HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026/03/04 - Minutes March 4, 2026
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, March 04,
2026, 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; Jennifer Gracia, Deputy City Manager and
Julie Sowles, Deputy City Manager.
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). THE CITY HAS RECEIVED A
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO COMMENCE ACTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FROM THE RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PRESERVATION SOCIETY REGARDING AN AMENDMENT TO THE ETIWANDA
HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD AND CONSERVATION PLAN AND TENTATIVE TRACT
MAPS 20853 AND 20854. A COPY OF THE NOTICE IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION
IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE. (CITY)
D3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO
PARAGRAPH (1) OF SUBDIVISION (D) OF GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9;
NAME OF CASE: SUPPORTERS ALLIANCE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
V. CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA ET AL, SAN BERNARDINO SUPERIOR COURT
CASE NO.: CIVRS2600353. (CITY)
E. RECESS
The closed session recessed at 6:50 p.m.
March 4, 2026 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 6
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 March 4, 2026, 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: Elisa C. Cox, City Manager; Nicholas Ghirelli, City Attorney; and Ashton R. Arocho,
MMC, City Clerk Services Director.
Council Member Hutchison led the Pledge of Allegiance.
A. AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
None.
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS/ PRESENTATIONS
B1. Presentation of a Proclamation Recognizing Chief Mike Smith, Retiring Rancho
Cucamonga Police Chief, for his Exemplary Leadership and Dedicated Years of Service to
the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department.
Mayor Michael and the Members of the City Council formally honored retiring Rancho Cucamonga Police
Chief Mike Smith for his exemplary leadership and many years of distinguished service to the Rancho
Cucamonga Police Department. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the community, a
proclamation was presented in his honor.
B2. Presentation of New Greater Ontario Area Transportation (GOAT)System.
Mayor Michael introduced Ray Roa, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of Greater Ontario
California (GOCAL), who provided a presentation on the new Greater Ontario Area Transportation
System and its role in enhancing connectivity and expanding mobility options throughout the community.
C. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Bill Kaufman distributed a letter and business card from Farmacy Plus, LLC, and provided comments
regarding the establishment of a proposed THC retail wellness center. He requested the opportunity to
apply for a license to sell THC products within the City of Rancho Cucamonga.
Cedric Elias and George Lange provided remarks regarding the Kiwanis Club, emphasizing the need to
expand membership. They expressed interest in establishing a future Kiwanis Club location in the City of
Rancho Cucamonga to offer youth services and support leadership development for local children.
Oscar Herrera provided comments regarding an email he submitted to the City Council requesting review
and reversal of the Planning Commission's approval of the Vineyard Crossing Development
(SUBTT20790 and DRC2024-00429). He noted that he submitted a neighborhood petition with 144
signatures, along with recent Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) data from the California
Highway Patrol.
March 4, 2026 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 6
Ellen Miller provided comments regarding the National Day of Prayer and requested that a proclamation
be presented to her at the 75th Annual National Day of Prayer event at City Hall on May 7, 2026.
Five (5) speakers: Liz Acuna, Anna Gonzales, LaVay Bland, Laura Espinoza and Miguel Espinoza voiced
opposition to the Hamilton Family Brewery located at 8889 Archibald Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, CA
91730. They raised concerns regarding the brewery's proximity to a school and a senior residential
community, disruptive noise associated with the use of blow horns, public safety issues, reckless driving,
business operating hours, neighborhood litter, and confrontations between residents and brewery
patrons. They emphasized the negative impact these issues have on overall quality of life and requested
empathy and solutions to address their concerns.
Following public comment, City Manager Cox stated that staff is currently completing the six-month
review for Minor Use Permit DRC2023-00257 — Hamilton Family Brewery, which will be brought forward
for review and discussion at a Regular City Council Meeting in April 2026. She assured the public that
staff is diligently working on immediate measures, including painting red curbs and installing additional
signage. She added that staff will present a comprehensive action plan and continue working toward
solutions to address residents' concerns.
City Attorney Ghirelli clarified that the appeal referenced during Public Communications regarding the
Planning Commission's approval of the Vineyard Crossing Development (SUBTT20790 and
DRC2024-00429) is not listed on the agenda for this meeting; therefore, the City Council is unable to
discuss the matter. He further noted that the_deadline to submit an appeal is Monday, March 9, 2026.
D. CONSENT CALENDAR
D1. Consideration to Approve the Minutes of the Regular Meetings of February 18, 2026.
