From left, Joe Little, David Sander, Siri Pulipati, Garret Gatewood and Linda Budge are the newly appointed City Council members. Photo by Rick Sloan

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Rancho Cordova City Council held its meeting on Monday, Dec. 16, where significant leadership changes were made, including the appointment of a new mayor and vicemayor, as well as a discussion on the city’s Planning Commissions future.

The meeting began with the swearing-in of elected council members Siri Pulipati, David Sander and Joe Little. The council swiftly selected Pulipati as mayor and Garret Gatewood was appointed as vice mayor.

Pulipati’s appointment marked a historic moment for the community.

“This is our first Indian female Asian Pacific mayor in the community ever and for our community, that is a big deal,” said Gatewood.

Councilmember Linda Budge also highlighted the significance of Pulipati’s election.

“It’s also the second time we have a woman in this council and I appreciate that,” Budge said

Mayor Siri Pulipati is sworn in by her brother at the Rancho Cordova City Council meeting on Dec. 16. Photo by Rick Sloan

Pulipati expressed her commitment to representing all Rancho Cordova residents, with a focus on education, economic development and public safety.

“As the first Asian American in council, I truly recognize the importance of diversity and leadership and the responsibility that it brings. I am committed to representing every resident of Rancho Cordova, that every voice is heard and that every resident is valued. We will be better together, a smart and sustainable Rancho Cordova,” Pulipati said.

The council took a moment to honor outgoing Mayor David Sander for his leadership during 2024.

“These are big shoes to fill. Your council members would like to thank you and recognize you for serving as mayor in 2024. It was a memorable year, and you served Rancho Cordova on both the national and international stage,” Pulipati said.

Sander, reflecting on his time as mayor, expressed gratitude for the support he received.

“It has been a remarkable and interesting year to serve as your mayor. It has been a very eventful and successful year. I want to thank everyone for the support that they have given me and, through me, support our city. There is no way I could’ve done it alone,” Sander said.

David Sander is sworn in by his wife, Dr. Margaret Parsons, at the Rancho Cordova City Council meeting on Dec. 16. Photo by Rick Sloan

The council also discussed the upcoming selection process for three regular Planning Commission members, whose terms expire in December. Those members are Lee Frechette, nominated by Councilmember David Sander, Surender Devarapalli, nominated by Councilmember Siri Pulipati, and Robert McGarvey, nominated by Councilmember Donald Terry.

With the transition to district-based elections, the council considered whether to adjust the appointment process and reviewed three options.

The first option, which was also recommended by city staff, proposes to maintain the existing qualifications that a regular Planning Commission member resides within the boundaries of the city limits with members nominated by an individual City Council member and confirmed by a majority vote.

The second option proposes a shift to district-based appointments, where Planning Commission members would be required to live in the district of the City Council member who nominates them.

A third option combines aspects of the first two, proposing district-based appointments without requiring a majority vote for confirmation but this model is less common in surrounding areas and was not recommended by city staff.

Public comment saw advocates for district representation from several community members.

“There is a lot of interest in our community to have greater representation of Lincoln Village,” said resident Jim Garcia, suggesting that district-based appointments would provide better insight into neighborhood-specific concerns.

Resident Sara Malone echoed this sentiment, saying, “I feel like if someone was elected from our district, they would have more investment in what goes on in our neighborhood.”

Resident Helen Beshaw also advocated for option two, saying, “Districting is important, I do believe the representative of the Planning Commission should be of a district because each district is unique in its own.”

Newly elected Councilmember Joe Little is sworn in by Ken Cooley alongside his mother, Moira, and father, Mark. Photo by Rick Sloan

However, some council members expressed reservations about the proposal.

“The learning curve for serving in the Planning Commission is incredibly steep. I’m more interested in tying it to the expertise of the individual rather than the lines on a map,” Sander said.

Vice Mayor Gatewood also voiced reservations, warning that district-based appointments could limit options.

“We don’t want to tie our hands,” Gatewood said “If we go out and someone is trying to find representation and they can’t find someone in their district, that is not good. If we can’t find someone, there is no reason to force someone in.”

Garrett Gatewood is sworn in as vicemayor by his father at the Rancho Cordova City Council meeting on Dec. 16. Photo by Rick Sloan

Mayor Pulipati echoed that sentiment, saying, “We will pick a person from our district but if we don’t find someone that is interested, qualified and fits that role, we should reach out to the broader Rancho Cordova region, so I am also in favor of option 1.”

Ultimately the council unanimously agreed to continue with the existing process.

The next council meeting is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 6, at the Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive.