CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Sandoval called the City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
There was no report out from City Attorney Carvalho because there was no Closed Session.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Sandoval led the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Tim Sandoval
Vice Mayor Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole
Councilmember Debra Martin
Councilmember Victor Preciado
Councilmember Nora Garcia – via teleconference from 3940 South Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89119
Councilmember Steve Lustro
Councilmember Lorraine Canales
Absent: None
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 Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole
Councilmember Debra Martin
Councilmember Victor Preciado
Councilmember Nora Garcia
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 5, 2026 Council Chambers
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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
MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Garcia discussed concerns about copper wire theft and requested support from councilmembers to develop policy to address those concerns.
Councilmember Lustro expressed hope for everyone to have had an enjoyable holiday season.
Councilmember Preciado wished everyone a Happy New Year and stated he would post a calendar of events soon.
Councilmember Canales wished everyone a Happy New Year and expressed looking forward to continuing to connect with the community.
Vice Mayor Ontiveros -Cole wished everyone a Happy New Year and discussed concerns with the traffic light patterns at an intersection in District 4.
Councilmember Martin invited folks to attend the upcoming District 1 Area Commander meeting and requested a discussion about increasing the number of crossing guards in the City. Councilmember Marting discussed upcoming lighting repairs at Soto Park and various concerns throughout the neighborhood.
Mayor Sandoval requested a workplan to address human trafficking in the City be brought forward for discussion.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Scott recommended continuing Consent Calendar Item No. 4 and No. 5, announced an upcoming workshop for sidewalk vendors, and requested Public Works Director Meg McWade to comment on the light pattern concern raised by Vice Mayor Ontiveros-Cole. PW Director McWade clarified the purpose and function of the new light patterns.
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.
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Live Comments were as follows:
Donald Jones read a letter discussing concerns with Pomona PD practices and with public speaking procedures.
Alejandro Ibarra on behalf of the office of State Senator Susan Rubio gave updates about Senator Rubio’s activity in the State Senate.
Kendy Morales expresses concerns about vandalism activity in a vacant commercial property in District 1.
James Aldana announced he would be running for the District 1 Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors seat.
Deborah Clifford discussed the history of Union Pacific in the City of Pomona.
Monica Gaxiola expressed her love for the City of Pomona, offered her volunteer services and discussed concerns in the neighborhood.
Don Martens discussed concerns about sign maintenance throughout the City.
Gustavo Ramirez, World Peace Now, invited folks to attend an upcoming give- away event hosted by World Peace Now.
Mayra Langarica discussed concerns with closed session postings.
Jeffrey Michaelson, Hope 4 Holt Initiative, discussed the importance of finding innovative solutions to address the housing crisis.
Gwendolyn Blume discussed safety concerns in her neighborhood.
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:
December 1, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
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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 December 1, 2025.
2. Award of Professional Consultant Services Agreement for Engineer of Record to DTA Public Finance Inc.
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Award a Professional Services Agreement to DTA Public Finance, Inc., dba DTA, to provide Engineer of Record services for a not-to-exceed amount of $55,860 for an initial three- year term, retroactive to 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 the agreement with DTA, 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 award a Professional Services Agreement to DTA Public Finance, Inc., dba DTA, to provide Engineer of Record services for a not -to-exceed amount of $55,860 for an initial three- year term, retroactive to 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 the agreement with DTA, and any extensions or amendments thereto, subject to review by the City Attorney.
3. Approve the Amendment to the Agreement and Award an Additional $68,254 to the Pomona Economic Opportunity Center (PEOC) for FY 2025-2026 LIIIG Grant Deliverables
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Approve an amendment to the initial agreement to award additional funding to Pomona Economic Opportunity Center (PEOC) for FY 2025- 2026 Local Immigration Integration and Inclusion Grant (LIIIG) deliverables in the amount of $68,254, for a total contract amount not to exceed $166,254; and
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute all contracts, amendments and any other documentation requested for administering grant funds, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.
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MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to approve an amendment to t he initial agreement to award additional funding to Pomona Economic Opportunity Center (PEOC) for FY 2025 -2026 Local Immigration Integration and Inclusion Grant (LIIIG) deliverables in the amount of $68,254, for a total contract amount not to exceed $166,254; and authorize the City Manager to execute all contracts, amendments and any other documentation requested for administering grant funds, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.
4. Authorization to Extend Agreement with MCE Corporation for Medians, Streetside/ROW and Other Landscaping and Amenity Maintenance
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Waive the formal bidding procedures pursuant to the provisions of Section 2- 995 of the Procurement Ordinance; and
2) Authorize a one- year extension of the agreement with MCE Corporation beyond the original five- year term, for medians, streetside/ROW and other landscaping and amenity maintenance, effective March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027, at an amount not to exceed $434,231.93 (a 3.5% increase from current contract) with up to four optional one- year extensions with annual cost adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index; and
3) Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement with MCE Corporation, and any extra work, extensions or amendments thereto, subject to review by the City Attorney.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to waive the formal bidding procedures pursuant to the provisions of Section 2-995 of the Procurement Ordinance; and authorize a one -year extension of the agreement with MCE Corporation beyond the original five -year term, for medians, streetside/ROW and other landscaping and amenity maintenance, effective March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027, at an amount not to exceed $434,231.93 (a
3.5% increase from current contract) with up to four optional one -year extensions with annual cost adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement with MCE Corporation, and any extra work, extensions or amendments thereto, subject to review by the City Attorney.
