1 00:00:08,067 --> 00:00:28,667 Acting City Clerk Shipman, please call the roll. Thank you, Vice Mayor. Council Member Martin. Good evening. Council Member Preciado. Council Member Garcia is not present. Council Member Lustro. Here. Council Member Ontiveros-Cole. Here. Vice Mayor Canales. Here. And Mayor Sandoval is absent. 2 00:00:28,667 --> 00:00:37,868 Acting City Clerk Shipman, please read the next item. The next item is public comment, and we do not have anyone for public comment at this time. 3 00:00:37,868 --> 00:00:45,567 Acting City Clerk Shipman, please read the next item. 4 00:00:45,567 --> 00:00:48,968 Sorry. 5 00:00:48,968 --> 00:00:48,968 At this time, the City Council will now move to the Chuck Bader Room to discuss the closed session items for this evening. Thank you. 6 00:00:21,267 --> 00:00:42,267 I would like to call the meeting of the City Council Housing Authority to order and turn this time over to the City Attorney for a report on the closed session. Thank you. We had closed session this evening. We had a number of closed session items, including a worker's comp, a lawsuit, and real property negotiations, but we do not have any reportable action. 7 00:00:42,267 --> 00:01:29,000 We will adjourn this meeting to a regular meeting on Monday, September 14th, 2026. That will take place in the Council Chambers located at 505 South Gary Avenue, Pomona, California. Closed session will begin at 530 p.m. The open session will commence at 7 p.m. Ladies and gentlemen, please take this opportunity to make sure that your phones and electronic devices are turned off or the ringer is silenced. I would also like to remind you that there is no food allowed in the Council Chambers. If you are joining us remotely via Zoom and would like to give public comment or speak on any of the agenda items, please await further instructions for Acting City Clerk. 8 00:01:29,000 --> 00:01:42,167 Would everyone please stand and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance? Deborah Martin, would you like to lead us? 9 00:01:42,167 --> 00:02:08,000 I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. 10 00:02:08,000 --> 00:02:49,000 For in-person and virtual participation, you may access translation services by using the camera of your personal device to capture the QR code found on the screen during public comment and around the foyer in the Chamber. If you can choose to read the transcript or listen to it using your headset, if you need a headset, one can be borrowed in the foyer. If speaking during public comment or to an item this evening in Spanish, we will be projecting the English translation on the screen. Please be sure to pause in between sentences and speak clearly into the microphone. 11 00:02:49,000 --> 00:03:48,467 For in-person and virtual participation, you may access translation services by using the camera of your personal device to capture the QR code found on the screen during public comment and around the foyer in the Chamber. If you can choose to read the transcript or listen to it using your headset, if you need a headset, one can be borrowed in the foyer. If speaking during public comment or to an item this evening in Spanish, we will be projecting the English translation on the screen. Please be sure to pause in between sentences and speak clearly into the microphone. 12 00:03:48,467 --> 00:03:56,868 Council Member Ontiveros-Cole. Here. Council Member Lustro. Vice Mayor Canales. Here. And Mayor Sandoval is absent. 13 00:03:56,868 --> 00:04:51,367 Acting City Clerk Shipman, please read the next item. The next item is Mayor, Council Member Communications. These are reports on conferences, seminars, and regional meetings attended by the Mayor and City Council and announcements of upcoming events and also items for future City Council consideration as requested by the Mayor or members of the City Council. Additionally, this is the time for the Mayor and City Council to disclose on the record any contributions per charter section 1403. This section states prior to casting a vote on any contract, permit, or other matter requiring City Council approval where the applicant seeking approval is a person or business entity controlled by that person that has contributed more than $500 within the previous 12 months to a Council Member's City Election Campaign Committee. The Mayor or Council Member receiving such contributions shall disclose on the public record the receipt of said contributions. 14 00:04:51,367 --> 00:04:55,367 Acting City Clerk Shipman, please read the next item. 15 00:04:55,367 --> 00:05:11,167 Sorry, Vice Mayor. This is the time for your Council Members to give their communications. That's okay. It wasn't on the script. 16 00:05:11,167 --> 00:05:14,167 Elizabeth Cole. 17 00:05:14,167 --> 00:05:19,467 I'm sorry. Councilwoman Elizabeth Cole. Thank you, Vice Mayor. 18 00:05:19,467 --> 00:06:17,367 Good evening, everybody. I'm glad to see everybody here that's able to make it. I hope you're staying cool during these hot days and make sure that you are hydrated and keep yourself in the shade if necessary. And make sure you take care of your dogs and your cats and whatever wildlife is in your neighborhood like mine. But anyway, thank you all for being here tonight. I had a great weekend. I was attending the Mexican... Oh, gosh, what was it? The Mexican Art Film Festival. And it was just a great experience. There was a lot of people from Hollywood, filmmakers, producers, actors. And it was just an amazing experience with the people that were there. 19 00:06:17,367 --> 00:10:10,968 You know, I got to see a lot of things that go on in the conversations that they had. They had documentaries, one in particular called Game Woman, something like that. I don't know. It was about a young lady that learned how to play chess at six years old. She came from Tijuana. She was, you know, starting to do all kinds of things. And chess kind of gave her some kind of a meaning of life. But anyway, I saw the documentary trailer. It was really great. What was really exciting as well was we had a very famous actor, Keanu Reeves. He was there. It was an unbelievable experience seeing him coming through and as humble as can be. Very nice young man. And he was just enjoying himself with all of the people. Got a chance to see him very close up. He was like two feet away from me. And when I put my camera up, he stopped for a second and I took a shot. And I thought it was like, wow, amazing. I'll never see him again. But, you know, it was wonderful to see this famous actor and very humble, very funny. Because when he was up on the stage playing with the actor's filmmaker, Bianca Michelle Avila, she and him were having a chess match. And it was just so funny. It was so great because he was actually having his little tantrums and throwing fits. It was just a cute thing. And so anyway, so I took that whole video. It was 18 minutes long, but that's okay. Something that I really treasure in everything. So I really had a great time looking at all of that and seeing the vibrant atmosphere in Pomona. I think these are things that the city should bring forward to our community. Thank you, Ray Adamick. You displayed all of that at the Union. It was a success. There were so many people. You know, it was just something that we need to keep doing. We really need to start building up our city and bringing things like that, that are really, really, you know, bringing in the public. It was a five-day festival. So, you know, I couldn't go to all the five days, but I made sure I went with the day from Keanu Reeves because he was one of my favorite actors. But anyway, you know, I think everybody, you know, that went had a real good time. And, you know, we had so much going on that day and the cafe and other little places that were in there. They were actually doing a great revenue for the city. And, you know, this is something that I really want to start seeing. I hope we can bring that forward to the city more often. So thank you very much. And I hope somebody here went to that event. Thank you. Next, Councilman Victor Preciado. Yes, thank you. First of all, thank you for everybody for welcoming here, being here today. By the name of this call, yes, it was a wonderful event. It was the Chicano Hollywood Film Festival held at the Union and the Cathedral. And they took up both stages, inside and out. They had cars in the front to show. They had multiple sold-out nights. And it was just very, very excellent and well representation of the city. I fully agree with you. And there's a lot happening. And they've already said that they're excited for year three. So can't wait to continue that. It was a five-day festival. 20 00:10:10,968 --> 00:10:58,067 So it was just so exciting for many Chicano, whether they're writers, producers, actors. It was just an amazing place to be this week. I wanted to thank a lot of the, you know, back-to-schools happening this month. So I wanted to thank a lot of the people that are taking advantage and they're doing the backpack giveaways. Just to name a few, PCS Family Services, Chapel Hat, Six Fees Hauling. They had a line all the way around in your district floor. It was beautiful. Pomona Mercantile, Luna's Love in the downtown. Hopa Esperanza is doing one in South Pomona. I know I'm missing a few. Oh, VW, Volkswagen, SoCal did one over by the Target set and the Farmer Boys. Thank you. 21 00:10:58,067 --> 00:11:04,167 It was just a really, really, really great representation of community and people doing a lot there. 22 00:11:04,167 --> 00:11:57,267 For this weekend in August, I'd like to invite everybody to the 32nd annual Second Saturday Art Walk in downtown Pomona. It is the anniversary. It is going to be fun, full of many things to do. There's over 25 active art galleries. There's plenty of food, plenty of music, plenty of things to be. One thing that I want to highlight is Overspray is doing a collaborative event, and they're calling it Black Book Sessions. And it will be in that parking lot on Second and Gary, right next to Marindero. But just a couple of things they're going to have is they're going to have a two versus two art battle, where the winner will get $1,000. They're going to have a youth art contest, artist workshops, giveaways, prizes, live music and DJs, dance performances, arts and crafts activities, resource fairs, and it's absolutely the whole downtown will be 100% family friendly. 23 00:11:57,267 --> 00:12:06,467 One item I forgot to talk about is the Fox Theater with Tradición Dance Company did an amazing showing. 24 00:12:06,467 --> 00:12:29,267 Unfortunately, I was only there for the first half, but Ms. Canales will, I'm sure, say more about it. But just really showing a lot of the art and the talent that we have with our youth here in our city. So thank you very much. And there's always something going on in Pomona. Please, please share and take full and full advantage of it. Thank you. Thank you. Councilwoman Deborah Martin. 25 00:12:29,267 --> 00:13:43,868 Thank you so much. Well, good evening, everyone. Well, before I get started, I'd like to introduce in our audience. We have our newly elected councilwoman, Yvonne Cobarubias. So welcome tonight. Thank you for coming. I also want to welcome the Water Board member, Carlos Gotia. I saw you. Where are you? Thank you. There he is. And also our distinguished Fire Chief, L.A. County Fire Chief, Chief Gamble. Where are you? Back there. Thank you for all coming tonight. We really appreciate it. Well, this week was and last week was quite busy. I did the interviews in person for Major Z candidates for the newly I guess it's going to be the new board. And so anyway, I was able to interview nine folks, applicants. Seven of them were adults and two were youth. 26 00:13:43,868 --> 00:14:14,767 So soon to come, we'll be announcing who I chose with the nominating board, which is our staff, Lou and Ryan. It was a great day. And it's going to be a really difficult decision, to be honest with you. Amazing candidates came. So thank you, everyone, for coming out. That was part of the application process and interviewed with me. It was a pleasure meeting everybody. 27 00:14:14,767 --> 00:14:34,367 Also, this past week, I met with some Girl Scouts. And they're planning to do a little library at, let's see, Qantas Park. So we're looking forward to that. That project should be done by the end of September. 28 00:14:34,367 --> 00:16:29,567 I also like to invite everybody to come out to our next Lieutenant Commander meeting. And it will be at Ganesha Park on this Wednesday at 6 p.m. And it's going to be really interesting speakers who are going to be having our code enforcement manager, JD Whittaker. He'll be speaking. We will have Lieutenant Hagerty. We will have the SET team and also the HART team speaking. It's going to be a really good night. Hopefully, you can make it. And again, that's at Ganesha Park at 6 p.m. Wednesday. I also want to invite everybody that loves to volunteer to come out on August 9th to our Love Your Park Day at Ganesha Park. It's 62 acres and the city can't afford to do everything by themselves. So we need your help. I have Gary High students in the music department coming out. I also have Humanity Church coming out, but we need more. Believe it or not, right now we have over 100 volunteers. We have like 120 total between both. But it's a big park. We have a lot of projects. So anyway, it's August 9th at 8 a.m. and meet by the stage. Anyway, thank you so much. And thank you, staff, for everything you've been working on. I really appreciate it a lot. Thank you. Thank you. Councilwoman Nora Garcia. Thank you, Vice Mayor Canales. So I think, first of all, we would all like to congratulate Mayor Sandoval and his family on their latest, cutest edition. 