HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/02/19 - Minutes February 19,2025
CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, HOUSING SUCCESSOR AGENCY, SUCCESSOR AGENCY,
PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY AND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETINGS MINUTES
The City Council of the City of Rancho Cucamonga held a Closed Session on Wednesday, February 19,
2025,in the Tapia Conference Room at the Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga,
California. Mayor Michael called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.
Present were Council Members: Ryan Hutchison, Kristine Scott, Ashley Stickler, Mayor Pro Tern Lynne
Kennedy and Mayor L. Dennis Michael.
Also present were: John Gillison, City Manager; Elisa Cox, Assistant City Manager; Nicholas Ghirelli,
.City Attorney; Matt Burris, Deputy City Manager/Economic and Community Development, Julie Sowles,
Deputy City Manager of Community Programs and Peter Castro, Deputy City Manager of Administrative
Services.
A. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEM(S)
B. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEM(S)
C. CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS
D. CONDUCT OF CLOSED SESSION
D1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS ROBERT NEIUBER, SENIOR HUMAN
RESOURCES DIRECTOR, PETER CASTRO, DEPUTY CITY
MANAGER/ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, MATT BURRIS, DEPUTY CITY
MANAGER/ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND JULIE SOWLES,
DEPUTY CITY MANAGER OF COMMUNITY PROGRAMS; PER GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 54954.2 REGARDING LABOR NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE RANCHO
CUCAMONGA CITY EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION (RCCEA) AND TEAMSTERS LOCAL
1932. (CITY)
D2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — PENDING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO
PARAGRAPH (1) OF SUBDIVISION (D) OF GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9;
NAME OF CASE: CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA V. THM ENTERPRISES, LLC, SBSC
CASE NO.: CIVSB2115208. (CITY)
D3. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PER GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 54956.8 FOR PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS PARCEL NUMBER 0229-012-08-
0000 COMMONLY KNOWN AS ADDRESS 8434 ROCHESTER AVENUE, RANCHO
CUCAMONGA, CA 91730; NEGOTIATING PARTIES MATT MARQUEZ, DIRECTOR OF
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, REPRESENTING THE CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA,
AND RICHARD LEE, REPRESENTING CBRE GROUP, INC., REGARDING PRICE AND
TERMS. (CITY)
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D4. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PER GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 54956.8 FOR PROPERTY AT 8730 KING RANCH ROAD, PORTIONS OF
PARCEL NUMBER 0200-051-48-0000, AND 0200-051-49-0000; NEGOTIATING PARTIES
JOHN GILLISON, CITY MANAGER REPRESENTING THE CITY OF RANCHO
CUCAMONGA, AND JONATHON KING, PROPERTY OWNER; REGARDING PRICE AND
TERMS. (CITY)
D5. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PER GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 54956.8 FOR PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS PARCEL NUMBERS 1089-593-01-
0000 COMMONLY KNOWN AS ADDRESS 7150 ETIWANDA, RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA
91730; NEGOTIATING PARTIES MATT BURRIS, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER ECONOMIC
AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, REPRESENTING THE CITY OF RANCHO
CUCAMONGA, AND ANTONIO GONZALEZ, PRESIDENT, REPRESENTING ETIWANDA
HISTORIC SOCIETY, REGARDING PRICE AND TERMS. (CITY)
E. RECESS
The closed session recessed at 6:45 p.m.
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REGULAR MEETINGS—7:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER—COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The Regular meetings of the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District, Housing Successor Agency,
Successor Agency, Public Finance Authority, and the City of Rancho Cucamonga City Council were held
on February 19,2025, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho
Cucamonga, California. Mayor Michael called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Present were Council Members: Ryan Hutchison, Kristine Scott, Ashley Stickler, Mayor Pro Tern Lynne
Kennedy and Mayor L. Dennis Michael.
Also present were: John Gillison, City Manager; Nicholas Ghirelli, City Attorney; and Linda A. Troyan,
MMC, City Clerk Services Director.
Council Member Stickler led the Pledge of Allegiance.
A. AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
None.
