Public Meetings - Elkgrove, California

The Elk Grove Planning Commission met on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 6:00 PM to consider three public hearing items. The commission approved a major commercial development (Village Shopping Center) and a parcel map for rural residential lots, and continued a citywide General Plan amendment to November 16, 2023. Chair Sandra Poole was absent; Vice Chair Suman Singha presided. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were on the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the general public comment period. Written comments were received for the General Plan item (from Suzanne Pesci) and the Village Shopping Center (one written comment regarding pedestrian connectivity). The applicant for the Village Shopping Center, Tiffany Wilson with RSC Engineering, expressed support and noted agreement with all conditions. The applicant for the Bader Singh parcel map, David Hobbs of Baker Williams Engineering, also expressed agreement with conditions. Discussion Items - Village Shopping Center (PLNG22-066): A public hearing for a Major Design Review with deviation, Conditional Use Permit for two drive-throughs within 300 feet of residential zoning, Tentative Parcel Map (1 parcel into 10 lots), and a Tree Permit for removal of 16 trees. The project is a ±110,650 sq. ft. commercial development on 15 acres at the southwest corner of Elk Grove Boulevard and Big Horn Boulevard. Staff recommended approval. Commissioners asked about EV charging (25 DC fast chargers, one Level 2) and pedestrian connectivity. The applicant noted a written comment about a diagonal pedestrian path was addressed; a slope issue prevented a sidewalk on one corner. The motion to approve passed unanimously. - Bader Singh Parcel Map (PLNG22-064): A public hearing for a Tentative Parcel Map to subdivide a ±9.05-acre parcel into four lots (minimum 2 acres each) on the west side of Bader Road. Staff recommended approval with modifications to Condition 24 (fix typo) and Condition 27 (clarify reciprocal access via private road). The applicant agreed. Motion to approve passed unanimously. - General Plan Amendment and Update to Transportation Analysis Guidelines (Continued Public Hearing): Staff provided an update on outreach with property owners (Hardest[y] and Wakeman) and proposed revisions to the Livable Employment Area (LEA) transect zones. Key changes: lowering the T5 minimum density from 40 to 30 units/acre to create overlap with T4, but not merging T4 and T5. The South Study Area program was also revised. Commissioners asked about light rail feasibility, SB 330 implications, traffic on Kammerer Road, and missing middle housing. A written comment from Suzanne Pesci concerning the Grant Line Road Precise Plan and floodplain issues was noted but did not require modifications. The commission voted unanimously to continue the public hearing to November 16, 2023. Key Outcomes - Village Shopping Center: Approved unanimously (5-0) with all findings and conditions. - Bader Singh Parcel Map: Approved unanimously (5-0) with modifications to Conditions 24 and 27 as read into the record. - General Plan Amendment: Public hearing continued to November 16, 2023. Staff will finalize materials and update the EIR. - Director's Report: The November 2, 2023 meeting was cancelled by consensus. - Commission Matters: Staff will provide information on the land acknowledgement process (who reads it and distribution of copies) before the next meeting.

The Elk Grove City Council held a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, starting at 6:01 PM and adjourning at 7:33 PM. The agenda included proclamations, an arts commission update, public hearings on stormwater drainage fee annexation and the Oak Rose Apartments project (continued), and public comments on animal shelter staffing and other community concerns. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of September 27 and 29, 2023 special meetings. - Received reports on City Manager approved purchases/contracts, Requests for Proposals/Qualifications/Bids, and contracts awarded under the Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act. - Adopted Ordinance No. 21-2023 amending Municipal Code Chapter 10.40 (Truck Routes) on second reading. - Adopted resolution ratifying Amendment No. 1 to the Memorandum of Understanding with the Elk Grove Police Officers Association. - Authorized grant agreement with Caltrans for the Blue Line/Bus Rapid Transit Implementation Plan ($470,000) and budget amendment. - Approved Pedestrian Crossing Upgrades and Guardrail Replacement projects (construction contract with B & M Builders, Inc. for $858,513, plus change orders). - Dispensed with formal RFP procedures for contracts with Occu-Med, Ltd. and Franklin Ranch Pet Hospital. - Accepted two California Office of Traffic Safety grants ($97,600 for traffic records improvement; $305,000 for concentrated enforcement). Public Comments & Testimony - Margie Jones (Strauss Festival of Elk Grove) thanked the city for financial and in-kind support and presented a plaque. (Item not on agenda) - Lynn Wheat advocated for inclusionary