29 00:16:29,567 --> 00:16:50,868 And talking about latest, cutest editions, I would like to congratulate city staff on the wonderful new park, whose grand opening I missed. But go Dodgers. I have three more stadiums under my belt. But it's wonderful. I took my niece this morning. She enjoyed it. I definitely think we need more shade. So I hope those trees grow fast. 30 00:16:50,868 --> 00:18:19,167 Mr. Whaley is not here, but I hope those trees grow fast. But if not, more shade would be appreciated. But also, don't forget to take your kids to the library every Wednesday, 3 o'clock, for story time. I hear a rumor that we might have a giant water balloon fight in front of the library in a couple of weeks. Library Director Guba? Yes? No? Foam party. Okay. So we're going to have a foam fight in front of the library. Risk Management probably doesn't want me to use the word fight, but it's going to be fun. So please come out with your children and enjoy these amenities. And to echo what Councilmember Preciado said, I want to thank every single person who is making sure that we have back to school supplies for our children. The need is great in our community. It always is. But for some reason, the need this year just feels a little bit more. So if you can, please donate when you can. And thank you to all the organizations that are helping us make these things achievable. Two comments real quick. Number one, for the Public Works Department. I'm still getting complaints about street sweeping. I would like to speak to you at some point about that. And for the Chief, when can we hire more police officers to do the semi-truck enforcement? Because they are not obeying truck routes. So just comments. I don't really expect a response, but just things to put out there. Thank you for your time. 31 00:18:19,167 --> 00:18:45,767 Thank you and thank you, everyone, for being here. I would like to thank Public Works Department for their outstanding response to a water leak break in District 6. On Sunday morning, they responded immediately to a resident's call at 4 o'clock in the morning. Within hours, crews were out there on the site working to repair the issue. And they also did an excellent job in cleaning up the area affected by the water overflow. 32 00:18:45,767 --> 00:19:11,100 Their professionalism, dedication, and quick action are greatly appreciated. Thank you. This weekend, I did attend the Tradición dance company presentation, dance company, and the performance at the Fox Theatre. It was so amazing. We have so much talent in Pomona, and the costumes were beautiful. So next year, hope to see you there. 33 00:19:11,100 --> 00:19:17,567 This Saturday, a second Saturday again, we'll be celebrating the 32nd Art Walk anniversary. 34 00:19:17,567 --> 00:19:42,067 And just to let you know that we are filming in downtown Pomona, but there will be parking behind the areas. Just drive around behind... where? Atah? Cosmo. In that area, they'll have parking. So if you do come to downtown Pomona, don't get discouraged, but find parking. 35 00:19:42,067 --> 00:20:54,367 I would also like to recognize and thank Assistance League of Pomona. I am a member, and for their generous commitment to our youth, we do distribute clothing to local youth to help them ensure that students can return to school with confidence, dignity, and a sense of pride. So we give them clothes to come to attend school, and they feel a sense of pride of cleanliness and nicely dressed. And all the organizations who are doing their part in providing backpacks and school supplies for our kids. And as a reminder, the new school year will begin soon. I would like to wish all of our students, teachers, school staff, and families a wonderful, safe, and successful school year. I encourage everyone to stay alert for children walking and biking to school. Please, students, wear your helmets, follow school zone speed limits, and help make this a great start to the year for our entire community. Best of luck to our students as they begin a new chapter. Thank you. 36 00:20:54,367 --> 00:21:04,267 Acting City Clerk Shipman, please read the next item. The next item is City Manager Communications, and these are reports from the City Manager. 37 00:21:04,267 --> 00:21:34,100 The only reportable action I'd like to report is item number eight. We'll be recommending continuing to the next council meeting. There's some contractual issues we'd like to discuss with the contractor and the vendor, so we'll move that to September 14th. Thank you. Thank you. Acting City Clerk Shipman, please read the next item. Thank you, Vice Mayor. The next item is Public Participation. At this time, the public is invited to address the council concerning any items not on the agenda. 38 00:21:34,100 --> 00:22:37,367 As a reminder, the City does not tolerate disruptive behavior in our meetings. Individuals may speak only once during public comment. In order to address the City Council, if participating remotely, raise your digital hand now. If participating in person, each individual must fill out a speaker card, which is available in the lobby of the council chambers. Speaker cards must be completed and turned into the City Clerk at this time. Only those speaker cards turned into the City Clerk and those with their hands raised now online will be allowed to address the City Council. Members of the public participating in person will be called first, followed by remote participants. Speakers should state their name and will be allowed to speak once for a maximum of three minutes. All speakers participating in the meeting must adhere to the City Council rules of procedure and decorum. And we do have 18 public comment cards and there are no digital hands raised online. 39 00:22:37,367 --> 00:22:41,167 Okay, 40 00:22:41,167 --> 00:22:46,000 each... Okay, we have 18 speakers. 41 00:22:46,000 --> 00:23:04,868 Acting City Clerk, should we please begin calling on remote online participants or do I call first? Call those first. And there's no one online, so we're just going to go through the cards and then we'll move on to the next item. Okay, Alfonso Taquin. Toskey. 42 00:23:04,868 --> 00:25:22,100 Sorry, I don't mean to interrupt. Vice Mayor, how many minutes would you like? I'm sorry, two minutes. Okay, thank you. Good evening, City Council members and our community. We stand at a crossroads where our actions today will either nourish or extinguish the very soul of our city. For too long, the current street vendor ordinance has been killing the vibrant taco culture. A culture that is the heartbeat of Southern California. Since 1860, street vendors have been pioneering our economy. And today, we are here to say that the entrepreneurial spirit of this country must be defended and not suppressed. The current ordinance is un-American. These hardworking families do not seek handouts. They seek to provide for their children using the same grit and the same determination that built this nation. When we bar them from selling, we not just lose this nation, but we need to... We put a stress on our social safety net when these families are not allowed to sell. We stifle their dreams. Pomona is standing on the wrong side of history and the law. Just this January, California Court of Appeals ruled in favor of a San Diego street vendor, declaring that that restrictive city ordinance could not override state law. We must learn from their mistakes. This is what we demand. First, bring the vendors to the table. Stop creating laws without them. We need a sensible ordinance that celebrates street food culture and ensuring safety for all stakeholders. We want to, secondly, end the seizure of the equipment. When you take a street vendor's tools, you are taking their life savings away and their family's future. Third, tear down any of these barriers to permits and eliminate restrictive vending zones that keep entrepreneurs in the shadows. And finally, invest in the community. L.A. just launched a $2.8 million program that provides free, compliant food carts. Pomona can choose to lead with grants and support, rather than fines and fear. Here are our demands today. Thank you, sir. 43 00:25:22,100 --> 00:25:26,267 Thank you, sir. 44 00:25:26,267 --> 00:25:35,767 Thank you, sir. Your time is up. 45 00:25:35,767 --> 00:25:40,267 Thank 46 00:25:40,267 --> 00:25:46,767 you. Isel Tosque. 47 00:25:46,767 --> 00:26:01,467 Okay, before you begin speaking, honey, I'm going to call a few people to the front. Alex Hernandez, Leonardo Gage, Brenda Schultz, and Kaitlyn Fernandez. 48 00:26:01,467 --> 00:26:05,267 You can sit up in the first two seats in the front. 49 00:26:05,267 --> 00:26:13,167 Thank you. 50 00:26:13,167 --> 00:26:34,100 Thank you, honey. Go ahead. My name is Isel Tosque. I'm eight years old and I live in Pomona. I care about street vendors because they sell to earn money. They need to feed their family. I myself buy things from them. They are part of our community. 51 00:26:34,100 --> 00:26:38,567 A lot of street vendors have to stand in the hot sun all day. 52 00:26:38,567 --> 00:26:56,267 Street vendors also aren't allowed to sell sometimes because of the city's rules. I want you city leaders to treat street vendors fairly and let them sell. Thank you. Thank you. Very well done. 53 00:26:56,267 --> 00:27:02,467 Alex Hernandez. 54 00:27:02,467 --> 00:27:17,000 Vice mayor, members of the council. My name is Alex Hernandez. I'm president of Brandywine Homes. And today I'm coming before you to represent our community that's being built in your city, Persimmon, right down the street on Mission Boulevard. 55 00:27:17,000 --> 00:27:36,667 I'm coming to you today to kind of appeal on behalf of our residents. We have three homeowners that have moved in. And this month we'll have another seven move in. So we'll have ten new families living in that community this month. But I'm here to appeal on behalf of those residents as well as our salespeople. 56 00:27:36,667 --> 00:27:59,968 Since the beginning of the project, we have had issues with break-ins, vandalism, and homeless. To date, we have spent $170,000 on private security to ensure our site is secure. But now that we have residents living there, I want to just kind of echo to the city that it's no longer a construction site. Now it's a residence. 57 00:27:59,968 --> 00:28:20,367 And we've had numerous incidences where they've called the police. No offense to the chief or anything. I don't know him. But the response they've been received is that there's no patrol officers available in the immediate area. Or the response time has been an hour and a half to get to the site. Obviously, the person is gone by that time. 58 00:28:20,367 --> 00:29:27,767 Reaching out to you, give me quick examples of other cities we've worked in where we've had success. Norwalk, they had a similar situation. They would park an off-duty police car by our site, leave it there overnight. I think this is a deterrent. And then also increased patrols. In the city of Santa Ana, every one of our salespersons in our night ships had the watch commander's cell numbers. They had a homeless task force that would circulate and go around our property and pick up trash. And they also increased patrols. In both of those city situations, very positive response and our sales picked up. So anything you can do as a city to support us, we'd appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. Can we have somebody speak to us? We do have measures to help you. So we do have the Pomona Go app. We do have the CameraShare. We do have... you will have to file no trespassing signs. So there are ways that you can... We posted those already, but ordered them and put them on the And your CameraShare and your Pomona Go app. Anything else you can give us, great. Thank you. Thank you. Leonardo Gage. 59 00:29:27,767 --> 00:29:36,868 And just a reminder, please, no clapping. If you want to... Raise your hands. Thank you. 60 00:29:36,868 --> 00:30:26,167 Good evening, Mayor and members of the City Council. My name is Pastor Leonardo Gage and I appreciate the opportunity to speak here tonight. I'm here to ask the city to continue supporting the efforts that strengthen our community through partnerships with our local churches and non-profit organizations. Many residents rely on these organizations for food assistance, mentoring and outreach. By working together the city and the community organizations, our volunteers aim to continue to help and meet the needs of the citizens of Pomona while building stronger neighborhoods. I respectfully ask the council to continue writing policies that make it easier for non-profit and faith-based organizations to serve the public in a safe and coordinated way. On December 5th, at 1 p.m., ICU Ministries are partnering with the Way Church and other churches in the area. And we're planning to bring awareness to anti-human trafficking. Thank you. 61 00:30:26,167 --> 00:30:32,167 Thank you. Brenda Schultz. 62 00:30:32,167 --> 00:30:37,467 Hi, Ms. Mayor and City Council members. Nice to see everyone. 63 00:30:37,467 --> 00:30:44,667 Ever walked outside on that pavement, as hot as it was today, or blacktop, maybe? 64 00:30:44,667 --> 00:31:02,467 So, last week I was driving down the 71 Freeway and I look over and I see this woman walking. No shoes, trying to use her pants to walk. So, I, of course, pulled over, picked her up, she was bawling, she had been assaulted. Now, this woman was homeless. 65 00:31:02,467 --> 00:32:20,000 So, I thought, okay, first thing I need to do is, of course, get off the freeway and call for some help. So, I thought of two resources that I use and that would be Reverend Jan Chase and Ms. Lorraine Clinales, because they can work magic. So, I told them the situation and they said they would get right on it. So, I tried to calm the lady down, got her something to drink, went and bought her a pair of shoes. Meantime, I call. God's Pantry. Hope for Homes is full. House of Ruth can't help. Go down to the police station. They can't help. There's no vouchers. They can't help. There's nothing they can do for me to help this lady. Tri-City? No. End up at City Housing. Now, I will tell you, City Housing set with us for probably about 45 minutes. Listen to the story. I believe her name is Donnie. And she went, she said, I'll be right back. She's gone probably 20 minutes. She tried to find some resources. So, the end of the story is no resources for this lady. No hotel vouchers, no general fund in housing. Why don't we have a general fund in housing for emergencies like that? I don't think we should pick up everybody off the street that's homeless and help them. But we have a crisis here. We have a woman that's been assaulted. 66 00:32:20,000 --> 00:32:24,000 Out, I mean, my God, walking on the... nobody would stop. 67 00:32:24,000 --> 00:32:55,167 So, what are we supposed to do here in Pomona? We don't have enough resources. We say, oh, we have hope for homes. Well, yeah, we have hope for homes. You know what? There's not a turnover now for hope for homes. Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate you. Caitlin Fernandez. I'm going to call a few people up to sit. Ariel Hernandez, Evelyn Drocha, and Marcy Garcia, and Lorena Gomez. 68 00:32:55,167 --> 00:34:17,267 Thank you. Go ahead. My name is Caitlin Fernandez, and I've been noticing that there's a lot of commercial properties or commercial trucks with a bunch of junk in their trucks off of Orange Grove, the street that I live off of, Weber, Elwood. And I've noticed that it's just getting to the point where it's hard to turn because I can't see because there are a bunch of trucks that are obstructing the view. And also, these are commercial trucks that have the logo of the commercial, the commercial name on the trucks, but also these are trucks of possibly people that have a side business. And it's getting, it's just ridiculous. There's no way that people are safe walking because if I can't see people and if I can't make a right because there's a bunch of trucks, it's just a safety issue. So I'm asking for there to be some sort of ordinance or some sort of patrol or something like that because, again, from the after 10 o'clock, it's really hard to see. And it's also very hard during the daytime. So I'm just asking to possibly speak to someone or have any sort of solution to this problem that I've been noticing lately. Thank you. Thank you. And you're Lorena? 69 00:34:17,267 --> 00:34:24,467 Lorena Gomez? 70 00:34:24,467 --> 00:34:44,467 Good afternoon, mayors, members of the council and the My name is Lorena Gomez. I am a resident of district 1 and a member of People Organized. I am here to ask the mayor and members of the council that Pomona amend the law of walking vendors. 71 00:34:44,467 --> 00:35:06,100 I specifically ask that Pomona promote authorized sales, investing in a program of carts that helps with the cost of walking vendors, like the city of Los Angeles, because for the vendors, the cost of the cart goes up to many dollars, a quantity that low-income vendors cannot pay. 72 00:35:06,100 --> 00:35:38,567 It would be of great support and it would be a barrier less so that they can move forward and be able to get their families It is sad to see all the needs they have and that they don't have the help they need to be able to move forward. Once again, I ask that you please amend the ordinance since it is aggressive and inaccessible, limiting the vendors to sell and that they can move forward with their families. Thank you for your time and consideration. 73 00:35:38,567 --> 00:35:45,868 Evelyn Rocha? 74 00:35:45,868 --> 00:36:28,000 Good evening, city council members and community. My name is Evelyn Rocha and I am a member of People Organized. I am here today to ask you to consider amending the street vendor ordinance to make it more accessible to our street vendor community. You are going to hear and have heard already from some of the people here tonight about why it's important to amend the street vendor or sidewalk ordinance. We have reached out to some of you and look forward to meeting with you and discussing this in more detail. We appreciate your willingness to engage in conversation. We have met with the mayor and he seems open to revisiting the 75 00:36:28,000 --> 00:37:54,367 Also, I want to remind you that pursuant to the Pomona Municipal Code, Section 30-683, you are required to annually report on the implementation and enforcement of the article of sidewalk vending. It requires the city to report on the number of vending permits issued by the city, the number of vending permits denied and revoked, the total cost of the city to administratively implement and enforce the ordinance, the total amount of vending permits, fees, and administrative fines collected, the total amount of written warnings and referrals to community-based organizations issued, the total number of claims and lawsuits brought against the city related to sidewalk vending. The annual requirement has been effective since the Ordinance 43-49 was enacted. At least one report should have been provided. On May 29, 2026, Gente requested this report, but we still have not received it. Council members, let me tell you why Pomona can benefit from For example, research shows that street vending makes cities safer, creating more vibrant public spaces and bringing activity and community presence, often promoting family-friendly... Thank you. Appreciate you. Mari Garcia? 76 00:37:54,367 --> 00:38:03,567 Can you please hold up? Anna Rodriguez, Rosa Hernandez, 77 00:38:03,567 --> 00:38:11,367 Renee Maravilla, and Don Kicken. 78 00:38:11,367 --> 00:38:28,767 Please come forward. Thank you. Good afternoon, members of the council and community. My name is Mari Garcia. I am a resident of District 2 and a member of Gente Organizada. I am here to ask that the law be amended. 79 00:38:28,767 --> 00:39:47,067 The city has implemented excessive rules for vendors, specifically in the decommunication of property. However, it is illegal. According to the California Code 51308, it states that local street vending programs are only punished with fines. A California Court of Appeal annulled this ordinance on the street vending of San Diego, in the case of Mustaquin, against the city of San Diego. The Pomona ordinance causes great damage to families by allowing them to seize their properties. This affects especially vendors, who often lack employment and stable weekly income, which aggravates their economic The confiscation of their work tools impacts directly on their ability to support their families, which depend on their daily work, especially in the case of single mothers and immigrants, who face difficulties in finding other working opportunities for many of them, knowledge and experience in their current activity This ordinance is illegal, with its only source of support, which makes the ordinance even more harmful. 80 00:39:47,067 --> 00:40:23,868 I ask you again to amend the ordinance of vending machines so that it corrects the high decommissioning, removes barriers, as well as assures the size of the vending machines, flexibility of the location, sales and schedules, suspension of vending machines, educational reach in Spanish for vending machines, and that Pomona is transparent in the application and in the compliance of the law in vending machines. Thank you. Thank you. Ana Rodriguez. 81 00:40:23,868 --> 00:41:22,767 Good evening, mayors, councilors, and community. My name is Ana Rodriguez. I am here as a resident of Pomona and a member of People Organized. I am here to ask the mayor and members of the council to amend the ordinance of vending machines so that it is fairer and more accessible for vendors. As a resident of Pomona, I have seen how many vending machines face administrative economic barriers and it prevents them from obtaining permits and licenses even when they wish to comply with the law. The city must offer assistance in Spanish to help vending machines during the process of permits and licenses. In the application, they are asked to provide social security. I feel that this is intimidating for them to apply since many do not have the law. Many do not understand that the California law... the vending machines... sorry. 82 00:41:22,767 --> 00:41:30,367 The California law for vending machines does not require it It must be informed about state legislation. 83 00:41:30,367 --> 00:42:21,567 The high costs and current requirements make obtaining a permit very difficult for low-income families. If the city provides clear, accessible guidance to vending machines, they could work legally by complying with the rules and contributing to a stronger local economy, benefiting both their families and the entire community. If the city does the most accessible process, more vendors could regularly work with tranquility and contribute to the local economy. I respectfully ask that you please amend the ordinance of vending machines so that it facilitates the compliance of the law and reflects the appropriate values of inclusion that our community deserves. Thank you for your time. Rosa Hernandez. 84 00:42:21,567 --> 00:43:38,267 Good afternoon, mayor, members of the council and community. My name is Rosa Hernandez. I am a resident of District 2 and a member of Gente Organizada. I am here to ask you to amend the law of vending machines that Pomona has because it is excessive with the restrictions in terms of location, distance, and schedules that it requires. The areas in which it is prohibited to sell, for example, parks in the central area at 500 feet from schools, are excessive. The central area is a space where vendors are prohibited from selling. The requirements of distancing, where it is specified that a free space of four feet must be maintained in a sidewalk. It is prohibited for a vendor to be able to sell, in my opinion. A sidewalk is a residential area. It is more or less four feet, approximately. Therefore, it is prohibiting the sale of vending machines. The schedules of the time restrictions again make it impossible for them to be able to sell. When it is specified that they can only sell from 7 a.m. to midnight, or that a vendor must change site every seven minutes. In general, the capacity of a vendor is limited to obtain income. 85 00:43:38,267 --> 00:44:05,467 The criminalists, when they only try to survive. The intention of the state law, SB 946, is to promote the entrepreneurial spirit and support to the communities of immigrants who have low incomes. Pomona is doing the opposite. I ask you to reconsider this law as it would help many families. Thank you. 86 00:44:05,467 --> 00:44:12,100 Rene 87 00:44:12,100 --> 00:45:22,767 Maravilla. Good evening, mayor, council, and community. My name is Rene Armando Maravilla. I am resident of district number 3 and a member of Gente Organizada. The reason why I am here tonight is to ask the mayor and the municipal council to reconsider the order of food vendors on the streets and to remove the barriers that are excessive for vendors. In Los Angeles, Ibel, for example, does not require the insurance to be able to sell. Pomona requires the insurance due to the accident that occurred on Hall Street a few years ago. But that accident was caused by a person in a vehicle. The driver's insurance should have covered the expenses and should not criminalize the vendors for situations other than theirs. I ask that Pomona be more accessible so that the people who require to sell have the opportunity to sell without so many requirements. Pomona should give the opportunity to feel like 88 00:45:22,767 --> 00:45:41,000 All the costs that are required for low-income families are very difficult to pay when we work as vendors. I ask that you please reconsider and amend this order. Thank you. Thank you. 89 00:45:41,000 --> 00:45:48,167 Did I say that right? I totally butchered your name. It's okay. From a kid. 90 00:45:48,167 --> 00:45:52,000 It's been hard. Good evening. 91 00:45:52,000 --> 00:46:40,267 Vice Mayor Canales, council members, cabinet, and Pomona community. My name is Pon Concoson Kichcon. I'm sure that's the hardest name you're going to see. I want to thank you for your service as a community council I know that's difficult to be a public servant. Yvonne, I welcome you. You might remember me. I am here to introduce myself because I'm running for General Governing Board for the Pomona USD School District trustee area number four. I too want to be a public servant like you. I want to see children and families thrive in our community so we can build better schools together. So I wanted to introduce myself and just let you know that was my intention. Just to be a public servant to the community. Thank you very much. 92 00:46:40,267 --> 00:47:03,868 Next, last four. Ashley Rivera, Shalimar Lair, Gustavo Ramirez, and Mike Sanchez. 93 00:47:03,868 --> 00:47:12,968 Good evening. Well, congratulations, Mayor. Good evening, Vice Mayor, council members, community. 94 00:47:12,968 --> 00:47:29,467 My name is Ashley Rivera. I am a member of Gente Organizada here in Pomona. And first off, I would like to thank the city of Pomona for following the needs of their constituents when it comes to the ordinance SB 946. 95 00:47:29,467 --> 00:47:42,868 The ordinance allowing street vendors to participate in the city's economy is essential. Today I'm here to advocate for those members of the community who consider some of the regulations unfeasible. 96 00:47:42,868 --> 00:47:51,067 On their behalf, I request that the ordinance be amended and some of the issues that I believe can be resolved. 97 00:47:51,067 --> 00:48:05,100 First, the fee of the vendors after considering that many of the community members are struggling and unfortunately facing financial difficulties, I believe that maybe the city of Pomona can place a waiver. 98 00:48:05,100 --> 00:49:17,567 I encourage you all to see that their success is your success. Secondly, ask to have an amendment of the $1 million liability insurance policy. After studying the reasoning behind the implementations, I would argue that the driver's liability insurance is much more important than the situation than the vendors would have because the driver was ultimately at fault. Leading to my third, I believe the most crucial point is finding a way to see success in the city by looking for locations that might be safer vendors and the community. For example, lots or parking lots, areas of businesses that are willing to neighbor or house vendors. The idea is to attract more for the established businesses as well as to create an intentional win-win situation for all Thank you. Thank you. Shalimar. 99 00:49:17,567 --> 00:49:59,167 Good evening, Mayor and Council. My name is Shalimar Lair. I work with Justice for Youth. I am a street outreach specialist here in Pomona. And I'm just here to promote our annual Friday Night Light Series. Our next one, which is number five, will be at District 6, J .C. Park, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., where you guys can come out and get free food, free family-friendly fun, games, raffle, contests, prizes, community resource and educational needs, harm reduction and resource and support. So that will be this Friday, August 7, at J.C. Park from 5 to 8 p.m. for all the community to come and enjoy. That's it. 100 00:49:59,167 --> 00:50:05,868 Thank you. Gustavo Ramirez. 101 00:50:05,868 --> 00:50:17,868 Just a reminder, J.C. Park is in District 4. 102 00:50:17,868 --> 00:50:22,767 He's coming. 