City of Roseville

from Roseville Mayor John B. Allard, II

For all the emergency and crisis scenarios the City plans and prepares for, a pandemic is likely the least predictable crisis we face as a community. How long it lasts and how deeply its effects will be felt remain to be seen. We look forward to the point where we move from an active mode to the recovery phase. As we recover, we’ll integrate what we’ve learned to forge a new, stronger and better path forward.

Meanwhile with the recent rise in infection rates in Placer County and throughout California, we continue to deal with unpredictability. This increase influences other metrics that cause us to exceed monitoring levels. Last week, indoor operations of businesses including hair salons and barbershops, indoor malls, and gyms and fitness centers were closed until further notice, along with places of worship.

As health concerns result in tighter restrictions, the fallout on our economy, education system, and community continue. 

Realizing our control lies in our response, the City of Roseville has been working extensively to create an environment that fosters as much success under these circumstances as possible. We opened up a supply chain to provide PPE to businesses and nonprofits in Roseville, including distributing tens of thousands of masks.

We’re expanding the ability of businesses to hold activities outdoors, including adjusting policies that allow for temporary street closures and outdoor operations where not previously allowed. And we provided $1.5 million in no-interest loans to Roseville small businesses at the start of April. It’s an indefinite situation, and being able to respond to the needs in our community is key.

Perspectives vary widely on what’s effective and what should be done. However, it’s important to note that compliance with state guidance is a condition of state funding and reimbursement to local governments, as well as a way to mitigate the spread that will allow more sectors of our economy to operate. We’ll continue to work with our community to ensure we operate as functionally and safely as we can in this difficult, disruptive, and challenging time.

A welcoming community

Social unrest in the wake of George Floyd’s death has compounded people’s anxiety and frustration. In Roseville, we’ve received a much higher level of interest in our police policies along with continued strong support and appreciation for the dedication of our staff at the Roseville Police Department.

The RPD worked intensely to ensure that people could demonstrate and safely exercise their constitutionally protected rights. I deeply appreciate our officers’ professionalism, which is even more visible during times like this.

Demonstrations were peaceful. Though emotions can run high, I want to commend our residents for the respectful behavior shown by nearly everyone expressing their voices.

As residents engaged in social media campaigns about police policies, the RPD communicated its policy alignment through direct responses, videos, and website articles. Last Wednesday, the City Council voted to add funding for body-worn cameras to the City’s federal and state legislative platform. Consistent policy and funding throughout our state and nation will ensure this important tool can be effective for transparency.

We also have an opportunity to identify things we need to do or change to make Roseville a community that feels inclusive to everyone. Our staff will be working with community partners to develop the framework to raise awareness, take stock, listen and learn from each other. The timing is important while people are focusing on this issue, recognizing that the challenges last beyond the headlines.

Fall Elections

Voting is one of the pivotal ways people can engage in their government. This fall brings several key differences from years past.

City councilmembers will be elected by district, instead of at large, for the first time. (Find your district here.) Roseville has five districts, three of which (1, 3, 5) are up for election this November. The other two (2, 4) are up for election in 2022. Interested candidates can find information here or contact the City Clerk’s office at 916-774-5200 for information and deadlines.

This year’s ballot will contain several amendments to the City’s charter, which is essentially our City’s constitution. A panel of residents formally reviews the charter every 10 years. The City Council appoints these volunteers to serve on the Charter Review Commission, which met over the span of a year to get public input and to examine and discuss various amendments.

I want to thank the nine residents who served on the commission and the members of the public who provided input. This fall, voters will decide on charter-related measures including spending authority, redistricting commission, selection of a mayor, water supply, and some “cleanup” language to bring the charter into compliance with existing laws and practices. Information on the measures, including an impartial analysis, can be found on the City’s homepage.

In closing

The feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and frustration in our community are widespread. Questions remain about schooling, job security, the economy, social interactions, and how long it will be before we can resume life’s activities in the absence of a pandemic.

