BUTTERFIELD-RIVIERA EAST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES
DATE: April 23, 2013
PLACE: Rancho Cordova Library, 9845 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, California
MEETING TYPE: BRECA General Membership Meeting
STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Paul Bowers
Lori Christensen
Kelly Cohen
Gay Jones
Jim Morgan
Stan Mofjeld
Rick Sloan
Mary Ann Winters
1. Welcome from Chair Gay Jones
2. County Supervisor Don Nottoli
Supervisor Nottoli stated that the County Department of Transportation is planning to plant short trees on the south side of Folsom Blvd. between Butterfield Way and Bradshaw Road. He also stated the Bradshaw Landing project is “still alive” but slowed by the economy.
3. Commander Rosanne Richeal, Sacramento County Sheriff and Rancho Cordova Police
Commander Richeal stated that they are aware of problems with the “Blow Lounge” on Folsom Blvd. She also stated that theft is increasing immensely, but they do not really know why. One possibility is “realignment” of State and County incarceration responsibilities. Some people are being released early, and many were imprisoned for theft. She urged people to participate in Neighborhood Watch programs, and to let the Sheriff’s department know what is happening in terms of crime, so they can send people out. She also stated that they still have a Problem Oriented Policing (POP) team that can deal with specific issues such as nuisance abatement and transient camps.
4. Deputy Chief Chris Holbrook, Metro Fire Department
Deputy Chief Holbrook stated that funding for the fire district is down by $24 million/year. They have received concessions from unions, especially in regard to retirement. Due to a Federal grant, they have 44 new firefighters starting service. He also stated that response times have improved.
5. Division Chief Carl Simpson, Sacramento County Code Enforcement
Division Chief Simpson stated the Code Enforcement enforces Sacramento Municipal Codes concerning abandoned vehicles, junk on properties, etc. Sometimes they do not have the tools to deal with problems caused by businesses, such as loud music coming from the “Blow Lounge.” The Sheriff’s department has received many calls, but can’t always confirm the noise level. Possibly there are other issues there, such as underage smoking that could be investigated. Possibly also they could talk to the property owners and get limits on noise or hours.
6. General Discussion of Issues
A lively discussion of various issues ensued.
POP officer Tyler Neff stated that they have asked officers responding to complaints about the “Blow Lounge” to contact Bonnie Domeny and find out if the music level is OK. He stated that they need documentation, and appreciated that the Domenys had allowed officers in their yard.
One audience member stated that he understood that a six feet tall masonry wall is required behind the strip mall, and this has not been done. Carl Simpson stated that they are exploring that avenue. Another audience member stated that acceptable noise levels vary by time of day. Jay Domeny stated they appreciated Tyler Neff’s effort to come in their house, as the noise is all through the house.
Another audience member stated that massage parlors and a pawn shop are getting dumped in the area, and asked if there are limits on some kinds of businesses, such as number of massage parlors. Carl Simpson stated that that is a Planning Department issue. Don Nottoli stated that pre-existing liquor licenses are in place. He also talked about the recycling business that was causing concern at the last BRECA General Meeting, which has now gone, and stated that they often chase such businesses from one location to another.
Discussion returned to the Blow Lounge, and Sheriff’s Deputy Wayne Stephens commented that people who live behind the Lounge need to get together and document the problem.
Another audience member stated that she lives on Sparks Way, and there is a house with a camper and dead BMW in the front yard. She stated that she believes people are selling and using drugs in the camper, and that 40-year old people on bicycles come and go. Another audience member stated that she lives on Linda Rio and there is a motor-home that often parks on the street, then goes away for a while, and then comes back again. Deputy Stephens commented that he would give them his contact information. They need community help to work on issues: he emphasized “report, report, report.” His e-mail is wstephens@ sacsheriff.com, and his phone is 875-5710. If it is an emergency, and the person is calling from a cell phone, 911 goes to the Highway Patrol, but one can also call 874-5111, which is the Sheriff’s emergency line. He also stated that there is a bimonthly neighborhood meeting hosted by the Sheriffs and Rancho Cordova Police.
Another audience member commented that there is no bus service from the Rancho Cordova Library to the Butterfield Light Rail Station, and children have to walk a long distance. Don Nottoli stated that he had talked to Mike Wiley (General Manager of Sacramento Regional Transit) about this, but that previous bus use was low, so it is hard to argue for resuming service. He also commented that the bus would be cheaper than a new light rail station at the Library.
Commander Richeal commented that the Sheriff’s Department has only one deputy on property theft, who is centrally located, and they receive 15,000 calls (not clear over what period). They do triage, and look for patterns of reports.
Another audience member asked how the POP officers are different from regular patrol officers. Deputy Stephens responded that regular patrol officers respond to calls for service, but that POP officers concentrate on particular problems.
Another audience member asked what is the situation with regard to the proposed Riverstone Square and The Landing developments. Don Nottoli responded that for commercial properties the conditions stay in place for a long time, if they can live with them. Judy Robinson (County Planning) added that the State legislature has approved subdivision map extensions, and Riverstone Square has received three renewals for two years each. The property is listed for sale, but no developers have appeared.
Another audience member asked how to get gaps in the sidewalk on Folsom Blvd. filled in. Judy Robinson responded that there had been workshops recently concerning Folsom Blvd., and sidewalks were identified as a high priority. They are applying for CalTrans grants for “complete sidewalks.”
Another audience member asked what is the time frame for the bushes on Folsom Blvd. Don Nottoli responded that they should be planted this fall.
7. Meeting adjourned.
The next meeting will be a regular Steering Committee meeting on May 28, 2013, at the Rancho Cordova Library