CLOSED SESSION
A) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a))
Gerald Pardo vs. City of Pomona, et al.
Los Angeles Superior Court Case Number 22PSCV01610
B) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2))
One (1) case
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 the City Council voted unanimously to approve a settlement of $150,000 for Closed Session Item A.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Lustro 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 Debra Martin
Councilmember Victor Preciado
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. 7:00 PM Monday, January 27, 2025 Council Chambers
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes January 27, 2025 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
City of Pomona Page 2
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
Karla Shipman, Assistant City Clerk
Michael Ellis, Pomona Police Chief
MAYO
R/COUNCILMEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Ontiveros-Cole discussed attending the Lunar New Year event hosted by the Vietnamese community.
Vice Mayor Garcia invited the community to attend the upcoming Pomona Public Library’s Lunar New Year Story T ime event and requested folks to fill out the Community Needs Survey.
Councilmember Martin expressed gratitude to the Los Angeles County Fire Department for their work in combating the LA fires, noted Assemblymember Rodriguez’s representative was present, and discussed attending the Lunar New Year event. Councilmember Martin invited the community to attend the upcoming District 1 Area Commander meeting.
Councilmember Canales discussed attending the Lunar New Year event hosted by the Vietnamese community, and announced the DPOA’s upcoming Lunar New Year celebration. Councilmember Canales announced another upcoming Lunar New Year celebration hosted by Bliss Wisdom.
Councilmember Preciado discussed a local immigrant and inclusion grant the City had received and expressed gratitude to Public Works staff for the ride- around he participated in last week. Councilmember Preciado invited folks to attend the upcoming ribbon cutting ceremony of the newly renovated Martin Luther King Jr Park.
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes January 27, 2025 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
City of Pomona Page 3
Councilmember Lustro expressed appreciation and gratitude to people who have donated or supported victims of the LA County fires in other ways and spoke about the vastness of the devastation caused by the fires. Councilmember Lustro wished a Happy Lunar New Year to those who celebrate.
Mayor Sandoval shared his reflections about the City’s emergency preparedness and requested City Manager Scott to share on the City’s emergency preparedness plan.
City Manager Scott advised the City has an emergency operation plan, which was adopted in 2011, that lays out the policy and framework. Updates to the plan would come to City Council for adoption later this year.
Mayor Sandoval requested staff bring back an item to authorize the purchase of a plaque or sign to indicate Second Street and Garey Ave. as Manuel Castillejo’s place.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Scott advised the Insurance Services Office ranks the City of Pomona high in water availability and fire suppression ability.
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:
Angelica Victoria spoke on behalf of Tri City Mental Health Authority to invite the community to attend an upcoming community forum to discuss updates.
Ion Puschila expressed gratitude to the City Council and staff for their work, announced his retirement and discussed the improvements of the reading program at Garey High School.
Gary Matthews expressed concerns with the City’s water reserves in the Ganesha Hills community.
Joseph Laybourn spoke on behalf of World Peace Now and described the organization’s mission.
Jeff Maple discussed the Hope for Holt project of the World Peace Now organization.
Francisco Ballardo gave thanks to City Council for their support in past improvements and invited the community to attend the upcoming T ed Greene Little League Opening Ceremonies.
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes January 27, 2025 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
City of Pomona Page 4
James Calise discussed an upcoming peace walk hosted by World Peace Now and other future projects from the organization.
Ira Mazer with World Peace Now discussed the importance of addressing homelessness in Pomona, and suggested another shelter in the area would help.
Randy Lopez discussed the need for Pomona to have a rehabilitation center that also operates as a mental health and detox center.
Roman Alvarez discussed concerns with lack of parking availability in her neighborhood and the inability to get additional parking permits.
Bernardino Cortez requested the City’s seal on the Pomona Day Labor’s program identification cards.
Mariano Guerra expressed gratitude to the City for its support of the Pomona Day Labor Program, advised twenty-five members had gone to Altadena to help clean up the area, and requested the City seal to be placed on their ID cards.
Esequiel Cruz requested the City allow the Pomona Day Labor program to use the City seal on its ID cards.
Felipe Cabrales Prado discussed participation in the cleanup of Altadena by the members of the Pomona Day Labor program.
Claudia Bautista from the Pomona Economic Opportunity Center requested the City allow PEOC to put the City seal on the Day Labor program participant’s identification cards.
Alexi Nava from the Pomona Economic Opportunity Center discussed why the City seal is needed on the identification cards of the Day Labor program participants.
Rodrigo T orres spoke in support of the Day Labor program of the Pomona Economic Opportunity Center.
