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BRECA Steering Committee Meeting Minutes – August 27, 2019

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BUTTERFIELD-RIVIERA EAST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE: August 27, 2019
PLACE:  Rancho Cordova Library, 9845 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, California
MEETING TYPE:  BRECA Steering Committee Meeting

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT

James Adams
Lori Christensen
Bonnie Domeny
Rene Hamlin
Gay Jones
Lee Leavelle
Jim Morgan

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT

Ken Crawford
Andrea White

NUMBER OF GUESTS/MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: 8

  1. Call to Order by Chair Bonnie Domeny
  2. Questions or Comments from the Membership/Community on Non-Agenda items.
    There were no questions or comments from the membership or community.
  1. Minutes
    Gay Jones made a motion to approve the draft minutes of July 23, 2019.  Rene Hamlin seconded the motion.  The motion was approved unanimously.Jim Morgan read a motion which was considered by email after the July 23, 2019 meeting, as follows:
    Lee Leavelle made a motion to amend said motion [concerning the July 23, 2019 motion to send a message to Mr. Mammadov concerning the Bradshaw/Folsom Apartments] to write an email to Mr. Mammadov thanking him for his presentation, advising him that the community has overwhelmingly rejected his proposed development, not reviewed his revised proposal with the entire community, and then advising him of the community’s long standing guidelines for development.  The motion was seconded by Gay Jones.  There were 7 votes in favor of the motion, and 2 non voting Steering Committee members.
  1. Reports
    1. Treasurer
      There was no report from the Treasurer.
    2. CORPAC
      Gay Jones stated that there was no Cordova Community Planning and Advisory Council (CORPAC) meeting this month.
    3. Parkway Coalition
      Gay Jones reported that there is a new Deputy Parks Director, and that one of the duties of that position is to monitor and maintain parks resources.  She also stated that there are around 500 to 700 boats rafting the Parkway per day on summer weekends.  Also, County Parks picks up about 170 tons of trash per month.
    4. Outreach Committee
      Rene Hamlin reported that the Outreach Committee met.  The Free Little Library in Riviera East Park is doing well, with books in and out.  James Adams commented that there are around two-thirds as many books as before.  Rene commented that there has not been any vandalism up to this point.Lori Christensen reported that the Great American River Clean-Up (GARCU) is scheduled for September 21, from 9 am to noon.  She will staff a table at the Gristmill parking area.  The American River Parkway Foundation, which sponsors the GARCU, wants people to sign up on their web site.  Last year the Gristmill site had about 20 people, and about 150 pounds of trash.  Also, there were several kayaks and canoes that put in at the site.

      Lori also reported that the BRECA picnic is scheduled for Saturday, September 28.  Fire fighters are expected to appear.

    5. Membership
      Jim Morgan reported that the Sacramento Bee is publishing residential sales again.  If we take advantage of the opportunity to deliver Welcome Packets, we will likely need more packets than are currently funded.  He enquired whether the Steering Committee might want to allocate an additional $40 for packets.  After some discussion, it was agreed to consider this when the Treasurer is at the meeting.
      Jim Morgan reported that BRECA has 99 memberships.  There have been no recent changes.
  1. Old Business
    1. Update on Bradshaw Apartments Proposal
      Lee Leavelle stated that after the BRECA meeting in July the developer (Mr. Mammadov) sent him a new proposal to consider.  The proposal has been posted on the BRECA website, but that has not generated any interest.  Lee added that he had emailed the proposal to people who live on Elmira Circle.  Out of five people, only one responded, who said that they should do something consistent with the existing Folsom Blvd. Special Planning Area.Lee stated that, because of discussions, we need to discuss this second proposal at the Steering Committee level.  Jim Morgan distributed handouts with the second proposal.  Lee stated that the changes in the second proposal were to reduce the height of the buildings closest to the existing residential area from three stories down to two stories, to add a 10 feet high soundwall along the north side next to the existing residential area, to plant 15 o 17 feet tall trees between the apartments and the residential area, and to reduce the number of units from 65 down to 62.  Lee stated that Mr. Mammadov is willing to cut back the project to avoid the requirement in SB 35 (Senate Bill 35) to pay prevailing wages during construction.  He may be willing to talk to us about the project.  Sacramento County staff are not optimistic about chances to stop the project due to changes in State laws.Jim Morgan commented that the project is likely to go forward in one form or another if Mr. Mammadov is willing to put up the money.  He recommended that we wait for a response to the recent BRECA letter to Mr. Mammodov and formulate action at the next meeting.  A member of the audience commented that people need housing, and if we don’t get this project, the next proposal may well be five stories high.  Rene Hamlin stated that we should want to get Mr. Mammadov’s ear, and represent the community.  A member of the audience enquired about the shortage of parking in the proposals.

