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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE UPLAND CITY COUNCIL May 12, 2025
6:00 p.m.
City Council Chamber
City Hall, 460 N. Euclid Avenue
Members Present: Mayor Bill Velto, Councilmember James Breitling, Councilmember Carlos A. Garcia, Councilmember Shannan Maust, Councilmember Rudy Zuniga
Staff Present: City Manager Michael Blay, City Attorney Stephen P. Deitsch, City Clerk Keri Johnson
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The regular meeting of the Upland City Council was called to order by Mayor Bill Velto at 6:01 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the Upland City Hall.
2. ADDITIONS-DELETIONS TO AGENDA
Mayor Velto announced that items 11 c, 11 d, and 11 a were removed from the agenda.
Mayor Velto called a recess at 6:04 p.m. The Council reconvened in open session at 6:10 p.m.
3. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
4. CLOSED SESSION
5. INVOCATION
Soheila Azizi, Baha'i Faith of Upland
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Police Chief Blanco
7. PRESENTATIONS
8. CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Deitsch stated he did not have any reports.
9. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Jim Thomas, announced the upcoming Memorial Day event in the Veterans Plaza.
A number of individuals spoke in opposition of transferring utility billing to the property tax rolls. They questioned why it was not a Proposition 218 process and requested better notification if the item was brought back for future consideration. They also voiced concerns about transparency, the process for billing residents, and how an opt out option would work. The following spoke:
1 Natalie Garrett 3 Upland residents (names not Lois Sicking Dieter provided)
Mike Nunez Annie Stevens
John Walvoord Martha Shariff
Sharon Frasca-Williams Stan Dolinski
Mark Walters, stated that he condemns the tone and content of some social media responses made by certain Council Members.
Sean Hoss, Upland, stated that he serves on the Public Works Committee and he was initially against placing utility bills on the property tax rolls, but the process has evolved and he appreciated the opt out option and the Council's willingness to listen.
Caroline Langer, stated concerns about pollution from the rock quarries and questioned how the city can minimize the effects of the pollution on the neighboring community.
10. CONSENT CALENDAR
Moved by: Councilmember Breitling
Seconded by: Councilmember Zuniga
Approve the Consent Calendar
Motion: Carried Unanimously
a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approve the Special Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2025 and the Regular Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2025.
b. CONSIDER ADOPTING A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ANNUAL
DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS
Adopt Resolution No. 6826 authorizing and directing the City Clerk to destroy certain City records pursuant to the Government Code of the State of California. c. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH PALADIN DRONES FOR
THE PURCHASE OF FIRST RESPONDER DRONES
Approve an agreement with Paladin Drones Inc. for the procurement of the First Responder Paladin Drones system for the total amount of $335,800 for a five- year contract; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement. d. CONSIDER ADOPTING A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING STAFF TO SUBMIT A
HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM APPLICATION
Adopt Resolution No 6827 authorizing staff to submit an application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for funding under the Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) in response to the March 27, 2025 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), and if selected, authorize the City Manager to execute all required documents for participation in the HOME Program.
e. CONSIDER ADOPTING A RESOLUTION SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO
CONSIDER THE VACATION OF A PORTION OF PUBLIC WATER LINE EASEMENT AT 1010 E. 20TH STREET
1 Adopt Resolution No. 6828, a Resolution of Intention to vacate a 33-foot-wide portion of a 73-foot wide public water line easement located at 1010 E. 20th Street, further described as Assessor's Parcel Number 1044-102-08; set a public hearing for Monday, June 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the proposed vacation prior to adoption of the Resolution ordering the vacation subject to the requirements and recommendations contained in this report; and direct the City Clerk to publish and post a Notice of Hearing in accordance with the requirements of the California Streets and Highways Code Sections 8320, et seq.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 9.18 TO THE
UPLAND MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH AN ENTERTAINMENT ZONE IN
DOWNTOWN UPLAND
Development Services Director Dalquest presented the staff report along with a PowerPoint presentation. Director Dalquest then answered questions regarding the boundary of the zone, the application process, and special event permits.
Mayor Velto opened the public hearing.
Jeremiah Cooper, Upland, spoke in support of the entertainment zone. Stating it would drive economic growth, foster a sense of community, and increase foot traffic. He further urged the City Council to approve the Ordinance.
Dori Ferranto, Upland Historic Downtown Upland and Chamber of Commerce, spoke in support of the downtown entertainment zone and stated it will drive economic growth and breathe new life into the area.
Eric Hanson, Upland, spoke in support. stated it will not benefit his downtown business directly, but will foster an engaged downtown area.
Guiseppe Mancuso, Upland, spoke in support of the entertainment zone and thanked the Council for considering the ordinance.
