Public Meetings - Folsom, California

The Folsom City Council convened on the evening of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, to address a regular agenda including consent items, public hearings, and new business. Notable actions included the introduction of a wildfire prevention ordinance, a discussion on objective design standards for multi-unit housing (continued to November 12), approval of a neighborhood park design contract, acceptance of a traffic safety grant, and authorization of a road closure for water infrastructure work. The meeting also featured a special recognition for the departing Kikkoman plant manager. Consent Calendar - Items 2–10 Approved Unanimously with the exception of Item 6, which was pulled for discussion. - Item 6: Resolution No. 11485 – Amendment No. 1 to agreement with Dawkins Engineering for environmental and historic monitoring services in the Folsom Plan Area open space. The amendment increases the not-to-exceed amount to $580,000 over three years, funded by CFD No. 18. Councilmember Raithel questioned cost-effectiveness and suggested partnerships with universities or reduced monitoring frequency. Staff indicated willingness to explore options. The item was approved unanimously (5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Business from the Floor: Andrew Viscara, representing the Leadership 2024 class, presented a $10,600 check from the "Pickle for a Purpose" fundraiser to the City of Folsom Parks and Recreation Department. Special Recognition - The Council recognized Kyotaka Nagai, outgoing plant manager of Kikkoman Foods, for his seven years of service. Mayor read a proclamation highlighting record production, sustainability initiatives, and community involvement. Nagai expressed gratitude and emphasized Kikkoman’s commitment to local community and teamwork. Discussion Items - Item 11 – Ordinance No. 1358 (Wildfire Prevention & Uniform Codes): Alison Konwinski, Chief Building Official, presented the introduction and first reading of an ordinance adopting the 2025 Title 24 California Code of Regulations with local amendments, including new wildfire prevention sections and appendix D of the Fire Code. Councilmembers Raithel and Kozlowski voiced concerns about state-mandated code cycles increasing housing costs, but acknowledged the need to vote for the ordinance. The public hearing was opened and closed with no speakers. The ordinance was approved 4-1 (Councilmember Kozlowski voted no). Second reading set for November 12, 2025, with effective date January 1, 2026. - Item 12 – Objective Development and Design Standards (ODDS): Planning Manager Desmond Perrington and consultant Cecilia Kim presented standards for multi-unit and mixed-use residential in overlay areas (East Bidwell Corridor, rail stations, Folsom Town Center). The standards aim to comply with state laws requiring objective design criteria. Discussion focused on parking reduction allowances and ministerial review for market-rate projects. Councilmember Raithel opposed ministerial review for market-rate projects unless state-mandated, preferring to retain discretionary authority. The item was continued to November 12, 2025, for further refinement of parking standards and to consider amendments to the design review ordinance. Vote to continue: 5-0. - Item 13 – User Fee Schedule Update: Josh Kincaid presented Resolution No. 11481 updating community development fees to reflect lower staff-level review costs for historic district, multifamily, and commercial projects. New fees include $432 for director-level design review (down from $400–500 range), $864 for large ministerial reviews, $138 for EV charger permits, and new appeal fees ($432 to city manager, $1,500 to council). Approved unanimously (5-0). Effective January 1, 2026. - Item 14 – Neighborhood Park 1 (Folsom Plan Area): Park Planner Kate Canon Noen presented two resolutions: (1) approving a capital improvement project and appropriating $706,614 for soft costs; (2) awarding a design contract to Wilson Design Studio for $450,130 (lowest of three bids). The 12-acre park is estimated to cost $9.5 million based on 2015 master plan programming (lighted soccer and baseball fields, playground, basketball court, picnic area, restroom, parking). Councilmembers questioned cost escalation and funding sufficiency. Both resolutions were approved unanimously (5-0). - Item 15 – STEP Grant