5. Authorization to Extend the Agreement with Merchants Landscape, Inc. for Parks and City Facility Landscaping and Amenity Maintenance Services
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
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1) Waive the formal bidding procedures pursuant to the provisions of Section 2- 995 of the Procurement Ordinance; and
2) Authorize a one- year extension of the agreement with Merchants Landscape, Inc., beyond the original five- year term for parks and facilities landscaping, effective March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027, in an amount of $1,976,115.05 for the initial one- year extension (a 3.5% increase from current contract) with up to four optional one- year extensions with annual cost adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index; and
3) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement with Merchants Landscape, Inc., and any extra work, extensions or amendments thereto, subject to review by the City Attorney.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to waive the formal bidding procedures pursuant to the provisions of Section 2-995 of the Procurement Ordinance; and authorize a one -year extension of the agreement with Merchants Landscape, Inc., beyond the original five -year term for parks and facilities landscaping, effective March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027, in an amount of $1,976,115.05 for the initial one- year extension (a 3.5% increase from current contract) with up to four optional one -year extensions with annual cost adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index; and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement with Merchants Landscape, Inc., and any extra work, extensions or amendments thereto, subject to review by the City Attorney.
6. Resolution to Amend the FY 2025- 26 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget by Creating a New Project, “Complete Streets Quick -Build - Park Avenue and Orange Grove Avenue,” Project No. 428- 2590-XXXXX-68601, Accepting SCAG Grant Funds, Increase Revenue Estimates, and Appropriate $151,671 of SCAG Grant Funds to the Project
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Approve Memorandum of Understanding M -015-26 between SCAG and the City of Pomona; and
2) Adopt the following resolution:
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RESOLUTION NO. 2026 -01 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE FY 2025 -26
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) BUDGET BY CREATING A NEW CIP PROJECT, “COMPLETE STREETS QUICK -BUILD - PARK AVENUE AND ORANGE GROVE AVENUE,” PROJECT NO. 428 -2590-XXXXX-68601,
ACCEPTING SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SCAG) GRANT FUNDS, INCREASING REVENUE ESTIMATES AND
APPROPRIATING $151,671 OF SCAG GRANT FUNDS TO THE PROJECT
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to approve Memorandum of Understanding M -015-26 between SCAG and the City of Pomona; and adopt Resolution No. 2026-01.
7. Amend the Fiscal Year 2025- 26 Operating Budget by Appropriating $74,985 from the General Fund Reserves and Award a 6- Month Contract to Westbound Communications to Provide Public Information and Awareness Related to a City-Initiated Ballot Measure
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026 -04 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, TO AMEND THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 OPERATING BUDGET BY APPROPRIATING $74,985 FROM THE
GENERAL FUND RESERVES FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION AND
AWARENESS RELATED TO A CITY-INITIATED BALLOT MEASURE
2) Award a 6- month contract to Westbound Communications to provide public information and awareness related to a City -initiated ballot measure, for an amount not to exceed $74,985, effective January 6, 2026; and
3) Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any related documents and extensions, subject to approval by the City Attorney.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7 -0, to adopt Resolution No. 2026 -04; and award a 6 -month contract to Westbound Communications to provide public information and awareness related to a City -initiated ballot measure, for an amount not to exceed $74,985, effective January 6, 2026; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any related documents and extensions, subject to approval by the City Attorney.
8. Award of Contract to Estate Design and Construction for Construction of the “Water Facilities - Water Resources Building Site and Street Improvements” Project
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It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Approve the categorical exemption from CEQA pursuant to Sections 15301 and 15302; and,
2) Approve an agreement with Estate Design and Construction (DNC) in the amount of $753,368 with 20% contingency for “Water Facilities - Water Resources Building Site and Street Improvements,” Project No. 528-2590-XXXXX-95089; and,
3) Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the City and any subsequent documents or amendments subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7 -0, to approve the categorical exemption from CEQA pursuant to Sections 15301 and 15302; and, approve an agreement with Estate Design and Construction (DNC) in the amount of $753,368 with 20% contingency for “Water Facilities - Water Resources Building Site and Street Improvements,” Project No. 528-2590-XXXXX-95089; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the City and any subsequent documents or amendments subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
9. Establishing Pomona Development Accelerator Fund
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026 -05 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING THE POMONA
DEVELOPMENT ACCELERATOR FUND (“PDAF”)
Office of Economic and Business Affairs Deputy Director Ata Kahn gave the staff presentation.
Public Speaker Cathy Tessier asked questions about the item and discussed the challenges facing Downtown Pomona.
Councilmembers asked various questions about the item and OEB Deputy Director Kahn answered the questions.
MOTION BY MAYOR SANDOVAL , SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER PRECIADO , CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2026 -05 with additional language stating any Successor Agency bond dollars are to be used in the Downtown Pomona area only.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
10. Public Hearing for the Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance 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 take the following actions:
1) Open the public hearing and after receiving testimony and public comment, close the public hearing; and
2) Introduce, waive further and give first reading to the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. 4363 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING 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 UNDER
PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE § 21080.17
Supervising Planner Vinny Tam gave the staff presentation.
Mayor Sandoval opened the Public Hearing.
Public Speaker Jeffrey Michaelson, Hope 4 Holt Initiative, gave comments about accessory dwelling units.
Mayor Sandoval closed the Public Hearing.
Councilmember Lustro and Councilmember Martin asked questions about the item.
Supervising Planner Tam answered Councilmember Lustro and Councilmember Martin’s questions.
MOTION BY VICE MAYOR ONTIVEROS- COLE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7 -0, to introduce, waive further and give first reading to Ordinance No. 4363.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m. on January 5, 2026.
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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