BUTTERFIELD-RIVIERA EAST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
DATE: July 23, 2013
PLACE: Rancho Cordova Library, 9845 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, California
MEETING TYPE: BRECA Steering Committee Meeting
STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Paul Bowers
Lori Christensen
Stan Mofjeld
Jim Morgan
Mary Ann Winters
1. Welcome from Acting Chair Paul Bowers
2. Minutes of May and June 2013
a. May 2013
Lori Christensen made a motion to adopt the draft minutes for May 2013. Stan Mofjeld seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.
b. June 2013
Paul Bowers requested deletion of a comment in the draft minutes for June 2013. Lori Christensen made a motion to adopt the amended minutes. Stan Mofjeld seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.
3. Reports
a. Treasurer’s Report
There was no treasurer’s report.
b. American River Parkway Coalition
Joe O’Connor reported that there was discussion at the American River Parkway Coalition meeting of the scope of work at the Lower American River Task Force and the McKinley Village proposal.
4. Old Business
a. NextDoor.com
Greg Vaughan reported that the Butterfield-Riviera East area on NextDoor.com now has 89 members. He would like to send a flyer to BRECA members inviting them to join NextDoor.com. He would also like to have a link from the BRECA website. There was discussion around the fact that NextDoor.com is supposed to be a commercial venture with advertising in the future. Paul Bowers made a motion to add a NextDoor.com link to the BRECA web site. Mary Ann Winters seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.
b. Potential Levee Work
Paul Bowers reported that he had talked with Army Corps staff in Sacramento about the survey work they are undertaking at the upstream end of the existing levee. Paul stated that the Corps is concerned that there could be a failure at the upstream end in an extreme flood event. They are asking permission to go into people’s back yards to survey for high ground. Paul stated that they are open to alternatives, including a levee, a floodwall, and a tie-in to high ground in a back yard.
Joe O’Connor contacted Pete Ghelfi with the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA). Pete stated that John Hoge is the Corps project manager. The tie-in does not need to be Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) certified, as the area already has 100-year protection. They do not yet have a plan as to straight or turn to a back yard. They are not anticipating action in 2014.
Stan Mofjeld stated that the Corps had received 6 yeses and 6 noes to their letter requesting access to people’s back yards for survey work. They will go ahead with the survey at the willing sites.
Jim Morgan was volunteered to restart the BRECA Flood Control committee.
c. From the Floor
Bonnie Domeny (who lives behind the Blow Lounge) reported that the Blow Lounge has received a new business license with additional conditions of operation. This includes three noise conditions. Since that time she has not heard any loud music from the Lounge. She is very pleased with the situation. She reported that the Lounge has 15 days to appeal the new license, and that the appeal would cost $3,000.
Paul Bowers stated that the Ice Cream Social was a nice event, although it was unusually hot at 103 degrees F. Stan Mofjeld commented that he counted 24 people at the event.
5. New Business
a. Ninth Steering Committee Member
Paul Bowers stated that there is one position open on the BRECA Steering Committee. Rene Hamlin has requested to be appointed to the Steering Committee.
Rene stated that she would be pleased to be on the Steering Committee, and that she has a Master’s degree in non-profit leadership.
Paul Bowers made a motion to appoint Rene to the Steering Committee. Lori Christensen seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.
b. Annual BRECA Picnic
September 29 was tentatively chosen as the date for the 2013 Annual BRECA Picnic. Other members of the Steering Committee are to be polled on availability. Lori Christensen reviewed the activities involved in making the picnic happen. It was suggested that we should also invite people via NextDoor.com. They would need a statement of what BRECA is and why join.
c. From the Floor
Joe O’Connor stated that California American Water (Cal Am) had submitted proposed rate increases for 2015, 2016, and 2017 of 9.55%, 3.9%, and 3.02%, respectively. Any rate increases must be approved by the California Public Utilities Commission. There will likely be hearings next year. Greg Vaughan stated that they have had problems with low water pressure and sand in the water since the meter was installed. Joe commented that Cal Am has stated that the previous owners of the system (Citizens Utilities) had let the system deteriorate. Lori Christensen noted that BRECA was active in opposing the last round of rate increases. Joe noted that it is good to have lots of people at public hearings. Greg commented that NextDoor.com could encourage people to write letters.
Paul Bowers noted that there are open positions on the Cordova Community Planning and Advisory Council (CORPAC) and that three people from BRECA are asking to join.
6. Meeting adjourned.
The next meeting will be a Steering Committee Meeting on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at the Rancho Cordova Library.