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS / PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Michael announced the addition of the following two presentations:
B1. Recognition of John Gillison, City Manager—Wes McClure Award of Distinction.
Mayor Michael and Members of the City Council recognized John Gillison, City Manager, for receiving the
Wes McClure Award of Distinction from the Cal Cities City Managers Department.The Wes McClure Award
of Distinction celebrates City Managers who demonstrate exceptional leadership, ethics, innovation, and
service-qualities. Mayor Michael and Members of the City Council congratulated John Gillison, City
Manager, and thanked him for his contributions to the City of Rancho Cucamonga.
B2. Presentation of a Certificate of Sympathy in Honor of Patrick Gallagher.
Mayor Michael and Members of the City Council presented a Certificate of Sympathy in memory of Patrick
Gallagher to the Gallagher family.
C. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Wendy Lopez, spoke about homelessness, public safety and asked the City Council to act by implementing
preventative measures, encouraging collaboration, addressing the homeless situation in a timely manner
and increasing police patrolling in Alta Loma. A signed petition was submitted by Wendy Lopez on behalf
of Alta Loma residents to urge the City Council to address/prioritize the critical issue of homelessness.
In response to public comment, Captain Smith, Rancho Cucamonga Police Department, shared the City
recently concluded the 2025 Point-in-Time Count, a homeless count and survey to collect data on the
number and needs of people experiencing homelessness in the community. He noted that the Rancho
Cucamonga Police Department has a proactive and wide approach connecting transients with resources
via the Solution Oriented Policing (S.O.P.) team. Lastly, Captain Smith spoke of the effects of the recently
enacted Proposition 36, known as the Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act, he informed
that the ballot measure toughens penalties for theft and other criminal offenses and has led to several
arrests of transients since its effective date.
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Nadya Bahena, Field Representative for 50th District Assembly Member, Robert Garcia, introduced herself
as a liaison between Assembly Member, Robert Garcia and his district constituents, and invited the
community to an "Assembly District 50 Open House" on March 21, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
David Thor, spoke about traffic and public safety concerns at the intersection of East Avenue and Highland
Avenue.
D. CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Scott abstained on item D3, due to a potential conflict of interest as her employer is
Southern California Gas Company.
D1. Consideration to Approve the Minutes of the Adjourned Regular Meetings of February 4,
2025
D2. Consideration to Approve City and Fire District Bi-Weekly Payroll in the Total Amount of
$4,878,650.99 and City and Fire District Weekly Check Registers (Excluding Checks Issued
to Southern California Gas Company) in the Total Amount of$6,068,051.50 Dated January
23, 2025 Through February 09, 2025. (CITY/FIRE)
D3. Consideration to Approve City and Fire District Weekly Check Registers for Checks Issued
to Southern California Gas Company in the Total Amount of$29,258.38 Dated January 23,
2025, Through February 09, 2025. (CITY/FIRE)
D4. Consideration to Receive and File Current Investment Schedules as of December 31, 2024
for the City of Rancho Cucamonga and the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District.
(CITY/FIRE)
D5. Consideration to Declare Surplus for Retired Computer, Monitors, Laptops, iPhones, and
iPads, Deemed No Longer Needed, Obsolete or Unusable as Surplus. (CITY)
D6. Consideration to Approve a Sole-Source Agreement with Media Control Systems, Inc. in the
Amount of$53,100 for the Replacement of Existing Broadcast Media Equipment Supporting
the Council Chambers, and to Authorize the Appropriation of Funds for the Project. (CITY)
D7. Consideration of a Contract with Roadway Engineering &Construction Corp., in the Amount
of $386,270 Plus 10% Contingency for the Haven Avenue Sidewalk Improvement Project
From Merlot Court to Wilson Avenue (Project). This Project is Exempt From the
Requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Government Code
Section 15301 —Existing Facilities. (CITY)
D8. Consideration to Accept Grant Revenue from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance
Grant Funds(JAG) For Fiscal Grant Year 2024 in the Amount of$38,032 to Purchase PSVN
Equipment and to Authorize the Appropriation of Funds for the Purchase of PSVN
Equipment. (CITY)
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D9. Consideration to Approve the Final Map of Tract 20566, an Improvement Agreement,
Improvement Securities for Public Improvements, and a Resolution Ordering the Annexation
to Landscape Maintenance District No. 9 Related to Case No. SUBTT20566, Located on the
Southeast Corner of Etiwanda Avenue and Highland Avenue. Per a California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) Section 15183 Compliance Memorandum Dated August 2023, the
Project was Found to Be Within the Scope of the Project Covered by an Environmental
Impact Report Certified by City Council on December 15, 2021 (State Clearinghouse
SCH#2021050261) and Does Not Raise or Create New Environmental Impacts.