Carlos Reyes requested the City support the day labor program of the Pomona Economic Opportunity Center by allowing the City seal on its ID cards.
Ana Martinez discussed why the City seal is needed on the ID cards of the participants in the Day Labor program of the Pomona Economic Opportunity Center.
Reynaldo Reyes requested the City allow the City seal be allowed to be on the ID cards of Day Laborer program participants.
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes January 27, 2025 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
City of Pomona Page 5
Elinor Crescenzi discussed hopes for renewed commitment from the City Council for zero- waste resolutions.
Alex Abasta requested the City address the lack of maintenance at the property formerly known as the Palm Lakes golf course.
Eunice Russell discussed concerns with the freedom information request-action, requested the City Council to look into legal billings and requested the City Council verify information they receive from staff.
Stacey Cline discussed her experience with homelessness and the challenges that came with it, and requested the City support the organization World Peace Now.
Armando Anzaldo from World Peace Now spoke about his current challenges with overcoming homelessness, and discussed various topics regarding different City improvements he would like to see.
Gustavo Ramirez expressed support for the Day Labor program using the City seal on their ID cards, for PUSH and read a poem.
Michael Sanchez discussed his desire to help clean up the City.
Mayela Ybale discussed concerns with Washington Park and requested the City address those issues.
Yesenia Miranda Meza expressed support for a permanent rent stabilization ordinance.
Mayra Langarica discussed personal challenges in overcoming homelessness.
Rosaura Jimenez-Mireles discussed concerns with the practices of the Quick T ow Truck Company in Pomona.
Baris Gulhan, member of the Pomona Soccer Youth League, discussed concerns with the conditions of the yards and the bathrooms at City parks.
Marley Robles, member of the Pomona Soccer Youth League, discussed safety concerns at City parks.
Gloria Chacon discussed safety concerns at City parks.
Diana R. Robertson discussed her experience helping a neighbor facing eviction and expressed gratitude to the City and Councilmember Canales for their assistance.
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes January 27, 2025 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
City of Pomona Page 6
Bernard Roberts discussed his love for Pomona.
Virginia submitted a speaker card but was not present when called to speak.
The following people submitted non-speaking cards to support the City authorizing the Day Labor Group to use the City seal on their identification cards:
Santos Hernandez
Ramon Lorenzo
Armando Martinez
Pedro Gonzales
Jorge Cervantes
Pedro Gutierrez
The following people submitted non-speaking cards to support the Pomona Soccer youth League:
Ignacio Duran
Escarlet Anabella
Monroy Lopez
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION BY VICE MA YOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS- COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to approve the entire Consent Calendar except for Item No. 2 pulled by public speakers, and Item No. 5 pulled by Councilmember Canales.
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:
December 16, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
January 6, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
MOTION BY VICE MA YOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS - COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to approve City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes of December 16, 2024 and January 6, 2025.
2. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 4354 Amending City of Pomona Zoning and Development Code Section 830.A (Accessory Dwelling Units) pertaining to Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes January 27, 2025 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
City of Pomona Page 7
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. 4354 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE CITY OF POMONA ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT CODE SECTION 830.A (ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS)
PERTAINING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNIT REGULATIONS IN COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW AND
DETERMINING THE ORDINANCE TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA
*This item was pulled by Public Speakers.
Public Speaker Rosaura Jimenez asked if ADU’s would be allowed to be built in the front yard area of properties.
Public Speaker Jeffrey Michaelson discussed concerns with the possible effects the ordinance would cause on tenants.
MOTION BY VICE MA YOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Ordinance No. 4354.
3. Adoption of a Resolution Receiving a Grant Award of $28,286 from Parks California and Amending the FY 2024-25 Operating Budget by Increasing Revenue Estimates and Appropriating the $28,286 in Awarded Grant Funds
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 -13 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA RECEIVING A GRANT AWARD OF $28,286 FROM PARKS CALIFORNIA AND AMENDING THE FY 2024 -25
OPERATING BUDGET BY INCREASING REVENUE ESTIMATES AND
APPROPRIATING THE $28,286 IN AWARDED GRANT FUNDS
2) Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents related with this action, with approval of the City Attorney as to form.
MOTION BY VICE MA YOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS - COLE, CARRIED 7 -0, to adopt Resolution No. 2025 -13 and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents related with this action, with approval of the City Attorney as to form.
