505 S. Garey Ave
City of Pomona Pomona, CA 91766
Regular Meeting Minutes
City Council / Housing Authority / Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency
layor Tim Sandov
ice Mayor Nora Garc
Councilmember John Notte
Councilmember Victor Preciado
uncilmember Elizabeth Ontiveros-Co
uncilmember Steve Lustr
VISION STATEMENT
Pomona will be recognized as a vibrant, safe, beautiful mated exciting destination and the home o
arts and artists, students and scholars, business and industry.
Monday, July 1, 2024 7:00 PM Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Sandoval called the City Council Closed Session to order at 5:31 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Tim Sandoval
.Vice Mayor Nora Garcia
Councilmember Victor Preciado
Councilmember Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole
Councilmember Steve Lustro
Absent: Councilmember John Nolte
Councilmember Robert Torres
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Live Comments were as follows:
Public Speaker Ann Tomkins began to speak on the zoning update item, however City Attorney Carvalho advised her Public Participation before Close Session must be only about the closed session item.
ity Council / Housing Authority Meeting Minutes July 1, 2024 e development Agency
CLOSED SESSION
A) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d) (2))
One (1) case related to enforcement of city codes.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Sandoval called the City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
There was no reportable action.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Sandoval led the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Tim Sandoval
Vice Mayor Nora Garcia
Councilmember John Nolte
Councilmember Victor Preciado
Councilmember Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole
Councilmember Steve Lustro
Councilmember Robert Torres
Absent: None
STAFF PRESENT
Anita Gutierrez, City Manager
Sonia Carvalho, City Attorney
Rosalia Butler, City Clerk
Diana Robles, Deputy City Clerk
Michael Ellis, Police Chief
Yvonne Morgan, contracted by the City, provided translation services.
PRESENTATIONS
*A Proclamation by the City Council of the City of Pomona Proclaiming July 2024 as "Parks and Recreation Month" in the City of Pomona
City of Pomona Page 2
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes July 1,2024 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Mayor Sandoval presented the proclamation to Recreation Supervisor Adrian Valdez Recreation Coordinator Ricardo Aguilar, and other Parks and Recreation Staff.
Supervisor Adrian Valdez shared a few words about the growth and expansion of community programs because of support from City Council and additional federal funding.
MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Lustro attended the closing ceremonies of the Pomona Little League.
Councilmember Lustro also attended the Mayor's Gala benefitting the Pomona Library, and visited the Gold Line Metro station that is under construction. Councilmember Lustro asked staff about train horns going off in the middle of the night.
Public Works Director Rene Guerrero advised the Federal Railroad Administration conducted an audit of the railroad crossings in the City. The audit found updates needed to be made at some crossings, therefore the FRA had suspended the quiet zone until the City makes the necessary updates.
City Manager Gutierrez advised the City is also pursuing administrative measures to try to have the quiet zone re-instated sooner.
Vice Mayor Garcia shared that the City of Pomona's Parks & Recreation Summer Program guide had been mailed out. Vice Mayor Garcia attended the leadership institute put on by St. Mary's College of California. Vice Mayor Garcia asked questions to staff regarding Reservoir Ave, and requested repairs for the on and off ramps at the freeway entrances.
Public Works Director Rene Guerrero advised the crack sealing done on Reservoir Ave is a step towards completing some re-paving on that street.
Councilmember Preciado gave recognition to the father of Carlos Goytia who passed away recently. Councilmember Preciado commended the various summer programs at the parks and library; he encouraged the community to attend any of those events. Councilmember Preciado attended the Just Us 4 Youth "Friday Night Lights" event and the Foundations of Change through Youth "Summer Joyfest" event. Councilmember Preciado also gave thanks to Pomona PD Staff for their assistance at the Mission and Elm area; Pomona PD Staff was able to connect some folks with housing. Lastly, Councilmember Preciado requested the audience to respect each other within and outside of the Council Chambers.
