Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Highland public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
23 issues with high priority
Professional Auditing Services Selection
The city is replacing its expiring auditing contract and interviewing top candidate firms to oversee municipal financial compliance.
Challenge to Regional Stormwater Permit
The city is challenging a new region-wide stormwater permit adopted by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board. The council voted to file a petition with the State Water Board to push back against the new rules.
2027 Citrus Harvest Festival Planning and Logistics
The city is gearing up for its annual Citrus Harvest Festival with strong vendor turnout and sponsorships already coming in. The board discussed lineup changes, including replacing unavailable attractions like the train and balloon artist, and reviewed event marketing.
Sterling Avenue Multifamily Apartment Complex Extension
A developer received a three-year extension to build a 220-unit apartment complex on Sterling Avenue, which includes affordable housing units and a fence height variance.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations and State Compliance
The city updated its municipal code to comply with state housing laws regarding ADUs and JADUs while maintaining restrictions in high fire severity zones.
Fiscal Year End and Carryover Budget Adjustments
The committee managed year-end adjustments and carryovers totaling millions in expenditures and revenues. These tweaks ensure city accounts balance properly and funds roll over for ongoing projects.
2026 Development Impact Fee (DIF) Update
The city is updating its development impact fees, with staff recommending a 12-month rate lock-in option to provide stability for builders. This helps balance infrastructure funding with predictability for new development.
Highland Senior Center HVAC Replacement and General Fund Allocation
The city is chipping in over $80,000 from local reserves to help replace aging HVAC equipment at the Highland Senior Center, which serves as a regional cooling center. State review requirements pushed up costs and delayed the project, causing council members to express frustration about spending local tax dollars on a state-owned building.
Greenspot Road Storm Drain Construction and Traffic Impacts
Lennar Homes is beginning construction on a 42-inch storm drain facility along Greenspot Road starting August 17. The project will take 6 to 8 weeks, causing traffic delays, detours, and 24-hour traffic control.
Substandard Property and Nuisance Abatement at 7222 Church Ave.
The city is cracking down on unpermitted construction and illegal auto repair businesses that violate municipal codes and create safety hazards.
Water Vending Machine Appeal and Business Impact
WaterMill Express appealed the denial of a water vending machine on Baseline Street, drawing heavy pushback from nearby business owners who worry about increased loitering, crime, and competition.
Brush Clearance and Fire Insurance Issues
A resident raised concerns about unmanaged brush and weed abatement on East Valley Water District property near residential neighborhoods, which has led to homeowners losing their fire insurance.
Special Tax Participation Dispute for Crestwood Homes Development
The city council debated whether a housing developer should be held to a verbal agreement to participate in a police and fire special tax district. The developer argued he was notified too late after homes were already in escrow, leading to council frustration over commitments.
Greenspot Village Phase II Condominium Development
A developer wants to build 240 condos in 37 three-story buildings on an 11-acre vacant lot. Nearby homeowners are worried about losing their privacy, dealing with construction noise and rodents, and handling stormwater drainage.
Base Line Bridge Replacement Project Funding and Design
The council approved a $1.1 million contract amendment to push the long-awaited Base Line Bridge project toward construction. The project replaces a flood-prone low-water crossing and is mostly funded by federal grants.
Code Enforcement Due Process and Public Nuisance Procedures
The city is cracking down on unpermitted construction and illegal auto repair businesses that violate municipal codes and create safety hazards.
Proposed Maverick Fueling Station and Valvoline Oil Change at Base Line and Buckeye
Developers proposed replacing stalled fast-food plans with a large convenience store, gas station, and oil change facility at a key gateway corner, sparking debate over whether it fits the city's town center vision.
Cal-Fire Contract Amendment for Fire and Paramedic Services
The city approved a five-year contract amendment with Cal-Fire to cover firefighter and paramedic staffing, ensuring fire protection services remain fully funded and operational.
Sheriff’s Department Contract and EVWD Law Enforcement Agreement
The city added two new deputy positions and adjusted its budget to support enhanced local law enforcement services in partnership with the East Valley Water District.
Verizon Cell Tower Installation at Base Line and Church Street
Verizon requested a conditional use permit to build a 60-foot faux eucalyptus cell tower and equipment shelter behind a church in East Highlands Ranch. Residents and commissioners raised concerns about code deviations for height and setbacks, property value impacts, and health concerns, leading to a 3-2 denial.
Graffiti Enforcement and Cleanup Efforts
City officials highlighted recent law enforcement success in arresting repeat graffiti vandals responsible for thousands of dollars in property damage, while public works continues rapid cleanup across neighborhoods.
San Manuel Village Trust Property Agreement
The city approved an agreement allowing the San Manuel Nation to place the San Manuel Village shopping center property into federal trust for non-gaming purposes. In return, the city will receive $675,000 annually for five years to offset lost tax revenues.
Blossom Trails Housing Development Time Extension
Developers of the 137-unit Blossom Trails project requested their final one-year extension to deal with slow-moving state wildlife permits for the endangered San Bernardino kangaroo rat. Residents and commissioners discussed how this project fits into the area's long-term housing plans and helps support nearby retail centers.