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BUTTERFIELD-RIVIERA EAST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE: September 24, 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
Lee Leavelle
Jim Morgan
Andrea White

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBER ABSENT

Gay Jones

NUMBER OF GUESTS/MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: 10

1. Call to Order by Chair Bonnie Domeny
2. Welcome and Introductions
3. Questions or Comments from the Membership/Community on Non-Agenda items.
   There were no questions or comments from the membership or community.

4. Minutes
   James Adams made a motion to adopt the draft minutes for August 27, 2019.  Rene Hamlin seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted with seven in favor and one abstention.

5. Reports
   1. Treasurer
      Andrea White (Treasurer) distributed a handout of BRECA profit and loss budget vs. actual so far this year.  She noted that the BRECA bank balance was $4,734.59.
   2. CORPAC
      Lee Leavelle stated that there was a Cordova Community Planning and Advisory Council (CORPAC) meeting this month.  He stated that a plan to split the ARCO gas station site at Keifer and Bradshaw was considered and approved.  There were no other items of direct relevance to BRECA.
   3. Outreach Committee
      Rene Hamlin reported that the Outreach Committee put out the picnic announcements and that she is making phone calls for the picnic.
   4. Membership
      Jim Morgan reported that he now has complete Welcome Packets ready for distribution.  He has also sent out an email with new and old addresses for distribution.  So far, none have been delivered.
      Jim Morgan reported that BRECA had one new member this month.  It was an address that received a Welcome Packet four months ago.  One existing member was removed after three reminder notices and Post Office notification that he had moved out of the BRECA area.  BRECA now has 99 memberships.

6. Old Business
   1. Update on Bradshaw/Folsom Apartments Proposal
      Lee Leavelle gave a brief review of developments for people who were not at previous meetings.  He stated that the developer (Mr. Mammadov) gave a presentation at the June BRECA meeting, and that the community spoke against the proposal.  A few days later, Mr. Mammadov sent a revised proposal to Lee which was better for adjacent neighbors.  In particular it reduced the height of the apartments on the north side, next to existing single family residences, to two stories, with the south side remaining 3 stories.  The revised proposal would also plant mature trees along the north side, and install a 10 feet tall sound wall on the north side.  The total number of units would be reduced from 68 to 65, which would help a bit with the parking.  Lee did not know what to do with the revised proposal.  He sent it to the BRECA Apartments Committee, and chatted with the neighbors on Elmira.  He found no interest in the revised proposal.  At the next BRECA Steering Committee meeting, it was decided to send a letter to Mr. Mammadov stating that the community was opposed to the original proposal and there was no interest in the revised proposal.Lee stated that the BRECA Apartments Committee has been researching the zoning and other regulations relevant to the project.  There are two state laws, SB 35 and the Housing Density Bonus, and one County level program, the Housing Incentive Program, that work in favor of the project.  The Committee has come to the conclusion that the project is going to get built.  He suggested that BRECA should do what we can to mitigate the impacts on the community.  There is a meeting coming up with Mr. Mammadov, sponsored by County Supervisor Nottoli, where we can re-engage with Mr. Mammadov.Rebecca Sloan, with Supervisor Nottoli’s office, noted that Supervisor Nottoli has had several conversations with Mr. Mammadov, and is familiar with the project.

      A member of the audience stated that they live on Elmira Circle adjacent to the proposed project.  There is an enormous oak tree near the fence in their back yard, which has a large dripline.  They are concerned about the impact of the project on the tree.  Mr. Mammadov has offered to write a contract for the tree’s health.  They do not like the prospect of three story apartments overlooking their back yard.  They could work with two stories and a 10 feet sound wall.  Also, there has been a problem with campers and drugs on the property for several years.

      Lee Leavelle stated that Mr. Mammadov has offered concessions so that he would not have to build under SB 35.  If he had to build under SB 35, he would have to pay prevailing wage (i.e. union rates), which would cost him about $1.7 million.  BRECA would have to agree to the project.

      Jim Morgan stated that it is his understanding that if Mr. Mammadov is willing to pay prevailing wages under SB 35 and have 10% low income units, there is nothing BRECA can do to stop the project.  If it goes that way, it will probably be like the project presented at the June BRECA meeting, which would be bad for the community.  The only way out would be if BRECA and Mr. Mammadov are both willing to negotiate a compromise, then Mr. Mammodov could go through the normal County approval process and not have to pay prevailing wage.  This would require BRECA to either be neutral or support the project.

      A member of the audience stated that their main concern is privacy, and that the soundwall, two stories, and large trees is all to the good.

      Jim Morgan pointed out that negotiations with Mr. Mammadov could begin at the meeting coming up on Thursday, September 26.  He raised the question of whether BRECA is willing to enter negotiations.

      Bonnie Domeny commented that Supervisor Nottoli had requested that Mr. Mammadov hold off on submitting his application to the County.  James Adams commented that if the meeting on Thursday does not go well, Mr. Mammadov could still go with the SB 35 route.  Lori Christensen requested a summary after the meeting.  Bonnie stated that a summary would go to the community as well.  She also stated that Supervisor Nottoli has two goals: to fulfill the County’s requirements for new housing and to help out the local community.  A member of the community raised a question about management, and how to keep it nice over time.

      Bonnie Domeny summarized the discussion thus far as voicing concerns about oak trees, privacy, financing and management.  People like the 10 feet sound wall, two stories on the north side, and large box trees.

      A member of the audience added that they have concerns about traffic, as there will be a lot of people coming in and out.  Also, this is a bad location for a large complex.  Ken Crawford stated that the project is near a transportation hub, so there won’t be a traffic study.  Jim Morgan added that parking is also a problem, and the project needs visitor parking.  The number of units could be reduced by combining the studio plus one bedroom units into two bedroom units.

      A member of the audience stated that they live next to the proposed project, and they would like to have more setback from the residential neighborhood on the north, and two stories.  He raised a question about the various state and local programs that facilitate the project: If more than one requires 10% low income, do they add to 20% or 30%?

      Bonnie Domeny commented that she thinks the project is going to happen, and we should work with the developer to make the most benefit for the community.  Jim Morgan requested a clear statement: Are we willing to make a deal if it is the right deal?  Bonnie stated that we want the most we can get, but it may be limited.  Lee Leavelle stated that we want to cut the best deal for the community.

   2. Great American River Clean Up
      Lori Christensen stated that the American River Parkway Foundation sponsored the Great American River Clean Up.  There were 20 sites on the American River Parkway.  The Gristmill site had about 30 people, including canoers and kayakers, who floated down to Watt Ave.  Including the riverside pickup, there were about 500 pounds of trash picked up.
   3. Picnic
      Lori Christensen commented that the annual BRECA Picnic is coming Saturday.  They have sent out a flyer, and made calls to BRECA members.
   4. From the Floor
      There was no Old Business from the floor.

7. New Business
   1. BRECA Newsletter
      Jim Morgan stated that we would like to get the next BRECA Newsletter out in November.  He read a list of articles and topics, and solicited volunteers.
   2. From the Floor
      There was no New Business from the floor.

8. Meeting adjourned.

The next meeting will be a Steering Committee Meeting on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at the Rancho Cordova Library.

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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

7. New Business
   7. From the Floor
      There was no New Business from the floor.
8. Meeting adjourned.

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