47 replies to this topic

[camay2327]

We knew it was coming. Here it is...


Folsom council approves annexation south of Highway 50

After more than a decade of planning, the city of Folsom pushed forward on its bid Tuesday night to annex 3,500 acres south of Folsom, voting unanimously to send the expansion plan to the local body empowered to make a final decision.

The issue brought protests from a handful of residents during the hearing but enthusiastic and lengthy support from members of the development community, the Folsom Chamber of Commerce, and auto dealers, among others.



// go to below website for the rest of the article //

http://www.sacbee.co...annexation.html

[sierrajmk]

Did anybody go to the city council meeting?

I was there and it was my first experience being at a city council meeting.  I thought I'd share some thoughts on the experience.

During the public comment period, the second person to speak was a rancher from the area telling the council how they kept taking land away that could be (and has been) used for ranching and food production.  He seemed to be a representative of the way Folsom used to be.  I couldn't help but notice how his voice was drowned out by the parade of business people and developer representatives dressed in business suits praising the council for what a fantastic plan it is.  It became clearer to me who stands to gain from this project and who stands to lose.

When it was Jeff Starsky's turn to comment, he proceeded to go on a 15 minute (maybe longer) tirade against everyone who opposed the plan.  He particularly singled out a woman who asked him if he had read the documents.  You can see the direct quote in the sacbee article.  He showed a total disrespect for her, including calling her "lady" rather than "ma'am" or "miss".  He then proceeded to unleash his fury on Legal Services (I believe that is the name) - the organization that is suing the city for not providing enough affordable housing in their plan.  He said that he was going to beat them and take their money to cover legal fees (I guess he is representing the city?).  He was very wrapped up in the fact that this is a superior plan and it was almost like how dare anybody challenge it.  I was very disappointed to see a public representative act in this way, especially the way he acted towards one of his constituents.  

Both Starsky and Miklos were emphatic that this plan is what the people wanted.  They claimed that they were merely carrying out the will of the people...that the people asked them to do it so they did it (a.k.a. Measure W).  I got the impression that they were trying to say that it wasn't their idea to annex this property.  Maybe it wasn't, but I found it hard to believe when Miklos said that he had nothing to gain personally from the annexation and build out of the property.

There was also a consistent emphasis on Measure W as a representative of what the people want.  My understanding based on what I have read in this forum about the Measure T initiative is quite different.

One positive I noticed is that there is a fairly substantial movement to save as many trees as possible that currently exist in the area.  I'm all for that and wholeheartedly support any effort to save the beautiful oaks and the habitat they support from the axe.  If development is to occur, then this is the least we can do.

[WolfMom]

Thank you so much for the write-up of what happened.

[ducky]

And why is Starskey serving as a lawyer against the people demanding more affordable housing? Isn't that a conflict of interest? Shouldn't he have to step down from city council if he's going to be representing the city as a lawyer?

I could be wrong, but I doubt he is acting as city attorney. Maybe council members have input, though, into defending the case?

Last I remember, Mr. Starsky was in-house counsel for Beutler. I don't know if that is still the case.

It is disappointing to hear the hostility towards residents who choose to speak. I guess the council are tired of hearing the same accusations. Still, it probably would have been better to just answer questions instead of becoming defensive.

The well-orchestrated proponents speaking one after another was to be expected.

Sierrajmk, were there any residents there to support the plan or was it just commercial interests that spoke in favor of? I'm just curious because, if it's truly what residents wanted, you'd think there would be a handful that would show to speak in support.

[john]

I think the approval and development was inevitable; however I find it unlikely we will see this area even begin work for another 10 years or so. If anyone expected this land to never be developed I think it's wishful thinking. I'd love to see it stay the same way but California is a large area with lots of room for growth. It will contain 30% open space, that is great. I hope our trail system is well-incorporated in it.

I think Starsky's actions at the meeting are inappropriate at best.

[Robert Giacometti]

I could be wrong, but I doubt he is acting as city attorney. Maybe council members have input, though, into defending the case?

