Riverside meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Riverside council to weigh $3M park renovation, affordable housing land sale

Riverside city boards and committees met over the past two weeks, but none of the meetings have published minutes yet, so no decisions are recorded. The most consequential items on upcoming agendas include a $3 million renovation of the Fairmount Park Armory and a $16.4 million transformer contract.

Recent meetings (no decisions published)

All recent meetings were agenda-only; minutes have not been published, so no votes or outcomes are available. Key items discussed include:

• **Housing and Homelessness Committee (July 27):** Received updates on California housing legislation for 2025–2026, the California Prohousing Designation Program reapplication, and Housing Authority projects.
• **Board of Public Utilities (July 27):** Considered a proposed $5,000,000 appropriation for a residential energy storage rebate program, an update to the Water Conservation Ordinance, and a $261,684 work order for electrical and fiber-optic installation at Sugarloaf Reservoir.
• **City Council (July 28):** Held a public hearing on dedesignating 4472 and 4480 Orange Street as Structures of Merit and rezoning the property. Also considered contracts including a $5,720,000 design-build agreement for a solar photovoltaic system at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant and a $239,739.44 purchase order for police ammunition.
• **Planning Commission (July 30):** Meeting cancelled.
• **Transportation Board (Aug 5):** Discussed the 2026 Citywide Signal Priority Ranking List and elected a chair and vice-chair.
• **Governmental Processes Committee (Aug 5):** Discussed the Charter Review Committee timeline and amendments to City Council Rules of Procedure.
• **Board of Ethics (Aug 6):** Elected a new chair and vice-chair and reviewed the Code of Ethics and Conduct.

Upcoming meetings with significant items

Several upcoming meetings feature major financial and policy decisions.

City Council (Aug 11)

The council will vote on a $3,005,598.20 renovation of the Fairmount Park Armory Building (Ward 1) and a $2,732,362 contract for the same project. It will also consider the sale of 3.7 acres at Madison at Railroad for $650,000 to build four affordable homes plus self-storage (Ward 5). Other items include a $977,000 legal budget for Thompson Coburn law firm and $426,000 in Library Funds for materials and services. Public hearings will cover historic designations for 2139 Archdale Street and 2881 Rumsey Drive.

Board of Public Utilities (Aug 10)

The board will vote on a $14.9 million transformer procurement contract with Delta Star, Inc., including $1.5 million in change order authority, plus two substation expansion work orders: $14 million for the Harvey Lynn Substation and $6.3 million for the Riverside Substation Bank 6 Addition. It will also consider $350,000 annual funding for the Service Lateral Replacement Program through FY 2028-29.

Land Use Committee (Aug 10)

The committee will review the Planning Commission's 2026 Work Plan, discuss regulations for outdoor wooden pallet storage yards, and consider updates to Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines for Vehicle Miles Traveled.

Finance Committee (Aug 12)

The committee will recommend an updated Investment Policy for city funds and receive a Financial Health Indicators report.

Planning Commission (Aug 13)

The commission will hold a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Public Safety Element of the 2025 General Plan to comply with Assembly Bill 2140.

Mobility and Infrastructure Committee (Aug 13)

The committee will discuss a pilot project to restripe Linden Street between Chicago and Iowa Avenues, converting it from four lanes to two lanes with a striped two-way left-turn lane and buffered bike lanes.

Coming up

Meetings worth attending this week:

• **Board of Public Utilities** – Aug 10, 2026
• **Land Use Committee** – Aug 10, 2026
• **City Council** – Aug 11, 2026
• **Finance Committee** – Aug 12, 2026
• **Planning Commission** – Aug 13, 2026
• **Mobility and Infrastructure Committee** – Aug 13, 2026

All meetings are open to the public. Check the city's official calendar for times and locations.

Riverside roundup: City Council weighed historic dedesignation, $5.7M sewer contract; utilities board eyed $5M energy storage rebate

Riverside's boards and commissions met frequently over the past two weeks, but because minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent sessions, this roundup reports what each body was scheduled to consider — not what was ultimately decided. The most consequential agendas centered on land use, utility spending, and city contracts.