103 00:50:22,767 --> 00:50:58,467 Thanks, everybody. Hi, Gustavo Ramirez. First, I'd like to say that I've been coming here often since I was 17 years old with Mayor Donna Smith, and they always gave us the full three minutes, even if they're like 50 people, even if some of the people, really you all, they wouldn't stay till like 12 midnight. So I don't want to ask for you guys to stay till 12 midnight, but hopefully we get three minutes. But I'm looking at the time, so let's see. I wish I could do like the little girl did. She made the amazing speech that she wrote. One day I'll get like that. But there's honesty. 104 00:50:58,467 --> 00:51:14,367 I did another speech for Mayor Tim Sandoval, but he's not here, unfortunately, again. But I also definitely want to thank, I'm assuming, I'm expecting 100% that he'll watch this as a mayor, like Deborah Martin participated from the beach. 105 00:51:14,367 --> 00:51:51,100 So let me think. Time is running out. So yeah, I'd like to congratulate Mayor Sandoval and Criselda for the wonderful new baby. That's amazing. And I'd like to congratulate Lorraine Canales, the Vice Mayor, for everything that you've done, like personally for many, many, many years, the trust that you have in the projects that you and I are doing, that we come up with, and so I brought you, I know we can't give you stuff, but I brought you a card, and then this says, Believe in Magic, because your other constituent just said that you work magic. So there you go. I respond quickly. 106 00:51:51,100 --> 00:52:12,167 And I want to give you all this resource guide that I made, a life-saving resource guide, like hospitals use this. And I've given this to people, and people have not even acknowledged that I even gave it to them when other people say they save lives. So please, at least, yeah. Okay, anything else is... 107 00:52:12,167 --> 00:52:37,667 Well, oh yeah, please be more accessible. And I know I've emailed you, but a long time, like two years ago. So I'll email you again, and I hope all of you answer the emails, and hang out and help World Peace Now. Thank you. This is World Peace Now, our brand new, once again, Thank you. Mike Sanchez. 108 00:52:37,667 --> 00:52:48,100 My name is Mike Sanchez. I'm an alcoholic addict, and I'm also with World Peace Now. And... 109 00:52:48,100 --> 00:54:22,167 I'm a leader in my sobriety right now, and I want to motivate Pomona by motivating my homeless friends in Claremont to join recovery, as well as get off the streets by joining a sober living home or working and finding a home to live in. Motivating people also who use to finding the light through Jesus Christ. I believe there's a light in Jesus in all of us to find a way through Jesus. There's a light, I believe. And through that light, you can shine and lead the world and be in peace with yourself and finding peace through God and to help you with your family and for protection and for strength and energy. And I'm a believer of Christ as well. And I just believe that's a very positive thing. And I'd like to encourage that through homeless people who... my homeless friends who are on the streets to get off the streets and other people too who just need motivation, period. Alcoholics, drug addicts, ex-convicts, or anybody who just needs Jesus in their life by not using drugs and alcohol. That's what I'm here for, and that's what I want to do. And I'd also like to thank my sponsor, Gustavo Ramirez, for saving so many lives. He, by taking them to get sober and their sober long-term addiction recovery programs. Thank you so much. Thank you. 110 00:54:22,167 --> 00:54:28,868 Acting City Clerk Shipman, please read the next item. Oh. 111 00:54:28,868 --> 00:54:33,868 Come on up. 112 00:54:33,868 --> 00:54:58,167 Good evening, folks. My name is Anel. I am a district resident and a member of Gente Organizada. I address you all tonight as a concerned tenant, particularly regarding the impending expiration of the rent stabilization ordinance in December. As a tenant organizer, I have witnessed families being displaced since pre-COVID, and it's only gotten worse then. 113 00:54:58,167 --> 00:55:32,868 Therefore, I kindly urge you all to step into your leadership and ensure that tenants at Pomona continue to receive essential protections. We will be reaching out to you all to continue this conversation and hopefully work together for a dignified living for all. Also, I stand in solidarity with all the folks asking to amend the sidewalk ordinance. Also, lastly, people are here after all type of days. The least you can do is listen to everyone for three minutes. Thank you. Thank you. I'm sorry. Did I miss anyone else? 114 00:55:32,868 --> 00:56:19,567 Acting City Clerk Shipman, please read the next item. Thank you, Vice Mayor. The next item is the consent calendar. All matters under the consent calendar may be enacted by a single motion without separate discussion. If discussion or a separate vote on any item is desired by a council member, that item may be removed from the consent calendar and considered separately. Remote participants, please raise your digital hand at this time to speak on any consent calendar item and wait for further instructions. Only those digital hands raised now and speaker cards submitted now will be allowed to address the City Council. And Vice Mayor, we do have three speaker cards on item 12. 115 00:56:19,567 --> 00:56:23,167 Can I have a motion? 116 00:56:23,167 --> 00:56:29,667 We would like to say something. 117 00:56:29,667 --> 00:56:38,567 Councilwoman... I'm sorry. Councilwoman... No, I'm sorry. Councilman Victor Preciado. 118 00:56:38,567 --> 00:56:43,000 I just wanted to give a quick comment on item number two. 119 00:56:43,000 --> 00:56:58,868 It is the paving in District 2 and District 3 on Lexington Avenue. And I have ran this by city staff. I just want to ensure it again. There's a certain section on the west side of that construction. 120 00:56:58,868 --> 00:57:55,167 If we can make sure that the water department gets an opportunity to take a look at it and see if any of the utilities underneath need maintenance. It's primarily because it is the start of a flood zone. So what happens there is fumes, water, and the items get stuck there. So the residents have continuously had some complaints. We have tried some remedies, but I think this is a good opportunity that if we're opening up the street, we get an opportunity to look underneath with a clearer view. Second on that item is if everything west of Lexington... Well, it's park, actually. This is the street. But everything around the school, as Lexington will start its construction later this year, if we can just make sure that we're not patching or repaving or opening up the street that is freshly paved. So thank you very much. 121 00:57:55,167 --> 00:58:04,167 Thank you. Next, Councilwoman Debra Martin. Yes. 122 00:58:04,167 --> 00:58:25,467 Well, as I support item one, I just wanted to clarify that there isn't any parking that will be removed from that item. Yes, that's correct, Councilmember. Yeah. So thank you. 123 00:58:25,467 --> 00:58:56,767 And I'd just like to make again be on item number one. Also, I'm in full support of this project. However, I do have some concerns regarding the placement of the bike lanes. As the project moves forward, I want to ensure that the design does not negatively impact resident parking, and it allows for continued street cleanliness and addresses maintenance need. We also need to work closely with Athens Services to ensure street sweeping waste collection can continue efficiently. 124 00:58:56,767 --> 00:59:27,100 And item number seven, again, I agree with this San Jose Creek bike path. As we develop this project, I want to make sure that we plan to ensure that the trail does not become an area for the unhoused encampments. Additionally, what resources and support will be provided to our quality of life team to help maintain the area, address concerns promptly, and keep the trail safe and welcoming for 125 00:59:27,100 --> 00:59:38,367 And then for item number two, for the goals, I just want to... Twelve, I'm sorry. For the goals, I just... Okay. 126 00:59:38,367 --> 01:00:00,968 I'm sorry. Okay. And then we have speakers. We'll do... So, may I make a motion to pass the balance? Okay. Yes. I would like to make a motion to pass the balance with continuance of item eight and pulling of item twelve for discussion. Second. Second. All those... 127 01:00:00,968 --> 01:00:17,767 I'm going to do a roll call. Yes. Yes. Preciado? Yes. Yes. Monovero School? Yes. Lustro? Yes. Canales? Yes. 128 01:00:17,767 --> 01:00:22,167 Call for discussion and motion on removed items. 129 01:00:22,167 --> 01:00:36,567 So, twelve. I'll go ahead and read the title for item twelve, and then you can call up the speakers for that one. Okay. Thank you. Item twelve is... 130 01:00:36,567 --> 01:00:48,267 I'm going to 131 01:00:48,267 --> 01:01:00,367 call the speakers. Please come up forward. Kaitlyn Fernandez. Brenda Schultz. Emily Chai. 132 01:01:00,367 --> 01:01:55,067 Hi. My name is Kaitlyn Fernandez. I came here about a year ago asking for there to be some sort of speed humps on the street that I live on. I live on a street where there is a park, and around the corner there is Arroyo Elementary School. I see a lot of little ones walking home from school, and unfortunately they don't have parents that are able to pick them up and walk with them. And it's getting to the point where I keep calling police officers to at least make sure that there are no speeding going on. And I just... I can't be calling police officers just to patrol a street when they have other things to do within the city. So I'm asking for there to be a lift on the moratorium of speed humps. And I hope that this resonates with Mr. Steve Lustro, because I read on his bio that you did something where you brought in some stop signs, but even stop signs are not really helping this moment. 133 01:01:55,067 --> 01:02:22,267 So again, I'm asking for all of you to consider some sort of speed humps and a flashing of the stop sign, because clearly people are not respecting any of it. And as a parent, I just can't... I would hate to see something happen to a little one walking home or going to the park. So I'm asking again for this to be something that you would all consider in finding your budget for the next fiscal year. Thank you. 134 01:02:22,267 --> 01:02:31,767 Brenda Schultz. Hi again. Good evening Mayor and City Council. 135 01:02:31,767 --> 01:03:38,667 I'm asking for your support for lifting the moratorium on speed humps so we can provide neighborhoods with the effective tool to improve public safety. Residents have reported vehicles traveling as fast as 60 miles per hour on a street which would be mine where the posted speed limit is only 25 miles per hour. That is unacceptable and creates a dangerous situation for everyone who lives, walks and bikes or drives in the neighborhood. Our responsibility is to protect our residents before a tragedy occurs, not after. Not after the tragedy. Families, children, seniors and pedestrians deserve to feel safe in their own neighborhood. We have to close our gate just in case a car will come flying through because they speed down our streets so fast. Speed humps are a proven traffic calming measure. They reduce excessive speeding, encourage drivers to obey the posted speed limit and help prevent serious crashes. They are not about inconveniencing drivers. They are not. They are about saving lives. Safety of residents comes first. 136 01:03:38,667 --> 01:03:43,000 Drivers are reaching 60 miles in 25 mile neighborhoods. 137 01:03:43,000 --> 01:04:23,167 Protects children, seniors, pedestrians and bicycles and It will also help slow speeding traffic and reduces dangerous driving. Helps prevent serious injuries and fatalities. Responds to residents' repeated requests for safer streets. Lifting the moratorium does not require speed humps everywhere. It restores the option where traffic studies justify them. Allow the city to use a proven traffic calming tool. Better to prevent a tragedy than to respond after one occurs. Thank you. Thank you. Emily Chai. 138 01:04:23,167 --> 01:05:41,367 Good evening. Sorry. Good evening vice mayors and council members. I'm Emily Chai and I began volunteering at Pomona Valley Hospital around two years ago. I'm really excited to talk about item 12. This is my first time here. Specifically goal F under priority three, which recognizes medical centers as these very important partners to expand Pomona's capacity to deliver community benefits. Pomona Valley Hospital's emergency department cares for around 270 people per day. And as a volunteer in the ER, I've witnessed firsthand how busy that can be. Nurses, doctors, and other support staff are always on the perpetual all hands on deck. And they all work incredibly hard to provide for the community. So I'm glad that the city recognizes medical centers as such important partners. And I would also urge you to strongly value goal F. Every doctor and every nurse, they're always working hard and these strong partnerships with local organizations only further the quality of life for both every patient and every member of the staff in medical centers. Thank you. Thank you. And Chris Lang, thank you for your comment. 139 01:05:41,367 --> 01:06:02,167 801 Hillcrest Drive. Please do not park Ranger program and CVP volunteer participation. From Oh, please do not drop the park Ranger program and CVP volunteer participation from 2026 to 2027. 140 01:06:02,167 --> 01:06:18,667 Thank you. We're called for discussion. Any council member like to speak? Deborah Martin. Council member Deborah Martin. 141 01:06:18,667 --> 01:06:41,367 Thank you so much. Well, park Ranger program is really needed in our community. We have over 33 parks, and we don't have a safety component to make the families feel safe to come out on a daily basis. 142 01:06:41,367 --> 01:06:58,467 Our visitors that come in on the weekends, we really need a park Ranger at Kenesha Park, at Washington Park, at Palomeros Park, just to name at least three out of 33 parks. 143 01:06:58,467 --> 01:07:21,667 The park Ranger program just not only makes families feel safer, they can also be the person to check the bathrooms, to make sure they're clean, and if not, report to the custodian through the park and rec department. It's really a tool to help out the police department. 