Weekly City Hall Update

Check out this week's City Hall Update

Upland Councilman James Breitling

5/10/20254 min read

Administrative Services Department

Finance

· A new Business License Services webpage is live, streamlining access for entrepreneurs to apply, renew, and understand requirements for doing business in Upland.
Visit:
uplandca.gov/business-license-services

· AQMD auditors completed an in-person audit of fiscal years 2022 and 2023. Senior Accountant Kelly Duong led the City’s successful compliance response—Upland met all AQMD accounting and funding standards.

Human Resources

· HR hosted a "Lunch and Learn" in collaboration with Claremont University, promoting ongoing employee development.

· Installed AED machines at all City facilities, enhancing emergency response readiness.

· Received three new liability claims.

· Welcomed two new hires:

· Aleeah Aguilera, Administrative Intern

· Ryan Alvarado, Recreation Leader

Information Technology

· Finalized the design phase for the City website redesign, which now enters full development.

· Launched implementation of a new Windows update application to ensure regular server and workstation maintenance.

· Supported Public Works, Police, and Development Services with new software installations and computer replacements.

· Worked with Axon to complete camera integration in police units, and optimized the City’s VPN for video traffic.

· Resolved Crime View access issues, setup iPad testing for PD Detectives, and conducted training with copier techs across departments.

· Staff also finalized plans to modernize the Public Works conference room alongside the Assistant City Manager.

Development Services Department

Building & Safety & Planning

· From May 5–8, staff completed 104 inspections, issued 40 permits, and reviewed 19 plan checks.

· Approved 10 zoning clearances for incoming businesses.

· Issued a Special Event Permit for the Southern California Festival & Sale for World Relief (May 9–10 at Pacific Christian Center), supporting global relief efforts with food, music, and a charity auction.

Housing, Land Development, & Engineering

· City departments coordinated to prepare an AHSC grant application and met with KTUA consultants to advance the Upland Mobility Plan.

· Staff prepared construction contracts and preconstruction meetings for three Emergency Repairs Program recipients.

· The Weed Abatement Coordinator conducted 29,391 inspections to date, with 762 courtesy notices issued and 284 cases closed.

Economic Development

· Finalized ARPA-funded Small Business Expansion Grants for Cookies & Pints and Risen Bakery.

· Attended the CALED Annual Conference and continued work on transitioning from BridgePay to Tyler Payments, with a June 2 go-live target.

· Drafted a contract amendment with EnviroMine for ongoing mining operations compliance under SMARA.

· Participated in the EDI-CPF Grant cohort, focused on federal economic development funding opportunities.

Fire Department

· Station 161 represented Upland Fire at Citrus Elementary’s Career Day, offering students a look into public safety careers.

· Station 163 participated in the 2nd Annual Fun Run, continuing their commitment to community outreach and youth engagement.

Police Department

Police Activity Summary (May 1–7):

· Child Exploitation Arrest (ICAC): Detectives arrested a registered sex offender found in possession of child sexual abuse material. The suspect admitted guilt and was booked into County Jail.

· Lewd Conduct Arrest (May 2): Officers responded to reports of a man exposing himself in a pool area. The individual was arrested and charged with felony sex crimes after further investigation.

· Felony DUI & Domestic Violence (May 2): A traffic stop revealed a domestic altercation inside the vehicle. The driver was arrested for both DUI and felony domestic violence.

· Traffic Enforcement Operation (May 3): 46 citations issued for moving violations during a grant-funded detail.

· Vehicle Fire Response (May 6): Officers ensured quick traffic control near Mountain Ave & 7th St during a large vehicle fire. No other vehicles were damaged.

· Road Rage Incident & Knife Assault (May 6): A physical fight escalated into a knife attack. Officers located the suspects and a loaded firearm; two individuals were arrested.

· Obstruction & Narcotics Arrest (May 7): During a traffic stop, a relative arrived and disrupted the scene. Both were arrested—one for possession of a controlled substance.

· Domestic Battery Follow-up (May 7): A suspect drove at an officer’s vehicle after a domestic call. He resisted arrest but was safely taken into custody.

· Trespassing & Drug Arrest (Impact Team): Arrested a subject for trespassing, drug paraphernalia, and misappropriation of lost property.

· Homeless Services: Placed one person in substance abuse treatment and prevented one potential eviction.

· Code Enforcement: Met with the owner of a problem property on N. Mountain Ave; illegal signage removed citywide; reviewed conditions for new development at 1st Ave & A Street.

Public Works Department

Engineering – Capital Projects

· 14th St. & Grove Ave. Rehabs: Soil boring permits approved—design process continues.

· Foothill Blvd. (Benson–Redding): Bid opening extended to May 15.

· Lexington/1st/2nd Rehab: Asphalt completed; striping installed May 6.

· Parking Lot (A Street): Asphalt, striping complete; contractor working on trash enclosure upgrades.

· Police Dept. Expansion: Steel beam installation began overnight May 7–8.

· Reservoir Safety Upgrades: Project complete at Reservoirs 7, 12, 13; others in progress pending materials with long lead times.

· Foothill SCE Undergrounding: Unknown concrete encasement discovered—under investigation for utility type.

Operations

· Installed concrete base for trash bins at Fern Park, overlaid Greentree Rd, and set up K-rails for the Firefighter Car Show.

· Library HVAC system fully replaced and operational ahead of summer.

Utilities

· Weekly water production: 13.5 MGD

· Groundwater: 9.6 MGD

· Imported: 1.9 MGD

· San Antonio Plant: 2.0 MGD

Recreation & Community Services

· Raised $13,000+ in sponsorships for the 4th of July Light Up the Night fireworks event. Outreach to local businesses is ongoing.

· 8 park reservations and 1 facility rental scheduled this weekend.

· Butterflies in May enrolled 51 children in the season’s first educational session.

· Walking Wednesdays kicked off—a free community fitness program for all ages.

· Met with the Upland Veterans Monument Committee to plan the Memorial Day Ceremony on May 26.

· Staff attended the CPRS Funding Workshop for grants in parks and recreation.

Gibson Senior Center Highlights

· Billiards Tournament: 20+ participants, prize winners celebrated with gift cards.

· Cinco de Mayo Mocktail Hour: Included folklorico dance and community celebration.

· Ladies Paint Night: Expected to host 60+ attendees for crafts, music, and door prizes.

City Manager’s Office

· Attended SBCTA City-County Conference and Kiwanis Club meeting featuring District Attorney Jason Anderson.

· Approved and printed the Summer Edition of Upland Today—delivery begins this week!

· City Clerk’s Office celebrated Municipal Clerks Week with trivia, contests, and mascot photos featuring “Quill” the hedgehog.

· Public information team promoted:

· Firefighters Memorial Weekend

· Public Works & Economic Development Committee Meetings

· Police Ride to Live Program

· La Pupusa Festival at Farmers Market