505 S. Garey Ave
TOMONA City of Pomona Pomona, CA 91766
Regular Meeting Minutes
City Council / Housing Authority / Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency
Mayor Tim Sandoval
lice 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.
Monday, February 23, 2026 7:00 PM Council Chambers
CLOSED SESSION
A) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1))
Stephen Paz vs. City of Pomona
WC Case No. ADJ 18712270
Description: Consideration of Compromise and Release Agreement for Workers' Compensation Claim.
B) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1))
City Attorney
City Clerk
City Manager
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Sandoval called the City Council Closed Session to order at 5:36 p.m.
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes February 23, 2026 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
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: Councilmember Debra Martin
Councilmember Victor Preciado
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no public speakers.
OPEN SESSION
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
Vice Mayor Ontiveros-Cole 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
Councilmember Steve Lustro
Councilmember Lorraine Canales
Absent: None
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STAFF PRESENT
Anita D. Scott, City Manager
Sonia Carvalho, City Attorney
Rosalia A. Butler, City Clerk
Maria Arellano, Administrative Clerk
Alyssa Bostrom, Pomona Police Captain
PRESENTATIONS
*Recognize the Pomona Champions Elite S.C. Team for Their Win of the Fall Season 2025- SoCal Academy
This presentation did not take place and was moved to a future meeting date.
MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
*Mayor/Councilmember Communications took place after Discussion Item No. 12.
Councilmember Garcia expressed gratitude to Deborah and John Clifford for their years of service on the Historical Society Board.
Councilmember Martin discussed Lincoln Elementary's efforts to preserve the tree trunk of a historical tree that blew over and requested the City celebrate the 100th anniversary of Foothill Blvd, known as Historic Route 66. Councilmember Martin attended an education conference and requested park rangers and crossing guards.
Mayor Sandoval gave remembrance to community members Khalif Rasshan and Stella Dennis.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Scott had 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:
Jeffrey Michaelson, Hope 4 Holt Initiative, gave comments about the need to develop innovative plans and policies to create affordable housing.
Diana deSevren Jacquet discussed faith and Christian gospel.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY VICE-MAYOR ONTIVEROS- COLE, 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:
February 2, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
February 9, 2026 Special Meeting Minutes
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY VICE-MAYOR ONTIVEROS- COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to approve City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Regular Meeting Minutes of February 2, 2026 and February 9, 2026.
Authorization to Extend Agreement with MCE Corporation for Medians, Streetside/Right of Way (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) and up to one additional optional one-year extension with annual cost adjustment 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.
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MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY VICE-MAYOR ONTIVEROS- COLE, 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) and up to one additional optional one-year extension with annual cost adjustment 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.
3. 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:
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) one optional one-year extension 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 VICE-MAYOR ONTIVEROS- COLE, 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) one optional one-year extension 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.
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4. Revision to the Master On-Call Consultant List for Professional Services to Include Architerra, Inc. in the Category - Landscape Architecture It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Review and approve a revision to add Architerra, Inc. to the Master On-Call Consultant List for Professional Services to correct an administrative error with a retroactive effective date of November 1, 2025; and
2) Authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into a five-year Consultant Retainer Master Agreement for Professional Consultant Services with Architerra, Inc., as needed on behalf of the City, subject to review and approval of non-substantive changes by the City Attorney.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY VICE-MAYOR ONTIVEROS- COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to review and approve a revision to add Architerra, Inc. to the Master On-Call Consultant List for Professional Services to correct an administrative error with a retroactive effective date of November 1, 2025; and authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into a five-year Consultant Retainer Master Agreement for Professional Consultant Services with Architerra, Inc., as needed on behalf of the City, subject to review and approval of non-substantive changes by the City Attorney.
5. Award Construction Contract to Gentry Brothers, Inc. in the Amount of $999,587 for "ADA Curb Ramps and Path of Travel - Citywide (CDBG) (FY 24-25)," FD428, Capital Improvement Program (CIP) | CC2590 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) | Project No. 67947 and "ADA Curb Ramps and Path of Travel - Citywide (CDBG) (FY 25-26)," FD428, Capital Improvement Program (CIP) | CC2590 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) | Project No. 67948 to include all base bid and additive alternate items.
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Award a construction contract to the lowest responsive bid from Gentry Bros, Inc. for "ADA Curb Ramps and Path of Travel - Citywide (CDBG) (FY 24-25),' FD428, Capital Improvement Program (CIP) CC2590 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) | Project No. 67947 and "ADA Curb Ramps and Path of Travel - Citywide (CDBG) (FY 25-26)," FD428, Capital Improvement Program (CIP) | CC2590 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) | Project No. 67948, to include all Base Bid and Additive Alternate items in the total amount of $999,587; and 2) 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 City of Pomona Page 6
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3) 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 VICE-MAYOR ONTIVEROS- COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to award a construction contract to the lowest responsive bid from Gentry Bros, Inc. for "ADA Curb Ramps and Path of Travel - Citywide (CDBG) (FY 24-25), FD428, Capital Improvement Program (CIP) CC2590 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) | Project No. 67947 and "ADA Curb Ramps and Path of Travel - Citywide (CDBG) (FY 25-26)," FD428, Capital Improvement Program (CIP) | CC2590 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) | Project No. 67948, to include all Base Bid and Additive Alternate items in the total amount of $999,587; 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).
