The following are notable agenda items from city meetings scheduled for this week.
Charter Review Committee, Wednesday
During their 5 p.m. meeting, the committee will discuss the final draft of the proposed charter amendment language which addresses the city’s electric utility general fund transfer (GFT). The committee will also select one of its members to present their finalized recommendations to the council on July 6.
Board of Ethics Committee, Thursday
During their 5 p.m. meeting, the committee scheduled a discussion on the purposes, scope and duties of the city’s code of ethics and conduct as well as the board of ethics itself.
Committee Chair Keith Nelson said the review of materials has less to do with Councilmember Gabby Plascencia’s recent Board of Ethics Hearing than it does the process by which it was carried out.
“We don’t want to tie it to [Plascencia’s] recall effort, I’m not looking for punitive action,” Nelson said. “We’re trying to encourage transparency and accuracy in the process. We really have to clear up the process.” The main concerns the board wants to address in their meeting are some procedural issues and the review measures by which allegations of ethics violations can be heard.
Nelson said the importance of clearing any confusion or discrepancy in how the board is able to function alongside the code of ethics will prepare future boards for how they can assess claims.
The discussion comes nearly a month after the city council asked the ethics board to investigate fellow Councilmember Chuck Conder (Ward 4) after he signed a declaration in support of a lawsuit against the city earlier this year.
Housing Element presentation for Ward 3, Wednesday
In a community meeting, Councilmember Ronaldo Fierro’s office (Ward 3) will host its first in-person presentation and discussion on the City’s Housing Element Update to the Ward 3 community.
From 6 to 8 p.m. tomorrow, city staff will discuss the need for the Housing Element of the 2025 General Plan and the state of housing in Riverside. Community members will have the opportunity to provide feedback. The meeting will be held at the Grier Pavilion at Riverside City Hall, located on the Seventh Floor.
