Public Meetings - Elkgrove, California

The Elk Grove Planning Commission met on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting lasted 31 minutes, adjourning at 6:31 PM. Commissioners present: Varinder Singh (Vice Chair, acting Chair), Juan Fernandez, Sandra Poole, and Suman Singha. Chair Oscar O'Con was absent. The Commission approved a mural on a non-historic building in Old Town, discussed fee concerns raised by the applicant, and received updates on upcoming projects and fee structure reviews. Consent Calendar - Item 4.1 – Regular Meeting Minutes of May 21, 2026: Continued due to a missing second on a motion and attendance issues; will be brought back when Chair O'Con is present. - Item 4.2 – Regular Meeting Minutes of August 6, 2026: Approved unanimously. (Motion to continue 4.1 and approve 4.2; seconded; all in favor.) Public Comments & Testimony - Randy Becker (public speaker): Expressed frustration over the $4,500 fee charged to the nonprofit applicant for the mural, noting that not all murals on Main Street paid that amount. He urged the Commission to refund the fee and revisit the policy, stating the mural promotes hometown hero Kyle Larson and that the fee is cost-prohibitive for future art projects. Discussion Items - Item 5.1 – 9036 Elk Grove Boulevard Mural (PLNG26-022): Senior Planner Kyra Killingsworth presented the staff report. The mural, already installed in 2025, depicts NASCAR driver Kyle Larson on the east wall of a non-contributing building in the Old Town Historic District (built late 1950s/early 1960s). Staff found the project exempt from CEQA (Guidelines Section 15301) and recommended approval based on compatibility with the Old Town Special Planning Area (SPA) guidelines. - Applicant’s comments: The applicant described the mural’s creation, including a signature by Kyle Larson sealed into the artwork. He questioned why the Planning Commission must approve murals on non-historic buildings and noted the $4,500 application fee equaled the artist’s payment, calling it cost-prohibitive for nonprofits. He suggested the SPA regulations be updated. - Commissioner Fernandez asked whether all muralists paid the same fee, and staff confirmed fees are set by city council resolution and based on time and materials. Staff noted a comprehensive fee update is underway and that the SPA may be revised in coming months. - Commissioner Sandra Poole asked about a website on the mural; the applicant clarified it was "Hendrickcars.com" (Kyle Larson’s sponsor). - Director’s Report: Community Development Director Christopher reported: - City Council approved a moratorium on personal storage facilities and will update regulations within two years. - Upcoming Planning Commission items: Summer Flats project (September 17) and incubator project (October 1). - A state grant for historic preservation work was received; grant agreements will go to City Council next week. - Recognition of Historic Week at the end of September. - Discussion on fee structure: staff is updating fees comprehensively (last update 2011); some fees are moving from flat fee to time-and-materials. Nonprofits may seek fee reductions through council action. - Planning Commission Matters: Discussion about the role of the Arts and Creative Economy Commission vs. the Planning Commission for murals. Staff noted that a code amendment would be required to change the SPA requirements, and the council has asked staff to review the issue. Key Outcomes - Mural Approval (Unanimous): The Commission voted to adopt a resolution finding the project exempt from CEQA and approving the Old Town Design Review for the 9036 Elk Grove Boulevard Mural (PLNG26-022), based on findings and conditions in the draft resolution. Motion by Commissioner Poole, seconded by Commissioner Fernandez; all in favor (4-0). - Minutes: Item 4.1 (May 21, 2026) was continued; Item 4.2 (August 6, 2026) was approved. - Fee Policy: Staff will consider the applicant’s concerns about fee disparities and nonprofit impacts during the ongoing fee program update; a potential refund may be processed after final staff hours are accounted for. - Upcoming: The Commission will hear the Summer Flats project on September 17 and review SPA revisions in the future.

