Public Meetings - Folsom, California

The Folsom City Council met on May 13, 2025, at 6:30 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting included multiple proclamations, a public hearing on police fee schedule updates, approval of a Community Facilities District overlay, purchase of a building for police use, establishment of meeting recesses, and authorization of a flashing yellow arrow trial project. All votes were unanimous (Councilmember Kozlowski absent). Scheduled Presentations - Resolution of Commendation for Mark Rackovan: Recognized Mark Rackovan, Public Works Director retiring after 27 years of service. He played key roles in major infrastructure projects including Lake Natoma Crossing, Folsom Lake Crossing, and multiple interchanges. - Proclamation – National Public Works Week & City Works Day: Proclaimed May 18–24, 2025 as National Public Works Week and May 21 as City Works Day. City Works Day at Lions Park expects 2,000 attendees and 600 students, with over 35 booths. - Proclamation – National Police Week (May 11–17, 2025): Recognized law enforcement service; noted 165 peace officers died in 2024 (a 6.5% increase from 2023). - Proclamation – National Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Month (May 2025): Between 2018–2020, over 500 children under 5 died from drowning in CA; the city provides 1,770 swim lessons annually. - Proclamation – May is Bike Month: Encouraged bicycling; earlier that day, 80 children completed a ride at the local castle. - Resolution of Commendation – Folsom Arts Association: Honored for receiving the 2024 Folsom Arts Achievement Award; association has over 200 members. - Annual Presentation by Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District: Assistant Manager Steve Ramos and board representative Craig Burnett discussed integrated mosquito management, West Nile virus (129 human cases in CA in 2024; no positive mosquito samples in Folsom in 2024, one positive bird), invasive Aedes mosquitoes (18 locally acquired dengue cases in CA last year), and planned use of sterile insect technology. The district manages 40–46,000 acres of rice. Councilmember Leary noted the public can subscribe for spray notifications at www.fightthebite.net. Public Comments & Testimony (Business from the Floor) - Abel Yamane: First-generation immigrant; stated that the city, state, and country never have the interests of trans, Black, Indigenous, poor, low-income children, incarcerated people, and undocumented people at heart; called for an end to "make believe borders and rules of citizenship." - Vishunu Rao: Folsom resident and first-generation immigrant; described a terrorist attack in Palgam, Jammu Kashmir on April 22, 2025 (claimed by The Resistant Front, a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba) that killed 26 tourists due to religious identity. Requested the City Council issue a condemnation. The Mayor noted the city cannot act on matters not within its purview but would follow up. - Mark Aleman: Thanked the Mayor and City Council for prompt removal of a dangerous fallen tree branch on a bike trail; praised recent trail maintenance. Mayor acknowledged Parks and Recreation staff. Consent Calendar (Items 8–15) All routine items approved unanimously via one motion: - Approval of April 22, 2025 meeting minutes - Ordinance 1349 (amending illuminated open sign rules in Historic District Sutter Street Subarea – second reading) - Ordinance 1350 (designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones – second reading) - Ordinance 1351 (increasing number of card tables and cardrooms – second reading) - Resolution 11372 (agreement to purchase mobile column lifts for vehicle maintenance) - Resolution 11373 (MOU with Sacramento Transportation Authority for STIP coordination) - Resolution 11378 (contracts up to $750,000 annually for building/fire plan check services) - Resolution 11380 (hire limited-term Park Planner II for Folsom Plan Area) Public Hearing – Item 16: Police Department Fee Schedule Amendment Lt. David Canapa and consultant Jeff Wakefield presented a comprehensive fee study (first since 2006) to align fees with costs. Councilmember Raithel raised concerns about two proposed fees: the late filing fee for alarm permits and the false alarm fee waiver request fee (items 7 and 8 on exhibit). He argued that requiring a $10 fee to request a fee waiver could penalize business owners who were wrongfully charged. He expressed support for the fee schedule but moved to adopt the resolution with amendments eliminating those two fees until a better billing provider (HDL) is contracted. The motion carried unanimously. - Key Outcome: Resolution 11371 adopted with amendment dropping late filing fee and fee waiver request fee. New Business – Item 17: Community Facilities District No. 20-1 (Russell Ranch 2) CFO Stacy Tamani presented two resolutions to form an overlay CFD for a 118-unit multifamily development within the larger Russell Ranch CFD. The district will levy special taxes (approx. $1,300–$1,500 per unit, increasing 2% annually) to fund $3.5 million in bonded indebtedness for infrastructure. Public hearing set for June 24, 2025. Both resolutions approved unanimously. New Business – Item 18: Purchase of 1 Natoma Street for Police Use Commander Brian Lockhart requested authorization to purchase an 8,000 sq. ft. building across the street from the current police station for $2.7 million, plus $1 million in tenant improvements. The building will house the Neighborhood Services Division and Criminal Investigations Division, relieving overcrowding (staff currently work in closets and converted kitchens). Funding comes from developer impact fees. City Manager noted the building's availability was timely as the department must vacate rented space at 11 Natoma Street. The item was approved unanimously. New Business – Item 19: Electronic Readerboard Sign (Continued) The City Manager announced this item was continued to a future meeting at the applicant's request. New Business – Item 20: City Council Meeting Recesses Resolution 11370 replaces Resolution 6451 to establish regular recesses: second half of July (instead of early August), second half of November, and second half of December. Proposed by Vice Mayor Raithel. Approved unanimously. New Business – Item 21: Flashing Yellow Arrows Trial Project Civil Engineer Zach Bosch presented a pilot project to install flashing yellow arrow left-turn signals at up to five intersections to improve traffic flow and reduce emissions (9–12% reduction in idling). Staff identified 41 possible locations; the pilot will use rigorous site selection criteria (sight distance, opposing lanes ≤3, left-turn collisions ≤5/year). Council supported the trial, with Vice Mayor Raithel suggesting a six-month report before budget considerations. Staff will conduct public outreach before deployment. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous (4-0) with Councilmember Kozlowski absent. - Resolution 11371 (Police Fee Schedule) adopted with amendment to exclude late filing fee and fee waiver request fees. - Resolutions 11374 and 11375 (CFD 20-1 formation) adopted; public hearing scheduled June 24, 2025. - Resolution 11381 (Purchase of 1 Natoma Street) adopted; budget for tenant improvements to return to Council for approval. - Resolution 11370 (Meeting recesses) adopted. - Resolution 11379 (Flashing Yellow Arrow trial) adopted; staff to report back in approximately 6 months. - Item 19 (Electronic readerboard sign) continued to future meeting. - Next meetings: Budget workshop May 27 at 2:00 PM at Folsom Public Library; regular meetings June 10 and June 24 (with possible budget workshop). City Manager Reports & Council Comments - The recruitment for the new Public Works Director is underway, closing June 22; Marcus Yasutake serves as interim. - Councilmember Raithel thanked police and fire for addressing homeless encampments in Parkshore neighborhood. - Councilmember Rohrbough attended CapTecap, meeting with federal officials including Rep. Kiley on Empire Ranch Interchange. - Councilmember Leary reported on Washington D.C. water meetings and ongoing jail booking delays; requested follow-up on alley parking ordinance. - Mayor Aquino attended CapTecap and toured Northern Virginia for housing and community center ideas.