It’s clear we’re facing more questions than answers for longer than we’d like. What we always have control over, though, are our actions and attitudes as individuals and how we treat each other as a community. It’s helpful to remind ourselves that displays of aggression and impatience are within our control. And that kindness to ourselves and compassion to each other are values that will see us through this.

I look forward to the time when we begin rebuilding what we’ve lost and taking the best of what we’ve learned to forge a thriving path forward.

By John B. Allard II

Last week, Governor Newsom approved Placer County to move into stage 2 of reopening. Placer County was one of the first and most populous of California’s counties to receive this approval. It happened because of positive health data and advocacy by our City at the County and state levels.

On the health side, I want to thank Placer County Health Officer Dr. Aimee Sisson and the County’s Public Health Department for their leadership in providing guidelines and explanations that helped our residents meet the health criteria to begin a phased reopening. Our residents’ diligence in adhering to these guidelines significantly slowed the spread of the virus so we were in a safer position to reopen.

On the advocacy side, our city pushed for autonomy to open when it was safe to do so here, not based on health data in other parts of the state. We urged regional variance, and we also pushed for the state to develop operational and equipment safety guidelines for the eventual reopening of all sectors of our economy.

Within days, we were encouraged to hear the governor’s remarks reflect the kinds of actions we were advocating. We sent a letter to the governor’s office letting him know we supported this approach.

Phased reopening of our community

Last week, our community began a phased reopening.

This brings mixed feelings throughout our community. Since March, we’ve heard from people with opposing points of view passionately insist that their perspective is the correct approach.

The approach the City of Roseville is following is the law of the state. I’m asking for us to show patience and grace with each other. Everyone is adjusting to new social norms and new ways of doing things—things that we used to do without a second thought now take planning and intention. 

As we move forward in a different world, we want to maintain the progress we’ve made in slowing the virus. A reopening doesn’t mean a return to the life we once knew. Social distancing, hand-washing and the other safety directives remain imperative.

Instead, a reopening means learning to use new processes in familiar places. We also need to remember that it’s new for everyone and affects people in different ways.

• It means considering that someone might not understand what you’re saying because they can’t see your facial expression or read your lips behind a mask. They may not be able tohear you as well behind the plastic barrier that now may divide us. We can all be patient and kind, and ready to speak a little louder and repeat ourselves if needed.
• It means that traffic is coming back! Those of us who have been enjoying the open roads will need to slow back down and drive safely and with courtesy. Our streets and roads belong to everyone, from the new drivers to the older drivers who would rather stay safely at home but need to take care of critical errands. We owe all of our fellow human beings this respect on the roads.
• It means being patient and planning ahead. Instead of the walk-in service you’re used to, you will likely need to make appointments and wait a little bit longer for service. You may have to follow new walking instructions inside familiar establishments.
• It means remembering that health officials recommend wearingmasks.. Establishments serving the public have a right to require masks and to refuse service to those who don’t comply.They’redoing their best to protect their employees and their customers.

We are moving forward at the pace allowed. I want to thank our incredible community for your civility and caring. At the city level in a health crisis, we follow state laws. There is so much we can’t control about a pandemic, but we can control the amount of grace we extend to one another as we get through this together.

Family Meal Roseville

Family Meal Roseville helps residents and businesses by purchasing meals from Roseville restaurants and providing them to vulnerable residents in our community facing food insecurity. This program launched just two weeks ago (see video here) and received an outpouring of support from the community. A $50,000 grant from the City’s Citizens’ Benefit Fund started the initial phase. With donations the first week from Placer Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund, Sutter Health, Rotary Club of Roseville, Roseville Firefighters, and dozens of individual donations, the program is expanding this week to include more restaurants and more sites, serving 940 households weekly.

I want to express my sincere appreciation to Roseville Transit for providing delivery from restaurants to sites, to Roseville Electric for their significant in-kind support, and to Bayside Church for providing 500 cloth masks for residents and volunteers. Our city staff and their families are volunteering at school and community sites to deliver meals. At one of our school sites, teachers are volunteering to take meals to families in need.