      Lee Leavelle commented that Sacramento County staff is gathering data for a housing plan revision, including low income.  Possibly if we get ahead of the curve we could have input.  A member of the audience enquired about the low income housing in the proposals.  Lee stated that the proposals have 10% low income and 10% disabled or other special needs.

      Gay Jones stated that BRECA needs to stay engaged.  The questions are in the details.

      Rebecca Sloan, a member of Supervisor Nottoli’s staff, commented that if the state establishes SB 35 eligibility, that will expedite the process, and there is limited ability of the County to influence the project.  Supervisor Nottoli has talked with Mr. Mammadov.  Mr. Mammadov is not a developer, and lacks experience with projects.  She also stated that the Sacramento region is being assessed on how it is doing on producing housing units.  The County is working hard to identify land for affordable housing.  The area needs a lot more housing, and the market is going towards bigger projects.

      Gay Jones commented that various State laws allow deviations from County Codes, and that we need to be engaged with the process.  A member of the audience commented that deviations from County Codes require a conditional use permit or variance.  James Adams asked whether we are OK with the second proposal from Mr. Mammadov, or should we ask for more?  Also, should we wait for something to be presented, or take the initiative ourselves?

      Lori Christensen asked whether we should send the second proposal to people on Elmira or people from the sign-in list.  Bonnie Domeny commented that she has talked to the people on Elmira and they are aware of the proposal.

      Lee Leavelle commented in response to the questions posed above by James Adams, that if Mr. Mammadov goes with SB35, there will be no second proposal.

      Jim Morgan stated that he would like to be clear that we want information from Rebecca Sloan, with Supervisor Nottoli’s office, about the SB 35 process, and the non-SB35 process.

    2. Kassis Estates Proposal
      It was clarified that the Kassis Estates proposal refers to a residential project in the undeveloped area between Stacie’s Chalet and the Tiffany neighborhood.  Gay Jones commented that she has not heard anything new since the last meeting.  She wants to reiterate support for the Cordova Recreation and Park District for a park as part of the project, and also for an American River Parkway setback and access.  A question from the audience was whether the proposal includes Mira Del Rio Dr. going through.  Lee Leavelle commented that the proposed plan does not have Mira Del Rio Dr. going through.
    3. Community Sign
      James Adams commented that tree branches had been cut from in front of the Community sign at the library, and that the sign is now more visible.
    4. Sacramento Tree Foundation
      A member of the audience stated that he had met with Theresa Bible with the Sacramento Tree Foundation concerning getting more trees for Riviera East Park.  He would like to have a meeting with the Cordova Recreation and Park District and a Tree Foundation forester.Gay Jones requested that people call 311 and complain about the homeless storage unit across from 9555 Folsom Blvd.
    5. From the Floor
      There was no Old Business from the floor.
  1. New Business
    1. From the Floor
      There was no New Business from the floor.
  2. Meeting adjourned.

The next meeting will be a Steering Committee Meeting on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at the Rancho Cordova Library.