Councilmember Torres wished everyone a happy Fourth of July. Councilmember Torres suggested the creation of a maintenance schedule for the rail crossings. Lastly, Councilmember Torres requested staff to advise on the Supreme Court's ruling regarding homeless encampments and how it would affect a City like Pomona.
City of Pomona Page 3
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes July 1, 2024 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Councilmember Ontiveros-Cole wished everyone a happy Fourth of July and reminded everyone that fireworks are not permitted in the City. Councilmember Ontiveros-Cole thanked Pomona Police for their patrol during this time of the year.
Mayor Sandoval thanked Kyle Brown for serving 8 years on the Planning Commission, and announced his new Planning Commissioner would be Edgar Rodriguez. Mayor Sandoval advised funding to continue the metro line from Pomona to Montclair have been secured.
The Metro Board approved design improvements to the SR 71. Mayor Sandoval gave remembrances to Shirley Smith and to Goytia's father. Lastly, Mayor Sandoval wished everyone a happy Fourth of July and invited the community to attend the upcoming summer concerts in the Civic Center.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Gutierrez advised two trees in the Civic Center had fallen recently, therefore the remaining trees would be assessed and should any safety hazards be found, more trees may be removed. City Manager Gutierrez advised she would be meeting with LA County Dept. of Health and an Ad-Hoc Committee of the City Council as a follow up to the first meeting regarding sidewalk vendors.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
At the direction of the City Council Emergency Sub Committee, beginning with the July 18, 2022 Council meeting, emailed comments will no longer be read into the record during Council meetings. However, they will be included as part of the record/meeting minutes.
Live Comments were as follows:
Renee Barbee spoke on behalf of Compassionate Pomona to announce their upcoming Kindness carnival and asked the City Council to support the event.
Dawn Van Allen advised the Assistance League of Pomona Valley would be hosting a fundraiser event to fund a public movie viewing at the Pomona Fox Theater.
Edgar Sanchez spoke in support of sidewalk vendors and requested the City Council provide them with a location within the City to sell their goods.
Mayor Sandoval stated the Pomona Concert band would be performing on July 11.
Yolina Martinez spoke in support of sidewalk vendors and requested the City Council provide them with a location within the City to sell their goods.
Efren Navarro stated he did not assault anyone after the last City Council meeting and described incidents where others confronted him.
City of Pomona Page 4
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes July 1, 2024 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Greg Estel spoke in opposition to unpermitted sidewalk vendors and expressed concerns with prostitution and drug use in the City.
Shante Hall from the Foundation of Love described the boxing club event that took place to benefit eighty children and gave thanks to the City Council for supporting the event.
Ann Tomkins described her experience attending the first Ethics Commission meeting and commended staff for it.
Francisco J. described the negative consequences of unpermitted sidewalk vendors operating in the City.
Minerva Hernandez suggested sidewalk vendors utilize farmer markets to sell goods and described the support the Chamber of Commerce does provide to sidewalk vendors to operate with permits.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION BY VICE MAYOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to approve the entire Consent Calendar except for Item No. 2, which was pulled for public comment.
1. Approval of City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes
It is recommended that the City Council approve the following City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes:
June 3, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
MOTION BY VICE MAYOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to approve the City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Regular Meeting Minutes of June 3, 2024.
Second Reading and Adoption of a Comprehensive Update to the Pomona Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances
It is recommended that the City Council adopt at second reading the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. 4345 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A COMPREHENSIVE UPDATE TO THE POMONA ZONING AND SUBDIVISION ORDINANCES ("ZONING CODE UPDATE")
City of Pomona Page 5
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes July 1, 2024 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
*Please see attachment for emails submitted regarding this item.
Public Speaker Kristinn Lewison commented that the new zoning would have consequences and hopes the City is open to future amendments.
Public Speaker Dawn Van Allen spoke in opposition to the zoning change because her neighborhood is now zoned as a neighborhood edge.
