Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026/03/18 - MinutesMarch 18, 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 18, 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: Kristine Scott, Ashley Stickler and Mayor L. Dennis Michael. Absent: Mayor Pro Tern Lynne Kennedy and Council Member Ryan Hutchison. 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 - EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (1) OF SUBDIVISION (D) OF GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9; NAME OF CASE: RANCHO CUCAMONGA PRESERVATION SOCIETY VS. CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA ET AL., SAN BERNARDINO SUPERIOR COURT CASE NO.: CIVRS2601692 (CITY) D3. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PER GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8 FOR THE PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS 9763 8th STREET, RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA; NEGOTIATING PARTIES MIKE MCCLIMAN, FIRE CHIEF/ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER, REPRESENTING THE CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA, AND POTENTIALLY INTERESTED PURCHASERS, REGARDING PRICE AND TERMS OF PAYMENT. (CITY) E. RECESS The closed session recessed at 5:50 p.m. March 18, 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 18, 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: Kristine Scott, Ashley Stickler and Mayor L. Dennis Michael. Absent: Mayor Pro Tern Lynne Kennedy and Council Member Ryan Hutchison. Also present were: Elisa C. Cox, City Manager; Nicholas Ghirelli, City Attorney; and Patricia Bravo - Valdez, MMC, Deputy Director of City Clerk Services. Council Member Scott led the Pledge of Allegiance. A. AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA None. B. ANNOUNCEMENTS / PRESENTATIONS B1. Report and Updates from Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA). Kevin Alexander, Deputy General Manager at Inland Empire Utilities Agency and Eduardo Espinoza, Assistant General Manager for the Cucamonga Valley Water District, presented a PowerPoint presentation outlining recent initiatives by both agencies and their shared vision of equitable distribution of the region's water supply. C. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Alec Steer requested an update on his prior suggestion to explore a NASCAR track as a community amenity. Six (6) speakers: Dago Lopez, Shirley Moon, Jennifer Smith, Roseanne Jeries, Crystal (last name not provided) and Ulysses Calvillo, expressed their opposition to the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within the City of Rancho Cucamonga. They raised concerns regarding public safety, citing reports of alleged courthouse abductions by masked agents at the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court, the potential community impacts of immigration enforcement activities, effects on residents' sense of security and due process, and the alleged misuse of the Fixed License Plate Observation Camera (FLOC) surveillance system. The speakers urged the City Council to take a position to protect the community, uphold the City's integrity, and support safe spaces and due -process commitments through partnerships with appropriate agencies. Five (5) speakers: Liz Acuna, LaVay Bland, Samuel Gracia, Adrian Medina and Elijah G. (last name not provided), voiced opposition to the Hamilton Family Brewery located at 8889 Archibald Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730. They raised concerns regarding public safety in the surrounding neighborhood, the brewery's hours of operation, late -night noise disturbances, reckless driving, parking overflow, and increasing tensions between residents and brewery patrons, as well as a perceived lack of response from the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department. The speakers emphasized the negative impact these issues have on their quality of life and requested understanding and immediate solutions to address their concerns. March 18, 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 Mary Luna inquired about a vacant property and expressed interest in opening a coffee shop at the location, noting its proximity to the Pacific Electric Trail. In response to the inquiry, City Manager Cox connected Mary Luna with Matt Marquez, Director of Economic Development. Four (4) Speakers: Miguel Espinoza, Laura Espinoza, Julia Moreno and Armando Moreno voiced opposition to the Hamilton Family Brewery located at 8889 Archibald Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga and expressed concerns regarding the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the City. They cited issues related to public intoxication affecting neighborhood safety and cleanliness, drug use by brewery patrons in parked vehicles, and hostile behavior by patrons. The speakers requested that the City identify immediate public safety solutions and provide support to the immigrant community to help preserve due process. Gabriel Obejo inquired about future development plans for the property located at the northeast corner of Etiwanda Avenue and Baseline Road. In response to the inquiry, Mayor Michael connected Gabriel Obejo with Jennifer Nakamura, Director of Planning. In response to public comments regarding concerns with Hamilton Family Brewery, Mayor Michael thanked the speakers and stated that the City is actively working on solutions in coordination with the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department, City staff, and through community meetings with all stakeholders. 