Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting – June 26, 2024

The Elk Grove City Council held a regular meeting on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included a Pride Month proclamation, a presentation from the Civic Summer program, public comments, consent calendar approvals, public hearings, and action items on the FY 2024-25 budget, the New Zoo at Elk Grove project, and a presentation on noise standards. Councilmember Suen was absent for part of the meeting; votes were 4-0 on most items.

Pride Month Proclamation

• The council adopted a proclamation recognizing June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in Elk Grove. One public commenter opposed the proclamation, citing studies on gender-affirming care. Mayor Singh-Allen, Vice Mayor Brewer, Councilmember Spease, and Councilmember Robles spoke in support of inclusivity and the LGBTQIA+ community. Youth Commissioner Adrian Bayardo accepted the proclamation.

Civic Summer Presentation

• Six students from the Elk Grove Civic Summer program (Tien Tran, Any Efyong, Amaima Aurangzabe, Jonathan Kuang, Ishan Singh, Nivea Sanchez) presented their experiences, thanking the city and staff for the opportunity. The program is a two-week civic engagement seminar for high school students. Councilmembers praised the students and encouraged their continued involvement.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Liz Marshall, Joyce Lee, and Lynn Wheat spoke on the Oak Rose (Coral Blossom) project, urging the city to comply with SB 35 and the Attorney General’s lawsuit, noting the project has cost taxpayers $9.2 million. Joyce Lee also asked about auditing of legal fees and expressed concerns about the Sheldon Farms North affordable housing project (240 units). Lynn Wheat raised issues about the White Lock Interchange, Kammerer Road, the Harvest Water project, and the zoo’s funding transparency. Kirk Thompson commented on drone surveillance, the zoo’s finances, and Fourth Amendment concerns.
• Mayor Singh-Allen read a prepared statement on the Coral Blossom project, clarifying that the site is zoned for multifamily housing, has been on the RHNA list since 2014, and the city’s role is limited under SB 35.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent calendar (items 7.1 through 7.12) unanimously. Key items included: approval of June 12, 2024 meeting minutes; receipt of City Manager report on purchases; approval of Ordinance No. 09-2024 for CFD No. 2006-1 Annexation No. 96; resolutions for annexations to CFD No. 2006-1 (Annexation No. 97), Street Maintenance District No. 1 Zone 2-J (Annexation No. 10), and Storm Water Drainage Fee Zone 2 (Annexation No. 67); a reimbursement agreement for the Arbor Ranch Project; contract extension with OpenCounter; ratification of MOU with Police Managers’ Association; contract with Kimley-Horn for Blue Line/BRT plan; hazardous waste contract with Clean Harbors ($8.78M); and amendment for the Community Prosecution Program.

Public Hearing – Delinquent Nuisance Abatement and Sidewalk Repair Costs (Item 8.1)

• The council adopted a resolution to collect delinquent public nuisance abatement and sidewalk repair costs on the 2024-2025 Sacramento County tax roll. The total amount was $18,960.43, reduced from earlier figures due to payments received. The motion carried unanimously.

Public Hearing – Street Maintenance Assessment Calvine Pointe ARCO AM/PM (Item 8.2)

• The council adopted a resolution declaring no majority protest and levying street maintenance assessments in Street Maintenance District No. 1, Zone 3-AP (Annexation No. 53) for the Calvine Pointe ARCO AM/PM project. The assessment is in perpetuity. No protest was received; the motion carried unanimously.

Public Hearing – Capital Improvement Program FY 2024-25 through 2028-29 (Item 8.3)

• The council adopted the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for fiscal years 2024-25 through 2028-29. The final CIP incorporated revisions presented on June 12, 2024. Public commenter Lynn Wheat questioned funding for the Harvest Water project and consultant costs for a rain garden. Staff explained that Kammerer Road is further along than White Lock Interchange. The motion carried unanimously.

Discussion Items

FY 2024-25 Budget Adoption (Item 9.1)

• The council adopted a resolution approving the FY 2024-25 budget, including the Annual Appropriations Limit, Investment Policy, and updated City-Wide Salary Schedule. Budget highlights: 15 new positions (4 funded by Measure E, 7 conversions from contractors), enhanced policing, youth services, economic development, housing/homelessness support, and infrastructure projects (Laguna Bridge, Southeast Policy Area parks, library, traffic signals). Councilmember Suen thanked colleagues for delaying the vote to allow his participation. The motion carried unanimously.

New Zoo at Elk Grove – Cost Sharing Agreement and Design Contracts (Item 9.2)

• The council approved a resolution authorizing: 1) a Cost Sharing Agreement with Sacramento Zoological Society for Phases 1A and 1B (total project budget $302M); 2) amendments to the FY 2024-25 Budget and CIP; 3) Master Services Contracts with SHR Studios and Kimley-Horn for design services. Key terms: Zoological Society must secure $50M by January 1, 2027 (with $12.5M obligated by May 8, 2024, already achieved); joint effort to secure $30M in partner funding; city may suspend design if milestones are not met; bond financing of $114M anticipated; society responsible for 32% of annual debt service for 30 years starting 12 months after zoo opening. Public commenter Lynn Wheat criticized transparency, stating CFD residents were unaware they would pay for the zoo. Council discussed the critical path for design and plan-checking, and thanked staff for addressing concerns. The motion carried unanimously.

Noise Standards Presentation (Item 9.3)

• Staff presented an overview of city noise standards (General Plan Table 8-3, Municipal Code Chapter 6.32) and enforcement procedures for excessive noise, construction noise, and animal barking. Code Enforcement and Animal Services managers explained the complaint process. For barking, a two-step process: courtesy letter, then bark logs and investigation if nuisance continues (10+ minutes of barking in 30-minute period). Citations range from $100 to $500. Council asked about repeat offenders, outside amplified sound permits, and after-hours complaints. No action was taken; the presentation was informational only.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Pride Month proclamation (4-0).
• Approved Consent Calendar (4-0).
• Adopted resolution for delinquent nuisance abatement and sidewalk repair costs (4-0).
• Adopted resolution for street maintenance assessment at Calvine Pointe ARCO AM/PM (4-0).
• Adopted Capital Improvement Program FY 2024-25 through 2028-29 (4-0).
• Adopted FY 2024-25 Budget (4-0).
• Approved Zoo Cost Sharing Agreement, budget amendments, and design contracts (4-0).
• Received noise standards presentation; no further direction given.
• Next regular meeting: July 24, 2024 (no meeting July 10).

Council Comments & Reports

• Councilmember Robles reported on the NALEO conference. Councilmember Spease noted the search for an executive director for Sacramento Metropolitan Cable TV Commission and praised Elk Grove’s road conditions relative to the county. Vice Mayor Brewer reported on the Sacramento Public Library JPA meeting. Councilmember Suen reported on SACOG’s meeting in Yuba City. Mayor Singh-Allen thanked staff and wished everyone a safe Fourth of July.