BRECA Steering Committee Meeting Minutes – July 23, 2019

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BUTTERFIELD-RIVIERA EAST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE: July 23, 2019
PLACE: Rancho Cordova Library, 9845 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, California
MEETING TYPE: BRECA Steering Committee Meeting

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT

James Adams
Lori Christensen
Ken Crawford
Bonnie Domeny
Rene Hamlin
Gay Jones
Lee Leavelle
Jim Morgan
Andrea White

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBER ABSENT

None

 NUMBER OF GUESTS/MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: 23

1. Call to Order by Chair Bonnie Domeny

2. Guest Speakers Allen Fore and Steven Osborn, Kinder-Morgan

Alan Fore, Vice President of Public Affairs for Kinder-Morgan, gave a Powerpoint presentation overview of natural gas, petroleum products, and NGL (Natural Gas Liquids) pipelines and use in the U.S. and California.  Pipelines carry most of these products in the U.S.  Kinder-Morgan’s business is the transportation and storage of natural gas, petroleum products and NGLs.  They are one of the biggest companies in this sector in the U.S.  Kinder Morgan operates about 3,200 miles of pipelines and 22 terminals in California.

Steven Osborn, Manager of Operations for the Pacific Northern Region – Central Division of Kinder Morgan, spoke about the terminal and operations at Bradshaw Rd. and Folsom Blvd.  He stated that they have 14 employees at the Bradshaw terminal, and it is staffed 24/7.  The facility provides gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel to the area.  Gasoline in the pipelines is generic: individual companies add their particular blends of detergents, etc. to the generic product.  The Bradshaw terminal has 16 tanks, including ones for gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and ethanol.  He stated that gasoline comes by pipeline from Concord to the Bradshaw terminal, and then goes by truck to retails stations.  It is likely that the gasoline in our cars came through the Bradshaw terminal.

Regarding public safety concerns, the primary regulatory authorities are the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the California State Fire Marshall.  He stated that there are lots of regulations they must follow.  The tanks at the Bradshaw terminal are surrounded by berms that can contain 110% of the volume of the largest tank.  They have extensive fire-suppression systems.  They have a site-specific Fire Protection and Prevention Plan.  They train with firefighters on an annual basis.  They are inspected yearly by the State Fire Marshall, with major inspections every three years.  They also participate in public relations efforts, including the call before you dig systems.

There were a number of questions regarding public safety from the audience.   One question was what is the evacuation plan for the neighborhood.  Mr. Osborn responded that it would be up to the local fire department, Sheriffs, and California Highway Patrol.  Gay Jones commented that the evacuation plan would depend on where and how much of a problem there was.  Another question was where would a spill go.  Mr. Osborn responded that it depends on where it is.  Most likely it would be contained, but if it goes to a stormwater drain it would end up in the river.  Another question was what about a bomb.  Mr. Osborn responded that they have not had an incident, but they have drills for that situation, and their staff inspects constantly.  Another question was what about a fire.  Mr. Osborn responded that they look at the worst case scenario, e.g. the largest tank, which holds about 15,000 gallons.  They train with the fire department.  Another question was what would be destroyed if there was an explosion.  Mr. Osborn responded that it is hard to tell, they don’t have oxygen in the system, so it would not explode.  Mr. Fore added that there was a fire at a truck rack in Southern California recently.  There was an automatic shutoff, but the truck burned and fire fighters fought the blaze for a long time.