Nick Fuentes, Upland, spoke in support of the entertainment zone and stated it will provide great opportunities for businesses in the downtown.
Jennifer Garro, Upland, spoke in support of the entertainment zone and stated it will provide for foot traffic and visibility for all downtown businesses.
Amy Valdivia, Chair of the Board of Upland Chamber of Commerce, reaffirmed commitment to support local business community and spoke in support of the entertainment zone.
Mark Davidson, Upland, spoke in support of downtown entertainment zone and thanked staff and the Council for improvements to the downtown over the past few years.
Linda Trawnik, President of Historic Downtown Upland, spoke in support of the downtown entertainment zone and stated it would benefit the businesses in the downtown.
Michael Cooper, Upland, spoke in support of the entertainment zone and stated it would bring energy to downtown.
2 Hearing no further testimony, Mayor Velto closed the public hearing.
Moved by: Councilmember Zuniga
Seconded by: Councilmember Garcia
Hold first reading by title only, waive further reading, and introduce an Ordinance adding Chapter 9.18 to the Upland Municipal Code relating to the establishment of an Entertainment Zone in Downtown Upland pursuant to Senate Bill 969, and determine the Ordinance is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines.
Motion: Carried Unanimously
b. APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION'S APPROVAL OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 24-011
Mayor Velto called a recess at 7:15 p.m. The Council reconvened in open session at 7:19 p.m.
Development Services Director Dalquest introduced Planning Manager Farris who presented the staff report along with a PowerPoint presentation.
Mayor Velto opened the public hearing.
Nancy Keith, Upland, stated that they live near the subject property and provided a history of issues with different tenants on the property and how it has affected the residents and created parking issues in the neighborhood.
Jason Watts, Executive Director for Scholarship Prep, provided information on the school, the programs it offers, and stated they value the relationship with the City and residents. He further stated that the appeal included false information and requested that the Council uphold the Planning Commission's decision.
Steven Figueroa, spoke in opposition of approval of the conditional use permit for Scholarship Prep and further stated that Stone Ridge Academy provides education to children with disabilities.
Lois Smith, Upland, Executive Director of Stone Ridge Academy, stated that Stone Ridge Academy is currently operating, is certified by the Department of Education, and has not been evicted from the property.
Reginald Taylor, Law Office of Zuli Ali, stated he represents Stone Ridge Academy and there is pending litigation associated with the property and suggested that those issues need to be resolved in court prior to approval of a conditional use permit.
David Botfeld, property owner, stated that he was pleased with the possibility of Scholarship Prep occupying the property and provided information on the difficulties collecting rents from Stone Ridge Academy. He further stated that he has the right to operate the facility with a tenant who pays rents.
Chris Johnson, Attorney representing the property owner, stated that the court proceedings are not related to the approval of the condition use permit. 3 Rachel Foy, Ontario, stated that she has been through the conditional permit process previously and works for Scholarship Prep; and further stated the positive effect they have on the community they serve and there is no fraud or misrepresentation in their conditional use permit application.
Hearing no further testimony, Mayor Velto closed the public hearing.
City Attorney Deitsch answered questions from the Council regarding the legality of the Council upholding the Planning Commission's decision to approve the conditional use permit.
Moved by: Councilmember Breitling
Seconded by: Councilmember Garcia
Adopt Resolution No. 6829 denying the appeal, and upholding the Planning Commission's approval of CUP-24-0011; and determine the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines.
Motion: Carried Unanimously
c. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE TRANSITION OF SEWER
SERVICE CHARGES TO THE COUNTY PROPERTY TAX ROLL
This item was removed from the agenda.
d. CONDUCTA PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE TRANSITION OF STORM
DRAIN SERVICE CHARGES TO THE COUNTY PROPERTY TAX ROLL
This item was removed from the agenda.
e. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE TRANSITION OF TRASH
SERVICE CHARGES TO THE COUNTY PROPERTY TAX ROLL
This item was removed from the agenda.
12. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. COUNCIL REPORTS ON REGIONAL COMMITTEE MEETING, TRAINING, OR
CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE
Councilmember Breitling reported his attendance at the Annual San Bernardino City County Conference, along with Councilmember Zuniga, City Manager Blay, Assistant City Managers Arrula and Parker, and Police Chief Blanco. b. SPECIAL FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING,APRIL 30, 2025
Committee Chairperson Maust provided a recap of the meeting. c. SPECIAL PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING, MAY 6, 2025
Committee Chairperson Breitling provided a recap of the meeting.
13. BUSINESS ITEMS
14. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
4 Councilmembers announced various activities and events throughout the community.
15. CITY MANAGER
16. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Velto adjourned the meeting at 8:09 p.m. The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
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Keri Joh on City Clerk
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