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 March 4, 2026. D2. Consideration to Approve City and Fire District Bi-Weekly Payroll in the Total Amount of $1,696,521.22 and City and Fire District Weekly Check Registers (Excluding Checks Issued to Southern California Gas Company) in the Total Amount of $6,046,280.16 Dated February 17, 2026, Through March 1, 2026. (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 $28,174.71 Dated February 17, 2026, Through March 1, 2026. (CITY/FIRE) D4. Consideration to Schedule a Public Hearing for Placement of Liens for Delinquent Solid Waste Accounts. (CITY) D5. Consideration to Donate One 2007 KME Predator Type 1 Fire Engine to Crafton Hills Community College. (FIRE) D6. Consideration of a Professional Services Agreement with Wood Rodgers in the amount of $4,200,000 plus a 6% Contingency for Civil Design Services for City Center Boulevards Project and Authorization of Additional Appropriations in the amounts of $975,000 from the Federal Grants Fund (F275) and $125,000 from the Transportation Fund (F124). (CITY) March 18, 2026 ( 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 of Amendments to Two Professional Services Agreements with Aufbau Corporation for On -Call Development Plan Check Services and On -Call Construction Management Services (CO2025-184 and CO19-140) Extending Agreement Terms and Increasing Compensation Limits; and Authorization of an Additional Appropriation in the Amount of $200,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund (Fund 025). (CITY) D8. Consideration of Amendment No. 3 to Contract No. 2023-048 with Allied Universal Security Service for Security Guard Services at Victoria Gardens Cultural Center in an Amount Not to Exceed $200,000 for FY 2025/2026. (CITY) D9. Consideration of Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. 2024-086 with Fuel Sery for Fuel Island Maintenance to Increase the Contract Amount for Fiscal Year 2025/2026. (CITY/FIRE) D10. Consideration of Amendment No. 17 to the Agreement with Pacific Utility Installation, Inc. (CO19-085) in the Amount of $200,000 for High Voltage Electrical Support and Related Infrastructure. (CITY) D11. Consideration to Approve Parcel Map 20915 Under Senate Bill — 9 (SB9) an Urban Lot Split Related to Case No. ENG2024-00051 and Associated Covenant and Agreement, Located at 12974 Banyan Street. Per Government Code Sections 65852.21 and 66411.7, and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 15628, the Project is Subject to Ministerial Review with No Discretionary Action by the City and is Exempt From CEQA. (CITY) D12. Consideration to Accept Public Improvements Located at 9866 7th Street Per Improvement Agreement, Related to Case No. DRC2018-00529, as Complete, File a Notice of Completion, and Authorize Release of Cash Bonds. (CITY) D13. Consideration to Accept Public Improvements located at 8591 Grove Avenue, in the General Commercial District per Improvement Agreement, Related to DRC2015-00991, as Complete, File a Notice of Completion, and Authorize the Release of Bonds. (CITY) D14. Consideration of a Resolution Approving, Authorizing, and Directing City Execution of the Joint Powers Agreement Relating to Membership in the San Bernardino Regional Housing Trust. (RESOLUTION NO. 2026-014) (CITY) MOTION: Moved by Council Member Stickler, seconded by Council Member Scott, to approve Consent Calendar items D1 through D14, with Council Member Scott abstaining on item D3. Motion carried 3-0-2. Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Kennedy and Council Member Hutchison. E. CONSENT CALENDAR ORDINANCE(S) - SECOND READING/ADOPTION None. F. ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING ITEM(S) None. G. ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARINGS ITEM(S) - CITY/FIRE DISTRICT None. March 18, 2026 ( 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 H. CITY MANAGER'S STAFF REPORT(S) H1. Consideration to Approve Implementation of the Drone as a First Responder Program and Purchase of BRINC Unmanned Aircraft System and Supporting Equipment Utilizing a Sourcewell Cooperative Agreement Awarded to BRINC Drones, Inc. in the Amount of $1,439,986. (CITY) Elisa C. Cox, City Manager, introduced Lieutenant Mauricio Hurtado and Sergeant Brett Haynes, who presented the staff report and PowerPoint presentation outlining the proposed Drone as a First Responder Program. They described how the program would enhance the already exemplary work of the City's first responders by providing rapid situational awareness, improving response times, and increasing the safety of both the public and responding personnel. The presentation emphasized that deploying drones ahead of ground units can help assess