The Elk Grove City Council met on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting included a public hearing on a moratorium for personal storage facilities, presentations on the city's investment portfolio, priority projects, red light camera expansion, community survey results, and traffic signal timing, as well as numerous public comments opposing the city's use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs). Key actions included approving a two-year storage facility moratorium, expanding the red light camera program, and appointing delegates to the League of California Cities conference. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from prior meetings (July 22, August 12, and August 20, 2026). - Accepted reports on city manager purchases, RFPs, and monthly disbursements. - Adopted ordinances and resolutions on bicycle regulations, bond underwriting, appraisal services, drainage fee annexation, position reclassifications, lease amendments, equipment purchases, pavement maintenance, FUEL Network participation, website maintenance, budget amendments, animal services contract extension, and towing services contract amendment. All items passed unanimously (5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Dozens of residents spoke during the general public comment period, overwhelmingly opposing the city's contract with Flock Safety and the use of ALPR technology. Speakers cited privacy violations, data sharing with over 3,200 out-of-state and federal agencies, error rates (e.g., 71% misreads in Roseville), cases of wrongful arrests and police stalking, and concerns about ICE access. Many urged the council to cancel the Flock contract and not replace it with another ALPR vendor. Some speakers also referenced a community audit showing unauthorized searches and potential violations of SB 34. A few residents mentioned safety benefits but were outnumbered by those demanding an end to mass surveillance. Discussion Items - 8.1 Moratorium on Personal Storage Facilities: Staff presented a proposed indefinite moratorium on new storage facility entitlements. Council members discussed the need for a time limit. Vice Mayor Suen suggested a two-year term, which gained consensus. The ordinance was approved 5-0 as amended. - 9.1 Quarterly Investment Report: Chandler Asset Management presented the portfolio as of June 30, 2026. The managed portfolio was valued at $434 million, yielding 4.3% at reinvestment. The consolidated portfolio was $735 million. Council praised the diversification and performance. - 9.2 City Council Priority Projects Update: Staff highlighted progress on the Main Street Library reuse, Laguna Creek Trail overcrossing, permanent homeless shelter, Grant Line Business Park, fleet electrification, and Corp Yard Master Plan. No action taken. - 9.3 Red Light Camera System Expansion: Police Chief Davis and Lt. Williams presented traffic collision data (1,248 collisions in 2025, 9 fatalities) and proposed adding five new red light cameras at high-accident intersections, plus relocating one camera. The resolution authorized a nine-year contract amendment with Redflex for $2,350,800. Approved 5-0. - 9.4 National Community Survey Results: The 2026 survey (432 responses) showed 88% rated quality of life as excellent/good (up from 84% in 2024), 91% would recommend Elk Grove, and safety remained top priority. Areas for improvement included traffic, code enforcement, and animal control. No action required. - 9.5 Traffic Flow and Signal Timing Presentation: Traffic Engineering Manager Jose Gallardo explained signal coordination trade-offs, current coordination on 8 corridors, and ongoing projects. Staff recommended maintaining the current approach of prioritizing arterials while adjusting coordination. Council encouraged innovative solutions like AI and adaptive systems. No action taken. - 9.6 Appointment of Voting Delegate to League of California Cities Annual Conference: Councilmember Robles was appointed as voting delegate, with Councilmember Brewer as alternate. Approved. Key Outcomes - Personal Storage Facility Moratorium: Adopted with a two-year sunset (5-0). Staff will study market demands and return with recommendations. - Red Light Camera Expansion: Authorized (5-0). Five new camera locations approved; contract with Redflex extended through 2031, increased by $2,350,800. - Conference Delegates: Councilmember Robles (delegate) and Councilmember Brewer (alternate) appointed. - Consent Calendar: All items approved unanimously. - Meeting Adjourned: At 8:52 p.m. in memory of Mark Jansen, a community leader.

The Elk Grove Planning Commission held a regular meeting on August 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The sole action item was a public hearing on a Major Design Review Amendment (PLNG26-028) for the previously approved Elk Grove Subaru dealership. The amendment updated the building's exterior elevations to reflect Subaru's new design and branding, with no changes to the site plan, footprint, or parking. The Commission unanimously approved the amendment after finding that no further environmental review was required under CEQA. Discussion Items Elk Grove Subaru Amendment (PLNG26-028) - Staff Planning Manager Antonio Ablog presented the project, noting the original approval in October 2025. The amendment modifies only the exterior architecture to match Subaru's updated design direction, using high-quality materials such as faux stone cladding, concrete masonry, and aluminum composite with faux wood finishes. The building remains approximately 56,159 square feet with 30 service bays, 87 parking stalls, and 861 vehicle storage spaces. No changes to site access, circulation, or intensity (floor area ratio remains 0.014). - Staff identified a clerical error in Condition of Approval 20, which incorrectly referenced the prior climate action plan. The condition was updated to reference the current Climate Compass, while still requiring compliance with California Building Code energy standards and EV charging. - Applicant Charlie Zank, General Manager of the dealership, expressed strong community excitement and noted the opportunity for Elk Grove to host the first dealership in the country with this new design. He estimated groundbreaking by November 2026 and completion by January 2028. - No members of the public testified during the public hearing, which was opened and closed without comment. - The Commission deliberated briefly and moved to approve the amendment with the revised condition. Director’s Report Community Development Director Christopher Jordan provided updates on future agenda items: - At the next City Council meeting (week of August 24, 2026), the Council will consider a personal storage moratorium previously heard by the Commission. - For the September 3, 2026 Planning Commission meeting, a mural on the science center building in Old Town (Kyle Larson mural) is confirmed for approval. - For September 17, 2026, staff is finalizing the Summer Flats project (a different project from Summer Villas), located on Waterman Road south of Bond Road near Jack Hill Cemetery. Key Outcomes - Motion by Commissioner Singh, seconded by Commissioner Poole, to adopt the resolution finding no further environmental review required under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15183 and approving the Major Design Review for the Elk Grove Subaru Amendment (PLNG26-028), including the updated Condition of Approval 20. - Vote: 4-0 in favor (Commissioner Fernandez absent). All present commissioners voted aye. - The meeting adjourned at 6:14 PM.