144 01:07:21,667 --> 01:07:31,667 I encourage all of us to add it to our goal list. That would be for 26, 27. 145 01:07:31,667 --> 01:07:39,100 The second one, this one's kind of rough for me. This takes me very personal. 146 01:07:39,100 --> 01:08:18,567 I'm going to be very strong when I talk about it, but this is one of the reasons why I wanted to be reelected. It's for three families that I have known through last time I was a council member, how they lost a loved one through a pedestrian death on a very narrow neighborhood, narrow street, but it's long. It has one stop sign in between, but we have three deaths. 147 01:08:18,567 --> 01:08:35,167 The one hits me the most was a grandmother crossing the street on Vassar. By the way, all of these stories are on one street and not even in my district. 148 01:08:35,167 --> 01:08:42,567 It's crossing the street, pushing the stroller of her daughter's baby. 149 01:08:42,567 --> 01:08:54,267 And a car was going so fast she misjudged and hit the grandmother and the stroller with the baby. 150 01:08:54,267 --> 01:09:07,000 The baby passed away. The mother was in critical condition for a very long time. She did make it, but her life has changed forever. 151 01:09:07,000 --> 01:09:14,100 Her whole family's life has changed forever over that pedestrian death. 152 01:09:14,100 --> 01:09:33,167 When I met that family, I promised to them, one day I will help raise the moratorium of speed humps so we can dedicate this street for your loss of your baby. 153 01:09:33,167 --> 01:09:43,167 The second one was an uncle walking his nephew to Barfield Elementary. 154 01:09:43,167 --> 01:09:53,467 On the way home after dropping off his nephew, he crossed the street to Vassar from San Antonio. 155 01:09:53,467 --> 01:10:04,467 And unfortunately, another driver that was going approximately 60 miles an hour struck him and killed him. 156 01:10:04,467 --> 01:10:41,367 The last story I can't talk about because it was a very long time ago and I don't want to speak not correct on that story, but there's been three pedestrian deaths within two blocks from each other. So tonight I ask our council just to add the speed humps and the park ranger program back to our priority list. That's all I ask. So thank you so much. 157 01:10:41,367 --> 01:11:03,267 Next, Councilman Steve Lustro. Thank you Madam Vice Mayor. I'll be brief because I had a lot to say about this when we had our priorities workshop a number of months ago, and that's with respect to priority four, which is pursuing housing and homelessness solutions. 158 01:11:03,267 --> 01:11:42,868 And I think many of the goals that are listed in here kind of cover it, but my concerns are not unlike anybody else's for us to try to do what we can to increase affordable housing opportunities to help folks who are on the street that want to get off the street to have places to live. And also, and I know it's covered in here, I was kind of going back through it and I wasn't able to find it, but I know that one of the other action items that is discussed is the possibility of increasing the capacity at Hope for Home. 159 01:11:42,868 --> 01:13:02,167 And I know that there might be some challenges there, but I think that's critical in trying to help folks get off the street, get a roof over their head. We had one speaker this evening that talked about her personal experience and Hope for Home was at capacity. So I think that goes toward one of the challenges that we have and one of the reasons that we need to try to deal with that. But I believe that the homelessness being a primary issue that we've all seen and maybe a lot of people have experienced throughout the city, but it also has a lot of secondary impacts on this city that I talked about at the goals and priorities setting session. And I won't go over those again tonight, but I think we know that there are issues that our staff and various departments, including our police department, have to deal with on a regular basis. Because folks are living on the street. They're trying to get by as best they can. And so I would say that I'm glad to see that as a priority. I'm glad to see the goals and action items. And hopefully they can get implemented in the time frames that have been set forth in the document. Thank you. 160 01:13:02,167 --> 01:13:08,667 Thank you. Councilwoman Elizabeth Monteverde-Skoll. 161 01:13:08,667 --> 01:13:11,467 Thank you, Vice Mayor. 162 01:13:11,467 --> 01:13:17,367 I think all my colleagues have brought up some very good... 163 01:13:17,367 --> 01:14:38,267 Can you hear me? Okay. I think all of our colleagues have brought up some very important situations and opinions on what is needed. You know, I can't tell you how many times I've had requests for the speed bumps to be lifted. And I have to agree with that because of the fact that there are so many things that are going on. Recently I just had a constituent call me. She's a disabled person and she has a hard time getting out of She's wheelchair-bound. She just has a terrible problem with her disability. And basically she's going to be requesting a contractor to come out to see whether or not she can actually put a driveway in the front rather than on the side. The side driveway goes right into a street. It's on Gibbs. So the curve of that street literally is so terrible. And she's going to end up being killed eventually because of what is happening and not being able to move the way she wants to. And I know exactly where she's at. 164 01:14:38,267 --> 01:14:47,868 I've requested public works to contact her because I really feel that this is a necessary thing that she is requesting a speed bump. 165 01:14:47,868 --> 01:16:02,968 In fact, the police went out in the afternoon and they had a chance to... well, she got a ticket for a very simple reason of putting her car, rather than putting it on the street, she put it on a piece of her grass, her yard. She gets a ticket for that. So we understand that that's a code enforcement. And so I explained to her, you know, you continue to do that. You will have a problem. So she says, well, the police told me that this is a very dangerous place for me to park my car because of the speed. And I know exactly where it's at. And I really feel that there's too many people that are requesting this. And I think they have valid reasons. You know, they have children. They have quiet neighborhoods that have gone berserk. You know, they're taking shortcuts from one place to another. They're trying to get to a destination and going through neighborhoods. I've had my speed bumps, and that was something that I went ahead and did when I was just, you know, a regular resident. And we've had them in since 2008. I was persistent for two years. 166 01:16:02,968 --> 01:16:44,000 Continuously, you know, signing petitions and everything, and I finally got what I wanted. But it took a good two years to get three petitions going and finally got it. So, you know, I think persistence pays off. I think we need to protect our neighborhoods as much as we can, hearing the stories that, you know, these children that, you know, unfortunately could have a problem by the schools. You know, we're... I think the drivers that I have seen and thank you, Chief Ellis, for having the patrol out there on Town Avenue. It's amazing what they're doing. 167 01:16:44,000 --> 01:17:38,000 I'm on that street every single day, in the morning especially, and we're getting people stopped left and right because they are going so fast. And I'm so pleased to see the motor units out there and they're doing their job. They're saving lives. And this is what we have to do. We've got to save lives. And by doing so, if we have to lift that moratorium, I think we should do it. I think it's really essential. The park rangers, we've been talking about that for years. I wish we had them. And if we can amend that, I think we need to do that because the safety of the people that go out into the... into the parks with their children. You know, I mean, I did my campaigning and every time I went out there, they said, we're not going to our parks, we don't have any protection. I mean, you hear the stories, grandparents can't take their grandchildren. All these things. I mean, these are valid reasons. 168 01:17:38,000 --> 01:18:49,000 If I had a grandchild and something like that was going on, there's no way I would be going into a park that can cause any kind of, you know, problem with my grandchild. So, you know, I understand that, you know, it involves the money and this and that, but if we can find money for other things, we can find money for this. I think this is very, very important, you know, because we are dealing with our community, our constituents, and we want to keep... we want to keep them safe. So I'm forward to, and the housing as well, we're getting too much homeless people, and I hate to say this, but I think other cities are bringing them in. Los Angeles is getting ready for the 2028 Olympics. Well, so are we, and I think we really need to do something about it. I mean, this is what we're doing. We're trying to protect and get our city going. I mean, we have a beautiful park out here now. We've got to take care of it. We've got to protect it. I mean, we're trying to be just like everybody else. We're trying to have a nice city, and Pomona is a nice city. Okay, but the stigma, 169 01:18:49,000 --> 01:19:08,167 you know, if we can continue to do that, you know, we'll continue to have a very good city. So yeah, this is really upsetting me. I get emotional about it because I've been hearing it too long. It's just been going on too long. So I would love to see an amendment on that. Thank you. 170 01:19:08,167 --> 01:19:11,767 Thank you. 171 01:19:11,767 --> 01:19:14,868 I'm sorry, I can't see. 172 01:19:14,868 --> 01:19:19,567 Councilmember Victor Presiado. Did you already go? 173 01:19:19,567 --> 01:19:54,868 But I'll be quick. On one of the items here, it says by June 2027, having the outreach plan for Palm Lakes, which I'm not trying to amend or change anything. I think we had talked about if I can receive a timeline on what that project looks like, I'd appreciate it. And then second, as far as our goals, and I brought this up in conversation also, and I understand the putting it in here, but I'll say it may be more of a keeping it in mind. 174 01:19:54,868 --> 01:21:10,868 As we unfreeze positions due to Measure Z passing, if we can just give some emphasis on local hires, that to me would be really appreciative in positions. And then maybe in the future, at appropriate times, looking at incentives or other strategies for encouraging local hire. Thank you. Thank you. Councilwoman Nora Garcia. Thank you, Vice Mayor. I would like to support my colleague, Councilmember Victor Presiado, in his request that we please consider hiring local. I've had this conversation with a city manager, and I think that there are some really good jobs out there for parents who need a part-time job, maybe trying to come up just like we did for LAZ, where they hire local for our parking enforcement for street sweeping. Maybe we try to hire local for our crossing guards, really reach out to our school districts for their job fairs and get them into these entry-level city jobs. Because I truly believe that not a lot of people in the city of Pomona, when we push college, do we push being a public servant. 175 01:21:10,868 --> 01:21:31,000 Everyone goes, you know, firefighter, police, teacher, doctor, lawyer, the obvious ones. But no one ever asked me when I was in high school, hey, Nora, how would you like to be a city planner? I think now I would tell them that sounds like fun, but no, thank you. But it's great fun. I love the architecture. 176 01:21:31,000 --> 01:21:59,267 But it's something that we definitely need to educate our students about water resources, public works. I believe we only have one irrigation specialist in the city of Pomona. Guarantee you there is a kid out there whose dad has a landscaping business and he already knows how to do the job. Let's bring him in so that we can get the local hire components and really make Pomona resilient by building up those careers. That's my first comment. 177 01:21:59,267 --> 01:22:04,267 My second comment has to do with the street humps. 178 01:22:04,267 --> 01:23:38,567 We have this thing called Complete Streets. I think to date we have spent millions of dollars. I don't know where Ms. Magweg, Max or Meg Magweg went, but we've spent millions of dollars. And I've had meetings with Max as well as I believe as Vinny and Meg to do Complete Streets. Would it be advisable to hold off on lifting the speed hump moratorium until we get the Complete Streets report back? City Manager, does anyone have a comment on that? Thank you, Council Member. I do have some thoughts on it. I actually have some draft language that I think will address the Council's concerns regarding speed humps. Speed humps are specifically mentioned in priority one in our goal, goal B, but I do understand there may be some additional action items specifically you're looking for. So I do have some language. And I would say that language also addresses the timeliness of our Complete Streets. I believe our Complete Streets effort is slated to be completed by the end of the year. And so my language offers revisiting that in January. By January 2027, after Complete Streets is complete, we can come with a full picture and see if the Council wants to make a policy decision to lift the moratorium because we currently are on a policy-driven moratorium. So my suggested language for that as an action item for priority one, goal B. This would be action item number three. By January 2027, staff will seek City Council direction on lifting the moratorium on speed humps to enhance traffic calming measures in high safety need areas. 