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Tag: Mel Turner

Citrus Heights mayor gives positive outlook in ‘State of the City’ address

Sentinel staff report–
Mayor Jeff Slowey gave the annual “State of the City” address during an Aug. 8 luncheon at the Citrus Heights Community Center, highlighting new proposed developments, increases in projected revenue, accomplishments from the past year, and some challenges faced by the city.

Slowey kicked off his 25-minute speech to the group of about a hundred business representatives and city staff, focusing on Citrus Heights’ landmark celebration of 20 years since becoming a city in 1997. Slowey, 56, also served a one-year term as mayor during the city’s 10th anniversary in 2007, and again in 2012.

Budget
The mayor gave an overview of the city’s $35 million general fund budget and said Citrus Heights remains “fiscally sound” with 2017-18 projections showing a 3 percent increase in general fund revenues and a 4 percent increase in expenditures.

Pointing to a pie chart slide showing a breakdown of revenue categories, Slowey said 70 percent of the city’s income comes from three sources: sales tax, property tax and motor vehicle fees. The largest chunk — about 35 percent — comes from sales tax, followed by 22 percent from motor vehicle licensing and 14 percent from property taxes.

A slide covering expenses showed the majority of funds go to the Citrus Heights Police Department, with 57 percent of the budget going toward law enforcement. Remaining expenses cover general management, 20 percent, and between 5 and 6 percent each for general services, community and economic development, and human resources.

Police & Crime
Slowey said the transition of former Police Chief Christopher Boyd over to city manager of Citrus Heights went well, saying the city went from “one good egg, to another good egg” after Chief Ron Lawrence officially replaced Boyd last October.

He also focused on a slide showing officers responded to more than 88,000 calls for service and another 21,000 officer-initiated actions in town last year. “It’s not a surprising figure that law enforcement is the biggest expense to the city because to me that’s the main job of government,” Slowey said.

Related: Annual report: overall crime up 4% in Citrus Heights

Although citing call volume statistics from Chief Lawrence’s annual crime report in March, Slowey did not mention crime statistics reported by the chief that showed a 4 percent overall rise in crime in the city, including a double-digit increase in motor vehicle theft in 2016.

However, he expressed confidence that Lawrence would take the city to the “next level in law enforcement.”

Homelessness
On homelessness, Slowey praised the work of the city’s Navigator program in helping homeless get off the streets and into housing, but said “there’s not a lot that can be done” to help those who don’t want to be helped.

The city approved a $50,000 contract for the Navigator’s services last year and renewed the contract for the current fiscal year after leaders credited the program with aiding in a reduction of homeless-related calls for service to police in 2016.

Related: CHPD: new survey shows significant drop in homeless-related calls in Citrus Heights

“It’s a difficult problem, to be quite honest with you,” said the three-term mayor. “But I do think… we’re getting a pretty good bang for our buck.”

Businesses and development
Slowey highlighted the debt-free purchase of the new $22 million city hall last year, as well as the recent addition of new restaurants and businesses like Black Bear Diner on Sunrise Boulevard, Yellow Yo Yogurt at Sylvan Corners, and Crepes & Burgers on Auburn Boulevard.

He also cited the new 68,000-square-feet medical office building under construction on Greenback Lane, as well as a developer’s proposal to build 261 homes on vacant land near Arcadia Drive. A 42-unit multi-family development has also been proposed at Sylvan Corners on vacant land behind Bearpaw’s corporate offices, and a developer recently announced plans to demolish the old Logan’s restaurant on Sunrise Boulevard and construct a 10,000-square-feet building for several new restaurants and retailers.

Slowey also called the now-vacant Sylvan Middle School property on Auburn Boulevard the city’s “biggest opportunity” and said the city has expressed its intention to purchase the property. He said the goal would be “to control it” rather than own it long term, which would mean buying it and then selling it for a use the city deems most appropriate for the strategic corner.

Speculating about future use, Slowey shot down the idea of a dog park or sports complex, advocating that the city focus on uses that would bring direct sales tax revenue. He said parks or a sports complex would create additional maintenance costs and estimated a construction price of $9 million for a sports complex.

From April: City makes formal step toward buying old Sylvan property

The mayor also gave an overview of the three main business groups that make up the city’s primary sales tax base: the Sunrise Marketplace business improvement district, Antelope Crossing near Interstate 80, and the newly formed Auburn Boulevard Business Association.

Slowey spoke highly of the business improvement district model, where businesses vote to pay a tax to fund projects in their area.

“When businesses vote to tax themselves and spend that money on promoting themselves… as the public partner, I am willing to go in and spend money with them,” the mayor said. He said Sunrise Marketplace has been an improvement district since 1999 and the newly formed Auburn Boulevard Business Association is planning to develop a plan of action later this year, which could include consideration of an improvement district model.

A city branding campaign is also currently in the works, with plans to soon present a logo and tagline for the city to help attract new businesses and residents.

Challenges
Slowey also noted three challenges the city faces — sales tax revenue is projected to be flat, there is a reduced general fund reserve balance, and there’s another five years still remaining on the city’s “revenue neutrality” agreement with the county.

Under the agreement with the county, Slowey said the city has lost out on $76 million in revenue from property tax money that currently goes to Sacramento County, as part of a 25-year agreement that was a condition of Citrus Heights being allowed to incorporate as a city. The agreement expires in 2022.

Transportation and roads
Slowey skimmed over slides on capital projects that included photos and statistics showing the city had recently replaced 20,000 feet of failed sidewalk, constructed 50 ADA ramps, and resurfaced five residential streets, over the past year. Work was also done on the Antelope Road Safe Routes to School Project between Auburn Boulevard and Rollingwood Drive, along with enhanced street lighting and various creek restoration projects.

He said funding for roads is also expected to come in the near future, after the state legislature approved a recent controversial gas tax.

The mayor also said the city is working on a comprehensive plan for transit services in Citrus Heights, noting his personal dissatisfaction with Regional Transit’s use of funds and also commenting about limitations of transit when buses reach the county line.

“There’s a lot of other agencies and cities out there that are looking at Uber and Lyft subsidizing rides for people — it’s cheaper,” said Slowey, who also works as a banking executive. “For the amount of dollars we spend [on transit], we ought to be giving a lot better service to you folks.”

Slowey concluded his Aug. 8 presentation with a tribute to the late-Councilman Mel Turner, who passed away in April.

Related: Citrus Heights leaders set 22 new objectives for next 6 months

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August 13, 2017
Letters to the Editor: Mel Turner’s passing, appointing replacement

Citrus Heights Councilman and former mayor Mel Turner, pictured during a December 2014 council meeting. // CH Sentinel

Latest letters from the community reflect on former Councilman Mel Turner’s life and also discuss who his replacement on the council will be. Submit your own letter by clicking here.

Mel Turner was one-of-a-kind and will be missed
(RE: City leaders, community mourn passing of Citrus Heights Councilman Mel Turner, April 20) I met Mr. Turner at a neighborhood barbecue when he was a candidate for city council. He was definitely one-of-a-kind and touched everyone he met with his kind face and warm heart. Our hearts go out to his family, we are in tears. Peace be upon all of us, my friend — you will be missed.
-Alfred Sanchez, Citrus Heights

City council should appoint Weiland to honor voters’ wishes
(RE: “How will the vacancy on Citrus Heights’ city council be filled?,” April 28) I have reviewed the list of very qualified applicants to replace Mel Turner on the council and I believe any of them would provide excellent representation of the fine citizens of Citrus Heights. Ideally, it would be my request to allow the voters to decide Mr. Turner’s replacement in a Special Election. I was present when the city council made its decision and fully understand why the council elected not to pursue that option considering the exorbitant cost involved.

Considering the significant advantage an incumbent has when seeking re-election, the council should give very careful consideration to the wishes of Citrus Heights voters. In lieu of a special election I strongly urge the council to give great deference to the results from the recent election held just six months ago. Using this logic, I believe Marcel Weiland should be appointed to fill the vacant seat.
-Tim Schaefer, Citrus Heights

*Note: Schaefer also ran for city council last year and placed fifth out of eight candidates; Weiland placed third. He and Weiland were later appointed to the planning commission earlier this year.

Want to submit your own letter to the editor on a current local issue? Click here.