D2. Consideration to Approve City and Fire District Bi-Weekly Payroll in the Total Amount of
$1,657,273.03 and City and Fire District Weekly Check Registers (No Checks Issued to
Southern California Gas Company) in the Total Amount of$4,824,905.29 Dated February
2, 2026 through February 16, 2026. (CITY/FIRE)
D3. Consideration to Receive and File the AB 1600 Development Impact Fee Report for the
Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025. (CITY)
D4. Consideration of a Professional Services Agreement to Erickson-Hall Construction for
Construction Management Services for Various Fire Station Improvements in the Amount
of$719,270. (FIRE)
D5. Consideration of a Contract with Kalban Inc. for the Citywide Concrete Rehabilitation
Project FY 25-26 in the Amount of$582,500, Plus Contingency in the Amount of$116,500
for a Total Contract Amount of$669,000. This Project is Exempt from the Requirements of
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Per Code Section 15301(c)1-Existing
Facilities. (CITY)
D6. Consideration to Award a Contract with Foxtrot Construction Inc. for the Diesel Tank
Replacement Project in the Amount of $169,320, Plus a Contingency of $16,940 and
Authorization of an Appropriation in the Amount of$203,860. (CITY)
March 4, 2026 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 6
D7. Consideration to Award a Contract with Gentry General Engineering, Inc. in the Amount of
$2,516,260, Plus a 10% Contingency of $251,630, for the Almond Street Improvement
Project and Authorization of an Appropriation in the Amount of$1,383,430. This Project is
Exempt from the Requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Per
Code Section 15301(c)(1) — Existing Facilities and a Notice of Exemption was Filed on
September 6, 2024 with the County of San Bernardino. (CITY/FIRE)
D8. Consideration of the Cooperative Purchase of One (1) CASE Construction Model Number
590SN 4WD Tier 4 Final Front Loader and Backhoe via the Sourcewell Contract Number
011723-CNH from Sonsray Machinery in the Amount of$246,244.23. (CITY)
D9. Consideration of the Cooperative Purchase of One (1) 2026 CASE Construction Model
Number 651G2 Wheel Loader via the Sourcewell Contract Number 011723-CNH from
Sonsray Machinery in the Amount of$303,823.48. (CITY)
D10. Consideration of a Sixth Amendment to the Disposition and Development Agreement
Between the City of Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority
(SBCTA) and DesertXpress Enterprises, LLC, dba Brightline West ( BLW) for a Portion of
Property Located at the Northwest Corner of Milliken Avenue and Azusa Court, Including
Revised Site Plan, Grant Deed, and Easements Across Portions of Right-Of-Way on 8th
Street, Milliken Avenue, and the Cucamonga Station Property, for the Development of a
High Speed Rail Station and Track at the Cucamonga Station in Rancho Cucamonga; and
Conditions, Covenants, Restrictions, and Easements Between the City, SBCTA, and BLW
Applicable to Each Entity's Property Interests; An Environmental Assessment for the High
Speed Rail Project, Including the Rancho Cucamonga Station, was Prepared by the
Federal Railroad Administration. (CITY)
D11. Consideration to Approve an Improvement Agreement and Improvement Securities for
Public Improvements, Order the Annexation to Landscape Maintenance District No. 1, and
Approve a Memorandum of License Agreement Between the City of Rancho Cucamonga
and 8500 Haven, LLC for a Three Foot Non-Exclusive Revocable Encroachment Into an
Existing Ten-Foot Public Sidewalk Easement Related to Case No. DRC2021-00200,
Located on the Southwest Corner of Haven Avenue and Arrow Route. (RESOLUTION NO.
2026-010)(CITY)
D12. Consideration of a Resolution Approving a Master Agreement for Administration of
Federal Grant Funding and Program Supplemental Agreements with the California
Department of Transportation, and Authorizing the City Manager, Director of Engineering
Services, or Director of Public Works Services Authority to Sign, Approve, and Execute all
Current and Future Master Agreements, Program Supplement Agreements, and all Related
Documents. (RESOLUTION NO. 2026-009) (CITY)
D13. Consideration of a Resolution Designating Applicant's Agent for Obtaining State Financial
Assistance Under the California Disaster Assistance Act. (RESOLUTION NO. 2026-011)
(CITY)
MOTION: Moved by Council Member Scott, seconded by Council Member Stickler, to approve Consent
Calendar items D1 through D13. Motion carried, 5-0.
