MINUTES
OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE JURUPA VALLEY CITY COUNCIL
May 12, 2015
The meeting was held at the Jurupa Valley High School Auditorium, 10551 Bellegrave Avenue,
Jurupa Valley, CA 91752
1.
6:00 P.M. – CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
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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 6:02 p.m.
2.
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS - MAYOR BRAD HANCOCK
Mayor Hancock welcomed community members to the Town Hall meeting. He
introduced his colleagues on the City Council. He 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 Johnston, seconded by Council Member
Lauritzen, to approve the Agenda.
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Berkson, Hancock, Johnston, Lauritzen, Roughton
None
None
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.
5.
RESIDENT AND COMMUNITY COMMENTS
Karen Bain voiced concern about loud music in her neighborhood, stating that on
Mother’s Day she had to call the Sheriff’s Department twice. She urged the Council to
keep addressing the noise issues. She asked if the City Council had an opinion on this
issue.
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Mayor Hancock responded to Ms. Bain and assured her that the City’s enforcement of the
Noise Ordinance would continue.
Noel Olsen voiced concern about high density housing, stating that he was speaking on
behalf of his neighbors on Frank Avenue. He asked for clarification as to whether the
City’s zoning is being changed to allow more high density housing.
Mayor Hancock responded to Mr. Olsen and provided additional information on the
City’s zoning. He suggested that Mr. Olsen visit the City’s website where he can follow
the progress of future projects that first come before the City’s Planning Commission.
Sheila Ehrlich relayed an incident where a resident was ignored at the City Hall front
counter. She stated that most residents who voted for cityhood were voting for low
density. She questioned why projects keep being changed to high density.
City Manager Gary Thompson asked Ms. Ehrlich to contact him directly and he would
follow-up on her concerns.
Dorothy Olendahl encouraged audience members to hold their applause as everyone has
the right to their own opinion. She asked when Council Berkson would have his bio
added to the City’s website. She asked whether large lots would be grandfathered to
allow existing zoning to remain.
George Johé questioned how rezoning will impact those residents who own livestock. He
discussed the rumors circulating in the community that the City Council were going to
change the zoning. He voiced concern that all the new homes are creating a “traffic
nightmare.”
Mayor Hancock responded to Mr. Johé, stating that there has been misleading
information circulating in the community and there are no plans to change the existing
zoning.
Albert Paoun stated that he moved to Jurupa Valley because he wanted to live the country
lifestyle. He requested that street lights be installed on Jurupa Road to improve the safety
of residents and horses stating that there are no sidewalks in this area. He stated that he
would like to see trails added around the new housing developments. He added that the
equestrian lifestyle is the reason he moved to Jurupa Valley.
Ruben Perez, Jr. asked for clarification as to who is in charge of the curriculum at Jurupa
Valley schools.
Elliott Duchon, Superintendent, Jurupa Valley Unified School District responded to Mr.
Perez, explaining that the curriculum is dictated by the State of California. He welcomed
Mr. Perez to attend the JUSD School Board meetings if he has any additional questions
or concerns.
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Vidal Ramos voiced concern about traffic and the safety of his horses stating that there
are no lights in Old Mira Loma specifically near Troth Street. He stated that walking is
very dangerous and a traffic light is needed to help residents safely cross Limonite.
Susan Sims stated that she is the long-time owner of a business on Limonite. She asked
for clarification as to how the Limonite widening project will impact her property. She
questioned whether it was time to sell her business as she heard more housing
developments are coming.
A question card was submitted that asked when is the appropriate time to start and end a
party?
Captain Jason Horton provided additional information on noise complaints, reporting that
there were 33 calls last weekend. He provided residents with the following nonemergency phone number: (951) 776-1099.
Sue Hooper discussed the Sheriff’s services contract and questioned what she read about
the contract being “unsustainable.” She asked whether the funds spent on the remodeling
of the City Hall could cover the cost of the Sheriff’s contract.
City Manager Gary Thompson responded to Ms. Hooper explaining that the costs of the
annual law enforcement contract have increased $1 million without any increase in
service. He added that the costs for the City Hall renovation project were taken from
developer impact fees.
Amy Braun questioned how the City would be responding to the governor’s drought
emergency regulations.
Todd Corbin, General Manager of the Jurupa Community Services District, provided
additional information on the JCSD’s water supplies and its implementation of water
conservation measures.
Alejandra Mejia questioned what is going to be built at Limonite and Wineville.
Planning Director Thomas Merrell responded to Ms. Mejia and provided additional
information on current development projects.
Lizeth Lopez asked for confirmation that the City Council would not be taking away her
animal keeping rights. She asked if there was a limit as to how many animals she could
have per acre.
Mayor Hancock responded to Ms. Lopez and explained the animal keeping limits which
are set by the city’s zoning code.
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