MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE UPLAND CITY COUNCIL June 9, 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(arrived at 6:00 p.m. and left the meeting at 9:00 p.m.), 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 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the Upland City Hall.
Moved by: Councilmember Zuniga
Seconded by: Councilmember Breitling
Excuse the absence of Councilmember Maust
Motion: Carried Unanimously
2. ADDITIONS-DELETIONS TO AGENDA
None.
3. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CLOSED SESSION - 5:00 p.m.
4. CLOSED SESSION
At 5:01 p.m. Mayor Velto announced that the City Council would recess to Closed Session pursuant to Government Code
a. CLOSED SESSION CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- EXISTING
LITIGATION
(Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of California Government Code Section 54956.9)
Case Name: Melissa Alvarado v. City of Upland
San Bernardino County Superior Court of California Case No. CIVSB2309447 b. CLOSED SESSION CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS 1 California Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: Vacant land located on the north side of Arrow Route, approximately 645 feet west of Benson Avenue in the City of Upland (Assessor Parcel Numbers: 1007-271-45 & 1007-271-47)
City Negotiators: City Manager Michael Blay, Development Services Director Robert Dalquest, and Economic Development Coordinator Melecio Picazo Negotiating Party: James Dolback,Azure Seafood
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
The City Council reconvened in open session at 6:01 p.m.
5. INVOCATION
Deacon Richard Simpson, St.Anthony's Catholic Church
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Police Chief Blanco
7. PRESENTATIONS
Proclamation Recognizing Rosemarie "Rose" Martinez upon her Retirement with 30 years of Service to the City
Local Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps Presentation by San Bernardino County Fire Assistant Chief Birchfield
Certificate of Recognition to Joshua Day for his Community Clean Up Efforts
8. CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Deitsch stated the City Council received reports on Closed Session Items 4a and 4b; and there was no reportable action.
9. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Jessica Perez, Upland, spoke regarding code enforcement writing parking citations in her neighborhood.
Tom Cope, Upland, spoke regarding a letter from a resident regarding alternatives to pesticides in Memorial Park and questioned whether any actions had been taken.
10. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Zuniga removed Consent Calendar Item 10e and Mayor Velto removed Consent Calendar Item 10n for separate action.
Moved by: Councilmember Breitling
Seconded by: Councilmember Zuniga
Approve the Consent Calendar
Motion: Carried Unanimously
a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2 Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of May 27, 2025 and the Special Workshop Minutes of June 2, 2025.
b. 2ND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1997 AMENDING
VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE UPLAND MUNICIPAL CODE
Hold 2nd reading by title only, waive further reading, and adopt Ordinance No. 1997 amending various sections of the Upland Municipal Code as specified. c. CONSIDER RATIFYING AN APPOINTMENT TO THE BUILDING APPEALS BOARD
Ratify the appointment of Ronald Chan to the Building Appeals Board, term to expire in December 2028.
d. CONSIDER RATIFICATION OF REAPPOINTMENTS TO LIBRARY BOARD OF
TRUSTEES
Ratify, by 4/5 vote of the Council, the Mayor's reappointment of Ralph Cavallo and Lynn Olson to the Library Board of Trustees, terms expire June 30, 2028. f. CONSIDER ADOPTING A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE
ANNUAL INVESTMENT POLICY
Adopt Resolution No. 6830 approving and adopting the Annual Statement of Investment Policy for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
g. CONSIDER ADOPTING A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE GENERAL FUND RESERVE POLICY ALLOCATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26
Adopt Resolution No. 6831 approving the General Fund Reserve Policy for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
h. RATIFY THE AUDIT AGREEMENT WITH SPYGLASS GROUP, LLC FOR
TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE ACCOUNTS
Ratify the Audit Agreement with Spyglass Group, LLC for telecommunications service accounts in an amount not-to-exceed $125,000.
i. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ROBERT HALF, INC.
Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Robert Half, Inc. for staff augmentation services and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
j. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MV CHENG &ASSOCIATES, INC.
Approve a Professional Services Agreement with MV Cheng & Associates, Inc. for staff augmentation services and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
k. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT
WITH HDL COMPANIES FOR CONTRACT BUSINESS LICENSE SERVICES 3 Approve the First Amendment to the Agreement with HdL Companies for contract business license services for one additional year through June 30, 2026 in an amount not-to-exceed $150,000 for the extension period; and authorize the City Manager to execute the First Amendment.
I. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A THIRD AMENDMENT TO A PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR METROLINK SECURITY SERVICES
Approve Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services Agreement between the City of Upland and American Global Security, Inc. for Metrolink Station Security Guard Services; extending the agreement for an additional one (1)year; keep the contract amount at $159,957.70; and authorize the City Manager to execute any and all necessary and related documents to implement the amendment. m. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
INLAND VALLEY RECOVERY SERVICES
Approve the professional services agreement with Inland Valley Recovery Services (IVRS) to provide a part-time IVRS Outreach Representative and supportive services for the treatment of Substance Use Disorder to individuals experiencing homelessness in Upland, authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement; and appropriate the funding using the National Opioid Settlement funding.
o. REJECT ALL BIDS FOR PROJECT 82338, TOM THOMAS MAGNOLIA PLAZA,
AND RE-ADVERTISE THE PROJECT
Reject all bids for Project 82338, Tom Thomas Magnolia Plaza, and authorize staff to re-advertise the project.
p. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HR GREEN PACIFIC, INC.
Approve the Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with HR Green Pacific, Inc. to increase the contract amount by $38,000 for a total contract amount of$98,000 for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
q. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A FISCAL YEAR 2025 EUROFINS PURCHASE
ORDER INCREASE
Approve a $59,000 increase to Purchase Order No. 20250101, for a total purchase order amount of $234,000, to pay for additional water sampling for the remainder of the Fiscal Year.
e. CONSIDER RATIFICATION OF A REAPPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING
COMMISSION
Council thanked Commissioner Johnson for his continued service to the community.
Moved by: Councilmember Zuniga
Seconded by: Councilmember Maust
Ratify the Mayor's reappointment of Jeffrey Johnson to the Planning Commission, term ending June 30, 2029.
4 Motion: Carried Unanimously
n. CONSIDER ACCEPTANCE OF FUND ALLOCATIONS FROM SUPERVISORS
ARMENDAREZ AND HAGMAN FOR THE PURCHASE OF HANDHELD POLICE RADIOS
The Council commented on recent funding received from County Supervisors.
Moved by: Councilmember Zuniga
Seconded by: Councilmember Maust
Accept $783,944 in funding from the County of San Bernardino County through Supervisors Armendarez and Hagman's discretionary funds, and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and all documents necessary for the sole-source purchase of 130 Motorola APX N70 portable radios from Motorola Solutions, Inc. for $1,044,332.
Motion: Carried Unanimously
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. VILLA SERENA SPECIFIC PLAN & ENTITLEMENTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF RESIDENTIAL UNITS AND SITE IMPROVEMENTS APN:
1045-121-04, 1045-151-35 AND 0207-483-46
Development Services Director Dalquest introduced Senior Planner Winter who. presented the staff report along with a PowerPoint presentation.
Mayor Velto opened the public hearing.
Greg Pene, Upland, requested confirmation that there will not be any changes to the Upland Hills Country Club Specific Plan by adoption of the Villa Serena Specific Plan and that they are considered two separate entities.
Alex T. Hwang, Upland, stated his property is directly adjacent to the proposed development and expressed concerns regarding the lack of transparency; and communication with nearby residents throughout the development process. He further stated that the loss of open space and mountain views would negatively impact his property value.
David Coleman, Upland, stated that the project area had been cleared of vegetation prior to the completion of the environmental study and questioned the accuracy and validity of the study given the pre-existing alterations to the site. He also raised concerns about the potential impact of the development on a nearby well.
Lois Sicking, Board member of the Friends of Upland Wetlands, expressed strong opposition to the Villa Serena 15th Street Flood Basin Project and urged the City Council to vote against certifying the Environmental Impact Report and proceeding with the project. Expressed that the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was inadequate. Citing concerns including: storm water system concerns, water pollution, and traffic and noise impacts.
5 Natasha Walton, Upland, read excerpts from a letter submitted by Shari Wasson in opposition to the project. Citing concerns that the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) inadequately addressed mitigation for the coastal whiptail, a species of special concern, and the Crotch bumblebee. Additional concerns included insufficient preservation of the conservation area, lack of analysis on the impacts to the east side of the property resulting from development on the west side, and inconsistencies in the project boundaries as shown in the maps. She also noted the unavailability of the Planning Commission minutes from the June meeting approving the project, expressed concerns regarding specific sections of the conditions of approval; and urged the Council to allow additional time for consideration of the project.