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May 21, 2017
City leaders, community mourn passing of Citrus Heights Councilman Mel Turner

Citrus Heights Councilman and former mayor Mel Turner, pictured during a December 2014 council meeting. // CH Sentinel

Updated April 20, 1:15 p.m.–
Citrus Heights Councilman Mel Turner, known for his warm leadership and deep voice, has died in office after battling pancreatic cancer for more than a year.

Following Turner’s passing on the morning of April 20, a ceremony was held at noon on Thursday in honor of the councilman, attended by more than 100 community members, staff, and city leaders.

“Our city mourns the loss of Councilmember Mel Turner, a dedicated public servant throughout his life,” said Mayor Jeff Slowey in an April 20 news release.

“Mel has been a tremendous leader in this community and deserves much credit for helping improve the quality of life in Citrus Heights. He will be deeply missed by his city colleagues, our city’s residents, business owners, key stakeholders, and staff. On behalf of the City Council and the entire city team, I want to extend our deepest sympathy to Mel’s family and friends. Mel loved serving the people of this community. He was an actively engaged City Council member and served the people of Citrus Heights with great pride,” the mayor said.

Turner, 67, first joined the council in 2010 and served a one-year term as the city’s mayor in 2014. He was reelected to a four-year term on the council in 2014.

City leaders had been aware of the councilman’s ailing health over the past year and Turner had been noticeably absent from recent council meetings, with his last known public appearance being made at the city’s 20th anniversary kick-off meeting in January.

He leaves behind his wife, Connie, two adult children, and five grandchildren.

Prior to being elected to the city council, Turner was appointed to the Citrus Heights planning commission in January 2009. He is credited for his role as a founding member of the Citrus Heights Police Activities League, and a focus on mentoring youth and fostering leadership.

Turner was also a member of the Citrus Heights Rotary Club and served on the Sacramento Metropolitan Cable Television Commission.

According to a bio from the city, Turner held a master’s degree in human resources and organization development from the University of San Francisco and retired after 24 years in various positions with the State of California. He worked in the department of corrections, justice department, and department of personnel administration in senior management positions.

He also worked as a probation officer with San Mateo County and “received national recognition in the field of crime prevention as the Director of C.A.P.T.U.R.E., a countywide community-based crime prevention program in San Mateo County,” the city’s bio said.

Service arrangements have yet to be announced.

Read more: “Community voices: reflections on the life of Mel Turner”

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April 20, 2017
Guest Opinion: Citrus Heights needs Measure B to plan for the future

File photo, road work construction sign. // Citrus Heights Sentinel

Note: In the interest of providing educational information to voters and encouraging community dialogue, the Citrus Heights Sentinel has given an equal opportunity to both “yes” and “no” campaigns to submit an opinion piece on Measure B. See the “Yes on Measure B” article below, or click here to read the “No on Measure B” op-ed.

By Mel Turner, Citrus Heights Councilman–
When you cast your vote, whether you do it by mail or at the ballot box, it is critical that you find Measure B and mark ‘Yes.’ Our Department of General Services in Citrus Heights has done a great job using what funding is available to maintain our roads, but Citrus Heights still has a large backlog of streets that get worse every year because we do not have adequate funding for their maintenance.

Streets begin to deteriorate the minute they are put into use and there are 235 miles of roads in Citrus Heights alone. The gas tax is our normal source for road maintenance funding and due to an increase in the population, adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles and inflation, the gas tax no longer provides enough funding to keep up with our needs as a city. In fact, buying power of the gas tax for local road maintenance has dropped about 40%.

Our solution to meet this gap is Measure B. Measure B prioritizes maintenance, with 75% of the funds in the first five years dedicated to filling potholes, repairing and repaving local streets, and redesigning intersections for better traffic flow. As your elected representative on the Sacramento Transportation Authority (STA) board, I work with other locally elected officials to ensure that we “Fix it First.” Citrus Heights will be allocated roughly $117 million dollars that can only be spent on transportation projects approved in the expenditure plan on the ballot. We’ve included road operation, bicycle and pedestrian improvements on Antelope Road, Greenback Lane, Sunrise Boulevard, San Juan Avenue, and Auburn Boulevard. Each of these projects also includes safety improvements to meet Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. There is also funding in Measure B for Paratransit, to help disabled, veterans, and seniors move around safely.