Another line of questions concerned other aspects of the system.  One question was how much pressure is in the pipes.  Mr. Osborn responded between 20 and 45 pounds per square inch.  Another question was how deep are the pipelines.  Mr. Osborn responded that they are typically about five feet deep, but it varies.  Under the river it could be 30 feet.  Gay Jones asked when the facilities were built.  Mr. Osborn responded in the 1950s.  Gay also asked about planting trees to screen the north side of the terminal.  Mr. Osborn responded that they have to be careful, as they don’t want combustible material within the containment areas.  Another question was how long the pipes last.  Mr. Fore responded that they last for a long time.  Mr. Osborn added that they have cathodic protection, which prevents rust.  Mr. Fore added that they can fix sections of pipe when they get thin.  Lee Leavelle asked whether all three products come through the same pipe.  Mr. Osborn responded yes, but each product has specific characteristics, which they monitor so they can separate the batches.  There are mixing zones between batches, which get sent back to the refineries for separation.  Another question was whether the refueling station at the site belongs to them.  Mr. Osborn responded no, it belongs to CarLock.  A final question was how many trucks per day are loaded at the terminal.  Mr. Osborn responded about 150 to 200 trucks per day.

3. Minutes

Several amendments to the draft minutes of June 25, 2019 were proposed and accepted.  Lori Christensen made a motion to approve the amended draft minutes. Rene Hamlin seconded the motion.  The motion was approved with 8 in favor and one abstention.

4. Questions or Comments from the Membership/Community on Non-Agenda items.

There were no questions or comments from the membership or community.

5. Reports

a. Treasurer

Andrea White (Treasurer) distributed the BRECA income and expenditures up to this time for the year.  She noted that she is trying to work out some way to display “in kind” expenditures.

b. CORPAC

Gay Jones stated that there was a Cordova Community Planning and Advisory Council meeting this month.  There were no issues of direct relevance to the BRECA area.

c. Outreach Committee

Rene Hamlin reported that the Outreach Committee discussed the Free Little Library that is to be installed in Riviera East Park.  Lee Leavelle commented that it is to be installed tomorrow.  Rene stated that there will be a ribbon cutting on July 31 at 4:00 p.m. in the park.  Andrea White commented that the ribbon cutting is also for the new walkway in the park.

d. Membership

Jim Morgan reported that 41 Welcome Packets have been distributed.  We are out of welcome packets, although there may be one or two at people’s houses.  Unfortunately, the Sacramento Bee has stopped publishing residential sales, so we have no ready source of new addresses.  There are four remaining addresses from the Bee that have not been given packets.  The budget for Welcome Packets has been used up.  We would need to allocate about $20 to print the materials and assemble 10 new Welcome Packets.

Lee Leavelle inquired whether any people have joined BRECA from the Welcome Packets list.  Jim Morgan responded no.  A member of the audience stated that there are intangible benefits to BRECA and the community.

James Adams made a motion to approve $40 to produce 20 new packets.  Gay Jones seconded the motion.  The motion was approved unanimously.

Jim Morgan reported that BRECA has 99 memberships.  Recent activity included one new membership and loss of two existing memberships.

6. Old Business

a. Update on Bradshaw Apartments Proposal

Lee Leavelle stated that after the last BRECA meeting the developer sent him a new proposal to consider.  Lee sent it to some, but not all, members of the Steering Committee.  Subsequently, the Apartments Committee, consisting of Jim Morgan, Gay Jones, Bonnie Domeny and Lee Leavelle met with the Principal Planner for Sacramento County to gain information on the approval process.  It seemed that the proposal presented at the last BRECA meeting was generally opposed by those present.  The newer proposal from the developer included reducing the height of the apartments next to the existing residential area from three stories down to two stories, installing a 10 feet sound wall at the property line, and planting larger trees.  The developer told Lee that they could do this for the community or go with the Senate Bill (SB) 35 route.  The SB 35 route is a streamlined process, with no subjective opinions.  The developer indicated that the negative of the SB 35 route is that they would have to pay prevailing wages, which are higher.

Lee further stated that there are two state laws and one county program that allow increased density on the lot over existing zoning and no lower limits on parking.  He raised the question of whether BRECA wants to take a position on the issue.  He stated that the Apartments Committee agrees that we don’t like the original proposal, and would like the developer to stay within the Folsom Blvd. Special Planning Area (SPA) criteria on setbacks, etc.

