CLOSED SESSION
A) 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 had no reportable action.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Martin 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 Steve Lustro
Councilmember Debra Martin
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. 7:00 PM Monday, September 15, 2025 Council Chambers
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RO
LL CALL
P
resent: Mayor Tim Sandoval
Vice Mayor Steve Lustro
Councilmember Debra Martin
Councilmember Victor Preciado
Councilmember Nora Garcia
Councilmember Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole
Councilmember Lorraine Canales
Ab
sent: None
ST
AFF PRESENT
An
ita D. Scott, City Manager
Sonia Carvalho, City Attorney
Rosalia A. Butler, City Clerk
Karla Shipman, Assistant City Clerk
Michael Ellis, Pomona Police Chief
PR
ESENTATIONS
A
Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Pomona Recognizing September 15-October 15, 2025 as “National Hispanic Heritage Month” in the City of Pomona C
ouncilmember Garcia presented the proclamation to Lidia Manzanares and other members of Latino/Latina Roundtable, members of the Pomona Economic Opportunity center and members of the Cámara de Comercio Hispana de Pomona.
P
osthumous Presentation of a Pomona Goddess for Ron VanderMolen, Honoring His Dedicated Service as a Planning Commissioner
Vice Mayor Lustro presented the Pomona Goddess to Susan VanderMolen and other family members. Vice May or Lustro spoke a few words about the serv ice Ron VanderMolen provided to the City, not just as a Commissioner but als o as an active member of the community. Susan VanderMolen s hared a few words of gratitude.
M
AYOR/COUNCILMEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
Co
uncilmember Garcia invited people to attend the upcoming Safety Action Plan presentation at Washington Park Community Center and to the District 3 Area Commander meeting.
Co
uncilmember Preciado attended the El Centro grand opening at Mt. San Antonio College and invited people to play pick-up basketball at Centennial Park.
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Vice Mayor Lustro invited folks to attend the upcoming grand opening of the Metro A -Line station in Pomona.
Councilmember Martin welcomed Dr. Roberta Perlman, Board member of the Pomona Unified School District, representatives of Hilda Solis ’ office, LA County Fire members and District 1 residents. Councilmember Martin invited folks to attend the upcoming Love Your Park event in Soto Park on October 18. Lastly Councilmember Martin d iscussed concerns along Glen St regarding parking issues and Street Sweeping in Ganesha Hills.
Councilmember Canales has attended neighborhood watch meetings in District 6 and invited folks to attend a District 6 Community Clean-Up event.
Councilmember Ontiveros-Cole discussed Prostate Cancer Awareness month and recommended prostate exams. Councilmember Ontiveros -Cole announced she would be attending an event hosted by Assemblymember Michelle Rodriguez. The event would highlight the testimonies of women who experienced human trafficking. Councilmember Ontiveros-Cole thanked Public Works for the progress on Holt Ave and shared some concerns regarding street sweeping.
Mayor Sandoval welcomed LA County Fire members in attendance. Mayor Sandoval invited folks to attend the upcoming grand opening event for the Metro A -Line in Pomona.
Mayor Sandoval announced the State of the City address would take place on Thursday, November 13 and invited the community to join. Mayor Sandoval read- out a proclamation for September as Childhood Cancer Awareness month.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Scott advised a discussion on the potential to declar e a local state of emergency would be an item at a future City Council meeting.
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:
Gwendolyn Blume gave a shout out to Pomona Police Officer Enrique Diaz and discussed public safety concerns in her neighborhood.
Lupe Ruiz discussed concerns about abandoned cars in her neighborhood.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to approve the entire Consent Calendar.
1. Adopt Resolutions Amending the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025- 26 City Operating Budget and FY 2025- 26 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget by Increasing/Decreasing Revenue Estimates and Appropriations in Healthy Homes Production Grant (HHPG), Home -American Recovery Program (HOME- ARP) Grant Funds and Capital Improvement Program Budget
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolutions:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-113 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE AMENDMENT OF THE FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2025 -26 CITY OPERATING BUDGET BY
INCREASING/DECREASING REVENUE ESTIMATES AND APPROPRIATIONS IN
HEALTHY HOMES PRODUCTION GRANT PROGRAM (HHPG) AND
HOME-AMERICAN RECOVERY PROGRAM (HOME-ARP) FUNDS
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-114 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE AMENDMENT OF THE FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2025 -26 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP)
BUDGET BY DECREASING REVENUE ESTIMATES AND APPROPRIATIONS IN
HOME-AMERICAN RECOVERY PROGRAM (HOME -ARP) FUNDS AND CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2025 -113 and Resolution No. 2025-114.
2. Amendment to the FY 2025- 26 Operating Budget Adjusting Revenue Estimates and Appropriations for the Housing Stabilization’s Budget
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-111 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE AMENDMENT OF THE
CITY OPERATING BUDGET BY AMENDING REVENUE ESTIMATES AND
APPROPRIATIONS
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2025-111.