E. CONSENT CALENDAR ORDINANCE(S) - SECOND READING/ADOPTION
None.
March 4, 2026 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 6
F. ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING ITEM(S)
None.
G. ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARINGS ITEM(S) - CITY/FIRE DISTRICT
G1. Public Hearing for Consideration of an Appeal of the Planning Commission's Decision to
Approve a Design Review for the Development of 188 Single-Family Residences Spanning
Multiple Pre-Existing Graded Parcels on an Approximately 80-acre Site Within the Low
Residential (L)Zone, Located at the Northwest Corner of East and Wilson Avenues. (Tracts
16072-1 and 16072-3) with Exceptions to Specific Lots from Existing Standards. This
Project Was Previously Analyzed as Part of the Richland Communities EIR
(SCH#2002091053) certified by the City Council on June 16, 2004 and No Subsequent
Analysis is Required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section
15162. Appellant: Lozeau Drury LLP on Behalf of Supporters Alliance for Environmental
Responsibility ("SAFER"), Project Applicant: Toll Brothers. Case File Number: Design
Review DRC2024-00373, Minor Exception DRC2025-00261, Variance DRC2025-
00263. (RESOLUTION NO. 2026-012)(CITY)
Elisa C. Cox, City Manager, introduced Jared Knight, Associate Planner and Jennifer Nakamura,
Planning Director, who presented the staff report and accompanying PowerPoint presentation regarding
an appeal of the Planning Commission's approval of a Design Review for 188 single-family homes on an
approximately 80-acre site at East and Wilson Avenue. The appeal was filed by Lozeau Drury LLP on
Behalf of Supporters Alliance for Environmental Responsibility ("SAFER"), and the applicant is Toll
Brothers. Two (2) emails were received, one (1) in opposition by Hayley Uno, Lozeau Drury LLP on
behalf of SAFER and one (1) in support by Alicia Guerra, Buchalter LLP on behalf of Toll Brothers.
Copies of the emails 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.
Appellant Hayley Uno, Lozeau Drury LLP on behalf of SAFER, spoke in opposition to the project,
requesting preparation of a supplemental Environmental Impact Report (EIR). She cited air quality
impacts and stated that the EIRs prepared in 2004 are outdated.
Applicant Spencer Tsai, Toll Brothers, spoke in support of the project. He commended staff for an
informative presentation and noted that all prior project approvals have been completed. He expressed
enthusiasm for moving the project forward.
Don Horvatich spoke in opposition to Item G1, expressing concerns regarding egress. He noted that the
proposed changes could worsen traffic overcrowding in the area.
Mayor Michael closed the Public Hearing.
City Attorney Ghirelli clarified that an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was prepared and certified in
2004. He explained that the matter before the Council pertains solely to the design of the homes and that
no changes have been made to the previously approved project. He noted that the final map has already
been approved and that no new information or project modifications have been identified. He further
stated that all air quality impacts were analyzed and addressed in the 2004 EIR and referenced the
applicable requirements and impacts of current state regulations.
March 4, 2026 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 6
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tern Kennedy, seconded by Council Member Hutchison, to approve
staffs recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 2026-012, denying the appeal and upholding the
Planning Commission's January 14, 2026 resolution of approval of Design Review (DRC2024-00373),
Minor Exception (DRC2025-00261), and Variance (DRC2025-00263), for the construction of 188 single-
family residences within the previously approved tracts 16072-1 and 16072-3. Motion carried 5-0.
H. CITY MANAGER'S STAFF REPORT(S)
None.
I. COUNCIL BUSINESS
11. Consideration to Approve the City Council's Mission, Vision, Values, and 2026 Goals. (CITY)
Mayor Michael introduced Assistant City Manager and Fire Chief, Mike McCliman, who presented a
PowerPoint presentation and staff report for item 11. He explained that the City Council participates in an
annual team-building workshop to review goals and discuss key legislative priorities. On February 9,
2026, the Council met to review its mission, vision, values, and goals. During that workshop, the Council
reaffirmed its existing mission, made minor updates to the vision and values statements, and offered
direction for the 2026 goals.
MOTION: Moved by Council Member Scott, seconded by Council Member Stickler,,to approve the City
Council's Mission, Vision, Values, and 2026 Goals. Motion carried, 5-0.
12. COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
13. 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.
L. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Michael adjourned the Council Meeting at 8:05 p.m.
App oved: March z9z4a
/AshtbnlR. Arocho
City Clerk Serv' es Director
March 4, 2026 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 6