RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - After two attempts in recent years failed, Rancho Cordova is once again looking to bring shareable electric scooters to its city streets. At the Monday, April 5 City Council Meeting, members were almost unanimously positive for the share program but the non-appearance of a representative from planned partner White Fox Scooters left a pall over the discussion.

“Without the operator here to answer questions, I’m not ready to move forward,” said Vice-Mayor Donald Terry. He was the least convinced of the vehicles’ merits pointing to COVID-19 as sapping the interest in electric scooters as well as outdated tech. Councilmember Siri Pulipati joked White Fox’s failure to show up demonstrated a lack of commitment and wondered if the east coast based company was throwing darts at any city in hopes of hitting a target.

As presented by Byron Tang from Public Works and Stefann Heisler from Community Development, the proposal would place a minimum of 25 scooters in the city for 12-months. Based on preliminary research, White Fox would like to start the pilot program within the boundaries of Folsom Boulevard, International Drive, Zinfandel Drive and Data Drive/Prospect Drive. Differing from Sacramento, the scooters must be returned to docks which offer charging and sanitation features. The use of docks also would prevent abandoned scooters from becoming a visual blight something the council had concerns about along with safety issues. Staff were directed to continue to work with White Fox on the contract for a future presentation - one hopefully they would attend.

Another meeting highlight was a visit from Congressman Ami Bera who discussed the city’s use of monies from the American Rescue Plan Act. A few of the areas he mentioned help could go to were replacement of revenue lost, hazard pay for state and city employees working during public health emergencies and investments in water, sewer and broadband. Councilmember Linda Budge echoes his comments on broadband and expressed the need for equity as the pandemic had shown how many children experienced difficulty connecting to the internet for school.

Congressman Bera also touched on infrastructure, the COVID-19 vaccine process, the return of in-class education, homelessness and jobs. He ended his presentation stating, “Let’s put this pandemic in the rearview mirror” and focus “on the best way to put it in the past and build a brighter future.”

Stacey Delaney gave a presentation on the Community Enhancement Fund (CEF) which was -as she put it- just the start of the process for the council and staff to review and decide on the 82 applications received, adopt a budget and ultimately, a resolution by June.

During Council Reports, Councilmember Pulipati reported from her first Elk Grove Unified School District Two by Two Meeting that a new high school is contingent on more homes being built and sold. Councilmember David Sander expressed the need for more vaccination locations in the city and how he and Pulipati are spearheading the project to change that. Councilmember Budge was excited about a recent National Women’s Political Caucus meeting where a panel entitled Homelessness through a Gender Lens was given. Vice-Mayor Terry detailed the ever changing logistical issues in bringing children back to school. City Manager Cyrus Abhar congratulated the Public Works team on a number of recent projects as well as discussed what the city was doing to set up vaccination locations.

Amongst his many proud announcements, Mayor Garret Gatewood shared with the council that the Sacramento Regional Builders' Exchange told him Rancho Cordova was “one of the most positive places to build a home and work with”, Fire Station 68 is completed, and the new Civic Center and a possible new library are progressing toward realities.

Public comments not on the agenda included those from concerned citizens about speeding on Rod Beaudry Drive by River Bend Park and the narrowness of a Routier Road bridge. Another caller shared information about mobile COVID-19 vaccination which allowed for her and her homebound grandmother she cares for to receive the Johnson and Johnson vaccination.

The night ended with Mayor Gatewood proposing a future agenda item - discussion of the Council returning to City Hall. With the upcoming CEF application approval process and concerns about safety, the idea was squashed.

For now, the zoom meetings continue.