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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/12/17 - MinutesDecember 17, 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, December 17, 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: Elisa C. Cox, City Manager; Mike McCliman, Assistant City Manager; Nicholas Ghirelli, City Attorney; Peter Castro, Deputy City Manager of Community Development, Jennifer Gracia, Deputy City Manager of Community Programs and Julie Sowles, 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, JULIE SOWLES, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER, MIKE MCCLIMAN, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER/FIRE CHIEF, AND EMILY NIELSEN, SENIOR HUMAN RESOURCES BUSINESS PARTNER; PER GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6 REGARDING LABOR NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE FIRE MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES BARGAINING GROUP, RANCHO CUCAMONGA FIREFIGHTERS' ASSOCIATION - IAFF LOCAL 2274, AND TEAMSTERS LOCAL 1932. (CITY/FIRE) D2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION: SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (2) OF SUBDIVISION (D) OF GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9: 1 CASE — SUPPORTERS ALLIANCE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY ("SAFER") NOTICE OF INTENT TO FILE SUIT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT REGARDING THE VINOVA COMMUNITY PROJECT (DRC2024-00395; DRC2025-00168; DRC2025-00169) . THE RECORD OF THE THREAT OF LITIGATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE. (CITY) E. RECESS The closed session recessed at 6:20 p.m. December 17, 2025 1 Fire Protection District, Housing Successor Agency, Successor Agency, Public Finance Authority and City Council Regular Meetings Minutes City of Rancho Cucamonga I Page 1 of 8 REGULAR MEETING — 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 Wednesday, December 17, 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 Tem Lynne Kennedy and Mayor L. Dennis Michael. Also present were: Elisa C. Cox, City Manager; Nicholas Ghirelli, City Attorney; and Ashton R. Arocho, MMC, City Clerk Services Director. Council Member Stickler led the Pledge of Allegiance. A. AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA City Clerk Services Director Arocho announced that item H1 listed under City Manager's Staff Reports will be removed and will return at a future meeting. B. ANNOUNCEMENTS / PRESENTATIONS B1. Presentation of the APWA Southern California Chapter BEST Award for the West Foothill Project. Mayor Michael introduced Jason Welday, Director of Engineering Services, and Romeo David, Associate Engineer, who provided an update on the West Foothill Project and presented the APWA Southern California Chapter BEST Award received by the Engineering Department. Mayor Michael and the City Council congratulated the Engineering Department on the successful completion of the project and the recognition received. B2. Recognition of the City of Rancho Cucamonga for Being Awarded the IEEP Best Public Safety Initiative Award. Mayor Michael introduced Paul Granillo, CEO of Inland Empire Economic Partnership, who presented the Inland Empire Economic Partnership (IEEP) Award in the Best Public Safety Initiative Category to the Rancho Cucamonga COAST Team: Ofer Litchman, Firefighter/K9 Handler; Don Rusk, Deputy of the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department; and Adrian Ruiz, San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Services. Mayor Michael and the City Council congratulated the COAST Team on their positive impact on the community and the recognition received. B3. Regional and Local Healthcare Update Presented by San Antonio Regional Hospital. Mayor Michael introduced Brenda Range[, Government Affairs Coordinator of San Antonio Regional Hospital, who provided a presentation and update on both regional and local healthcare. December 17, 2025 1 Fire Protection District, Housing Successor Agency, Successor Agency, Public Finance Authority and City Council Regular Meetings Minutes City of Rancho Cucamonga I Page 2 of 8 C. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS City Attorney Ghirelli provided public speaking, guidelines and informed the community that the proposed zoning amendment to the Etiwanda Heights Neighborhood and Conservation Plan is not being considered at tonight's meeting and is scheduled to be publicly noticed as a hearing to be presented to the City Council for discussion and consideration in early 2026. Seven (7) speakers: Greg Armstrong, Phil Hakopian, Crystal Bell, Ron Fakhoury, Chris Little, Carl Clifton and Robert Bandholtz spoke in opposition of a proposed zoning amendment to the proposed Etiwanda Heights Neighborhood and Conservation Plan. Speakers expressed concerns regarding the proposed zoning amendment, citing issues such as high -density housing, the placement of affordable housing within a high fire -risk zone and its incompatibility with elevated insurance premiums, inadequate public notification about the amendment, and potential traffic congestion that could compromise public safety during emergency evacuations. Mr. Little' noted that a petition titled "Protect Etiwanda Heights Neighborhoods — Stop the High -Density Housing Amendment"'is currently circulating on Change.org. Speakers urged the City Council to re-engage with the community and to vote against the proposed amendment to the Etiwanda Heights Neighborhood and Conservation Plan when presented with the item in 2026. Angela Ortiz expressed concerns about the lack of response and remedial action from Central Elementary School after she reported the sexual harassment of a minor to the school principal, the school board, and the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department. 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 Regular Meetings of December 3, 2025. D2. Consideration to Approve City and Fire District Bi-Weekly Payroll in the Total Amount of $1,028,100.86 and City and Fire District Weekly Check Registers (Excluding Checks Issued to Southern California Gas Company) in the Total Amount of $3,923,164.86 Dated November 24, 2025, Through November 30, 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 $25,175.62 Dated November 24, 2025, Through November 30, 2025. (CITY/FIRE) D4. Consideration to Receive and File Current Investment Schedules as of October 31, 2025 for the City of Rancho Cucamonga and the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District. (CITY/FIRE) D5. Consideration to Approve the Housing Successor Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Annual Report. (HOUSING SUCCESSOR AGENCY) D6. Consideration to Accept and Adopt the Arts & Entertainment Programming Strategy Policy. (CITY) D7. Consideration to Accept $1,000,000 of Community Project Funding from FY 2024 Congressional Directed Funding Appropriation and Appropriate $1,000,000 in Grant Revenue and Expenditures to Pilot a Local Circulator in Rancho Cucamonga. (CITY) December 17, 2025 1 Fire Protection District, Housing Successor Agency, Successor Agency, Public Finance Authority and City Council Regular Meetings Minutes City of Rancho Cucamonga I Page 3 of 8 D8. Consideration to Accept $15,000 of Kaiser Permanente Grant Funds and Appropriate $15,000 in Revenue and Expenditures to Expand Mental Health Resources at Day Creek Intermediate. (CITY) D9. Consideration of an Appropriation in the Amount of $120,000 from RC Fiber Fund for the Necessary Design, Engineering, Permitting, Plan Review, and Project Management for the Distribution of the Fiber Optic Network as Part of the City's Fiber Optic Master Plan. (CITY) D10. Consideration of the Purchase of Radios from Motorola Solutions, Inc. as a Single Source Vendor in the Amount of $28,390. (FIRE) ' D11. Consideration to Approve the Use of National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) Value Point Cooperative Agreement with CDWG, LLC in the Amount of $3,984,600 for the Procurement and Implementation of Network Hardware, Software, and Services, with a Contingency of $80,000. (CITY/FIRE) D12. Consideration of a Three -Year Professional Services Agreement with Empire Economics Inc., for Annual Forecasting of Expected Economic and Housing Growth Conditions, and Supplemental Analysis as Requested, in the Amount Not to Exceed $150,000. (CITY) D13. Consideration to Approve an Improvement Agreement and Improvement Securities for Public Improvements Related to Case No. DRC2017-01011, Located at 6140 Haven Avenue. (CITY) D14. Consideration of an Award of a Professional Services Agreement for Five -Year On -Call Contract for Acting City Surveyor Services for Fiscal Years 2025/26 through 2029/30. (CITY) D15. Consideration of Amendment No. 002 to the Professional Services Agreement with Mary McGrath Architects for Conceptual Design Services in the Amount of $1,396,774. (FIRE) D16. Consideration to Accept the Spagnolo 