Steve Sturgis, Upland, questioned the integrity of the development process, asking whether, if residents opposed to the project were to fund an independent Environmental Impact Report yielding a different determination, the City would consider or follow that report. The speaker expressed broader concerns regarding the overall transparency and fairness of the project approval process City Clerk Johnson stated that two emails in opposition of the project were received and provided to the Council prior to the meeting.
Mayor Velto closed the public hearing.
Director Dalquest responded to questions from the Council regarding concerns related to the EIR, the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4), water quality protection measures, Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) numbers, and the timing of the environmental study.
Justin Wood, Aspen Environmental Group, stated that he prepared the biological report after the property had been cleared and explained that, as a biologist, he relied on tools such as pre-disturbance aerial imagery to reconstruct site conditions and assess the likely presence of species. He noted that any species potentially missed were likely to be more common. He also referenced the undisturbed portion of the basin as a basis for identifying the types of species present.
Councilmember Zuniga exited the Council Chamber at 7:59 p.m., returning to the dais at 8:01 p.m.
Senior Planner Winter provided information on the biological surveys conducted on the property.
Discussion followed regarding weed abatement and fire mitigation.
Councilmember Garcia exited the Council Chamber at 8:02 p.m., returning at 8:04 p.m.
Further discussion ensued on weed abatement of nearby City-owned property.
Development Services Director Dalquest and Senior Planner Winter responded to questions regarding the biological study, mitigation measures, traffic study, and setback of the development from existing homes.
6 There was discussion regarding the landscaping plans, the type of plants that will be used in the conservation area and the ongoing monitoring and maintenance of that area.
Justin Wood, Aspen Environmental Group, responded to questions regarding the plans for the conservation area and the use of pollinator friendly plants.
Development Services Director Dalquest stated that staff could add a condition of approval to ensure that there are pollinating species of plants where appropriate.
In response to the Council's inquiry about requiring the developer to plant appropriate tree species, Senior Planner Winter stated that this requirement could be added to the conditions of approval.
Development Services Director Dalquest and Senior Planner Winter suggested that Condition of Approval 20.2 d. be amended to include language that the staff shall work with the architect to increase the number of pollinating species in the landscape plan and ensure that tree species are appropriate for the given planting area.
Development Services Director Dalquest responded to questions from the Council regarding the history of the property, the detention basin on the property, the map of the development, and the maintenance of the property.
Consultant Mark Bertone with Madole and Associates addressed Council questions on flood control, spillways, basin volume, flood mitigation for 100- and 1,000-year events, and retention basin scarification frequency.
Senior Planner Winter responded to questions regarding the number of parking spaces provided within the development and the management of construction- related traffic.
Brian Bush, representing the developer, responded to questions on the decision to build only two-story units and the feasibility of higher-density development.
Development Services Director Dalquest and Senior Planner Winter addressed inquiries on the project site, access to the walking trail, and availability of alternative sites within the City.
Brian Bush, representing the developer, provided additional information on the history of the development project.
Moved by: Councilmember Breitling
Seconded by: Councilmember Zuniga
Adopt Resolution No. 6832 certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the project.
Motion: Carried Unanimously
Moved
o ed by: Councilmember Breitling
Seconded by: Councilmember Zuniga
Adopt Resolution No. 6833 adopting General Plan Amendment No. 23-0002. 7 Motion: Carried Unanimously
Moved by: Councilmember Zuniga
Seconded by: Councilmember Maust
Hold first reading by title only, waive further reading, and introduce Ordinance No. 1998 adopting Zone Change No. 23-0002.
Motion: Carried Unanimously
Moved by: Councilmember Maust
Seconded by: Councilmember Breitling
Adopt Resolution No. 6834 adopting the Villa Serena Specific Plan.
Motion: Carried Unanimously
Moved by: Councilmember Breitling
Seconded by: Councilmember Maust
Adopt Resolution No. 6835 approving Tentative Tract Map No. 23-0001 (TT 20245) and Development Plan Review No. 23-0002, as amended.