The Folsom City Council met on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 6:30 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting included a consent calendar, three public hearings, and several new business items. Key actions included approval of a $1.49 million pavement repair project, allocation of $1.274 million in state transportation funds to a trail undercrossing project, adoption of annual inflationary adjustments for user fees and impact fees, and updates to community development fees with modified appeal fees. Consent Calendar - Approved items 1–6, 8, 9, and 10 (routine minutes, funding resolutions, agreements, and legislative platform updates) unanimously. Items 7 and 11 were pulled for discussion. Discussion Items - Item 7 – Pavement Repair and Resurfacing Project (Resolution 11361): Public Works Engineering Manager Ryan Chance presented a project covering slurry seal, crack filling, and digouts across multiple neighborhoods. The lowest responsive bid was $1.49 million, below the engineer's estimate of $1.7 million. Councilmember Kozlowski noted the city spends about $2 million annually on pavement, while $10 million per year is needed to maintain current conditions. The resolution was approved unanimously. - Item 11 – STIP Funding Application (Resolution 11369): Staff recommended submitting applications for two projects: Riley Street roundabouts (design phase, est. $15–20 million total) and a Highway 50 trail undercrossing (est. up to $2 million). Council debated whether to prioritize the trail project, which could be fully funded with the $1.274 million allocation, or use the funds for road fix-it projects and fund the trail via impact fees. Vice Mayor Raithel advocated for using impact fees for the trail and STIP funds for pavement. Councilmember Rohrbaugh moved to focus the application solely on the trail project, citing quick deliverability and community benefit. The motion passed 4–1 (Raithel opposed). - Item 14 – Community Development Fee Update (Resolution 11356): Staff proposed updated fee schedules for planning and engineering services, including appeal fees of $2,500 for staff-level decisions and $4,200 for commission-level decisions. Public speakers Mike Reynolds (Historic Folsom Residents Association) and Loretta Hettinger (Heritage Preservation League) argued the fees were prohibitive and would discourage appeals, especially in the historic district. Vance Gerard (North State Building Industry Association) had no objection. Councilmember Kozlowski moved to keep appeal fees static; Mayor Aquino offered a substitute amendment setting a flat $1,500 for both levels. The amendment passed 4–1 (Kozlowski no), and the main motion as amended carried. Public Hearings - Item 12 – Annual User Fee Inflationary Adjustment: Two resolutions (11364 and 11365) applying a 2.38% CPI increase to citywide user fees, effective July 1, 2025. Approved unanimously. - Item 13 – Updated Impact Fee Schedule (Resolution 11366): Applied a 1.6% construction cost index adjustment to impact fees for law enforcement, fire, parks, transportation, and other categories. Approved unanimously. New Business - Item 15 – Ordinance 1349 (Illuminated Open Signs): First reading to allow white-only, non-animated, internally illuminated or neon open signs (max 1.5 sq. ft.) in the Sutter Street subarea of the Historic District. Approved unanimously; second reading scheduled May 13. - Item 16 – Ordinance 1350 (Fire Hazard Severity Zones): Uncodified ordinance adopting state-mandated moderate fire hazard severity zones for the Local Responsibility Area. No public comments received. Approved unanimously; second reading May 13. - Item 17 – Ordinance 1351 (Card Rooms): First reading to align with state law: limit to one card room (as of 1997) and increase allowable tables from 11 to 13. Councilmember Kozlowski requested a future amendment to remove language allowing 24-hour operation. Approved unanimously. - Item 18 – Resolution 11357 (Water/Wastewater Rate Studies): Authorized an agreement with HF&H Consultants, LLC to update cost-of-service, reserve policies, and rate design. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Pavement project awarded to Consolidated Engineering, Inc. at $1.49 million (Item 7). - STIP funds directed exclusively to the Highway 50 trail undercrossing (Item 11), with staff to submit application by June 6, 2025. - Appeal fees set at $1,500 flat for both staff-level and commission-level decisions (Item 14). - First readings approved for ordinances on illuminated signs, fire hazard zones, and card room regulations; second readings scheduled May 13, 2025. - Rate study contract awarded for water and wastewater services (Item 18). City Manager Reports & Council Comments - City Manager Elijah Shaffer reported on a successful large rally at Folsom Lake College with no major incidents, upcoming trail closure for water infrastructure work, and Earth Day events. - Councilmember Kozlowski noted a SACOG presentation on bus rapid transit and suggested exploring its applicability in Folsom. - Councilmember Rohrbaugh thanked staff for managing the rally and noted lessons learned for future events.

