By Emily Aguilar

Eastvale – From the groundwater pipeline expansion project to ongoing school traffic concerns, the

Eastvale City Council rolled up their sleeves and took action on some of the City’s toughest issues during the September meetings.

On Sept. 9, the Public Safety Commission provided an update on traffic problems during school hours. They will be working together with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department to educate the public on traffic safety and hopefully provide some solutions to the issues.

New City Planner, Malinda Lim, was introduced and welcomed as one of the newest members of the City staff.  Council also officially recognized the week of Sept. 17 to 23 as “Constitutional Week,” in commemoration of the 228th anniversary of the drafting of the United States Constitution.

During Public Comments, a resident spoke about the faulty mosquito pesticide application, and asked for a better notification protocol to warn the City of any future pesticide applications.

During Public Hearings, the Council motioned to rename Cleveland Avenue to Scholar Way between 58th St. and Bellegrave Ave. They also motioned to informally name Fire Station No. 31, forthcoming on Chandler St. and Selby Ave. – as the “Chandler Station.”  Council also discussed the possibility of hosting a 5^th Annual State of the City address in 2016.

One item that was not motioned was to approve the future Schleisman Road and I-15 Interchange on the Master Plan.  The presenter suggested amending the Master Plan, which would require $150,000 over a ten year span.  The Council agreed that there were other priorities, and chose not to take action at this time.

The Council also reviewed the updated ALUC Open Space Requirement for the Sendero residential development, which was rejected in June because of spacing infringements. The new plan, which reduced the number of units from 323 to 312, made improvements to the original map, and was both criticized and praised by Council.

The City Manager report announced that the Library Subcommittee would hold its first meeting on Sept. 14.

To conclude the meeting, the City announced it would be holding a 9/11 Flag Ceremony at Cal Fire 27.

The Sept. 23 Council meeting opened to the Community Foundation announcing the City’s 5^th Birthday celebration would be held on Oct. 3.

Next, the Chino Basin Desalter Expansion Project – which will provide 10 million gallons of drinking water to Eastvale and surrounding cities – was highlighted. Chino Basin Desalter Authority General Manager, Curtis Paxton, presented construction updates on the upcoming project – which will require the installation of several groundwater pipelines that will extend from Bellegrave Ave. to Harrison Ave. and 65th Street. While the addition of water will not excuse the City from regulating water use, it will increase the water supply. Paxton emphasized that “safety is our concern,” saying traffic would be regulated on Bellegrave Ave. when construction begins.

Council then approved the second ordinance reading of the Goodman Commerce Center Specific Plan.

All items on the Consent Calendar were approved.  The staff also announced the annual Food Truck Festival at Ramirez Intermediate on Sept. 25, and International Walk To School Day, which will be held on Wed., Oct. 7.

Council then reviewed a proposal for JCSD’s Capacity Charge, a developer impact fee planned to collect more than $67,000 from new Eastvale citizens to provide water for the growing City.  After listening to this and other projects that would increase fees, Council stated that there is a “lack of outreach” that would affect economic principles.

Moving on, Council approved the Freeway Agreement with the State Department of Transportation to allow the City and/or state to maintain and regulate the construction of roads and right of way traffic.

City Staff reported that Gov. Brown signed AB-107 – with Mayor Bootsma calling the bill a “joke.”  This bill was meant to make a county whole, but there isn’t any money coming into the City at this time.  Two Council members will have to attend a meeting about the bill on Sept. 28.

Before the conclusion of the meeting, the League of Cities Golf Tournament was announced, to be held on Oct. 12.  Also, the outbreak of West Nile Virus cases is currently the worst Riverside County has seen in years.  As a result, the City will take action to help keep its citizens safe.