Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fountain Valley public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
46 issues with high priority
Staffing Additions and FY 2026/27 Budget Amendments
City leadership is proposing the addition of several new personnel positions, including police officers and dispatchers, a risk management specialist, and a fire department reclassification. These changes require targeted budget adjustments to support municipal operations and public safety.
16800 Magnolia Mixed-Use Project Development Agreement
The city is considering major development agreements and affordable housing commitments for a project spanning 16800 Magnolia Street and 9025-9063 Recreation Circle. This project involves density bonuses and multi-phase construction that will shape local housing options.
Orange County Workforce Innovation High School
Orange County Workforce Innovation High School is applying for a conditional use permit to open an independent study center for at-risk youth at 17075 Newhope Street.
FAM Vans Vehicle Dealership and Parking Structure
FAM Vans wants to remodel a large commercial building and build a four-story parking structure for vehicle storage at 10870 Kalama River Avenue, which includes a request for a variance on landscape setbacks.
Civic Center Plaza Update
The city is exploring future options for the 8-acre Civic Center site, including whether to ask the county to pause an upcoming library renovation to potentially build a combined municipal and library complex.
Automated License Plate Reader (Flock Camera) Privacy Concerns
Residents voiced privacy concerns over the city's use of Flock automated license plate reader cameras, prompting the police chief to detail transparency measures and data audits.
Fire Department Mutual Aid and Emergency Response Terms
The council will consider adopting a resolution that officially sets the rules and conditions for when Fountain Valley fire crews respond to emergencies outside their standard duty stations.
Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) Membership
Numerous residents spoke during public comment urging the city to exit the OCPA due to cost and financial concerns, while supporters defended the program for providing clean energy choice.
Parks and Community Services Master Plan Update
The city adopted its first comprehensive parks master plan, outlining over $42 million in potential upgrades and guiding future recreational growth.
FY 2025-26 Draft CAPER Review
The board planned to examine past housing and community development expenditures and performance outcomes before forwarding a recommendation to the City Council.
Short-Term Rental Enforcement and Grand Jury Recommendations
Staff reviewed the city's ongoing enforcement against illegal short-term rentals and a county grand jury report, with the council generally favoring maintaining the current prohibition rather than establishing a permit pilot program.
Street Rehabilitation Projects
The city awarded a $2.317 million contract to ONYX Paving Company Inc. to repair and rehabilitate streets in City Quadrant B4.
Fire Development Impact Fees
The city is establishing a new impact fee on new development to help fund future fire station upgrades and emergency infrastructure. This ensures new construction pays its fair share of public safety costs as the city grows.
Kratom Sale and Possession Restrictions
Fountain Valley passed new rules to ban synthetic kratom products containing high levels of 7-OH, which health experts warn are dangerous, while keeping natural kratom available for adults who use it for pain relief.
Police-Directed Towing Services Procurement (RFP 26-005)
The city evaluated proposals to select two tow operators for a five-year police-directed towing contract. The decision sparked intense debate between a 40-year incumbent business and city officials over scoring, facility standards, and geographic radius requirements.
Homeless Outreach Services Renewal
The council evaluated extending the contract with City Net to continue providing vital homeless outreach and support services across the community.
Residential Solid Waste Rate Adjustments & WISE Agreement
County landfill fees are going up, which means residential trash bills will increase. The city approved joining the county's WISE agreement and agreed to mail out Proposition 218 notices for a 5-year rate adjustment schedule to keep things transparent.
Fireworks Ban Enforcement and Holiday Safety
The City Council debated whether to relax the municipal fireworks ban for the 250th anniversary of America on July 4, 2026. After hearing concerns from residents and public safety officials about fire hazards, injuries, and enforcement difficulties, the council voted to maintain the ban.
Measure HH Revenues and Unfunded Liabilities
The oversight committee reviewed how transaction tax revenues are spent on essential services, debt reduction, and pension liabilities to ensure compliance with the city's spending pledge.
Water Conservation Code Amendment
Fountain Valley is complying with a new state law by banning the use of drinking water on decorative, nonfunctional grass at businesses and common areas starting in 2027. Local homes, parks, and sports fields are exempt from the rule.
FY 2026/27 Comprehensive User Fee Schedule
The city updated its schedule of fees charged for various municipal services and permits for the upcoming fiscal year. These adjustments help ensure that user-funded services cover their operational costs.
FY 26-27 Community Development Block Grant Funding
The city is reviewing its annual CDBG spending plan, which uses an estimated $500,000 to fund low-income home repairs, public services, and code enforcement. These funds provide critical support for local non-profits, senior meals, and domestic violence shelters.
