Chamber holds town
hall meeting - Issues prioritized
By Jay O'Brien
Ninety concerned people attended the Rio Linda/Elverta Chamber of
Commerce's second Town Hall meeting Thursday, November 19, at Orchard
School. Chamber Board member Frank Porter, who is also the
Superintendent of the Rio Linda Union School District, moderated the
meeting.
The first speaker was Mark Manoff, the County's North County Area
Service Area Manager. Manoff reported on the progress of opening the
new service center at 6015 Watt Avenue; he hopes it will be open in
early January. Manoff identified Lupe Rodriguez, who was present
representing the County Department of Transportation.
Following Manoff was Jim Hall, from County Code Enforcement; he
reported on work his department has accomplished since the first Town
Hall meeting in August, including 227 vehicle cases and 225 code
enforcement cases. Dennis Springer accompanied Hall.
Next, Lt. Danny Munoz reported from the Sheriff's Office, and finally,
Officer Max Hartley reported from the California Highway Patrol.
Hartley was accompanied by CHP officers Andrew Silcox, Carol Lyddon and
Robert Hays. CHP Area Commander, Captain Chuck Chellew, also attended.
After the introductory comments
and reports, the meeting split
into three action groups. Each group identified and prioritized issues
and suggested strategies for taking action; after 30 minutes in group
session, each group reported their findings and priorities.
The Code Enforcement group was facilitated by Norma-Lee and recorded by
Kathy Long. Top issues were identified as: "Community Clean-up day",
"Improvement of Communication between Code Enforcement/Agencies, Rio
Linda & citizens", and "Verify validity of complaints".
The Traffic Enforcement group was facilitated by Don Flesch and
recorded by Vicki McKnight. Their top priorities were: "More school
zone signs", "Speeding", and "Determining noise levels:
ordinances covering revving engines, mufflers, and car stereos".
The Law Enforcement group facilitator was Judy Garcia; recorder was Kay
Davis. At the top of their list are: "Locate and disband 'safe
houses'", "Drug Dealing", and "Youth and blatant drug use".
There were many "new" faces at this Town Hall meeting, according to
Chamber of Commerce President Kathy Long. In support of the Chamber,
the Rio Linda Lions Club adjorned in favor of the Town Hall meeting; as
a result, many Lions Club members were present. Lions' President Mel
Griffin said "The Lions supports community efforts such as this".
County Service Area Manager Mark Manoff, after the meeting, commented
"I thought it was a very positive meeting, it went well."
The sentiment was positive to have another Town Hall meeting in about
three months.
jump to top of page
