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Property: Palm Lake
(APN No’s: 8343-016-013 & 8343-016-001)
Negotiating Parties: 1) Chino Development League
2) 1500 Phillips LLC
City’s Negotiator: James Makshanoff, City Manager
Under Negotiation: Price and terms
D) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6)
Part Time Unrepresented Employees
Part Time General Employees Unit
Unrepresented Group A and B Employees
Unrepresented Mid-Management Group C-2 Employees
Pomona City Employees’ Association, a Chapter of Teamsters Local 1932 Pomona Mid-Management Confidential Employees Association (PMMCEA) Pomona Police Officers Association (PPOA)
Pomona Police Managers Association (PPMA)
Labor Negotiators: James Makshanoff and Linda Matthews 7:00 P.M. Teleconference via Zoom, closed to the public
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Sandoval called the City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Sonia Carvalho stated there was no reportable action from Closed Session.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Preciado 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
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STAFF PRESENT via Zoom
James Makshanoff, City Manager
Sonia Carvalho, City Attorney
Rosalia Butler, City Clerk
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
Arnold Dichosa, City Engineer
Andrew Mowbray, Finance Director
Anita Gutierrez, Development Services Director
Alina Barron, Planner
Ata Khan, Planning Manager
Chris Diggs, Water Resources Director
Benita DeFrank, Neighborhood Services Director
Mike Osoff, Community Services Manager
Daniel Lucinian, IT Systems Technician
Hilda Estrada, contracted by the City, provided translation services via Zoom.
PRESENTATIONS
*Proclamation Proclaiming April 2022 as “Acts of Kindness Month” in the City of Pomona Councilmember Lustro and Mayor Sandoval read the proclamation.
MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Lustro reminded District 5 and 1 residents that Saturday April 9 is the community clean up date at Pomona Valley Transfer Station. He thanked volunteers for helping at a recent tree planting in Phillips Ranch.
Councilmember Preciado thanked those that participated in the District 2 and 3 community clean up. He stated that Pomona residents could dispose of tires at Pacific Tire Shop. He thanked the Chamber of Commerce and DPOA for putting on the Promenade Festival. He spoke about the next Community Pull-Up Event at a mobile home park on 9th Street.
Councilmember Ontiveros-Cole said that this month is Distracted Driving Awareness month and remi nded everyone to drive safe. She spoke about upcoming Easter Egg Hunts at Garfield, Philadelphia, Kennedy, and Westmont Parks. She expressed condolences to the families of the recent Sacramento shooting.
Councilmember Nolte attended the grand opening of the class 4 bike lane and expressed support for all efforts to make Pomona more bike friendly. He expressed hope for Ganesha City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes April 4, 2022 Successor Agency to the
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Park to be connected to Cal Poly Pomona along San Jose Creek.
Councilmember Garcia said that April is Sexual Assault Awareness Mo nth and Project Sister will be at a few upcoming community events to speak on that. She said that the Pomona Library will have an Easter Egg Hunt on April 13.
Mayor Sandoval visited St Joseph’s Catholic Elementary. He attended an event hosted by Way World Outreach at the Civic Center. He spoke about the LA District Attorney and several public prosecutor’s offices establishing a pilot program to aid human trafficking victims. He announced that Pomona Beautiful will meet on Center Street to pick up trash at the Transit Center.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager James Makshanoff announced this week is Fine Forgiveness at the Pomona Library. He advertised the Pomona Library’s Easter Event on April 13. The plann ing division has a call for visual art to be displayed in the City. Coffee with a Cop with be at Farmer Boys on April 6.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Public Participation - In response to the global COVID -19 pandemic and in accordance with City Council Resolution No. 2022-56 adopted March 21, 2022 regarding the Brown Act and California State Assembly Bill 361 extending the rules regarding virtual meetings and guidance from th e 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 recei ved electronically via email were read into the record by the City Clerk.
** PLEASE SEE ATTACHMENT FOR FOURTEEN (14) EMAIL COMMENTS READ DURING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.
Live comments were as follows:
Eunice Russell expressed her concerns about the Independent Redistricting Commission and the adoption of the new map for districts in Pomona.
Frank Guzman from the Pomona Pride Center spoke about a grant they have been awarded from the California Department of Education. They have moved into a new location in downtown Pomona and invited the council to visit. He invited the community to upcoming events like a Youth Empowerment Summit.
