BUTTERFIELD-RIVIERA EAST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
DATE: October 22, 2013
PLACE: Rancho Cordova Library, 9845 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, California
MEETING TYPE: BRECA Steering Committee Meeting
STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Paul Bowers
Lori Christensen
Rene Hamlin
Stan Mofjeld
Jim Morgan
Mary Ann Winters
1. Welcome from Acting Chair Paul Bowers
2. Minutes of September 24, 2013
Rene Hamlin made a motion to adopt the draft minutes for September 24, 2013. Lori Christensen 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 stated that he was out of town for the most recent American River Parkway Coalition meeting. He noted that there had been TV news reports that Park Rangers are now enforcing the dog leash law, and that was due to a prior discussion at a Coalition meeting. There were no other items related to BRECA.
c. CORPAC
Paul Bowers announced that there is an opening on the Cordova Community Planning and Advisory Council (CORPAC). Applications should be submitted to the Board of Supervisors. He also reported that CORPAC is looking into proposed developments around Bradshaw Rd. and Jackson Hwy. He stated that there are four developments that are being examined together. The developments are proposed to include expansion of Jackson Hwy. Andrea White noted that parks are planned for the developments that will be a large expansion for the Cordova Recreation and Park district.
d. Website
Joe O’Connor stated that there is nothing to report about the website.
e. NextDoor.com
Greg Vaughan reported that the Butterfield-Riviera East NextDoor.com now has 158 members from 137 households. He stated that they would like to recruit new members, and reminded people that they can send up to 5 free postcards per month. He also stated that they are thinking about starting regular neighborhood watch groups. Paul Bowers stated that this would be on the agenda for next month.
d. From the Floor
Andrea White reported that the Cordova Recreation and Park District (CRPD) offices had moved to the Rancho Cordova city hall. They have appointed a new Park Administrator, Jim Roedems. They are also trying to find a PMRID committee representative from this area. The PMRID committee reviews expenditures from the recently approved parcel tax. However, they have not had a quorum. Bonnie Domeny stated that she had filled out the application today. Andrea stated that if something needs to be attended to in the local park, one can call the CRPD office at 362-1841 or park services at 363-0350.
4. Old Business
a. BRECA Picnic
Paul Bowers stated that we had a good picnic, and noted that people stayed around to the end. Stan Mofjeld commented that the BBQ was a plus, as were the music, face painting, and bean bag toss. It was suggested that signs should be put up around the neighborhood so that more people would come. Lori Christensen commented that the focus previously has been on rewarding BRECA members, and opening it up to the whole community would change that focus. It was suggested that NextDoor.com be used next year. It was also suggested that a date be picked earlier so that people can plan in advance.
b. California American Water Rates
Joe O’Connor reported that nothing had occurred in the last month regarding the California American Water rate increase request. He noted that 5 entities have entered as parties to proceedings, mostly businesses and municipalities. He also noted that the request includes 33 special requests, one of which is to combine the Larkfield district with the Sacramento district. The Sacramento district has many more customers than the Larkfield district, and the net effect would be for the Sacramento customers to subsidize the Larkfield customers. Joe also noted that he has been trying to contact the Rosemont Community Association and the Lincoln Village Neighborhood Association about a joint letter. Possibly people in Rancho Cordova would also be interested.
c. BRECA Newsletter
Jim Morgan reported that he had received many articles for the Newsletter, and had to expand it from 8 pages up to 12 pages. It is being proofed and will be published and distributed soon.
d. From the Floor
There were no items from the floor.
5. New Business
a. Directions and Issues for BRECA for the Coming Quarter and Year
Paul Bowers stated that BRECA has in the past worked mainly on “brick and mortar” issues such as land use (e.g. redevelopment of drive-in theater, development of land across from Butterfield light rail station) and flood protection. Now are focusing on people more, such as the picnic and connection with NextDoor.com. Rene Hamlin suggested doing another Easter egg hunt; Paul said he would get it on a future agenda. Paul stated that the reality is that not many people actually join community organizations such as BRECA and the Rosemont Community Association. Marjorie Marquart pointed out that people join when there is something in it for them, e.g. picnic or neighborhood watch. Rene Hamlin pointed out that Bonnie and Jay Domeny had come to BRECA for help with a noise problem, and then joined the organization.
Jim Morgan pointed out that the discussion was hard to pursue because Gay Jones was not present, and we do not know what BRECA’s budget is. Gay is important because she has a working knowledge of the land use issues. Jim stated that he wants to distribute a future Newsletter to the whole community, as was done in the past.
Andrea White asked about advertising in the Newsletter. Paul responded that there is only one ad, for Bradshaw Pack and Ship, and this is “grandfathered in,” based on their providing BRECA with a mailbox. BRECA has decided that it is better to be independent.
b. November Meeting
It was agreed that there would be a November meeting on the 26th, which is the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.
c. From the Floor
Jim Morgan introduced a motion requesting that the Treasurer provide the Steering Committee with a financial summary of BRECA income and expenditures for 2012 and 2013. In discussion, it was suggested that “Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures” be adopted. There was resistance to this suggestion because most people do not know what that means. It was also suggested that the motion should start with reasons for the request. At that point, Jim withdrew the motion for further consideration.
6. Meeting adjourned.
The next meeting will be a Steering Committee Meeting on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at the Rancho Cordova Library.