Public Meetings - Elkgrove, California

The Elk Grove City Council convened for its regular meeting on August 13, 2025, addressing routine approvals, public comments on development and labor issues, and updates on city projects including a homeless shelter and priority initiatives. Presentations were given by the Disability Advisory Committee, city staff on priority projects and shelter outreach, and the city manager reported on upcoming events and initiatives. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved unanimously after a motion and second. A representative from the Greater Sacramento Economic Council expressed appreciation for the city's partnership and leadership in regional economic development. Public Comments & Testimony - Bonnie Stensler thanked the council for attending National Night Out and praised the community relationship. - Jacqueline Canoose praised the Elk Grove 101 program and city staff for their efforts. - Carlos Zamaripa opposed the Summer Villas development project, arguing it threatens the rural heritage of Elk Grove and is inconsistent with city policies. - Carolyn Soares shared experiences from the Sacramento County Fair, emphasized youth involvement in agriculture, and questioned whether development plans consider the desires of Elk Grove's youth. - Kathleen Collins raised concerns about hiring a new librarian for the Old Town branch, opposed development at Sheldon and Waterman Roads, and advocated for covered parking in low-income housing projects. - Multiple members of ATU Local 256, including Edgar, Journey Melton, Crystal McGee Lee, Sylvia Lopez Garcia, Gerald Austin Sr., Sukhvinder Singh, John Montello, Juanita Moreno, Martha Perez, and Hamblaka, expressed support for fair contract negotiations with the Elk Grove Unified School District. They cited low wages, high medical costs, and the importance of their roles as bus drivers and attendants, urging the city council to support their cause. - In response, Mayor Singh Allen acknowledged the speakers but clarified that the city has no authority over school district negotiations and encouraged them to continue engaging with the school board. Discussion Items - Disability Advisory Committee Update: The committee chairman provided an annual update, thanking members and highlighting ongoing work to review accessibility improvements for city projects and policies. - City Manager's Report: Jason Verman announced the Pitch Elk Grove competition finals, community meetings for a permanent homeless shelter, public comment periods for the Climate Compass and Inclusive Community Participation Framework, a dive-in movie event, and the cancellation of the August 27 council meeting due to lack of quorum. - Priority Projects Update: Aishware Kumar presented progress on high-priority projects, including the Elk Grove Library construction, traffic signal network, light rail extension studies, Project Elevate, homeless shelter planning, school resource officer partnership, and police department renovations. - Permanent Shelter Outreach Preview: Sarah Bontrager outlined plans for community engagement on a new homeless shelter, including workshops and surveys to gather input on design and services, with site selection to follow in a later phase. - Community Facilities Districts Resolutions: Cindy Tiffany presented resolutions to modernize annexation processes for CFD 2003-2 (police services) and CFD 2006-1 (maintenance services) by defining future annexation areas, streamlining procedures. Key Outcomes - The consent calendar was approved via a unanimous voice vote. - The council received presentations and updates without taking formal action, but discussions included questions on light rail extension options and support for robust public engagement on the homeless shelter. - Resolutions to declare intention to add territory to future annexation areas for CFDs 2003-2 and 2006-1 were moved and seconded, with a public hearing scheduled for September 24, 2025. - The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