I especially want to recognize our dedicated community partner, Health Education Council. This non-profit has been working with our City through the Invest Health partnership for the past four years. Family Meal Roseville is the latest result of the collaboration to improve health outcomes throughout our community. Their organization is staffed with experts in public health and experienced community organizers. We are so grateful for their partnership.

This pop-up program is scheduled to conclude June 12 due to funding allowances, and you can follow our progress on Facebook.

Transparency and public access

On March 17, we held our first City Council meeting where the public was not in physical attendance, but the public was still able to participate via email, phoning in, and submitting written comments. As we’ve been doing for years, we continue to broadcast and livestream our City Council meetings on our YouTube channel, and Comcast 14, Consolidated 73, and AT&T Uverse.

We went to all-online video meetings in April and the first part of May. For our May 20 meeting, although Council Chambers is still closed to the public, City Council and staff will return to in-person meetings. Public participation for this meeting will still occur through phone and email as we determine safety protocols needed to accommodate in-person participation for upcoming meetings.

Council meetings continue at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Other commissions will meet only when essential and timely agenda items warrant. You can view all agendas and minutes on our website at www.roseville.ca.us/agenda.

City budget outlook

It is impossible to anticipate at this point how long and how deep the economic downturn will last. Yet, Roseville’s conservative approach to budgeting has withstood the test of time, allowing for cautious optimism.

As restrictions are lifted in phases, we’ll have a clearer picture of our revenue outlook and whether the City will be reimbursed for additional expenses related to the crisis response.

The City’s taken some immediate actions on the expense side related to labor costs. In March the City laid off more than 600 temporary employees as we ceased offering services they provided to the public. In April, a temporary hiring freeze was implemented with the exception of critical positions that require executive-level approval.

Public input on FY2020-21 Budget

Our budget-approval process continues for Fiscal Year 2020-21, which begins July 1.

The process began last fall with a public workshop where the City Council Strategic Plan was developed. Two planned public open houses on the budget were to occur in March, but were canceled as social distancing measures and restrictions on public gatherings took effect.

Today, May 20, the City posted the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2020-21. You can view it here: www.roseville.ca.us/budget. You can provide comments in advance at publiccomment@roseville.ca.us. The next opportunity for live public input will be at the City Council’s annual budget workshop at 4 p.m. June 1 (and June 2 if needed) in Council Chambers, 311 Vernon St.

One thing that’s certain amidst all the uncertainty: Budgeting decisions will be adjusted throughout the year as we get a clearer picture of how deep the cuts will be to revenue projections.

By John B. Allard II
April 8, 2020

While there’s so much we can’t control about this pandemic, we do have control of the most important thing: How we respond as individuals, as a city, and as a community.

It requires an ability to balance many concerns and many roles. I know firsthand the concerns that so many of our small businesses and families are facing. In addition to serving as mayor, I own a small business that has seen a significant drop in revenue with the onset of this crisis.  While a challenge, it also gives me an important perspective as a policy maker. I can assure you our City Council is working closely with our staff and partners in our region to address as many needs as we can.

Our first responders continue to be on the front lines of an evolving and complex situation. We’re following protocols to ensure their health and safety as they support our community’s health and safety. We see the incredible dedication of our healthcare workers, grocery store and pharmacy employees, and other essential functions that support our community’s safety. Thank you all for our dedication and vigilance.

We’re in daily contact with Placer County Public Health to ensure we’re all following guidelines in the best interest of our community. Their modeling shows that cases in Placer County are expected to peak at the end of April. It’s still too early to tell what that means in terms of opening businesses up. Our city facilities are still closed to the public until further notice.

Face coverings

On April 3, Dr. Aimee Sisson, Placer County Public Health Officer, urged the public to wear face coverings as they do errands in public. Please note that the term “face covering” (and not mask) is specific and intentional. Face coverings reduce the risk of an infected person transmitting the virus to another. Masks are reserved for first responders and healthcare personnel.