housing policies to allow homeownership, not just apartments. (Item not on agenda) - Multiple speakers (Estella Drake, Kat Mendoza, Kim Mendoza, Paula Schleckelman, Stacey Peterson, Julie Burga, Maria Calderon, Cecilia Vallett) voiced urgent concerns about the loss of the shelter veterinarian (left Sept. 29, 2023) and the suspension of the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. They described unsafe conditions at other clinics, rising costs, and the risk of a kitten overpopulation crisis. They requested immediate hiring of a permanent veterinarian, competitive salaries, signing bonuses, and restoration of TNR. (Item not on agenda) - Kathy Schiffer questioned the removal of mature pistachio trees at Beschert Park and received an offer to meet with staff. (Item not on agenda) - Harold Van Dyck, Ken Chappelle, Gene Sadler, Lynn Wheat, Dee Madruga, Penelope Leonard spoke on item 8.2 (Oak Rose Apartments). Most thanked the council for ongoing good-faith negotiations and supported moving the project away from Old Town; one speaker supported the original site. (Item 8.2) Discussion Items - Arts Commission Annual Update: Chair Nan Mahan reported accomplishments including the Oasis Park playground art, Old Town Plaza public art selection (to be re-located), a concert on the history of blues, the Copa Club show, and plans for an illumination event, a blues festival, and library art. Commissioners thanked staff. - Oak Rose Apartments (Item 8.2): Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen announced the city is in good faith discussions with the applicant to explore an alternative site. After public comments, the council voted unanimously to continue the item to a date uncertain, taking no action on the project itself. - Storm Water Drainage Fee Zone 2 Annexation (Item 8.1): Staff presented the 63rd annexation for the 1 Cherrington Lane Map Project (four single-family homes). No public comments. The council received the ballot tabulation (no majority protest) and approved the resolution levying assessments. - City Manager's Report: Jason Behrmann addressed the animal shelter vet shortage: the vet left Sept. 29; contract vets are covering shelter needs. He announced plans to bring to council in two weeks a significant salary increase and a $10,000 signing bonus for the position, noting recruitments typically take 3-6 months. He also updated on the Winter Sanctuary program (open houses Oct. 16 and 26), a police vs. fire basketball game benefiting Special Olympics (Oct. 14), adoption fee waivers through Oct. 15, a donation drive (Oct. 20-21), Friday in the Grove comedy event (Oct. 20), and a free bicycle education class (Oct. 21). Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar approved unanimously. - Item 8.1 (Stormwater Fee Annexation): Approved unanimously. - Item 8.2 (Oak Rose Apartments): Continued to a date uncertain without action. Council directed ongoing negotiations with the developer. - Animal Shelter Veterinarian: City Manager will bring a salary increase and $10,000 signing bonus to council for approval within two weeks. Recruitment to be posted immediately. - Public comments on tree removal referred to staff for follow-up. - Meeting adjourned at 7:33 PM.

The Elk Grove Planning Commission met on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included two public hearings: the Treasure Homes Rezone (PLNG21-054) and the Stathos Self Storage project (PLNG21-053). Both items were recommended for approval to the City Council. Public comments were received from union representatives and nearby residents. No consent calendar items were on the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - Chester Haley (Carpenters Local 46) spoke in support of using responsible contractors that pay prevailing wages, provide benefits and apprenticeships, and hire locally. He urged the Commission to consider labor standards for future projects. - Naema Brown (carpenter and organizer) expressed strong support for prevailing wages, healthcare, local hire, and apprenticeship programs, sharing her personal story about how union benefits helped her autistic child. - Hiroko Kurosawa (resident on Tarbart Drive) expressed confusion about the proposed wall and 25-foot setback, but stated that she and three neighbors want access to the setback area. She confirmed that many oak trees on the site are dying and should be removed. - Jeff Cecil (resident on Foxcliff Way) requested an 8-foot instead of 6-foot masonry wall, solid emergency vehicle gates to prevent pedestrian access, and raised concerns about the 25-foot bioswale area creating a no-man's land. Discussion Items Treasure Homes Rezone (PLNG21-054) - Staff presented a request to rezone ±16.7 acres from RD-4 (low density, 4 du/acre) to RD-7 (low density, 7 du/acre) on a site at 7445 Bilby Road, within the Laguna Ridge Specific Plan. No construction is proposed. - The rezone is needed to offset the loss of residential capacity caused by the Stathos Self Storage project under SB 330. It would increase residential capacity by approximately 50 units. - The site has an approved tentative subdivision map (from 2018) that remains valid; the