505 S. Garey Ave
City of Pomona Pomona, CA 91766
Regular Meeting Minutes
City Council / Housing Authority / Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency
ice Mayor Steve Lustr
Councilmember Debra Martir
Councilmember Victor Preciado
Councilmember Nora Garcia
Councilmember Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole
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, May 5, 2025 7:00 PM Council Chambers
CLOSED SESSION
A) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) and (d) (1)) Citizens for Amending Prop L, et al. v. City of Pomona, et al.
Los Angeles County Superior Court
Case No. 19STCP00482
B) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) and (d) (1)) Gente Organizada v. City of Pomona
Los Angeles County Superior Court
Case No. 23STCP03044
C) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) and (d) (1)) Marsha Elizabeth Giles, an individual v. City of Pomona, and does 1 to 50, Inclusive.
Los Angeles County Superior Court
Case No. 19STCV33448
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes May 5, 2025 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
D) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) and (d)(1)) David A. Wilson v. City of Pomona/City of Los Angeles
Workers Compensation Appeals Board
Case No. ADJ1117149
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 advised the City Council had approved a settlement of $460,000 by a vote of 6-0, with Councilmember Ontiveros-Cole absent, for Closed Session Item C.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Garcia led the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Tim Sandoval
Vice Mayor Steve Lustro
Councilmember Debra Martin
Councilmember Victor Preciado
Councilmember Nora Garcia
Councilmember Lorraine Canales
Absent: Councilmember Ontiveros-Cole
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
PRESENTATIONS
*A Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Pomona Recognizing May 2025 as "Building Safety Month" in the City of Pomona
City of Pomona Page 2
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes May 5, 2025 Successor Agency to the e
Redevelopment Agency
Mayor Sandoval presented the proclamation to Agustine Figueroa, Building Official, Stephen Mann, Deputy Building Official, Cassandra Yado, Sergio Rodriguez, Britney Alvarado, Lizeth Lopez and Michael Barthel. Agustine shared a few words about the importance of building safety.
*A Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Pomona Recognizing May 2025 as "Historic Preservation Month" in the City of Pomona
Mayor Sandoval presented the proclamation to Deborah Clifford from Historical Society who shared a few words of gratitude for the proclamation. *Presentation of the 2025 Preserve Pomona Awards for Historic Preservation Planning Manager Geoffrey Starns gave a presentation about the Pomona Historic Preservation Program and then presented the awards:
• Ray Adamyck and Spectra Company - Rehabilitation Award. • Ann Betz and Peter Radovich - Landscape Award
• Roy Kwon - Award of Merit for the Landmark Quarter Historic District • Kristin Arnesen and Paul Laughrige - Award of Merit for the Lincoln Park Historic District
• Evelyn Apostol - Award of Merit for the Wilton Heights District • Diana Maldonado and Osvaldo Echeverria - Award of Merit for Hacienda Park • Alan Laga Bay - Preservationist of the Year
*Presentation of the Pomona Goddess to Councilmember Debra Martin for her service as a City Commissioner
Mayor Sandoval presented the Goddess statuette to Councilmember Martin who spoke a few words of gratitude to her family for their support.
MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Garcia commended the new mural at Washington Park and wish teacher's a happy Teacher Appreciation Week. Councilmember Garcia spoke about the fears of the community facing. Councilmember Garcia requested support to bring forth a resolution to authorize the City to pursue a state grant that would fund a wage theft regulation program.
Vice Mayor Lustro attended the ribbon cutting events for renovated and new equipment at Country Crossings Park and at the Riparian Greenbelt. Vice Mayor Lustro also announced a free vision screening event hosted by the Pomona and Chino Host Lions Club.
Councilmember Canales wished educators and other working in education a happy Teacher Appreciation Week and invited folks to attend the Second Saturday Art Walk.
City of Pomona Page 3
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes May 5, 2025 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Councilmember Preciado attended the Cesar Chavez Breakfast, the Cesar Chavez Pilgrimage and Fernando Pedraza's Celebration of Life. Councilmember Preciado gave thanks to everyone involved with supporting those events. Councilmember Preciado attended a mulch giveaway event, thanked Bernard for his attendance and invited folks to attend Pomona Day at the LA County Fair. Lastly, Councilmember Preciado wished everyone a happy Mother's Day.