The Elk Grove Planning Commission met on August 7, 2025, to review several development projects, clarify zoning procedures, and receive an update on the city's Climate Compass. The commission approved multiple permits and amendments after staff presentations and applicant discussions. Consent Calendar - Approved the meeting agenda as presented. - Approved the regular meeting minutes of June 19th with corrections to resolution numbers. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were submitted or presented by general community members during the meeting. Discussion Items - Stone Lake Landing Dutch Bros Project: Staff recommended approval of a conditional use permit with an exception for 24-hour drive-through operations and a design review amendment with a landscaping deviation. The applicant expressed support for the project, addressed noise mitigation through a qualified study, and discussed potential shade structures for employee safety. Commissioners raised questions about employee safety during late-night operations and noise impacts on nearby residential areas. - Old Town Pub Re-roof Project: Staff recommended approval of a major certificate of appropriateness and design review amendment for roofing material changes, noting the work was already completed. The commission discussed the ratification process and clarified patio additions from previous approvals. - Allen Ranch Medical Buildings Amendment: Staff recommended approval of architectural design revisions for medical office buildings. The applicant stated the changes were necessary to accommodate medical use and expressed excitement about the project. Commissioners had previously met with the applicant and addressed questions about design and ADA compliance. - Official Zoning Interpretation: Staff presented an interpretation clarifying that "final approval" refers to the effective date after the appeal period, not the hearing date, to determine entitlement expiration timelines. - Climate Compass Update: Staff provided an informational presentation on the draft Climate Compass, the city's updated climate action plan. Commissioners expressed support for sustainability efforts and asked detailed questions about emission sources, community outreach strategies, fleet electrification goals, and the impact of traffic improvements on greenhouse gases. - Director's Report: The director updated the commission on recent council actions, upcoming projects including affordable housing and hotel modifications, and future meeting schedules. Key Outcomes - Approved the Stone Lake Landing Dutch Bros project with a 4-0 vote. - Approved the Old Town Pub re-roof project with a 4-0 vote. - Approved the Allen Ranch Medical Buildings amendment with a 3-0 vote (Commissioner Singh abstained). - Approved the official zoning interpretation with a 4-0 vote. - No action was taken on the Climate Compass update, as it was informational only; public comment is open until August 15, 2025.

The Parking Authority of the City of Elk Grove held its annual regular meeting on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting was brief, lasting only two minutes, as staff reported no updates on the sole agenda item: the annual update on the Parking Authority. The City Council serves as the Board of the Authority, and no additional stipend is provided for this service. Presentation - Staff presented the annual update on the Parking Authority and stated there were no updates to report. The Board acknowledged the presentation without further discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to comment on any item. Key Outcomes - The Board received the annual update on the Parking Authority. No votes, motions, or directives were made. The meeting was adjourned at 6:02 PM.

The Elk Grove City Council held a special meeting on July 23, 2025, at 5:00 PM, primarily to discuss closed session items related to anticipated and existing litigation. Following the closed session, the Council reconvened in open session and announced a vote on legal defense strategies. Closed Session Report - The Mayor disclosed that by a 3-2 vote (Council Members Robles and Suen absent), the City Council authorized and directed the City Attorney’s office to defend three existing litigation matters: Mashay Henderson v. Elk Grove Police Department (Sacramento Superior Court Case No. 25CV012190), Christy Arsenith, etc. et al. v. J-M Manufacturing Company, Inc., et al. (Sacramento Superior Court Case No. 24CV089313), and Rommel Hindocha v. City of Elk Grove, et al. (Sacramento Superior Court Case No. 25CV010415). The vote took place during the closed session. Key Outcomes - The Council voted 3-2 to authorize defense of the three cases listed in the agenda. The names of the dissenting council members were not specified, but Council Members Robles and Suen were absent and did not vote. - The special meeting adjourned at approximately 6:00 PM.

