Ripon could be looking ahead for more growth and change for 2015.
Along the northeast section of town is where growth is coming. Indicative of that is the opening a few months ago of the Ripon Consolidated Fire District’s Station No. 3 at 1705 N. Ripon Road.
Mistlin Sports Complex is the epicenter of the North Pointe Specific Plan.
Several workshops were held thus far by the City of Ripon, sketching out neighborhoods – possibly about 300 homes or dwellings within the next five years – with plazas, Paseo and trails, boulevards, pedestrian parks, wider streets, roundabouts and easements akin to what’s already in this area east of Highway 99.
Wayne Rasmussen of Rasmussen Planning Inc. presented specific commercial uses to the plan, consisting of a campus / technology area hi-tech businesses and medical offices.
North Pointe Specific Plan is a work in progress, with the needs of the area being market driven, according to those involved such as Rasmussen and the landscape architects of Gates + Associates.
Plans must be approved by the Ripon City Council. Ken Zuidervaart, who is the City’s director of planning, indicated that could happen by May or June.
Here’s a quick look at what to expect for the coming year:
Council vacancy
The sudden passing of Elden ‘Red’ Nutt left a tremendous vacancy on the Ripon City Council.
That left elected leaders scrambling to fill his post.
The interest was strong as seven candidates – Gary Barton, Garry Krebbs, Manuel Lopez, John Mangelos, Don Moyer, John Reynolds, and Mark Winchell.
Winchell was ultimately selected for the seat.
After that, the top candidate could be announced at the next Council meeting and administered the oath of office later this month.
In addition, Council recently welcomed back Mike Restuccia, who was elected to his old post in November after a six-year absence.
• • •
Weston reconstruction
The Weston Elementary School Reconstruction Project is currently on schedule to reopen in time for the 2015-16 school year.
According to the current Measure ‘G’ update, all of the old portable buildings have been removed and the underground utilities such as electrical, water and sewer have since been installed.
As for construction, the concrete for the new classroom buildings and the multi-purpose building that will accommodate the new gymnasium was poured prior to the recent heavy rains (the timing of this was significant in this phase of construction since failing do so could have caused substantial delays).
Students and staff of the school have been shuttled to various RUSD elementary school sites for this year. Weston eighth-grade students, for instance, attend Ripon Elementary but will have their own promotion exercises to mark the end of the school year.
Construction of the steel framing and exterior walls for the multi-purpose building will take place later this month.
Renovation of the existing Administration building has already been completed. This newly reconfigured space will be home to the new library, speech room, and the administration folks.
As for the next couple of months, Weston could see the rest of the buildings begin to take shape as the roofing, doors, windows and stucco will be applied to the walls of the classrooms, which were built concurrently with the concrete foundations and floors in order to accelerate the construction timeframe.
After that, the new buildings will get interior finishes including sheetrock for the walls and ceiling.
In addition, site work will consist of a new bus drop at the back of the campus along with concrete walkways.
Measure ‘G’ was approved by voters in 2012, authorizing RUSD to issue about $25.2 million in general obligation bonds over time. This bond program was established to replace the outdated portable facilities at Weston and Colony Oak Elementary School, which will undergo a similar-type facelift after the completion of Weston.
• • •
Water issues
Conservation of water has been an important issue not just in Ripon but throughout the state given the seriousness of the three-year drought.
Recent rains have helped somewhat. However, the City continues to comply with Gov. Jerry Brown’s request that everyone reduce their water usage by 20 percent per month.
Besides the recent ordinances, Ripon is also involved in a Water Meter Program that, under the state bill, requires all homes to be connected to their water suppliers before 2025.
Prior to 1992, homes here were not required to have water meters – all new construction after that year are equipped with water meters.
Those needing to have water meters installed at their place will have the option of paying it off in one lump sum or collected as a monthly surcharged attached to their utility bill over a 10-year period, without interest.
Ripon officials, meanwhile, recently met with those at the South San Joaquin Irrigation District to discuss the possibility of connecting the City’s well supply to that of SSJID.
Former Councilman and recently elected Board Supervisor Chuck Winn sees this as an opportunity for Ripon to “be proactive and look at options as how to be efficient in was usage and storage.”
• • •
RCAF
The Ripon Community Athletic Foundation just celebrated the revitalization of Stouffer Field in August.
Since 2007, this group consisting of Vince and Stephanie Hobbs has led the grass-root efforts in revitalizing this aging facility at Ripon High.
They unveiled the new all-weather track and recognized those who made this day possible.
There’s still work to be done.
On May 9, RCAF will be hosting the annual Rina’s Run. Runners and walkers participating in the 5K and the half marathon events will have a chance to use the new all-weather track.
All proceeds will help bring the all-accessible restrooms to the RHS stadium.
Cost is $25 for the 5K and $50 for the half marathon as part of special rates by acting now.
For more information, log on to www.facebook.com/VolunteerInRipon.
