Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 01/22/2010 04:53:51 PM PST

RANCHO CUCAMONGA – Issues concerning the budget, the upcoming elections and Councilman Rex Gutierrez were all on the table during an eight-hour meeting at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center on Thursday that was meant to build City Council consensus and set goals for 2010.

Nearly every discussion of city matters was tinted by the cloud of budget cuts.

The City Council directed Community Services Director Kevin McArdle to cut two popular events – the July 4 fireworks night at the Epicenter and the volunteer appreciation dinner.

Kurth said although they are beloved programs, cutting them now is a prudent move.

“I don’t want to be sitting here someday saying how we’re going to cut fire and police,” Kurth said.

The two events, along with the Founder’s Day Parade, were at risk of being slashed but the City Council thought the parade was worth saving.

The annual January meeting, moderated by facilitator Bill Mathis, is a chance for the City Council and heads of City Hall departments to discuss accomplishments and plans. It is also a time for city leaders to air grievances without the glare of a televised City Council meeting.

Compared to a similar team-building exercise last June, the discussion concerning Gutierrez was less cantankerous but council members nevertheless raised criticisms of the beleaguered councilman.

At issue was Gutierrez’s handling of the recent stop sign issue at Amethyst Avenue and Hillside Road. Councilman Sam Spagnolo thought Gutierrez was “riling” up the neighborhood and Mayor Don Kurth said Gutierrez was spreading negative comments about the council.

“My perspective is, unfortunately, Rex’s style and what he does reflects on us in a negative way,” said Spagnolo.

From Gutierrez’s perspective, he helped residents navigate City Hall and solved a stop sign issue. But others on the council think Gutierrez undermined city staff and led residents to think others on the council did not support the neighbors.

Kurth accused Gutierrez of telling residents that Kurth did not support the stop sign even though he had no such stance.

Ultimately, the stop sign was approved unanimously earlier this month.

“I’m sorry. I don’t believe I worded anything like that,” Gutierrez told Kurth. “I haven’t felt like I’m an instigator of comments that are hurtful.”

Gutierrez said Kurth should have called when he heard those comments.

“I want you to not do it, I don’t want to argue about it,” Kurth said.

Frustration marked portions of the political klatch but the mood was cordial for the most part.

Spagnolo said it wouldn’t be professional to discuss these issues at the City Council meeting so it’s nice to have a venue for them.

“We understand (Gutierrez’s) style. We just want him to understand the consequences,” Spagnolo said. “He has to recognize some of what he does isn’t always beneficial to the community and his colleagues.”

Gutierrez said on Friday he found 95 percent of the meeting productive.

“I don’t intend to change any of my style,” he said. “What I do works for me. I have no regrets about my method of empowering the neighborhood.”

When asked to reflect on the outcome of the meeting, Michael was optimistic.

“At the end of the day, we all left more peaceful and with less anxiety than we did when we walked in,” Michael said.

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