CLOSED SESSION
A) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a))
Al & Sons Towing Inc. vs. City of Pomona, et al.
US District Court Case Number 2:21-cv-8806
Movses Karapetyan, vs. City of Pomona, and DOES 1 through 30, inclusive Los Angeles Superior Court Case Number 21STCV37727
B) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 (b)(1))
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 Carvalho stated there was reportable action for Closed Session Item B: by a vote of 5- 0, with Councilmember Ontiveros-Cole and Councilmember T orres absent, City Council approved the City Manager’s recommendation to appoint Meg McWade to the position of Public Works Director effective January 6, 2025.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Nolte led the pledge of allegiance.
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
Vice Mayor Nora Garcia
Councilmember John Nolte
Councilmember Victor Preciado
Councilmember Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole
Councilmember Steve Lustro
Councilmember 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, December 2, 2024 Council Chambers
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ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Tim Sandoval
Vice Mayor Nora Garcia
Councilmember John Nolte
Councilmember Victor Preciado
Councilmember Steve Lustro
Councilmember Robert T orres – arrived at 7:22 p.m.
Absent: Councilmember Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole
STAFF PRESENT
Anita Scott, City Manager
Sonia Carvalho, City Attorney
Rosalia Butler, City Clerk
Diana Robles, Deputy City Clerk
Michael Ellis, Pomona Police Chief
PRESENTATIONS
*Pomona City Hall – Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Mayor Sandoval, Councilmembers, and the public stepped outside at 7:04 p.m. to view the Tree Lighting Ceremony. They returned to chambers at 7:22 p.m.
MAYO
R/COUNCILMEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Sandoval advised this m eeting would be the last meeting of the City Council for Councilmembers Nolte and T orres.
Councilmember Nolte spoke about the Center for Climate Integrity and requested the City Council take a chance to talk with them. Councilmember Nolte discussed his service on the City Council and requested his colleagues to continue pushing for protecting those most vulnerable in the community. Councilmember Nolte expressed thanks to the Mayor, the Council, and the City Manager for collectively striving for the best for the City.
Councilmember Nolte also gave thanks to people who supported his campaign, to his commissioners, to the residents of District 1 and to residents of Pomona.
Mayor Sandoval and Councilmembers shared words of gratitude to Councilmember Nolte for his service on the Council, for being a great colleague and for his ongoing service to the Community.
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Councilmember T orres gave thanks to residents, Mayor Sandoval, Councilmembers, his family and staff. Councilmember T orres commented on the work of the Council and on Pomona’s leadership in the region.
Mayor Sandoval and Councilmembers shared word of gratitude for T orres’ service on the Council, for his previous service as a City Commissioner, and for being a strong and unique voice on the Council.
Mayor Sandoval presented a Pomona Goddess to both Councilmember Nolte and Councilmember T orres.
Vice Mayor Garcia extended condolences to Councilmember Ontiveros -Cole for the passing of her sister, and to the families of Maxine Jefferson and Ronald G onzales. Vice Mayor Garcia briefly shared Mr. Gonzales positive impact he had on students through his work at Pomona Unified School District.
Councilmember Preciado thanked people for attending the Tree Lighting ceremony, and thanked staff for setting it up. Councilmember Preciado advised there were a variety of events happening on Saturday in the City and wished folks good luck.
Councilmember T orres stated he would be attending the District 6 Area Commander meeting.
Mayor Sandoval thanked staff for their work throughout the year.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
City M anager Scott announced the 75 Unit Prisma 100% affordable project at 501 E.
Mission finally secured all of the competitive tax credits needed to proceed; groundbreaking is expect around March of 2025.
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:
Greg Estel congratulated Councilmember Ontiveros -Cole for winning re- election, discussed concern with campaign sign practices, and stated he would strive to get the Sunset Hotel closed.
Rosaura Jimenez-Mirela discussed concerns with the practices of excessive towing by Quick T ow and shared her husband’s experience with his truck being towed by Quick T ow while he shopped at Cardenas Market.
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Veronica Cabrera shared the opinion that residents are unheard by the Council, and discussed complaints about statements made previously by councilmembers.