179 01:23:38,567 --> 01:26:45,767 And that would have already included the evaluation of Complete Streets to bring forward to that discussion. Because am I correct in remembering the old adage, not every street is safe for a street hump. Sometimes if you go over 35, that street hump just makes the fast car leap and fly. There are many considerations for speed humps, so not every street would be appropriate for this. I mean, I'm okay with that language. I'll leave that up to my colleagues who brought up the speed hump moratorium to see if they're okay with that language as well. And my last concern is regarding the park ranger program. You and I have also spoken about this because of the multiple issues at Washington Park regarding field rental, and not just Washington Park, but other parks. Do you have any ideas? I know we've discussed some, but have any ideas become solidified? Yes, so it's a short-term solution. I know the Council in general has expressed interest in that. We did do that pilot program, as you recall, I think last year when we partnered with a third-party nonprofit to be able to administer that. That was a seasonal, that was a summer pilot program. It was limited hours with two trucks and two teams. And we did find success in that. The main issue has been finding a secure funding source for that effort. And that effort alone, which was a seasonal effort with only two teams spread across all of our parks, was about roughly $200,000 a year to fund that effort alone. So we have not yet been successful in identifying funding going forward. We could explore that, and I have some draft language to potentially include as an action item for Council to consider. But in the short term, we have also been working with staff to, we should be up and running in the next week or so, with a combination of our code enforcement staff and some of our CSO staff through police to do some of that spot checking for particularly events at our parks and to have more eyes on some of these events that are happening and to ensure that if there's a team that has a soccer field reserve, that it is in fact available to them and that there's no conflict. What we're finding is and has been reported by Council at several times is someone shows up for the reservation, but there's another group or another entity using it. And then there's a conflict, and PD is called, but PD, because it's non-emergent and there's many other calls, cannot show up timely. So this would be an effort to do some proactive spot checking and also be available for those types of incidents as well. So through community services and development services and PD, we are working on that. So community services would generate a list for our teams and they would be able to go out and do some of that spot checking. So a little bit of that park ambassador program, but overall the program does have a cost. So my suggested language for that, which would be under priority one, goal C, and action item number seven, which would be by June, 2027, staff shall continue to explore the possibility of implementing a park ambassador program subject to funding availability to enhance park safety, cleanliness, and visibility and proactive reporting of maintenance and public safety concerns. Okay. 180 01:26:45,767 --> 01:26:54,000 I'm okay with that language, but I'll leave it out to the rest of my council members. But thank you for this, and those are the end of my comments. 181 01:26:54,000 --> 01:27:30,000 I just want to voice my concern or my opinion, but I also believe in local hire. I think it's important that we hire within our city, because if you live and breathe and work in your city, you're going to do your job well. I do believe in that. I also am in favor of a park ranger program. I see the kids playing out in the parks, and sometimes there needs somebody there that needs to manage what's going on when kids are there with their families, and there's people that should not be there during the time that the children are present. 182 01:27:30,000 --> 01:29:17,467 Also, I'm also in support of lifting the current moratorium on the speed humps, and the only reason I say that is during the time that I was campaigning, there was an elderly woman on Aliso, where there is literally one side of the street has no curb, no sidewalk, and the cars are parked right next to where there are grasses, and she could not get into her car with her wheelchair, so she had to walk in the middle of the street where the cars were speeding down. The poor lady couldn't even get in her car with her wheelchair. I had to help her, and she was crying because she could not. She says, I deal with this all the time when I try to go to my doctor's appointment, so I try to go out. It's very difficult for me, and I also notice that there are children walking from and to school on that street that they are having to walk on the street, because there's nowhere else for them to walk. So I think there are some streets that, you know, we really should look at the fact that, depending on the circumstance, that they should have speed humps. I don't think we should just put them everywhere, anywhere, but I really feel that it's important that we really look at the circumstances and the concerns and the complaints from the residents on that particular street. If there's a high interest and there's a lot of complaints and excessive speeding, I think it's important that, you know, we look at lifting the speed humps. But I think, again, like we have all said, they just can't go everywhere. We have to be very cognizant of what we decide on where they should go. Thank you. 183 01:29:17,467 --> 01:30:10,100 And now we would like a motion. I just wanted to add one more comment, if I may, Vice Mayor. I just wanted to respond to Council Member Lustro's concern regarding Hope for Home. And it is, we do have a specific item mentioned in goal D, action item four. It says specifically to reduce unsheltered homeless population by expanding capacity of the Hope for Home homeless shelter. So we do include that specifically as an action item. So I think we got it covered there. And I hear your concerns on local hire. And I actually just did discuss that with the executive team this morning on how we can incorporate some of those things across our county, our city spectrum. So we hear you on that. Yes, and I also, I'm sorry, I also meant that I worked with Brenda Schultz this weekend trying to find a place for this young lady. 184 01:30:10,100 --> 01:31:20,067 And actually I want to commend Brenda because she actually paid for the lady to stay at a hotel. She went and took her and bought her shoes and socks. And that's commendable. I appreciate you for what you did. And it was really disheartening that she really did not, she wanted help. But we really did not have a place to have her go. And so I think that we really need to work on that because I think that we have quite a few unhoused that would be willing to go. But unfortunately right now I know with our police department it's just a struggle. With our Tri-City, I'm on the Tri-City board. I know that that's a struggle. So I really feel that we need and our housing department is doing a good job in trying to find housing for individuals. But we're limited. And I think that the numbers are growing. I see that there's more individuals coming to Pomona because we have services. And I'm grateful that we're compassionate, but we also need to be able to handle what we're being compassionate about. So thank you. 185 01:31:20,067 --> 01:31:30,100 And on that note, I'd like to go ahead and move for a motion. I'm sorry. Councilwoman Debra Martin? Yes. 186 01:31:30,100 --> 01:32:00,868 So I know we probably have to do three separate motions that's on the floor. So I'd like to start with the PLA. I want to make a motion that should be a PLA for our city. I don't know why we've waited this long to ask for that in our city. So my motion that is connected to Victor's and Nora's comments is a legitimate PLA. 187 01:32:00,868 --> 01:32:08,100 It's a goal. You just talked about local hire. PLAs is local hire. 188 01:32:08,100 --> 01:32:31,868 I don't think that any of us at this moment... You don't want to support PLAs? I of course support PLAs, but that's not what we discussed. We discussed local hire for current open city jobs, which would be a pathway to a union job, but that's not specifically a PLA as I understand it. A project labor agreement PLA is not necessarily synonymous with a local hire program. 189 01:32:31,868 --> 01:32:52,267 Okay, so... I feel like words are being put in my mouth. I did not... I just want to make that clear. I'll rescind that. I apologize. I thought you wanted to put a PLA in our city. No, I want local hire so that our community can be... 190 01:32:52,267 --> 01:34:20,367 Well, a project labor agreement necessarily is not necessarily local hire. It is hiring participating unions, union jobs, union wages, for particularly capital improvement projects. This is hiring local residents into a union job, but not going to... Local hire may not necessarily be union. It means... Local hire means hiring someone that lives within the city for a city job. Thank you. I appreciate it. I'm getting all confused here. But the PLA conversation, I definitely welcome that for another time. But right now I don't believe any of us brought that to discussion either at the goals meeting or at this dais. So... So that's part of a PLA. But that's okay. Thank you. If you don't want to do both, then that's fine. I'll resend my motion. Thank you. Do you said you had three motions? Yes. So I'll make another motion. Can we just take care of everything with one motion? The two added recommended action items that I mentioned can be combined into one motion to add those two into the goals and priorities, if you so choose. Okay. So I make a motion for the local hire from Nora and Victor's. The park ranger program. That's a volunteer basis. And the speed humps for... that's my motion. 191 01:34:20,367 --> 01:35:12,100 To lift the moratorium on speed humps. It's a language as read by myself. I didn't read any specific language about local hire. I think it was just something that the council members were talking about to include as to consider. If that's something as a specific action item, we can come up with some draft language or... I just want to have it protected because I agree 100% with Nora and Victor that it's really great to try to hire locally first. And if they can't get any applications for local, then from then to go out. So perhaps what I could do is make a recommendation that you take a motion on the two recommendations that the city manager read into the record. And then perhaps while we are doing that, we could find a place to put in the local hire incentive. 192 01:35:12,100 --> 01:35:48,868 So I would entertain a motion on the two recommendations that the city manager read to you. For the speed humps and the other for the park ranger program. Okay, so what... Go ahead, you can make the motion and we'll see how it goes. I don't want to keep waiting on the lifting of the moratorium. That's my... Well, the language that the city manager brought in said that we would revisit it in January 2027 with the completion of a complete streets project to make sure that the streets where street humps would go would be appropriate. Are you comfortable with that language as read by the city manager? 193 01:35:48,868 --> 01:35:56,167 As long as there is a guarantee that the lift of the moratorium will be part of the... 194 01:35:56,167 --> 01:36:04,868 with the... with your motion. This language ensures that that will be brought to council for a decision at this point. 195 01:36:04,868 --> 01:36:11,000 That's not a matter you can vote on this evening because that's not an agendized matter to lift the moratorium. 196 01:36:11,000 --> 01:37:18,100 We're voting on goals, the action items associated with the goals and priorities. So if that's a policy matter that the council as a matter of priorities wants to take up, we can put that as something to focus on and bring back. My suggested language says bring it back in January after the benefit of having complete streets project done to have all the information. Okay. So that's my one motion. And then the second motion is with park rangers. Is that... Go ahead Anita. What was your suggestion on park ranger? Park ranger will be part of... We would bring back the opportunity, a possibility of implementing the program by June 2027. So June 20... That's just by, not that we will wait that long. It's... Can it be January? Because it just seems like we've been asking for this program to really be implemented, not just for that one summer, but it's been requested since 2016. That's ten years. We can certainly bring it back sooner. It's a matter of funding. 197 01:37:18,100 --> 01:37:29,067 As we later on in this agenda adopt still a deficit budget, it's a matter of funding. So we certainly can bring it back before January. It's a funding issue. 198 01:37:29,067 --> 01:37:53,167 So with all this information, if I'm allowed, I would like to make a motion to accept the amendments to the goals and priorities of the city council as read by the city manager in addition to this. I understand that we are waiting for specific language for local hire. However, city attorney, can we just move forward and... 199 01:37:53,167 --> 01:38:30,000 Yeah, she's right. City manager can redo the language on the local hire if you would like to entertain that. Sure. Okay. Sure. So we would suggest amending priority five, goal B, action item two, and it currently reads this is under commitment to excellence in service delivery under investment in city staff. It currently reads by June 2027, most current vacant and frozen positions will be filled and professional development opportunities will be offered to staff who are applicable to help grow teams and explore local hire programs. 200 01:38:30,000 --> 01:39:05,000 I have a motion. It's a little bit vague. I think it needs to be I'm sorry. May I speak? So I just think it's a little vague about the local hire like it should be more like it will be the intention to try to go local hire first with the rehiring. Sure. Explore all opportunities to the extent feasible to bring forward local hire programs to the city. Sounds better. 201 01:39:05,000 --> 01:39:12,767 Thank you. Does that sound better? I mean, you mentioned programs. I'd say programs and personnel. Got it. 202 01:39:12,767 --> 01:39:35,367 I think Councilmember Victor Preciado, you wanted to say? It's been solved. The language? It's all about the language. So I would like to move forward to three recommendations of the state manager added to our goals and priorities. And that is my motion. I second. 