Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Riverside public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
23 issues in water utilities with medium priority
El Niño Storm Preparedness — Emergency Sewer Pumps
The city will rent temporary pumps for six months to protect the water quality control plant from flooding like the 2010 event, after waiving the normal waiting period.
Gas turbine repairs at RERC
Staff discovered an oil leak in a turbine at the RPU work facility that GE consultants called a critical, immediate repair. The interim city manager granted emergency repair authority since the cost topped $100,000, and the Board will ratify the expense with a full report in early 2027.
10-year Altec utility truck maintenance agreement
Riverside's electric utility signed a 10-year deal with Altec Industries for maintenance of its 30-plus bucket and line trucks, with required OSHA and dielectric testing done on-site. It's a services agreement, not a warranty — the city pays per call, capped at $1.65 million over the decade.
Reclaim water storage tank rehabilitation
A $86,500 contract with J.T. Thorpe & Son was scheduled to recoat and rehabilitate the reclaim water storage tank at the Riverside Energy Resources Center, extending the life of a key facility component.
Regional groundwater quality study
Riverside is pitching in $29,405 to a regional study modeling salt and nitrate buildup in the Bunker Hill groundwater basin, helping decide when a desalter or other management action might be needed.
Hunter Substation 4kV to 12kV conversion — Circuit 26
A $3.45 million capital project would modernize Hunter Substation's distribution to handle growing electric demand and improve reliability. Ratepayers fund it through the Electric Fund.
Hunter Substation 4kV-to-12kV conversion make-ready
$3.45 million to replace aging poles, transformers, and wire on the north side so Circuit 26 can switch to the higher 12kV voltage once Hunter Substation is rebuilt — commissioning starts early 2027 with full cutover by mid-2027.
Declining sewer connection fees amid reduced construction
Sewer fund revenue is underperforming because fewer new sewer connections are coming in — a direct sign that development in the city has slowed.
Water quality plant operations contracts
Several contracts totaling millions — chemicals, lab testing, and security cameras — support operation of the Riverside Regional Water Quality Control Plant.
Holding tank subsidy for 3625 Placentia Lane
Since 2001, water customers have effectively subsidized pumping costs for one property owner's holding tank near the North Orange well field — about $92,700 total to date — under an agreement that may never have been formally executed. A majority of the board called it unfair and open-ended, rejected the proposed continuation, and tabled it until staff returns with a timeline and legal answers.
$34 Million Utility Surcharge Spending Plan
Money from your electric bill's public benefits charge — about $34 million that piled up during COVID — will fund home battery rebates, solar at community centers and libraries, low-income programs, and university research. Some members want more direct bill relief for struggling residents.
Citywide Wi-Fi accessibility
Commissioner Waddler reported that much of the city's public Wi-Fi isn't accessible for deaf services and that providers have ignored outreach. A petition will be discussed in August.
14th Street storm drain improvements
The city was set to reject one bid as non-responsive and award the portable storm system project on 14th and Vine to a Redlands engineering firm for about $114,000.
California Avenue and Sherman Drive Water Pipeline Replacement
A $1.78 million work order for engineering, construction and paving to replace the water pipeline on Cellini Drive.
Southern California Edison interconnection cost reduction
A fourth amendment to the interconnection facilities agreement with Southern California Edison would drop the cost from about $15.9 million to about $14.2 million, saving roughly $1.7 million while revising the payment schedule and completion date.
Power plant control system spending
Two items together would spend roughly $515,000 on control system software, support, and gas turbine components for the Riverside Energy Resource Center and Springs Power Plant, keeping the city's generating units running reliably.
Wilderness Substation grounding transformers
Riverside Public Utilities was set to seek a roughly $3 million award for two 66kV grounding transformers at the Wilderness Substation. Keeping substation equipment current helps maintain reliable electric service.
2025 Board of Public Utilities Workplan
The Board of Public Utilities' proposed 2025 workplan outlines the city's upcoming priorities for water, electric, and utility programs. The presentation gives the committee and the public an early look at where utility investments and rates may be headed.
Water loss management
The utility tracks how much water is lost through leaks, breaks, and system losses before reaching customers. Keeping those losses down helps protect rates and conserve supply.
Third Street sewer construction contract
A $1.6 million contract with Becker Pipeline Company to build the Third Street sewer improvements, funded by Measure A dollars.
Virginia Tech water pipeline research partnership (PIPEiD)
The board was asked to recommend the City Council sign an MOU with Virginia Tech to participate in a national water pipeline field performance data project. Findings could inform how the utility manages and replaces its own pipelines.
Geotechnical services for water utility projects
A new on-call consultant agreement with NV5, Inc. — up to $400,000 a year through 2028 — would support geotechnical engineering for water system capital improvement projects.
Riverside Public Utilities senior resources
Riverside Public Utilities was scheduled to brief the Commission on programs and resources for older residents, which could include bill discounts and senior outreach. These programs can directly lower utility costs for seniors on fixed incomes.