Upland City Council Meeting Briefing: April 13 Session Analysis

Executive Summary

The Upland City Council meeting held on April 13 focused on significant structural changes to city operations, long-term fiscal planning for utilities, and major economic development announcements. Key outcomes included the formalization of the city’s first-ever Utility Reserve Policy for water and sewer, a strategic shift from a single-contractor model to a multi-vendor approach for citywide landscaping to improve accountability, and the announcement of Vallarta Supermarkets taking over the 75,000-square-foot Kohl’s building.

The session also featured the promotion of five veteran police officers and a series of public testimonies addressing high-stakes community issues, including the repeal of rent stabilization for mobile home residents, public safety on 14th Street, and the impact of immigration enforcement on the local community.

1. Public Safety and Community Recognition

Police Department Promotions

The meeting opened with the presentation of promotions within the Upland Police Department. The Mayor and Council emphasized the dedication of the force, noting that the officers' commitment has led to a perceived positive shift in public support for law enforcement.

Name

New Rank

Key Career Highlights

Gabriel Santana

Detective

2018 Officer of the Year; Crisis Negotiations and Taser Instructor.

Edmund Ortega

Detective

11-year veteran; SWAT assistant team leader; "Master Breacher."

Carlo Landavar

Detective

17 years in law enforcement; Quality of Life team corporal.

Paul Song

Sergeant

2023 Officer of the Year; 9-time GTA award recipient; Juris Doctorate holder.

Gabriel Garcia

Sergeant

21-year veteran; former Military Policeman; SWAT team leader.

Environmental Stewardship

The Council proclaimed April 26, 2026, as National Arbor Day. Upland celebrated its 26th year as a "Tree City USA." An Arbor Day event was announced for April 23 at Sierra Vista Park, focusing on community tree planting and sustainability.

2. Public Testimony and Community Concerns

Citizens raised several critical issues during the oral communications segment:

• Immigration Enforcement: Tina Silva reported that ICE raids have escalated over the last 300 days. She requested the city establish a local support fund (similar to Pomona’s), prohibit ICE from using city property for operations, and ensure data from Flock cameras is not shared with federal immigration authorities.

• Economic Disparity: Rob Perus highlighted that the median income in Upland is approximately $40,000, which he characterized as "poverty." He advocated for "maker spaces" and startup tools to drive high-paying jobs back to the area.

• Mobile Home Rent Stabilization: Sarah L., an industrial psychologist, criticized the Council for repealing the rent stabilization ordinance under "Omnibus Ordinance 1997." She alleged the repeal was hidden in a 300-page report and has significantly impacted elderly residents on fixed incomes.

• Infrastructure Safety: Residents expressed gratitude for increased police presence on 14th Street but noted ongoing dangers, including a near-miss involving a pedestrian with a stroller. Concerns were raised regarding the slow progress (30% design phase) of the 14th Street project.

• Transparency and Technology: A resident (Oswaldo Diaz) noted that speakers can no longer view themselves on monitors during public comment, potentially impacting the use of visual aids.

3. Infrastructure and Utility Management

Mulberry Avenue Project Change Order

The Council approved a contract change order for Gentry Brothers to include the Mulberry Avenue project within the existing Foothill Boulevard project.

• Scope: 8-inch water main, pavement reconstruction, curb, gutter, and sidewalk fixes between Foothill Blvd and Pine Street.

• Fiscal Impact: Total award of $1.7 million.

• Benefit: Utilizing an existing contractor saves approximately $5,000 in bidding costs and accelerates the timeline by eight weeks.

Establishment of Utility Reserve Policies

In a historic first for the city, the Council adopted comprehensive reserve policies for the Water and Sewer enterprise funds.

• Strategic Purpose: To ensure long-term infrastructure sustainability without relying on high-interest bonds. Upland has a backlog of approximately 90 miles of water mainline replacement.

• Reserve Categories:

  • Operating Reserve: For revenue shortfalls and emergencies.

  • Rate Stabilization: To mitigate "spikes" in rate increases for residents.

  • Capital Reserve: For future master plan replacements.

  • PFAS and TCP Reserves: Dedicated funds for the remediation of "forever chemicals."

• PFAS Disclosure: Assistant City Manager Damian Arula warned that state and federal remediation thresholds are lowering, and litigation settlements will likely not cover the full cost of necessary water treatment upgrades.

Citywide Landscape Enhancement

The Council voted to terminate the city’s single-vendor contract with BrightView and transition to a four-zone, multi-contractor model to improve quality control and responsiveness.

Service Area

Selected Contractor

3-Year Contract Value

Parks & Sports Fields

Landscape West Management

$2.1 Million

City Facilities

Elite Maintenance & Tree Services

$197,322

North Area (North of Foothill)

Colts Landscaping

$814,998

South Area (South of Foothill)

Mariposa Landscaping

$1.1 Million

Note: The transition increases annual costs from ~921,000 to ~1.4 million due to inflation and a more robust service schedule. The Council discussed the possibility of a 30-day early termination of the current vendor due to poor performance.

4. Urban Design and Historical Preservation

Santa Fe Depot Rehabilitation

The Council reviewed revised conceptual designs for the historic Santa Fe Depot.

• Aesthetic Direction: The Council reached a consensus on "Dark Brown" trim rather than black, adhering to the Spanish Colonial Revival style.

• Modifications: Removed acrylic materials from the patio structure to prevent damage, changed signage lettering to a vertical stack with "halo" lighting, and replaced decomposed granite with wood mulch to better handle foot traffic near parking areas.

• Funding: SBCTA will participate in funding the rehabilitation of the five Metroink shelters on the site

5. Economic Development and Commercial Growth

Director Robert Dalquest provided an exhaustive update on the city's commercial landscape:

Major Retail Announcements

• Vallarta Supermarket: Confirmed to take over the old Kohl’s/Arden’s Furniture building (75,000 sq. ft.).

• HomeGoods: Moving into the former Big Lots space in the Upland Center at Mountain and Foothill.

• Black Rock Coffee: Two new locations planned (one on the West End of Foothill, replacing an old car wash, and one at the Packing District outparcel).

• Azure Seafood: Planning a 57,000-sq.-ft. cold storage facility on Arrow Hwy, including a seafood market, restaurant, and microbrewery.

Downtown Revitalization and Small Business

• Business Attraction: 15 new businesses have entered the downtown area since the inception of the attraction program (11 within the last three years).

• Firefly Cottage: Interior work is 60% complete; exterior work is expected to finish by year-end.

• Thomas Plaza: Construction notice to proceed is scheduled for next week.

• Grants: The city assisted 16 businesses through the $225,000 ARPA-funded Small Business Expansion Grant program.

6. Closing Administrative Actions

• Planning Commission: The Council established an ad hoc committee consisting of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem to interview candidates for two expiring terms on the Planning Commission.

• Crossing Guards: The Council discussed the need for additional crossing guard hours at Magnolia Elementary and Upland High School, citing safety risks from "red light runners." The school district is currently conducting a needs assessment.

Disclaimer: The Upland Update is an independent community resource and is not affiliated with the City of Upland. This is my personal initiative to keep residents and businesses informed about key issues, city developments, and community events that impact our daily lives. My goal is to ensure you have clear, transparent, and timely information to stay engaged and involved in shaping Upland’s future.

James Breitling

(909) 342-2523

info@theuplandupdate.com

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