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3. Award of Professional Consultant Services Agreement for On- Call Plan Checking Services to Willdan Engineering
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Award a contract to Willdan Engineering to provide professional on- call engineering plan check services for a not -to-exceed amount of $300,000 for an initial three (3) year term beginning November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2028, with the option to renew for up to two (2) additional one-year periods; and
2) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a three (3) year agreement with Willdan Engineering, and any extensions or amendments thereto, subject to review by the City Attorney.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to award a contract to Willdan Engineering to provide professional on- call engineering plan check services for a not -to-exceed amount of $300,000 for an initial three (3) year term beginning November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2028, with the option to renew for up to two (2) additional one-year periods; and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a three (3) year agreement with Willdan Engineering, and any extensions or amendments thereto, subject to review by the City Attorney.
4. Approve a New On- Call Master Consultant List for Planning and Environmental Consulting Services, to Support Ongoing Development Projects
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Approve a new On-Call Master Consultant List for a term of up to five years to CASC Engineering and Consulting; Chambers Group, Inc.; CSG Consultants, Inc.; Dudek; EcoTierra Consulting, Inc.; Impact Sciences, Inc.; Interwest; Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.; MIG; and Rincon Consultants, Inc., to provide essential on- call services to assist staff in the review of development projects, including environmental reviews and technical analysis; and
2) Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to enter into Master Agreements of up to five years for planning and environmental consulting services with the recommended firms on behalf of the City; and
3) Extend the existing Master Agreements, which include Dudek, Willdan, CASC, Evans Brooks, First Carbon, EPD, Eco Tierra, Infrastructure, Impact Science, and Rincon, by an additional 16 days. This adjustment will establish a new expiration date of September 30, 2025.
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MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to approve a new On- Call Master Consultant List for a term of up to five years to CASC Engineering and Consulting; Chambers Group, Inc.; CSG Consultants, Inc.; Dudek; EcoTierra Consulting, Inc.; Impact Sciences, Inc.; Interwest; Kimley- Horn and Associates, Inc.; MIG; and Rincon Consultants, Inc., to provide essential on-call services to assist staff in the review of development projects, including environmental reviews and technical analysis; and Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to enter into Master Agreements of up to five years for planning and environmental consulting services with the recommended firms on behalf of the City; and Extend the existing Master Agreements, which include Dudek, Willdan, CASC, Evans Brooks, First Carbon, EPD, Eco Tierra, Infrastructure, Impact Science, and Rincon, by an additional 16 days. This adjustment will establish a new expiration date of September 30, 2025.
5. Approval of Lot Merger LM11- 2024 for the Property Located at 950- 956 N. Gordon Street, Pomona, CA, Assessor Parcel Number 8336- 011-024, Related to the Construction of a new 749 Sq Ft Attached ADU, (Council District 1)
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Adopt the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-110 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING LOT MERGER
LM11-2024 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 950 -956 N. GORDON STREET, ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBER 8336-011-024
2) Authorize the City Engineer to sign Lot Merger LM11- 2024 on behalf of the City of Pomona.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS-COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2025 -110; and authorize the City Engineer to sign Lot Merger LM11-2024 on behalf of the City of Pomona.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
6. Adoption of a Resolution Amending the Citywide Salary Schedule to Reflect a Four Percent (4%) Salary Increase for Full and Part-Time Classifications
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
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RESOLUTION NO. 2025-106 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE CITYWIDE SALARY SCHEDULE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 -26 TO MEET THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 2, SECTION 570.5 AND 571 TO IMPLEMENT A FOUR PERCENT (4%) SALARY INCREASE TO FULL AND PART -TIME
CLASSIFICATIONS
*This item was heard after Discussion Calendar No. 7
Human Resources Director Rene Anderson gave a brief overview of the item.
MOTION BY MAYOR SANDOVAL, SECOND BY VICE MAYOR LUSTRO , CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2025-106.
7. Report Back on Fire Services Delivery Options
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Receive and consider the presentation outlining three pathways for ensuring the continued provision of fire and EMS services for the City; and
2) Authorize the formation of a Pomona City Council Ad Hoc Committee to further evaluate a regional collaboration for fire and EMS service with the City of La Verne which will report updates to their respective City Councils; and
3) Direct Staff to initiate Phase 2, including a detailed financial analysis and modeling, evaluation of governance structures, coordination with LAFCO, resource deployment, assessment of resource deployment, and exploration of EMS system opportunities; and:
4) Direct Staff and the Ad Hoc Committee to report back to the City Council no later than December 2025, with the results of Phase 2 and recommended next steps for the provision of fire and EMS services.
*This item was heard after the Consent Calendar.
*Please see attachment for emails submitted regarding this item.
City Manager Scott gave opening remarks.
Mark Heine and Jeff Meston from Emergency Services Advisors gave the presentation about the three possible pathways the City could explore: continue with LA County Fire District contract, create a Stand- Alone City of Pomona Fire Dept. or pursue a Regional Collaboration with the City of La Verne.
