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
Vice Mayor Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole
Councilmember Victor Preciado
Councilmember Nora Garcia
Councilmember Steve Lustro
ouncilmember Lorraine Canale
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, December 15, 2025 7:00 PM Council Chambers
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 stated there was no reportable action.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Sandoval led the pledge of allegiance.
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes December 15, 2025 uccessor Agency to tr
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ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Tim Sandoval
Vice Mayor Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole
Councilmember Debra Martin
Councilmember Victor Preciado
Councilmember Nora Garcia
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
PRESENTATIONS
*A Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Pomona Recognizing December 26, 2025 through January 1, 2026 as "Kwanzaa" in the City of Pomona Mayor Sandoval presented the proclamation to Chara Swodeck from the African American Advisory Alliance, who spoke a few words about the history of Kwanzaa in Pomona.
MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Martin gave thanks to the Downtown Pomona Owners Association and volunteers for putting together the Downtown Christmas Parade. Councilmember Martin guards in front of a few schools in the City.
Councilmember Preciado attended the Downtown Christmas Parade and the Garey High School presentation. Councilmember Preciado would be visiting some elementary schools dressed as Santa Claus and wished everyone happy holidays.
Councilmember Garcia commented on the challenges of the year and the opportunities for compassion and kindness that opened up. Councilmember Garcia also announced upcoming events in the community: Santa and Grinch at the Library and several toy drives.
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Vice Mayor Ontiveros-Cole discussed the Downtown Pomona Christmas Parade, touched on some of the tragedies around the world, and discussed the importance of mental health.
Councilmember Lustro announced the upcoming e-waste event hosted by Los Angeles County and discussed concerns about graffiti on unused train cars near Valley Blvd.
Councilmember Canales attended the District 6 Area Commander meeting, thanked the DPOA for hosting the Downtown Christmas Parade, and thanked Athens, All American Little League, and Assemblymember Michelle Rodrguez for their toy contributions to the District 6 Toy Drive.
Mayor Sandoval thanked Pomona PD for their toy drive event, Alejandra Tessier for hosting the Gran Posada at the Fox Theater, Western University for the Little Doctor event, and the DPOA for a successful Downtown Christmas Parade. Mayor Sandoval gave closing comments about the importance of unity, diversity, and community.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Scott gave clarifications about Consent Calendar Item No. 12: the $624,000 amount would be for six months; the 1.2 million amount would be for the entire fiscal year.
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:
Kenya Molina, Partnership for a Positive Pomona, recommended updating a social host ordinance to help prevent alcohol and substance related harm to youth.
Jose Mota, Partnership for a Positive Pomona, requested an update to the social host ordinance.
Ruth Reyes-Rios, Pomona Youth Prevention Council, discussed the impacts of immigration raids on the community.
Tina Phan, Pomona Youth Prevention Council, requested an update to the social host ordinance.
Joline Yueh, Pomona Youth Prevention Council, requested an update to the social host ordinance.
Efrain Ruiz requested an update to the social host ordinance.
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City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes December 15, 2025 Successor Agency to the
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Joseph McLellan, Partnership for a Positive Pomona, requested an update to the social host ordinance.
Anne Henderson, Partnership for Positive Pomona, requested an update to the social host ordinance.
Alicia Mendoza requested an update to the social host ordinance.
Cynthia Sanchez, Cafecito Con Libros, discussed a reading program at Garey High School.
Chris Gomez Jr. discussed concerns with street sweeping and parking citations issued during street sweeping times.
Katrina Whitney, Biker Kidz Foundation, discussed the mission of the Biker Kidz Foundation.
Gustavo Ramirez, World Peace Now Initiative, discussed the goals of the WPNI and invited folks to attend a future giveaway at Garfield Park.
Jeffrey Michaelson, Hope 4 Holt Initiative, discussed affordable housing concerns.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, 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:
November 17, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to approve City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes of November 17, 2025.
Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 4364 Amending Pomona City Code Article 1, Chapter 74 Section 74-1 and Article II, Section 74-31 Adopting the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code and Related Model Codes with Appendices
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following ordinance:
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City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes December 15, 2025 Successor Agency to the
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ORDINANCE NO. 4364 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING POMONA CITY CODE ARTICLE I, CHAPTER 74 SECTION 74-1 AND ARTICLE II, SECTION 74-31 ADOPTING THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE AND
RELATED MODEL CODES WITH APPENDICES
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Ordinance No. 4364.
3. Adoption of a Resolution Approving the City of Pomona Parks Inventory Plan It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-102 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE CITY OF POMONA
PARKS INVENTORY PLAN
2) Authorize the City Manager to administratively amend the Parks Inventory Plan for non-substantive modifications.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to Resolution No. 2025-102; and authorize the City Manager to administratively amend the Parks Inventory Plan for non-substantive modifications.
