Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting - June 12, 2024

On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 6:17 PM, the Elk Grove City Council held a regular meeting in the City Council Chambers. The meeting lasted until 9:15 PM and included presentations, public hearings, and action items. Key outcomes included approval of a 3% residential solid waste rate increase, a budget adoption continued to a future meeting, and a report on the successful Enhanced Winter Sanctuary Program.

Presentations & Announcements

• 2024 NorCalCyber Mayors Cup: Franklin High School Team Half Dome won the cup for the fourth consecutive year. The team members were recognized, and challenge coins were presented to the council.
• Juneteenth Proclamation: June 19, 2024, was proclaimed Juneteenth in Elk Grove. Dr. Femi Omotesho accepted the proclamation.
• Recognition of Outstanding Student Leader: Alyssa Bentz, a Kiwanis Key Club lieutenant governor, was recognized for leading 10 school clubs, over 27,000 service hours, and raising $9,475 in fundraising.
• Republic Services Annual Report: Ray Robinson reported 40,233 tons of garbage collected (13% decrease since food waste recycling implementation), a 48.5% diversion rate (3% increase year-over-year), and a 92% customer satisfaction rate.
• Youth Commission Semi-Annual Update: The Youth Commission highlighted events (Path to Positivity, Youth Forum, Family Fun Day, Food Drive) and awarded $3,000 in scholarships to four students. Three graduating seniors were honored.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Zell Lee asked about the impact of new developments on schools, traffic, and public services, and inquired about diversity in the Youth Commission.
• Lynn Wheat read a critical online comment about the city's economic development strategy, suggesting Measure E funds should be used for quality-of-life improvements rather than reserves, and requested re-striping of roads.

City Manager Report

• Announced upcoming events: Elk Grove 101 cohort, Mutual Housing senior complex meeting (June 13), Smithsonian traveling exhibit (June 17–July 12), soccer camps (June 17–18), fireworks amnesty (June 29), Pitch Elk Grove 2024 (applications due July 15), and Harvest Water pipeline construction (traffic impacts on Franklin Boulevard starting July).

Consent Calendar

• Items 7.1 through 7.18 were approved unanimously without public comment. These included approval of minutes, reports on purchases and contracts, ordinance for CFD No. 2003-2 (Annexation No. 74), agreements for park land dedication, security services, broadband feasibility study, medical exams, streetlight maintenance, grant agreements, concrete services, pavement maintenance, easement sales, database access, subdivision approval, affordable housing regulatory agreement, and recruitment for commissions.

Public Hearings

• 8.1 – Residential Solid Waste Rate Increase (FY 2024-25): The council adopted a resolution setting a 3% rate increase, effective July 1, 2024. The increase is capped by contract despite a 7.3% CPI increase. Most residents (64-gallon cart) will see a $1.04/month increase. The city received 26 written protests, well below the threshold of ~25,000 needed to halt the increase. The motion passed unanimously.
• 8.2 – Annexations to CFD 2006-1 and Stormwater Drainage Fee Zone 2: Three public hearings were conducted for the Staybridge Suites and Tegan Estates projects. The council approved resolutions calling special elections, declaring election results, and levying assessments. All motions passed unanimously.

Regular Agenda Action Items

• 9.1 – FY 2024-25 Budget Adoption: Discussion included a $374 million overall budget, $30 million in Measure E revenue, and a structurally balanced general fund. The council delayed the final vote to a future meeting (June 26) per the request of absent Councilmember Suen. Council members praised staff and the budget's alignment with priorities (public safety, homelessness, clean spaces, street maintenance).
• 9.2 – Enhanced Winter Sanctuary Program Summary: Staff reported that from November 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024, the shelter served 62 unique guests (44% of known homeless adults in Elk Grove), providing 3,800 bed nights at a cost of $700,000. Twenty guests moved to permanent housing, three to family/friends. Police data showed an increase in calls within a 0.3-mile radius but attributed many to proactive security checks. The council praised the program and discussed the need for a year-round shelter. Staff will release an RFP for shelter operations in July.
• 9.3 – Appointment to Disability Advisory Committee: Two applicants testified. The council appointed Daisy Hughes, citing her legal background in disability rights and advocacy. Stephanie Dawkins was encouraged to stay engaged.

Key Outcomes

• Approved 3% increase in residential solid waste rates (effective July 1, 2024).
• Approved annexations and special tax elections for Staybridge Suites and Tegan Estates.
• Continued budget adoption to June 26, 2024, meeting.
• Received Winter Sanctuary Program report with direction to staff to pursue a year-round shelter location.
• Appointed Daisy Hughes to the Disability Advisory Committee.
• Directed staff to explore ways to assist low-income residents (seniors, those on fixed incomes) with city services (e.g., waste rates, transit fares) and report back.
• Council discussed future agenda items including used oil collection programs and regional transit affordability.