for Traffic Safety: Commander Brian Lockhart presented Resolution No. 11492 accepting a $173,500 grant from the Office of Traffic Safety for selective traffic enforcement, DUI checkpoints, e-bike enforcement, and purchase of a police motorcycle. No local match required. Approved unanimously (5-0). - Item 16 – Water Improvements Change Order for Iron Point Road: Public Works Director Rebecca Nees presented Resolution No. 11493 authorizing a $550,000 change order with Mozingo Construction for additional paving and video detection work during a five-day full closure of Iron Point Road (November 2–7, 2025) to complete a waterline crossing. The closure is necessary to avoid groundwater issues and was coordinated with frontage improvements by Sutter Medical Office and Tiker Construction. The city will contribute $450,000 from the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Fund. Approved unanimously (5-0). Key Outcomes - Item 11: Ordinance 1358 passed 4-1, with second reading November 12. - Item 12: Continued to November 12 for revisions to parking standards and ministerial review language. - Item 13: Resolution 11481 adopted unanimously. - Item 14: Resolutions 11487 and 11488 adopted unanimously. - Item 15: Resolution 11492 adopted unanimously. - Item 16: Resolution 11493 adopted unanimously. City Manager Report & Council Comments - City Manager reported on the fire apparatus reassignment plan, Castle Park design unveiling (October 29), and Cummings Bike Park renovation with a $10,000 matching grant. - Councilmember Kozlowski highlighted a SACOG presentation on Strong Towns and thanked Rotary for Oktoberfest. - Councilmember Leary promoted Friends of Folsom Zoo Sanctuary fundraisers: specialty beer by Redbus Brewing and Christmas tree decorating event. - Mayor reported on a joint county-wide homelessness and behavioral health meeting attended earlier that day. Adjournment - The regular meeting adjourned at 8:23 PM, and the Council resumed closed session.

The Folsom City Council convened on October 14, 2025, addressing public comments on community facilities and cultural events, recognizing sports and volunteer achievements, deliberating on historic district regulations, and approving multiple infrastructure, housing, waste management, IT services, and budget-related items. Consent Calendar - Routine approvals passed unanimously without any items pulled. Public Comments & Testimony - Kathy Dunbar expressed full support for the Steve McLeose Aquatics Center, citing personal health benefits and community value. - Anushka Rajapadhe and Dhanvi Patel invited the council to Diwali celebrations at BAPS Hindu Temple, emphasizing cultural significance. - Shishrit Mishra discussed Hindu Heritage Month and the Seva Diwali project, requesting council assistance in identifying local food banks and shelters for donations. Discussion Items - Resolution honoring the Folsom Lake Surf Soccer Club for their national championship. - Presentation on the 12th annual Community Service Day results, highlighting over 1,700 volunteers, 80 projects, and 23 tons of food collected. - Public hearing on Ordinance 1353 amending historic district design review processes; staff argued for streamlining and cost savings, while public speaker Loretta Hedinger raised concerns about protecting historical character. - Water system flow control facilities rehab project approval. - Resolution to reimburse the general fund for affordable housing subsidies via transfer from the Folsom Housing Fund. - Agreement with California Wood Recycling for long-term organic waste diversion services. - Interim IT management services contract with Mid-Valley IT. - Termination of the electric refuse truck purchase agreement due to delivery failures. - Agreement with Leathers and Associates for Castle Park playground design and community-build assistance. - Comprehensive presentation on phase two general fund cost savings measures, involving departmental reorganizations and increased use of special revenue funds. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved unanimously. - Ordinance 1353 introduced with first reading approved unanimously (5-0 vote). - All new business resolutions (items 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14) passed with unanimous votes. - City manager reported on staff changes, upcoming events, and adjourned in memory of former employee Jessica Arudia Andrews.