4. Appropriation of Transformative Climate Communities Grant Funding and Approval of Maintenance Services Agreement with San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps for Watering of Trees Planted as Part of the Grant
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Approve the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-158 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE FY 2025-26
OPERATING BUDGET BY INCREASING REVENUE ESTIMATES AND
APPROPRIATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $780,440 IN FUND 215 FOR TREE
PLANTING AS PART OF THE TRANSFORMATIVE CLIMATE COMMUNITIES GRANT
2) Approve the Maintenance Services Agreement between the City of Pomona and San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps; and
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City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes December 15, 2025 Successor Agency to the
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3) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement and any amendments subject to approval by the City Manager.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to Resolution No. 2025-158; and approve the Maintenance Services Agreement between the City of Pomona and San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps; and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement and any amendments subject to approval by the City Manager.
5. Approval of an Agreement with the Pomona Unified School District (PUSD) for a Pomona Resource Officer (PRO) Program
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Approve an Agreement with the Pomona Unified School District (PUSD) for a Pomona Resource Officer (PRO) Program from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreements and any amendments on behalf of the City, in substantially the form submitted, subject to review and approval as to form by the City Attorney.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to approve an Agreement with the Pomona Unified School District (PUSD) for a Pomona Resource Officer (PRO) Program from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreements and any amendments on behalf of the City, in substantially the form submitted, subject to review and approval as to form by the City Attorney.
6. A Resolution Approving the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS 26-27) for the Period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, Approving the Administrative Budget for the Same Period, and Authorizing the Transmittal of the ROPS and Administrative Budget to the Oversight Board for Approval It is recommended that the Successor Agency to the Former Redevelopment Agency adopt the following resolution:
SA RESOLUTION NO. 2025-01 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL,
SITTING AS THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE (ROPS 25-26) FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027, APPROVING THE ADMINISTRATIVE
BUDGET FOR THE SAME PERIOD, AND AUTHORIZING THE TRANSMITTAL
OF THE ROPS AND ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET TO THE OVERSIGHT BOARD
FOR APPROVAL
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City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes December 15, 2025 Successor Agency to the
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MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Successor Agency Resolution No. 2025-01.
Award Construction Contract to Leonida Builders, Inc. in the Amount of $1,755,891 for "Pomona Transit Center ADA Improvements (I)," Project No. 428-2590-XXXXX-67938
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Authorize City Staff to reject the apparent lowest bid in its entirety from Turn Around Communication, Inc. for "Pomona Transit Center ADA Improvements (I)," Project No. 428-2590-XXXXX-67938; and
2) Award a construction contract to the lowest responsive bid from Leonida Builders, Inc. for "Pomona Transit Center ADA Improvements (I)," Project No. 428-2590-XXXXX-67938, to include all Base Bid items plus Additive Alternate Nos. 1 and 2 in the total amount of $1,755,891; and
3) 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 4) Authorize the City Manager to execute the construction contract and any subsequent change orders on behalf of the City of Pomona (City).
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to authorize City Staff to reject the apparent lowest bid in its entirety from Turn Around Communication, Inc. for "Pomona Transit Center ADA Improvements (I)," Project No. 428-2590-XXXXX-67938; and award a construction contract to the lowest responsive bid from Leonida Builders, Inc. for "Pomona Transit Center ADA Improvements (I)," Project No. 428-2590-XXXXX-67938, to include all Base Bid items plus Additive Alternate Nos. 1 and 2 in the total amount of $1,755,891; 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).
8. Receive and File the City of Pomona Annual Report on Development Impact Fees for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025
It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the City of Pomona Annual Report on Development Impact Fees (DIF) as of June 30, 2025.
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City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes December 15, 2025 Successor Agency to the
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MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to receive and file the City of Pomona Annual Report on Development Impact Fees (DIF) as of June 30, 2025.
9. Award Bid to Zenner USA, Inc. for the Purchase of Small Water Meters It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Award a bid to Zenner USA, Inc. for the purchase of small water meters at the per-unit prices bid for a term of five (5) years, from fiscal year 2026 through 2031; and
2) Authorize the City Manager to approve purchase orders, and any extensions thereto, on behalf of the City.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to award a bid to Zenner USA, Inc. for the purchase of small water meters at the per-unit prices bid for a term of five (5) years, from fiscal year 2026 through 2031; and authorize the City Manager to approve purchase orders, and any extensions thereto, on behalf of the City.
10. Award of Agreement to Lawnscapes Services, Inc. for Landscape Maintenance Services at Water Resources Sites in the amount of $195,600 It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Approve the categorical exemption from CEQA pursuant to Sections 15301; 2) Award a three-year agreement with two one-year renewal options : with Lawnscape Services, Inc. to provide landscape maintenance services in an amount not to exceed $195,600 for a period of December 15, 2025 through June 30, 2028; and
3) Authorize the City Manager, to approve purchase orders, and any extensions thereto, on behalf of the City.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to approve the categorical exemption from CEQA pursuant to Sections 15301; award a three-year agreement with two one-year renewal options with Lawnscape Services, Inc. to provide landscape maintenance services in al amount not to exceed $195,600 for a period of December 15, 2025 through June 30 2028; and authorize the City Manager, to approve purchase orders, and any extensions thereto, on behalf of the City.