City Council — July 20–21 and July 28

The City Council held special meetings on July 20 and 21 focused on a closed-session discussion of Inspector General recruitment under Government Code §54957. Public comment was limited to three minutes per speaker. No specific actions or votes were listed on the agendas.

The July 28 regular agenda was heavier. The Council was scheduled to hold a public hearing on removing historic Structures of Merit designations from 4472 and 4480 Orange Street and modifying the Prospect Place Historic District boundary. A separate item proposed rezoning 7.03 acres spanning Mission Inn Avenue, Commerce Street, Sixth Street, and Fifth Street to Mixed Use-Urban.

Contract items on the July 28 agenda included a Design-Build Agreement with Veregy Pacific, LLC for up to $5,720,000 for a solar photovoltaic system at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant; an agreement with Onterris USA, Inc. for $1,723,815 for emissions testing and environmental consulting at city power plants; and a purchase order with Dooley Enterprise, Inc. for $239,739.44 for police ammunition. A $50,000 grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies for a Youth Climate Action Fund project was also listed.

Board of Public Utilities — July 27

The Board of Public Utilities agenda included a proposed $5,000,000 appropriation for a residential energy storage rebate program. The board was also scheduled to review an ordinance amending Riverside Municipal Code Sections 14.22.010 through 14.22.080 to update Water Conservation requirements, and Work Order 2520728 for $261,684 for electrical and fiber-optic installation at Sugarloaf Reservoir. A proposed increase of the annual legal budget for Thompson Coburn by up to $80,000 — bringing the total to $977,000 — was also on the agenda.

Housing and Homelessness Committee — July 27

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on California housing legislation for 2025–2026, discuss the California Prohousing Designation Program reapplication, and hear a briefing on Housing Authority projects. A 2026 ADU Handbook update was also listed.

Community Police Review Commission — July 22

The commission agenda included a review of the Code of Ethics and Conduct under RMC Chapter 2.78, a discussion on extending the Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA) Ad Hoc Committee through October 2026, a Brown Act training presentation, and closed-session discussions regarding public employees PC26-03009 and PC26-05015.

Museum of Riverside Board — July 22

The board was scheduled to review its Collections and Exhibitions Management Policies and consider deaccessioning historic laundry equipment and taxidermy skins. Updates from the Riverside Museum Associates and the Harada House Foundation were also listed, along with discussion of Paula Horychuk's absence from the July 9 meeting.

Human Relations Commission — July 23

The commission was set to decide whether Commissioner Woods-Adeyeye's June 25, 2026 absence should be recorded as excused or unexcused. The agenda also included a Riverside Police Department update and approval of June 25 minutes recording absences of Commissioners Gordon, Martis, and Melendez as excused.

Other meetings

The Park and Recreation Commission (July 20) agenda included a Park and Recreation Month presentation and recognition of the 2025 Employee of the Year. The Inland California Community Capital Fund Corporation (July 29) was scheduled to adopt resolutions authorizing incorporator actions, elect directors and officers, adopt a conflict-of-interest policy, and apply to the federal Community Development Financial Institutions Fund for New Markets Tax Credits. The Planning Commission's July 30 meeting was cancelled; its next meeting is August 13.

Coming up

• **Aug. 5 — Transportation Board:** 2026 Citywide Signal Priority Ranking List and election of chair and vice-chair.
• **Aug. 5 — Governmental Processes Committee:** Charter Review Committee timeline and Council Rules of Procedure amendments (Resolution 24389).
• **Aug. 6 — Board of Ethics:** Annual Code of Ethics review and election of officers.
• **Aug. 10 — Board of Public Utilities:** Vote on a $14.9M transformer procurement contract with Delta Star, Inc. (plus $1.5M change order authority), a $14M Harvey Lynn Substation Expansion work order, and $350,000 annual funding for the Service Lateral Replacement Program through FY 2028-29.
• **Aug. 11 — City Council:** Vote on a $3,005,598.20 Fairmount Park Armory renovation, sale of 3.7 acres for $650,000 for mixed-use development including affordable housing, $6,095,851 in water plant chemical purchase orders, and public hearings on historic designations for 2139 Archdale Street and 2881 Rumsey Drive.
• **Aug. 12 — Finance Committee:** Updated city Investment Policy and Financial Health Indicators report.
• **Aug. 13 — Planning Commission:** Public hearing on an amendment to the Public Safety Element of the 2025 General Plan to comply with Assembly Bill 2140.
• **Aug. 13 — Mobility and Infrastructure Committee:** Linden Street restriping pilot project, converting the roadway from four lanes to two with buffered bike lanes between Chicago and Iowa Avenues.