The Folsom City Council convened on September 23, 2025, addressing significant budget adjustments, community initiatives, and development approvals. The meeting featured honors for retiring Fire Chief Ken Cassano, a celebration of the sister city anniversary with Pieve Del Grappa, Italy, and extensive discussions on cost-saving measures involving layoffs and service reductions. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the consent calendar without any items pulled for discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Teresa Garcia expressed concern about council members not speaking clearly into microphones, requesting improved audibility for the audience. - Molly Slovak, flanked by supporters including Jenny, announced the inaugural Folsom Family Pride event on October 11, 2025. Speakers expressed full support for LGBTQ inclusion and requested city amplification and council attendance. - Brett Hofstad promoted the NASA Space Apps Challenge at Folsom Lake College, encouraging community participation. - During the Veranda project hearing, Alana Wagner expressed opposition to tree removal practices in small lot subdivisions, advocating for preservation of the urban canopy. - On cost-saving measures, multiple speakers voiced positions: Elena Wagner emphasized that South of 50 is revenue-generating and expressed hurt over perceived service inequities; Kate Cassara opposed eliminating her GIS position, arguing that outsourcing would be more costly; supporters of the zoo sanctuary, including Sherry Richter and Peggy Platt, discussed efforts to reduce subsidies through economic planning; Bruce Klein advocated for trail maintenance and suggested a stormwater fee as revenue enhancement. Discussion Items - The council honored Fire Chief Ken Cassano for over 30 years of service, with a resolution of commendation. - A proclamation celebrated the 25th anniversary of the sister city relationship with Pieve Del Grappa, Italy, highlighting cultural exchanges and community events. - Jessica Brandt presented the Veranda at Folsom Heights project, a 125-unit small lot subdivision, which was discussed and approved after addressing concerns about density and design. - City Manager Brian Whitmer detailed phase one of general fund cost-saving measures, including eliminating 20 positions (5 filled), browning out a fire engine, and reorganizing departments. Fire Chief Ken Cassano explained apparatus reassignments and response times, while Pam Johns outlined departmental reorganizations for efficiency. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of the consent calendar. - Approval of the Veranda at Folsom Heights project with a unanimous vote. - Approval of resolution 11463 for cost-saving measures, including position eliminations and fire apparatus plan, with a unanimous vote. - Council directed staff to provide more data on response times and explore revenue enhancement options for future discussions.

The Folsom City Council convened for its regular meeting, addressing a full agenda that included public comments on community events and safety, recognition of volunteers, presentations on community service and regional homelessness collaboration, routine contract approvals, labor agreements, and the formation of a committee to explore fire service partnerships. Public Comments & Testimony - Sarah Perrin, a resident and LGBTQ+ community member, announced the inaugural Folsom Family Pride event on October 11th. She expressed support for the event as a space for belonging and safety and requested the council help amplify the event and attend. - Tiara Dominguez, a parent, expressed concern about e-bike and e-scooter safety, citing close calls and evasion of police. She urged the council to work with citizens to keep children safe. - Gopinath and Ganesh, residents, reported incidents of harassment and physical aggression against children at Prospector Park by youth believed to live in a nearby affordable housing complex. They requested city intervention. - Richard Heiler, Chair of the Folsom Landscape and Lighting Advisory Committee, presented a certificate of appreciation to five city employees for successfully restoring streets and sidewalks in the Los Cerros neighborhood. - Judy Alexander, a member of the public, commented during the homelessness presentation, noting the difficulty of serving the homeless population and urging consideration of new formats beyond traditional government models. Discussion Items - Spirit of Folsom Awards: Council members presented awards to five residents (Beth Graybill, Tom Handy, Kathy Cole, Mike Klasowski, and Joanne Brush) for extensive volunteer service in areas including the library, youth sports, historic preservation, and parks. - Community Service Day Presentation: Staff and committee chairs, led by Sandy Economy, detailed plans for the 12th annual event on September 20th, including volunteer needs, sponsored projects, a food drive, and a blood drive. - Proposed Homeless & Housing Partnership Model: Emily Halcon, Director of Sacramento County's Department of Homeless Services and Housing, presented a proposal