In addition, there are regional projects outlined in Measure B: specifically the widening of the Capital City Freeway between J Street and Watt Avenue. While not located in Citrus Heights, I can’t imagine anyone who hasn’t been stuck in this bottleneck. Having a consistent source of funding for these larger transportation projects is crucial for leveraging match-funding from state and federal sources. Without a local source of revenue, we don’t get a dime to help pay for these larger strategic projects or important local projects.

The additional funding from Measure B would come from a ½ cent sales tax increase that would be implemented throughout Sacramento County. This is happening at the same time the ¼ cent sales tax from Proposition 30 is expiring. Our net increase is only a ¼ cent and the state or federal governments can’t touch the funds. We’ll have local control for local road maintenance. Funding has been slashed and dried up and our backlog grows every year. Road conditions get worse and more expensive the longer maintenance is deferred. Measure B is an opportunity to make significant progress in eliminating the backlog.

The funding in Measure B cannot be diverted; it must be spent on transportation projects as listed in the expenditure plan. This is required by law and is an important taxpayer protection. Also included in the language of Measure B are yearly audits by an independent taxpayer oversight committee. These audits ensure that the funds allocated out from the STA are spent on the voter-approved projects.

What happens without Measure B? First and foremost, we must defer more transportation projects because our normal funding source will continue to produce less every year. Potholes will get larger, cracks in the asphalt will widen. It will take longer to implement bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements. Local roads will continue to lag in quality as we focus what funding we do have on major streets that see the most traffic. Our road quality will continue to cost the average driver over $2000 per year in wasted gas, wasted time and extra vehicle maintenance.

>>Get local election news you won’t find elsewhere: click here to sign up for The Sentinel’s free Weekend e-Edition

With Measure B, we will see an immediate influx of funding dedicated to improving our roads and relieving traffic. We will have local control of funding to address larger strategic regional projects. We will be investing in local jobs and our local economy. Most importantly, Measure B provides a transportation plan for the future of our city. Everyone agrees that some of our roads and bridges are in bad condition. First responders, business and labor, nearly every local elected official, and environmental groups, support Measure B.

Help us plan for the future of Citrus Heights by ensuring we can take care of our roads. Vote Yes on Measure B.

-Councilman Mel Turner, City of Citrus Heights
Website: www.measureb-yes.com

What do you think of Measure B? Join the discussion and submit a letter to the editor: Click here.

Note: the “No on Measure B” op-ed can be read here: “Guest Opinion: Here’s what they’re not telling you about Measure B”

October 15, 2016
Citrus Heights police chief: body cameras ‘likely,’ but too early

Citrus Heights Police Chief Christopher Boyd highlighted details from a study on body cameras last week. (File photo, CHSentinel)

Updated Aug. 20, 8:58 a.m.–
Body-worn cameras on police officers could likely become a future reality in Citrus Heights, Police Chief Christopher Boyd told somewhat-wary city council members in a presentation last week that summarized pros and cons his department had identified in a council-requested study on the issue.

“I do think this is likely in our future,” the police chief said regarding body cameras, indicating it’s the direction law enforcement is moving toward. “I think there’s a lot of good reasons to have the technology, but I think there’s a lot that needs to evolve in the technology itself.”

Citing general benefits found during his department’s study, Chief Boyd told council members various agencies have reported improved accountability, performance and police behavior after introducing body-worn cameras, with other benefits including better evidence-gathering and the possibility to prevent or resolve “frivolous complaints” against officers. But the chief said the study also found camera benefits differ from department to department, largely depending on the level of trust between the community and police.

Addressing several concerns about the technology, Boyd highlighted privacy issues involved in entering a private home with a camera rolling, the possibility of witnesses being unwilling to cooperate on camera, and the potential for “massive releasing” of video records under California’s Public Records Act. He estimated that requests for public records of the video footage would be “enormous,” and said additional staff time and costs would be involved to “review, redact and scrub” the records of any non-releasable portions prior to release.