(RESOLUTION NO. 2025-002) (CITY)
D10. Consideration of a Resolution Dedicating a Portion of City-Owned Property Located North of
Foothill Boulevard approximately 725 Feet East of Grove Avenue for Public Use and
Consideration to Accept All Street Improvements as Complete, File the Notice of Completion
and Authorize Release of Retention and Bonds for the West Foothill Boulevard Street
Improvements Project. This Project is Exempt from the requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act(CEQA)per Government Code Section 15301 —Existing Facilities.
(RESOLUTION NO. 2025-003) (CITY)
MOTION: Moved by Council Member Stickler, seconded by Council Member Hutchison, to approve
Consent Calendar Agenda items D1 through D10, with Council Member/Board Member Scott abstaining
on item D3. Motion carried 5-0.
E. CONSENT CALENDAR ORDINANCE(S) - SECOND READING/ADOPTION
None.
Mayor Michael announced item H2 listed under Section H. City Manager's Staff Reports would be moved
to Section F. as Administrative Hearing Item F1.
F. ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING ITEM(S)
At 7:19 p.m., Council Member Hutchison recused himself from discussion on Item F1 (formerly Item H2)
due to a conflict of interest as he has a financial interest in real property located within 1,000 feet of the
winery, pursuant to the Political Reform Act, and left the Chambers.
F1. (Formerly 112) Review and Approval of the Third Amendment of Ground Lease between the City of
Rancho Cucamonga (lessor)and the J. Filippi Vintage Co. (lessee). (CITY)
John Gillison, City Manager provided a Staff Report along with a PowerPoint presentation showcasing
revitalization efforts, phases of improvement/remodeling, temporary tasting room, future expansion plans,
and products and services such as wine sales, tasting room experiences and event space rentals. City
Manager Gillison highlighted the following project goals of the proposed transfer of the ground lease for J.
Filippi Vintage Company as part of the sale of the business: preserve and enhance the historical nature
and usage of the winery; maintain and refine the winemaking functions on the property;increase community
access to the winery and vineyards; and transform the property into a significant economic asset. City
Manager Gillison noted the following two (2) key lease provisions:
1. No housing is proposed for the site and in fact, Section 3 of the Third Amendment of Ground Lease
between the City of Rancho Cucamonga and J. Filippi Vintage Company expressly states,"Lessee
acknowledges that the Lease does not permit any residential uses...".
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2. The proposed 3rd Lease Amendment states that "Lessor is under no obligation to contribute
financially to the operation of the property, except as may be already expressly provided in the
Lease, and that Lessor may in its sole and absolute discretion, assist Lessee's with respect to the
property with grants for historic preservation purposes ".
Email correspondence was received from Victoria Haselwander and was made available to the City
Council, the public and included in the record.
Mayor Michael opened the Administrative Hearing.
Pam Wright, former Rancho Cucamonga Council Member, spoke in opposition of the proposed Third
Amendment of Ground Lease between the City of Rancho Cucamonga and J. Filippi Vintage Co., and
about the importance of historical preservation at the property.
Dr. Ann DiDonato-Lara, recited a letter in opposition of the proposed Third Amendment of Ground Lease
between the City of Rancho Cucamonga and J. Filippi Vintage Co.on behalf of former Rancho Cucamonga
Council Member Diane Williams. In the letter,former Council Member Diane Williams encouraged the City
Council to honor the City's wine heritage by considering a project that operates as an operating landmark
winery. The letter by former Rancho Cucamonga Council Member Diane Williams was made available to
the City Council and the public.