203 01:39:35,367 --> 01:39:52,100 Councilmember Martin? Martin? Preciado? Yes. Garcia? Yes. Ontiveros-Cole? Yes. Canales? Yes. 204 01:39:52,100 --> 01:40:07,667 Okay. We're moving on to discussion now. And the first item on the discussion calendar is item 19. And this is call for review of parks and recreation discussion item regarding the potential removal. 205 01:40:07,667 --> 01:40:32,467 At this point, I'm going to call on Victor to allow himself to recuse himself from this item, number 19. Yes. Sorry about the timing. I was going to wait until you finished. But I really don't... out of some obvious reasons, I really don't want to participate and have not participated in any of these conversations. So I'm going to recuse myself for item 19. Thank you. 206 01:40:32,467 --> 01:41:12,767 Okay. So acting city clerk Shipman, please read the next item. I'm just going to go back and start over and read that. This is call for review of parks and recreation discussion item regarding the potential removal of Commissioner Jacqueline Elizalde from the Parks and Recreation Commission. There is not a staff presentation, but staff are ready to answer any questions if you have. Remote participants, please raise your digital hand now if you would like to give comment for this item. And I don't see any hands raised. And we do not have any speaker cards for this item. 207 01:41:12,767 --> 01:41:25,467 I'm not sure what it... Staff report? No, we do not. We don't have a staff presentation for this. So now you would just go ask your colleagues if they have comments for this. 208 01:41:25,467 --> 01:41:37,367 I will call on in-person speakers and the acting city clerk Shipman will call on remote speakers first. There are no speaker cards and there are no hands raised 209 01:41:37,367 --> 01:41:43,467 Are there any comments from my colleagues? 210 01:41:43,467 --> 01:41:47,100 Councilwoman Denver-Martin? 211 01:41:47,100 --> 01:41:55,667 Yes, I was just wondering what the Park and Rec Commission recommendation was. 212 01:41:55,667 --> 01:42:05,367 There was a tie vote. So there was no action. 213 01:42:05,367 --> 01:42:10,667 Next, Councilwoman Nora Garcia. Thank you, Vice Mayor. 214 01:42:10,667 --> 01:42:34,267 Actually, maybe I should allow Councilmember Cole to speak since this is her Commissioner, but you could verify a few things for me. Is this... Is it true that this is the second time in two years that this Commissioner has come before action for absences to the Commission? That's correct. 215 01:42:34,267 --> 01:42:43,567 Are you supportive of removing her from Commission? Yes, I am. Okay, that's all my questions. 216 01:42:43,567 --> 01:42:47,267 Is there a motion on that item? 217 01:42:47,267 --> 01:42:55,767 Move to remove... Move to approve the removal for item 19. Second. 218 01:42:55,767 --> 01:43:14,167 Should we please go ahead and take roll call? Do we need to take roll call on this? Yes. Okay. Yes. Yes. Ontiveros-Cole? Yes. Lustro? Yes. Canales? Yes. 219 01:43:14,167 --> 01:43:59,968 The next discussion item is the adoption of resolutions amending the fiscal year 2026-27. Let me call Victor back in. 220 01:43:59,968 --> 01:44:31,667 Good evening. Mayor City Council. Before you know it, it is in action to amend the 26-27 operating budget to provide some updates on the city's authorized staffing level with the passage about measure Z in June, changes to the city's financial situation and in particular transfer from the general fund to the Children and Youth Fund needs to be updated. In addition, staff has recommendations to the city's authorized staffing level that will be discussed herein. 221 01:44:31,667 --> 01:44:45,367 Alongside me is Human Resources Risk Management Director Renee Anderson who co-authored the report and will be available for any questions along with me following our short presentation. 222 01:44:45,367 --> 01:45:00,767 So as you may remember back on May 26 we had a special meeting to adopt the budget and at that time we were projecting about $11.4 million deficit for the general fund. 223 01:45:00,767 --> 01:45:16,100 Tonight with the actions proposed herein this would reduce our deficit about $3.4 million to an overall deficit of $8 million. 224 01:45:16,100 --> 01:45:37,000 Specifically, what we would be doing is, as you may remember in the last two fiscal year budgets we froze or unfunded about 28.85 general fund positions in the budget, respective budgets. So as part of this action we'd be refunding those positions putting them back into the budget. 225 01:45:37,000 --> 01:45:55,100 With that said we obviously we're going to fully fund them at a full fiscal year but we're not going to be able to get everyone hired like tomorrow. So I've also put in what we call a vacancy factor of $1.5 million to offset that. 226 01:45:55,100 --> 01:46:00,868 And as we come back around first quarter and mid year I'll give you an update on where we're at. 227 01:46:00,868 --> 01:46:22,567 We also, just that clean up item, we had $120,000 budgeted for retirement termination payout in a few departments so we're just taking that out. And then the transfer amount to the children and youth fund is the big savings of $6.9 million that will be put into effect. 228 01:46:22,567 --> 01:46:37,167 Then as far as the personnel actions go we have we'll summarize them at the end but we have three reclassifications and three additional positions we're requesting with this action. 229 01:46:37,167 --> 01:46:47,100 This is just the general fund financial portion of it. So it's a piece of the deputy finance director that would be reclassed to an assistant finance director. 230 01:46:47,100 --> 01:47:03,667 A human resources risk manager, again, portion of its budget in the general fund would be reclassed to an assistant human resources risk management director and then the deputy library director would be reclassed to a library director. 231 01:47:03,667 --> 01:47:14,868 The next thing is we're adding an assistant public works director we're proposing to. 85% of that would be charged to the general fund at a cost of $213,000. 232 01:47:14,868 --> 01:47:23,667 So it would be a grand total of reducing the general fund appropriations of $3.4 million. 233 01:47:23,667 --> 01:47:44,067 What coincides with this are some non-general fund impacts because, as you may know, some positions are funded through various funding sources. So the first item is, as part of that frozen positions, it was 32 in total. This is the 3.15 that goes with the 28.85 for the total 32 234 01:47:44,067 --> 01:48:02,567 frozen positions for the last two fiscal years. So we restored that. This is the other side in the children and youth fund. You can see the revenue revised number of reducing the $8.3 million and the appropriation change of $1.4 million. 235 01:48:02,567 --> 01:48:32,567 The children and youth budget, we're going to appropriate $200,000 into their budget from their fund balance for various line items because really, when we adopted that budget, it was just salaries and a few other miscellaneous personnel. So this will get that department up and running. They may ask for some future appropriations as we come forward in the first quarter or mid year. Again, another cleanup item, $37,000 of retirement termination payout. 236 01:48:32,567 --> 01:49:12,000 And then these are the other pieces of that adding that assistant public works director for $37,000 from various non-general funds. And then the assistant water resources director, which is another one of our additional positions, that's about $250,000 that will be fully funded from the water and sewer funds. The other piece of the deputy finance director reclassification to the assistant finance director, $10,000 from non-general funds. And then the other piece of the human resources manager to an assistant HR risk management director is $9,000 to non-general funds. 237 01:49:12,000 --> 01:49:58,100 And then we're proposing to add a management analyst and administration department that will be split between the children and youth programs, as well as the OEBA program, the office of economic and business affairs. So they'd be serving 50-50 in both needs, helping both those programs out. So in total, revised revenue, mainly in the children and youth fund, comes down to $8.3 million because of the transfer offset from the general fund, with the ballot measure of measure Z, and then appropriation changes of reduction of $292,000 overall on the appropriation. 238 01:49:58,100 --> 01:50:08,067 So, summarizing the position changes, these actions are to restore those 32 vacant positions funding. 239 01:50:08,067 --> 01:50:15,267 Then on the authorized staffing, we're going to add three new positions and reclass three. 240 01:50:15,267 --> 01:50:38,167 Again, the deputy finance director to an assistant finance director, human resources manager to assistant HR risk management director, and the library deputy director to a library director, and then add a public works... assistant public works director, assistant water resources director, and then the management analyst for the children youth OEBA office. 241 01:50:38,167 --> 01:51:56,467 In closing, the city's in a much better financial position with the passage of measure Z, although we still have a structural deficit. You know, I talk to you every year with the tenure forecast and definitely be bringing you one in the coming months. Probably not too close, but closer to the mid-year report or after the January 2027. The city has been strategic in you, the council adopting a 25% benchmark for fund balance with these actions. The balance for FY26-27 is estimated to be 50 million. Excuse me. Yeah, I don't want to ever say that. 50 million. But again, our books for FY25-26 haven't closed. You know, we still have a lot of year-end entries, so that also takes into factor what we estimated for 25-26. So I'll bring you an update at the first quarter in November, and it could be we're projecting, you know, somewhere higher or lower than that 50 million dollars. After these actions, the next steps include finalizing our adopted budget document. We'll bring the first quarter budget review in November. As I just mentioned, we'll bring preliminary year-end numbers to you. 242 01:51:56,467 --> 01:52:18,267 Potential 26-27 amendments for other impacts in the city, and then a 10-year forecast as part of your budget priorities is always forthcoming, and I will bring that to you. And that concludes my presentation, and Renee and I both are ready to answer any questions. 243 01:52:18,267 --> 01:52:25,667 Councilwoman Nora Garcia. Hi. I'm making up for lost time from last meeting. 244 01:52:25,667 --> 01:52:59,000 Director Mabry, just so that we're clear, because you know the library is one of my near and dear hearts. So right now we have the semi-open position of deputy library director. In order to bring that up to a full-time library director, we're taking $55,000 from the budget to cover what would be that what would be the position for a full-time library director. Is that correct? Was it $55,000? No. That $55,000. 245 01:52:59,000 --> 01:53:13,567 Yeah. So that was just the summary of those three. If you... Go to your book. The staff report. 246 01:53:13,567 --> 01:53:20,767 Yeah, it's combined there, too. 247 01:53:20,767 --> 01:54:12,968 So... Sam. I have that information. Can you have them bring it up on the screen? Yeah, I can bring it up. I'm not going to show you what you're asking. Like right there. So that's combined for those three positions. The fiscal year current year fiscal year impact. Okay. But the impact I think you're asking for is an increase of just $33,000 just for the library. Specifically for the library. For the library director, yeah. Okay. Thank you for that clarification. Yes. And that $33,000 is coming from for this year from general fund. Is that correct? Yeah, because the library director is fully funded by the general fund. Or the deputy, the current deputy and if approved, the reclassed library director. Thank you. Yeah. 248 01:54:12,968 --> 01:54:38,767 But just so that I'm... so that the public knows, the reason I'm asking is because I believe that when the library shut down in 2012, and we did away with the library director, the responsibilities of being library director fell on Mr. Gluvo over here. And so we're... part of his salary covers library directorship, so we're kind of fixing it all, correct? 249 01:54:38,767 --> 01:54:45,868 I mean... I know what I'm talking about. I'm confusing everyone else. So I apologize. But thank you for that clarification. 250 01:54:45,868 --> 01:54:50,567 Thank you. Councilwoman Debra Martin? 251 01:54:50,567 --> 01:54:54,767 Yes, Mark Gluvo. Can you come up and explain? 252 01:54:54,767 --> 01:55:00,868 And then I have one more comment with the assistant public works director. 253 01:55:00,868 --> 01:55:03,100 Sorry. 254 01:55:03,100 --> 01:55:58,767 I guess the best explanation, vice mayor and council, is that the library currently has a retiring annuitant serving in a part-time capacity to evaluate rebuilding capacity within the library. This library director position and the unfreezing of the two frozen positions is meant to still... to begin the buildup to a higher capacity library and more capable library. This would not be the end of the actions, right? There would still be a plan that would come forward. We have those discussions next fiscal year or in one of the first or quarter or mid-year. This is just to begin establishing the title and building up to a capacity that is more sustainable. I appreciate that. Thank you. All right. And then Meg? Can you come on up? 255 01:55:58,767 --> 01:56:14,567 Hi. So my question is are you creating a new position for assistant public works director? That is the intent of this, yes. Okay. 256 01:56:14,567 --> 01:56:28,968 And is that person already working for the city of Pomona and that person's getting promoted within? The recruitment will handle once we have the position. It's not? It's going to be a recruitment? 257 01:56:28,968 --> 01:57:06,100 Recruitments are available for internal candidates and recruitment. So we will handle the recruitment once the position is Okay. And last question on that. When was the last time we had assistant public works director? Have we ever? Goodness. Have we ever? There was a deputy public works director. I don't know technically that there was an assistant. I served in the deputy public works director role. The deputy and the assistant are essentially synonymous. Citywide we are moving to assistant as the title as opposed to deputy. 