Although mild for the most part, accusations of “backroom deals,” poor decisions and “PR mistakes” highlights some of the controversial remarks made during a second candidate forum for the Citrus Heights city council race, Thursday night.
Councilman Steve Miller responds to a question at Thursday night’s candidate forum, as challenger Bridget Duffy listens.
“I think we’ve done a heck of a job,” said current mayor and candidate Mel Turner, highlighting the opening of Stones Casino, which he says created jobs for 51 Citrus Heights residents. “No, we’re not perfect — yes, we can improve.”
Turner’s current colleagues Jeannie Bruins and Steve Miller likewise focused on their accomplishments while in office and expressed support for continuing in the same direction, while challenger Bridget Duffy criticized the council’s support of a failed 2012 local tax measure to pay for roads and more police.
“What kind of report card you would give your city council that’s in place today?” Challenger Tim Schaefer asked the audience, urging a vote for a “fresh perspective” on the council. “We’ve talked about economic development, we’ve talked about jobs, and I can’t say that I’ve seen much of that change in the last 12 years.”
Sponsored by the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights, each of the five city council candidates were asked a series of nine questions, all focusing on local issues and candidate qualifications and goals.
During opening statements, Miller emphasized his family focus and 30-year marriage, while Bruins highlighted her experience and involvement in the early cityhood effort. Schaefer and Duffy both focused on their opposition to a new city hall and concerns with budgetary issues, and Turner cited his “servant leadership” philosophy and 30-year residency.
Citrus Heights city council leaders unanimously voted Thursday to oppose California’s Proposition 47, following a recommendation by Police Chief Christopher Boyd about the controversial ballot measure which seeks to reduce penalties for certain nonviolent drug and property crimes.
Citrus Heights Mayor Mel Turner with Police Chief Christopher Boyd, recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month, just prior to voting to oppose Prop 47, Thursday.
“Obviously we have to support you,” said Citrus Heights Mayor Mel Turner after the chief highlighted concerns about crime increasing and requested the council officially go on record against Prop 47. “This makes a lot of sense.”
Calling Prop 47 “dangerous to our communities,” Chief Boyd told the council the measure would “virtually assure” the release of 10,000 inmates and would reduce the penalty for stealing guns from a felony to a misdemeanor, as long as the gun is valued under $950. He also highlighted his concern that the measure would reduce felony drug possession sentences to misdemeanors — including possession of date-rape drugs.
Officially titled “The Safe Neighborhood and Schools Act,” Prop 47 has drawn the support of the California Democratic Party, the California Teacher’s Association and newspapers like the LA Times — with San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón leading the effort to pass the Proposition. Advocates say the measure would keep prison space from being “wasted on low-level nonviolent crimes,” and would redirect money from prison-spending to schools and treatment.
The nonpartisan California Legislative Analyst’s Office says, if passed, savings “could reach the low hundreds of millions of dollars annually” and that savings would go toward school truancy and dropout prevention, as well as mental health, substance abuse treatment, and services for victims.
Although calling the aspect of funding schools and treatment “noble in its intention,” Chief Boyd, who also serves as head of the California Police Chiefs Association, said the effect of more criminals on the streets wouldn’t be worth it — and councilmembers agreed.
“What concerns me is that it doesn’t take into effect the impact that the release of these people will have among the community,” said councilmember Jeannie Bruins just before casting her vote. “We know they’re going to re-commit (crime).”
Citrus Heights joins with several other cities and groups like the California Republican Party and the California Peace Officers Association in denouncing Prop 47.
Want to know more about who’s running for Citrus Heights city council this year?
With candidate forums set for October 11 and October 16, voters in Citrus Heights will soon have a chance to learn more about the five candidates running for three city council seats in the November 4 election.
Signs for candidates in the Citrus Heights city council race are seen outside Walmart on Auburn Boulevard.
Contestants include current council members Jeannie Bruins, Mel Turner and Steve Miller, with businessman Tim Schaefer and homemaker Bridget Duffy entering the race this year, both known for their public opposition to moving city hall.