to merge the Continuum of Care (COC) board and the Homeless Policy Council into a new 'Sacramento Homeless and Housing Board' to improve transparency, accountability, and regional collaboration. Council members expressed support for regional collaboration but raised concerns about funding, staff capacity, the potential expansion into housing policy, and protecting local control. - Sewer Project Contract: Marcus Yasutaki, Environmental and Water Resources Director, presented a request to authorize a construction contract for the Basin 4 Sewer Phase 1 project, detailing pipe and manhole deficiencies in the historic district that require replacement. - Labor Agreements: Human Resources Director Alison Garcia presented successfully negotiated three-year Memorandums of Understanding with firefighters (Local 522) and miscellaneous employees (Local 39), including cost-of-living adjustments and other benefit changes. - Fire Services Exploratory Committee: City Manager Brian White proposed forming a two-by-two committee with the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District to explore potential partnerships, ranging from administrative contracts to a full merger. The council expressed a default preference for maintaining the city's own fire department but consensus to explore options for potential cost savings or service improvements. - Council Member Comments: Members discussed adding future agenda items concerning e-bike/scooter safety ordinances, a review of the recently installed Johnny Cash 'Art Pick' public art, a presentation from the Library Director, and creating a system to track future agenda item requests. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously by roll call vote (Councilmembers Roarba, Kozlowski, Leary, Rathel, and Aquino all voting 'yes'). - Resolution 11454 (Sewer Construction Contract): Approved unanimously. - Resolution 11456 (Sewer Inspection Services): Approved unanimously. - Resolution 11458 (MOU with Firefighters Local 522): Approved unanimously. - Resolution 11459 (MOU with Employees Local 39): Approved unanimously. - Resolution 11460 (Fire Services Exploratory Committee): Approved unanimously. The resolution also appointed Mayor Sarah Kino and Councilmember Anna Roerba to serve on the two-by-two committee with Sac Metro Fire. - Directives & Next Steps: - Council directed staff to agendize discussions on e-bike/scooter safety and the Johnny Cash Art Pick. - Council supported holding a future presentation from the Library Director. - City Manager to work on a system for tracking future agenda item requests. - County staff to continue gathering input on the homeless partnership model from other cities and the COC board.

The Folsom City Council met on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, for a regular meeting that included a mid-cycle housing element update, approval of a development agreement for Broadstone Crossing Phase 2, adoption of speed limits on several roads, appointment of a planning commissioner, a property exchange, and adoption of affordable housing loan program guidelines. The council also approved consent calendar items and heard public comments on the planning commission appointment. Consent Calendar - Items 2, 3, 5, 7, and 9 were approved unanimously. Item 6 was continued off calendar at the request of the event organizer. Public Comments & Testimony - Business from the floor: No speakers. - Planning commission appointment: Two speakers addressed the council: Marco Malikateen and Amanda Ross. Both expressed interest in the at-large planning commission seat. Malikateen highlighted his background in land use consulting and public service. Ross noted her previous experience as a planning commissioner in El Dorado County and her commitment to community service. Discussion Items - Mid-Cycle Housing Element and Housing Fund Update (Item 1): Stephanie Henry, Community Development Department, presented an update on Folsom's progress toward meeting its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) for the 2021–2029 cycle. As of 2024, the city has made strong progress in moderate and above-moderate income segments but faces a significant shortfall in lower-income allocations. Two new affordable housing developments will add 187 units for lower-income households. The city has completed 5 of 34 housing element programs, with 8 underway and 5 not yet initiated. Total housing funds available are approximately $23 million. Councilmembers discussed loan repayment terms, ADU affordability, deed restrictions, and priorities for future funding, including ADU incentives, home rehabilitation, homeownership, and prioritizing Folsom residents and workers. - Willow Hill Dam Valve Replacement Project (Item 4 – Resolution 11438): Council unanimously approved the initial study and mitigated negative declaration for the project. Councilmember Rethel asked about the need for a fence; staff confirmed a smaller enclosure (4'x4') would be used instead of a 6-8 foot chain-link fence. - Riley Street Safety Improvement Project (Item 8 – Resolution 11452): Staff presented a design and engineering