Upland, CA — The Upland City Council met on Jan. 27 to discuss issues affecting the city, including real estate negotiations, financial matters, infrastructure projects and committee restructuring.
The meeting also included public comment, where residents voiced concerns about traffic safety, development and park maintenance.
The meeting included a presentation from Diane Smyers, Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children’s (CASA) San Bernardino County Donor Relations Manager, who provided an update on the San Bernardino County foster children program, emphasizing the need for more volunteers to support at-risk youth.
During the public comment portion, residents expressed concerns about city infrastructure, public safety and community development.
Several speakers mentioned the need for better road maintenance and more attention to park facilities.
Some residents also questioned how the city was allocating funds from Measure E, while others urged the council to increase police patrols in high-traffic areas near schools.
One of the most significant agenda items was a closed session discussion about real estate negotiations.
The council deliberated on the future of Whispering Lakes Golf Course and Ontario Soccer Park, but no official decisions were announced.
Council members assured residents that these discussions would continue, with future updates to be provided at later meetings.
The council approved the appointment of Michael Miller to the Public Works Committee for a term ending in Dec. 2026, and Jessica Tancredi to the Library Board of Trustees, serving through June 2026.
The Dec. 2024 financial report was also presented, with the council approving warrants and payroll registers totaling $11.3 million.
Additionally, the city moved forward with applying for emergency financial assistance grants from CalOES.
Infrastructure projects were a central focus of the meeting. The council approved a citywide speed limit resolution based on an engineering survey, modifying speed limits on several major roadways.
An encroachment agreement for Walgreens at 1241 West Foothill Boulevard was also approved, allowing for modifications to parking and pedestrian access. The Arrow Highway Pavement Rehabilitation Project was formally accepted as completed.
One of the most debated topics of the night was the potential dissolution of the Parks Committee due to its infrequent meetings and staffing constraints.
The recommendation was made to absorb the Parks Committee’s responsibilities into the Public Works Committee, as it had only met twice since 2023.
However, Councilmember James Breitling raised concerns about staff time and meeting frequency.
“As it stands now, the committee meets four times a year and as the chair of it, I find that that’s just not enough,” he said.
The discussion included a significant environmental issue—the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and its financial impact on the city.
Council members were briefed on how new state-mandated water quality requirements could cost Upland over $424 million in the next 20 years.
“The majority of costs are in compliance… the watershed management plans are very similar to what LA County is required to do,” one city official explained.
Upland Mayor Bill Velto expressed concerns about the burden that state mandates place on Upland’s taxpayers.
The city is working with other San Bernardino County municipalities to challenge these new regulations. Officials noted that the city would need to identify funding alternatives or face potential budget cuts.
“We’ll be presenting a resolution for your approval in which we can join with the county once they have their resolution,” explained a staff member, indicating that the city may formally oppose the proposed stormwater compliance costs.
Councilmember Shannan Maust urged residents to attend public hearings to challenge mandates.
The next Upland City Council meeting is scheduled for Feb. 10.
