Preview: 4/7/26 City council meeting
Meeting Summary
This meeting includes a proposed traffic signal installation, changes to cannabis enforcement policy, and several infrastructure projects
Consent calendar (Items 1-10)
The consent calendar are typically routine items that are passed in bulk by the City Council. Any item can be pulled from the consent calendar by a single City Councilmember for a separate vote and/or discussion
March 17, 2026 meeting minutes
The minutes of the prior City Council meeting. This documents the events that took place in writing
classification plan update
This renames the “Secretary” → “Administrative Aide” to better align with modern standards
loan consolidation agreement for east fullerton villas
This restructures a loan from 1994 on an affordable housing project so the City can actually receive steady payments instead of almost nothing
us army corp of engineers utility easement renewals
The City is renewing easements for sewer and drain infrastructure. If they don’t, they’d have to remove critical infrastructure which would be costly
additional microsoft renewal licenses emergency purchase
The City had to spend an additional ~$40k on Microsoft licenses after underestimating what was needed to keep critical systems running. This asks for retroactive approval (emergencies/time-sensitive needs allow this)
critical network infrastructure equipment purchase
The City spent ~$109k to replace failing network equipment at fire stations to avoid disruptions to emergency response systems. This asks for retroactive approval
purchase order for solar powered streetlights
The City plans to spend up to $100k per year to gradually replace unreliable streetlights with solar-powered ones
palm street area street rehabilitation
The City is approving a $2 million street repair project, partially funded by neighboring cities, to fix severely deteriorated roads.
baker avenue rehabilitation
The City is approving a ~$533k project to repair a deteriorated street near a school, including sidewalks and accessibility upgrades
coronado area water main replacement
The City is replacing aging water pipes that have a history of breaking as part of a broader plan to upgrade water infrastructure
regular business (items 11 through 13)
11. Euclid and Valley view signal light
Problem: Residents in the area expressed concerns with high speeds in the area and frequent crashes. Staff conducted studies and tried various solutions, yet the traffic conditions remain mostly unchanged
Proposed Solution: Staff recommends that City Council install a signal light at this intersection to improve safety and reduce the City’s liability
Why This Matters: Impacts public safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers
Policy Perspective: Staff has exhausted all reasonable alternatives to improve safety at this intersection short of a signal light. It is of the utmost importance that the City implement the infrastructure necessary to keep residents safe, and as it stands, there are no alternatives to do so. This signal light would protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, while having minimal impact on the nearby neighborhoods.
12. Cannabis fines and penalties
Problem: Fullerton does not allow dispensaries within the city. The current enforcement process is costly, time-consuming, requires coordination between multiple departments, and has been ineffective in permanently shutting down these dispensaries.
Proposed Solution: Staff recommends the City strengthen enforcement using recently passed state laws that allow costlier fines and more tools for enforcement.
Why This Matters: Costs the City money, affects local businesses and landlords, and impacts public safety.
Policy Perspective: Fullerton is a college town, and thus, likely has a relatively larger market for cannabis compared to other cities. Even with these stronger enforcement measures, the demand will still exist, and thus illegal dispensaries will be a persistent issue.
Rather than waste funds on legal costs and staff time, the City should pursue legalization of dispensaries to collect additional revenue and control a market that is currently operating without oversight. This would require a shift in policy direction and could not be immediately implemented at this meeting.
If the council wishes to proceed with their current policy direction, the recommended changes are superior to our current policies and will allow more costs to be recovered.
13. IT management and support services
Problem: The City contracted their IT services out to Glass Box Technology in 2020 following a cybersecurity incident. This agreement costs $3.6 million a year and expires in June 2026. Staff has identified another qualified firm who can provide similar services at a reduced cost
Proposed Solution: Enter into a contract with Infinity Technologies until June 2029, with two optional one-year extensions. This would cost ~$2 million, saving $1.6 million annually
Why This Matters: City operations rely on technology that need to be serviced by professionals. IT services are critical infrastructure to every city in this era
Policy Perspective: This is a qualified firm and can provide similar services at a reduced cost.