The City is not distributing face coverings or masks, and particularly not at our police and fire stations. You can see how to make your own face covering and see other data and guidance on Placer County’s COVID-19 website at placer.ca.gov/covid19.

Updates for residents

With the pace of change, a week feels like a month these days, and we’re actively engaged in changes at the local, state, and national levels to assist our city in dealing with the effects of this crisis. We’re sharing information at roseville.ca.us/covid19, which addresses topics we’re hearing a lot about. Be sure to check out the FAQ section.

We’ve had more changes at the City level as well with the goal of keeping our community safe and healthy:

• Last week, we closed park restrooms, dog parks, tennis and basketball courts, in addition to the playground equipment and picnic shelters that were previously closed. We received a lot of concerns about lack of social distancing in all of those areas and this is another step to ensure our community’s safety.
• We appreciate that the overwhelming majority of people are safely using our trails, keeping social distancing in mind and how to safely share the trails between cyclists and pedestrians. Take a look at our video on trail etiquette if you’re new to using the trails or need a refresher.

Help for small businesses

Our Economic Development department worked with a panel of bankers, chief financial officers, and utilities and economic development experts from the public and private sectors to review applications from small businesses for zero-interest loans from the City. The City received 400 applications and awarded them to qualified businesses that met the criteria on a first-come, first-served basis. The City set aside $1 million for this business-support initiative and will be making loans this week.

Our staff is also doing webinars in conjunction with the Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Sacramento Economic Council on resources available in Roseville to our businesses. Find the information at roseville.ca.us/businesshelp. It’s also linked from our /covid19 website.

Eviction questions, housing and homelessness assistance

Our Housing Division is disbursing a total of $1.4 million from the Citizens Benefit Fund, the City’s Low and Moderate Income Fund and the federal Community Development Block Grant to our non-profit service providers who help to mitigate homelessness by providing homeless prevention and rapid rehousing.

This is in addition to the Housing Authority’s $5.4 million of annual federal funding that provides rental assistance to more than 700 families in Roseville and Rocklin, many of whom are at risk for homelessness.

People with questions and concerns about evictions and mortgages can see the FAQ on our /covid19 website.

So many ways that Roseville Cares

We’ve received a lot of great information and offers of help from the community. The City set up a Roseville Cares website roseville.ca.us/RosevilleCares that can be accessed through our /covid19 website. It allows non-profits who are offering a service or need volunteer help to provide a service to connect with those in need or able to help. It was the most visited link in our e-newsletter last week.

It’s a testament to our community the way we’ve seen businesses help our first responders. I wanted to personally thank McKesson, Restaurant Depot, Wal-Mart, and Starbucks for their support. We’re so proud to have businesses in our community who truly care.

We posted signs at grocery stores in the city with the help of the Streets Division that have our /covid19 website and information line 916-774-5200. Staff from the City Clerk’s office and throughout the city have been fielding calls from concerned residents and business owners. I appreciate all you’re doing to help our community.

City operations adapting

While our facilities are closed to the public, our work continues. We continue to issue permits and conduct inspections. Our police department has seen a notable drop in property crime over the past two weeks. Although the numbers are down, we encourage residents to remain vigilant about crime prevention. Remember to lock your cars, keep valuables out of sight, and keep an eye on your neighborhood.

As you might expect, commercial waste collection is down and residential waste collection is up. We suspended fare collection on transit routes to lessen interaction between drivers and passengers, who now board at the middle of the bus. We’re working with utility customers on all aspects of how the crisis is affecting them, and are monitoring how this affects our rates. On our roadways, traffic is down significantly and so are traffic accidents

Transparency and public access

We held our first City Council meeting where the public was not in physical attendance, but the public was still able to participate via email, phoning in, and submitting written comments. We also continue to broadcast and livestream our City Council meetings on our YouTube channel, and Comcast 14, Consolidated 73, and AT&T Uverse. We are scheduled to hold our next one on April 15, so look for the agenda on our website (roseville.ca.us/agenda) this weekend to see how you can watch and participate.  

