Paris council approves annexations, consent items and committee appointments; council discusses economic development staffing and AI data centers
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Summary
At the Jan. 13 joint meeting the council approved annexation and maintenance‑district resolutions, passed the consent calendar 5–0, heard debate on an approximately $1 million economic development allocation (motion to refer died), and approved committee and regional agency appointments; Council also directed staff to study AI data‑center policy.
The City of Paris City Council unanimously approved a package of consent and public‑hearing items and made appointments to regional agencies and internal committees at its Jan. 13 joint meeting.
On multiple annexation and maintenance‑district items related to CUP 20‑05101 (Beyond Food Mart at Harley Knox Boulevard and Paris Boulevard), the council opened and closed public hearings, read ballots marked "yes," and adopted the resolutions by motion (recorded votes noted as 5–0).
The consent calendar — including multiple routine items — was approved in combined motion (5–0). Council discussion on one consent subitem (10d) examined an approximately $1,000,000 proposed allocation for economic development; Councilman Grama voiced fiscal concern and moved to send the item back to the Economic Development Committee for prioritization, arguing the city lacks staff capacity to implement repeated consultant recommendations. That motion did not receive a second and therefore died; the consent calendar item proceeded as scheduled.
The mayor announced appointments to regional agencies and working committees, including representation on the Riverside Transit Agency, Western Riverside Council of Governments, RCTC, Riverside County Habitat Conservation Agency and other bodies. Council confirmed committee chairs and partners for Ways & Means, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Economic Development and several ad hoc committees; the appointments were adopted by roll call vote (5–0).
Council also appointed Councilman Corona as mayor pro tem for 2026 by rotation; that motion passed. During council communications, Councilman Raab directed staff to begin reviewing policy options to prohibit or manage AI data centers and said he expected follow‑up work and potential ordinance drafting later in the year.
Vote summary: motions for minutes, consent calendar and appointments recorded as approved (roll calls recorded in the meeting minutes, several items recorded as 5–0).
Background and context: speakers during public comment included local nonprofit and advocacy groups supporting tenant protections and opposing unchecked industrial expansion; the Youth Advisory Committee shared upcoming youth events and application dates.
Next steps: staff will process appointment notifications to regional partners, post meeting minutes and follow up on directions to study AI data centers and other items as requested by council members.
