Matthew C. Ballantyne

The meeting addressed a variety of city business, including recognizing the police employee of the month and honoring an International Boxing Federation champion. Public comments focused on accessibility concerns at city hall, opposition to a proposed assisted living facility project, gratitude for city-supported community events like the Black History Parade, and concerns regarding Brown Act compliance during council proceedings. The Council reviewed and approved items on the consent calendar, with specific dissent noted on agenda items G and I related to a community facilities district and housing development. Discussions also covered regional efforts to address homelessness, including the development of a navigation center, as well as updates on city events and department reports regarding police recruitment and housing initiatives.

This document, titled "Fontana FORWARD," outlines the strategic vision for the city of Fontana, emphasizing its role as a dynamic economic hub within the Inland Empire. It highlights the city's diverse economic engine, including manufacturing, logistics, and transportation sectors, and projects significant population growth by 2025. The plan focuses on how this growth will drive job creation, foster innovation across industries like education, healthcare, and retail, and ensure the city's continuous evolution and adaptation to demographic shifts and consumer demands.

The meeting commenced with the calling to order of concurrent meetings for the City Council, Community Foundation, Fire Protection District, and Housing Authority. Special presentations recognized Jia Kim as the Public Works and Engineering 2025 Employee of the Year and Officer Mario Martinez as the Fontana Police Department 2025 Employee of the Year. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to honoring Detective Katherine Clark and Deputy District Attorney Lloyd Mason for their work in successfully prosecuting the decades-old 'People versus Nash' cold case, resulting in a conviction for the 1980 murder of Michelle Jones. Public comments addressed concerns regarding the availability of 7070 (gas station heroin), requests for information regarding a shelter property contract selection, and issues related to disruptive motorcycle use. The council discussed and approved the consent calendar items for the four entities, including discussions on a property purchase and sale agreement for a shelter facility and a design amendment for Civil Park to include pickleball courts, a pump track, and a skate park. New Business included the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Mid-Year Budget Status Report, which highlighted a forecasted general fund revenue increase of nearly $7 million over budget, offset by a decrease in sales tax receipts, and proposed expenditure increases mainly for personnel and contracts. A five-year forecast was also reviewed.

The meeting included joint sessions for the City Council and the Successor Agency, noted as the last meeting in the current building and the last meeting of 2025. Closed session discussions covered real property negotiations, pending litigation, and labor negotiations, with no reportable action taken initially. A significant portion of the open session was dedicated to recognizing Records Coordinator Kathy Kinzinger on her 25-year retirement. The council also recognized multiple staff members as October 2025 Employees of the Month for their involvement in complex investigations that led to the rescue of minors and the uncovering of an international sex trafficking ring, as well as recognizing a finance team member for process improvements and volunteer work. Public comments addressed participation in the upcoming Christmas parade and MLK Day of Service, concerns regarding ICE involvement in community events and requests for local law enforcement policies in connection with federal immigration agencies, privacy conflicts due to close proximity housing balconies, and a resident's experience with city support after losing their home to fire and subsequent safety issues at their apartment complex. Public hearings involved continuing an appeal regarding a mixed-use project to January 2026. An urgency ordinance was adopted to amend municipal code regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) to comply with state law effective January 1, 2026. Additionally, the Council approved amendments to the General Plan and Municipal Code to update the truck route map to meet Assembly Bill 98 requirements, balancing efficient truck movement with resident quality of life.

The strategic plan focuses on addressing housing and community development needs in Fontana from 2025 to 2030. Key areas include expanding and preserving affordable housing, ensuring equal access to housing opportunities, preventing and eliminating homelessness, and providing public services for residents. The plan outlines goals, strategies, and resources to address these priorities, aligning with HUD's objectives for decent housing, suitable living environments, and expanded economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents. It also addresses the needs of special populations, such as the elderly, disabled, and those affected by HIV/AIDS and domestic violence.