6. Resolution to Amend the FY 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget by Adding Available CIP Project Fund Reserves (Restitution/Settlement Funds) to "Park Restroom Construction and Replacement" Project
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-13 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, TO AMEND THE FY 2025-26 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) BUDGET BY APPROPRIATING $300,000 OF
AVAILABLE CIP PROJECT FUND RESERVES (RESTITUTION/SETTLEMENT FUNDS) TO "PARK RESTROOM CONSTRUCTION AND REPLACEMENT," FD428, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) | CC2590 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) | PROJECT NO. 71079
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY MAYOR SANDOVAL, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-13.
7. Authorize Staff to Seek Grant Opportunities for Lighting at the Palomares Park Pickleball Courts
It is recommended that the City Council authorize staff to pursue an AARP Community Challenge grant funding opportunity for lighting at the Palomares Park pickleball courts to expand access, enhance recreational programming, and activate the park.
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MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY VICE-MAYOR ONTIVEROS- COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to authorize staff to pursue an AARP Community Challenge grant funding opportunity for lighting at the Palomares Park pickleball courts to expand access, enhance recreational programming, and activate the park.
8. 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 Ms. Daniela Franco to serve as the District 6 representative on the Board of Parking Place Commissioners (VPD).
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY VICE-MAYOR ONTIVEROS- COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to approve the appointment of Ms. Daniela Franco to serve as the District 6 representative on the Board of Parking Place Commissioners (VPD).
9. Approve the Purchase of Trucks to Replace the Unfulfilled Order for the Water Resources Department
It is recommended that the City Council approve the purchase of four Ford Lightning pickup trucks, one from Ted Jones Ford, Inc., in the amount of $79,906, and three from Los Feliz Ford, Inc., in the amount of $240,377.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY VICE-MAYOR ONTIVEROS- COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to approve the purchase of four Ford Lightning pickup trucks, one from Ted Jones Ford, Inc., in the amount of $79,906, and three from Los Feliz Ford, Inc., in the amount of $240,377.
10. Withdrawing Initiative Measure and Cancelling the June 2, 2026 Primary Municipal Election for an Initiative Measure to Repeal the City's Utility Users Tax (UUT) on Water Service
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-21 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, WITHDRAWING INITIATIVE MEASURE AND CANCELLING THE JUNE 2, 2026, PRIMARY MUNICIPAL ELECTION FOR AN
INITIATIVE MEASURE TO REPEAL THE CITY'S UTILITY USERS TAX (UUT) ON
WATER SERVICE
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY VICE-MAYOR ONTIVEROS- COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-21.
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DISCUSSION CALENDAR
11. 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.
*This item was heard after Discussion Item #11.
City Clerk Butler gave a brief overview of the item.
NO ACTION WAS TAKEN FOR THIS ITEM; THIS WAS A RECEIVE AND FILE ITEM.
12. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending the City's Purchasing Ordinance Related to Cooperative Purchasing for Public Works Projects It is recommended that the City Council introduce, waive further, and give first reading to the following ordinance:
PURCHASING. DIVISION 5. - PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS OF THE POMONA
CITY CODE PERTAINING TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR
BIDDING PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS
Public Works Director Meg McWade gave a brief overview of the item.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY VICE MAYOR ONTIVEROS- COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to introduce, waive further, and give first reading to Ordinance No. 4366.
13. Adopt a Resolution to add Measure Initiative: "Kids First Funding Amendment" on the Statewide Primary Election Ballot to Amend the Pomona Fund for Children and Youth Act (Measure "Y"), to be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
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RESOLUTION NO. 2026-22 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, SUBMITTING TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS
OF THE CITY OF POMONA A BALLOT MEASURE REPEALING CHAPTER XVIII OF THE POMONA CITY CHARTER AND ADDING CHAPTER 3 TO THE
POMONA MUNICIPAL CODE, TO AMEND THE POMONA FUND FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH ACT (MEASURE "Y"), AT THE MUNICIPAL PRIMARY ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2026; TO BE CONSOLIDATED WITH THE STATEWIDE PRIMARY ELECTION TO BE HELD OF JUNE 2, 2026; DIRECTING
THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF THE
PROPOSED MEASURE AND PROVIDING FOR THE FILING OF PRIMARY
REBUTTAL ARGUMENTS AND SETTING RULES FOR THE FILING OF
WRITTEN ARGUMENTS REGARDING THE PROPOSED MEASURE
*This item was heard after the Consent Calendar
City Manager Scott gave a brief overview of the item.
The following public speakers spoke in support of the item:
Irene Moure Jeff Jr. Sanchez Richie Dimalanta
Carl Peraza Andrew Gonzalez
Jose Dorado Daniel Ramirez
The following public speakers spoke in opposition of the item:
Merelyn Samantha Zavala Mary Garcia
Sam Gutierrez Linette Sandra Arampulo
Iris Evelia R
Jeremiah Cassandra Hernandez
The following members of the public submitted non-speaker cards opposing the item:
Anna T. Philip Rodas Jimena Diaz Felipe Salazar
Junior Diana Morales Yahaira Nuñes-Hernandez Diego Martinez Saray Ivan Francisco Villaseñor Casey Marty
Abidel Michelle Herrera Elias Plucker
Public Speaker Jeffrey Michaelson asked various questions about the item.
City Council asked questions and gave comments about the item.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY VICE MAYOR ONTIVEROS- COLE, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-22.
Mayor Sandoval called a recess at 8:09 p.m.
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Mayor Sandoval resumed the meeting at 8:14 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council meeting adjourned in remembrance of Khalif Rasshan and Stella Dennis at 8:45 p.m. on February 23, 2026.
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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