agreement with RUI Engineers, funded by a $4 million congressional grant. The total project design cost is estimated at $1.1 million, with an initial segment funded at $659,000 for environmental clearance and 30% design. Council approved the resolution after discussion about phasing and cost transparency. - Broadstone Crossing Phase 2 Development Agreement (Item 10 – Ordinance 1354): A public hearing was held. The development agreement requires Elliott Homes to fund roadway improvements (estimated $3.6 million) and contribute up to $2.5 million toward a pedestrian bridge over East Bidwell Street. The bridge design will be funded with an initial $1 million deposit. The ordinance was introduced and approved on first reading, 5-0. - Prima Facie Speed Limits (Item 11 – Ordinance 1356): A public hearing was held. The council adopted speed limits based on engineering and traffic surveys for East Bidwell Street (45 mph), Westwood Drive (30 mph), Alder Creek Parkway (35 mph), Grand Prairie Road (35 mph), and Mangeny Parkway (35 mph). The ordinance was introduced and approved on first reading, 5-0. - Appointment of At-Large Planning Commissioner (Item 12): After a ballot vote, Amanda Ross was appointed to serve the remainder of the term expiring December 2026, with a vote of 3-2 (Councilmembers Kozlowski, Leary, and Aquino for Ross; Vice Mayor Rethel and Councilmember Rohrbach for Malikateen). - Property Exchange (Item 13 – Resolution 11449): Council approved a resolution declaring a portion of city-owned land exempt from the Surplus Land Act and authorizing a property exchange with a private developer. The exchange will result in the city receiving more square footage than it gives up, plus funds for tree mitigation. The resolution passed 5-0. - Affordable Housing Loan Program Guidelines (Item 14 – Resolution 11427): Council adopted formal guidelines for providing affordable housing loans, establishing consistent terms for gap financing. The guidelines aim to protect the city's loan portfolio and ensure long-term affordability. Councilmember Rethel suggested adding a residency and local worker preference in future ordinances. The resolution passed 5-0. Key Outcomes - Votes: All consent calendar items (2,3,5,7,9) approved unanimously. Item 4 (Willow Hill Dam) approved 5-0. Item 8 (Riley Street) approved 5-0. Item 10 (Ordinance 1354 – Broadstone DA) introduced and approved 5-0. Item 11 (Ordinance 1356 – Speed limits) introduced and approved 5-0. Item 12 (Planning commissioner) Amanda Ross appointed 3-2. Item 13 (Property exchange) approved 5-0. Item 14 (Affordable housing loan guidelines) approved 5-0. - Directives: Staff to return with updates on housing element implementation, including an analysis of the inclusionary housing ordinance, objective development standards, and potential residency preferences for affordable housing. The city manager reported on the appointment of Rebecca Neves as Public Works Director, the reopening of Oak Parkway Trail, and upcoming community events. - Council Reports: Councilmembers shared updates on local sports, fundraising events, and public safety issues, including fireworks concerns and DUI checkpoint notice.

The Folsom City Council held its regular meeting on August 12, 2025, with Mayor Sarah Aquino presiding. Councilmember Roarba was absent due to a family bereavement. The meeting included a commendation for a youth baseball team, public comments, and discussions on several key items: a maintenance assessment district update, pulled consent calendar items regarding police technology, water treatment chemicals, and software licensing, a new behavioral nuisance ordinance, and a transit feasibility study grant. Multiple resolutions were approved, and city staff provided operational updates. Consent Calendar - All consent calendar items were approved unanimously except items 5, 7, and 8, which were pulled for discussion by public speaker James Tedford. - Item 5 (Resolution 11415): Accepting a Homeland Security grant for the police department to contract with Peregrine Technologies for a real-time decision platform. James Tedford expressed concerns about the grant source, vendor selection process, ongoing costs, and data privacy. Commander Andrew Bates clarified that the grant is federal, Peregrine was regionally selected without a city bidding process, and there would be no cost to revert if the system is not renewed after the first year. The council approved the resolution. - Item 7 (Resolution 11437): Authorizing an agreement with NTU Technologies for water treatment chemicals. James Tedford questioned the lack of competitive bidding and how price fairness was determined. Marcus Yasutaki, Environmental Water Resources Director, explained that the chemicals are proprietary to the city's treatment process, and switching vendors would require extensive testing and state approvals. The council approved the resolution after discussion on adding more procurement detail to future reports. - Item 8 (Resolution 11439): Authorizing an agreement with Mars Company for software licensing for a meter test bench. James Tedford