The first forum has been organized by the Sacramento League of Women Voters, and will be a one-hour event held at the Board of Supervisors chambers in Sacramento, with live stream video available on Metro Cable 14. Candidates will respond to various questions offered by a panel of media members and the League, and will also be offered one-minute opening and closing statements.
The second forum is set for October 16 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Citrus Heights city council chambers, and is hosted by the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights (REACH), a non-partisan organization led by the city’s neighborhood association leaders. The forum will be moderated by Dr. Danielle Joesten from the Department of Government at California State University, Sacramento.
The deadline to register to vote in this year’s election is October 20.
Candidate Forums:
Citrus Heights City Council
Sponsor: League of Women Voters Saturday, October 11, 2014 1:30 p.m.
Board of Supervisor Chambers (or live online: http://www.sacmetrocable.tv/)
Sacramento, CA 95814
Sponsor: Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights Thursday, October 16, 2014 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. City Council chambers
7117 Greenback Ln.
Citrus Heights, CA 95621
A weekend neighborhood association barbecue in Citrus Heights drew about two dozen neighbors together for burgers, brats and a question and answer time with Vice Mayor Sue Frost.
Residents of the Sunrise Ranch Neighborhood enjoy some food and discussion during a weekend barbecue.
Held at the corner of Twin Oaks and Mariposa Avenue on the Twin Oaks Baptist Church lawn, organizer Doyle Champlain said Saturday’s event was designed as a way for residents to “meet and greet” their neighbors, with guests invited to bring their families — and a side dish.
Blending in amidst a table of residents, the Vice Mayor was invited to share an update with group towards the end of the event, mentioning an upcoming candidate forum on October 16 for the five people running for three seats on the Citrus Heights city council. She also answered questions about the effort to build a new city hall as well as problems with homelessness in the city, although she questioned whether solving homelessness lies within the proper role of government rather than being an issue handled best by private charity.
The community social was hosted by the Sunrise Ranch Neighborhood Area 6, one of 11 different neighborhood areas that make up Citrus Heights. The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month to discuss and resolve neighborhood issues, grab some coffee and sweets, and invite various City officials to speak on a variety of topics affecting the community. During the meetings, monthly crime reports and updates are also provided by a Problem Oriented Policing officer with the Citrus Heights Police Department.
The Sunrise Ranch Neighborhood covers the area of Citrus Heights from Old Auburn Road to the Roseville border, and is bounded by Sunrise Boulevard on the East and Auburn Boulevard on the West. The Area represents about 1600 homes, as well as some apartments, trailer parks and businesses, according to the Neighborhood’s blog.
Citrus Heights’ Neighborhood Associations were designed to help encourage local involvement, improve the quality of life, and give residents a way to make their voice heard. Unlike a homeowner’s association those involved do not have to pay any dues or own a home, and anyone living, working, or owning property in Citrus Heights can get involved.
Those interested in connecting with any of the various Neighborhood Associations can find out more on the City’s website.
In a crowded room Thursday night, Citrus Heights council members voted 3-2 in favor of postponing a final decision on the controversial proposal to move city hall and allow construction of a three-story medical building in its place — expressing the need for more research after an environmental attorney threatened a lawsuit.
Council members listen as environmental attorney Chris Butcher criticizes parts of the proposal and threatens a lawsuit, Thursday night.
During nearly two hours of public comment, those in favor of the project accused opponents of being too emotional rather than fact-based, while opponents expressed their desire for city hall to remain in the centralized civic center.
Members of the business community spoke out in favor of the deal being good for the city’s economy, while many residents emphasized their attachment to the current civic center as a “one-stop-shop” for city hall, the community center, police department and post office.
The council will take up the matter again at their August 14 meeting, where a final vote is expected.
As a proposal to relocate city hall moves to council for a vote this Thursday, Citrus Heights residents hosted a noontime “Save City Hall” rally at Rusch Park on Sunday — vowing to vote out council members who vote for replacing city hall with a three story medical building.
Save City Hall Coordinator Tim Schaeffer speaks at Sunday’s rally in Rusch Park, joined by volunteer Joan Bippus on the right.