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes January 27, 2025 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
City of Pomona Page 8
4. Resolution to Amend the FY 2024-25 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget by Creating a New Project, “ Westmont Park Softball Field Rehabilitation,” and Appropriating $40,000 of CDBG Funding to the Project
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-07 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, TO AMEND THE FY 2024 -25 CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) BUDGET BY CREATING A NEW PROJECT, “WESTMONT PARK SOFTBALL FIELD REHABILITATION,” PROJECT NO. 428-2590-XXXXX-71120 AND APPROPRIATING $40,000 OF DISTRICT 5
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDING TO THE
PROJECT
MOTION BY VICE MA YOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS - COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2025-07.
5. Resolution to Amend the FY 2024- 25 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget for “Civic Center Plaza - New Playground and Amenities,” Project No. 428-2590-XXXXX-71063 and “Measure A Park Improvements - Citywide” Project No. 428-2590-XXXXX-71080
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-14 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, TO AMEND THE FY 2024 -25 CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) BUDGET BY INCREASING REVENUE
ESTIMATES FOR LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT MEASURE A FUNDING BY $632,430 AND APPROPRIATING $501,096 OF MEASURE A ANNUAL ALLOCATIONS TO “CIVIC CENTER PLAZA - NEW PLA YGROUND AND AMENI TIES,” PROJECT NO.
428-2590-XXXXX-71063; AND APPROPRIATING AN ADDITIONAL $131,334 OF MEASURE A ANNUAL ALLOCATIONS TO “MEASURE A PARK
IMPROVEMENTS - CITYWIDE,” PROJECT NO. 428-2590-XXXXX-71080
*This item was pulled by Councilmember Canales.
Councilmember Canales expressed hope for future collaboration of all City Councilmembers to commit to improving existing parks.
Councilmember Martin commented on the conditions of existing parks.
Councilmember Martin made a motion to use the $131,334 of Measure A funds to repair the soccer fields at Washington Park but without a second, the motion failed.
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes January 27, 2025 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
City of Pomona Page 9
City Manager Scott advised that those dollars were contractually obligated to the funding mix of the Civic Center park, however st aff could bring back a report on what the cost would be to repair the soccer fields if the City Council so desired.
Mayor Sandoval suggested staff bring back a report advising how Measure A funds would fund other park projects or improvements throughout the City.
Councilmember Ontiveros-Cole asked questions about past use of Measure A funds.
Vice Mayor Garcia expressed support for having staff bring back an item for City Council to discuss Measure A funds and the possibility of using it for other park improvements.
Councilmember Preciado recommended a review of the upcoming complete streets plan and parks master plan to bring others up to speed.
Councilmember Lustro commented that parks in District 5 also needed repairs and improvements that had not been resolved in many years and expressed support for the item.
Councilmember Canales re-iterated her desire to see the City Council commit to improving existing parks.
MOTION BY VICE MA YOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER PRECIADO, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2025-14.
6. Approval of Agreement with God’s Pantry for Services Relating to Implementation of the California Proposition 47 (Prop 47) Grant
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Approve a forty -four month agreement with God’s Pantry in the amount not to exceed $5,872,199 for their role in supporting the Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) as it carries out the City of Pomona’s California Proposition 47 Grant implementation and,
2) Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement and any extensions, subsequent changes or amendments thereto, on behalf of the City, subject to review and approval as to form by the City Attorney.
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes January 27, 2025 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
City of Pomona Page 10
MOTION BY VICE MA YOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS - COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to approve a forty-four month agreement with God’s Pantry in the amount not to exceed $5,872,199 for their role in supporting the Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) as it carries out the City of Pomona’s California Proposition 47 Grant implementation; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement and any extensions, subsequent changes or amendments thereto, on behalf of the City, subject to review and approval as to form by the City Attorney.
7. Approve a Purchase from Seaside Helicopters, LLC.
It is recommended that the City Council approve a purchase of a main rotor gearbox from Seaside Helicopters, LLC. for the total amount of $132,300.00.
MOTION BY VICE MA YOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS - COLE, CARRIED 7 -0, to
approve a purchase of a main rotor gearbox from Seaside Helicopters, LLC. for the total amount of $132,300.00 .
8. Approval of Appointment to Fill the District 1 Vacancy on the Board of Parking Place Commissioners (Vehicle Parking District)
It is recommended that the City Council review the attached application and approve the appointment of Ms. Alejandra M. T essier to serve as the District 1 representative on the Board of Parking Place Commissioners (VPD).
MOTION BY VICE MA YOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVERO S- COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to
approve the appointment of Ms. Alejandra M. Tessier to serve as the District 1 representative on the Board of Parking Place Commissioners (VPD).