rezone does not require a new map. - Commissioners discussed SB 330 requirements, noting that the loss of units from the Stathos site triggers the need for a corresponding increase elsewhere. The rezone from RD-4 to RD-7 provides that offset. - No public testimony was offered on this item. The Commission unanimously approved a resolution recommending City Council adoption. Stathos Self Storage (PLNG21-053) - Staff presented a proposal for a 7.71-acre site at 6901 Elk Grove Boulevard (north side, 1600 feet west of Bruceville Road). The project includes: - General Plan Amendment from Low Density Residential to Employment Center - Rezone from RD-5 to Industrial-Office Park (MP) - Conditional Use Permit and Major Design Review with deviations for a ±160,000 sq. ft. personal storage facility (six single-story buildings, a two-story office/manager residence, and outdoor vehicle/RV storage) - Tree Removal Permit to remove all 72 trees on site, including 65 trees of local importance (12 were identified as unhealthy). - The project supports the Valley Rail Sacramento Extension by providing a replacement location for the Laguna self-storage facility, allowing that site to become a parking lot for the planned Elk Grove passenger rail station. - An Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared; four comment letters were received and addressed. Staff added three conditions via a green sheet (lighting, surveillance cameras, and clarifying wall/fencing requirements). - Key discussion points: - Wall and 25-foot setback: The zoning code requires a masonry wall on the property line adjacent to residential uses. The 25-foot setback between the wall and the storage buildings contains a bioswale for stormwater management. The applicant had offered to grant access rights to the four neighboring homeowners, but staff noted the bioswale must remain under the operator’s control. A deviation to allow the building to serve as the wall would likely require a variance. - Tree removal: Most trees are in poor health; one had fallen into a resident’s yard. Staff and the public supported removal. - Emergency vehicle access gates: Two gates on Tarbart Drive and Foxcliff Way will use Knox locks, with no pedestrian access. - Commissioners and residents discussed the possibility of allowing neighbors to use the setback area. Staff was directed to study the feasibility of granting access rights (via easement or variance) before the City Council meeting. Key Outcomes - Treasure Homes Rezone: Motion to adopt the resolution recommending City Council approval of the Rezone, with a finding of no further environmental review under CEQA Section 15182. Passed unanimously (3‑0; Commissioners Fernandez and O'Con absent). - Stathos Self Storage: Motion to adopt the resolution recommending City Council approval of the General Plan Amendment, Rezone, Conditional Use Permit, Major Design Review, and Tree Removal Permit, based on the findings in the draft resolution and the additional conditions in the green sheet. The motion also included direction to staff to study the feasibility of granting access rights to the adjacent homeowners for the 25-foot setback area. Passed unanimously (3‑0).

The Elk Grove City Council met on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at 6:01 PM. The meeting included a proclamation for Indigenous Peoples' Day, adoption of a land acknowledgment, approval of the CDBG CAPER, a public hearing on the Oak Rose Apartments project under SB 35 (continued to October 11), and approval of a contract with The Gathering Inn for the 2023-2024 Enhanced Winter Sanctuary. The consent calendar was approved unanimously. Public comment covered a range of topics including animal services, homelessness, and the Oak Rose project. Presentations / Announcements - Proclamation Recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day (October 9, 2023): The council presented the proclamation to representatives of the Wilton Rancheria tribe, including Jeannie McKean, Frank Destino, and Mark Andrews. McKean expressed gratitude and noted the importance of truth and reconciliation. Land Acknowledgment Resolution (Item 9.2) - Staff Presentation: Deputy City Manager Kara Reddick presented the proposed land acknowledgment, developed by the Diversity and Inclusion Commission and reviewed by the Wilton Rancheria. It honors the Plains Miwok people and their descendants, the Wilton Rancheria tribe. - Public Comment: Raina Tarongo thanked the council and commission for the acknowledgment, highlighting its significance. - Council Discussion: Council members expressed support, noting the long-overdue recognition and thanking the commission and tribe. A motion to adopt the resolution was made and seconded, passing unanimously (5-0). The proclamation photo was then taken. Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items) - Lynn Wheat provided historical context on city planning and encouraged residents to stay informed. - Kat M. and Kim M. spoke about the lack of a shelter veterinarian and the end of the TNR program for community cats. The city manager noted the recruitment process is underway with a transition plan using contract vets. Consent Calendar (Items 7.1-7.16) - Approved unanimously (5-0) with no public comment. Items included meeting minutes, purchase reports, disbursement summaries, ordinances for CFD taxes, a recruitment advertising contract with JobElephant.Com (up to $200,000), easement grants, a lease agreement with Teen Center USA, a credit reimbursement agreement for Bruceville Meadows, abandonment of proceedings for CFD annexations, ratifying a funding agreement with Sacramento Metropolitan Cable Television Commission for PEG fees ($145,972), an amendment to the CivicPlus contract for SeeClickFix ($207,958.67), a reimbursement agreement for the 2023 Emergency Vehicle Preemption Pilot Project, introduction of an ordinance amending Truck Routes, and acceptance of SACOG grant for electric bike/scooter lending library ($250,000). Public Hearing – CDBG CAPER (Item 8.1) - Staff Presentation: Sarah Bontrager presented the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). The city received $876,462 in CDBG funding, used for senior meals, housing counseling, ADA curb ramps (84 ramps), and a sewer lateral project. No public comments were received. - Council Action: Motion and second to adopt the resolution approving the CAPER, passed unanimously. Public Hearing – Oak Rose Apartments Project (Item 8.2) - Staff Presentation: Planning Manager Antonio Ablog presented a 67-unit permanent supportive housing project at 9252 Elk Grove Boulevard seeking SB 35 ministerial approval with density bonus and concessions. The project had been denied in 2022 by both Planning Commission and City Council for not meeting objective standards in the Old Town Special Planning Area (OTSPA). The applicant (Oak Rose Apts LP) and the State (HCD and Attorney General's Office) filed lawsuits. Staff now recommended approval based on a revised concession/incentive under a different density bonus statute, making the project eligible for SB 35 streamlining. Conditions of approval were contested by the applicant via letter; staff provided a memo responding point by point. The project would be exempt from CEQA as ministerial. Fiscal impact includes waiver of approximately $240,000 in affordable housing fees. - Applicant Absence: City Attorney noted the applicant was informed but indicated they would not attend, stating they had "not been invited to participate." The Mayor expressed disappointment. - Public Comment: Over 30 speakers, mostly opposing the project due to location in Old Town, proximity to schools and businesses, safety concerns, parking shortages, and the developer's refusal to accept alternative city-offered sites and incentives. Some expressed conditional support for affordable housing but not at that location. A few speakers (e.g., Lynn Wheat, William Myers) supported the project as providing needed housing. Several speakers criticized the state's SB 35 process and urged the council to continue fighting. - Council Discussion: Councilmembers Brewer, Robles, Suen, Spease, and Mayor Singh-Allen all expressed anger at the developer's absence and frustration with state preemption. They noted the city offered alternatives and incentives (millions in city funds) which were rejected. They discussed the high cost of continued litigation (mid-to-high six figures for city, plus potential opponent fees if lost) and broader risks to city land-use authority. Councilmember Suen and others indicated they want to continue the item to seek one more dialogue with the applicant. - Action: Motion by Councilmember Brewer to continue the public hearing to October 11, 2023, to allow one more attempt at negotiation. Seconded and passed unanimously. A decision will be made at that meeting. Regular Agenda – Enhanced Winter Sanctuary (Item 9.1) - Staff Presentation: Sarah Bontrager presented a contract with The Gathering Inn to operate a 30-bed, low-barrier winter sanctuary from November 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, at the former Rite Aid building (9260 Elk Grove Boulevard), which is the future library site. Services include case management, mental health and substance use counseling, three meals a day, and 24/7 operation. Security measures include 360-degree camera coverage, a police patrol vehicle on site, full-time homeless outreach officers, and extra patrols. The contract value is approximately $600,000 for staffing and operations, with no additional security costs beyond existing resources. The Gathering Inn CEO Keith Dieterick emphasized community partnerships and a robust services plan. - Public Comment: Multiple speakers supported the program (Gina Pernetti, Linda Storm, Mark Headland, Dennis Williams, Diane Lampe, Frank Lucia, Troy Winslow, William Myers) citing the need for shelter and the positive track record of Elk Grove Heart's previous winter sanctuary. Opponents (Robert Lindner, Randy Becker, Peggy Forsyth Andrews, Susan Pope) raised concerns about location, cost ($4,000 per person per month), potential for increased crime, and lack of community engagement before the decision. - Council Discussion: Councilmembers Suen, Spease, Brewer, Robles, and Mayor Singh-Allen expressed strong support, noting the program meets a critical need, includes wraparound services, and is temporary. Councilmember Brewer acknowledged the lack of prior community outreach and committed to holding a community meeting. The mayor stressed that homelessness is not a crime and the city has a responsibility. - Action: Motion and second to adopt the resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with The Gathering Inn. Passed unanimously (5-0). The meeting ended at approximately 11:30 PM. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (5-0). - Indigenous Peoples' Day Proclamation: Presented and recognized. - Land Acknowledgment Resolution: Adopted unanimously (5-0). - CDBG CAPER Resolution: Approved unanimously (5-0). - Oak Rose Apartments Public Hearing: Continued to October 11, 2023, at 6:00 PM, to allow one final negotiation attempt. - Enhanced Winter Sanctuary Contract: Approved unanimously (5-0), with a planned community meeting for Old Town businesses and residents. - Adjournment in Memory: The meeting was adjourned in honor of U.S. Army Specialist Ty J. Johnson, who died in Iraq in 2006. Other Notes - The city manager reported on the veterinarian recruitment, economic development awards, library project schedule, Harvest Water meeting, and upcoming events (pumpkin festival, homecoming parade). - The council waived the 10:00 PM rule to complete the agenda.

The Elk Grove Planning Commission held a special meeting on September 25, 2023, at 6:00 PM to consider a single public hearing item: the Capital Improvement Project Design Review for the relocation of the Elk Grove Library to a former Rite Aid building at 9260 Elk Grove Boulevard. Commissioners present: Acting Chair George Murphy, Juan Fernandez, and Oscar O'Con. Vice Chair Suman Singha and Chair Sandra Poole were absent. The commission unanimously approved a resolution recommending City Council approval of the project, subject to additional conditions. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were on the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - Jacqueline Braz expressed concerns about child safety in the outdoor children's patio area, particularly given adjacent activities. She questioned supervision and potential loitering. Staff clarified that the area would be fenced with a six-foot decorative fence and that security cameras would be installed. The commenter also noted traffic issues at the Waterman Road and Elk Grove Boulevard intersection, including vehicles using the right-turn lane to go straight. - A second speaker (name not provided) raised concerns about traffic safety at the same intersection, noting that vehicles frequently make U-turns from the library exit and that the right-turn lane is misused for through traffic. They requested that the median be extended or that the driveway be restricted to right-in/right-out only. Staff acknowledged the issues but stated they are outside the project scope and would be relayed to public works and police. Discussion Items - Item 5.1: Elk Grove Library Relocation (WFC046) – Staff presented a design review for the remodel of an existing ±18,147 square foot retail building to become the new Elk Grove Library. Key features include: repainting, addition of windows, a pre-function plaza with a book locker canopy, a fenced children's patio, electric vehicle charging (10 stalls initially, expandable to 26), a library-of-things shed, bike racks, and a 110-person meeting room. The project is exempt from CEQA (Class 1, Section 15301). Staff recommended adoption of a resolution approving the design review. - Commissioners asked detailed questions about EV charging standards, shade structures, security cameras, blue-light emergency phones, bike rack placement, outdoor staff area security, the library of things inventory, and potential digital signage. Staff and Sacramento Public Library (SPL) representatives (Director Peter O'Quellan and Deputy Director Jeremy Keller) answered, noting that cameras will be installed internally and externally, and that the library of things will be responsive to community surveys. - Commissioner Fernandez suggested adding speed bumps to deter cut-through traffic and increasing the number of bike racks, which staff agreed to include as conditions. - SPL confirmed that the meeting room would be available for community use and that all loaned tools (e.g., lawnmowers) would be electric. Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: Commissioner Fernandez moved to adopt the resolution approving the project, including conditions for speed bumps and increased bike racks. Commissioner O'Con seconded. The motion passed unanimously (3-0). - Conditions Added: Staff will coordinate with public works, fire department, and police to install speed bumps at appropriate locations in the parking lot to deter cut-through traffic, and will increase the number of bike racks at the site. - Future Steps: The City Council will consider the project at a meeting on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 (as noted by Acting Chair Murphy). The resolution will be transmitted for final approval. Construction is expected to begin around mid-2024.