The chief also told council members body-worn cameras could send a signal to officers that there’s a lack of trust within the department, but said “most all” of his officers would “embrace” the technology, if implemented. He said the Citrus Heights Police Department (CHPD) tested out various body cameras for several months in studying the issue, but currently have none in use.

[Also on The Sentinel: Citrus Heights police roll out new 2015 patrol SUVs]

City Attorney Ruthann Zeigler also added her perspective during Boyd’s presentation, telling council members there’s “a tremendous number of unanswered questions” about the use of body cameras — referencing privacy issues, public records requests, and concerns about recording minors.

Boyd said new local policies to handle these concerns could be crafted, but cautioned that cities could end up with “very little local control,” pending the outcome of body camera legislation currently in the California legislature that could end up dictating such policy at the state level.

“I think we have an interest to wait and to watch and see how police might ultimately be regulated under new laws enacted with this kind of technology,” Boyd told the council. “It might be in our interest to make sure we know, before we own technology subject to regulation – what that regulation might be.”

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Boyd said estimated costs involved would include $64,000 to purchase cameras for 80 officers, $250,000 for related staff and IT technician costs, and an annual cloud-storage cost of about $100,000. For an alternative cost of about $300,000 every five years, Boyd said the City could purchase its own servers to host the estimated 300 terabytes of data needed to store and backup video footage. The chief said actual costs were difficult for his department to estimate, citing unknowns like how much staff time would be involved in responding to public records requests, how long videos would be required to be stored, and under what conditions body cameras would need to be recording video.

Council members react:

Although no action was planned or taken on the body camera issue following the police chief’s August 13 council meeting report, all five city council members expressed their reservation over implementing the technology in Citrus Heights, citing concerns like cost and questioning if the cameras are really necessary.

“In Citrus Heights we really don’t have the problems they have in Baltimore or Ferguson,” Mayor Sue Frost said during the meeting. “I don’t ever get complaints about how our police act in our community – I get compliments.”

“I’m not a fan of body cameras at this point,” said Councilman Mel Turner, commenting that the push for body cameras seems to be a reactionary approach to what’s going on in other parts of the country. “I like to take the proactive approach, which is to make sure we hire the right officers in the first place, so we don’t have to have these problems.”

“If you’re having a problem, I would be all for it,” said Councilman Jeff Slowey. “But knowing – at least today – that we’re in a good place with our police department, I personally would be a little hesitant to jump out and spend that kind of money.”

Council members had previously requested the police department study the costs and ramifications of body-worn cameras following national discussion on the topic over the past year, according to Mayor Frost. She said no action related to implementing cameras is anticipated in the near future.

August 20, 2015
Meet your new mayor: Q&A with Sue Frost

A new year in Citrus Heights brings with it a new mayor for the city. In this exclusive Sentinel email interview with newly appointed Mayor Sue Frost, we cover everything from what her cat’s name is to what leaders she most admires.

Sue Frost shares an exchange with outgoing mayor Mel Turner, after being selected as the new mayor during a December council meeting.

What’s your history in Citrus Heights?
“I moved to Citrus Heights with my family when I was 8 or 9 years old. Prior to that I lived in Orangevale, Ca. I went to Skycrest, Kingswood School and San Juan High School. I graduated my junior year in high school at the age of 17 and went straight on to college. I lived in southern California briefly and later moved around to Riverside, Morro Bay, Monterey, Folsom — even Roseville, Carmichael and other areas.”

“I was married in 1984. While I lived in Folsom for over 20 years, my husband and I owned real estate and a business in Citrus Heights. I’ve always been connected here and I have lived ‘or’ worked in Citrus Heights for more years than not. Many of my current neighbors were here during my young years when their children and all of us would play kick the can in the neighborhood court, Marco Polo in the swimming pool, and go to school together.”

What college did you attend?
“I attended Pacific Union College in Napa, majoring in nursing and physical education. I graduated with an Associate of Science in nursing as an RN and later specialized as a California Certified Emergency Nurse. During my high school and college years I worked at a summer camp in northern California where I did everything from garbage detail to canoe instructor, camp counselor, lifeguard, girls director and camp nurse.”

What are you passionate about?
“I enjoy reading, writing, cooking, gardening, family and friends. I am passionate about justice and liberty.” Frost also said she has a passion for sustainability, emphasizing it “can apply to all areas of our lives: our personal or business budget, the land, our world.”

