The City of Riverbank made some accomplishments in 2018 with a few projects being completed this past year and some new goals set and projects anticipated for 2019.
City Manager Sean Scully explained that the city processed a number of policy changes and code amendments in 2018 and some that are still on the table to be processed in the near future including a Skate Ramp Ordinance and a Mistletoe Nuisance Ordinance, which is scheduled for an upcoming council meeting. Also due are changes to the City of Riverbank’s First Time Homebuyers Program, and additions of two new Property Assessed Clean Energy Programs (PACE).
There will be a food truck pilot program presented to the Riverbank City Council at the second meeting in January that would allow taco trucks as well as other food trucks to conduct business in Riverbank. Scully advised that the police chief has already given his approval to the program.
With about a dozen projects completed or near completion, Scully noted that the city has seen several accomplishments in 2018 and some with progress or completion in 2019 like the remodel of the community center that is in progress and is set to be completed in 2019.
“The Crossroads West Specific Plan EIR was issued for public comment,” stated Scully on some of the big accomplishments in the ‘City of Action.’ “The project is expected to be considered by Planning Commission and City Council during the first quarter of this year. The Council has entered into negotiations with a Master Developer for the use of the Army Ammunition Depot (LRA), a decision on this matter is similarly expected in the first quarter of this year.”
There were roadway and construction projects that were completed in 2018 including Pavement Restoration, Morrill Road Undergrounding by MID, and WWTP (Waste Water Treatment Plant) Roadway.
The Pavement Restoration included pavement crack sealing on 43 road segments, pavement cape sealing on 11 roads, striping removal and installation of new striping. Measure L and SB1 Funds were used for the project.
MID completed its construction of undergrounding overhead lines on the south side of Morrill Road from Oakdale Road to Jackson Avenue.
The WWTP had old asphalt and base rock removed, grading and the placement of new asphalt and base rock on the access road.
“We also welcomed a new Rec Coordinator in 2018 and experimented with some new events,” added Scully. “We expect to try a couple of new events this coming year and continue to improve our programs in Recreation. We hope to be even more productive in keeping Riverbank a great place to live in 2019.”
The Patterson Road Sidewalk Project is set to be completed this year with installation of concrete sidewalks, concrete curb, concrete gutter, concrete driveways, concrete retaining walls, concrete ADA ramps, a chain link fence relocation, minor grading, demolition, and utility box adjustments. The Community Center remodel is in progress and is scheduled to be completed this year as well as the installation of a traffic signal at Roselle and Claribel with that effort led by Stanislaus County.
There are a number of projects and goals that the City of Riverbank has planned for in 2019 like ADA Improvements, Pavement Restoration, Sewer Line Replacement Project, and a signal and pedestrian crossing at Patterson and Roselle, just to name a few.
Regularly scheduled Riverbank City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday each month. The first city council meeting of the new year was held this past Tuesday, Jan. 8 with the next one scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 22.
