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
/ice Mayor Nora Garcia
ouncilmember Debra Marti
ouncilmember Victor Preciad
Councilmember Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole
Councilmember Steve Lustro
Councilmember Lorraine Canales
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.
Monday, February 3, 2025 7:00 PM Council Chambers
CLOSED SESSION
A) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a))
City of Pomona, et al. v. M & A Gabaee, et al.
Los Angeles County Superior Court
Case No. 22PSCV03011
B) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d) (2))
One (1) case
C) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b) (1))
City Attorney
City Clerk
City Manager
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Sandoval called the City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes February 3, 2025 uccessor Agency to th
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CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Carvalho stated there was no reportable action.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Canales led the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Tim Sandoval
Vice Mayor Nora Garcia
Councilmember Debra Martin
Councilmember Victor Preciado
Councilmember Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole
Councilmember Steve Lustro
Councilmember Lorraine Canales
Absent: None
STAFF PRESENT
Anita D. Scott, City Manager
Sonia Carvalho, City Attorney
Rosalia A. Butler, City Clerk
Diana Robles, Deputy City Clerk
Michael Ellis, Pomona Police Chief
PRESENTATIONS
*A Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Pomona Recognizing February 2025 as "National Heart Health Month" in the City of Pomona
Mayor Sandoval presented the proclamation to Ann Mendoza, Pomona Valley Hospital Director of Nursing Administration, Tammy Feehling, RN Cardiac Surgery Administration, and the VH Sidewalk CPR Education Team. PVH Staff expressed gratitude for the proclamation and encouraged community members to invite them to teach CPR at their community events.
*A Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Pomona Recognizing February 2025 as "Black History Month" in the City of Pomona
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Vice Mayor Garcia presented the proclamation to Chará Swodeck and various other members of the African American Advisory Alliance. Chará Swodeck expressed words of gratitude to thank those standing together in the empowerment of their community. *A Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Pomona Recognizing January 27, 2025, as "International Holocaust Remembrance Day" in the City of Pomona Mayor Sandoval read the proclamation.
*Presentation by the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments on an Annual Update on City of Pomona Programs and Projects
John Beshay, Senior Project Manager at San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, gave the presentation.
MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Canales announced the upcoming Lunar New Year celebration at the Shaun Diamond Plaza.
Councilmember Preciado invited folks to attend the 2nd Saturday Art Walk and the upcoming District 2 Area Commander meeting. Councilmember Preciado attended the Kiwanis Bunco Night, and announced the next CommUnity Pull-Up event. Councilmember Preciado also attended the Martin Luther King Jr. Park ribbon cutting ceremony.
Councilmember Preciado requested an update on the process for reporting illegal dumping, the street sweeping plan, and on the downtown trash enclosures.
Vice Mayor Garcia gave thanks to the community organizations that hosted a "Know Your Rights" workshop, and requested folks to be kind to neighbors. Vice Mayor Garcia announced that Girl Scout Cookie season had started.
Mayor Sandoval acknowledged the fear in the community and discussed the City's commitment to supporting immigrant and diverse communities. Mayor Sandoval also discussed a recent fire that had destroyed a building in the City and requested City Manager Scott to talk about the City's process on addressing vacant buildings.
City Manager Scott advised the City was taking proactive taking steps to demolish the damaged building and discussed the administrative process.
Councilmember Martin gave thanks to Camille, the representative from Assemblymember Rodriguez's office, for attending the meeting, and gave thanks to Lt. Haggerty for hosting the District 1 Area Commander meeting. Councilmember Martin attended a conference for newly elected councilmembers. Lastly, Councilmember Martin announced an upcoming community meeting at Ganesha Park.
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CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Scott gave an update on the Class and Compensation study.
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:
Eunice Russell discussed her case against the City.
Cederic Ebener discussed safety concerns on Holt Ave. and asked the City to address those concerns.
Elizabeth Ebener discussed safety concerns on Holt Ave. and Towne Ave.
M. Joyce Bakersmith thanked the City for recognizing Black History Month, and expressed various concerns.
Rosuara Jimenez discussed concerns with the Pomona Police Dept. front desk hours and asked how the City defines "affordable" when describing new apartment developments.
Don Martens from Compassionate Pomona asked if the City could re-affirm a dedication to being a compassionate City and announced an upcoming Bingo fundraising event for the Pomona Host Lions Club.
