CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - As part of California’s shelter-in-place order to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, the Citrus Heights City Council chamber was almost empty on March 26. Only City Clerk Amy Van (accompanied by a CHPD officer) was present to facilitate the teleconferenced City Council meeting. City Manager Chris Boyd said, “We’re in unprecedented times. I want to start… by just letting you know how proud I am of our community and all of our City staff for rising to the occasion… an occasion none of us have ever seen in our lifetime, but we’re prepared.”

Boyd reported to the Council about steps taken during this crisis. He said, “Our front counters, our receptions, and lobby are closed, but our government and our city is very much open and conducting business in all service areas like we always have. We’re just doing it differently without human contact. We were well prepared to make this transition very quickly.” The business of governing the city continues through phone, email, and essential appointments. Building permits and inspections are reduced but still moving forward. The Planning Division is working remotely, and Public Works continues to provide essential services.

CHPD Chief Ron Lawrence said the police department is continuing to enforce traffic laws, respond to calls for service, and maintain crime prevention efforts. The department is increasing their presence in the business district and at local grocery stores. Chief Lawrence explained that departments throughout the state are united in their stance toward enforcement of the public health order to shelter in place: “Our current status is we’re educating our public; we’re asking for voluntary compliance and cooperation. … We do have prepared contingency plans for enforcement and mutual aid if necessary, but we really believe that our public is going to step up and do the right thing by adhering to the public health order.”

Mayor Jeff Slowey recently declared a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Council voted unanimously to ratify that declaration at the March 26 meeting. Proclaiming a state of emergency doesn’t represent an increased risk to the Citrus Heights community, but it allows the City to access funds, resources, and potential aid if needed.

The Council also considered the Old Auburn Road Complete Streets Plan. In 2017, Citrus Heights received a Caltrans grant funding the development of a Complete Streets Plan for the two-mile section of Old Auburn Rd. between Sylvan Rd./Auburn Blvd. and Garry Oak Drive (just east of Fair Oaks Blvd.). Leslie Blomquist, the City’s principal civil engineer, presented the Council with the preferred design concept to address safety issues such as excessive vehicle speeds, skewed intersections, numerous collisions, and inadequate bicycle and pedestrian lanes.

Blomquist said the data-driven plan was developed after robust public engagement, including seven public outreach events and a demonstration project to test portions of the plan in real time. The plan would reduce the number of vehicle travel lanes to just one in each direction with a center two-way turn lane. The plan also includes separated bike lanes, wide sidewalks separated by a landscaped buffer, and enhanced pedestrian crossings with raised medians.

If adopted, the Old Auburn Road Complete Streets Plan will be used to seek grant funding to continue the design work, to perform environmental reviews, and for the actual construction costs. The plan will be phased and implemented based on available grants.

Three public comments were submitted regarding the plan. Anthony Silveria said, “I have a hard enough time trying to pull out of my driveway (Chipmunk Way), without the trees you are going to put in, or the cross walk for the church, or the median you want to create to take up more room. The two lanes are there for a reason, one to go to Antelope, and the other to continue on Auburn. The test you did stopped the road completely.”

Kathy Morris said she has participated in many of the public engagement meetings and appreciates the hard work and professionalism in the development of the plan. Although Morris understands the concerns and the desire for pedestrian and bike lanes, “I believe the proposed changes will again make it difficult for me and my immediate neighborhood,” she said.

Bill Shirley said that he and his neighbors are all “pleased with the current lane configuration. Not one person was in favor of the proposal you are being presented with tonight.” He asked that this issue be tabled until a regular City Council can be held where residents in the area can attend and voice their concerns.

Vice Mayor Steve Miller said he felt comfortable approving the item because it is currently just a concept plan, so there is still plenty of time to refine the project. The plan was passed unanimously by the Council.