On Thursday, August 20, 2026, the Elk Grove City Council held a special meeting at 3:00 PM in the Council Chambers to consider a resolution certifying the results of the 2026 nomination period and appointing the lone nominees for Mayor and Council Member District 2. The meeting adjourned at 3:07 PM. Discussion Items - Item 2.1 – Consideration of Resolution Reciting Facts of 2026 Nomination Period and Appointment of Lone Nominees - City Clerk Jason Lindgren presented the item, explaining that after the nomination period for the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election, only incumbents Bobbie Singh-Allen (Mayor) and Rod Brewer (Council Member District 2) filed as nominees. The Elections Code Section 10229 allows the council to appoint uncontested candidates, effectively deeming them elected without a vote. - Council members expressed gratitude and noted the collaborative spirit of the council. Councilmember Robles arrived after the initial roll call but was present for the vote. - Clerk Lindgren stated that the action saves approximately $225,000 in election costs, reducing the estimated $300,000 budget for three contests to about $75,000 for the remaining District 4 race. - The new terms will commence December 9, 2026, with an oath of office ceremony. Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: Councilmember Brewer moved to adopt the resolution; Vice Mayor Suen seconded. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote (4-0, with Councilmember Robles present and voting aye). - Appointments: - Bobbie Singh-Allen appointed to the office of Mayor for a two-year term commencing December 9, 2026. - Rod Brewer appointed to the office of Council Member – District 2 for a four-year term commencing December 9, 2026. - Cost Savings: The city will save an estimated $225,000 by not holding elections for the uncontested seats.

The Elk Grove City Council held a special meeting on August 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM at City Hall Council Chambers. The Council immediately proceeded into closed session to discuss two items: (1) Conference with Real Property Negotiators regarding 8978 Elk Grove Boulevard (APN 125-0142-005) with Teen Center USA, and (2) Public Employee Performance Evaluation for the City Attorney. Upon reconvening in open session at 6:01 PM, the Mayor reported that there were no reportable actions from the closed session. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Elk Grove City Council met on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 6:01 p.m. for a regular meeting. The agenda included presentations, public comment, a consent calendar with 16 routine items, and a single regular agenda item introducing a new ordinance to regulate bicycles, electric bicycles, and other personal transportation devices. The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. Presentations & Announcements - Disability Advisory Committee Annual Update – Cameron Weinhofner Moore presented the committee’s activities, including feedback on the 2026–2031 Capital Improvement Plan, the city's new small business ADA compliance program, and an accessibility toolkit. The committee awarded its 19th Above and Beyond Accessibility Award to nonprofit E.G. Speaks and collaborated with the Diversity and Inclusion Commission. The committee has had only 22 members in 24 years. - New Hire Introductions – City staff introduced 18 new hires and promotions across police, finance, human resources, and public works departments, including police officers, animal care staff, a traffic engineer, and an HR specialist. Public Comments & Testimony (Non-agenda public comment) - Lynn Wheat criticized the city for a “secret plan” to redevelop Old Town (Historic Main Street) into a tourism destination similar to San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, alleging lack of transparency and investor-driven changes. - Alexander Bastin opposed the use of Flock cameras (automatic license plate readers), citing privacy concerns, potential abuse by law enforcement, and false AI data. He noted the city’s contract with Palantir. - Randy Becker supported the Flock cameras, expressing trust in the Elk Grove Police Department and emphasizing that cameras are a necessary safety tool, referencing recent police saves. (Consent calendar – Item 7.16) - Alison Randall asked to remove Item 7.16 (purchase of an armored response vehicle for $448,642) from consent, arguing the vehicle is infrequently used and the money could be spent on social programs. - Randy Becker