Don Martens from Compassionate Pomona spoke about a book called The Rabbit Effect by Dr. Kelli Harding and shared what he learned about compassion for others and how compassion affects your overall health. He shared that Compassionate Pomona and the City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes April 4, 2022 Successor Agency to the
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City of Pomona Page 5
Pomona Library Foundation will be doing a study on this book.
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 h as been viewed and handled in the City in the past specifically in regards to medical cannabis.
Jason Scott expressed his belief that his family is being unfairly targeted by the code enforcement department regarding a pop up trailer parked in his drivewa y. He believes the code used to fine them is not being applied evenly or fairly.
Paige Piontkowsy from the Pomona Pride Center spoke about the upcoming Youth Empowerment Summit at the Village Conference Center on April 9.
Martin Perez asked about the Hamilton Park construction. He said that the community needs more advance notice for the meetings for the parks master plan. He also said water faucets at the park need repair or replacement.
M Joyce Bakersmith expressed her belief that a council meeting should not be held at 3 p.m. as it is scheduled on April 6.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER NOLTE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to approve the entire Consent Calendar except for Item No. 8, which was voted on in a separate motion.
1. Approval of City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes
It is reco mmended that the City Council approve the following City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes:
March 21, 2022 Meeting Minutes
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER NOLTE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO , CARRIED 7-0, to approve the meeting minutes of March 21, 2022.
2. Adopt a Resolution Amending the FY 2021 -22 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget By Reappropriating $40,000 of Measure R Funds and $122,427 of Series “BI (AX/AI)” Bond Proceeds Funds; Award of Construction Contract to Gentry Brothers, Inc. In the Amount of $2,335,606
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Adopt the following resolution:
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RESOLUTION NO. 2022 -57 - A RESOLUTION OF TH E CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE FY 2021-22 CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) BUDGET BY RELEASING AND
UNAPPROPRIATING $40,000 OF MEASURE R FUNDS AND $122,427 OF SERIES “BI (AX/AI)” BOND PROCEEDS FUNDS FROM “STREET
IMPROVEMENTS - DISTRICT 5,” PROJECT NO. 428 -2590-XXXXX-71045, THEREBY CLOSING THE PROJECT, AND APPROPRIATING $40,000 OF MEASURE R FUNDS AND $122,427 OF SERIES “BI (AX/AI)” BOND PROCEEDS FUNDS TO “STREET PRESERVATION - LOCAL (FY 21 -22),” PROJECT NO. 428-2590-XXXXX-68572
2) Award a construction contract to Gentry Brothers, Inc. for “Street Preservation - Local (FY 21 -22),” Project No. 428 -2590-XXXXX-68572 (All Base Bids and Additive Alternates) in the amount of $2,335,606; and
3) Find that the project referenced above is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301(c) and that the proposed project will not have a significant effect on the environment; and 4) Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the construction contract, as well as all related documents (permits, etc.).
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER NOLTE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO , CARRIED 7 -0, to adopt Resolution No. 2022 -57; award a construction contract to Gentry Brothers, Inc. for “Street Preservation - Local (FY 21 -22),” Project No. 428-2590-XXXXX-68572 (All Base Bids and Additive Alternates) in the amount of $2,335,606; and find that the project referenced above is categor ically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301(c) and that the proposed project will not have a significant effect on the environment; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the construction co ntract, as well as all related documents (permits, etc.)
3. Approval of Amended Overhead Street Banner and Park Banner Regulations It is recommended that the City Council approve the amended Overhead Street Banner and Park Banner Regulations
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER NOLTE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO , CARRIED 7 -0, to approve the amended Overhead Street Banner and Park Banner Regulations.
4. Authorize the Submittal of a Tri -City Mental Health Services Community Wellbeing Grant Application
It is recommended that the City Council authorize staff to submit a Community City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes April 4, 2022 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
City of Pomona Page 7
Wellbeing Grant application through Tri-City Mental Health Services.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER NOLTE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO , CARRIED 7-0, to authorize staff to submit a Community Wellbeing Grant application through Tri-City Mental Health Services.
5. Adopt a Resolution Amending the FY 2021 -22 Operating Budget for the Senior Citizen Nutrition Grant Fund and Acce pt Funds from LA County Elderly Nutrition Grant Program in the Amount of $172,941
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022 -54 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE FY 2021 -22
OPERATING BUDGET BY INCREASING REVENUE ESTIMATES AND
APPROPRIATIONS BY $172,941 AND ACCEPT FUNDS FROM THE LOS
ANGELES COUNTY ELDERLY NUTRITION GRANT PROGRAM IN THE
AMOUNT OF $172,941
2) Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the amendment following review by the City Attorney.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER NOLTE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO , CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2022-54.