The Folsom City Council met for their regular meeting, featuring several proclamations, discussion of the Natoma Station maintenance assessment district ballot results, and other city business. The meeting included significant public participation and updates from city leadership. Opening and Proclamations - Council members present: Rayfield, Roarbaugh, Koslawski, Leary, and Aquino - Multiple proclamations issued for: - National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 13-19) - Earth Day (April 22, celebrated April 26) - Arbor Day (April 26) - National Library Week (April 6-12) Public Comments - Speakers discussed upcoming Juneteenth celebrations (25th anniversary in Folsom) - Library Commission updates highlighting Folsom Library's regional success - Return on investment of $8.91 for every dollar invested - Library leads Sacramento County in visits and program attendance Key Business Items 1. Natoma Station Maintenance Assessment District - Ballot measure failed with 49.65% in favor, 50.35% opposed - Current assessment of $91.70 (set in 1990) severely underfunded - District facing $620,000 deficit and service reductions - Community meeting planned for next 30-45 days 2. Sacramento Placer Rail Transportation Corridor JPA - Updated agreement to add Rancho Cordova as member - Increased maximum contribution limit to $35,000 per agency 3. Public Works Director Recruitment - Approved contract with Bob Murray & Associates for executive search - Current director Mark Racavan retiring May 30, 2025 after 27 years City Manager Updates - $3.7M federal grant secured for bridge maintenance projects - Historic Train Depot reopening - Fire hazard severity zone maps released - Community events announced including Festival of Eggs (April 19) - Community Service Day planned for September 20, 2025

