The upcoming meeting has a lengthy agenda with five items for discussion, some of which may be significant. There is limited information available regarding a few items, making it difficult to determine if they will lead to extensive discussions. Due to time constraints, the following is a concise summary.

Item #11: This item is related to amending the General Plan to include “safety elements,” which is a new requirement from the state. Safety elements entail hazard mitigation planning, disaster preparation, and emergency response. The proposal, prepared by a consultant, was approved by the Planning Commission and outlines eight broad goals aimed at addressing various possible disasters. More details can be found here: https://fullerton.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.

Item #12: The Fire Department is proposing to move ambulance services in-house, primarily to achieve cost savings. This change represents a significant shift, and based on an initial review of the proposal, it is unclear whether it is a favorable idea. Fullerton’s first Firefighter/Paramedics went on duty in 1974 and continues to be an integral part of the Department. Fullerton ambulance services have been provided by a company called Falck since 2022 when Fullerton and Brea decided to stop their joint firefighting efforts. Questions arise about why this move wasn’t considered earlier if substantial savings are anticipated. The proposal indicates that while ambulance crew members wouldn’t be fully-fledged firefighters, this could serve as a recruitment pipeline. Discussion on this topic is expected, particularly from a councilmember with a nursing background.

Item #13: This agenda item addresses the allocation of SB1 road maintenance funds (related to gas tax revenue). Designated areas for road repairs include residential streets north of Hermosa School and in the Candlewood area near Emery Park, justified by prior water main replacement construction in those locations. Limited further explanation is provided regarding the selection of these areas compared to others with similar needs.

Item #14: The Council will set policies on materials allowed for display or distribution in City buildings, including City Hall and the Library. Notably, there is no provision for distributing newspapers or similar materials, which may impact the Fullerton Observer, Daily Titan, and other publications. The Fullerton Observer has been allowed in the buildings for over 40 years. Clarification may be necessary regarding this interpretation, as it could lead to public interest and potential pushback.

Item #15: This item pertains to the “2025 Water Master Plan,” which has not been updated since 1997. The motion involves receiving the plan, prepared by a consultant, which aims to outline capital improvements and maintenance of water infrastructure over the next 20 years. It also proposes oversight of the water rate study development by the Infrastructure and Natural Resources Advisory Committee.

It should be noted that at the last meeting, several public speakers criticized the Council’s behavior during the March 4 meeting and the lack of transparency of the charter city proposal. The majority of council members present did not respond to these comments.

Additionally, the beer garden and market at the Fullerton Museum Plaza on Wilshire Ave will open on Thursday, April 3, and remain operational through September.