RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Rancho Cordova City Council at its June 6 meeting discussed a variety of community-oriented topics, including support for local education, budget approvals and future development projects.

In a significant development decision, the council approved the Mills Crossing Specific Plan Amendment and Major Design Review for a mixed-use development on a 10-acre site along Folsom Boulevard. The proposed project includes residential spaces, commercial buildings, and a community arts and event center.

The development, which will be built in phases, includes high-density residential spaces, public open areas and flexible commercial spaces that could house offices, healthcare services and arts-related facilities. The city also hopes that the project will foster economic development along Folsom Boulevard.

“I think it’s wonderful that we are going to provide community services and needed housing,” said Kevin Sheen, a resident in support of the project.

NorCal Arts Executive Director Michele Hillen-Noufer added, “We view this project as an active, inclusive and continually utilized space for the community, and we are excited to partner with the city.”

Steve Johns, senior director of Government Affairs at Sutter Health, spoke out in support of the project.

“Sutter is interested in the opportunities that this project can provide us to bring additional patient care services to Rancho Cordova,” Johns said.

However, some residents voiced concerns about the project’s financial feasibility.

“I’m just totally opposed to it,” said resident Helen Whalen Beshaw. “This would be better in another area. You are putting a round pig in a square hole. The city needs to reconsider how much they are going to invest in this.”

James Garcia, a StoneCreek resident, added, “I would say no to this tentative subdivision map. As many have mentioned, this is not the right place. This is going to be a money pit for the city.”

In response, Councilmember Linda Budge emphasized that this vote only approved the project’s framework.

“This does not approve all the different aspects that could go into it,” Budge said.

Councilmember David Sander also spoke in favor of the development, highlighting the opportunity to revitalize Folsom Boulevard and create a model for future economic development through arts and culture.

The motion passed unanimously.

During public comment, a resident raised concerns over the three-minute speaking limit imposed on citizens. Daryll Lingwel, a Rancho Cordova resident, expressed frustration at the time restriction imposed during public comment, especially when representing larger groups with complex concerns.

“I believe the purpose of these meetings is that everyone has an opportunity to be heard,” Lingwel said. “If listening to everyone’s concerns is too taxing on councilmembers’ time, perhaps resignation may be a viable option.”

An item on the consent calendar related to the Fiscal Year 2025-2027 budget was pulled for further discussion following public comments. Several speakers urged the council to reconsider a funding request from Fitrah, a nonprofit organization focused on youth development and violence prevention.

“Fitrah is a safe and healing space for youth that changes lives,” said Stallion King, a former Sacramento County foster youth and current Fitrah volunteer coordinator. “By funding this request, you are investing not just in a program but the safety and future of Rancho Cordova.”

Nadia Niazi, the nonprofit organization’s founder added, “Our request focuses on program delivery, which CEIF explicitly allows. We only asked for what we needed to reach more youth. We are open to changes to better align with the city’s vision. Fitrah is deeply rooted in Rancho Cordova. I respectfully ask you to reconsider.”

Despite praise for Fitrah’s work, Councilmember Sander noted that the group’s request didn’t align with the specific goals of the CEIF (Community Enhancement and Investment Fund).

“I want to commend you on all for the hard work you do, I say this as a foster parent myself. The challenge we have is that the program as described does not mesh well with the intention of the CEIF fund,” Sander said.

Mayor Siri Pulipati asked for further clarification on how organization such as Fitrah could receive grants.

“We go through a process of the CEIF applications. Some applications were referred over to economic development- type programs as was the case with Fitrah. We want to work with them on building programs for the future,” said City Manager Micah Runner. “We are at the end of the budget cycle, so it was a little late to make big changes. It’s both a timing issue and a grant fit issue. This could be a conversation for an upcoming budget cycle. Right now, our recommendation is to move forward with the budget, as is.”

While the budget passed without change, Councilmember Budge suggested connecting Fitrah with partners such as SMUD or mechanical engineering firms to help with their infrastructure needs, such as air conditioning for its warehouse.

A meeting highlight was a heartfelt presentation by a group of Rancho Cordova Elementary School fifth-graders, who shared their experiences about a Sly Park trip, funded by Measure H. Teachers Jennifer Neuenfeld and Francis Myatt, who helped organize the educational outing, spoke to the council about the trip's educational value.

According to Neuenfeld, the trip cost $14,938.90. After the deposit and the Measure H donation from the council, they got it down to $5,938, bringing the cost to $175 a student.

“We had a great opportunity to expose students to activities like hiking, where they learned about forest ecology and ecosystems, survival skills and animal characteristics,” Neuenfeld said. “The kids also participated in team-building exercises and road-safety education.”

Councilmember Budge praised the program.

 “I’m so glad you all got to do this; this has been going on for almost 50 years now. I’m thrilled you got to experience it,” Budge said.

One student, reflecting on the experience, said, “The food was pretty good there. One of the night activities we did was tug of war. We got to hold a snake. We built outdoor shelters and I got up the rock wall about halfway. It was really fun.”

Considering future council discussions, Vice-Mayor Garrett Gatewood suggested a review of the City Council’s meeting structure and timing in light of recent feedback on the flow of meetings. The request is set to be discussed in an upcoming council session.