6. Approval of Tract Map TM No. 74367 for the Property Located at 1198 -1236 S. San Antonio Avenue, Pomona, CA, Assessor Parcel Numbers 8327 -005-007 and -008, Related to the Subdivision and Development of a 14 -Unit Residential Condominium Project (Council District 3)
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022 -61 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING TRACT MAP TM NO. 74367 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1198 -1236 S. SAN ANTONIO AVENUE, ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBERS 8327-005-007 AND -008
2) Authorize the City Engineer to sign the Tr act Map TM No. 74367 on behalf of the City.
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MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER NOLTE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO , CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2022-61.
7. Approval of Summary Vacation VU2 -2021 of the City’ s Unused Sewer Easement Located within Block 83 of the Pomona Tract M.R. 03/90 -91, Assessor Parcel Number 8341-010-050, Related to the Residential Development at 508 W. Mission Boulevard, Pomona, CA, and Approval of Quitclaim Deed for the Vacated Easement (Council District 2)
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Adopt the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022 -62 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, ORDERING THE SUMMARY
VACATION VU2-2021 OF THE CITY’S UNUSED SEWER EASEMENT WITHIN BLOCK 83 OF THE POMONA TRACT M.R. 03/90 -91, FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 508 W. MISSION BOULEVARD, ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBER 8341-010-050, AND APPROVING QUITCLAIM DEED FOR THE VACATED
EASEMENT
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the quitclaim deeds on behalf of the City.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER NOLTE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO , CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2022-62.
8. Consideration of a Finding of Public Convenience or Necessity (PCN) for an Off-Sale Beer & Wine License in Conjunction with a Convenience Market Located at 269 North Park Avenue.
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022 -64 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A REQUEST FOR A FINDING OF
PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY AS REQUIRED FOR AN OFF -SALE BEER AND WINE LICENSE (TYPE 20) IN CONJUNCTION WITH A
CONVENIENCE MARKET LOCATED 269 N. PARK AVENUE
This item was pulled for discussion by Councilmember Nolte.
Development Service Director Anita Gutierrez explained that this item is related to the public hearing item and council could choose to hear this item after the public hearing.
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The Mayor moved this item to be heard after Public Hearing Item 11.
(After Item 11) Planner Alina Barron gave the staff presentation for this item.
Applicant Maritza Osorio thanked the council for their consideration.
Councilmembers asked questions and made comments regarding this item.
MOTION BY MAYOR SANDOVAL , SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO , CARRIED 6-1 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS -COLE IN OPPOSITION) , to adopt Resolution No. 2022-64.
DISCUSSION
9. 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 item(s); and
A) Amount to be determined to Victory Outreach Church of Pomona support of their Easter Community Outreach – Requested Amount: $1,000
B) Amount to be determined to Eagles Lodge support of their Easter Egg Hunt – Requested Amount: TBD
2) Receive and file the recap of final amounts for previously approved projects/activities.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER PRECIADO, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER NOLTE, CARRIED 7-0, to make a finding of public benefit for Item A-B.
10. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Article XII of the Pomona City Code Pertaining to Yard Sales
It is recommended that the City Council introduce, waive further and give first reading to the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. 4313 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION XII OF THE POMONA CITY
CODE PERTAINING TO YARD SALES
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MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO , SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to introduce on first reading Ordinance No. 4313.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
11. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Adopting a Specific Plan Amendment (SPA 16021-2021)
It is recommended that the City Council open the public hearing an d after receiving testimony and public comment close the public hearing, introduce, waive further and give first reading to the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. 4314 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA APPROVING A SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT (SPA 16021 -2021) AMENDING SECTION 2.3.2, TABLE 2 -5 LAND USE MATRIX OF THE
DOWNTOWN POMONA SPECIFIC PLAN TO ALLOW CONVENIENCE MARKETS
BY-RIGHT AND ALCOHOL SALES (ON -SALE) AND ALCOHOL SALES (OFF-SALE) BY CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT WITHIN THE RESIDENTIAL
MULTI-FAMILY DISTRICT
Planner Alina Barron gave the staff presentation.
