ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Call to Order/Roll Call 1:00 PM
EDC MEMBERS PRESENT
Mayor Joe Baca
Mayor Pro Tem Ed Scott
CITY/AGENCY STAFF PRESENT
Tanya Williams, City Manager
Eric Vale, City Attorney
Christina Taylor, Community Development Director
Paul Guerrero, Economic Development Manager
Yazdan Emrani, Public Works Director
Chris Jensen, Acting Fire Department Chief
Paul Truffa, Fire Division Chief
Captain Lamont Quarker, Police Department
Timothy Sun, Code Enforcement Manager
Matt Bennett, City Engineer
Jay Garcia, Chief Building Official
Daniel Casey, Principal Planner
Sandra Robles, Senior Planner
Heidy Gonzalez, Administrative Assistant
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Peter Schafer addressed the Committee and stated he wished to comment on Agenda Item No. 3 regarding a parcel his group represents. The Mayor asked him to wait until that item is reached on the agenda.
REVIEW/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes from the September 18, 2025, EDC Meeting. – Approved Minutes from the September 25, 2025, EDC Meeting – Approved
REPORTS/DISCUSSION ITEMS
EDC-25-0748
Request Economic Development Committee Review and Comments Regarding Future Measure I Projects.
Presented by Matt Bennett
EDC-25-0638
Update on the Design of Residential Streets Rehabilitation – Zone 3 Phase I, City Project No. 26083 and Update on Design of Residential Streets Rehabilitation – Zone 3 Phase II, City Project No. 26084 Presented by Matt Bennett
Committee Comments/Questions/Recommendations:
Mr. Bennett provided an overview of SCCTA’s efforts to renew the Measure I ballot measure and discussed forming a coalition with neighboring cities, including Colton and San Bernardino, to strengthen advocacy for regional transportation funding. Engineering staff reviewed a list of regional projects and sought Committee feedback on priorities. The Committee discussed the PE Trail project, potential improvements along Riverside Avenue north of Baseline, joint opportunities with Colton, and the need for traffic improvements in areas with anticipated development. There was also discussion about left-turn lanes, traffic signals, and other potential additions to the priority list. Members emphasized the importance of establishing Rialto’s priorities early so that the City is positioned to advocate for its fair share of Measure I funding.
EDC-25-0747
Amendment to the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance Presented by Christina Taylor
Committee Comments/Questions/Recommendations:
The Planning Department presented updates to the ADU ordinance following coordination with Code Enforcement, Building and Safety, and the Police Department. Staff confirmed that building inspectors had completed updated ADU training and reviewed the ordinance for consistency with the 2025 HCD ADU Handbook. The revised ordinance will bring the City into full compliance with State law. Committee members emphasized the importance of staff attending the City Council meeting to address technical questions about what is and is not permitted under State ADU requirements.
EDC-25-0755
Zone Change Recommendations for Industrial-Residential Interface Areas Presented by Christina Taylor and Daniel Casey
Committee Comments/Questions/Recommendations:
Staff presented six site exhibits identifying areas where industrial and residential uses conflict. Each exhibit included information about existing zoning, the presence or absence of active entitlements, entitlement expiration dates, and potential alternative zoning recommendations. The Committee reviewed each site.
For the Renaissance Parkway and Alder Avenue location, staff noted the presence of an active industrial entitlement held by Hillwood. The Committee discussed whether industrial zoning was appropriate at such a prominent freeway location. For the Linden Avenue and Casmalia Street location, the property owner addressed the Committee, expressing support for retaining industrial zoning and concern about devaluation if the zoning were changed. Staff confirmed that the entitlement remains active through November 2026 and recommended that no rezoning occur while an entitlement is in effect.
The Committee discussed the Casa Grande and Locust Avenue area, which has no active entitlements and is adjacent to the Las Colinas residential neighborhood. Staff indicated that this site is a strong candidate for residential zoning to resolve long-term incompatibility. The Olive Grove site within the Airport Specific Plan area was also reviewed. While it has an active entitlement through 2028 and construction is expected soon, staff noted that if the entitlement were to expire, the site could be reconsidered for residential use due to its proximity to Jerry Eaves Park and existing housing.
The Committee also reviewed the West Coast Boulevard and Locust Avenue area, where existing homes are currently non-conforming due to industrial zoning. Staff recommended rezoning to residential to prevent truck traffic conflicts. A similar situation was noted at Bohnert and Locust, where staff again suggested rezoning to residential.
Committee members asked staff to include original zoning dates, since many industrial designations date back to 1997 or the early 2010’s. The Committee agreed to move forward with further evaluation of the Casa Grande and West Coast areas and other non-entitled parcels, while excluding sites that currently have active entitlements.
EDC-25-0756
Planning Entitlement and Building & Safety Plan Review Status Reports Presented by Daniel Casey
Mr. Casey presented the updated monthly entitlement list. Committee members requested the removal of projects that have been inactive for long periods. Staff discussed several pending projects, including the newly filed McDonald’s proposed at Foothill and Acacia, and a liquor license upgrade request for Circle K, which may face challenges due to proximity to residential areas. The Committee reviewed commercial projects proposed near Pepper Avenue and the 210 Freeway interchange, as well as the status of the 6th Cycle Housing Element update, which is nearing resubmittal. Staff estimated the citywide warehouse vacancy rate to be below 10 percent. Additional discussion focused on the pallet yard project, the proposed hotel, food hall concepts, and modifications to older industrial buildings. Members emphasized the City’s strong need for more restaurants and destination dining options. Staff also noted that the OCC project is nearing completion, with plan check expected to be completed by November 4, 2025.
Upcoming Meetings/Other Discussion Items:
The Committee acknowledged that the next two regularly scheduled meetings fall on holidays; it was agreed to cancel the November and December meetings, with the next meeting to be held on January 29, 2026.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 2:17 P.M.