MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE JURUPA VALLEY CITY COUNCIL March 31, 2015 The meeting was held at Rubidoux High School, 4250 Opal Street, Jurupa Valley, CA 92509 1. 6:00 P.M. – CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL ● ● ● ● ● Brad Hancock, Mayor Laura Roughton, Mayor Pro Tem Brian Berkson, Council Member Frank Johnston, Council Member Verne Lauritzen, Council Member Mayor Hancock called the Town Hall meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. 2. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS - MAYOR BRAD HANCOCK Mayor Hancock welcomed community members to the first Town Hall meeting. He thanked everyone for their attendance and encouraged citizens to share their questions and concerns with the City Council. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Council Member Frank Johnston. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A motion was made by Council Member Lauritzen, seconded by Council Member Johnston, to approve the Agenda. Ayes: Noes: Absent: 5. Berkson, Hancock, Johnston, Lauritzen, Roughton None None RESIDENT AND COMMUNITY COMMENTS City Manager Gary Thompson introduced City staff members who were seated in the audience. He advised that they are prepared to respond to any issues presented at tonight’s Town Hall meeting. Linda Wingard complained about noise in her neighborhood, specifically one “party house” that she has regularly reported to the Sheriff’s Department over the past three years. She voiced concern that it is an ongoing problem that has not yet been resolved. Henry Escalera voiced concern that there are too many high density homes being built in the city which is causing increased traffic congestion, loss of open space, overcrowding of schools, and the erosion of his animal keeping rights. -1- Frank Jimenez voiced concern about the rundown appearance of his neighborhood, advising that the residents in a senior housing community in Glen Avon have to deal with numerous issues such as increased crime, vandalism, and homeless encampments in the nearby vacant field. Robert Miller discussed the state’s drought and his concern that the rapid pace in development has taken place without enough concern for ensuring there is an adequate water supply. Todd Corbin, General Manager of the Jurupa Community Services District, addressed Mr. Miller’s concerns and responded to questions from the audience. Doug Wilson advised that he has been told that he cannot have covered horse stalls on his property according to the City’s code enforcement personnel. He was advised that the stalls are not allowed due to a change in the law. Sehila Jimenez advised that she and her family moved to Jurupa Valley to enjoy a country atmosphere, however, residents are being fined over minor issues like noise and animals. She added that her son was nearly run over by a motorist and she would like to see a higher priority placed on public safety. Captain Jason Horton, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, addressed traffic and noise issues and responded to questions from the audience. Dave Snell thanked the City Council for implementing street sweeping in his neighborhood. He encouraged residents who have questions or concerns to contact City Hall and ask for assistance. He requested that the unsightly signs be removed from the City’s right-of-way. He thanked the Sheriff’s Department for their enforcement of the City’s noise ordinance. Janice Escalera asked for clarification as to whether the City has approved the Community Trails Master Plan. She discussed her previous requests for stop signs on 61st Street and Natchez and 61st and Downey to help control speeding motorists. George Wentz, Assistant City Manager, addressed Mrs. Escalera’s concerns and responded to questions from the audience. Ron Anderson, President of the Jurupa Area Recreation and Park District Board of Directors provided information on the Community Trails Master Plan and outlined the approval process. He addressed the density issue, stating that there should be a diversity of density uses for residents to choose from. Lorne Rodriguez voiced a concern regarding the number of medical marijuana dispensaries in the City. She asked whether 54th Street would be paved as it is currently a dirt road. She requested a traffic signal or stop sign on Beach and Limonite to improve traffic safety. -2- Rodney Smith spoke in favor of a rent control ordinance, stating that it would ease the burden of constantly rising rents. Dorothy Olender asked about the resurfacing of city streets stating that the utility companies or contractors should be held responsible for completely resurfacing the streets after they perform construction work. She requested that the current speed limit be reduced on Jurupa Road. Chuck Holbrook discussed his concerns that the rural community he loves will be slowly eroded due to the number of new housing tracts being developed. He lives in Sky Country and he is concerned that the new homes will bring additional traffic congestion and people that don’t understand the rural lifestyle. Stacey Hewett stated that she moved to Jurupa Valley from Orange County so she could have a place to keep her animals. She stated that there is a serious problem with overpopulation of animals. She suggested that a compliance sweep of unlicensed/unvaccinated dogs could help bring in additional revenue. She suggested hiring a part-time officer to issue citations. Jeannine Brown asked for clarification as to how she would deal with a neighbor’s adjoining fence that is deteriorating. She addressed the issue of half acre lots, stating that as a realtor, she is working with clients from Orange County who are looking for halfacre lots. She urged the Council to “build it and they will come.” Robert Zavala announced the formation of the Jurupa Valley Horseman’s Association that will work cooperatively with the City Council, Parks District and local law enforcement. The purpose is to come together as one voice to support the equestrian lifestyle. The meetings are open to the public and will be held at the Jurupa Area Recreation and Park District on the 2nd Monday of each month at 3:00 p.m. Pam Wilson stated that she was cited by the City’s code enforcement for illegal horse stalls and was required to pay a $700 special investigation fee. She voiced concern that the law was changed after the stalls were previously approved by the County of Riverside back in 2009. 6. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS Mayor Hancock thanked the attendees for their participation and encouraged residents to contact the City Council with any additional questions or concerns. 7. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Hancock adjourned the meeting at 8:04 p.m. The next meeting of the Jurupa Valley City Council will be held April 2, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the City Council Chamber, 8930 Limonite Avenue, Jurupa Valley, CA 92509. -3-