Sierra Madre, California Development News
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Sierra Madre City Council | July 14, 2026 | Regular Meeting
Published: Jul 14, 2026
Council Reviews Updated Fleet Management Plan, Approving Replacement of 10 Vehicles
The City Council discussed and considered the Enterprise Fleet Management Program implementation, focusing on Year 1 vehicle selection. Enterprise representatives presented a plan to replace nine aging city vehicles and add one growth vehicle for the fire department, with a total estimated annual cost of $258,000. This plan (Plan B) evolved from an initial proposal of 13 vehicles. The reduction in the number of vehicles is attributed to model year increases from 2026 to 2027, shifts in targeted vehicles based on departmental needs (prioritizing older, higher mileage vehicles, especially in Public Works), and the inclusion of utility bodies on some vehicles, which increases their cost but also their aftermarket value. The total cost of ownership analysis considers monthly lease payments, aftermarket additions, and projected equity from selling the old vehicles. The program also includes maintenance services for the remaining city-owned vehicles not part of the lease. Council members sought clarification on vehicle specifications, the rationale for hybrid vs. electric options, the role of aftermarket customizations on equity value, and the shift from 13 to 10 vehicles. While no formal motion was required as the city manager had prior authority to make changes, the council expressed support for the revised plan.
City Approves 2025 Urban Water Management and Contingency Plans, Citing Reliable Supplies
The City Council reviewed and approved the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan, as required by the California Urban Water Management Planning Act. The plan, prepared by Stetson Engineers, found that the city's water supplies are reliable and can meet existing and future demands through 2050, even under normal, single dry, and five consecutive dry year drought conditions. The city's water use in 2020 was 199 gallons per capita per day, meeting the state target of 206 gallons, and has since decreased to an average of 189 gallons per capita per day. The water shortage contingency plan, integrated into the urban water management plan, outlines measures to manage customer demand during state-declared shortages. Council members discussed the plan's reliance on local watershed data, including the Raymond Basin, and the potential impacts of climate change, noting an anticipated increase in temperature and precipitation, with more rain and less snow. The plan concluded that the city can meet demands reliably, even with population growth projections.
Council Agendas Discussions on Bailey Canyon Entrance, Agenda Policies, and Solicitor Regulations
The City Council discussed the potential relocation of the Bailey Canyon entrance and discussed the need for a policy on how items are added to the council agenda ('agendaizing'). Additionally, Council Member Parker requested to agendaize a discussion on solicitor policies in response to resident concerns about door-to-door sales and potential casing. Concerns were raised about the lack of clear policies on agendaizing items and the need for a formalized process to ensure transparency and consistency. The council agreed to add these items to future agendas.
City Selects Whitman Enterprises LLC for Ambulance Billing Services
The City Council approved Resolution 2649, awarding a professional services agreement to Whitman Enterprises LLC for ambulance billing and collection services. This selection followed a review process, and the agreement is intended to manage the city's ambulance billing and collections. The consent calendar, which included this resolution, was approved unanimously.
City Council Approves Fee Schedule Adjustments After Discussion on Key Increases
The City Council held a continued public hearing and reviewed the city's annual user fee update for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. Finance Director Mr. provided a comparison report detailing year-over-year fee changes. Several council members raised questions about specific fee increases, particularly the nearly 800% rise in the low impact development (LID) plan review fee, from $252 to $2,251. Staff explained this increase is due to outsourcing the service to Wan Services at a higher contracted rate and that the previous fee was an hourly rate, making the new flat rate potentially lower in practice for projects exceeding one hour. The deposit for new water service also increased from $79 to $250 to cover two months of average water consumption and hedge against non-payment. Council also discussed the Mount Wilson Trail Race 5K fee increase to $83 and parking citation fees, with a decision to adjust the 5K fee and re-evaluate parking fees to align more closely with neighboring cities like San Marino. A separate discussion on the user fee cost recovery level policy was deferred to a later date to gather community feedback.
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The Sierra Madre News archive
Sierra Madre Moves Workshop | July 7th, 2026
Sierra Madre City Council | June 23, 2026 | Regular Meeting
Sierra Madre Planning Commission | June 18, 2026 | Regular Meeting
Sierra Madre City Council | June 9, 2026 | Regular Meeting
Sierra Madre Planning Commission | June 4, 2026 | Regular Meeting
Sierra Madre City Council | May 28, 2026 | Special Meeting
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