9/11 Memorial Park at Fire Station 178 Facility as Complete, File a Notice of Completion, and Release of Retention. (FIRE) D17. Consideration to Accept as .Complete, File a Notice of Completion, and Authorize Release of Retention and Bonds for the Haven Avenue Overcrossing Fencing Project (Project). This Project is Exempt from the Requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Government Code Section 15301 — Existing Facilities. (CITY) D18. Consideration to Adopt Resolutions Updating the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 City and Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District Salary Schedules. (RESOLUTION NO. 2025-100 AND RESOLUTION FD 2025-029) (CITY/FIRE) MOTION: Moved by Council Member Stickler, seconded by Council Member Hutchison, to approve Consent Calendar items D1 through D18, with Council Member Scott abstaining on item D3. Motion carried 5-0. E. CONSENT CALENDAR ORDINANCE(S) - SECOND READING/ADOPTION None. December 17, 2025 1 Fire Protection District, Housing Successor Agency, Successor Agency, Public Finance Authority and City Council Regular Meetings Minutes City of Rancho Cucamonga I Page 4 of 8 F. ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING ITEM(S) F1. Review of Minor Use Permit DRC2023-00257 — Hamilton Family Brewery. This Review Does Not Constitute a Revocation Hearing under Rancho Cucamonga Development Code Section 17.14.110. (CITY) City Manager Cox, introduced Matt Marquez, Economic Development Director, who gave a staff report and a detailed overview of the proposed amendments and ordinances for Council's consideration. Four (4) emails were received in opposition by Armando Moreno, Julia Espinoza, Lizzie and Julia Moreno, copies of the emails received were provided to the City Council and were available for the public to review on the City's website. Economic Development Director Marquez provided an overview of the previously approved project and summarized staffs investigation and actions taken in response to residents' concerns regarding noise, parking, and traffic. He concluded by outlining the following next steps: • Staff will continue reviewing concerns and collecting relevant data. • Sheriffs Department personnel will maintain response and investigation of service calls. • City staff will conduct site visits as part of the business operations review. • Staff will continue accepting video, audio, or photographic evidence related to community concerns. • City staff will perform ongoing noise testing. • City staff will request copies of evidence and records related to the protest submitted to ABC and its associated protest hearing. • City staff will complete the required six-month and twelve-month reviews. Mayor Michael opened the Administrative Hearing. Eleven (11) speakers: Heather Polk, Joshua Hamilton, Crystal Hamilton, Leone[ Sanhieza, Charles Hakopian, Jean Hamilton, Travis Cunningham, Scott Sorensen, Andrew Conn, Daleena Cardenas and Alma V[Ilegas, spoke in support of Hamilton Family Brewery located at 8889 Archibald Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730. Speakers highlighted positive experiences at the brewery, noting the Hamilton family's longstanding ties to the community including family involvement in fundraising and sponsorships, contributions to local initiatives, and the brewery's role as a safe, family -friendly gathering place. Additional comments emphasized the brewery's commitment to the City of Rancho Cucamonga, strong work ethic, courteous staff and security, and deep community roots. Eight (8) speakers: LaVay Bland, Liz Acuna, Jess Santacruz, Laura Espinoza, Elijah Gracia, Steve Diaz, Armando and Julia Moreno, spoke in opposition of Hamilton Family Brewery located at 8889 Archibald Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730. Speakers shared concerns about zoning, the brewery's proximity to residential areas and schools, noise levels, parking overflow impacting the adjacent neighborhood, disruptive patron behavior, public intoxication, traffic and overall impact on neighborhood quality of life and public safety. Mayor Michael closed the Administrative Hearing. Joshua Hamilton, Owner of Hamilton Family Brewery, outlined previous efforts to engage with the community, including inviting neighbors to the brewery to discuss concerns in good faith. He further stated his willingness to explore and financially support the establishment of a Parking District to address parking -related issues. December 17, 2025 