Public Speaker Nef Cortez expressed gratitude to staff, planning commission and City Council for the positive collaboration on developing the proposed zoning update, but asked that City Council keep an open mind to future amendments.
Public Speaker Luis Gonzalez from Clean and Green Pomona spoke in support of the zoning code update.
Public Speaker Ann Tomkins commented on the historic section of the proposed zoning code update and stated she believed it is different from what had been proposed to the Planning Commission.
City Manager Gutierrez advised amendments could be made after adoption, however no specific discrepancies have been pointed out with the content and typographical, numerical errors could be changed after adoption if included in the motion.
Development Services Deputy Director Ata Kahn advised the numbering in the historic section is different from what had been presented to the Planning Commission but the content remained the same.
Councilmember Lustro expressed the update to the zoning code was long overdue and understands that in the future, changes will probably be needed.
Councilmember Nolte commented that transition is rough but believes things would be ironed out.
Councilmember Garcia asked if staff would review and make necessary changes to the zoning ordinance after the next twelve to eighteen months.
MOTION BY VICE MAYOR GARCIA, SECOND BY MAYOR SANDOVAL, CARRIED 5-2 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE AND COUNCILMEMBER TORRES
OPPOSED), to adopt Ordinance No. 4345 and grant staff the authority to make any additional changes to the errata sheet.
Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Closure of City Hall during the 2024 Holiday Season and Rescheduling 2025 City Council Meeting Dates Due to Holiday Conflicts
City of Pomona Page 6
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes July 1, 2024 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
It is recommended that the City Council adopt proposed Resolution No. 2024-104 to approve the following actions:
Authorizing the closure of City Hall from Monday, December 23, 2024 through Thursday, January 2, 2025, to account for observance of the Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day Holidays and to avoid potential staff shortages during the holidays; and,
Amending the ongoing calendar for regularly scheduled City Council Meetings and 2024 City Council Meetings by cancelling and rescheduling meetings, as noted below, due to holiday conflicts:
A. Cancelling the January 20, 2025, regular City Council Meeting and rescheduling to Monday, January 27, 2025, to be conducted as a regular meeting of the City B. Cancelling the regular City Council Meeting of February 17, 2025, and rescheduling to Monday, February 24, 2025, to be conducted as a regular meeting of the City Council
C. Cancelling the September 1, 2025, regular City Council Meeting and rescheduling to Monday, September 8, 2025, to be conducted as a regular meeting of the City Council
MOTION BY VICE MAYOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2024-104 to authorize the closure of City Hall from Monday, December 23, 2024 through Thursday, January 2, 2025, to account for observance of the Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day Holidays and to avoid potential staff shortages during the holidays; and, to amend the ongoing calendar for regularly scheduled City Council Meetings and 2024 City Council Meetings by cancelling and rescheduling meetings, due to holiday conflicts.
4. Approve Sole Source Vendors for Fiscal Year 2024-25 to Supply Uniforms, Equipment and Services for the Pomona Police Department It is recommended that the City Council approve sole source vendors to supply uniforms, equipment and services for the Pomona Police Department.
MOTION BY VICE MAYOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNGILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to approve sole source vendors to supply uniforms, equipment and services for the Pomona Police Department.
Acceptance of the U.S. Department of Justice Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Fiscal Year 2023
City of Pomona Page 7
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes July 1, 2024 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-79 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, ACCEPTING THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
JUSTICE EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT AWARD IN THE AMOUNT OF $71,498, AND AMENDING THE FY 2024-25 OPERATING
BUDGET BY INCREASING REVENUE ESTIMATES AND APPROPRIATIONS IN
THE SAME AMOUNT
MOTION BY VICE MAYOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2024-79.