The Elk Grove City Council held a regular meeting on July 23, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included presentations, public comments, consent calendar approvals, and multiple public hearings. Key actions included approving an amended flag policy to fly the Wilton Rancheria tribal flag, approving the Elliott Springs Village 3 development project, and adopting amendments to the transient occupancy tax code. All votes were unanimous among the three attending council members (Councilmember Suen and Vice Mayor Robles were absent). Public Comments & Testimony - Eileen Conwell and Mel Scott (Greater Sheldon Road Estates Homeowners Association – GRESHA) spoke about the history of GRESHA and its efforts to preserve rural character, honoring the late Shirley Peters. They expressed ongoing concern about the proposed Summer Villas development. - Landon Taimachko (Scout Troop 59) requested the city partner with scouting to establish a formal U.S. flag retirement collection program, noting scouts often receive old flags. - Bonnie Stensler (Glenbrook community) invited the council to National Night Out on August 5th, emphasizing community-police engagement. - Kathy Lee (Quail Ranch) supported the Elliott Springs Village 3 project but raised concerns about a paseo that was constructed as a “rock garden” instead of with landscaping, urging that future paseos in the age-restricted area be built as promised with trees, grass, and benches. - Steve Lee (Quail Ranch) questioned the removal of storm drain conditions (13 and 40), citing flooding in 2021, and asked whether the city is prepared for a major flood event like the 30-foot rise in Kerrville, Texas. He requested information on emergency warning systems. - Jim Kelly (Quail Ranch Estates) raised concerns about light and air easements on his property related to the Elliott Springs development, arguing that the development should have similar 50-foot setback easements. - Aaron Vowell (Directors of Explore Elk Grove) supported the proposed amendments to the transient occupancy tax code, praising the collaborative approach and the waiver of prior penalties. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of June 25, 2025 special and regular meetings. - Received reports on City Manager approved purchases/contracts, RFPs, and monthly disbursements for June 2025. - Adopted resolutions for: Military Street Banner Program revisions; $15,000 contribution to the Sacramento FUEL Network; benefits consulting contract with Alliant Insurance Services (7 years, up to $217,307.52); second amendment to Pryor Learning contract (extension to 2028, increase of $115,020.46); vacation of abutter’s rights at 9480 E. Stockton Blvd; PEG Channel Facilities fees acceptance; 2024-2029 CIP quarterly report; 2026 Pavement Maintenance Project (crack seal, $1,009,887); Weed and Pest Abatement Project contract with Harlan Services; sixth amendment to ballistic vest contract with Galls LLC (increase of $225,000); joint response to Grand Jury Report on Elder Financial Abuse; and recruitment for one voting member vacancy on the Diversity and Inclusion Commission. - All consent items were approved unanimously. Presentations & Announcements - City Manager Jason Behrmann introduced 22 new hires and promotions across departments: Police Department (18, including new Assistant Chief Brian Schaff), Finance (1), Economic Development (1), Public Affairs (1), Community Development (1), and Public Works (4). The Mayor thanked staff for positive community feedback on cleanliness, homelessness reduction, and fireworks enforcement. Discussion Items 9.1 – Amended Flag Policy for Wilton Rancheria Tribal Flag - Staff presented a resolution to amend the city’s flag policy to allow the Wilton Rancheria tribal flag to fly year-round on a new 25-foot flagpole in front of City Hall, with a flag-raising ceremony planned for November during Native American Heritage Month. No fiscal impact beyond existing budget. - Chairman Jesus Tarango of the Wilton Rancheria tribe spoke, emphasizing the flag’s symbolism of sovereignty, partnership, and recognition. He noted that the tribe is the only federally recognized tribe in Sacramento County and has deep historical ties to the area. - Council members expressed strong support, with Councilmember Spease noting that after explaining the policy, any concerns from constituents were resolved. The resolution passed unanimously. 