Motion: Carried Unanimously
b. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE VACATION OF A PORTION OF PUBLIC WATER LINE EASEMENT AT 1010 E. 20TH STREET At 8:55 p.m. Mayor Velto called a recess and the City Council reconvened in open session at 9:00 p.m. Councilmember Maust left the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
Development Services Director Dalquest introduced Planning Manager Farris who presented the staff report along with a PowerPoint presentation.
Acting Utilities Manager Ferreira responded to questions from the Council regarding the existing water line on the property.
Mayor Velto opened the public hearing, and hearing no testimony closed the public hearing.
Moved by: Councilmember Garcia
Seconded by: Councilmember Zuniga
Adopt Resolution No. 6836 approving the vacation of a 33-foot-wide portion of a water line easement over property located at 1010 E. 20th Street, further described as Assessor's Parcel Number 1.044-1.02-08) and the underlying fee owner being Upland Storage Owner LLC.
Motion: Carried Unanimously with Councilmember Maust absent c. PUBLIC HEARING ON CITY VACANCIES AND RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION EFFORTS IN COMPLIANCE WITH ASSEMBLY BILL 2561 8 Assistant City Manager Parker introduced Deputy Director of Human Resources and Risk Management Todd who presented the staff report along with a PowerPoint presentation.
Luis Schmitt, AFSCME Representative for the General Bargaining Unit, along with Phillip Estrada, President of the General Unit, and John Notchick, Vice President of the General Unit, delivered a PowerPoint presentation on recruitment, vacant positions in the City, and the use of contract services.
Mayor Velto opened the public hearing.
Kirk Swanner, President Upland Mid-Managers Association, stated that they support the City's efforts to improve recruitment and increase retention; and he looks forward to the opportunity to work with the City to determine additional solutions.
Mayor Velto closed the public hearing.
This item was receive and file only.
12. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. COUNCIL REPORTS ON REGIONAL COMMITTEE MEETING, TRAINING, OR
CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE
No reports.
13. BUSINESS ITEMS
a. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 MID-CYCLE BUDGET Assistant City Manager Parker introduced Finance Manager Sullivan who presented the staff report along with a PowerPoint presentation.
Police Chief Blanco responded to questions from the Council regarding a proposed regional homeless shelter, to be located in Fontana.
Assistant City Manager Parker provided information on reorganization of the Public Works Department and recruitment of positions.
Moved by: Councilmember Garcia
Seconded by: Councilmember Breitling
Approve the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Mid-Cycle budget summaries.
Motion: Carried Unanimously with Councilmember Maust absent Moved by: Councilmember Garcia
Seconded by: Councilmember Breitling
Approve the Capital Improvement Program budget.
Motion: Carried Unanimously with Councilmember Maust absent Moved by: Councilmember Zuniga
Seconded by: Councilmember Garcia
9 Approve the updated Schedule of Positions.
Motion: Carried Unanimously with Councilmember Maust absent Moved by: Councilmember Garcia
Seconded by: Councilmember Zuniga
Approve the job descriptions for the Deputy Public Works Director and Policy and Legislative Affairs Manager.
Motion: Carried Unanimously with Councilmember Maust absent Moved by: Councilmember Garcia
Seconded by: Councilmember Breitling
Adopt Resolution No. 6837 approving the appropriations limit for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
Motion:Carried Unanimously with Councilmember Maust absent b. CONSIDER AWARD OF SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT FOR PROJECT NO. 92131 SAN ANTONIO CANYON WATER TREATMENT PLANT
REHABILITATION AND UPGRADES
Environmental Compliance Coordinator deMoet, presented the staff report along with a PowerPoint presentation.
Environmental Compliance Coordinator deMoet, Acting Utilities Manager Ferreira, and Assistant Engineer Aguilar responded to questions from the Council regarding the replacement of valves as part of the project.
Moved by: Councilmember Breitling
Seconded by: Councilmember Zuniga
Award a construction contract to MISCO Water in the amount of $2,660,535.12 (Base Amount plus Additional Items) and approve a construction contingency of $404,464.88 for the total amount of$3,065,000.00.
Motion: Carried Unanimously with Councilmember Maust absent
14. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmembers announced various activities and events throughout the community.
15. CITY MANAGER
16. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Velto adjourned the meeting at 10:16 p.m. The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Monday, June 23, 2025.
10 Keri ns n, Cit Clerk
11