6. Resolution Amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Capital improvement Program (CIP) Budget for "Financial Software Project," Project No. 428-2590-XXXXX-71048 and Award of Contract to Plante Moran for Enterprise Resource Planning Project Management and Advisory Services
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. - 2024-103 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) BUDGET BY
APPROPRIATING $3,320,000 OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN (ARP) FUNDS "FINANCIAL SOFTWARE PROJECT," PROJECT
428-2590-XXXXX-71048
2) Approve and award a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) to Plante Moran, PLLC ("Plante Moran") for ERP project management and advisory services. The agreement is in an amount not-to-exceed $774,565; and
3) Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any extensions or amendments thereto on behalf of the City, subject to review by the City Attorney.
MOTION BY VICE MAYOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2024-103; and approve and award a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) to Plante Moran, PLLC (Plante Moran") for ERP project management and advisory services, the agreement is in an amount ot-to-exceed $774,565; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreemen nd any extensions or amendments thereto on behalf of the City, subiect to revie by the City Attorney.
)
City of Pomona Page 8
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes July 1, 2024 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
7. Award of Construction Contract to AME Builders, Inc. in the Amount of $597,320 for "City Facilities Roof Replacements and Repairs," Project No. 428-2590-XXXXX-71059
It is recommended that the City Council approve the following actions:
1) Award a construction contract to AME Builders, Inc. in the amount of $597,320 for "City Facilities - Roof Replacements and Repairs," Project No. 428-2590-XXXXX-71059, to include all Base Bid Items;
2) 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; 3) Approve working days and hours to include nights and weekends; 4) Authorize an increase in contingency capacity for this contract from City standard of 25% to 70%; and
5) Authorize City Manager, or her designee, to execute the construction contract/agreement and related documents (permits, amendments, etc.).
MOTION BY VICE MAYOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to award a construction contract to AME Builders, Inc. in the amount of $597,320 for "City Facilities - Roof Replacements and Repairs," Project No. 428-2590-XXXXX-71059, to include all Base Bid Items; and 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 Approve working days and hours to include nights and weekends; and Authorize an increase in contingency capacity for this contract from City standard of 25% to 70%; and Authorize City Manager, or her designee, to execute the construction contract/agreement and related documents (permits, amendments, etc.).
and denis for an into ura oe Orders ears, with the or to real in, Additional One-Year Terms
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Award a sole source purchase order to Ameron Pole Products for traffic signal and street light poles for three years, with the option to extend for up to two additional one-year terms;
City of Pomona Page 9
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes July 1, 2024 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
2) Award a sole source purchase order to lteris for traffic signal equipment for three years, with the option to extend for up to two additional one-year terms; 3) Award a sole source purchase order to Current Lighting for street light fixtures for three years, with the option to extend for up to two additional one-year terms; and 4) Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the necessary documents and any extensions or amendments thereto on behalf of the City, subject to review by the City Attorney.
MOTION BY VICE MAYOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to award a sole source purchase order to Ameron Pole Products for traffic signal and street light poles for three years, with the option to extend for up to two additional one-year terms; and award a sole source purchase order to Iteris for traffic signal equipment for three years, with the option to extend for up to two additional one-year terms; and award a sole source purchase order to Current Lighting for street light fixtures for three years, with the option to extend for up to two additional one-year terms; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the necessary documents and any extensions or amendments thereto on behalf of the City, subject to review by the City Attorney.
9. Award of Contract to AgreeYa Solutions Inc. for Microsoft Office 365 Migration Services
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Approve the award of a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) to AgreeYa Solutions, Inc. ("AgreeYa") in an amount not-to-exceed $239,300 to migrate and implement Microsoft Office 365, a cloud-based platform for email communication, collaboration tools, and office productivity software; and 2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any extensions or amendments thereto on behalf of the City, subject to review by the City Attorney.
MOTION BY VICE MAYOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to approve the award of a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) to AgreeYa Solutions, Inc. ("AgreeYa") in an amount not-to-exceed $239,300 to migrate and implement Microsoft Office 365, a cloud-based platform for email communication, collaboration tools, and office productivity software; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any extensions or amendments thereto on behalf of the City, subject to review by the City Attorney.