James Adams commented that the proposal seems to be up in the air, and he is generally opposed, but there is not enough information.  Bonnie Domeny commented that if the developer goes the SB 35 route, the County has 60 days to reject the proposal, and then 30 days to approve it after that.  Gay Jones commented that there are three factors that allow deviations from the County codes.  SB 35 requires 10% affordable housing, and gives one density allowance.  The County Housing Incentive Program gives another deviation.  The State Density Bonus gives up to 20% increase in density if there is affordable housing.  The three can be layered.

Bonnie Domeny inquired about how we would know if the developer applied to the County.  Lee Leavelle asked if there is a County list of projects, and commented that he is trying to contact the planner in that regard.

Jim Morgan stated that it is a difficult situation for BRECA: The developer can go through SB 35 or through a discretionary process with County Planning.  The County is under enormous pressure from the State to approve housing projects.  Possibly BRECA should take a position on the proposal presented at the last BRECA meeting.  Lee Leavelle suggested sending a letter, thanking the developer for coming to the last meeting, but saying no thanks to the proposal.  Gay Jones suggested using the BRECA guidelines.  She made a motion to send a thank you note for attending, and reiterating the BRECA guidelines.  James Adams seconded the motion.  The motion was approved unanimously.

b. From the Floor

James Adams commented that he had tried to contact Theresa Bible with the Tree Foundation regarding trees on the Bradshaw/Folsom Apartments site, but received no response.  He will follow up.

Gay Jones requested that people call 311 and complain about the homeless storage unit across from 9555 Folsom Blvd.

7. New Business

a. Annual Picnic

Lori Christensen stated that the date for the BRECA picnic is September 28, from 4 to 6 pm.  She distributed a list of tasks for the Picnic.

b. Great American River Clean Up, September 21

Lori Christensen stated that the American River Parkway Foundation needs a site captain for the Gristmill site of the Great American River Clean Up scheduled for September 21.  After some discussion Lori volunteered to be the site captain.

c. From the Floor

Andrea White stated that the Cordova Recreation and Park District had received a tentative subdivision map for the Kassis property.  This is the mostly undeveloped land just east of the BRECA area, north of Folsom Blvd.  The proposal is for 198 units.  There is no park land on the proposal.  The Park planner indicates that a park is needed, and is estimated to be about 2 acres.  Comments were submitted in June.

Gay Jones stated that BRECA should support the Park district and dedicated park land.  Bonnie Domeny questioned whether this is the appropriate time to comment.  Andrea responded that she does not know about the process, and needs to find out more.

Bonnie Domeny reported that she had been in touch with Theresa Bible with the Tree Foundation, and that Ms. Bible wants to do a mulching in Riviera East Park.

Lynda Hammitt commented that the Rancho Cordova Library will be closed for the next three days.

8. Meeting adjourned.

The next meeting will be a Steering Committee Meeting on Tuesday, August 27, 2019, at the Rancho Cordova Library.

Agenda: 8-27-2019 BRECA Steering Committee Meeting

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August 27th, 2019 6:30 pm
Rancho Cordova Library
9845 Folsom Blvd
Sacramento, CA

  1. Call to Order
  2. Welcome and Introductions
  3. Questions or Comments from the membership / community on non-agenda items
  4. Approval of Minutes
    • July 2019
  5. Reports
    • Treasurer – No report
    • CORPAC – Gay
    • Outreach Committee – Rene
    • Membership
      • Welcome Packet Distribution Update – Jim
      • Membership report – Jim
  6. Old Business
    • Update on Bradshaw Apartments – Lee
    • Annual Picnic, Sept 28 – Lori
    • Great American River Clean up, Sept 21 – Lori
    • Kassis Estates – Gay
    • Community sign – James
    • Sacramento Tree Foundation – Jay
    • From the floor
  7. New Business
    • From the floor

Adjourn to next meeting, September 24th, 2019, 6:30 pm at the Cordova Library.