8.2 – Elliott Springs Village 3 Project (Public Hearing) - Staff (Antonio Ablog) described the project: a 230-acre development at Waterman and Bond Roads, adding 21 patio home lots in an age-restricted village, reconfiguring the village core around a new clubhouse, and amending the development agreement and tentative map. The Planning Commission recommended approval unanimously. - Applicant Marty Yuckert (Elliott Homes) concurred with staff conditions. - Public comments raised concerns about a paseo landscaping quality (Kathy Lee), storm drainage condition removals (Steve Lee), and light/air easements (Jim Kelly). - Council discussed removing conditions 13 and 40 (Bond Road storm drainage upsizing) based on earlier CIP review and field observations, and approved modification of fencing condition on Lot W to allow wood fence. Councilmember Suen asked that fence maintenance be HOA-assigned but staff clarified that area is not part of an HOA. The motion to approve including all staff recommendations passed unanimously. 8.1 – Delinquent Solid Waste and Storm Drain Utility Charges (Public Hearing) - Staff (Kara Taylor-Seeman) reported that Republic Services identified 1,580 delinquent accounts totaling $864,000 (down from $1.5 million in 2024). The hearing was to approve placing charges on the Sacramento County tax roll. Representatives were available to assist customers. - Councilmember Spease asked if future notices could include information about the low-income utility discount program. Staff agreed to consider including a flyer. The resolution was approved unanimously. 8.3 – Treasure Homes Specific Plan Amendment (Public Hearing) - Staff (Antonio Ablog) presented a specific plan amendment to correct a land use designation (RD4 to RD7) and a substantial conformance determination for a tentative map modification increasing drainage area from 3.7 to 10 acres without changing lot counts (61 lots in Village 3). The Planning Commission had unanimously recommended approval. - No public comments. Council approved unanimously. 8.4 – Loop Neighborhood Market Alcohol License (Public Hearing) - Staff (Joseph Daguman) presented a request for a Determination of Public Convenience or Necessity (PCN) to upgrade from a Type 20 (beer/wine) to a Type 21 (beer, wine, distilled spirits) off-sale license at 8607 Elk Grove Boulevard. The site is in a high-crime area and over-concentrated census tract, but police found no safety objection. Applicant Steve Rowlings explained the need to sell ready-to-drink spirits-based products like White Claw margaritas and Truly vodka sodas, with distilled spirits stored in a locked cabinet. The PCN was approved unanimously. 8.5 – Transient Occupancy Tax Code Amendment (Public Hearing) - Staff presented an ordinance amending Municipal Code Section 3.08 to exempt complimentary rooms from TOT (aligning with other cities) and a resolution authorizing consultant HdL to waive $2,790 in prior uncollected TOT, penalties, and interest. Background: audits revealed that hotels had not been charging TOT on free rooms. Staff recommended both actions to foster positive relationships. - Public comment by Aaron Vowell supported the waiver and amendment. - Council approved both items unanimously. Councilmember Brewer asked about TOT on Airbnb; staff confirmed they use a third-party auditor for short-term rentals. Key Outcomes - Approved amended flag policy to add Wilton Rancheria tribal flag (unanimous). - Approved Elliott Springs Village 3 project, including EIR addendum, SPA amendment, tentative map, and development agreement amendments (unanimous). - Approved confirmation of delinquent utility charges for tax roll placement (unanimous). - Approved Treasure Homes specific plan amendment and substantial conformance determination (unanimous). - Approved Determination of Public Convenience or Necessity for Type 21 alcohol license at Loop Neighborhood Market (unanimous). - Approved TOT code amendment exempting complimentary rooms and waiver of prior penalties/fees (unanimous). - Council declined to bring a separate agenda item on light and air easements, advising the property owner to file an application through standard process.

