This week’s meeting of the Rancho Cordova City Council was called to order with an invitation for new Rancho Cordova Chief of Police Christopher Pittman to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.  Vice Mayor Linda Budge ran the meeting in place of Mayor Donald Terry who was absent and attending a political conference.

Public Hearing Items included consideration of an Administrative Use Permit and Conditional Use Permit and a letter of Public Convenience and Necessity for the Mi Rancho Grocery Store located at 10669 Coloma Road, to sell beer and wine off-site. Store owners had worked with the Rancho Cordova Police Department in examining the possible increase of crime in the area and to make sure appropriate safety and security measures were made. Several Councilmembers had been to the market and found it both attractive and nicely stocked with fresh fruits, vegetables and meats. According to Vice Mayor Budge, “I thought it was adorable.” The market is located in the Rossmoor Shopping Center. The resolution passed and the applicant can now apply to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, the next step in the permitting process.

Regular Calendar Items considered by the Council were the Approval of Final Design and Location of Folsom Boulevard Murals and the selection of Lincoln Village Art Installation and related details. Many of the artists who had submitted selected works were in attendance. The works are intended to improve and enhance the cityscape for residents and visitors and feature a distinct flavor of expression by each art group. Some additional adaptations to plans were requested of the artists and a subcommittee formed by the City Council will continue to work out details of the beautification project.

The Council also discussed and considered the intended Horizons at New Rancho Affordable Senior Housing Project and adapting to Affordable Housing for Families. The Vice Mayor referred to a comparable example in another city, citing it as a possible model for the New Rancho site. Funding gained for the housing is rapidly aging and must be spent soon, but the distribution of the monies was based on the development being solely for seniors. The multi-generational housing model referred to by Budge is in step with current design theory, but there remained some question as to the current design specifications of New Rancho being large enough to accommodate families.

Finally, City Staff asked the Council to adopt a resolution for the purchase of property at 3303 Luyung Drive to develop a corporation yard for the city. Per asking price and current valuation, the investment in the land would be over $1 million.