Council approves towing contract after dispute over donations and possible recusal

The Ontario City Council approved agenda item 14, a contract-related matter concerning towing and storage services, after a period of public comment and an exchange among council members about potential conflicts of interest.

Council member Valencia asked whether Mayor Leon should recuse himself from the item because of a reported relationship between the mayor and an entity connected to the purchase of a towing business. Mayor Leon said he had not personally received funds from the company in question and that donations at issue were made to a local nonprofit museum, not to him. "I've never received a single dime from certified towing," the mayor said on the record.

Earlier in the public comment period, Jesse Fonseca accused local officials of collecting excessive stipends associated with the Ontario Airport Authority and named specific stipend totals for past years. His comments drew an admonition for exceeding time limits and a reminder from the city attorney that the public comment period is not a forum for debate with council.

Laura Costa (appearing as the prospective towing contractor) introduced herself and described her family’s towing-industry experience and qualifications for the contract: "My name is Laura Costa. I am currently seeking to obtain a contract with the city ... I have gained much of my knowledge and experience through working with my father and helping him operate his organization," she said.

After the discussion, Mayor Leon moved to approve item 14; the motion was seconded and the council recorded the electronic vote as 4–1 in favor. The motion carries the effect of approving the contract award as presented on the consent calendar (with item 14 considered separately).