Councilmember Martin spoke about the success of the Love Your Park Day and gave thanks to volunteers, residents and staff that helped support the event. Councilmember Martin discussed the grand opening day of the LA County Fair and invited folks to attend a day at the Fair.
Mayor Sandoval commended fellow Councilmembers for being engaged and accessible to the public. Mayor Sandoval discussed the success of a free Mother's Day brunch for Pacific Palisades and Eaton fire victims, hosted by Gabe Madrid.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Scott stated there was no reportable action.
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:
Darlene Johnson discussed concerns with the upcoming street sweeping routes.
Katherine Lim discussed her research and petition regarding swim safety and swim lessons for younger children.
Anna Herrera Zepeda discussed her research project about Hispanic mental health awareness.
Mike Cargile discussed concerns with possible citations homeowners may face if non-safe items are found in their solid waste bins.
Elda Gaona requested the city to waive the fee for her CUP application.
Jeff Shenkle spoke in support of Elda Gaona's request.
Ira Mazer with Hope 4 Holt Initiative discussed homelessness and gave suggestions for future solutions.
City of Pomona Page 4
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes May 5, 2025 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Jeffery Michaelson with Hope 4 Holt Initiative discussed the initiative's focus areas.
Gustavo Ramirez with Hope 4 Holt Initiative shared the initiative's mission statement.
Patti DeLeon with Hope 4 Holt Initiative expressed support for the initiative.
Crystal Schiller expressed concerns with food vendors operating without proper licenses near the Valley Indoor Swap Meet.
Amanda Oslinger discussed Project Lacey and the uses of Narcan.
Bernard Roberts expressed gratitude to Vice Mayor Lustro for the free vision screening event hosted by the Pomona and Chino Host Lions Club.
Alexis Teodoro from the Pomona Economic Opportunity Center expressed various topics surrounding day laborers, wage theft and land use.
Rosaura Jimenez-Mireles asked questions about make-up days for Athen's Hazardous Waste collection days.
Keithleen Fernandez expressed concerns with cars speeding in her neighborhood.
Alexa Richards discussed her student work at Cal State San Bernardino about harm reduction strategies.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY VICE MAYOR LUSTRO, CARRIED 6-0 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE ABSENT), to approve the entire Consent Calendar.
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:
April 21, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY VICE MAYOR LUSTRO, CARRIED 6-0 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE ABSENT), to approve City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes of April 21, 2025.
City of Pomona Page 5
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes May 5, 2025 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 4356 Sunsetting the Youth Commission to Provide Expanded Opportunities for Youth on the Measure Y Accountability Board
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. 4356 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, DELETING DIVISION 5 ("YOUTH COMMISSION"'), FROM ARTICLE V ("BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS"), OF CHAPTER 2
("ADMINISTRATION"), TO SUNSET THE COMMISSION TO PROVIDE
EXPANDED OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH ON THE MEASURE Y CHILDREN AND YOUTH FUND ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD, A 15-MEMBER BOARD OF WHICH EIGHT MEMBERS MUST BE BETWEEN 15 AND 24 YEARS OLD
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY VICE MAYOR LUSTRO, CARRIED 6-0 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE ABSENT), to adopt Ordinance No. 4356.
3. Award a Four-year Contract to Axon Enterprise, Inc. for the purchase of Taser 10 Less Lethal Electronic Control Devices and Establish Axon Enterprise, Inc. as the Sole Source Provider of Standard Police Equipment
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-60 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE OPERATING
BUDGET FOR THE EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT FUND BY
APPROPRIATING $250,000 FROM FUND RESERVES.
2) Award a Four-Year purchasing contract to Axon Enterprise, Inc. for the Taser 10 Less Lethal Electronic Control Device;
3) Approve the purchase of Taser 10 Less Lethal Electronic Control Device from Axon Enterprise, Inc. in four annual installments for an aggregate amount not to exceed $786,892.60. The initial installment shall not exceed $250,000. Each subsequent payment shall be disbursed annually in three separate payments not to exceed an amount of $178,964.32
4) Establish Axon Enterprise, Inc. as the sole source provider of standard police equipment for Fiscal Year 2024-25; and
5) Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute any and all agreements on behalf of the City, subject to review and approval as to form by the City Attorney.
