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Wildomar mayor apologizes after short‑notice planning item, vows clearer public process
Summary
Mayor Marquez and city staff told residents a planning‑commission policy change was initiated by staff (not commissioners or council), apologized for short notice at a special meeting and pledged changes including fewer special meetings and earlier outreach.
Mayor Marquez opened the council meeting by addressing community concerns that followed a special planning‑commission meeting item that many residents discovered on social media. He said the proposal had been prepared by staff and reviewed in the planning commission’s advisory role, and that any final policy change would require a public hearing and council action.
"The item in question was brought forward … by city staff at a planning commission meeting. It was not initiated by the planning commissioners nor by the city council," Mayor Marquez said, adding the commission is advisory and that public hearings and two readings at council would have been required before any rule change took effect.
City Manager Chris Man told residents staff is implementing internal changes to avoid similar problems, including avoiding special meetings for major, community‑impacting items, stronger direct outreach to affected residents, and improved communication earlier in the process. He said staff will bring the existing setback proposals back in the context of the city’s year‑long general plan updates and advised residents that no decisions can be made outside a public meeting.
Why it matters: Residents across Wildomar reacted strongly when the proposal appeared at a short‑notice, special planning‑commission meeting. Council members acknowledged the upset and framed the corrective steps as attempts to restore public trust and improve transparency.
What’s next: Staff said it will return setback language in a future public hearing cycle so residents can review proposed standards and weigh in before any formal action is taken.
Ending: Council emphasized the city’s legal obligation to conduct public business in meetings and invited residents to participate in upcoming planning hearings and outreach sessions.