Yesenia M. Meza spoke in support of the City establishing a permanent rent stabilization ordinance to protect those most vulnerable in the community; and discussed a letter sent to the City regarding a request for an ethics investigation.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION BY VICE MA YOR GARCIA , SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 6-0 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE ABSENT), to approve the entire Consent Calendar except for Item No. 2, pulled by Councilmember Lustro, Item No. 3, pulled by Vice Mayor Garcia, and Item No. 8 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:
October 21, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
MOTION BY VICE MAYO R GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 6-0 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE ABSENT) , to approve City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes of October 21, 2024.
2. Recommend the Removal of Commissioner Ava Phillips from the Community Life Commission
It is recommended that the City Council take remove District 5 Appointee, Ava Phillips, from the Community Life Commission, based on three (3) or more absences (excused/unexcused) within a twelve (12) month period.
Public Speaker Desmond Heyward submitted a non- speaker card to express support for this item.
Vice Mayor Garcia expressed support for the Council keeping Commissioner Phillips on the Community Life Commission.
Councilmember Lustro supported Vice Mayor Garcia’s suggestion to not remove Commissioner Phillips from the commission.
Mayor Sandoval expressed support for keeping Commissioner Phillips on the Community Life Commission.
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MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, SECOND BY VICE MA YOR GARCIA, CARRIED 6-0 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE ABSENT), to keep Ava Phillips on the Community Life Commission.
3. Recommend the Removal of Commissioner Deanna Gonzalez from the Community Life Commission
It is recommended that the City Council remove District 2 Appointee, Deanna Gonzalez, from the Community Life Commission, based on three (3) or more absences (excused/unexcused) within a twelve (12) month period.
Public Speaker Desmond Heyward submitted a non- speaker card to express support for this item.
Councilmember Preciado discussed the commissioner’s commitment to serve on the commission and expressed support for keeping the commissioner on the commission.
Vice Mayor Garcia also expressed support for keeping the commissioner on the commission.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER PRECIADO , SECOND BY VICE MA YOR GARCIA , CARRIED 6-0 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE ABSENT) , to keep Deanna Gonzalez on the Community Life Commission.
4. Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Examination of Sales or Transactions and Use T ax related records with the California Department of T ax and Fee Administration (CDTFA)
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024 -195 - A Resolution OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING EXAMINATION OF SALES OR
TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAXES RECORDS
MOTION BY VICE MAYO R GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 6-0 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE ABSENT), to adopt Resolution No. 2024-195.
5. Award Construction Contract to Gentry Brothers, Inc. in the Amount of $2,182,817 for “Street Improvements and Walking Trail/Steps Rehabilitation,” Project No. 428-2590-XXXXX-71078
It is recommended that the City Council approve the following actions:
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1) Award a construction contract to the apparent lowest bid from Gentry Brothers, Inc. for “Street Improvements and Walking Trail/Steps Rehabilitation,” Project No. 428-2590-XXXXX-71078, to include all Base Bid A & B items, plus Additive Alternate Nos. 1-3, in the total amount of $2,182,817;
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) Find that the project referenced above was categorically excluded under HUD regulations in 24 CFR Part 58 of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) per 24 CFR 58.35(a)(5) and subject to laws and authorities in 58.6;
4) Authorize increased contingency capacity of up to forty-two (42) percent to allow use of available grant funding; and
5) Authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute the construction contract and any subsequent change orders on behalf of the City.
MOTION BY VICE MAYO R GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 6-0 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS -COLE ABSENT) , to award a construction contract to the apparent lowest bid from Gentry Brothers, Inc. for “Street Improvements and Walking Trail/Steps Rehabilitation,” Project No. 428-2590-XXXXX-71078, to include all Base Bid A & B items, plus Additive Alternate Nos. 1- 3, in the tota l amount of $2,182,817; 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 find that the project referenced above was categorically excluded under HUD regulations in 24 CFR Part 58 of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) per 24 CFR 58.35(a)(5) and subject to laws and authorities in 58.6; and authorize increased contingency capacity of up to forty-two (42) percent to allow use of available grant funding; and authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute the construction contract and any subsequent change orders on behalf of the City.
