Leroy Tripette removed from the Planning Commission. Courtesy photo

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - On Jan. 6, the Rancho Cordova City Council gathered to review several key issues, notably approving public art installations and discussing the removal of a Planning Commission member.

The meeting kicked off with a presentation from Ian Winbrock, who outlined the proposal for three temporary art installations in the Lincoln Village neighborhood as part of the city’s Fiscal Year 2024/25 Art in Public Places program. Winbrock emphasized the importance of integrating art into public spaces to foster community engagement and improve safety.

“The goal of this program is to make ordinary places extraordinary, co-create community, and enhance our city’s identity,” said Winbrock.

He introduced three proposed projects: Lincoln Village Asphalt Art Murals, Rain-Activated Sidewalk Poetry, and Chalk Art Placemaking Words.

“These projects are designed to improve safety, accessibility, and foster civic engagement,” he explained. The proposed budget for the initiatives totals around $30,000, funded through the Art in Public Places Bucket of the Community Enhancement and Investment Fund (CEIF).

Councilmember Garrett Gatewood suggested that the review committee for the artists include representation from city council and the Lincoln Village community.

“I foresee a problem; our sidewalks are pretty terrible in Lincoln Village and older neighborhoods. We have older trees that have taken root and uplifted sidewalks. So, when I’m thinking about disability equity, I think they are more concerned about having a sidewalk that they can actually go on rather than a sidewalk that is pretty,” said councilmember Joe Little 

Councilmembers also recommended that the sidewalk poetry project be moved to a more appropriate location.

“I think we should relocate project number two to near a school and involve the students in the process,” Mayor Siri Pulipati said.

After amendments to include a councilmember and a youth representative in the review committee, and relocation of project two, the motion passed unanimously.

In the second part of the meeting, the council addressed the potential removal of a regular Planning Commission member, Leroy Tripette. The council had been prompted to consider this matter after a request during the Dec. 16, 2024 meeting

Leroy Tripette, who had served on the commission for several years and previously held the roles of vice chair and chairperson, spoke passionately about his dedication to the city.

“In all the time I served, there was never a question about my performance, abilities or qualifications for the position. It’s unclear to me what has happened in regard to my performance as planning commissioner that warrants the action that the council is looking to take this evening,” said Tripette.

Resident Helen Bashaw raised concerns about the decision’s cause.

“Is it just because he ran against one of the council people that is now the mayor? It appears that when someone goes against the norm of certain people, they are getting removed. It doesn’t seem right,” said Bashaw. “From what was presented, it seems like he is more than qualified. It seems to be like it’s a clique here, a boy’s club; you go against one of the members and you are ousted.”

Councilmember Garrett Gatewood, who had appointed Tripette to the commission, voiced his readiness for a change.

“At this point, since he works at the behest of me and he was my appointee, I am ready for a change and looking to give the opportunity to someone new,” said Gatewood.

After a discussion, the council voted 4-1 to remove Tripette, with Councilmember Linda Budge casting the lone vote.

“I understand the ramifications. My vote is no,” said Budge.

The removal of Tripette leaves a vacancy on the Planning Commission, which will be addressed during the Feb. 3 City Council meeting.