raised similar concerns about procurement. Marcus Yasutaki stated that the software is specific to the Mars equipment, and the original purchase involved competitive bidding in 2019. The council approved the resolution. Public Comments & Testimony - Sherry Richter, Priscilla Schroeder, Sue Spielman, and Peggy Plett promoted National Honeybee Day at the Folsom City Zoo on August 16, 2025. - James Tedford spoke on consent calendar items 5, 7, and 8, expressing concerns about procurement processes and requesting more detailed justification in staff reports. Discussion Items - Natoma Station Maintenance Assessment District Update: Derek Pris, Municipal Landscape Services Manager, provided an informational update on the proposed assessment district (2025-02). He outlined the Prop 218 process, including a revised schedule for community outreach in fall 2025 and council actions in winter 2025, with final ballot mailing in early 2026. - Behavioral Nuisance Ordinance (Item 13): City Attorney Stephen Wong introduced Ordinance 1355, adding Chapter 8.39 to the Municipal Code to address unlawful behavioral nuisances (e.g., drug sales, harassment). He explained that this provides administrative tools for code enforcement and law enforcement to abate nuisances through property liens or receivership, complementing existing criminal laws. Council members discussed specific cases (e.g., generator noise) and clarified the ordinance's flexibility. No public opposition was expressed. - Sustainable Transit Connections Study (Item 14): Desmond Parrington, Planning Manager, presented resolutions for a Caltrans grant study on transit connections to health services. The study will explore feasibility and funding models, partnering with Sacramento Regional Transit and consultant Fair and Peers. Council members emphasized the need for cost-sharing with healthcare providers and exploring various service models, including on-demand shuttles and first/last-mile connections. Key Outcomes - Approved Resolution 11415 (Item 5) for the police grant, with all council members present (Leary, Rafel, Koslowski, Aquino) voting yes. - Approved Resolution 11437 (Item 7) for the NTU Technologies agreement, with all council members present voting yes. - Approved Resolution 11439 (Item 8) for the Mars Company agreement, with all council members present voting yes. - Introduced and conducted first reading of Ordinance 1355 (Item 13) on behavioral nuisances, with all council members present voting yes. - Approved Resolution 11442 (MOU with Sacramento Regional Transit) and Resolution 11443 (consultant agreement with Fair and Peers) for the transit study (Item 14), with all council members present voting yes. - City Manager reported on police activities (arrest in manslaughter case, DUI enforcement recognition), CERT volunteer recruitment, new police services at Fire Station 34, community service day registration, and a planning commission vacancy. - Council members provided updates on regional meetings, including SACOG's Green Means Go program and homelessness collaboration efforts.

The Folsom City Council held a regular meeting on July 8, 2025, with the primary focus on a critical discussion about fire department staffing in the context of the city's budget deficit. Opening and Introductions The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, with all council members present: Kozlowski, Leary, Rathel, Rohrbaugh, and Aquino. Mayor Aquino noted that most attendees were present for the fire department staffing item, which was scheduled as the final agenda item. Consent Calendar The council approved the consent calendar with one item (Item 11) pulled for separate discussion. Item 11, regarding a traffic signal timing project for Light Rail Preemption, was approved for $242,580 from the Light Rail Impact Fee Fund. Public Hearings and Resolutions Several routine items were addressed: - Resolution approving delinquent utility charges for collection ($239,748 across 225 accounts) - Final engineer's report for 30 Landscape and Lighting districts for fiscal year 2025-2026 - Updated community facility rental fee schedule with peak/non-peak pricing structure - Approval of updated sewer system management plan - Authorization for SB1 local partnership program funding application for Folsom Boulevard pavement resurfacing ($572,000) - Lease agreement authorization with Folsom Historic District Association for public spaces management Fire Department Staffing Discussion City Manager Brian Whitemire presented a comprehensive analysis of the city's budget crisis, revealing a $3 million operational deficit for fiscal year 2025-2026. The presentation highlighted: Budget Overview: - Total general fund expenditures: $123 million - Projected $5.97 million deficit by fiscal year 2030-31 - Retirement costs increasing from $24 million to $32 million over five years - City facing potential cash depletion by 2031 without corrective action Fire Department Context: - 10 conditional firefighter hires scheduled to start July 21, 2025 - Department currently down 10 positions with 4-5 retirements expected - Proposal to defer