Development Services Director Anita explained what approval of this item would mean.
The Mayor opened the Public Hearing and with no public comments, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
Councilmembers asked questions and made comments regarding this item.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER PRECIADO, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER NOLTE, CARRIED 7-0, to introduce on first reading Ordinance No. 4314.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council Meeting adjourned at 9:44 p.m. on April 4, 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
APRIL 4, 2022 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
PUBLIC COMMENTS
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
CHRIS FAULL – Mayor Sandoval and the Members of the Pomona City Council:
The presentation on Street Vendors a few weeks ago was very informative. It was interesting that the question was raised about liability with the vendors being allowed to set up on city sidewalks. We have been asking that question for months and no one has been able to provide an answer. Liability needs to be decided before any more vendors are allowed to set up in Pomona. There are many Pomona residents who are not in favor of allowing street vendors to set up wherever they want. We believe that the City Council Members need to be more vigilant in supporting brick -and-mortar restaurants. The City does not need to provide money for any more individuals to set up businesses on the streets. Efforts need to be concentrated on getting legitimate businesses into the city. It was mentioned that other cities in the area do not have sidewalk vendors. This does not mean Pomona needs them…it means that they should not be allowed in any city.
BRET BIELEFELD – Mayor Sandoval and the Members of the Pomona City Council:
By the city’s definition, I have been a Pomona business owner in District 6 for over 40 years. I have never met any of you. I have never called on any of you for favors. I do not live in Pomona. This does not mean, however, that I do not care about Pomona. No one from the City has ever reached out to me when decisions regarding my business are being discussed. The owner of every rental unit located in Pomona is obligated to pay $44.00 per year for a business license. What do we get in return for this fee? Obviously, not respect from the members of the Pomona City Council. When the word “slumlord” is used by one of you, it is insulting. If tenants have a problem with a few landlords, then direct your attention to those specific issues. To viciously go after all of us because of the actions of a few is not fair. My tenants are happy. I understand Pomona financially supports an organization that employs someone who continues to attack housing providers. Tenants do not have to pay occupancy taxes. Why do tenants have a financial political advantage over the landlords who have to pay without having a seat at the table? It is time you had a conversation with the housing providers in the City. You may be surprised how many support Pomona and are actually taking very good care of their tenants.
LINDA HALLMAN – Mayor Sandoval and the Members of the Pomona City Council:
I have lived in my home in Pomona for nine years and my owner has never raised my rent. It is not fair when you make blanket statements about landlords. Mine has been very thoughtful and understanding, especially during Covid. The members of the Pomona City Council need to be more respectful towards housing providers. Many of us would be on the street without them.
MARY PRENDERGAST – Mayor Sandoval and the Members of the Pomona City Council:
My office recently relinquished a property management account in Pomona. Our tenant moved out and we met with the owner to turn over the keys and check the property. When asked if they should rent the house out again or sell, we had to be truthful and suggest they sell. The Rental Moratorium voted in by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has made it impossible for Realtors who specialize in property management to do their job. It is important for everyone to understand that owners’ property rights have been taken away and as a result, we are losing rental properties in Pomona. It is imperative that you do not make things harder for those trying to provide housing in Pomona. It is important that you listen and understand both sides.
RIKKI FINE – Mayor Sandoval and the Members of the Pomona City Council:
I recently received a flyer from a successful real estate agent bragging about all the properties he had sold in Phillips Ranch and Mountain Meadows. I would think you would find it embarrassing that local Realtors will n ot even advertise that the homes they are listing and selling are located in Pomona. I recently drove down Holt Avenue. It is embarrassing. No wonder reputable businesses are leaving Pomona. We need to support local business owners…not encourage out -of-town street vendors. The “unhoused” should not be allowed to loiter, disrobe, sleep and defecate anywhere they wish. What happened to normal decency? I understand that some of you are already campaigning for the next city council election. How can you be proud to lead a city that looks like Pomona does? What can residents do to support you in raising the living standards in Pomona? Something has got to be done.
GREG ESTEL – Mayor Sandoval and the Members of the Pomona City Council:
It is time politicians gave rights back to property owners. When Real Estate Law is taught at the college level, students learn about the requirements for a valid contract. They are not made aware, however, that a valid contract can become null and void by the stroke of a politician’s pen. Government representatives should not be dipping their hands in private enterprise. Currently, politicians talk about protecting tenants. What about protections for the property owners? Landlords cannot sell without strings attached.
