EGCC Approves 2013 Budget, Funds For Wayfinding Signs
Norm DeYoung (second left) presents Elk Grove City officials a plaque for their support of the Western Festival Scherman contemplates p...
https://www.elkgrovenews.net/2012/06/egcc-approves-2013-budget-funds-for.html
 |
| Norm DeYoung (second left) presents Elk Grove City officials a plaque for their support of the Western Festival |
Scherman contemplates political future
With only three members in attendance, the Elk Grove City Council approved the city's 2013 budget and took several steps on significant future projects at last night's regular meeting.
After hearing a presentation from city budget manager Katy Baumbach and public comment, the council unanimously approved the budget by a 3-0 vote. Mayor Jim Cooper and Council Member Pat Hume were not present but during roll call were said to have a excused absence's.
The total budget for 2013 is $157 million, which is $8 million or five percent more than the current budget of $149 million. The general fund budget, which provides discretionary funds for services, is $51.8 million, which is $1.4 million or 2.7 percent more than the current budget of $50.4 million.
Several items on last night's agenda and consent calender were related to the budget including a proposed wayfinding sign project and rural intersection improvement projects.
While the council agreed to appropriate $340,000 in the 2013 budget should the council approve a proposed wayfinding sign project, several members of the public questioned the need for the project.
Elk Grove resident Sarah Johnson noted that the proposed wayfinding signs would be in addition to existing business and traffic signs and said the staff report on the project did not accurately reflect public comments.
"I am not against signs," Johnson said. "But I am opposed to visual blight."
The council also agreed to pursue rural intersection improvement projects that would include roundabouts. Of the three intersections being considered, the city said it would pursue the Sheldon and Bradshaw roads intersection because it has federal funds for that project.
Several rural Elk Grove area residents spoke in favor of building roundabouts in the area noting benefits such as lower vehicle emissions and improved traffic flow
Typical of the comments was Sheldon-area resident Leo Fassler who said after visiting New Zealand where roundabouts are common, Fassler said he believes they work well.
"I am supportive of roundabouts where you can," Fassler said. "Once you get use to it, they really work."
Scherman's future
At the conclusion of the meeting, council member Sophia Scherman was asked about any future plans she may have. Scherman, whose current district was eliminated with realignment and the establishment of a directly elected mayor, recently came in third place in her bid for the state assembly.
When asked is she would be entering the mayoral race, Scherman said she has not made any final decision about her political future and has not ruled out that possibility. Scherman said she will be meeting with her political consultant soon and will make a decision.
In addition to the mayoral race, Scherman could enter the race for the Elk Grove Unified School District which will have an open seat in the district where she currently lives and there will be open seats up on the Cosumnes Community Services District boards of directors.
"I am exploring my options," she said.
Posts
10 comments
So for all of you on the various blogs and websites that complained loudly about this way-finding signage program because of both the costs and the intentions, why weren't you there to voice your concerns? Besides myself, only one other person spoke. When you don't participate, you get what you get!
Hi Sarah,
First up, your comments last night were spot on and Gary Davis certainly made note. I emailed my comments, but see that they were not "green sheeted." I would have attended, but it was the second anniversary of my Dad's passing and yesterday was just too difficult.
Your voice, though only one, spoke for many, and I am going to follow up with another email.
Thank you!
Sarah,
We all appreciate your sage words and vocal objections to visual blight in our city. I'd appreciate an opportunity to talk more about your views on other topics.
Thanks Connie. Certainly understand your situation and did assume that you would have emailed comments. Sometimes, though, it is about "theater" when a crowd shows up to the meeting and that was my hope for last night.
Chris, Please contact me. I am always happy to talk to people. email sjohnson@surewest.net
Hi Sarah,
Yes, you are certainly correct about citizens showing up in person and speaking up at public comment because it is more effective. I believe Sophia even commented on that last night.
How many times in the past have we been down this road with this government of ours, special last minute 3:30 p.m. meetings and all? That old adage, “The more things change. . . “ We had hope for better, haven’t we?
A lot of us will be at the next one, qualified Elk Grove residents, not ones who say they live in Elk Grove, and we will be speaking regarding the signage issue.
One thing though, we won’t be bringing our “chefs” to expound on our clout, because we don’t have any; chefs that is!
And not to bring up another media outlet, but I must: Did you read Phillip Stark's comment on the Citizen regarding the sign article. Move over MasterCard, it was priceless!
As a services, here are the comments from the EGC cited in the above comment.
"Phillip Stark wrote on Jun 13, 2012 7:59 PM:
" “I’m the only one with the cojones to invest in the community,” Moore said at the June 6 meeting.
Hmmm... cojones? Seriously? Good grief Mr. Moore... you'd do well to start using the area between your ears rather than the area below your belt to identify your commitment to this community. I'm deeply thankful we have this sign ordinance in place....it helps protect this community from getting the full impact of cojones such as yours. I sincerely hope the leadership in this city will have the intestinal fortitude to defend it. "
WOW! Thanks for making me aware of it as I had not seen it! Bravo to Phillip Stark for saying what needed to be said. I did mention in one posting (don't remember where) that I was offended by Mr. Moore's cajones comment, because I was offended and felt it was completely inappropriate.
Is it just me or is it sad that something as important as the budget only had three Council members to approve it? Guess it gives the other two the ability to say they never voted for it.
Yes, both the current Mayor and Vice Mayor had excuses absenses. Not sure what constitutes an excused absense.
Regardless of whether they were excused or not, the budget was not required to be adopted at that meeting. They could have held it to the next one and still met the deadline. I just wish that more time was given to this instead of the rubber stamp that seems to be getting put on everything these days.
Post a Comment