Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Riverside public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues in taxes budget with low priority
2027-2028 Legislative Platform Working Group
A legislative update affecting the city was scheduled to be provided to the committee.
Executive Board membership changes
Two board resignations (Julie Nemes and Hilda Kennedy of AmPac Business Capital) were up for acceptance, with Brian Kennedy, Jr. of AmPac Business Capital set to fill an office immediately.
Winter holiday meeting schedule
The Board cancelled its November 25 and December 23 meetings and skipped a proposed January 6 special meeting, meaning no Board action can occur until January 27, 2027. Staff said no urgent votes, including NAGPRA-related deaccessions, are anticipated before then.
Mills Act program growth
Staff reported 17 Mills Act contracts were approved this year, and the next application window opens January 1 — good news for owners of historic homes looking to lower property taxes in exchange for preservation.
Utility Bond Rating Reaffirmed
Fitch reaffirmed the water utility's AA+ bond rating, which means cheaper financing for capital projects and helps keep future rate increases lower.
2027 Open Enrollment and New Voluntary Benefits
The city is rolling out three new voluntary insurance plans — accident, hospital indemnity, and short-term disability — with info sessions this month ahead of fall open enrollment.
Utility legal budget increase
The outside legal budget for Thompson Coburn would grow by up to $80,000 to a total of $977,000 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, covering power supply litigation and related work.
Parking changes for board and commission members
The city is disabling the convenient parking lot after 5 p.m., pushing commissioners to Garage 6 — which several commissioners said feels unsafe at night, particularly for women leaving alone. The public works director is aware and a response is pending.
Measure Z funding and drone enforcement program
Commissioners revisited last year's drone purchase with Measure Z funds, which generated $98,000 in fireworks fines, and asked for an update on this year's results. They also clarified that cannabis program staffing and permit fees run through the general fund, not Measure Z.
Library materials spending from trust fund
The library spent $3,952.23 from its trust fund on books, periodicals, and materials in a one-month span, and also reported its larger gift fund donations of $1,000 or more.
Gift fund donations of $1,000 or more
Donations of $1,000 or more to the library's No Gift Fund from April 7 through May 27, 2026, were scheduled to be received and filed. Donations supplement what the library can offer beyond its regular budget.
City Clerk office relocation to City Hall lobby
Councilmember Mill clarified that the controversial 'lobby renovation' funded partly with Measure Z money is actually relocating the city clerk's public-facing office to the lobby, plus security upgrades at the entrance.
Possible cancellation of July Airport Commission meeting
The Commission was set to decide whether to skip its regular July meeting — a routine summer scheduling call, but one that pauses monthly public oversight of airport operations for a month. Residents wanting to weigh in on airport matters would wait until August.
Utility technology and fleet contracts
Up to $589,668 in computer equipment through Lenovo and a 10-year, up-to-$1.65 million truck maintenance agreement with Altec Industries were scheduled for consideration — the behind-the-scenes spending that keeps utility staff and crews working.