Highland · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Highland public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Fire Station #1 Sleeping Quarter Privacy
The city's oldest fire station has one big open dorm room, while newer stations have private rooms. With staffing jumping from 24 to 31 under the new CAL Fire contract and a mixed-gender workforce, privacy has become a pressing workplace issue. The fix would cost $275,000.
Storm Preparedness and Response Funding
The city was positioned to add $150,000 to its storm response budget, bringing the year's total to $350,000. That money funds contracts and purchases to keep the city ready for storm damage.
Illegal Fireworks Enforcement and Citation Appeals
The city is aggressively citing property owners — not tenants or guests — for fireworks discharged at their properties on July 4th, backed by dashcam video. Owners are on the hook even if they weren't home or didn't light anything, and fines can reach $2,000.
Fire Department Fund Structure Reorganization
The city is considering moving the Fire Department's fund accounting into the general fund to streamline budget management.
Citywide Public Safety Community Facilities District
The city established a new community facilities district to ensure new developments help fund police, fire, and paramedic services, with a $310 annual per-unit assessment initiated by a 79-home KB Home project.
Highland Senior Center HVAC Replacement and General Fund Allocation
The city is chipping in over $80,000 from local reserves to help replace aging HVAC equipment at the Highland Senior Center, which serves as a regional cooling center. State review requirements pushed up costs and delayed the project, causing council members to express frustration about spending local tax dollars on a state-owned building.
Substandard Property and Nuisance Abatement at 7222 Church Ave.
The city is cracking down on unpermitted construction and illegal auto repair businesses that violate municipal codes and create safety hazards.
Public Nuisance and Unpermitted Operations at 25414 Base Line
Residents from Highland Avenue and surrounding cul-de-sacs voiced serious concerns about nighttime noise, illegal street racing, and public nuisance issues caused by vendors and visitors. They requested enhanced law enforcement and speed bumps to protect neighborhood children.
Brush Clearance and Fire Insurance Issues
A resident raised concerns about unmanaged brush and weed abatement on East Valley Water District property near residential neighborhoods, which has led to homeowners losing their fire insurance.
Code Enforcement Due Process and Public Nuisance Procedures
Residents spoke out about neighborhood nuisances, prompting a staff update on code enforcement actions addressing issues like food vendors and homelessness.
Community Outreach and Police Relations
The subcommittee discussed community engagement and recommended exploring a "Coffee With City Council" program to improve local communication.
Cal-Fire Contract Amendment for Fire and Paramedic Services
The city approved a five-year contract amendment with Cal-Fire to cover firefighter and paramedic staffing, ensuring fire protection services remain fully funded and operational.
Sheriff’s Department Contract and EVWD Law Enforcement Agreement
The city added two new deputy positions and adjusted its budget to support enhanced local law enforcement services in partnership with the East Valley Water District.
Implementation of Senate Bill 707 Meeting Procedures
The council adopted new rules for hybrid meetings, remote public comments, and technology disruptions to comply with state law, despite expressing frustration over unfunded mandates.
Graffiti Enforcement and Cleanup Efforts
City officials highlighted recent law enforcement success in arresting repeat graffiti vandals responsible for thousands of dollars in property damage, while public works continues rapid cleanup across neighborhoods.