9. Approval of Appointment to Fill the District 6 Vacancy on the Board of Parking Place Commissioners (Vehicle Parking District)
It is recommended that the City Council review the attached application and approve the appointment of Mr. Sergio Cervantes to serve as the District 6 representative on the Board of Parking Place Commissioners (VPD).
MOTION BY VICE MA YOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS - COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to
approve the appointment of Mr. Sergio Cervantes to serve as the District 6 representative on the Board of Parking Place Commissioners (VPD).
10. Receive and File Report Required by City Ordinance No. 4244 Related to the California Values Act (SB 54)
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes January 27, 2025 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
City of Pomona Page 11
It is recommended that the City Council receive a status report of the City’s compliance with City of Pomona Ordinance No. 4244 and the State of California Values Act (SB 54).
MOTION BY VICE MA YOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS - COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to receive a status report of the City’s compliance with City of Pomona Ordinance No. 4244 and the State of California Values Act (SB 54).
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 item(s); and
A) Amount to be determined to Garey High School in support of Cafecito con Libros Literacy Program: Requested Amount: $6,000
B) Amount to be determined to Celebrating a Vision in support of 2025 Youth Apprenticeship Summit Training: Requested Amount: $1,500
C) Amount to be determined to Pomona American Little League in support of Youth Baseball Softball League: Requested Amount: $2,100
D) Amount to be determined in support of Relief for Fire Victims: Requested Amount: $1,000
2) Receive and file the recap of final amounts.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER PRECIADO, SECOND BY VICE MA YOR GARCIA , CARRIED 7-0, to make a finding of public benefit for items A-D.
12. Receive and File the Police Oversight Commission Annual Report
It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the Police Oversight Commission Annual Report.
Chair Eunice Russell gave some highlights of the annual report.
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes January 27, 2025 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
City of Pomona Page 12
Public Speaker Mike Suarez expressed criticisms about the Pomona Police Department and the Police Oversight Commission.
Public Speaker Elinor Crescenzi expressed appreciation for the Polic e Oversight Commission and discussed concerns with overtime pay and budgeting for the Pomona Police Dept.
Vice Mayor Garcia invited Chair Russell to respond to the comments from the public speakers.
Chair Russell gave comments regarding agenda processing, community engagement, limits on the Commission’s jurisdiction and on the upcoming change in commissioners.
Mayor Sandoval, on behalf of the City Council, expressed gratitude to the Police Oversight Commission for their time and efforts.
THIS ITEM WAS A RECEIVE AND FILE, NO MOTION WAS TAKEN.
13. Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Kickoff
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Approve the attached Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Budget Guiding Principles; and
2) Review the FY 2025-26 Budget Preparation Calendar and Budget Process.
Finance Director Andrew Mowbray gave the staff presentation.
Public Speaker Elinor Crescenzi expressed concerns that the budget process may be performative.
Vice Mayor Garcia commented on the differences between equality and equity, and suggested the Finance Department engage with the community in similar ways that the Planning Division does.
Councilmember Preciado inquired about zero-based budgeting, and gave comments about implementing creative solutions and improving community engagement.
Councilmember Martin lamented that the City Council no longer uses an ad-hoc committee for budget process and review, and encouraged the community to attend the budget process meetings.
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes January 27, 2025 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
City of Pomona Page 13
MOTION BY VICE MA YOR GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS - COLE, CARRIED 7 -0, to approve the attached Fiscal Year (FY) 2025- 26 Budget Guiding Principles; and review the FY 2025- 26 Budget Preparation Calendar and Budget Process.
ADJ OURNMENT
The City Council meeting adjourned at 9:34 p.m. on January 27, 2025.
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
1 Robles, Diana
From: Elizabeth Cédric Ebiner <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 9, 2025 4:01 PM
To: Butler, Rosalia; City Clerk; Elizabeth Cole; Ontiveros-Cole, Elizabeth; Elizabeth Cédric Ebiner; Dichosa, Arnold; Tim Sandoval; Sandoval, Tim
Subject: Comment for City Council : My Kids and I were Nearly Hit Yesterday on Towne Ave.
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 City Clerk,
Please submit this comment to City Council for their upcoming meeting:
Our famil
y lives near the intersection of Towne Avenue and Alvarado Street. Yesterday, when crossing Towne Avenue at Alvarado Street (with a green light and green walk sign), my children and I were nearly hit by a careless driver.
How many times must this happen before the City implements measures that will reduce speed, reckless driving, and accidents? Will it take a child being hit?
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Ebiner
617 E. Columbia Ave.
Pomona, CA 91767
--
Draw your strength from the Lord
and from His mighty power.
Ephesians 6:10