The Elk Grove Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The primary agenda item was a continued public hearing on a series of citywide General Plan amendments and updates to the Transportation Analysis Guidelines (Item 5.1). The meeting included extensive discussion of land use changes, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) analysis, the Grant Line Road Precise Plan, and the proposed Livable Employment Area (LEA) Community Plan. Commissioners also heard public comments concerning Old Town development and the proposed Oak Rose homeless sanctuary. The Commission voted to continue the hearing to October 19, 2023, and provided direction to remove Old Town General Plan changes from the package. Public Comments & Testimony - Ken Chappelle (Elk Grove resident for 45 years) expressed frustration with Old Town development, particularly the concentration of homeless services in one area, and urged spreading them across the city. He noted the Oak Rose apartment project was denied by the Planning Commission but is now subject to a court case. - Lois Yaunt (resident of Fieldstone community near Old Town) opposed a homeless sanctuary at 9260 Elk Grove Boulevard, citing safety concerns for children walking to Joseph Kerr Middle School, and argued it would harm businesses and the rejuvenated Old Town area. - Ben Upton (longtime resident) spoke against the Oak Rose apartments, stating that homeless individuals should be required to get clean and that the city should not concentrate services in Old Town. He encouraged continued opposition. - Randy Becker urged the Commission to remove Old Town land use changes from the General Plan amendment, arguing they are premature and should be addressed during the Old Town Special Planning Area (SPA) update. He also noted the Kent Street signal project has been delayed to 2025. - Jackie Press (Old Town business owner) opposed high-density development in Old Town, suggesting that senior housing and ground-floor retail would be more appropriate. She also raised concerns about emergency vehicle access on Elk Grove Boulevard. - Brian Colson (Old Town resident) expressed concern about zoning changes, but after clarification, he was satisfied that his property would remain as residential multifamily commercial. Discussion Items - General Plan Amendment and Transportation Analysis Guidelines (Continued): Staff presented a detailed overview of proposed changes, including: - Old Town Land Use Changes: Proposed conversion of community commercial designations to village center mixed use and residential mixed use to better reflect the pedestrian-oriented historic character. Commissioner Murphy raised concerns about density (up to 100 units/acre in some designations) and the potential impact of SB 330. Staff noted that the Old Town SPA currently allows up to 30 units/acre by right. After public comment and deliberation, the Commission directed staff to remove the Old Town changes from the package entirely, to be addressed in a future SPA update. - Grant Line Road Precise Plan: Staff summarized the plan to improve intersections from Bond to Calvine with roundabouts, and noted ongoing studies for the Wilton Road connection (bypass) and whether Graybill or Bradley Ranch intersections would be roundabout or signal. Commissioner Murphy, who served on the working group, advocated for roundabouts over signals, citing better traffic flow and safety. The Commission expressed support for recommending roundabouts and the Wilton Road bypass option to the City Council. - Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Analysis: Staff provided an in-depth explanation of the shift from Level of Service (LOS) to VMT as the metric for transportation impacts, including the state-mandated 15% reduction threshold. Commissioners clarified how the traffic model incorporates school drop-offs, trip internalization, and data sources. The Commission indicated general satisfaction with the methodology and directed staff to proceed with the VMT guidelines as drafted, subject to final numbers from the LEA. - Livable Employment Area (LEA) Community Plan: Staff presented the proposed transect-based land use designations (T3R, T3, T4, T5) with densities ranging from 10 to 100 units per acre, along with examples from local and national projects. Commissioners raised concerns about SB 330 implications, traffic capacity on Kammerer Road, and the need for open space and parkways. Staff agreed to continue stakeholder discussions and bring back revisions for the October 19 meeting. - Other General Plan Amendments: The Commission agreed to park (approve as-is) several items: updates to transit service language (Chapter 3 & 6), the transportation network diagram changes (including Waterman Road correction to four lanes), and updates to mitigation measures for cultural resources. These will be included in the final package without further review. Key Outcomes - Motion to Continue: The Commission voted unanimously (5-0) to continue the public hearing on Item 5.1 to the October 19, 2023 regular meeting. The continuation will allow staff to finalize stakeholder discussions on the LEA and prepare revised materials. - Direction to Staff: - Remove the Old Town General Plan land use changes from the package; they will be revisited during the Old Town SPA update. - Include the Grant Line Road Precise Plan as recommended, with a preference for roundabouts at Graybill/Bradley Ranch and the Wilton Road bypass (to be further studied by staff). - Approve the other General Plan amendments (transit language, transportation network diagram, mitigation measures) as presented without further review. - Upcoming Meetings: A special meeting was noted for September 25, 2023, regarding the library project design review. The next regular meeting is October 5, 2023, with two items on the agenda.