6. Resolution to Amend the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
Budget by Appropriating $130,000 of Los Angeles County Funding to “Library Facility Remodel”
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
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RESOLUTION NO. 2024-131 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2024 -25
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) BUDGET BY ACCEPTING,
INCREASING REVENUE ESTIMATES, AND APPROPRIATING $130,000 OF
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES EXECUTIVE OFFICE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SOCIAL PROGRAM FUNDS TO “LIBRARY FACILITY REMODEL,” PROJECT NO. 428-2590-XXXXX-74118
MOTION BY VICE MAYO R GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 6-0 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE ABSENT), to adopt Resolution No. 2024-131.
7. Acceptance of a 2023 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) Sub- Recipient Award
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-186 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE FY 2024 -25
OPERATING BUDGET BY INCREASING REVENUE ESTIMATES AND
APPROPRIATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $37,500 FOR POLICE RADIOS
2) Accept a 2023 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) Sub-Recipient Award from the Los Angeles County beginning September 1, 2023 through October 23, 2026; and
3) Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute any and all agreements on behalf of the City, in substantially the form submitted, subject to review and approval as to form by the City Attorney.
MOTION BY VICE MAYO R GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 6-0 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE ABSENT), to adopt Resolution No. 2024-186; and accept a 2023 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) Sub-Recipient Award from the Los Angeles County beginning September 1, 2023 through October 23, 2026; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute any and all agreements on behalf of the City, i n substantially the form submitted, subject to review and approval as to form by the City Attorney.
8. Award of Contract to UCLA for a General Government Services Contract in the Amount of $250,000 for Early Childhood Ecosystem Evaluation and Community Engagement
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
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1) Award of contract to the UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families & Communities to complete the Pomona P -3 Ecosystems Transformation Accelerator project for an amount not to exceed $250,000 for a contract term of one year with a one-year extension option; and
2) Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute a one- year agreement with one-year renewal options with UCLA to provide services in an amount not to exceed $250,000.
*This item was pulled for public comment
Public Speaker Leticia C asillas Sanchez requested a transparent process and regular updates regarding the progress of this project.
Vice Mayor Garcia expressed the opinion that research does not equate community engagement, expressed concern over the lack of deliverables proposed and stressed the importance of clear accountability.
Councilmember Preciado stated he had similar concerns as Vice Mayor Garcia and expressed the opinion that organizations rely on the Council’s bridges in the community rather than build their own.
Mayor Sandoval discussed the background of UCLA’s work in the community that began in 2020, and reminded that UCLA also made a presentation to Ci ty Council regarding early development indexes. Mayor Sandoval described this item as the City’s commitment to creating a long-term effort to change early childhood outcomes in positive ways.
Vice Mayor Garcia asked questions about measurable outcomes and deliverables, and suggested the item come back to Council later.
Councilmember P reciado asked Neighborhood Services Director Beverly Johnson to speak on the deliverables.
Neighborhood Services Director Johnson read out the deliverables as outlined in the attachment that accompanied the staff report.
Councilmember Preciado stated he could support the item after hearing Neighborhood Services Director Johnson’s comments.
Councilmember Torres stated he was impressed the researches stated they would acquire a $5 million grant for a five-year plan and asked where the grant would come from.
Mayor Sandoval advised the grant money would come from the Hilton Foundation.
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MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER PRECIADO, SECOND BY MAYOR SANDOVAL, CARRIED 5-1 ( VICE MA YOR GARCIA OPPOSED, COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS- COLE ABSENT), to a ward of contract to the UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families & Communities to complete the Pomona P -3 Ecosystems Transformation Accelerator project for an amount not to exceed $250,000 for a contract term of one year with a one-year extension option; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute a one- year agreement with one- year renewal options with UCLA to provide services in an amount not to exceed $250,000.
9. Adoption of a Resolution Scheduling a Meeting For December 9, 2024, to Accept the Official Canvas of the 2024 General Municipal Election and Administer Oaths of Office to Incoming City Council Members
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-194 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, SCHEDULING A MEETING FOR DECEMBER 9, 2024, TO ACCEPT THE OFFICIAL CANVAS OF THE 2024 GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION AND ADMINISTER OATHS OF OFFICE TO INCOMING
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
MOTION BY VICE MAYO R GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 6-0 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE ABSENT), to adopt Resolution No. 2024-194.
10. Recommendation to Eliminate Cash Sales for Daily Parking at all Vehicle Parking District (VPD) Payment Kiosks
It is recommended that the City Council approve the elimination of cash payments for daily parking at the Vehicle Parking District (VPD) payment kiosks.