1 Fire Protection District, Housing Successor Agency, Successor Agency, Public Finance Authority and City Council Regular Meetings Minutes City of Rancho Cucamonga I Page 5 of 8 Mayor Pro Tern Kennedy temporarily left the dais at 9:20 p.m. and returned at 9:22 p.m. The City Council discussed compliance with conditions of approval, potential adjustments to operating hours, peak business periods, Hamilton Family Brewery's community involvement, parking solutions including curb painting, noise mitigation strategies such as landscaping or sound barriers, and security enforcement with reporting to the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department. The Council emphasized the need to expedite solution -oriented actions and requested evidence and records related to the protest submitted to ABC and its associated hearing. G. ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARINGS ITEM(S) - CITY/FIRE DISTRICT G1. Public Hearing for Consideration of a Resolution Adopting a General Plan Amendment to Amend the General Plan Land Use and Community Character Chapter related to Floor Area Ratio on Table LC-1 and Policies Relating to Block Lengths; Amend the General Plan Mobility and Access Chapter to add Dimension Standards for Street Typologies, Remove the Proposed 8th Street Trail and Amend the Truck Routes Map Pursuant to AB98; and Consideration of First Reading of Ordinances 1053 and 1054 to be Read by Title Only to Amend Municipal Code Table 17.130.050-1 to Update Floor Area Ratio and Ground Floor Use Regulations for Form Based Zones and Amend Municipal Code Section 17.138.030 Regarding Block Length for Form Based Zones and Amend Municipal Code Section 10.56.020 to Alter Truck Routes. An Addendum to the General Plan EIR Has Been Prepared for this Project. (RESOLUTION NO. 2025-102 AND ORDINANCE NOS. 1053 AND 1054) (CITY) City Manager Cox, introduced Jennifer Nakamura, Planning Director, who provided the staff report and a detailed overview of the proposed amendments and ordinances for Council's consideration. Mayor Michael opened the Public Hearing. There were no public communications received. Mayor Michael closed the Public Hearing. MOTION: Moved by Council Member Scott, seconded by Council Member Stickler, to approve staffs recommendation, adopt Resolution No. 2025-102 and introduce Ordinance Nos. 1053 and 1054 by title only and waive further reading. City Clerk Services Director Arocho, read the title of Ordinance Nos. 1053 and 1054 into the record. ORDINANCE NO. 1053 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 17.130.040.E AND TITLE 17.130.050-1 OF CHAPTER 17.130 OF TITLE 17 OF THE RANCHO CUCAMONGA MUNICIPAL CODE TO AMEND FLOOR AREA RATIO AND NONRESIDENTIAL GROUND FLOOR HEIGHT AND USE REQUIREMENTS, AMENDING TABLE 17.138.030-1 OF CHAPTER 17.138 OF TITLE 17 OF THE RANCHO CUCAMONGA MUNICIPAL CODE TO AMEND BLOCK FACE LENGTH FOR CONSISTENCY WITH A PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, MAKING FINDINGS IN SUPPORT THEREOF, AND ADOPTING AN ADDENDUM TO THE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (SCH NO. 2021050261) ORDINANCE NO. 1054 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 10.56.020 OF THE RANCHO CUCAMONGA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ALTER TRUCK ROUTES, MAKING FINDINGS IN SUPPORT THEREOF, AND MAKING A DETERMINATION THAT THE ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT December 17, 2025 1 Fire Protection District, Housing Successor Agency, Successor Agency, Public Finance Authority and City Council Regular Meetings Minutes City of Rancho Cucamonga I Page 6 of 8 VOTES NOW CAST ON MOTION: Moved by Council Member Scott, seconded by Council Member Stickler, to approve staffs recommendation, adopt Resolution No. 2025-102 and introduce Ordinance Nos. 1053 and 1054 by title only and waive further reading. Motion carried 5-0. G2. Public Hearing to Consider First Reading of City Council Ordinance No. 1052 to Approve Development Agreement DRC2022-00266 to be Read by Title Only and Waive Further Reading: to Consider a City Council Resolution to Adopt Design Review (DRC2019-00742), Tentative Parcel Map (SUBTPM20173), Conditional Use Permit (DRC2022-00009), and Certificate of Appropriateness (DRC2019-00854) for the Development of Three (3) Concrete Tilt -up Industrial Buildings Totaling Approximately 982,096 Square Feet on Approximately 45.96 Net Acres Bound by Vineyard Avenue to the East, 9th Street to the North, Baker Avenue to the West, and the