City of Pomona Page 6
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes May 5, 2025 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY VICE MAYOR LUSTRO, CARRIED 6-0 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE ABSENT), to adopt Resolution No. 2025-60; and award a Four-Year purchasing contract to Axon Enterprise, Inc. for the Taser 10 Less Lethal Electronic Control Device; and approve the purchase of Taser 10 Less Lethal Electronic Control Device from Axon Enterprise, Inc. in four annual installments for an aggregate amount not to exceed $786,892.60. The initial installment shall not exceed $250,000. Each subsequent payment shall be disbursed annually in three separate payments not to exceed an amount of $178,964.32; and establish Axon Enterprise, Inc. as the sole source provider of standard police equipment for Fiscal Year 2024-25; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute any and all agreements on behalf of the City, subject to review and approval as to form by the City Attorney.
4. Receive and File Annual Military Equipment Use Report as Required by Assembly Bill (AB) 481
It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the annual military equipment use report as required by AB 481 for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY VICE MAYOR LUSTRO, CARRIED 6-0 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE ABSENT), to receive and file the annual military equipment use report as required by AB 481 for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
Approve an Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Barr and Clark, Inc. for Radon Testing Services by Increasing the Total Amount to $149,900 It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Approve an increase to the existing professional services agreement with Barr & Clark, Inc. for Radon Testing Professional Services by $50,000 or to $149,900; 2) Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the amendment to the professional services agreement, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY VICE MAYOR LUSTRO, CARRIED 6-0 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE ABSENT), to approve an increase to the existing professional services agreement with Barr & Clark, Inc. for Radon Testing Professional Services by $50,000 or to $149,900; and authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the amendment to the professional services agreement, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.
City of Pomona Page 7
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes May 5, 2025 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
6. Approval of Amendment to the Special Legal Counsel Panel It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Approve the hourly rate increase for Lozano Smith Attorneys at Law to a range of $295 - $395 for Partners, Senior Counsel, and Of Counsel; and 2) Approve the hourly rate increase for Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Rudd & Romo (AALRR) to $385 per hour for Of Counsel; and
3) Authorize the City Manager to execute retainer agreements with the requested
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY VICE MAYOR LUSTRO, CARRIED 6-0 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE ABSENT), to approve the hourly rate increase for Lozano Smith Attorneys at Law to a range of $295 - $395 for Partners, Senior Counsel, and Of Counsel; and approve the hourly rate increase for Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Rudd & Romo (AALRR) to $385 per hour for Of Counsel; and authorize the City Manager to execute retainer agreements with the requested firms.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
7. 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 NAACP Pomona Valley Branch in support of 6th • Annual Freedom Fund: Requested Amount: $2,000
B) Amount to be determined to Project Resilience in support of Fentanyl Awareness & Community Resource Fair: Requested Amount: $1,500 C) Amount to be determined to Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe in support of Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe 31s Annual Big Time: Requested Amount:
$3,000
D) Amount to be determined to Pomona Public Library Foundation in support of 2025 Mayor's Gala: Requested Amount: $5,000
City of Pomona Page 8
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes May 5, 2025 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
E) Amount to be determined to Nuestra Casa: Museum of History and Culture in support of Nuestra Casa Museum: Requested Amount: $5,000 F) Amount to be determined to Kennedy Austin Foundation in support of Mental Health Bingo: Requested Amount: $1,500
2) Receive and file the recap of final amounts.
MOTION BY MAYOR SANDOVAL, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, CARRIED 6-0 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE ABSENT), to make a finding of public benefit for items A-F.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. Discussion on the City's Compliance with Assembly Bill No. 2561 It is recommended that the City Council receive and file a report on the City's compliance with Assembly Bill No. 2561 (AB 2561) relating to Public Employment.
Human Resources Director René Anderson gave the staff presentation.
Mayor Sandoval opened the Public Hearing, and with no speakers, Mayor Sandoval closed the public hearing.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 6-0 (COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE ABSENT), to receive and file a report on the City's compliance with Assembly Bill No. 2561 (AB 2561) relating to Public Employment.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council meeting adjourned in memory of Beth Brooks and Jo Reeta Wilborn at 8:51 p.m. on May 5, 2025.