Tremale Ratcliffe from Just Us 4 Youth lamented the passing of young residents, and requested to collaborate to develop an informational session for parents about the drugs presenting risks to kids and invited the community to attend the next Police Oversight Commission meeting.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION BY VICE MAYOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER PRECIADO, CARRIED 7-0, to approve the entire Consent Calendar except for Item No. 3 and Item No. 4 pulled by Mayor Sandoval.
Award Construction Contract to Garcon Construction, Inc. in the amount of $713,398 for "ADA Curb Ramps and Path of Travel - Citywide (CDBG) (FY 23-24)," Project No. 428-2590-XXXXX-67941
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
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1) Award a construction contract to the apparent lowest responsive bid from Garcon Construction, Inc. for "ADA Curb Ramps and Path of Travel (CDBG) (FY 23-24)," Project No. 428-2590-XXXXX-67941, to include all Base Bid items, plus Additive Alternate Items No. 1 - 3 in the total amount of $713,398; 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; and
3) Authorize the City Manager to execute the construction contract and any subsequent change orders on behalf of the City of Pomona (City).
MOTION BY VICE MAYOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER PRECIADO, CARRIED 7-0, to award a construction contract to the apparent lowest responsive bid from Garcon Construction, Inc. for "ADA Curb Ramps and Path of Travel (CDBG) (FY 23-24)," Project No. 428-2590-XXXXX-67941, to include all Base Bid items, plus Additive Alternate Items No. 1 - 3 in the total amount of $713,398; 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 authorize the City Manager to execute the construction contract and any subsequent change orders on behalf of the City of Pomona (City).
Approval of Purchase Order to National Auto Fleet Group Utilizing Sourcewell Cooperative Contract No. 091521-NAF in the Total Amount of $211,763.50, for One 2024 Ford F-550 Superduty Aerial Bucket Truck for the Public Works Department It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Approve the Purchase Order (PO) to National Auto Fleet Group (NAFG) utilizing Sourcewell Cooperative Contract No. 091521-NAF in the total amount of $211,763.50 for one 2024 Ford F-550 Superduty Aerial Bucket Truck for assignment to the Public Works Department Traffic Operations staff for maintenance of traffic signals and streetlights.
2) Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the necessary documents and any subsequent changes or amendments thereto on behalf of the City of Pomona Page 5
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MOTION BY VICE MAYOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER PRECIADO, CARRIED 7-0, to approve the Purchase Order (PO) to National Auto Fleet Group (NAFG) utilizing Sourcewell Cooperative Contract No. 091521-NAF in the total amount of $211,763.50 for one 2024 Ford F-550 Superduty Aerial Bucket Truck for assignment to the Public Works Department Traffic Operations staff for maintenance of traffic signals and streetlights; and authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the necessary documents and any subsequent changes or amendments thereto on behalf of the City.
Recommend the Removal of Commissioner Audrey Olmos-Govea from the Parks & Recreation Commission
It is recommended that the City Council take the following action:
Remove Mayoral Appointee, Commissioner Audrey Olmos-Govea, from the Parks & Recreation Commission based on three (3) or more absences (excused/unexcused) within a twelve (12) month period.
*This item was pulled by Mayor Sandoval because Commissioner Olmos-Govea had submitted her resignation earlier that day.
THIS ITEM WAS PULLED, NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.
4. Reaffirmation of a Resolution Denouncing Tactics Used to Intimidate Residents Who are Immigrants, People of Color, Muslims, LGBTQ People and People with Disabilities; and Reaffirming the City's Commitment to Diversity and to Safeguarding the Civil Rights, Safety and Dignity of All Our Residents It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-02 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, DENOUNCING TACTICS USED TO
INTIMIDATE POMONA RESIDENTS WHO ARE IMMIGRANTS, PEOPLE OF
COLOR, MUSLIMS, LGBTQ PEOPLE, AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND
REAFFIRMING THE CITY'S COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND TO
SAFEGUARDING THE CIVIL RIGHTS, SAFETY AND DIGNITY OF ALL OUR
RESIDENTS
*This item was pulled by Mayor Sandoval to be continued to a future meeting.
Public Speaker Maribel Quesada spoke about her family's experience as immigrants and the many opportunities the family found after immigrating.
THIS ITEM WAS PULLED, NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.