Last I remember, Mr. Starsky was in-house counsel for Beutler. I don't know if that is still the case.

It is disappointing to hear the hostility towards residents who choose to speak. I guess the council are tired of hearing the same accusations. Still, it probably would have been better to just answer questions instead of becoming defensive.

The well-orchestrated proponents speaking one after another was to be expected.

Sierrajmk, were there any residents there to support the plan or was it just commercial interests that spoke in favor of? I'm just curious because, if it's truly what residents wanted, you'd think there would be a handful that would show to speak in support.

I thought about going, but realized it was going to be a waste of time. I've been there enough to know that the deals are already decided by the time the council is voting. There isn't anything anybody who isn't from the "in" crowd is going to be able to say to change anything.

Starsky needs to go plain and simple! Does everyone remember his phone call to the Firefighter Union Rep after he won relection 6 years ago?

It looks like I might have some time available starting July to try to do something to make a change of some sort. I just have to figure out the best way to go about this.

[Tulum Lover]

Our city council sucks! I'm sick of Starsky and Miklos their BS lies and their condescending crap and the sh*tty way they treat people who live here... as evidenced by the way they spoke to people at this meeting.... they do not care about anything but money and how it will benefit their careers in politics.

I agree completely!!!

They BOTH need to go!!!

[old soldier]

I am kinda surprised noboby has mentioned the big editorial in the Bee this week about south of 50. The points I got was this water deal about pumping water from the natomas over hill and dale was going to cost about $10000 per house and the planners probably know this already. the bee called for the recall of measure w and then the water would then come from cranking up the water meters north of 50 to reduce use from 350 gallons a day to 250 which would then provide water and the expensive pump deal would be scrapped.

the thing about dropping w would then allow the developer folks to rip into the 30 per cent open space called for with w....

would some smart folks fill in some blanks on this water deal...I seem to recall the original south of 50 plan called for no financial impact on us north of 50 folks and also to keep the villians from rancho from taking over.

as I drive from prarie city to bidwell and look off to the right it wouldn't matter to me if harris ranch set up one of those cattle feeding operations.

[MikeinFolsom]

Sad thing.....I took my 11 year old daughter to the council meeting to show her how 'government' works. When she heard those two jackass council members speak she leaned over to me and said 'wow, those guys are bullies'. Plain and simple. 5'2" dudes sitting behind a desk with fake tans. How tough is that? Whoooo......tough guys!!!!!

[Harold]

Sad thing.....I took my 11 year old daughter to the council meeting to show her how 'government' works. When she heard those two jackass council members speak she leaned over to me and said 'wow, those guys are bullies'. Plain and simple. 5'2" dudes sitting behind a desk with fake tans. How tough is that? Whoooo......tough guys!!!!!

You don't have to be big & strong to be a bully. Your daughter obviously saw what they were and nailed it on the head. I think you do your dauther's intelligence a disservice by sarcastically implying they aren't bullies.

[maestro]

Sad thing.....I took my 11 year old daughter to the council meeting to show her how 'government' works. When she heard those two jackass council members speak she leaned over to me and said 'wow, those guys are bullies'. Plain and simple. 5'2" dudes sitting behind a desk with fake tans. How tough is that? Whoooo......tough guys!!!!!

It's very sad to hear first hand accounts of the arrogance, bullying, and mendacity by the Folsom five.

It is fortunate this forum exists for the word to be spread.

I nearly went to the meeting, but I knew the braying, bullying bunch would be more so. You confirm it.

[ccallana]

I agree completely!!!

They BOTH need to go!!!

Clearly this view is not shared by many within Folsom as they have both served multiple terms.

I believe this to be more laziness and apathy from the voters rather than first hand knowledge and activism as is shown in this thread.

Its unfortunate that politics at all levels are dominated so much by money rather than what is actually important - and that so few people (myself included much of the time) care enough or have the energy enough to try and make things different....