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City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes December 15, 2025 Successor Agency to the
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11. Approval of Fourth Amendment to Interim Use Agreement with Fairplex Regarding Processing of Specific Plan Application and Interim Use of Property It is recommended that the City Council approve a Fourth Amendment to the Interim Use of Fairplex Agreement ("Agreement") and authorize the City Manager to execute on behalf of City.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to approve a Fourth Amendment to the Interim Use of Fairplex Agreement ("Agreement") and authorize the City Manager to execute on behalf of City.
12. Authorize Staff to Reject the Bids for Citywide Tree Maintenance and Emergency Response Services to and Extend the Agreement with West Coast Arborists for Citywide Tree Maintenance Services for Six Months
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Authorize the rejection of bids received for the Citywide Tree Maintenance and Emergency Response Services for Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 2025-29; and 2) Authorize Staff to revise the bid documents for clarity of scope and rebid the services; and
3) Approve and authorize a six-month extension of the contract with West Coast Arborists beyond the original five-year term for citywide tree maintenance services, effective January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $624,775 during the six-month term and total not to exceed $1,249,550 during FY 2025-26; and
4) Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement with West Coast Arborists, and any extensions or amendments thereto, subject to review by the City Attorney.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to authorize the rejection of bids received for the Citywide Tree Maintenance and Emergency Response Services for Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 2025-29; and authorize Staff to revise the bid documents for clarity of scope and rebid the services; and approve and authorize a six-month extension of the contract with West Coast Arborists beyond the original five-year term for citywide tree maintenance services, effective January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $624,775 during the six-month term and total not to exceed $1,249,550 during FY 2025-26; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement with West Coast Arborists, and any extensions or amendments thereto, subject to review by the City Attorney.
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City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes December 15, 2025 Successor Agency to the
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DISCUSSION CALENDAR
13. Adoption of Urgency Ordinance No. 4362 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 in Compliance with State Law
It is recommended that the City Council introduce, waive further reading, and adopt the following:
URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 4362 - AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, PURSUANT TO SECTION 510 OF THE CITY CHARTER, AMENDING POMONA ZONING AND
DEVELOPMENT CODE SECTION 830.A (ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS)
PERTAINING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS REGULATIONS IN COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW AND
DETERMINING THE URGENCY ORDINANCE TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA UNDER PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SEC. 21080.17
Supervising Planner Vinny Tam gave the staff presentation.
Public Speaker Jeffrey Michaelson gave comments about ADU's.
Councilmember Martin asked brief, general questions about ADU's.
Councilmember Ontiveros-Cole asked brief questions about the item.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY VICE MAYOR ONTIVEROS- COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 4362.
14. Pomona Choice Energy Rate Reduction
It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the report.
Water Resources Department Director Chris Diggs began the staff presentation.
Due to technical difficulties, Mayor Sandoval called a recess at 8:24 p.m.
Mayor Sandoval resumed the meeting at 8:27 p.m.
Department Director Diggs continued the staff presentation.
Councilmember Canales asked questions about the item.
Councilmember Preciado asked questions about the item.
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City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes December 15, 2025 Successor Agency to the
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Councilmember Garcia asked questions about the item.
THIS WAS A RECEIVE AND FILE ITEM; NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
15. Adopt Merchant Service Fees for Credit Card Transactions to the Current Master Fee Schedule
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-144 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING MERCHANT SERVICE FEES FOR
CREDIT CARD TRANSACTIONS TO THE CURRENT MASTER FEE SCHEDULE Finance Director Andrew Mowbray gave the staff presentation.
Mayor Sandoval opened the public hearing and with no Public Speakers, Mayor Sandoval closed the public hearing.
MOTION BY MAYOR SANDOVAL, SECOND BY VICE MAYOR ONTIVEROS-COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2025-144.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m. on December 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
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Robles, Diana
From: Taylor Dang
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2025 5:26 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment: Social Host Ordinance Amendment, December 15, 2025 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 Councilmembers,
My name is Taylor Dang and I believe our city's social host ordinance for alcohol should be amended to include other illicit substances such as tobacco.
We are all well aware of the dangers that these substances pose to people, such as increased risks of car crashes, assault, addiction, and ultimately the loss of a family member.
Additionally, we also seem to have bad reputation for it. When I mentioned I was from Pomona to a college classmate, they said it was where they got their weed from. I know that we don't want our city's reputation to be a place where young people, especially those under the legal age, can get these substances.
The current social host ordinance fines adults who distribute alcohol to the youth through parties and gatherings. Why are we financially reprimanding adults for the illegal distribution of alcohol? This also means that we then "encourage" the distribution of other more toxic and dangerous substances. Safety and accountability should be increased with a social host ordinance that includes more illicit drugs and substances.
I want to be proud of our city, not fearful of the lives that could be destroyed through it.
Thank you for considering my comment, I truly believe you will choose to act and make this city better by amending the social host ordinance.
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