Rancho Cordova City Council Touches Tough Issues
Nov 07, 2019 12:00AM ● By By Shelly LembkeRANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Monday night meeting of the Rancho Cordova City Council included presentations, public comment, some serious staff reports and tough topics.
The Community Enhancement Fund awarded monies to checks to the Mather Wrestling Club, Rancho Cordova HART (Homeless Assistance Resource Team), the FCUSD for musical instruments, the Sierra Service Project and PRO Youth and Families.
“The Mather Wrestling Club is a youth sports and fitness club providing an outlet for youth (girls and boys) between the ages 8 to 14. The club will offer the benefits of exercise in a controlled positive and fun environment during the summer months,” according to founder Coach Joe Zilles.
Rancho Cordova HART defines itself as, “a group of congregations, businesses and individuals who care about those in Rancho Cordova who are currently without a home. Together we aim to be a resource for the homeless and ultimately to end homelessness in Rancho Cordova.” The completely volunteer staff offer mentoring, storm season shelter assistance and other services to address and assist the homeless community.
Mills Middle School music teacher Beth Crandall who received funds for Rancho students said, “I am so excited that the City of Rancho Cordova and Cordova Community Council have generously given their support to Mills music students. Our music program is growing exponentially and giving middle schoolers an outlet for their boundless creativity and energy. With this grant, Mills will be able to provide our students with new instruments and ensure their continued musicianship at Mills, Cordova High School, and in the world beyond!”
The Sierra Service Project offers home repair and improvement projects to low-income homeowners in Rancho Cordova, such as painting, fencing, yard clean ups and handicap ramps. PRO Youth and Families utilizes the tools of civic engagement, mentoring, advocacy, a youth leadership academy and more.
City Council also heard staff reports, a key report being the Year End Financial Report for the fiscal year 2018-2019. According to staff, the General Fund Revenues have had continued steady growth that was “unprecedented,” between Fiscal Years 2017/2018 and the Preliminary Report for 2018-2019, with a $4.6 million increase. The initial budget estimates had anticipated an economic slowdown, but growth and revenue continued in Rancho Cordova during this time.
Councilmembers also discussed the possibilities of federal and local legislation on the issue of banning or amending smoking restrictions, including vaping, tobacco and cannabis. The Council discussed at length instituting a city-wide ban on smoking in multi-family unit housing, with indicators that owners of such housing units were largely in support of such actions.
