City proposes annexation adding 123 road miles and new infrastructure services

The Hemet City Council convened on March 25, 2024, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on infrastructure and service provisions related to a proposed annexation area.

The meeting began with a detailed presentation on the implications of the annexation, which would add approximately 123 road miles to the city's existing 330 road miles. This expansion includes various rights of way, such as paved and unpaved roadways, road shoulders, curb and gutter sidewalks, street lights, traffic signals, trees, and landscaping. Currently, Hemet has 42 traffic signals, with an additional 7 located in the sphere of influence.

City officials confirmed that existing water agencies, including Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) and Lake Hemet, would continue to provide services in their current areas. Additionally, refuse collection services would be integrated with the city's franchise provider.

The council also addressed the need for additional city facilities, vehicles, and equipment to manage the expanded infrastructure. A significant point of discussion was the pavement condition index, a tool used to assess the quality of road surfaces. This index is determined through inspections conducted by vehicles equipped with sensors and cameras that evaluate the severity and quantity of roadway distresses.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of these infrastructure improvements and the importance of maintaining service continuity for residents in the newly annexed areas. Further discussions and planning will be required to address the logistics of these expansions and the associated costs.