Rialto · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Rialto public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Youth civic engagement resolution request
The League of Women Voters asked the council to support a youth-led civic engagement committee to fight youth disillusionment with government and boost voter registration. The mayor voiced personal support.
Kinder Morgan fuel pipeline terminus in Rialto
Mayor Pro Tem Scott reported on a ~$62 million prevailing-wage pipeline project ending in Rialto that could help ease California's gasoline supply crunch and lower prices.
Children's vendor stands and code enforcement fairness
A mother said a compliance officer shut down her kids' small cookie cart and asked the council to create reasonable guidelines distinguishing children's lemonade stands from commercial businesses.
LLMD No. 2 Annexation for PPD 2024-001
A small commercial parcel south of Foothill Boulevard and east of Sycamore is being annexed into the landscaping and lighting district so the city can maintain its street lights and landscaping. The lone property owner supported it; no protests were filed.
Veterans' endowment fund proposal
Council Member Montoya pressed for a long-discussed endowment fund to pay for veterans' events like Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances; the council directed staff to bring a proposal back by the mid-year budget.
Police recognition and COPS TV filming
Two officers were honored for saving a choking toddler, the police headquarters earned gold-level green building status, and the COPS television program will film Rialto PD this fall for its 40th-anniversary season.
Recognition of life-saving 911 response
Mayor Pro Tem Scott and Council Member Montoya will honor the dispatchers, officers, and paramedics who saved a choking three-year-old on August 5 — and they want the mother and child there too.
Records management system renewal
A $330,964 five-year renewal of the city's records software, covering resolutions, ordinances, minutes, and permits. A resident asked that the public be told what updates change.
Setback variance precedent at Baseline/Riverside intersection
The car wash building will sit just 5.75 feet from Baseline Road instead of the required 50 feet. Staff noted all four corners of the intersection have received similar variances, keeping the shopping center's layout intact.
Special District Assessments for FY 2026-27
Street light and landscape maintenance assessments stay essentially flat next year. The street light district still runs a projected $535,771 deficit covered by the general fund, and commercial parcels in one LLMD 2 zone see an 8-cent increase.
Urban Forestry and Tree Planting
A $550,000 grant-funded contract will plant 500 trees in rights-of-way and parks and give away 250 fruit and shade trees to residents over the next year and a half.
LMD No. 2 Annexation and Assessments
A 3.96-acre commercial parcel was annexed into the Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District so the city can accept and maintain its landscaping and streetlights; the protest ballot drew one ballot, in support.
County Mutual Aid Agreements for Emergency Work
Rialto renewed agreements letting San Bernardino County crews help with emergency repair and maintenance work, up to $100,000 a year for five years — a safety net for storm damage and other emergencies.
Temporary Staffing Costs in Treasury
Montoya flagged that the city is paying temp agency workers $65–$92 an hour for jobs paying about $22 an hour base, and caught a $40,000 error in the staff report. The contract passed at a corrected $150,000 total.