12-28-10 Meeting Minutes

BUTTERFIELD-RIVIERA EAST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES

DATE: December 28, 2010
PLACE:  Rancho Cordova Library, 9845 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, California
MEETING TYPE:  BRECA General Membership Meeting

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT

Lori Christensen
Kelly Cohen
Gay Jones
Jim Morgan
Stan Mofjeld
Rick Sloan

1. Welcome from the Chair
2. Discussion of Topics
   1. Speed Bumps
      Kelly Cohen reported that the Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan, a set of speed bumps, had been approved by the Board of Supervisors.  A vote (by mail) conducted by the County had a 70% response rate and was 76% in favor of the plan.  Work should start this coming summer.  Kelly described the different kinds of speed bumps: speed tables, humps, and lumps.
   2. Crime Check
      Kelly Cohen reported that data for the BRECA area indicate that about 9 or 10 crimes per month are typical.  Kelly distributed a handout showing the locations and types of crimes for 9-24-10 to 12-1-10.  The most common crimes were burglaries from residences, businesses, and vehicles.
   3. Riviera East Park Playground Equipment
      Stan Mofjeld reported that at the beginning of the year one set of playground equipment had been removed from Riviera East Park.  BRECA has lobbied the Cordova Recreation and Park District (CRPD) to replace the equipment.  Despite funding difficulties, it is now anticipated that new playground equipment will be installed by late spring of 2011.  There will also be improvements to the walkway and access.  Gay Jones commented that the CRPD had secured a good deal for the equipment, which is priced about one-half off.  There was discussion about lights being out in the Park.  Rick Sloan (a CRPD Board member) indicated that he will inquire about this problem.
   4. Flood Protection
      Jim Morgan reported that most work on the Mayhew Levee and Drain projects is complete.  Consequently, most people in the former 100 year flood zone are now out of the zone, and can drop flood insurance or secure flood insurance at a lower rate.  BRECA urges people to keep their flood insurance.Jim Morgan also reported that the major remaining issues for the projects are the lack of tie-in from the upstream end of the levee to high ground, and restoration of the Kansas Access staging area.  These two issues became stalled earlier this year, and BRECA requested and had a meeting with Supervisor Don Nottoli and staff for the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA).  It was agreed at this meeting that the upstream end tie-in will be added to the list of Lower American River projects that are to be completed in the future as funding permits.  A list of these projects is to be published on the SAFCA web site.
   5. California American Water Rates
      Joe O’Connor reported that California American (Cal Am) water rates had increased about three fold over the last several years.  Cal Am is asking for an additional 43% increase in the next three years.  Cal Am is a utility that is regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).  The Division of Ratepayer Advocates will conduct an independent evaluation of the rate increase request.  Increasing costs are driven by deferred maintenance by the previous owners (Citizens Utilities), as well as additional state requirements, and changing to more use of surface water.  Cal Am is allowed an 8% profit on justifiable costs.  There will be public hearings and opportunity for written comments.  Joe stated that it is a good idea to attend hearings and comment as it draws attention to concern about the rate increase.Joe also commented that the new rate structure is 70% by volume, while about 80% of costs are fixed costs.  There was discussion about going to a public agency rather than a private supplier.  However, this can be quite expensive as the existing owner must be bought out.  Also, there is a tendency to under-invest to keep rates low.
   6. Regional Parks
      Gay Jones reported that Sacramento County budget cuts had a severe impact on the Regional Parks.  In response, a “Grass Roots Working Group” was formed to obtain stable and adequate funding for Regional Parks.  The Working Group is considering several alternatives, including an independent parks district, a dependent parks district still under the County, and a ballot vote to force the County to spend a specific amount on Regional Parks.  There was discussion of some issues, and general support for adequate funding for Regional Parks.
   7. From the Floor
      Stan Mofjeld stated that he is concerned about possible loss of the Park and Ride at the Butterfield Light Rail Station due to construction of high density apartments.  Joe O’Connor commented that the objective is to get Federal subsidies to expand Light Rail.

3. Meeting adjourned.

The next meeting will be a regular Steering Committee meeting on January 25, 2011, at the Rancho Cordova Library