RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - At the September 7 Rancho Cordova City Council Meeting, Public Works Director Albert Strickler led a presentation showing various designs for a dedicated pedestrian/bicycle only overcrossing/undercrossing on Zinfandel Drive. The goal of the project is to make the physical separation between the south side and north side of Highway 50 less severe and safer doing away with"'in the words of Mayor Garret Gatewood"'the “danger pass.”

One of the designs featured a Tied Arch Overcrossing and 2 undercrossings with dramatic lighting, landscaping and drainage garnered a reaction from the Council that was downright giddy. Council Member Linda Budge praised the design"'which has an estimated cost of $24,217,000 (around one million more than competing design)"'as bringing “so much to Rancho Cordova”. All were in favor of the look and staff were directed to go forward with the final design process.

Director Strickler also presented an update and information on the creation of a Council Local Road Safety Plan. The Plan is a study that will identify measures to reduce serious traffic collisions. It will also allow the City to be eligible to apply for future Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant funding.

With a third and final presentation from Strickler, Council was presented with information on implementing Senate Bill 743. The goal of the environmental bill is to reduce time and cost for projects that allow California residents to drive less. State law requires that certain new projects perform traffic analysis based on vehicle miles traveled. Adoption of these guidelines would assist developers to identify criteria including thresholds of significance, screening, etc. to comply with State law.

The other regular Calendar item of the night was a presentation on the Community Engagement Division’s accomplishments for 2019/2020 and the future. The team led by Manager Lorianne Ulm reported on the beautification of the city through community service, the Good Neighbor Assistance Program which allows for qualified property owners to improve the look of their homes and Community Enhancement Fund Projects like Rebuilding Together Sacramento. Pandemic related resources (including vaccination clinics), neighborhoods coming together through friendship and projects, successful business partnerships and other highlights of the past year were discussed as well. Council Member David Sander congratulated them on their “win-win situation” by not only bringing the community together but doing so in a way that leaves the city looking better.

During Consent Public Hearing items, The Council discussed The Ranch housing development located south of Douglas Road and east of Rancho Cordova Parkway. The developer K. Hovnanian needed approval on floor plans so they could go about getting the necessary building permits. Councilmember Budge stated her unease in some of the designs feeling they ran contrary to the city’s “established design principles” with the garage appearing too dominant. Olga Sciorelli, a representative from K. Hovnanian, said her company was willing to continue to work on the design process but stood by their work. While conceding art was “subjective”, Councilmember Budge still abstained from voting and the project was approved by Council.

During Council Reports, Councilmember Sander spoke about the need for more innovation in transit through his work on city, state and national levels. He also expressed his and the Council’s happiness at the dedication of the City Hall Lobby/Atrium to former Mayor Dan Skoglund and how it was appropriate the space will allow residents “to come together as that’s what he was all about”.

Vice-Mayor Donald Terry reported back on meetings with the Lower American River Conservancy and the Sacramento Housing Council. The former concerned funds to be spent by the organization before the next fiscal year and the latter’s most resonant meeting subject was the discovery that the database that tracks the homeless is not being as effectively utilized by city Affordable Housing providers. As it turns out, less than 20 percent are using the system all stakeholders had agreed to utilize.

The third item considered by Vice Mayor Terry discussed with Council was for the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. He spoke about the recent poor air quality from the numerous wildfires (many residents had contacted him about the safety of being outside including Mayor Gatewood who was concerned about his children’s soccer event) as well as trying to get people behind the seat of electric cars and helping with the higher cost.

Picking up on Councilmember Sander’s earlier words, Mayor Gatewood also brought attention to the memory of Dan Skoglund and his own personal relationship with his predecessor. On a different note, he mentioned the $25,000 raised for the upcoming Youth Center although he had to perform several burpees (one of the hardest exercise moves to do) and get dunked in a water tank to help assist in the fundraising.

City Manager Cyrus Abhar reminded all of the September 17 monument dedication for fallen police officer Mark Stasyuk which will took place on the anniversary of his passing. He also mentioned being contacted by many who want to assist those affected by the fire that threatened South Lake Tahoe. He said at this time cash contributions would have the most positive impact and suggested those wanting to help contact the City. City Manager Abhar also talked about the imminent rollout of motorized scooters and a new App that allows residents to shop local, earn and redeem rewards at city businesses.

Zoom technical difficulties once again reared its head, when Councilmember Linda Budge “froze” just as she was about to contribute her report but eventually was able to return to express her appreciation for the condolences received over the passing of her mother.

At the beginning of the night, Mayor Gatewood"'noting his special closeness to the subject due to many relatives who’ve had it"'presented a plaque to survivor Richard Montgomery commemorating Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. New employees were also introduced to the city plus there was touching recognition of the retirement of Police Chief Kate Adams.

During Public Comment, resident Larry Ladd spoke about research he’d done relating to children’s cancer. Manufactured and Mobile Home Park advocates Jill Fellows and Helen Fredericks noted their availability as a resource for the Council in subjects like rent control, thanked the Council for their assistance and well acknowledged the recent passing of their leader Bob Van Cleef.