supported the purchase, referencing the death of Sacramento Officer Tara O’Sullivan and the need for police to have protective equipment during large events. - Another speaker opposed the purchase, saying $500,000 could save lives through healthcare instead. - Joshua Day (TDJ Professionals dba Big O Tires) thanked the council for the opportunity to provide tire services (Item 7.6). (Regular agenda – Item 9.1 – Bicycle/personal transportation device ordinance) - David Baker urged against overcorrection, noting many cyclists follow rules and that pushing bikes into streets could be more dangerous. - Terry Burke highlighted unsafe riding by youth and asked about safety training programs. - Randy Becker supported the ordinance, calling e-bike regulation long overdue. - Sharon Anderson (vice chair of the Trails Committee) supported the ordinance, emphasizing pedestrian safety and older adults’ vulnerability. - Katie James (remote) supported the ordinance, stating she had been hit or nearly hit by e-bikes while walking dogs. - Ty Wilson supported the ordinance but suggested lower speed limits on shared trails (10–12 mph) and addressing earphone use by pedestrians and cyclists. - Randy Becker also supported a K–8 ban on personal transportation devices on school property. - You Bring Singh proposed a bicycle/e-bike safety education day and requested accommodations for Sikh riders who cannot wear traditional helmets due to religious head coverings. Discussion Items - 9.1 – Ordinance on Bicycles and Personal Transportation Devices – Police Sergeant Shane Glaser presented proposed changes to the Elk Grove Municipal Code (repealing Sections 10.12.010 and 10.16.180, adding Chapter 10.71). Key points: - Defines classes of e-bikes (Class 1, 2, 3) and motorized scooters. - Allows bicycles on sidewalks; prohibits personal transportation devices (e.g., e-bikes, scooters) on sidewalks unless signed; requires yielding to pedestrians. - Sets 15 mph speed limit on trails. - Prohibits reckless riding, unauthorized racing, and modifying devices to exceed speed classifications. - Enforcement: first offense infraction ($100 fine), second within 12 months a misdemeanor with escalating fines. - Data cited: 37 bicycle collisions in 2023 (33 as of August 9, 2026); e-bike calls for service at 193 (as of Aug 9); scooter calls at 204. - Sergeant Glaser emphasized education-first approach, with enforcement for egregious behavior. - Council Discussion: - Councilmember Brewer supported the ordinance, noting recent e-motorcycle incidents and need to differentiate e-bikes from illegal e-motorcycles. - Vice Mayor Suen supported education efforts but noted behavior change will take time. - Councilmember Spease suggested incorporating safety training (e.g., mandatory courses for offenders) and including pedestrian earphone awareness in outreach. - Councilmember Robles asked about penalties for minors (first offense not a misdemeanor; discretion leans toward education). - Mayor Singh-Allen noted she receives about five resident complaints per week on this issue, and supported exploring community service or mandatory education for repeat offenders. - Police Chief Bobby Davis confirmed the ordinance is part of a broader effort: officers will be at all schools on the first day (tomorrow) for education; school district considering K–8 ban on personal transportation devices on campus. Chief clarified that parents may be held responsible for repeat or egregious violations. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar Approved – All 16 items (7.1–7.16) were approved unanimously on a single motion, including purchase of an armored vehicle for $448,642 (Item 7.16), tire services contracts, library fund transfer ($500,000), and various other contracts and reports. - Ordinance 9.1 Introduced – The council voted unanimously to introduce the ordinance repealing old bicycle regulations and adding Chapter 10.71 (bicycles and personal transportation devices). The ordinance is subject to a second reading at a future meeting. - Education and Outreach Plan – Police will conduct school visits, social media campaigns, and community events (e.g., bike rodeo on August 22) to promote safe riding. - Appointments – The city clerk will proceed with appointing the mayor and District 2 council member nominees at a special meeting on August 20 at 3 p.m. District 4 will go to the November general election. - City Manager’s Report – Announced upcoming events: Barbecue and the Beat (Aug 15), Bike Rodeo (Aug 22), and Startup Pitch Event (Sept 3).