“We’re gonna take every step that we possibly can to stop this project,” said Save City Hall coordinator Tim Schaeffer, mentioning his group had gathered over 1100 signatures to petition the council to vote against the proposal. He also warned city officials that his group plans to put the issue before voters through a referendum process — if the council votes to move city hall away from the civic center.
With four city council members in the audience, about a dozen residents took the opportunity to be heard from the microphone during the rally, voicing concerns over cost, location, environmental impacts and deviation from the General Plan.
“When Citrus Heights incorporated, the founding fathers wrote a General Plan and it stated that our civic buildings will be all placed in the same area,” said resident Susan Howell, referring to city hall’s current location next to the Police Department and community center. “Now the City is going to erase this and write in: the buildings can be scattered about.”
The Planning Commission voted earlier this month to recommend the council change the General Plan to allow for the proposal to be approved, despite vocal opposition during public comment.
Howell also expressed concern about the $500 per square foot cost that the proposed 34,000 square foot $18.9 million city hall would run, although Dignity Health would help pay for the cost through a 15-year lease of the current hall property on Fountain Square Drive.
Resident David Warren tossed in some more controversy during his time on stage, expressing concern that Catholic-founded Dignity Health would choose to not provide access for abortion if allowed to construct a new medical building. Although saying he had been “assured by the city administration” that protection for abortion access would be in a lease agreement, Warren said he wanted the text of a lease agreement to be public before the council votes.
Many speakers also accused the council of not listening to their concerns, a feeling shared by Schaeffer, who described City officials’ response as “dismissive.” Other residents, although expressing a sentiment that the proposal is a “done deal,” took a moment to thank four council members for attending the rally – with one speaker asking members to raise their hands so residents could speak with them afterward.
Mayor Mel Turner, who said he attended the rally to listen as a resident rather than as mayor, said warnings made by speakers about voting him out of office were a little “intimidating to hear.” He also highlighted a side comment he and Planning Commission Chairman Albert Fox said they heard from a well-known audience member who suggested “hanging” council members on nearby oak trees.
“I’m sure it was made in jest,” said Mayor Turner, saying that he knew the person making the comment and wouldn’t be taking the issue to police. He added that the comment was “definitely out of line,” although indicative of how heated sentiment from residents over this issue can be.
Mayor Turner is up for election in November, along with Jeannie Bruins and Steve Miller, all of whom were present at the rally. Races for council are still taking shape, as applicants have until August 8 to file nomination papers to run for a seat on the 5-member governing body.
Although many fingers were pointed at council members, resident Robert Wicker said he believed that City staff – rather than the council – were the real ones to blame.
“The reason we’re considering this is because City staff wants a new house,” Wicker told the crowd. “Any objections that come up, City staff says ‘oh that’s okay, I want a new house.’ So, we’re up against it folks.”
City officials have referred to the deal as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” where the City could get an $18.9 million new hall for an estimated net cost of about $5 million — primarily from leasing land for the medical building, as well as projected energy and repair savings coming from a new city hall, according to numbers released by the City.
Although hoping for a higher turnout, Schaeffer said he estimated about 60 people attended the rally, and hopes for a large turnout at Thursday’s council meeting where a final vote on the proposal is expected.
—
If you plan to go:
City Council Meeting 7:00 p.m., July 24
Council Chambers
7117 Greenback Lane
Citrus Heights, CA 95621
Planning Commission members listen as Citrus Heights resident Norman Hill addresses concerns about the project, Wednesday night.
In a packed council chamber Wednesday night, the Citrus Heights Planning Commission voted in favor of recommending the city council amend its General Plan and zoning codes, allowing for a controversial proposal to move city hall and construct a three-story medical building in its place.
“I think it went very well,” said Planning Commission Chairman Albert Fox, who voted in favor of the recommendation. “There’s some highly emotional issues involved… and I appreciate and respect those folks for their position.”
The Commission made its nearly unanimous decision after a three-hour meeting that was filled with public comment from over 20 community members, a majority of whom opposed moving city hall.
“I have nothing against a medical office building, just not in this space,” said resident Susan Howell during the public comment portion of the extended, three-hour meeting. “This is our city center. We should keep it that way.”