*Please see attachment for emails submitted regarding this item.
MOTION BY VICE MAYO R GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 6-0 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE ABSENT) , to approve the elimination of cash payments for daily parking at the Vehicle Parking District (VPD) payment kiosks.
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:
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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 Fox Community Culture Fund in support of La Gran Posada: Requested Amount: $7,000
B) Amount to be determined to Celebrating a Vision in support of Christmas Shopping Spree for 25 families: Requested Amount: $900
C) Amount to be determined to Sowing Seeds for Life in support of 19 th Annual
Holiday Pantry: Requested Amount: $1,000
D) Amount to be determined to Victory Outreach in support of Winter Wonderland Toy Giveaway & Outreach: Requested Amount: $2,000
E) Amount to be determined for Council Holiday Gifts/Food Drive in support of Pomona Children and Families in need: Requested Amount: TBD
F) Amount to be determined for Project Resilience in support of 3 rd Annual
Human Trafficking Awareness Event: Requested Amount: $2,000
G) Amount to be determined for Conceptual Art Therapy in support of Pomona Youth Artwalk: Requested Amount: $4,000
H) Amount to be determined for American Youth Soccer Organization in support of Claremont SoCal United Central 2014- 12U Boys Team: Requested Amount: $5,000
2) Receive and file the recap of final amounts.
3) Limit authorized contributions for outgoing City Councilmembers, when combined with all other District expenditures, to not exceed fifty percent of the budgeted FY 24-25 Account funding, in order t o allow an appropriate pro-rated amount for the incoming Councilmember who fills that pending Council vacancy.
MOTION BY MAYO R SANDOVAL, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER PRECIADO , CARRIED 6-0 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE ABSENT), to make a finding of public benefit for items A -H; and r eceive and file the recap of final amounts; and limit authorized contributions for outgoing City Councilmembers, when combined with all other District expenditures, to not exceed fifty percent of the budgeted FY 24-25 Account funding, in order to allow an appropriate pro- rated amount for the incoming Councilmember who fills that pending Council vacancy.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
12. Adopt a Resolution to Remove a Landmark Designation from Two (2) Vacant Parcels Adjacent to 1300 Los Robles Place, Pomona Historic Landmark No. 22
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-196 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, REMOVING APNS 8360 -025-007 AND 8360-025-008 FROM THE LANDMARK DESIGNATION OF THE CORA AND ELMER ARMOUR RESIDENCE (POMONA HISTORIC LANDMARK NO. 22) LOCATED AT 1300 LOS ROBLES PLACE
Development Services Deputy Director Ata Kahn gave a brief overview of the item.
Mayor Sandoval opened the public hearing.
Public Speaker Ann Tomkins expressed opposition to the item.
Mayor Sandoval closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Nolte asked who brought the concern forward.
DS Deputy Director Kahn advised the property owner had brought it forward.
Councilmember Torres, Councilmember Preciado, Mayor Sandoval and C ouncilmember Lustro asked questions to staff.
MOTION BY C OUNCILMEMBER NOLTE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 6-0 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE ABSENT), to adopt Resolution No. 2024-196.
ADJ
OURNMENT
The City Council meeting adjourned in honor of R oberta Louise “Bobbie” O ntiveros, Maxine Jefferson, Ronald Gonzales, and Miriam Renteria at 9:02 p.m. on December 2, 2024.
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
From: Hank Fung
To: City Clerk
Subject: Item 10, 12/2/2024 city council agenda
Date: Monday, December 2, 2024 9:48:21 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of your organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear honorable mayor and members of the city council,
I oppose the way that the Public Works Department is framing the 17.5% increase in parking fees by eliminating cash payment and forcing mobile payment for the 35 cent fee. While I have no issues with raising parking prices or eliminating cash payment, it should be done in a transparent fashion. Where will the savings from not collecting cash go? Is it false advertising to display a $2 parking fee when there is no way to avoid the 35 cent card payment surcharge?
I suggest a public hearing be held to properly increase the fees by 17.5% and that all signage be modified to display the cost inclusive of the payment fee, since there would not be any way to avoid it. Please pull the item from the agenda and properly notice the item to increase parking rates to a fee inclusive rate.
Sincerely,
Hank Fung
Sent from my iPhone