James Banks, Jr., spoke in opposition of the proposed Third Amendment of Ground Lease between the
City of Rancho Cucamonga and J. Filippi Vintage Co. He commended staff on an impressive staff report
and analysis, spoke about the importance of historical preservation of the winery, and shared concerns
regarding the size and trainings offered by the National CORE Academy not being defined and becoming
the primary use/focus of the site instead of the historic winery.
Steven Janis, spoke in opposition of the proposed Third Amendment of Ground Lease between the City of
Rancho Cucamonga and J. Filippi Vintage Co., spoke about previous resort-inspired, winery-centric
destination proposals submitted in 2020 via Request for Proposals(RFP's) initiated by the City. He shared
concerns regarding the rushed nature of the proposed Third Amendment of Ground Lease and the
possibility of the winery's historical preservation being lost via future amendments.
Applicant, Michael M. Ruane, President, National CORE Academy, thanked the community for their input
and shared the vision for the proposed project, his understanding of community concerns/needs, future
community engagement opportunities, and reassured his commitment to the historical preservation of the
winery.
City Manager Gillison, noted that the requirement to continue the winery operations to be un-interrupted
and not allow closure is not a new provision to the Ground Lease Amendment as it is part of previous
amendments approved decades ago that require that the winery continue operating. He stated the
proposed Third Amendment of Ground Lease is proposing to keep the requirement with a provision that
allows the winery to temporarily close during remodeling. City Manager Gillison informed the City remains
the owner of the winery under a long-term ground lease with the current lease holder being the J. Filippi
Vintage Co. and with Mr. Fillipi having the right to sell the business. Lastly, City Manager Gillison clarified
the City's review of the lease is to ensure new potential owners of the business will continue operating the
winery to comply with existing lease requirements.
City Attorney Ghirelli, informed there was no Request for Proposal (RFP) as J. Filippi Vintage Co. initiated
the sale of the business. He noted the City will continue to have a lease with J. Filippi Vintage Co., the
tenant is not changing but rather who owns the tenant, which the City cannot control. In response to
comments regarding the size and details of the National CORE Academy he informed a full review of the
project would be conducted before it is approved by the City. Lastly, City Attorney Ghirelli stated the lease
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would remain the same with minimal provisions and the remainder of the project subject to a full review
process by the City's Planning Department.
Council discussion ensued on the following: types of workforce trainings proposed by National CORE
Academy, historical preservation of the winery, community input from Request for Proposals (RFP's)
submitted in 2020, the City's growing hospitality sector, project funding and lease terms and provisions.
Mayor Michael closed the Administrative Hearing.
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tern Kennedy, seconded by Council Member Scott, to approve a Third
Amendment of the Ground Lease with J. Filippi Vintage Co. Motion carried 4-0-1. Council Member
Hutchison disqualified due to a potential conflict of interest.
Council Member Hutchison returned to the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
G. ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARINGS ITEM(S) - CITY/FIRE DISTRICT
None.
H. CITY MANAGER'S STAFF REPORT(S)
H1. Quarterly Development Update- Fourth Quarter 2024. (CITY)
City Manager Gillison introduced Zackary Neighbors, Director of Building & Safety and Matt Marquez,
Director of Economic Development,who provided the staff report along with a PowerPoint presentation for
item H1.
Mayor Pro Tern Kennedy commended staff on a well-done staff report with updates affirming the vibrancy
of the City of Rancho Cucamonga and highlighting the hard work and efforts of staff in maintaining the
City's All-America status while sparking interest in the youth to pursue careers in local government.
City Council received and filed report.
I. COUNCIL BUSINESS
11. COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
12. INTERAGENCY UPDATES
None.
J. CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
City Attorney Ghirelli noted that there was no reportable action taken during Closed Session held earlier
that evening.
K. IDENTIFICATION OF ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
None.
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L. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Michael adjourned the Council Meeting in memory of Patrick Gallagher at 8:31 p.m.
Ap roved: March 5, 2025
a A. T oyan, MMC .00
City C Services Director
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