Individuals can fraudulently move into properties and owners have to go to the expense of evicting those not legally on rental agreements. Housing providers are struggling financially and no one is listening! Owners should be allowed the freedom to run their own businesses.
MICHAEL SIMONDS – Mayor Sandoval and the Members of the Pomona City Council:
You were so generous to give grocery store workers appreciation pay for working hard during the pandemic. Now they are thanking you by threatening to stri ke! There are a lot of people who never stopped working during the pandemic. Where is our recognition? Housing providers continue to be harassed, but they never stopped working. Plumbers, electricians and contractors didn’t stop working. We should have all been considered as essential workers. People who were able to work during the pandemic should feel fortunate they were able to keep their jobs. Now, no one wants to work! Tenants are under the impression they do not have to pay rent. The current attitude is “Sign up with housing is key and you will not be evicted.” It is taking months to get any kind of response from the government. What are you telling those who’s retirement is their rental property as they are facing foreclosure? This is just not fair. Everyone needs to be held accountable for their personal situations. Continuing to give handouts and accepting excuses for irresponsible behavior is not providing a positive environment in our City.
People need to return to work. Tenants need to pay rent. We all need to be encouraged to be responsible citizens. Please take care of the City’s issues and let the business community members make decisions for themselves.
SHARON WILLISON – Mayor Sandoval and the Members of the Pomona City Council:
One of my clients drove past by business last night and reported how disgusting the adjoining neighborhood was. I applaud the Mayor and his Tuesday morning crew for cleaning up areas of Pomona. What, in addition, can be done? Why is a broken -down camper with trash thrown everywhere allowed to be parked on the city streets for months at a time? It is time people be held accountable for their actions. Instead of taking away the rights of property owners, perhaps government officials can work wit h owners for a win/win solution. I have heard positive things about our Code Enforcement Department.
Instead of reacting to complaints (which I am sure a lot are retaliatory), perhaps inspectors can be more proactive towards the areas hardest hit by vand alism. Our business has spanned four generations and I want to be proud of our City. It is hard to do that when it shows no pride of leadership.
DYLAN QUERIO – Mayor Sandoval and the Members of the Pomona City Council:
Before you start generalizing hous ing providers as “slumlords” you need to look in the mirror. As I was driving through Pomona the other night, the scenery provided litter, graffiti, shopping carts, a man with his pants half-pulled down, people asleep at bus stops, trash and people loitering at different intersections. Contrary to statements presented by others during Public Comment recently, many rental owners do live in Pomona. I do not understand why there is such a notion that tenants need protecting. I accept that W -9’s are require d for property owners receiving assistance and 1099’s will be issued in January. But, why are the tenants receiving this money tax -free? Why are Section -8 tenants allowed to stay on this rent -subsidized program (tax-free) forever? Why is there no incentive to become self-sufficient? Tenants are consciously not seeking employment because they do not want to be released from this program. All the current rules seem to favor the tenants. It is about time someone cared about the owners who are the ones taking the hit financially.
DENNIS QUERIO – Mayor Sandoval and the Members of the Pomona City Council:
I have yet to read anything in print that states that rent control is a positive move for a community. If there is a housing provider who is not following the rules, perhaps this can be addressed directly. How many Section-8 tenants are served in Pomona? How many tenants are being subsidized by their owners who are keeping the rents below market level? How are rental statistics actually gathered? My pro perty management company has never been asked for a rent roll. Who is gathering these statistics? I have always kept my rents reasonable. Now that I know that others are raising rents, my tenants are going to be receiving increases.
PARK MORSE – Mayor Sandoval and the Members of the Pomona City Council:
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has done enough damage to the housing industry with their moratorium. You do not need to make the situation worse. I can only sell my Pomona property under e xtremely strict and ridiculous conditions. If the real estate market takes a dive, who is going to reimburse me for the loss? I am allowed to sell my property as long as the tenant remaining in the property goes with the sale. Since the politicians took away the validity of a rental agreement, no one is going to buy a house with the tenant still occupying the unit. Evictions take a long time. When someone addresses the Council that a sheriff’s lockout is eminent, then negotiations have been going on for a long time and everyone has had the chance for their day in court. I think offering the services of the City Attorney to interfere with someone else’s court case is questionable. I accommodated my tenant by changing the day the rent was due and waived late charges. Owners are working with their tenants. There needs to be dialog between tenants and owners. Rental owners pay a business license fee, but seem to receive nothing in return. How can we change this?
