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Loma Linda staff reports new grants and council debates community survey, five‑year plan
Summary
Staff reported a mix of awarded and pending grants — including a $75,000 community Wi‑Fi protection award and $125,000 CDBG ADA funds — and council debated hiring a consultant for a community needs survey and a five‑year strategic plan, directing staff to prepare an RFP and budget estimates.
City staff told the council about several recently awarded and pending grants and asked for direction on a possible community survey and five‑year strategic planning effort.
City staff reported a $75,000 award from the Inland Empire Regional Conservation District for a community Wi‑Fi protection plan and acceptance of a $21,005.70 tobacco grant. Staff said a $125,000 CDBG award for ADA sidewalk improvements is complete and that the SBCTA awarded a $250,000 planning grant (SBCTA will manage the contract). Pending grant applications include a $750,000 SCADA upgrade and requests for pickleball courts and a splash pad.
Lorena Matarita described economic development efforts including a soon‑to‑launch marketing website, short promotional videos and outreach to commercial property owners. “We’ve taken a very proactive approach to ensuring economic development efforts continue to move forward,” Matarita said, noting the city does not currently have a dedicated economic development department.
Council then discussed whether to commission an independent professional survey for the community needs assessment and/or a five‑year strategic plan. Council members noted that Redlands paid about $68,000 for a survey two years ago and argued both for independent professional work (to ensure impartiality) and lower‑cost options (working with university students). Several members supported issuing an RFP and returning with cost estimates before selecting a consultant.
Council asked staff to prepare requests for proposals and budget estimates and to return with options including consultant proposals and a possible university‑assisted approach. No final procurement decision was made tonight.