10. Authorize City Staff to Reject Bids for the Construction Contract for "Pomona Library Facility Improvements," Project No. 428-2590-XXXXX-74120 City of Pomona Page 10
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes July 1, 2024 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
It is recommended that the City Council approve the following actions:
1) Authorize City Staff to reject the bid from Archico Design Build, Inc. for "Pomona Library Facility Improvements," Project No. 428-2590-XXXXX-74120, to include all Base Bid items, plus Additive Alternate Nos. 1 through 10; and 2) Authorize City Staff to revise the Invitation for Bid documents and re-bid the project scope of work.
MOTION BY VICE MAYOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to authorize City Staff to reject the bid from Archico Design Build, Inc. for "Pomona Library Facility Improvements," Project No. 428-2590-XXXXX-74120, to include all Base Bid items, plus Additive Alternate Nos. 1 through 10; and authorize City Staff to revise the Invitation for Bid documents and re-bid the project scope of work.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
11. 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 Celebrating a Vision in support of Summer Helicopter Flight Program: Requested Amount: $1,000
B) Amount to be determined to Community Partners 4 Innovation in support of Time for Sound Healing: Requested Amount: $2,500
C) Amount to be determined to Pomona Public Library Foundation in support of 2024 Mayor's Gala: Requested Amount: $4,000
D) Amount to be determined to Conceptual Art Therapy in support of 2nd Annual Summer Youth Art Camp: Requested Amount: $6,000
E) Amount to be determined to Partnership for a Positive Pomona (P3)/ National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of East San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, Inc., in support of Pomona Youth Fest (PYF) Amount $1,000 2) Receive and file the recap of final amounts.
City of Pomona Page 11
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes July 1, 2024 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
MOTION BY MAYOR SANDOVAL, SECOND BY VICE MAYOR GARCIA, CARRIED 7-0, to make a finding of public benefit for items A-E.
12. City Council Direction Regarding Montvue Park Playground Damaged by Fire It is recommended that the City Council discuss the following options regarding the playground fire at Montvue Park:
1) Direct Staff to repair the damaged portions of the playground and rubberized surfacing caused by the fire; or
2) Direct Staff to replace the playground and rubberized surfacing, and potentially relocate the playground to a more visible location.
Public Works Director Guerrero gave a brief overview of the item.
Councilmember Ontiveros-Cole expressed support for re-locating the playground area closer to the street side of the park.
Councilmember Preciado asked questions to staff, and expressed support for the re- location of the playground area but would first like to get feedback from the neighborhood.
Councilmember Torres asked questions to staff and suggested security measures be increased if a new playground area is built.
Councilmember Garcia expressed support for re-building the playground but with public engagement.
Councilmember Lustro expressed support for re-locating the playground area closer to the street side of the park.
Councilmember Nolte asked questions to staff.
Mayor Sandoval expressed support for re-building the playground within a more visible location, and stated he was open to receiving community input.
Councilmember Ontiveros-Cole expressed support for adding new amenities to the park and funding those with reserve funds.
MOTION BY MAYOR SANDOVAL, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER PRECIADO, CARRIED 7-0, to direct staff to replace the playground and rubberized surfacing, and potentially relocate the playground to a more visible location.
13. Appeal of Staff Decision to Deny the Establishment of a Preferential Parking District on Randolph Street
City of Pomona Page 12
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes July 1, 2024 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
It is recommended that the City Council discuss the appeal of the Staff decision to deny the establishment of a preferential parking district on Randolph Street from Park Avenue to Wisconsin Street. After discussion, the City Council can take one of two actions:
1) Option 1: Uphold Staff's decision to deny the request; or 2) Option 2: Approve the establishment of a preferential parking district on Randolph Street from Park Avenue to Wisconsin Street.
Mayor Sandoval continued the item to a later meeting.
Councilmember Nolte proposed a moratorium on parking districts be established so staff develops clearer requirements because the current process is not clear.