Riverside roundup: Council set to act on $3.3M cleanup contract, student housing; utilities board weighs rate closure

Riverside's City Council was scheduled to act on a $3.3 million hazardous materials removal contract, a mixed-use student housing development, and the FY 2026-27 master fee schedule at its July 14 meeting, according to agendas published before the session. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the city's recent meetings, so final outcomes are not yet confirmed in the public record.

City Council

The July 7 council agenda included certification of the June 2, 2026 General Municipal Election results, an order for a Special Municipal Runoff Election on November 3, 2026 for the Second and Fourth Wards, and the oath of office for Councilmember-elect Luis Hernandez (Ward 6). A closed session was scheduled regarding the appointment of an Interim City Manager.

The July 14 agenda listed a mixed-use student housing development at 3911 University Avenue and 3775 Fairmount Boulevard, an amendment to the Riverside Municipal Code for adaptive reuse building standards, adoption of the FY 2026-27 Master Fees and Charges Schedule, and levying of special taxes across multiple Community Facilities Districts. Contracts on the agenda included $3.3 million with Clean Harbors Environmental for hazardous materials removal, up to $177,500 over three years with Keenan & Associates for insurance broker services, and $225,592.31 with Dana Safety Supply for emergency vehicle equipment.

Board of Public Utilities

The July 13 agenda included consideration of closing the WA-12 Agricultural Service water rate schedule to new customers. Contract items listed were $1,723,815 with Onterris USA, Inc. for emissions testing services through 2032, $484,615 for the Hunter Substation Circuit Tie Addition and Pole Replacement, a $327,765.99 change order for Outsource Utility Contractor, LLC for the Springs Circuit Reliability Project, and $97,000 for the Gage Water Transfer and Olivewood Conveyance Agreement.

Planning Commission

The July 16 agenda included a 10-unit single-family development at 2443 Mary Street (Tentative Tract Map TM-39385) and a 56-unit single-family development at 6251 and 11130 Alhambra Avenue (Tentative Tract Map TM-39008). Both involve subdivision tract maps, design reviews, and planned residential development permits.

Other Boards and Commissions

The Finance Committee met July 8 to review the city's investment portfolio performance, a Chandler Asset Management presentation, and a Financial Health Indicators report. The Budget Engagement Commission met July 9 for a Cannabis Retail Program update and a commissioner attendance report. The Museum of Riverside Board was scheduled July 9 to vote on deaccessioning 44 objects — 33 potsherds and 11 baskets — from its permanent collection. The Cultural Heritage Board met July 15 to adopt its 2nd Quarter Report on Historic Preservation Activity and review the Code of Ethics and Conduct. The Commission on Disabilities met July 16 to receive a presentation from Riverside Community College District's Disability Resource Center.

The Human Resources Board's July 6 meeting and the Airport Commission's July 9 meeting were both cancelled.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Park and Recreation Commission:** Presentation on Park and Recreation Month and recognition of the 2025 Employee of the Year.
• **July 20–21 — City Council special meetings:** Closed sessions to discuss recruitment of an Inspector General.
• **July 22 — Community Police Review Commission:** Review of Code of Ethics and discussion of extending the RIPA Ad Hoc Committee through October 2026.
• **July 22 — Museum of Riverside Board:** Review of Collections and Exhibitions Management Policies and consideration of deaccessioning historic laundry equipment and taxidermy skins.
• **July 27 — Board of Public Utilities:** Proposed $5,000,000 residential energy storage rebate program and Water Conservation Ordinance updates.
• **July 27 — Housing and Homelessness Committee:** California housing legislation update and Prohousing Designation Program reapplication.
• **July 28 — City Council:** Public hearing on dedesignating 4472 and 4480 Orange Street as Structures of Merit; consideration of a Design-Build Agreement with Veregy Pacific, LLC for up to $5,720,000 for the Regional Water Quality Control Plant.