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Adopt a Resolution to Dissolve the City Council Public Works Ad Hoc Committee, which includes the Environmental and Transportation Subcommittees It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
WORKS AD HOG COMMITTEE, WHICH INCLUDES THE ENVIRONMENTAL
STEWARDSHIP AND TRANSPORTATION SUBCOMMITTEES
MOTION BY VICE MAYOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER PRECIADO, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2025-23.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
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
2) Receive and file the recap of final amounts.
MOTION BY MAYOR SANDOVAL, SECOND BY VICE MAYOR GARCIA, CARRIED 7-0, to make a finding of public benefit.
7. Presentation of the Updated Ten-Year Financial Forecast It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the updated Ten-Year Financial Forecast.
Finance Director Andrew Mowbray introduced Jim Morris from UFI Financial Solutions to give the presentation.
Mayor Sandoval commented on the positive effects of Measure PG asked various questions to Jim Morris, and expressed support for the payout to the CaPERS UAL Councilmember Lustro gave comments and expressed support for the payout to the CaPERS UAL.
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Vice Mayor Garcia gave comments and asked various questions to Finance Director Mowbray. Vice Mayor Garcia expressed support for the payout to the CaPERS UAL.
Councilmember Martin asked various questions and Economic Development Director Kirk Pelser answered Councilmember Martin's questions.
Councilmember Preciado expressed support for the payout to the CaPERS UAL and expressed a desire to find creative solutions.
Mayor Sandoval spoke about the importance of collaborating with the community to solve solutions to these challenges.
Councilmember Canales asked City Attorney Carvalho questions about the process for amending previously passed measures. City Attorney Carvalho answered Councilmember Canales' questions.
Jim Morris from UFI Financial Solutions gave closing comments.
THIS ITEM WAS A RECEIVE AND FILE, NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.
8. Impact Analysis Report on the Possible Effects of the Proposed Initiative Petition to Repeal the City's Utility User Tax (UUT) on Water Service It is recommended the City Council take the following actions:
1) Receive and file the Impact Analysis Report on the possible effects of the proposed initiative petition to repeal the City's Utility User Tax (UUT) on Water Service;
2) Based upon the Impact Analysis Report, Submit the Measure to the voters at the "next regular municipal election," occurring at least 88 days later. Under Elections Code section 348, a "IRjegular election is an election, the specific time for the holding of which is prescribed by law." Under the recently amended City Charter, the City's next regular election will be its Primary Municipal Election, which will coincide with the Statewide Primary Election on June 2, 2026; and 3) Adopt the following resolutions:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-10 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, SUBMITTING TO THE QUALIFIED
VOTERS OF THE CITY OF POMONA AN INITIATIVE MEASURE REPEALING
THE CITY'S UTILITY USERS TAX (UUT) ON WATER SERVICE, AT THE PRIMARY MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2026 City of Pomona Page 8
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RESOLUTION NO. 2025-11 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO CONSOLIDATE A PRIMARY MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON JUNE 2, 2026, WITH THE
STATEWIDE PRIMARY ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THAT DATE PURSUANT TO ELECTIONS CODE SECTION 10403
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-12 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, PROVIDING FOR THE FILING OF
PRIMARY AND REBUTTAL ARGUMENTS AND SETTING RULES FOR THE
FILING OF WRITTEN ARGUMENTS REGARDING A CITY MEASURE TO BE SUBMITTED AT THE JUNE 2, 2026 PRIMARY MUNICIPAL ELECTION Finance Director Mowbray gave the presentation.
Public Speaker Eunice Russell expressed concerns with the effects of the proposed measure, requested the City be transparent with how rates are structured and conduct a thorough review of the water billing system.
Vice Mayor Garcia asked various to questions to staff related to rate structuring and gave comments.
Water Director Chris Diggs answered Vice Mayor Garcia's questions.
MOTION BY VICE MAYOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to receive and file the Impact Analysis Report on the possible effects of the proposed initiative petition to repeal the City's Utility User Tax (UUT) on Water Service; and submit the Measure to the voters at the City's Primary Municipal Election on June 2, 2026; and adopt Resolution No. 2025-10, Resolution No. 2025-11, and Resolution No. 2025-12.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. on February 3, 2025.
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Respectfully submitted, ATTEST:
ROSALIA A. BUTLER, MMC TIM SÁNDOVAL
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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