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Assistant City Manager Mark Gluba advised City Council of staff’s recommendation to form a Pomona City Council Ad Hoc Committee to further evaluate a regional collaboration for fire and EMS service with the City of La Verne.
Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Chief Deputy of Emergency Operations John O’Brien gave comments about the services provided to the City of Pomona and spoke in support of the City continuing its contract with the LA County Fire Department.
The following people submitted non- speaker cards to indicate support for continuing with LA County Fire District contract:
Brittany Gable Shelly Sawyer Julie Mestas
Gloria Torres Kahdeeja Gaines Cindy Moore
Susan Garcia Stephanie Patzan
Debra Eschardies Katrina Session
Yenni Northup Chris Faull
The following Public Speakers spoke in support of continuing contract services with Los Angeles Fire County Fire Department.
Zina Stagg Roberta Perlman Jacqueline “Jacky” Elizalde Ellis Stagg Guillermo Gonzalez Mike Blackwell
Victoria Hahn Henry Garcia Lisa Alexander
Maria Maldonado Roxanne Vaniman
Mayor Sandoval gave comments about some of the concerns raised during comments from public speakers.
Councilmember Garcia gave comments to address some of the concerns and questions raised during the comments from public speakers, and asked questions to the consultants about the presentation.
Councilmember Martin asked questions about the staff presentation, gave comments supporting continuing contract services with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and expressed opposition to approve initiation of phase 2 of research. Councilmember Martin made a motion but a second was not given until after all other members of the City Council were allowed to ask questions and make comments.
Councilmember Canales asked questions to the consultants about the presentation.
Vice Mayor Lustro expressed support for exploring further analysis.
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Councilmember Ontiveros-Cole gave comments to support exploring further analysis, and asked questions to the consultant about their presentation. Councilmember Ontiveros -Cole also expressed hope for productive negotiations between the City and Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Councilmember Preciado expressed hope for the City and the Los Angeles County Fire Department to have successful negotiations and expressed support for continuing to research the other two options presented by the consultants.
Mayor Sandoval asked questions to LACo. Fire Dept. Chief Deputy of Emergency Operations John O’Brien and to the consultant about the presentation.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTIN, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CANALES, FAILED 2- 5 (COUNCILMEMBER PRECIADO, COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA,
COUNCILMEMBER ONTIVEROS -COLE, VICE MAYOR LUSTRO, AND MAYOR SANDOVAL OPPOSED) to not approve the consultants’ further research into alternative fire services, and to continue negotiations with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
MOTION BY MAYOR SANDOVAL, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA , CARRIED 5-0 (COUNCILMEMBER MARTIN, COUNCILMEMBER CANALES OPPOSED), to receive and consider the presentation outlining three pathways for ensuring the continued provision of fire and EMS services for the City; and authorize the formation of a Pomona City Council Ad Hoc Committee to further evaluate a regional collaboration for fire and EMS service with the City of La Verne which will report updates to their respective City Councils; and Direct Staff to initiate Phase 2, including a detailed financial analysis and modeling, evaluation of governance structures, coordination with LAFCO, resource deployment, assessment of resource deployment, and exploration of EMS system opportunities; and Direct Staff and the Ad Hoc Committee to report back to the City Council no later than December 2025, with the results of Phase 2 and recommended next steps for the provision of fire and EMS services.
Mayor Sandoval called a recess at 9:49 p.m.
Mayor Sandoval resumed the meeting at 9:58 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING
8. Public Hearing to Receive Comments on the Fiscal Year 2024- 25 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
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1) Conduct a public hearing to receive comments for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024- 25 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program, and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Funds;
2) Upon conclusion of the public hearing, direct staff to incorporate comments received into the final FY 2024-25 CAPER; and
3) Approve the FY 2024- 25 CAPER for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
*This item was heard after Discussion Calendar Item No. 6.
Maria Siancunco gave the staff presentation.
Mayor Sandoval opened the Public Hearing, and with no public speakers, Mayor Sandoval closed the Public Hearing.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTIN, CARRIED 7-0, to conduct a public hearing to receive comments for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program, and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Funds; and Upon conclusion of the public hearing, direct staff to incorporate comments received into the final FY 2024- 25 CAPER; and approve the FY 2024- 25 CAPER for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council meeting adjourned at 10:02 p.m. on September 15, 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
From: Jocelyn Rubio
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment - September 15, Agenda Item #7
Date: Monday, September 15, 2025 11:29:09 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 Mayor Sandoval and Council Members,
I’m writing as a Pomona resident regarding Agenda Item #7. I strongly urge you to look at this issue closely and make your decision with residents in mind.
If collaborating with La Verne Fire Dept. comes with high upfront costs, unclear savings, or could risk the quality of our fire services, I believe it’s better to continue with LA County Fire.
Pomona is much larger than La Verne. Please take the time to fully evaluate the impact on our city and do what’s best for Pomona and its residents.
Thank you,
Jocelyn Rubio-Melendrez
District 4 Resident