A regular meeting of the Folsom City Council was held on March 25, 2025, addressing several key agenda items including assessment district formation, financial reports, and housing progress. Opening and Roll Call - Full council attendance with Mayor Leary presiding - Meeting began with Pledge of Allegiance Public Hearings - Natoma Station Maintenance Assessment District: Discussed formation of District 25-1 to fund maintenance of street trees, landscaping, lighting and public art. Current rate of $91.70 per unit hasn't increased since 1990, leading to deficits. Proposed new assessments range from $185.47 to $360.15 annually. Ballot counting continued beyond meeting adjournment. Financial Reports - Q2 FY24-25 financial report presented - General Fund unassigned balance: $24.9M (21.57% of expenditures) - Projected revenues: $121M (2% over budget) - Projected expenditures: $129M (2.6% over amended budget) Housing and Development - Annual Housing Element Progress Report presented - City has built 1,103 affordable units since 2003 using $35.5M in housing loans - Current housing projects include Habitat for Humanity, Aventis Senior Apartments, and Harrington Grove - Folsom ranks third best in region for meeting Regional Housing Needs Assessment targets Key Outcomes - Approved transfer of $1.9M from General Fund to Capital Projects Fund - Rejected proposed $123K fence replacement at Natoma Sluice site after cost-benefit analysis - Approved modified loan terms for Harrington Grove affordable housing project - Continued Natoma Station Assessment District ballot count to next meeting The meeting adjourned at 8:46 PM with the Natoma Station Assessment District ballot counting results pending announcement at the next meeting.

Meeting Overview The Folsom City Council convened for its regular meeting, welcoming a new City Manager, Brian Whitemeyer, and addressing various community and administrative matters. Opening and Introductions - New City Manager Brian Whitemeyer officially welcomed - Pledge of allegiance performed - Agenda updates noted, with items 3 and 7 continued to next meeting Public Comments Key Community Presentations - Public Safety Concerns: Resident Todd Beffer raised issues about traffic violations by a retired sheriff's sergeant - Hindu Community Engagement: HSS representatives shared community service initiatives Discussed Yoga awareness programs Highlighted Black History Month and community inclusivity efforts Presented Diwali and food donation projects Scheduled Presentations - Resolution honoring Vista Junior Eagles Comp Cheer Squad (National Champions) - Comprehensive presentation on youth and community sports programs Key Outcomes - Approved annual comprehensive financial report - Received city manager's report highlighting: Operation Folsom Blues 2.0 drug enforcement results Community engagement activities Library fundraising success - Discussed potential school district boundary adjustments Notable Achievements - 84 sports tournaments scheduled for 2025 - $9,000 raised by Friends of Folsom Library - Ongoing community service and sports programs highlighted

Meeting Overview A comprehensive special meeting of the Folsom City Council focused on personal introductions, municipal finance, procurement processes, land use planning, and organizational alignment using co-alignment theory. H3 Key Personal Introductions - Council members shared personal histories, family backgrounds, and professional journeys - Discussions highlighted diverse professional experiences and community involvement H3 Finance and Procurement Insights - Detailed presentation on municipal finance principles and budgeting processes - Emphasis on conservative revenue estimates and long-term financial sustainability - Discussion of procurement methods for public works, professional, and non-professional services H3 Land Use Planning Overview - Explored planning frameworks, general plan, zoning codes, and specific area plans - Highlighted challenges in infrastructure development and service delivery H3 Organizational Alignment Exercise - Used co-alignment theory to identify misalignments across agenda, structure, domain, and network - Common themes emerged around: - Staffing and resource constraints - Infrastructure maintenance - Economic development - Technology implementation - Recruitment and retention challenges H3 Key Outcomes - Recognition of complex interdependencies within city operations - Identified need for strategic resource allocation - Developed shared vocabulary for discussing organizational challenges - Commitment to continuous improvement in service delivery