The Elk Grove City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at 6:02 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting included approval of the consent calendar, three public hearings regarding special tax districts for the Pardes Apartments project, discussion of broadband digital access, and action on workforce development training programs. The council also heard public comments on homelessness and animal services. Consent Calendar - The council approved the consent calendar (items 7.1–7.21) by a unanimous voice vote. Items included: - Approval of August 23, 2023 meeting minutes. - Reports on City Manager-approved purchases and contracts. - Adoption of ordinances for Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 2003‑2 (Police Services) and CFD No. 2006‑1 (Maintenance Services) annexations. - Amendments to the Municipal Code contracting thresholds. - An agreement with Lennar Homes for Laguna Ridge CFD reimbursement. - Contract amendments for the Old Town Area Streetscape Phase 2 Project, animal services grant, CivicSpark program, Kammerer Road Urban Design Study, on‑call environmental services, McGeary Ranch subdivision, landscape maintenance, counseling services, employment investigations, vehicle purchases, fee deferral and affordable housing agreements for The Pardes Project, and engineering services for Elk Grove‑Florin Road. - Three members of the public spoke on item 7.9 (animal services grant). They expressed support for the grant but urged expanded spay/neuter capacity, better trap‑neuter‑return programs, and increased volunteer coordination. Public Comments & Testimony - General Public Comment (non‑agenda): Five speakers addressed homelessness concerns in Old Town/Historic Downtown, objecting to a proposed temporary homeless shelter and low‑income housing near the library. They cited safety, addiction triggers, and negative impacts on local businesses and families. One speaker, Estella Drake, advocated for hiring a volunteer coordinator for the animal shelter. - Public Hearing (Item 8.1): No public comments were offered during the three hearings for the Pardes Apartments annexations. - Workforce Development (Item 9.2): Four speakers (one recruiter, three program graduates) testified in strong support of the Cyber Proud program. They described its effectiveness in training residents for cybersecurity and IT careers, highlighting diversity and positive outcomes. Discussion Items - 8.1 Public Hearings – Pardes Apartments Annexations: Staff presented the proposed annexation of the 236‑unit Pardes Apartments (southeast of Poppy Ridge Road and Bighorn Boulevard) into CFD No. 2003‑2 (Police Services), CFD No. 2006‑1 (Maintenance Services), and Street Maintenance District No. 1, Zone 5‑Z. No public comment was received. The council took the following actions: - Adopted resolutions calling and declaring results of special elections. For each annexation, 236 affirmative votes were cast (100% approval), exceeding the two‑thirds requirement. - Introduced ordinances levying the special taxes and amendments to Municipal Code sections. - 9.1 Broadband Digital Access Report: Staff presented four broadband options: full municipal network, public‑private partnership (PPP), private open‑access network, and business as usual. Council members expressed consensus to pursue a feasibility study for the PPP (Option B), citing balanced control, reduced risk, and potential for federal grants. No formal vote was taken; direction was given to staff. - 9.2 Workforce Development Training Programs Update: Staff reported on two ARPA‑funded programs: (1) Charles A. Jones Career & Education Center – 91 residents expressed interest, with 5 of 10 slots filled for a 9‑month manufacturing technician program. (2) Cyber Proud, Inc. – 37 of 40 slots were filled with 100% completion for cybersecurity and 91% for IT support. 86% of participants were from minority groups. Due to high demand and a waitlist of 67 eligible applicants, the council unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing a contract amendment increasing the training capacity from 40 to 120 residents (adding a software development track) for a total not‑to‑exceed amount of $1,110,508 through December 31, 2025. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar approved unanimously. - Public Hearings (Pardes Apartments): Resolutions and ordinances adopted for three special tax district annexations (CFD 2003‑2 Annex 70, CFD 2006‑1 Annex 93, SMD 5‑Z Annex 29). - Broadband Digital Access: Council directed staff to develop a feasibility study for a public‑private broadband partnership. - Workforce Development: Council approved the $1,110,508 contract amendment with Cyber Proud, Inc. - Council Comments: Reported on regional board meetings and adjourned in memory of artist/activist Wanishi Orosco.