Staying healthy

In conclusion, I want to thank you for adapting so quickly to this change of events in our nation and in our community. This has involved a concerted effort, a lot of changes of plans, and a high degree of adaptability. We know that people in our community are facing various degrees of challenge, and I want to remind you that it’s critical we take care of ourselves and of each other.

The six strategies recommended by California’s surgeon general are mindfulness practices, quality sleep, physical exercise, supportive relationships, mental health care, and balanced nutrition. You can find tips and strategies here: covid19.ca.gov/manage-stress-for-health

We have to focus on making the best of what we do have control over. Many are struggling and our resilience will determine how we emerge from this situation. Many thanks to each and every one of you who are staying home, helping each other, staying connected, and finding ways to support each other.

Together we will get through this!

3 p.m., March 24, 2020
By Roseville Mayor John B. Allard II

True to our community’s culture, we are seeing the majority of our residents and businesses looking out for each other and complying with directives at the county and state level.

We have major healthcare systems in Roseville, and I want to thank healthcare workers, many of whom are Roseville residents, for your incredible dedication to our collective health and safety. The same gratitude goes to our first responders, utility workers, and all of you who are looking out for each other and doing your part by staying home to protect all of us.

True to our City’s culture, our staff remains hard-working—and humble—through this crisis to keep this community safe. Some brief highlights of how we’re serving the community:

Emergency operations—Our staff is on daily calls with Placer County Public Health. There are currently 20 confirmed cases in Placer County. For the latest information, go to placer.ca.gov/covid19. Our City’s emergency management team is operating as well, responding to the latest health directives from the County, State, and Federal government and responding to the needs of our community as well.

Medical calls—Our firefighters are on the front line of medical calls and are following protocols to protect themselves from exposure to the virus.

Police patrols—With the number of vacant buildings and the general anxiety people feel about the situation, we’ve redeployed our police staff to put more officers on patrol in our neighborhoods.

Small business loans—Today we’re announcing a $1 million small-business loan program to fill a gap in this tough economy. Our economic development and housing staff have been putting the final touches on this program, along with another one to prevent homelessness.

Homelessness prevention—We’re also announcing today that the City is allocating another $500,000 in rapid-rehousing and homelessness-prevention funds to help our residents keep a roof over their heads. This is in addition to the $5.5 million the City administers annually from state and federal sources to homelessness-prevention and affordable housing each year.

Reliable utilities—Our electric, water, sewer, and garbage services keep going without a hitch.

Trails, parks, and dog parks remain open—They’re vital to the health of our neighborhoods and are getting heavy use. We ask you to keep six-feet of separation. Yesterday, we closed playgrounds, picnic shelters, and the skate park because we don’t have the resources to sanitize them frequently enough. Golf courses remain closed, as do libraries, Adventure Clubs and preschools.

Reliable, relevant communications—We update our website, social media, and enews with the latest information from the City, frequently asked questions we’re receiving, links to state and federal facts and guidance, and a variety of other resources. We’re posting safety messages on all of our changeable message signs along major roadway corridors. And we’re promoting our City’s COVID-19 website for the latest city-related information.

Public participation at City Council—We’re conducting our April 1 City Council meeting mostly remotely but without the public in attendance. Public participation and comment will occur through email (citycouncil@roseville.ca.us) and phone before and during the meeting. As usual, it will be streamed live on our website, YouTube channel, and government-access station.

Essential transit services—Roseville Transit continues to provide regular service for essential needs. We’ve increased sanitizing on our fleet and allowed for social distances on our buses.

Fiscal responsibility has been a top priority for our city for decades. We’ve long recognized the importance of setting aside reserves for emergencies to maintain services. This is uncharted territory for our city, nation, and world. We are closely monitoring legislation and funding availability.

I know these are uncertain times and there is a lot we don’t know. What you can be assured of is that Roseville is a well-managed city and that we will continue to act responsibly to preserve the quality of life that we live and work here to enjoy.

Thank you for taking your role seriously in protecting our community. Together, we can do this.