The July 30 Planning Commission meeting is cancelled; the next meeting is August 13, 2026.

Riverside roundup: Council set to certify election results; utilities board weighs water rate changes and $2.5M in contracts

The Riverside City Council was scheduled July 7 to certify June 2, 2026, general municipal election results, order a special runoff election for the Second and Fourth Wards on November 3, 2026, and swear in Luis Hernandez as Ward 6 councilmember. Minutes for that meeting and all other recent meetings have not yet been published, so outcomes cannot be confirmed from the available agendas.

City Council — July 7

The Council agenda included a resolution declaring the June 2, 2026, election results and an order for a Special Municipal Runoff Election on November 3, 2026, for the Second and Fourth Wards. Luis Hernandez was listed to take the oath of office as Ward 6 councilmember. The Council also scheduled a closed session regarding the appointment of an Interim City Manager.

Finance Committee — July 8

The Finance Committee was set to review an Investment Policy redline resolution, hear a presentation from Chandler Asset Management, and discuss a Financial Health Indicators report. The agenda also included a legislative update on municipal finance matters and a public comment period for committee jurisdiction.

Board of Ethics — July 2

The Board of Ethics agenda included a presentation on Riverside Municipal Code 2.78.060.D, which addresses prohibited advocacy of private interests for third parties. Members were also scheduled to discuss proposed Charter amendment recommendations, receive an ad hoc committee update on public education and outreach methods, and review Board standing rules and the annual Code of Ethics.

Budget Engagement Commission — July 9

The Commission was scheduled to approve minutes from its June 11, 2026, meeting and receive an update on the Cannabis Retail Program. The agenda also listed a Commissioner attendance report noting the absence of Tscherednikov, a Deputy Finance Director update, and future agenda items for consideration.

Museum of Riverside Board — July 9

The Board was set to approve minutes from April 22, May 27, and June 24, 2026, record Board member Sharon Tennell's absence as excused, and vote on deaccessioning 44 objects from the permanent collection — 33 potsherds and 11 baskets.

Cancelled meetings

Four meetings were cancelled in the first half of July: the Transportation Board (July 1, next meeting August 5), the Planning Commission (July 2, next meeting July 16), the Human Resources Board (July 6, next meeting August 3 at 5 p.m.), and the Airport Commission (July 9, next meeting August 13).

Coming up

• **Board of Public Utilities — July 13 (today):** The Board will consider closing the WA-12 Agricultural Service water rate schedule to new customers and review several contracts, including $484,615 for the Hunter Substation Circuit Tie Addition and Pole Replacement, a $1,723,815 contract with Onterris USA, Inc. for emissions testing through 2032, a $327,765.99 change order for Outsource Utility Contractor, LLC (Springs Circuit Reliability Project), and $97,000 for the Gage Water Transfer and Olivewood Conveyance Agreement.
• **City Council — July 14:** The Council will review a mixed-use student housing development at 3911 University Avenue and 3775 Fairmount Boulevard, consider adoption of the FY 2026-27 Master Fees and Charges Schedule, discuss levying special taxes across multiple Community Facilities Districts, and review contracts including a $3.3 million hazardous materials removal agreement with Clean Harbors Environmental and a $225,592.31 emergency vehicle equipment bid with Dana Safety Supply.
• **Planning Commission — July 16:** The Commission will consider a 10-unit single-family development at 2443 Mary Street (Tentative Tract Map TM-39385) and a 56-unit single-family development at 6251 and 11130 Alhambra Avenue (Tentative Tract Map TM-39008).
• **Cultural Heritage Board — July 15:** The Board will adopt its 2nd Quarter Report on Historic Preservation Activity, review the Code of Ethics and Conduct, and hear a presentation on the Point of Cultural Interest program.
• **Community Police Review Commission — July 22:** The Commission will review the Code of Ethics and Conduct under RMC Chapter 2.78, discuss extending the RIPA Ad Hoc Committee through October 2026, and hold a Brown Act Training presentation.

