Yucaipa City Council votes to increase fees
YUCAIPA - In its October 27 meeting, the City Council voted to increase development impact fees by $624 for each residential unit and a $2,500 increase per acre for commercial and industrial property.
According to the taped minutes of the meeting, Community Development Director, John McMains, said that the revised development impact fees will generate an accumulative $169-million over the remaining 25 to 30 year life of the development impact fees program.
A developer of commercial and industrial property will pay about $47,000 per acre because of the increased fees, which McMains said amounts to a little over $1 per square foot.
Council member Tom Masner cast the lone dissenting vote and said that it's outrageous that a developer must pay $47,000 to build a business in our city. Mayor Dick Riddell countered by saying that Yucaipa's development impact fee program is, "touted as the best in the county by various agencies...SANBAG (San Bernardino Associated Governments) puts us right on top of the list," Riddell said.
In other business, AB1389 - referred to as the "Budget Trailer Bill" by councilmember, Denise Hoyt, would allow the state to take money from cities redevelopment funds. Hoyt said Yucaipa's share would amount to $91,000. But she added that the California Redevelopment Association is filing a lawsuit on grounds that the action is unconstitutional.
The council also discussed and voted approval of the Entry Monumentation Project, which when the design is finalized, will be built at the Live Oak Canyon Interchange. The design details include an arch shape with an oak tree in the middle, along with integrating elements - including panels, river rock, tile, the city logo, and lighting - into the overall scheme.
Council also discussed and agreed upon an appropriate tribute for retired city manager, John Tooker. Civic Center Park at City Hall was renamed the John Tooker Civic Park, and council members unanimously agreed to have two large plaques installed on both ends of the bridge at the park honoring Tooker for his years of service to the city.
The Graffiti Busters program was also discussed, and through the efforts of the police department, community development department, and volunteers, the program will be restarted, but no date was given.
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This is why we have a big turn out for 3 open seats.
We need to be more business friendly,and need to make a change for the good.We can't depend on develoment impact fees to balance our city budget.
Carl Vince For Yucaipa City Council
Why is limiting business so taboo in Yucaipa? Why can't we preserve the open space and development we have and still generate revenue by remodeling the existing streets and businesses we have??
If I were in charge, I'd double the proposed fees, impose a moratorium on new home construction, and work on improving the conditions of the local infrastructure.