Opening and Introductions The Folsom City Council convened for its regular meeting on February 25th, 2025, with all council members present. The meeting featured several notable presentations and recognitions. Scheduled Presentations Folsom Lake College Women's Soccer Team - Honored for back-to-back 3C2A State Championships in 2023 and 2024 - First North-Earn California College to achieve this feat since 1996 - Recognized for exceptional athletic and academic achievements Folsom Junior Bulldogs - Commended for maintaining 3.0+ GPA during football and cheer season - Multiple student-athletes recognized for academic excellence SACOG 2025 Blueprint Project - Long-range regional plan focusing on transportation, housing, and land use - Projected 600,000 new residents by 2050 - Emphasis on housing options and transportation improvements Consent Calendar and Public Hearing - Approved resolution for California Municipal Finance Authority bonds - Discussed landscape and lighting district fees Key Discussion Item: Roundabout Feasibility Study - Analyzed 13 intersections for potential roundabout implementation - Prioritized Riley Street intersections for further study - Focus on improving traffic flow and safety City Manager's Report - Acknowledged interim city manager Dan Haverdy's service - Welcomed new city manager Brian White - Recognized new police officer and city employees Key Outcomes - Approved roundabout design standards - Prioritized Riley Street intersections for further roundabout study - Recognized local athletic and academic achievements - Prepared for future regional growth and development

Opening and Introductions The Folsom City Council convened for its regular meeting, with all council members present. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a review of the agenda. Public Comments Safety and Traffic Concerns - Ronald Carter raised concerns about: Recent community safety incidents involving potential child endangerment Lack of traffic law enforcement, especially in school zones Backyard Hen Ordinance - Monica Merrill advocated for: Raising the backyard hen limit from two to six Updating placement requirements for residential hen enclosures Discussion Items Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP) - Presentation by Public Works and Kimley Horn consulting firm - Key findings from 2020-2023 crash data: Reduction in crashes during pandemic Focus on fatal and severe injury crash prevention Identified 15 case study locations for potential safety improvements Key Outcomes - Adopted Resolution 11327 for 2024 Local Road Safety Plan - Will pursue grant funding for road safety improvements - Planned development of a Neighborhood Traffic Calming Toolbox City Manager Reports - Upcoming wildfire risk community outreach - 988 mental health crisis support service awareness - Winter storm preparation with free sand and sandbags - New employee introductions and service milestone recognitions

The Folsom City Council held its regular meeting with all council members present. The meeting included public comments, recognition of holiday lights contest winners, and consideration of a large lot subdivision map. Opening and Public Comments - Multiple speakers raised concerns about Council Member Kuzlowski's residency in District 1 - School Board Trustee YK Chalam-Chairla discussed collaboration between school board and city council - Kuzlowski briefly responded, stating he has lived in District 1 since July 2022 Special Presentations - Fourth Annual Folsom Holiday Lights Contest winners were recognized - 52 entries across 5 categories - Contest reached over 85,000 people on social media with 1,400 engagements - Partnership with Folsom Times provided nearly $4,000 in prizes Key Development Items - Council approved the Folsom Town Center North Large Lot Tentative Subdivision Map - Project includes 24 individual large lots across 363 acres - Located adjacent to Alter Creek Parkway and East Bidwell Street - Includes residential, mixed-use, parks, open space, and public facilities - No immediate development rights granted; future development will require additional review City Manager Updates - New wildfire awareness program launching in May 2025 - Two new ambulances acquired for Fire Department - Kids Play Park on Prud Drive renovation planned, completion expected Q2 2026 - New park planner Hannah Perez joined staff January 16th Meeting Outcomes - Consent calendar approved unanimously - Town Center North LLTSM approved unanimously - Meeting adjourned at 7:14 PM