Riverside Roundup: City Council Weighed $9M Housing Plan, Adaptive Reuse Ordinance; Several July Meetings Cancelled

Riverside's City Council had the largest items of the past two weeks on its June 23 agenda, including a proposed $9,050,905.55 federal grant plan for housing and community development and an adaptive reuse ordinance aimed at converting non-residential buildings to residential use. However, minutes for that meeting and all other recent meetings have not yet been published, so outcomes cannot be confirmed from the available record.

City Council — June 23

The Council's agenda listed several significant items:

• **2026-2027 Annual Action Plan**: $9,050,905.55 in federal housing, emergency solutions, and HOME grant funds for FY 2026-27.
• **Adaptive Reuse Ordinance (Case PC-2025-00427)**: A zoning text amendment to allow conversion of non-residential buildings to residential use.
• **Master Fees and Charges Schedule**: Update to FY 2026-27, including city clerk services such as public records and notary fees.
• **Airport marquee sign**: $77,030.16 contract with Front Signs for a new digital marquee at Riverside Municipal Airport (6951 Flight Road).
• **Insurance and mitigation**: $12,330,333.65 annual renewal for city insurance policies and a $2.25M contract with ATI Restoration for mitigation services.
• **Closed session**: Appointment of an Interim City Manager.

Because minutes are not yet published, it is not possible to confirm which items were approved, modified, or continued.

Board of Public Utilities — June 22

The Board's agenda included utility infrastructure contracts and a major software agreement:

• **AVEVA Software, LLC agreement**: $1,662,803 for five-year PI System software licensing.
• **Woodcrest Christian School Electric Service Project (Bid 2605723)**: $296,600.66.
• **Fiber optic re-routing (Work Order 2619755)**: $132,551 to re-route fiber optic cables at the Orange Street Police Station.
• **Water Supply Report** as of April 30, 2026.
• Review of Riverside Municipal Code Chapter 2.78 regarding Ethics and Conduct.

Outcomes are not yet confirmed.

Housing and Homelessness Committee — June 22

The Committee was scheduled to receive updates on Housing Authority projects, Successor Agency-owned properties, and the Homelessness Action Plan. A legislative update and discussion of future agenda items were also listed. Public comment was invited. Minutes are not yet published.

Museum of Riverside Board — June 24

The Board's agenda included collection decisions:

• **Accessions**: Five lots of archival and historic items; 26 avian study skins and one mammalian skin.
• **Deaccessions**: 44 objects, including 33 potsherds and 11 baskets.
• **Policy revisions**: Updates to Collections and Exhibitions Management Policies.
• **Director's update**: Main museum renovation and budget.

Outcomes are not yet confirmed.

Board of Ethics — July 2

The Board was scheduled to review a presentation on Riverside Municipal Code 2.78.060.D, which addresses prohibited advocacy of private interests for third parties. Proposed Charter amendment recommendations and ad hoc committee updates were also listed. Minutes are not yet published.

Cancelled Meetings

Several meetings were cancelled during this period:

• **Community Police Review Commission** — June 24 meeting cancelled.
• **Transportation Board** — July 1 meeting cancelled; regular business resumes August 5.
• **Planning Commission** — July 2 meeting cancelled; next meeting July 16.