Objective Design Standards for Residential and Mixed-Use Projects
The city is adopting objective design standards to retain architectural control over residential and mixed-use projects that qualify for streamlined ministerial review under recent state housing laws.
2025 Sewer Rehabilitation & Replacement Project
The city is investing over $2.8 million to repair and replace aging sewer infrastructure across 11 locations to prevent spills and pipe failures.
Plaza Del Lago Medical Office Zoning Amendments
Plaza Del Lago professional office building can now lease 100% of its space to medical practices, making it easier for doctors and healthcare providers to set up offices in Fountain Valley.
By-Right Multi-Family Housing Affordable Development Code Amendment
Fountain Valley updated its city code to comply with state housing laws, allowing multi-family projects with 20% or more affordable units to bypass public hearings and receive administrative approval.
Citywide Facility Roofing Replacements and Repairs
The city awarded a $2.41 million contract to replace and repair aging roofs at several key municipal facilities, including fire stations and community centers.
Proposed Acquisition of Los Caballeros Affordable Housing Units
The city considered spending $9.4 million in restricted housing funds to buy 14 affordable apartments at Los Caballeros. Residents pushed back hard over fears of homelessness and crime, leading council members to reject the plan as an inefficient use of funds since it wouldn't create any new housing.
Potential Property Acquisition on Newhope Street
The city is exploring the purchase of commercial properties located at 17168 and 17230 Newhope Street, which could impact municipal asset holdings and future land use.
Energy Rate Assistance Programs (CARE and FERA)
An overview was planned to educate the public and committee members on available bill reduction support and discount programs like CARE and FERA.
Indoor Pickleball Facility at Former Rite Aid
A vacant Rite Aid at Magnolia Street and Talbert Avenue will become 'The Picklr,' an indoor pickleball facility with six courts. Residents and players spoke in support, while commissioners focused heavily on ensuring proper soundproofing to protect nearby neighbors.
Bushard Street and Slater Avenue Waterline Replacement Design
The city is moving forward with engineering design work to replace aging waterlines along Bushard Street and Slater Avenue, investing $299,372 to ensure reliable local water infrastructure.
Charter City Status Considerations
Residents and speakers urged the city council to place a measure on the November ballot to convert Fountain Valley into a charter city, citing local control and financial savings. Council members discussed prior decisions to pursue polling and survey options.
City Council Expenditures and Contract Authority Review
During discussion of the register of demands, council members debated the administrative oversight and necessity of maintaining 92 active municipal credit cards for city employees.
Public Safety Services
Fountain Valley is taking over its own ambulance service, creating 19 new fire department jobs. The city hopes this will speed up emergency responses and maybe even save some cash.
Mayor Appointment
Fountain Valley's City Council has chosen Jim Cunneen to be the new mayor. It's a typical move for the city's leadership.
Mayor Selection
Fountain Valley's City Council has chosen Ted Bui as the new mayor. This is a routine leadership transition for the city.
Parking Fees
Get ready to pay up if you want to park at Mile Square Park! Fountain Valley is considering charging for parking, so your next park trip might cost you a bit more.
Sober Living Home Regulation
Fountain Valley is cracking down on sober living homes with a new ordinance. The city council voted to approve new rules, hoping to ease neighborhood worries about these facilities.
Mayoral Election
Fountain Valley has a new mayor, Glenn Grandis, who's a local guy! He's officially taken the top job, and now everyone's wondering what his plans are for the city.
Street Vendor and Solicitor Regulation
Fountain Valley is updating its rules for street vendors and door-to-door salespeople. Get ready for potential changes in how businesses operate on sidewalks and who can knock on your door.
City Manager Pay Raise
Fountain Valley's city council is considering a pay raise for the city manager. This move could impact your wallet, so it's worth keeping an eye on how it shakes out.
Fire Station Purchase
Fountain Valley is dropping $8.1 million on new land to build a fire station. This means faster response times and better emergency services for everyone in the city.
City Council Election
Fountain Valley's City Council election is coming up, and if you're wondering who's vying for your vote, we've got the scoop. Get the lowdown on all the candidates running to represent your interests.
Offshore Oil Drilling Ban Resolution
Fountain Valley's City Council decided NOT to support a ban on offshore oil drilling. This means they're not joining other cities in opposing new drilling operations off the coast.
Council Leadership Selection
Fountain Valley's City Council has new leadership! Michael Vo is now the mayor, and Patrick Harper is the mayor pro tem. They'll be steering the ship for the next year, running meetings and being the face of the city.