The Planning Commission convened on August 6, 2026, with Chair Oscar O'Con absent and Vice Chair Varinder Singh presiding. The meeting included a consent calendar, general public comment, and a public hearing on a proposed moratorium on new personal storage facilities. Commissioners voted unanimously to recommend the moratorium to the City Council. Several residents spoke during public comment urging protection of rural Elk Grove, though their comments were not tied to an agendized item. Consent Calendar - Regular Meeting Minutes of May 21, 2026 – A motion to approve failed due to insufficient votes (2 abstentions, 1 absent, 2 in favor). The item was tabled to the next meeting when a quorum is present. - Regular Meeting Minutes of June 4, 2026 – Approved unanimously (4 ayes, 1 absent). Public Comments & Testimony - Constance Conley (rural area resident) – Presented a "Rural Roots Booklet" and urged the Commission to uphold the General Plan’s commitment to preserving rural Elk Grove’s character, agriculture, and open space. - Eileen Cowell – Described the booklet’s 23 stories and ongoing series, emphasizing community support for rural preservation. - George Murphy – Thanked contributors and stressed that the rural area should remain preserved, protected, and intact as a lifestyle option and city asset. - James Gilliam – Opposed any development that would erode the rural area, citing past experiences with lawsuits over low-income housing and a Buddhist temple; asked the Commission to keep Sheldon Road rural. - Sharon Lockwood (Wilton resident) – Emphasized the importance of preserving rural areas for future generations, describing negative impacts of urban sprawl and a proposed winery in Wilton. - Carolyn Sorries – Acknowledged the booklet and reminded the Commission that the community has consistently voted to protect rural Elk Grove. - Amelia Van Kueren (Sheldon Road resident, Sacramento State professor) – Explained how the rural area benefits her children’s 4‑H activities, groundwater recharge, pollinator habitat, and counteracts urban heat island. She urged preservation for the entire community’s good. Discussion Item: Moratorium on New Personal Storage Facilities - Staff Presentation – Senior Planner Sarah Kirchgessner introduced a proposed citywide moratorium on new personal storage facilities (except those already approved). The moratorium is intended to allow a study of the use’s impacts, as such facilities generate few jobs, consume large land footprints, and can create pedestrian dead zones. The proposal is exempt from CEQA under the Common Sense Exemption (Section 15061(b)(3)). - Commission Questions – Commissioner Poole asked whether the moratorium is linked to completion of the study; staff confirmed that the moratorium has no set end date but will remain until council either repeals it or adopts new regulations. Commissioner Fernandez expressed support. - Public Testimony – Eugene Lee (climate ambassador) spoke in favor of the moratorium, describing a personal storage facility near his home as visually unappealing and disruptive to pedestrian flow, and urged the city to conduct a thorough study. - Commission Deliberation – Vice Chair Singh moved to adopt the resolution recommending the moratorium to the City Council; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously (4 ayes, 1 absent). Director’s Report - Assistant Director reported on recent City Council actions (July 22 presentation on Historic Main Street; June 10 approval of Climate Compass and Calvine Point Major 3; June 24 approval of Sheldon Road rezone; annual growth report). Upcoming Planning Commission items include the Elk Grove Subaru Design Review Amendment (August 20) and a mural on Elk Grove Boulevard (September 3). The moratorium will be heard by City Council on August 26. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: May 21 minutes tabled; June 4 minutes approved. - Moratorium on Personal Storage Facilities: The Commission approved a resolution (4-0) recommending that the City Council adopt an ordinance imposing a citywide moratorium on new entitlements for personal storage facilities, effective until further action by council. - No regular agenda items were considered.

The Elk Grove Planning Commission convened on July 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM local time (14:00 UTC) in the City Council Chambers. The agenda included standard items such as call to order, pledge of allegiance, moment of silence, approval of agenda, public comment, consent calendar items (meeting minutes and Item Title 2), director's report, and planning commission matters. No public hearings or regular agenda items were listed. No transcript or minutes were provided, so no details of discussions, public comments, or decisions are available from the supplied materials. The meeting was adjourned without recorded substantive action.

The City Council held a special meeting on July 22, 2026, at 5:30 PM at Elk Grove City Hall. The meeting consisted solely of a closed session and subsequent adjournment. No public comments or discussion items were held. Closed Session - The Council convened in closed session to negotiate real property at 9392 W. Stockton Boulevard (APN: 125-0010-023) with City Negotiators Jason Behrmann and Ann Grava, and negotiating party Mauricio David Garcia, regarding price and terms. Additionally, the Council met with legal counsel regarding existing litigation in City of Elk Grove v. Continuum Care, LLC, et al. (Sacramento County Superior Court Case No. 25CV028776). Adjournment - Upon reconvening in open session, the Mayor announced that there was nothing to report from closed session. The special meeting was adjourned at 6:02 PM.