What kind of volunteer work have you been involved with?
“Some recent volunteer affiliations have included: Citrus Heights Green Team, Birdcage Heights Neighborhood Association, Rotary, Sacramento Association of Realtors, Placer Sustain. My volunteer activities declined during my first couple years as an elected official.”

How long you’ve been married?
“30 years to Jack Frost. We have been through much, and he is my dearest friend.”

Do you have any children?
“Yes. I was blessed with a second family home. I am a step-mother to Tracy Frost and Ben Frost. We had many wonderful years filled with joy and challenge. I have learned so much from both of them. Ben is married to Cathy Frost and lives in New Hampshire. Tracy lives in Honolulu.”

Any siblings?
“I have an older sister and brother who live in the Sacramento region.”

Do you have some pets?
“I have a cat named George. He was my mom’s cat, and when she passed away I promised her I would care for him. He’s wild and hard to get close to, but he is a sweet cat and good mouser.”

What type of music do you like?
“Soft rock, rock ‘n roll, classical, jazz, orchestra, alternative, some country… I have broad taste in music, but soft rock and alternative are probably my favorites.”

Where’s the furthest you’ve traveled from Citrus Heights?
“Southern Spain, Canary Islands… Wonderful month away to Europe’s ‘Hawaii.’ Met many locals, played golf and ate so much good food!”

Which leader(s) in the last 100 years do you look up to most, and why?
“Ronald Reagan – He told the truth about what government’s purpose should be. He advanced policies that supported small businesses and promoted economic development. He understood the need for America to strengthen our defense.”
“Martin Luther King – In the face of injustice, he courageously led his people to fight with non-violent civil disobedience. A movement that began to correct an injustice and changed our world for the better.”

Which book has had the most influence on your life?
“I think the Holy Bible. Although there are so many books that have expanded my understanding and influenced me.”

When did you first consider running for public office?
“In the summer of 2012 when my husband came home and stated that one of the council members in Citrus Heights had asked if his wife would consider running for office. I was then approached by some citizens who encouraged me to run. I gave it considerable thought. I met with some council members to learn more about the job. I believe I was called to run for public service.”

<<See related story: “Council votes in Sue Frost as new Citrus Heights mayor”>>

Did you have any previous experience in leadership prior to running for city council?
“Most of my leadership experience is within the private business realm, and I entered into public service in 2012 for the first time. I served as senior vice president over Sales & Marketing for a national banking firm (Equipoint Financial Services). I am president of Frost Enterprises, Inc., [formerly] a full-service mortgage bank and currently a real estate and investment company. I have served on multiple boards including profit, nonprofit and property ownership association boards. I also served on the Area 11 Birdcage Heights Neighborhood Association Board and served on committees at the Sacramento Association of Realtors.”

As mayor, what do you look forward to most in 2015?
“Working with our REACH (Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights) members to bring a Community Leadership Summit to Citrus Heights.”

Frost also said she hopes to expand relations with other regional leaders and continue former mayor Mel Turner’s efforts to develop young leaders through the “Shadow Program.”

Mayor Frost can be contacted by email at Sfrost@citrusheights.net, or by calling (916) 207-7960.

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January 2, 2015
Council votes in Sue Frost as new Citrus Heights mayor

Citrus Heights city council members unanimously voted Thursday night to select Sue Frost to replace Mel Turner as mayor of Citrus Heights, choosing Jeannie Bruins to serve as vice mayor for a one-year term as well.

Former Mayor Mel Turner shakes hands with council member Sue Frost, as she officially took the seat as mayor of Citrus Heights, Thursday night.

“I’m extremely proud and honored to serve as the mayor of Citrus Heights,” said Mayor Frost just after officially being voted in as mayor by her fellow council members. “I want to thank the citizens of Citrus Heights for the opportunity to be a public servant.”

The new mayor listed several priorities for the coming year, including continuing the former mayor’s efforts to foster new leaders through the “Shadow Program,” and collaborating with citizens through the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights — proposing a new “citizens leadership council.” She also expressed a desire to expand relations with regional leaders, continue to support local police, promote economic development and continue the City’s “tradition of fiscal responsibility.”

