Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting – October 25, 2023
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Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting – October 25, 2023
The Elk Grove City Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 6:08 PM at City Hall. The meeting included a public hearing on the Elk Grove Library Relocation Project, an update on a new zoo feasibility study, a bike safety campaign presentation, appointments to commissions, and a consent calendar of routine items.
Consent Calendar
- Approved unanimously: meeting minutes (Oct 9 and Oct 11, 2023), report on City Manager approved purchases and contracts through Oct 17, 2023, report on RFPs/RFQs, monthly disbursement summary for September 2023 (ACH Nos. 21582–21660; Warrant Nos. 139006–139425; EFT Nos. 90072669–90072688), resolutions declaring intent to annex properties to Community Facilities Districts and maintenance/storm water zones (Telos Greens, Grantline Construction, Masonic Lodge projects), revised salary schedule for two employee classifications, final map for Sheldon Park Estates Unit 3, and 2023-2028 CIP quarterly status report for Q1 FY2023-24.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Jamal Nair (resident) complained about a neighbor’s excessive vehicles (10–12), expired plates, and noise, stating he is a 100% disabled veteran. He had previously emailed on March 14, 2023. Council directed Assistant Chief Solomon to follow up.
- Kathleen Collins (Old Town resident) raised ongoing drug issues in Old Town, noting she contacted the city weeks prior without action. She also criticized the police counter policy requiring citizens to call rather than receive in-person assistance. Councilmember Brewer offered to connect with her.
- Lynn Wheat (on 9.1) supported the bike safety campaign but urged driver education and helmet use for parents; (on 9.2) questioned the financial costs of the zoo project, citing past projects (soccer fields, District 56) and requested details on spending and taxpayer impact.
- Paul Lindsay (President, Friends of the Elk Grove Library) endorsed the library relocation project and commended the city for using the building as a winter shelter.
- Multiple speakers supported various applicants for the Diversity and Inclusion Commission: Leitia Aguilar (by Raina Tarongo and herself), Kelly Lee (by Katie Kerr, Tree Wynne, Kathy Lee), and others (Tasha Johnson, Jenny Rodriguez). For Historic Preservation Committee, Rachel Simi spoke in support of her own application.
Discussion Items
8.1 – Elk Grove Library Relocation Project (Public Hearing)
Staff (Christopher Jordan) presented a CIP design review and CEQA exemption for remodeling the former Rite Aid building (18,000 sq ft at 9260 Elk Grove Blvd) into the new Elk Grove Library. The project includes interior renovations, a pre-function patio, children’s play area, EV charging, a “library of things” storage, bookmobile parking, and an after-hours hold locker. Exterior work includes repainting, a standing seam metal roof, and removal of a fountain (potential public art site). Construction documents are being finalized; bid in early summer 2024, construction fall 2024, opening late 2025. Public comment supported. Council approved unanimously.
9.1 – Educational Bike Safety Campaign for Young Riders
Kaley Lyons (Senior Transportation Planner) reported on the “Cycle Quest” guidebook and videos for 3rd/4th graders, funded by a California Office of Traffic Safety grant. The book is available in English, Spanish, Cantonese, and Vietnamese. Distribution includes events and partnership with school districts (focus on Title I schools). A new grant application was submitted for bike rodeos, helmets, lights, and educator lesson plans. Council expressed support and requested emphasis on highest-need students.
9.2 – Update on New Zoo in Elk Grove Project
Christopher Jordan presented a detailed update on the proposed zoo relocation to a 100+ acre site along Kammerer Road. The project is under a Memorandum of Understanding with Sacramento Zoological Society. Schematic designs show a phased approach: Phase 1A/1B (28 acres) includes entry complex, giraffe lodge restaurant, animal care center with viewing windows, and multiple habitats (African savanna, lions, cheetah, rhino, carousel, etc.). Site grading is balanced (no import soil). An environmental impact report will be released after the holidays, and a financing plan is being developed. A community open house is scheduled for November 4, 2023. No action was taken; council welcomed the update but stressed the need for transparent cost estimates and a financing plan. Councilmember Brewer and Mayor Singh-Allen noted strong regional excitement.
9.3 – Appointments to Diversity and Inclusion Commission and Historic Preservation Committee
City Clerk Jason Lindgren presented 16 applicants for one D&I Commission vacancy (plus a pending resignation effective December 2023) and one alternate on the Historic Preservation Committee. After public comment from many applicants and supporters, the council:
- Appointed Rachel Simi as alternate to the Historic Preservation Committee.
- Appointed Kelly Lee to the immediate D&I Commission vacancy.
- Appointed Jenny Rodriguez to the D&I Commission vacancy beginning January 2024 (to be confirmed at December meeting).
Key Outcomes
- Approved resolution for the Elk Grove Library Relocation Project (CEQA exemption and CIP design review) – unanimous vote.
- Appointed Rachel Simi to Historic Preservation Committee (alternate).
- Appointed Kelly Lee (immediate) and Jenny Rodriguez (starting January 2024) to the Diversity and Inclusion Commission.
- No action taken on the zoo update; staff directed to continue EIR and financing plan work.
- No vote on bike safety campaign (informational only).
- Councilmember Brewer and Vice Mayor Spease reported upcoming Sacramento Public Library Commission meeting.
- Meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM.
Meeting Transcript
All right, we're gonna get started here. We have reconvened from closed session, and I have nothing to report out. So we will adjourn the special meeting at 6.08 p.m. And at this time I would like to call to order the Elk Grove City Council regular meeting. Today is Wednesday, October the 25th, 2023. It is 6.08 p.m. Clerk. Thank you, Mayor. This meeting of the Elkrove City Council will be cable cast on Metro Cable 14, the local government affairs channel on the Comcast Consolidated Communications and ATTU versus cable systems. The meeting is being closed. Caption will be webcast at Metro14Live.gov. Tonight's meeting replays will be on Friday, October 27th at 1 p.m. and Monday, October 30th at 1 p.m. on Channel 14. Previous meetings can be viewed online at the 3W's dot elkgrove city.org or YouTube.com slash uh Metro Cable 14. For members of the participating audience who may have personal electronic devices, please place them on silent mode during the meeting or on mute when you are not speaking. Elkgrove City Council welcomes, appreciates, and encourages participation in the city council meeting. City Council requests that you limit your presentation to three minutes per person so that all present will have time to participate. City Council reserves the right to reasonably limit the total time for public comment on any particular notice agenda item as it may deem necessary. Pursuant to resolution number 210-24. No individual speaker concerning public comment may address the city council for more than three minutes. If you wish to address the council during the meeting, please complete the blue speaker cards, which can be found at the back of the chamber, provided to the assistant city clerk prior to consideration of the agenda item. With that, Mayor, I will move into our roll call, starting with Councilmember Robles. Present. Councilmember Brewer. Present. Councilmember Sewen. Here. Vice Mayor Spees. Present. And Mayor Singh Allen. Here. All right, thank you. Next up is our land acknowledgement. We honor, respect, and acknowledge Elkgrove's first inhabitants, the Plains Miwok, who lived as sovereign caretakers of this land and these waterways since time immemorial. We commemorate and advocate for their descendants, the Wilton Rancheria tribe, the only federally recognized tribe in Sacramento County who endure because of the bravery, resiliency, and determination of their ancestors, tribal members, and leaders. Thank you. Next up is our Pledge of Allegiance. And if I can get Raina Toronto to lead us this evening. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. At this time, please join us for a moment of silence. Thank you. Next up is our approval of the agenda. May I get a motion? So moved. Second. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Thank you. Next item, closed session.
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