emergencies more quickly, guide resources more efficiently, and support more informed decision -making, ultimately strengthening the City's ability to protect and serve the community. Council discussion ensued on the Drone as a First Responder Program, including the number of drones and operators, the transparency dashboard, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines. The City Council thanked Lieutenant Mauricio Hurtado and Sergeant Brett Haynes for their presentation and expressed support for the program as a tool to enhance public safety for both the community and first responders. MOTION: Moved by Council Member Scott, seconded by Council Member Stickler, to approve implementation of the Drone as a First Responder Program using the BRINC platform, authorize the Police Department to operate it in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and Sheriffs Department policies, and authorize purchase of the BRINC unmanned aircraft system and equipment through Sourcewell Agreement No. 020625 for $1,439,986. Motion carried 3-0-2. Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Kennedy and Council Member Hutchison. H2. Consideration to Receive and File the General Plan Annual Progress Report and the Housing Element Annual Progress Report for 2025. (CITY) Elisa C. Cox, City Manager, introduced Aracely Estrada, Management Analyst II, who presented the staff report and PowerPoint presentation summarizing the City's progress in implementing General Plan goals and housing -related programs over the past year. Discussion ensued between the City Council, City Staff and City Attorney on the number of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) projects completed in 2025, the Regional Housing Needs Allocation housing requirements, and the state mandates under Senate Bill 35. The discussion included how Senate Bill 35 requires local governments that are not meeting their state -assigned housing production targets to use a streamlined, ministerial approval process for qualifying housing projects. Council members also noted that many of these state requirements and implementation constraints are outside of local control. MOTION: Moved by Council Member Stickler, seconded by Council Member Scott, to receive and file the 2025 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Reports, authorize the City Manager to make non -substantive edits, and direct staff to submit the reports to the appropriate state agencies. Motion carried 3-0-2. Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Kennedy and Council Member Hutchison. March 18, 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 H3. Consideration of a Resolution Approving the Measure I Continuation Expenditure Plan Developed by the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (RESOLUTION NO. 2026-013) (CITY) Elisa C. Cox, City Manager, introduced Chris Sorensen, Senior Civil Engineer, and Tim Watkins, Chief of Legislative and Public Affairs for the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) who presented the staff report and PowerPoint presentation providing an update on the proposed renewal of the Measure I expenditure plan, scheduled for the November 2026 election. Council discussion ensued on the benefits of the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) Measure I expenditure plan being organized into three funding categories rather than the previous eleven, which had been more restrictive. They noted that consolidating the funding into three broader categories provides greater flexibility to address immediate transportation and infrastructure challenges. MOTION: Moved by Council Member Scott, seconded by Council Member Stickler, to approve Resolution No. 2026-013, approving the Measure I Continuation Expenditure Plan Developed by the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority. Motion carried 3-0-2. Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Kennedy and Council Member Hutchison. I. COUNCIL BUSINESS 11. COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS Council Member Stickler reported that she recently participated in a ride -along and visited Fire Station 178. She expressed her deep appreciation for the outstanding professionalism, dedication, and compassion demonstrated by the City's first responders. 12. INTERAGENCY UPDATES None. J. CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS City Attorney Ghirelli reported that there was no reportable action taken during the Closed Session held earlier that evening. In response to public comments regarding the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the courthouse, he clarified that the facility is operated by San Bernardino County and ultimately under the authority of the State of California, and is not owned or controlled by the City of Rancho Cucamonga. K. IDENTIFICATION OF ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING None. L. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Michael adjourned the Council Meeting at 8:50 p.m Appr ved: April 1, 2026 tl vOJ ' t sht . Arocho, C City Clerk Services Director March 18, 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