Council members also offered praise to former mayor Turner for his work over the past year, with Jeff Slowey giving Turner “kudos” for the way he responded to several controversies over his term as mayor.

“There was a couple of tough issues that came up this year,” said Slowey, likely referring to citizen uproar over a creek trails project and complaints over a new city hall proposal. “You handled them very well.”

Joining the council in 2012, Frost is the newest member of the council to serve as mayor, with her four colleagues all having served at least one term as mayor in the past. Her colleague Vice Mayor Bruins is the council’s longest-serving member, joining the council in 2002.

The five-member council is in charge of making all policy determinations in the city of Citrus Heights, and votes in a new mayor and vice mayor from among its ranks each year. The council also appoints the city manager, city attorney, and members of advisory boards and commissions.

*Editor’s note: Check back this week for a follow-up “Meet your new mayor” profile story.

December 13, 2014
Citrus Heights: Veterans honored for sacrifice, defending freedom

Nearly 200 veterans, family members and community leaders took part in a ceremony and solemn march around Sylvan Cemetery in Citrus Heights Tuesday, honoring the lives of those who fought on behalf of their county.

Jerry Smith, of American Legion Citrus Heights Post 637, walks past Honor Guards during the Veterans Day event.

“Our vets, they basically give away their time and life so that we can have our way of life at home,” said Citrus Heights Vice Mayor Sue Frost afterwards, attending the event along with four fellow council members. “So in Citrus Heights, we consider them our treasure.”

Tuesday’s event began with an eight-man Honor Guard from the Citrus Heights Police Department leading a march around the cemetery’s flag-lined road known as the Avenue of Flags, with stops for commemoration and prayer from Jerry Smith of the American Legion Citrus Heights Post 637.

“Real heroes don’t wear capes; they wear dog tags,” said Paul Reyes of Post 637, during an opening speech after the morning march. He was followed by some tunes from the Harmony Express men’s chorus, as well as a quick word from Citrus Heights Mayor Mel Turner about honoring and thanking veterans.

A speech by Sacramento County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan promised to make information about the County’s veterans benefits easier to access online, and sought to draw a connection between Election Day last Tuesday and Veterans Day this Tuesday.

“Having a free election is one of the freedoms that our veterans fought to protect and one that we hold dear,” said MacGlashan. “So once again I want to thank you for your service.”

The hour-and-a-half long annual event was put on by the local post of American Legion, which also hosts a Memorial Day ceremony each year. (Read prior story here)

Veterans Day’s history traces back to Armistice Day, which marked the close of the first world war in 1918 on the 11th day of the 11th month on the 11th hour — resulting in the November 11 date we remember today.

Painting, Washington at Verplancks Point, by John Trumbull. // Public domain.

November 12, 2014
RESULTS: voters re-elect Citrus Heights council; Schaefer trails by 3%

Updated 11:21 a.m. —
Voters in Citrus Heights gave a nod of approval to their current city councilmembers Tuesday, with all three incumbents leading challengers by 3 percent or more, according to the latest election results from the Sacramento County Registrar of Voters.
“IT’S OFFICIAL: 3/3 Gets the job done,” incumbent Steve Miller posted on his Facebook page around 1 a.m. Wednesday morning, with 65 out of 65 voting precincts reporting. “Thank you for your votes and kind support.”

Jeannie Bruins staked out a significant lead above the rest, gaining 25 percent of the vote, with Mel Turner coming in second with 22 percent. Steve Miller is in third place, beating challenger Tim Schaefer by about 800 votes, as of the latest County numbers released at 12:33 a.m., Wednesday.

Public disclosure filings show Turner received the most total contributions this year, reporting over $21,000, with Miller reporting slightly over $12,000 and Bruins around $10,000. Schaefer came in far behind, reporting total contributions of just $3,250 and Bridget Duffy announced early on she was intentionally not raising funds.

In mailers and public statements, incumbents largely focused on their past record, while challengers distinguished themselves by opposition to a new city hall building and criticism of incumbents for supporting a 2012 tax measure.