hiring would require browning out one fire station and one medic unit - Current response times: 6 minutes 40 seconds for engines, 8 minutes for medics Service Level Comparisons: - Population served per station would increase from 15,430 to 18,515 with brownout - Daily staffing of 2.48 per 10,000 population (would drop to 2.16 with cuts) - Annual calls for service: approximately 10,140 total Public Comments Extensive public comment period featured 25+ speakers, including: - Fire department personnel and union representatives - Fire chiefs from neighboring agencies (Sacramento Metro, El Dorado Hills, Cosumnes) - Community residents - Current fire recruits who had already given notice at previous jobs Key concerns raised: - Impact on response times and public safety - Regional mutual aid agreements at risk - Recruitment challenges and workforce stability - Revenue generation potential of ambulance services ($1.7 million annually) Key Outcomes Final Decision: After extensive discussion, City Manager Whitemire revised his recommendation to support hiring the 8 remaining firefighter candidates (2 had already been lost during the process). The council unanimously voted to deny Resolution 11435, effectively allowing the hires to proceed. Operational Reality: Despite hiring the 8 firefighters, the city will likely still need to implement service reductions through brownouts or other operational changes to achieve necessary budget savings. The decision provides short-term relief while acknowledging that structural budget issues remain unresolved. Future Implications: Council emphasized that this decision does not eliminate the need for significant budget cuts across all city departments, with comprehensive budget restructuring plans to be developed in the coming months.

A regular meeting of the Folsom City Council was held to discuss several key items including staff commendations, community events, and the fiscal year 2025-26 budget. The meeting lasted approximately 3 hours and included significant discussion about financial planning and community assets. Opening and Commendations - Resolution honoring Police Chief Rick Hellman for his 30 years of service and retirement - Proclamation declaring July 3-5, 2025 as Western Rodeo Days for the 64th annual Folsom Pro Rodeo Public Comments - Sherry Richter, Zoo Docent Council President, announced an upcoming art exhibition featuring animal-created artwork at the art gallery - Residents provided input on budget concerns and financial management strategies Key Discussion Items - Approved removal of site supervision at Cummings Family Skate and Bike Park, saving $41,300 annually - Authorized $14,550 for automated lighting control system installation - Discussed purchase of two electric refuse collection vehicles with updated specifications - Reviewed and adopted FY 2025-26 budget with $3.04M deficit Budget Highlights - Total general fund revenue projected at $120M - Total expenditures approved at $123M - Property tax revenue increase of $3.3M expected - Sales tax projected at $28M - Emergency reserve fund balance projected to fall to 15.5% Key Outcomes - Approved FY 2025-26 budget with commitment to review in September/October - Agreed to pursue cost-cutting measures and revenue enhancement strategies - Scheduled mid-year budget review for February/March 2026 - Committed to maintaining public safety services at current levels - Council emphasized need for increased transparency and community engagement in financial planning

The Folsom City Council held its regular meeting to discuss several key items including landscape and lighting districts, the FY 2025-26 budget, and community updates. The 3-hour meeting featured significant discussion about funding challenges and future planning. Opening and Introductions - Meeting called to order with all council members present - Public comments included presentations on upcoming Juneteenth Festival at Black Miners Bar (June 28th, 4-9pm) - Concerns raised about SACRT Go transit service reliability for elderly and disabled residents Key Budget Discussion - Proposed FY 2025-26 budget shows $3.5M operating deficit - City facing projected $6M annual shortfall by FY 2030-31 if no changes made - General fund reserves projected to drop to 15% (below 17-20% policy target) - Sales tax revenue remains flat despite population growth - Property tax from Folsom Plan Area now represents 24% of total property tax Landscape & Lighting Districts Update - Five districts currently have negative account balances totaling over $1.6M - Natoma Station district has $729,000 deficit - Council approved continuing current service levels while pursuing new ballot measures - Districts formed pre-Prop 218 lack inflation adjustments Key Outcomes - Council continued budget hearing to June 24th for additional public review - Directed staff to maintain current service levels for L&L districts during outreach - City Manager to develop budget reduction options for FY 2026-27 - Enhanced transparency measures approved for financial reporting - Commitment to increased community engagement on fiscal challenges