City of Murrieta City Council Meeting - October 6, 2026

At the October 6, 2026, City of Murrieta City Council meeting, the council introduced the first reading of Ordinance 639-26 to update Stevens’ kangaroo rat habitat conservation mitigation fees, with an effective date proposed for January 1, 2027. The regional fee structure raises standard development fees from $500 to $900 per gross acre and agricultural development fees from $100 to $500 per gross acre; the fees are paid by developers. The council approved the first reading, with Council Member Stone dissenting (4–1). The discussion covered continuing reserve management costs, state and federal species protections, and the burden and process implications for development; staff noted that declining the fee update could leave the city outside its regional plan agreement and require project-by-project approvals.

After closed session, the council reported authorizing the acquisition of property from Windham Resort Development Corporation for $750,000, under an agreement in a form approved by the city manager and city attorney; Council Member Stone recused herself from that item. Other real-property negotiation items had no reportable action. Staff also reported an upcoming Eastern Municipal Water District project to upgrade 16 fire hydrants in the Nulles community, but no city contract award or expenditure was identified. The council separately voted unanimously to set regular council meetings to begin at 5 p.m. starting January 1, with a flexible closed-session schedule.