City of Rialto

The meeting commenced with a closed session addressing four items: a conference with legal counsel regarding existing litigation (the Shephard case), four items of anticipated litigation (mostly workers' compensation claims), a decision on initiating litigation in one matter, and a conference with real property negotiators concerning property at 119 North Riverside Avenue. Following the closed session, the public session included community outreach segments. These segments featured announcements regarding the 'Healthy Rialto' initiative, including vendor shoutouts, information about the Rialto Farmers Market highlighting recipes using local ingredients, and information on Rialto's Community Garden, which offers free classes. There was also an announcement regarding the city's free mulch and compost giveaway program. Additionally, information was provided on the mandatory food waste recycling program required by Senate Bill 1383, detailing acceptable food waste items and collection procedures. Finally, an update was given on the 'My Rialto' mobile application, which allows residents to report issues like potholes, pay city bills, and access city information, including details on the new QR code scanning feature.

The meeting began with a closed session covering four items: conference with legal counsel regarding two items of existing litigation, conference with legal counsel concerning one item of anticipated litigation (an industrial disability retirement item), conference with labor negotiators, and a public employee performance evaluation for the City Manager position. Following the closed session, the public portion included the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation. A memorial was presented for the late Daniel Eric Herz, husband of former Council member Lynn Herz, recognizing his community involvement, including owning Dan's Lawnmower Center. Certificates of recognition were presented to the Avula brothers (Isaac Avula and Bobby Rosava) for achieving their fourth Grammy award as musicians, songwriters, and producers, emphasizing their local Rialto roots and commitment to mentoring local youth in music. The council members expressed deep admiration for the Avula brothers' success and community investment.

The proceedings commenced with a roll call, followed by moving into a closed session to discuss four items: a conference with legal counsel regarding potential initiation of litigation, a conference with real property negotiators concerning property at 134 Willow Avenue, a conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation involving the regional water quality control board (which was continued to the next meeting), and a conference regarding two existing litigation matters under Robertson versus City of Rialto. Following the closed session, the public session included several presentations. One segment detailed community engagement regarding the Rialto Certified Farmers Market and featured a vendor, Happy Hawk Farms, discussing their locally sourced produce and bestsellers like guacamole and tamales. Another presentation focused on utility maintenance, specifically Southern California Edison scheduling outages, advising residents on preparation steps like noting the outage number, estimated times, impacted addresses, and utilizing digital notifications via ce.com. Furthermore, an update was provided by the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department announcing the completion of the resurfacing project at Rialto City Park, which included new vibrant colors and the introduction of Rialto's first pickleball courts converted from a tennis court. Finally, a local business owner from Don's Bikes shared the history of their 66-year-old business rooted in Rialto, discussing their evolution to include electric bikes and their commitment to community health and recreation partnerships.

The meeting addressed several items related to the Housing Element update, which is a state-mandated chapter of the general plan requiring state certification. Key discussion points included the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation of 8,272 units and the associated site inventory capacity. The commission reviewed the necessity of upzoning and rezoning properties due to a court of appeals ruling regarding overlays not requiring residential development, leading to the proposal of a new Housing Opportunity District that mandates minimum densities (20 dwelling units per acre) and mixed-use requirements (50% residential) for rezoned commercial properties. The discussion covered various actions proposed, including adopting a mitigated negative declaration, approving amendments to the General Plan, Zoning Code, and two Specific Plans (Foothill Central and Gateway), and establishing a new residential overlay. Staff also detailed public outreach efforts conducted over five years and outlined the site strategy to address the housing need, which included pipeline projects, projected Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) development, and units from existing specific plans. An incentive program was detailed, offering ministerial review for projects dedicating 20% of units to lower-income housing.

The meeting began with the call to order and roll call, followed by the pledge of allegiance and an invocation. Discussions included the presentation of certificates recognizing organizations like the Elks Lodge and Masons, as well as county supervisor representatives, for their support of victims from the Vista View Apartment fire. Public comments addressed the cancellation of a planned Chick-fil-A and storage project, expressing concern over trench construction, and inquired about the status of housing assistance and GoFundMe funds for the fire victims. The council also approved the consent agenda, including an addendum to a letter referenced in item F3. The main agenda item involved a public hearing required under Proposition 218 regarding proposed adjustments to water and wastewater services rates, which were presented by a consultant.