Respectfully submitted, ATTEST:
PERI
ROSALIAA. 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 9
•
Robles, Diana
From: SGVRes2000 < [email protected]>
Sent: Monday, April 28, 2025 4:20 PM
To: City Clerk; Butler, Rosalia
Co: Sandoval, Tim; Ontiveros-Cole, Elizabeth; Dichosa, Arnold; Lustro, Steve; Martin, Debra; Preciado, Victor; Garcia, Nora; Canales, Lorraine; McWade, Meg
Subject: Comments For City Council Meeting
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 Elected Leaders,
I would hope that we have learned from the disasters of January regarding fires. But I am afraid that it didn't do anything to our elected leadership. In my previous comment I deplored the fire that happened next to the Union on Garey Ave. This time I would like to draw your attention to Ganesha Hills. It is just a matter of time until the entire neighborhood is going to go up in flames. First of all there is so much fuel for a ginormous fire to happen but second there are so many pyromaniacs loitering around these hills that I don't see how such a disaster can be avoided if we keep being so hands off our homeless problem.
Clear up the Park and Ride on Gillette, clear up the hills below Coco Palms and The Pomona Mining Company and Clear up Ganesha Park of the entire homeless population.
Mr. Mayor (and others who share his feelings on this issue). When looking at our crime record, admit that our brave PPD officers need help. So when they get assistance from the feds to dismantle any kind of criminal ring, they don't come out publicly on TV to criticize the efforts of law enforcement to clean up crime from our streets. Instead, thank the extra hand they get and ask for more because we need it.
Thanks for your attention.
A very concerned resident.
.........
Robles, Diana
From: Elizabeth Cédric Ebiner <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, April 28, 2025 5:34 PM
To: City Clerk; Butler, Rosalia
Cc: Sandoval, Tim; Ontiveros-Cole, Elizabeth
Subject: Pomona MUST support AB 63 (Public Comment)
Attachments: FILE_0191.pdf
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.
This message is intended for the entire City Council
Dear City Council,
My family begs you to endorse Assembly Bill 63, a smart and vital piece of legislation that will help combat prostitution and human trafficking in Pomona.
I am appalled by the perverse behavior that happens, unchecked, on Holt Avenue.
Thanks to Assemblymember Michelle Rodriguez, this bill - if passed - would "prohibit loitering in a public place with the intent to commit prostitution."
Assembly Bill 63. Michelle Rodriguez
I applaud Councilwoman Debra Martin's formal support for this measure. (see attached) PLEASE use your political influence to advocate for Assembly Bill 63.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Ebiner
Draw your strength from the Lord
and from His mighty power.
Ephesians 6:10
OFFICE
OF THE
CITY COUNCIL
Clly Hall, Pomona, California 91769
P.
March 27, 2025
Assemblymember Michelle Rodriguez
District Office
13160 7' Street
Chino, CA 91710
Dear Assemblymember Rodriguez,
I am writing to express my full support for Assembly Bill (AB) 63, which reinstates the prohibition on loitering in a public place with the intent to commit prostitution. This critical piece of legislation will help combat the serious issues of prostitution and sex trafficking in our neighborhoods, ultimately working toward a safer, healthier community for all residents.
The provision in AB 63 to make it unlawful for individuals to loiter with the intent to engage in prostitution is an important tool for Pomona's public safety officers in addressing and preventing these harmful activities. It provides law enforcement with a much-needed mechanism to take proactive measures against the exploitation of vulnerable individuals and the persistence of illegal prostitution activities in our public spaces.
Loitering with the intent to commit prostitution not only perpetuates a cycle of exploitation but also contributes to increased crime, decreased quality of life, and heightened safety concerns for both community members and victims of sex trafficking. Reinstating this prohibition will empower law enforcement officers to take appropriate action in preventing these illegal activities before they can escalate.
This bill is an important step toward reducing sex trafficking and prostitution in our communities, as well as providing a'means to ensure public safety. I commend your leadership on this crucial issue.
Thank you for your commitment to addressing the needs of our community, and I look forward to seeing the continued progress on this important legislation.
Sincerely,
Debra Martino
Debra Martin
District One