Mayor Sandoval asked staff to bring forward, at a future meeting, a moratorium on parking districts to evaluate the application process.
THIS ITEM WAS CONTINUED TO A FUTURE MEETING, NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.
14. Consideration of a Project Labor Agreement by and Between the City of Pomona and the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council and the Signatory Craft Councils and Unions
It is recommended that the City Council further consider a draft Project Labor Agreement with the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council as well as an implementation strategy.
Public Works Director Guerrero gave an overview of the item, advised he and the City Manager will meet with the trades council will meet again on July 22.
Public Speaker Dave Everett spoke in opposition to the item.
Public Speaker Joel Greenfield spoke in support of the item.
Public Speaker Tommy Zielomski spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Garcia asked questions to staff.
Councilmember Nolte asked questions in support of having a PLA.
Councilmember Torres asked questions to staff.
Councilmember Preciado expressed support for having a PLA, and requested information on CIP projects that cost more than 2.5 million in the last ten years.
City of Pomona Page 13
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes July 1, 2024 uccessor Agency to th
development Agenc
City Manager Gutierrez answered Councilmember Preciado's questions.
Mayor Sandoval requested the same information that Councilmember Preciado had requested about CIP projects.
ITEM WAS FOR DISCUSSION ONLY; NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council meeting adjourned at 9:19 p.m. on July 1, 2024 in memory of Shirley Smith.
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
City of Pomona Page 14
From: Jenny Garcia
To: Sandoval. Tim; Nolte, John: Preciade, Victer: Garcia, Nora; Ontiveros-Cole, Elizabeth; Lustro, Steve; Iorres, Robert
CC: City Clerk; Gutierrez, Anita; Khan. Ata
Subject: Pomona Resident Opposed to Zoning Update
Date: Monday, July 1, 2024 10:27:01 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or on clicking links from unknown senders.
Hello,
I'm Jenny Garcia, I live at 1101 Carmanita Avenue. I've been living in Pomona for 18 years. I'm an experienced professional in the food manufacturing space for 14 years.
I have one full-time job in Bloomington near Fontana and one part-time job in Pomona. I would love to be able to find a full-time job in Pomona but there are no businesses here that would hire a professional like me. Everything is so residential.
The type of work that I do isn't available because there's no diversity of businesses here. I need a big food warehouse, basically, any business within the food industry that needs my specific skills. We only have a few commercial areas with warehouses, making it too narrow for them to operate.
The new zoning updates don't invite larger businesses to our city. Please remember that the food industry is regulated by the mandates from the FDA, USDA, EPA and other globally recognized bodies. These regulations are actively improving the environmental actions and social responsibility of the companies involved. By Pomona creating these zoning changes, it will not allow large food manufacturer businesses to be established or thrive here.
If the new zoning is implemented, the few warehouse businesses will leave because they no longer can or want to operate here, it will be nearly impossible to find replacements, as we can see with the many FOR LEASE signs. Then it will invite people to take over these abandoned warehouses and become dangerous areas.
That makes it more dangerous for the neighboring businesses that are operating there and will encourage them to leave as well. That's what happened with Holt from 71 to Central, it's full of abandoned businesses that tried but gave up. Instead of inviting businesses, you're inviting the homeless, prostitution and drug dealing.
You want to set the rules to be more environmentally friendly but there's already other rules governing these businesses. Giving businesses more city regulations on top of the federal, state and other regulations they're following will make them not want to operate in Pomona.
You want small businesses here, but they can hire only so many employees with high salaries. If you allow big companies here, there's more opportunities for personal and professional growth with higher salaries. As it stands, there's no businesses in Pomona that pay well.
Having lived in Pomona for 18 years, I don't know anybody else with a job in Pomona besides teenagers who are recent high school grads. I hope the City will reconsider economic opportunities for Pomona residents when they are making sweeping changes to the zoning code that is not business-friendly and job-friendly.
Thank you,
Jenny Garcia