Proposed 3-story medical office building being considered by the Planning Commission. //Photo courtesy Dignity Health
After a year of negotiations and community input, the Citrus Heights Planning Commission will hold a public hearing Wednesday night for the proposal to build a 68,000 square feet medical building at the current City Hall site, and build a new hall on Antelope Road.
While the City calls the proposal a “once-in-a-lifetime” deal that would give residents a new City Hall and bring jobs and dollars to the area, opponents say the numbers “don’t make sense,” and plan to be at Wednesday’s meeting to advocate for keeping City Hall at its current location on Fountain Square Drive.
“We’re taking every opportunity to make our point known, whether it’s through the Planning Commission, or through the City Council.” said proposal opponent Tim Schaeffer, who heads up a volunteer group called Save City Hall.
Schaeffer said his group is made up of about 25 volunteers who have been circulating petitions, sign-waving, and educating residents as part of their effort to keep City Hall in the civic center, next to the Police Department and the recently built Community Center.
The civic center aspect of the proposal to move City Hall is expected to be a major point of discussion at tonight’s meeting, due to the wording of Goal 21 in the City’s General Plan which states that government services are to be concentrated at a “civic center complex.”
Suggested amendment to the City’s General Plan, which would allow for City Hall to be moved away from the other civic center buildings.
A City staff report suggests that the Planning Commission eliminate the “civic center complex” language from the goal to allow the proposal to go through. The report also recommends the commission approve several other key entitlements needed for the projects to go forward, including the approval of zoning code amendments, tree permits, design review permits, and an environmental report’s findings.
Following the Planning Commission’s recommendations, the City Council is expected to take up the matter at their July 24 meeting.
—
If you plan to go tonight:
Planning Commission meeting
Public Hearing
7:00 p.m., July 9, 2014
City Hall Council Chambers
7117 Greenback Lane
Over 800 pages of documents were released for public review this week, as part of the City’s proposed plan to move City Hall to Antelope Road and allow a 68,000 square feet medical building to be built in its place.
The documents include a detailed assessment of environmental and traffic impacts at the new hall’s proposed location, as well as the medical office building location at Greenback Lane and Fountain Square Drive.
Environmental assessment portions of the documents make up nearly 700 pages, while the traffic study portion details the findings of Fehr & Peers in a 47-page report, with an additional 110 pages of appendices. Among other findings, the study determined that a new traffic light would be necessary if the new hall were to be built on Antelope Road, between Mariposa Avenue and Auburn Boulevard.
The Citrus Heights Planning Division included a statement along with the documents which indicated the proposal would require the City to amend its General Plan in order to change the land use designation from “public use” to “general commercial” on a portion of the proposed medical building site. The statement also said the City would need to amend its zoning code in order to allow public buildings at the residential-zoned Antelope Road site.
Interested parties and agencies are encouraged by the City to review the report and provide comments during the public review period which will continue until July 11, with documents available for viewing online at the City’s website, or in person at City Hall’s public counter.
Following the public review period, the Planning Commission will consider the building proposals on July 9, and the City Council will take the matter up at its July 24 meeting.
The “preferred design” of a new city hall, selected by the Citrus Heights city council at its April 10 study session.
A final community meeting to discuss the potential relocation and construction of a new city hall for Citrus Heights has been scheduled for April 30.
The meeting is the last in a series of City-hosted community discussions, following a proposal by Dignity Health last year to build a 66,000 square feet medical office building in place of the existing hall on Fountain Square Drive.
Although a final decision is not expected until July, the city council selected a preliminary “preferred design” and site for the proposal at an April 10 study session, choosing 7625 Antelope Rd. as the best location to move city hall.
While council members in favor of the site selection mentioned economic reasons as a primary motivator, Councilwoman Jeannie Bruins was the only one to vote against the Antelope Road site, commenting that a city hall “doesn’t fit” the residential-zoned area. Several residents also spoke out against the Antelope Road location in their public comments.
In an update posted on CitrusHeights.net, the City is encouraging community members to attend the April 30 meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Center at 6300 Fountain Square Dr. Attendees are also invited to come at 6 p.m. for an opportunity to review plans for the medical office building and city hall.