The July 9, 2025 regular meeting of the Elk Grove City Council, scheduled for 6:00 p.m., was cancelled in accordance with Resolution No. 2019-263 (annual recess). No agenda items were discussed and no actions were taken.

The Elk Grove City Council held a special meeting on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 5:00 PM primarily to convene in closed session to discuss real property negotiations and existing litigation. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 PM. Closed Session – Litigation Disclosure - By a 4–0 vote (Councilmember Spease absent), the Council authorized and directed the City Attorney’s office to defend the case A&M Gas 4 Inc. v. City of Elk Grove (Sacramento Superior Court Case No. 25WM000109), as identified in the agenda. Closed Session – Real Property Negotiations - The Council held closed sessions pursuant to Government Code § 54956.8 regarding two properties: - 10171 Grant Line Road (APN 134-0190-003) – negotiator: City Manager Jason Behrmann and Real Estate Program Manager Ann Grava; negotiating party: Tom Mahon, Mahon Family Partnership; under negotiation: price and terms. - 9697 Johnston Road (a vacant ±20.45-acre parcel at Elk Grove Blvd. and Big Horn Blvd., APN 132-2110-004) – negotiator: City Manager Jason Behrmann and Economic Development Director Darrell Doan; negotiating party: CenterCal Properties, LLC; under negotiation: price and terms. - No reportable actions were announced regarding these negotiations upon reconvening in open session. Closed Session – Existing Litigation - The Council also met in closed session regarding two matters: Juan Mateo v. City of Elk Grove, et al. (Workers Compensation Appeals Board Case No. ADJ18923813) and the above-mentioned A&M Gas 4 Inc. v. City of Elk Grove. Only the defense authorization for the latter was disclosed. Key Outcomes - The Council voted 4–0 (with Councilmember Spease absent) to authorize the City Attorney’s office to defend the A&M Gas 4 Inc. case. - The meeting adjourned at 6:00 PM with no further open session business.

The Elk Grove City Council held their regular meeting on June 25, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included significant discussions on waste management, homeless shelter design, a major retail development project, and youth commission appointments. Opening and Administrative Items - Roll call conducted with Council Member Spees noted as absent - Land acknowledgment delivered by Vice Mayor recognizing Plain Miwoks and Wilton Rancheria Tribe - Moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance performed Key Presentations - Republic Services presented their 2024 Annual Report showing: 46.2% waste diversion rate (up from 38.2% in 2014) Introduction of 5 new electric service vehicles 92% customer satisfaction rate Management of 42,000 tons of landfill materials and 42,000 tons of diverted materials Major Discussion Items - Approved architectural planning contract with NJA Associates for a permanent homeless shelter 180-day due diligence period Design to include shelter space, dining hall, and behavioral health services Community engagement emphasized as key component - Authorized $4 million purchase agreement with CenterCal for Project Elevate Mixed-use development to include 100,000+ sq ft retail space 100-room upscale hotel Project completion targeted for 2029 Youth Commission Appointments - Appointed six new voting members to the Youth Commission from 27 applicants: Carly Clark Princeton Mingo Kalia Condon Ethan Fang Zahra Chaudry Omri Nelson Meeting Conclusion - Meeting adjourned at 9:37 PM in memory of Conor Lopez, a young resident who died in a motorcycle accident - Next regular meeting scheduled for July 23, 2025 (following summer recess)

The Planning Commission held its regular meeting on Juneteenth (June 19, 2025) at 6:00 PM, with all commissioners present. The meeting included land acknowledgment of the Plains Miwok people and recognition of the Wilton Rancheria Tribe. Opening and Public Comments - Former Planning Commissioner George Murphy provided comments regarding rural area policies and an upcoming Summer Villas project - Murphy emphasized the importance of honoring rural area boundaries established in the General Plan Key Projects Reviewed - Verizon Halfway Wireless Facility (PLNG 24-052) - Approved installation of wireless equipment on 110-foot PG&E tower with 12-foot extension - Construction limited to non-breeding period (September-December) to protect birds - Village Pad 5 Amendment - Bank of America (PLNG 25-005) - Approved amendments for 5,900 sq ft bank building with three ATM drive-thru lanes - Project maintains consistency with Village shopping center architectural style - Village Major Uniform Sign Program (PLNG 24-055) - Approved sign program including deviations for number of freestanding signs - Increased wall-mounted signage allowance for Whole Foods from 200 to 300 square feet - Elliott Springs Village 3 Project (PLNG 24-051) - Approved amendments to Special Planning Area, development agreement, and maps - Project includes age-restricted gated community with 21 additional patio homes - Preserves 74 acres of open space in perpetuity Planning Updates - July 3rd meeting cancelled - Climate Compass (new Climate Action Plan) draft to be released for public review - Commission term reviews scheduled for 2027 and 2029 The meeting demonstrated significant development activity in Elk Grove, with particular attention to wireless infrastructure, commercial development, and residential planning while maintaining environmental and historical considerations.