BETH BROOKS – Mayor Sandoval and the Members of the Pomona City Council:
You are all aware of the stressful eviction I was involved with last year. I applaud Mayor Sandoval and Mr. Preciado for meeting me at the property for a first -hand look at the damage the tenants left behind. In court, after addressing the judge and papers had been signed, people stopped my tenants on their way out and told them they could have gotten them a better deal. Really? Better than 8 months of free rent, escaping jail time after assaulting two police officers a nd maliciously destroying the rental unit? There is definitely something wrong with this system. Several years ago I was pushed into a hole.
Dirt was thrown on me because I did not have any money. More dirt rained down because I was divorced. More came because I was a single mother. More dirt was thrown because I went to church. Even more dirt came down because I was a woman. Then contaminated dirt fell on top of me as I endured a year of chemotherapy and radiation to treat my cancer. Eventually I was able to pack all that dirt down and crawled out of my hole. Some people call that privilege. I call it hard work and determination. When I speak my truth, I am berated on social media. Council Members seem to absorb the words of those in the audience who blame others for their shortcomings. I do not understand why we all cannot work together. Not all landlords are bad. Not all tenants are good. Can we reach medium ground?
ANN BRAND – Mayor Sandoval and the Members of the Pomona City Council:
We are all being affected by inflation. Stricter rent laws are not the answer. Are you planning to restrict prices on food? Control oil prices? It is called supply and demand and free enterprise. Isn’t that what America is all about? Government officials continue to control housing providers and no one is winning. Tenants are refusing to work and property owners cannot pay their bills. The money tenants owe continues to increase…do you really think they are going to pay it back? Housing is not a basic right.
People who are used to taking do not know how to be responsible. It is time they learned.
It is always the same people who berate housing providers. Have they taken the time to talk to property managers in hopes of finding common ground? It seems it is easier to be opinionated than take the time to get informed. The property managers I know care about their tenants. After driving around the city, I think you have bigger issues than to micro - manage businesses belonging to others. You have work to do.
TREMALE RATCLIFFE – Good evening,
Mayor Tim Sandoval, Vice Mayor Robert Torres, Councilmember John Nolte, Councilmember Victor Preciado, Councilmember Nora Garcia, Councilmember Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole and Councilmember Steve Lustro. My name is Tremale Ratcliffe, and I am here on behalf of Just Us 4 Youth. I have the privilege of overseeing our Youth & Young Adult Employment Services program under the umbrella of Just Us 4 Youth. I am returning to tonight’s meeting to talk about and invite the mayor and council out to take part in all if available. Our Youth & Young Adults Employment Services program will be hosting a Job & Career Fair in downtown Pomona over at the Shaun Diamond Plaza on Thursday, April 21, 2022 from 2:30 pm – 6 pm. We would be expecting anywhere from 20-25 Employment/Career informational vendors from all over the City of Pomona and neighboring communities. This will be an amazing opportunity not only for the folks we work with through our YES program but for many here in the City of Pomona that may be looking for employment or a different career pathway. We understand the need for employment and career readiness here within our community as many were affected by this pandemic. We would not have any food vendors, or food provided or given out at the event as this would encourage many of our vendors, attendees, and team members to purchase food and visit many of the local small businesses while their time is spent here in the downtown Pomona area. We are working closely with the Vehicle Parking District to waive permit fees in VPD #10 for the duration of the event time for our vendors, JU4Y staff and event attendees. A finding of Public Benefit has been submitted to help cover the cost of this event for the community. Event attendees will have the opportunity to stop by every Employment and Career booth to see what they have to offer, the opportunity to apply live on the spot with available laptops, and the opportunity to obtain copies of their resume if additional copies are needed. The goal for all event attendees is to leave their resumes and cover letters with every employer and for every employer to bring awareness to the community about their company and form a more inclusive partnership with other companies. Lastly, Just Us 4 Youth will be hosting a grand opening event for our TREE Program. TREE stands for Training| Resourcing| Educating Empowering parents. To kick it off, we will be having a community resource fair for Pomona parents.
There will be food, music, and activit ies. We are inviting local organizations to set up a booth and share information on their services with the parents and caregivers of the community. We still have space for 5 community resources to participate. Please forward your referrals to [email protected]. Thank you.
Note: Comments incorporated into meeting minutes as submitted and received by the City Clerk’s Office.