258 01:57:06,100 --> 01:57:19,267 So the deputy would have been the last deputy would have been Meg. Yes. 259 01:57:19,267 --> 01:57:41,467 I'm sorry. Councilmember Steve Lustro? Thank you Madam Vice Mayor. I'm going to say something that all of us have said up here before is thankfully the voters passed measure Z for all of the reasons that we know and that Andrew has described this evening. 260 01:57:41,467 --> 01:58:09,567 I'm pleased to see the result of that is the unfreezing of the 32 positions so that we can, I mean, ultimately the goal is so we can better serve the public. And I hope that the residents of our community realize that and see the benefit of the passage of that measure. Thank you. Thank you. 261 01:58:09,567 --> 01:58:24,067 Councilwoman Deborah Martin? I'm so sorry I forgot one more. Chief, I have a question from you. 262 01:58:24,067 --> 01:58:32,968 So how many positions are going to be unfrozen in the police department? 263 01:58:32,968 --> 01:59:01,667 There's 14 sworn police officer positions and I don't remember the number of professional staff. 264 01:59:01,667 --> 01:59:11,567 As we begin the school year, hopefully that's some of the traffic officers as well. 265 01:59:11,567 --> 01:59:18,767 Make sure in front of the schools are safe. So 266 01:59:18,767 --> 02:00:17,467 I'm going to, just from memory, I believe we have two dispatchers, two jailers, two CSOs, so a couple of positions like that in professional staff on top of the 14 sworn officers. Oh, that's great. So that will be like around 20 total. But 14 sworn in officers. So those 14 sworn in officer positions that will be unfrozen, are they from all retired police officers and then you didn't rehire after that? Is that what happened? So we're going to be... Yes, with the frozen positions, we weren't able to fill behind people that retired. So you're right. As people left, we just didn't fill behind them. So now we're already actively recruiting to fill those positions. So now that they're funded, we'll be able to hire applicants that are successful. Great. Thank you. It's good news for the community. Stay up. Stay up. 267 02:00:17,467 --> 02:00:43,100 I just had a question on what about the set team? Will any of that be included? The set team's staffed. I know there's a desire to grow that team. That's not part of this action. Those would be future discussions. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. 268 02:00:43,100 --> 02:00:51,767 At this time, I would like to move to approve. Second. 269 02:00:51,767 --> 02:00:54,667 Shipman. 270 02:00:54,667 --> 02:01:05,467 Preciado. Yes. Precio. Yes. Ontiveros-Cole. Lustro. Yes. Canales. Yes. 271 02:01:05,467 --> 02:01:28,868 I will call in-person speakers first. Or do we already pass that? No, we already passed that. Okay. We're moving on to the next item, which is a public hearing to consider adoption of a resolution designating a portion of the Pomona Fairplex located at 601 West McKinley Avenue as a local historic district. 272 02:01:28,868 --> 02:01:33,167 Good evening, Madam Vice Mayor and members of the council. 273 02:01:33,167 --> 02:01:51,767 So what you have before you tonight is city initiated request to create a portion of Fairplex as our sixth local historic district. This started when staff was working with the Fairplex on their long-term master planning, on the Olympics, on cricket. 274 02:01:51,767 --> 02:02:00,267 It was decided working with them so that they knew, that we knew what was important to keep, what could be removed or moved. 275 02:02:00,267 --> 02:02:08,000 So we went and looked at all 500 acres of the Fairplex and all the buildings on the Fairplex. 276 02:02:08,000 --> 02:02:13,267 And so just quickly, people always ask, well, what do we look at? 277 02:02:13,267 --> 02:02:31,100 Every source that we can find for history we look at, whether it's online, the library archives, our building permits, sandborne maps, photographs, aerial photographs. We look at everything that we can find locally as well as online. 278 02:02:31,100 --> 02:02:50,067 So the first thing that we look at is trying to figure out what is the historic part of Fairplex. And that's through what's called a period of significance. On houses, it's usually the date of construction. With districts, it's usually a range of dates. 279 02:02:50,067 --> 02:03:18,067 And so based off our research for the Fairplex, it's 1922 to 1961. And that's when the majority of construction happened at the Fairplex. So just some history and pictures. So this is a picture from 1922, the very first LA County Fair. And you can see the one tent. It started on land purchased by the city of Pomona. So we, as the city, created the fair, not the county. 280 02:03:18,067 --> 02:03:21,767 The next year, you can see it's already growing. 281 02:03:21,767 --> 02:03:38,267 And then you sort of put them together. You can start to see. And it's you can see it in the sort of the one on the left. You can see the original grandstands for the racetrack in the background. They are not the ones that are there now. 282 02:03:38,267 --> 02:04:01,467 So then the next big sort of chunk of construction happened during the Depression as part of the WPA. And all the exhibit halls were built, as well as the grandstands and a couple other buildings. And so you can really see the change between the early Fair and almost World War II. 283 02:04:01,467 --> 02:04:16,100 Then, as we always talk about, history is history. Sometimes it's good, and sometimes it's bad. This is true with the Fairplex as well. In 1942, the Fairplex served as the Pomona Assembly Center. 284 02:04:16,100 --> 02:04:42,868 Where Japanese Americans were told to report before they were sent to internment camps. And so for six months, this whole sort of that north west side, where is now all parking, was the Assembly Center. During the rest of the war, it was actually a POW camp. So we had German and Italian POWs that were in Pomona. 285 02:04:42,868 --> 02:04:49,667 And you can sort of see this as a picture of the construction of it, with the grandstands in the background. 286 02:04:49,667 --> 02:05:12,167 So then, the Fair reopened in 1948. And so you can see that's a picture from 48 at the Fair. So most of the buildings were there. From 48 to 61, you start to see some of the horse stables get built around the racetrack. 287 02:05:12,167 --> 02:06:03,100 And then as we looked at the boundaries, all those stable buildings, every single aerial photo we see, they changed. So it's like they just moved these year after year to different places on the fairgrounds. And so when the Commission looked at it, and what should our district boundaries be, so the red is all non-contributing, the blue are the contributing structures. So we took a unique approach, usually like Lincoln Park, it's just one big boundary. But because of the amount of parking and just asphalt that's between structures, we're actually looking at a non- contiguous district. So you have sort of the main fairgrounds area. You have the grandstands, all the exhibit halls, the Avalon, the longboard bar. 288 02:06:03,100 --> 02:06:28,000 But then separate from it is the original show barn that's on the northeast side, and then the flower building on the southwest. And to provide the fairplex flexibility with their long-term planning, we didn't want to include a lot of pavement, just to include it. 289 02:06:28,000 --> 02:06:37,367 So you can just see some of the aerials, obviously from historicaerials.com, but you can sort of see everything changed every time there's an aerial. 290 02:06:37,367 --> 02:06:42,467 And nothing stayed the same except on that south side. 291 02:06:42,467 --> 02:07:09,267 And so the contributing structures, the flower building, the show barn, the exhibit halls, the miller's sheets building, the NHRA museum, the grandstands, the Avalon restaurant, the longboard bar, and the administration buildings are those contributing structures. And so I just will quickly show you. So this is the show barn. It's also now called the Carnation Dairy Barn, for fair purposes. That's the flower building. 292 02:07:09,267 --> 02:07:16,567 The longboard bar. The grandstands. 293 02:07:16,567 --> 02:07:20,167 The Avalon. 294 02:07:20,167 --> 02:07:29,467 Just some of the exhibit halls. That's five, six, and seven. 295 02:07:29,467 --> 02:07:36,367 Miller's Sheets Art Center. The NHRA Museum. 296 02:07:36,367 --> 02:08:46,467 And the administration buildings. And so when we looked at designation criteria, we actually found that Fairplex is not only eligible locally, but it's eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historic Resources based off the events that have happened there, as well as the architecture of the buildings. And then same for our local criteria, it's based off the architecture as well as the events that have happened there. And so the commission on April 1st recommended that this boundary be designated as a local historic district, and then determined that the other buildings were not historic and that they should not be a part of the district. We have talked with Fairplex throughout this whole process, as well as notifying the county. We've received no objections to this. So with that, that concludes staff's presentation. We're recommending that you adopt the resolution, making this our next historic district. And I'm happy to answer any questions. 297 02:08:46,467 --> 02:08:51,667 Councilwoman Nora Garcia. Hello. 298 02:08:51,667 --> 02:10:18,667 Mr. Starnes, when I went to DC a few years ago, Pomona is mentioned four times in the Smithsonian Museum. And it's all having to do with Japanese internment. I had no idea that we also called German and Italian POWs. And when you want to talk about a history of prosecution or persecution in this country, German POWs, Italian POWs, many of them were just immigrants, brand new immigrants to this country that spoke the language, read newspapers in that language, and were just kind of swept up in that whole thing, just like our Japanese American brethren. I would really push for the outline that we have today to go on the National Register of Historic Places. I know that it seems like the POW cabins were demolished. And now the Fairplex just has that one sad little rock in the corner to recognize its history. But as you said, history is history. And there's no need to erase it. We just need to accept it, apologize for it if necessary, and move forward. And so I welcome this. And I thank you and your team for being so specific about what places and what structures are historic. And thank you for this. Those are the end of my comments. Thank you. Councilwoman Deborah Martin? 299 02:10:18,667 --> 02:10:49,067 On the same line, thank you so much for all your hard work and determination to protect the Fairplex. This is part of our treasure. And I want to just thank you so much. And I hope it can go all the way to national registry. Thank you. Councilmember Steve Lustro? Thank you, Madam Vice Mayor. Jeff, is the newest building in the proposed district, the Flower Building? 300 02:10:49,067 --> 02:11:04,467 There... Well, there's a non-contributing exhibit hall on the east side there. I think that's newer than the Flower Building. I can't remember. They're within a couple years of each other. And then you also have that one addition on the... 301 02:11:04,467 --> 02:11:13,267 So that's a newer building. And then there's the addition to that lower exhibit hall that are non-contributing. 302 02:11:13,267 --> 02:11:30,567 So I'm not sure... The one exhibit hall that's non-contributing, it came right around the same time as the Flower. I think the Flower might be a year or two newer, but they're pretty close. But they're all 1961 or prior? Yes. Okay. Thank you. 303 02:11:30,567 --> 02:11:41,167 Councilwoman Elizabeth Monteverde's call. I have a question in regards to the historic little train track that's outside. Is that included? 304 02:11:41,167 --> 02:11:53,067 It is... it is not. That's actually newer. So that was the problem with the outdoor railroad. It is actually newer. 305 02:11:53,067 --> 02:11:57,267 It was... 306 02:11:57,267 --> 02:12:04,167 1988. Because that is definitely... Yeah, it's my favorite thing at the Fair. 307 02:12:04,167 --> 02:13:16,968 As a kid, I was there every year wanting to see the train. I was there with my two boys. I mean, I just... And I've talked to the Fairplex and at this point, they're planning on keeping it. There's nothing... Part of the reason with doing that is there's nothing on that part of the Fairplex that they're proposing to change. So maybe in the future, we could have some type of a plaque or something to... We can work with... as the planning for future development at Fairplex happens, we can work on how we do interpretive signage and stuff like that. Yeah, because that's an amazing part of the Fair. Thank you. Councilwoman Debra Martin? Thank you. By the way, Councilmember Ontiveros-Cole Thank you for bringing that up because it's one of my favorites and for some reason, I didn't think about it. I remember it as when I was really little. So that means it was a little bit before it... But it changed. The problem is they changed it. So I think the latest iteration is like 78, somewhere in there. 308 02:13:16,968 --> 02:13:32,667 Anyway. Just saying. Since I was really little, it was there. Anyway, thank you. Thank you for a job well done. Thank you. I will now open for public hearing. There are no public comments, Vice Mayor. 309 02:13:32,667 --> 02:13:43,567 I will now close the public hearing. Are there any comments from my colleagues? Any more comments from my colleagues now? Is there any motion on the item? 310 02:13:43,567 --> 02:13:54,868 Move to approve. Is there a second? Acting City Clerk Shipman, please read... Go ahead. Martin. 311 02:13:54,868 --> 02:13:59,767 Yes. Preciado. Yes. Garcia. 312 02:13:59,767 --> 02:14:13,100 Lustro. Yes. The next item is adjournment. 313 02:14:13,100 --> 02:14:13,100 We will adjourn this meeting in honor of Greg Shaftan, longtime city of Pomona employee. He retired on June 1, 2011 after having worked for almost 44 years in the Pomona Library. The next meeting will be a regular meeting held on Monday, September 14, 2026 in the City Council Chambers, 505 South Gary Avenue, Pomona, California. The closed session will begin at 5.30. The open session will commence at 7 p.m. Thank you.