Coming Up

• **July 7 — City Council**: Will certify June 2, 2026 election results, order a Special Municipal Runoff Election for November 3, 2026 (Second and Fourth Wards), swear in Luis Hernandez as Ward 6 Councilmember, and meet in closed session regarding an Interim City Manager appointment.
• **July 8 — Finance Committee**: Will review an investment policy redline resolution, hear a Chandler Asset Management presentation, and discuss a Financial Health Indicators report.
• **July 13 — Board of Public Utilities**: Will consider closing the WA-12 Agricultural Service water rate schedule to new customers, a $484,615 Hunter Substation project, a $1,723,815 contract with Onterris USA, Inc. for emissions testing through 2032, a $327,765.99 change order for the Springs Circuit Reliability Project, and a $97,000 Gage Water Transfer and Olivewood Conveyance Agreement.
• **July 14 — City Council**: Will review a mixed-use student housing development at 3911 University Avenue and 3775 Fairmount Boulevard, adoption of the FY 2026-27 Master Fees and Charges Schedule, levying of special taxes across multiple Community Facilities Districts, a $3.3 million hazardous materials removal contract with Clean Harbors Environmental, and a $225,592.31 emergency vehicle equipment bid with Dana Safety Supply.
• **July 16 — Planning Commission**: Will review a 10-unit single-family development at 2443 Mary Street and a 56-unit single-family development at 6251 and 11130 Alhambra Avenue.

Note: The July 6 Human Resources Board meeting and the July 9 Airport Commission meeting are both cancelled.

Council Agenda Set Zoning Vote, $9M in Grants; Election Certification Up Next

The Riverside City Council’s June 23 agenda scheduled votes on an adaptive reuse zoning change and $9.05 million in federal housing and homelessness grants, but official vote tallies remain unavailable as minutes have not been published. Several other boards and commissions convened in the past two weeks, while a number of meetings were cancelled.

Recent Agenda Highlights

The City Council’s June 23 agenda included a proposed text amendment to allow conversion of non-residential buildings to residential use (Case PC-2025-00427) and the allocation of $9,050,905.55 in Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Solutions Grant, and HOME program funds for fiscal year 2026-27. Other items ranged from a $77,030.16 contract for a new digital airport marquee to a $12.3 million annual insurance policy renewal and a $2.25 million mitigation services agreement. The council also planned to update the master fee schedule for city clerk services and meet in closed session on an interim city manager appointment.

On June 22, the Board of Public Utilities agenda listed a five-year, $1,662,803 software licensing deal with AVEVA Software, LLC; a $132,551 fiber optic re-route at the Orange Street Police Station; and a $296,600.66 electric service project for Woodcrest Christian School. The board also reviewed the municipal code of ethics and a water supply report.

The Housing and Homelessness Committee met the same day to receive updates on Housing Authority projects, Successor Agency-owned properties, and the Homelessness Action Plan. No formal votes were scheduled.

The Museum of Riverside Board on June 24 planned to accept new archival items and avian specimens while deaccessioning 44 objects, including potsherds and baskets. The Human Relations Commission (June 25) and the Board of Ethics (July 2) each reviewed ethics rules and Brown Act training. The Community Police Review Commission, Transportation Board, and Planning Commission all cancelled their late-June meetings.

Coming Up

The City Council meets July 7 to declare the results of the June 2 municipal election and order a special runoff election for Wards 2 and 4 on November 3, 2026. Luis Hernandez will be sworn in as the Ward 6 council member, and a closed session will address an interim city manager appointment.

The Finance Committee on July 8 reviews the city’s investment policy, a presentation from Chandler Asset Management, and financial health indicators.

On July 13, the Board of Public Utilities considers closing the WA-12 agricultural water rate schedule to new customers. Infrastructure items include $484,615 for a substation circuit tie and pole replacement, a $1,723,815 emissions testing contract running through 2032, and a $327,765.99 change order for a circuit reliability project.

The July 14 City Council agenda features a mixed-use student housing development at 3911 University Avenue and 3775 Fairmount Boulevard, an amendment to the adaptive reuse building standards, adoption of the FY 2026-27 master fees and charges schedule, and special tax levies for multiple Community Facilities Districts. Other business includes a $3.3 million hazardous materials removal contract and a $177,500 insurance broker agreement.

The Planning Commission on July 16 takes up two single-family developments: a 10-unit project at 2443 Mary Street and a 56-unit project at 6251 and 11130 Alhambra Avenue, both with tentative tract maps.

The Human Resources Board (July 6) and Airport Commission (July 9) are cancelled. Regular meetings resume in August.