More than 12,000 undervotes have been reported so far for the council race, with undervotes occurring when a voter skipped over the city council part of their ballot, or selected just one or two candidates instead of the full three selections allowed in the race. Undervotes for local races are typically high, as past election results indicate many voters only make a choice in well-known national and statewide races and choose to leave other “down-ticket” races blank.

Poll workers at a precinct near Old Auburn Road and Mariposa Avenue said voter turnout was higher than in the June Primary election, and said about two-thirds of voters on their list were vote-by-mail. An election report for the precinct showed 201 voters cast a ballot in-person on Tuesday, and an additional 107 vote-by-mail ballots were dropped off during the election.

Although ballots mailed in early have already been counted, vote-by-mail ballots dropped off at the polls, as well as others like provisional ballots, are still to be counted.

Elected councilmembers will each serve a term of four years on the five-member city council. The other two members currently on the council will be up for election in 2016.

*Editor’s note: stay tuned for more exclusive local election coverage.

—
Did you vote in Tuesday’s election? Take a minute to answer our anonymous, 4-question election survey:
http://bit.ly/ElectionSurveyCitrusHeights

November 5, 2014
2014 Citrus Heights Council Candidates Differ on Taxes, New City Hall

Looking to find out more about who’s running in the local Citrus Heights city council election?

The five Citrus Heights city council candidates sit alongside a League of Women Voters moderator during an October 11 voter forum.

With the election coming on Tuesday, we’ve updated this candidate forum story from October with separate audio clips for each of the eight questions candidates were asked.

Candidate answers show their greatest difference to be on plans for an estimated $18.9 million new city hall, with challengers Tim Schaefer and Bridget Duffy against the proposal, while incumbents Steve Miller, Mel Turner and Jeannie Bruins spoke favorably of the plan to build a new hall during the forum — although Bruins said she’d wait for a traffic study and Environmental Impact Report before committing to a final decision.

Candidates were also divided during the forum on whether they supported a failed 2012 tax increase known as Measure K, with Miller, Turner and Bruins saying they supported it to help pay for roads and police services, while Schaefer and Duffy said they opposed the tax measure.

*Editor’s note: to listen to the candidates’ full answers to any of the eight questions asked, click on the audio below:

1. Public Safety: “Two days ago, the Citrus Heights city council voted unanimously to oppose Prop 47, with our Police Chief stating that the proposition would ‘virtually assure’ the release of 10,000 inmates into local communities. What is your position on Prop 47, and what is your plan to enhance public safety in Citrus Heights?”

Candidate answers (5:01)

2. New City Hall Proposal “What is your position on the City of Citrus Heights’ proposal to relocate city hall and can you tell and explain why this is — or is not — beneficial to taxpayers?”

Candidate answers (5:27)

3. Taxes: “The local tax increase known as Measure K was shot down by Citrus Heights voters in 2012 — although it was supported by councilmembers at the time. Would you support future tax increases, and did you support Measure K? Why, or why not?”

Candidate answers (5:47)

4. Special Interests: “Each election, there’s a lot of talk about special interests controlling candidates. On October 6, you all filed a campaign disclosure form, showing who donated to you and how much. Take a minute to share with voters who your top two donors are, and how these donations would — or would not – have an influence on decisions you would make.”

Candidate answers (5:01)

5. Homelessness: “Vice Mayor Sue Frost has said she questions whether it is the proper role of government to solve the problem of homelessness – or whether most aspects of the problem are best solved by private charity. Given the complaints about homelessness in Citrus Heights, what do you believe the proper role of government is in regard to homelessness in our community?”

Candidate answers: (5:58)

6. Schools: “Although the City and San Juan Unified School Districts are two different government entities, many citrus heights residents have expressed concern about the plans for Sylvan Middle School. What role, if any, should city councilmembers have in this matter?”

Candidate answers (5:46)

7. Business: “Citrus Heights has sought to create a City that is business-friendly, with stores like Stein Mart opening earlier this month and HD Supply opening next week. What specifically would you do to keep and attract businesses in Citrus Heights?”

Candidate answers (5:50)

8. Measuring Success: “If you are elected — or re-elected — to the city council, how will you personally measure your success as a councilmember after four years?”

Candidate answers (5:44)

November 3, 2014