BNSF/Metrolink Railroad Line to the South; APN: 0207-271-25, -27, -39, -40, -89, -93, -94, -96, -97. An Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 2019110456) was Prepared for the Project. (Primary Case File No: Design Review (DRC2019-00742). (RESOLUTION NO. 2025-101 AND ORDINANCE NO. 1052) (CITY) City Manager Cox, introduced Sean McPherson, Principal Planner, who provided the staff report for Public Hearing item G2 and provided a comprehensive overview of the proposed Development Agreement, entitlements, and environmental documentation for Council's consideration. Principal Planner McPherson informed that revised Attachment Nos. 05 (Resolution) and 06 ("Ordinance" and "Development Agreement") for Public Hearing item G2 was distributed and made available to the public. One (1) letter was received in support from Attorneys for Western States Regional Council of Carpenters and one (1) letter was received in opposition by Brenda Alvarenga. Copies of the correspondence received were provided to the City Council and were available for the public to review on the City's website. Mayor Michael opened the Public Hearing. Applicant representatives: Michael Sizemore, Senior Development Manager and Jake LeBlanc, Partner, spoke about the project and were available for questions. Five (5) speakers: Amy Smith, Wyatt Stiles, Eddie Campos, Frankie Jimenez and Joseph Quezada spoke in support, expressing optimism about regional economic growth and increased local labor opportunities for union workers. Brenda Alvarenga spoke in opposition, citing concerns about increased traffic and potential impacts on air quality. Mayor Michael closed the Public Hearing. The City Council discussed the importance of affordable housing, project fees and funding details, risks associated with speculative development, potential noise impacts on surrounding neighborhoods during construction, and anticipated truck traffic following project completion. City Attorney Ghirelli provided clarification regarding the proposed funding fee schedule submitted by the developer. The City Council and applicant representatives Michael Sizemore, Senior Development Manager and Jake LeBlanc, Partner, engaged in negotiations regarding fees and reached agreement on the proposed terms without any modifications. MOTION: Moved by Council Member Stickler, seconded by Council Member Hutchison, to approve staffs recommendation, adopt Resolution No. 2025-101 and introduce Ordinance No. 1052 as amended by title only and waive further reading. City Clerk Services Director Arocho, read the title of Ordinance No. 1052 into the record. December 17, 2025 1 Fire Protection District, Housing Successor Agency, Successor Agency, Public Finance Authority and City Council Regular Meetings Minutes City of Rancho Cucamonga I Page 7 of 8 ORDINANCE NO. 1052 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT DRC2022-00266 BETWEEN THE CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA AND CP LOGISTICS VINEYARD LLC TO FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THREE NEW WAREHOUSE BUILDINGS TOTALING APPROXIMATELY 982,096 SQUARE FEET ON AN APPROXIMATE 45.96-ACRE PROJECT SITE BOUND BY 9TH STREET TO THE NORTH, BAKER AVENUE TO THE WEST, VINEYARD AVENUE TO THE EAST, AND ADJACENT TO 8TH STREET TO THE SOUTH; AND MAKING FINDINGS IN SUPPORT THEREOF —APN: 0207-271-25, -27, -39, -40, -89, -93, -94, -96, AND -97 VOTES NOW CAST ON MOTION: Moved by Council Member Stickler, seconded by Council Member Hutchison, to approve staffs recommendation, adopt Resolution No. 2025-101 and introduce Ordinance No. 1052 by title only and waive further reading. Motion carried 5-0. H. CITY MANAGER'S STAFF REPORT(S) This item was removed from the agenda and will return at a future meeting. 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 Mayor Michael reminded the community that City Hall and most city facilities are closed from December 24, 2025 through January 4, 2026. City Hall will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2025. The next Regular City Council Meeting will be on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. L. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Michael adjourned the Council Meeting at 10:20 p.m. ZA proved: Jan ary 21, 2026 11 A ht n R. roc , MMC City Clerk Services Director December 17, 2025 1 Fire Protection District, Housing Successor Agency, Successor Agency, Public Finance Authority and City Council Regular Meetings Minutes City of Rancho Cucamonga I Page 8 of 8