All right, good evening.

I would like to call to order the Elkgrove City Council regular meeting.

Today is Wednesday, April the 8th, 2026.

The time is 6 p.m.

Clerk.

Thank you, Mayor.

This meeting at the Elk Grove City Council is recorded with closed captioning.

The recording will be cable cast on Metro Cable Channel 14, the local government affairs channel on the Comcast and Direct TV Uverse Cable Systems.

The recording will also be video streamed at Metro14Live.secCounty.gov.

Tonight's meeting replays will be on Friday, April 10th at 1 p.m.

And Monday, April 13th, also at 1 p.m.

on Metro Channel 14.

Once posted, the recordings of this and previous meetings can be viewed on demand at the 3Ws.elgrove.gov or YouTube.com slash 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.

The Elkgrove City Council welcomes, appreciates, and encourages participation in the City Council meeting.

The City Council requests that you limit your presentation to three minutes per person so that all president will have time to participate.

The 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 20, 2021-154.

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 one of the blue speaker cards, which can be found at the back of the chamber and provide it to assistant city clerk, Brenda Haggard, prior to consideration of the agenda item.

With that, Mayor, I'll be moving into the roll call.

And to start off the roll call, I will start with Councilmember Robles.

Present.

Councilmember Spees.

Present.

Councilmember Brewer.

Present.

Vice Mayor Suen.

Here.

And Mayor Sing Allen.

Here.

All in attendance.

All right, thank you.

Next up is our land acknowledgement.

Assisting will be our Vice Mayor.

Thank you, Mayor.

We honor, respect, and acknowledge Elk Grove'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.

Councilmember Spees, would you please lead us?

Sure.

Hand over heart.

Pledge.

I pledge allegiance supply of the United States America.

Thanks to the Republic for which it stands one nation.

Indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

All right, at this time, please join us for a brief moment of silence.

Thank you.

Next up is our approval of the agenda.

May I get a motion?

Second.

All those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Motion passes.

Next item, please.

Under section three, the closed session, there are no closed session items on the regular agenda, which will advance us to section four, our presentations and announcements.

And that first presentation being item 4.1, a proclamation recognizing April as autism acceptance month.

Excellent.

At this time, I would like to call forward the representatives and members of Gold's growth-oriented adapted learning skills.

You can come forward.

And assisting uh with the proclamation is Councilmember Brewer.

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

During April, Autism Acceptance Month, the Carlow Purple is used to promote understanding, support, and appreciation of individuality for those on the autism spectrum.

While blue is common, purple and other bright colors are widely used to celebrate diversity, featuring prominently in campaigns, light displays, and as a purple color, popular color for clothing to show support.

Purple is used to embrace diversity and highlight the unique strengths and challenges of each individual, moving beyond just awareness to true acceptance.

And I want to thank you for being here tonight on behalf of Goals.

But I want to thank everyone who's here tonight to help acknowledge April as autism acceptance month and world autism awareness day here in Elk Grove.

With that, we have a proclamation that I like to uh share with you and to the audience.

Whereas Autism Acceptance Month, previously known as Autism Awareness Month, celebrates and promotes acceptance for the neurological disability that today about one in 31 children and more than 6 million Americans are living with.

And whereas autism is a developmental disability that results in neurological changes that may create differences in the way an individual interacts with others, thinks, feels, and experiences the environment around them, and whereas early diagnosis, intervention, access to quality education, health care, and supportive services are essential to improving outcomes for individuals with autism and supporting their families.

And whereas the City of Elk Grove acknowledges Autism Acceptance Month to foster acceptance, awareness, and inclusiveness within our community, where individuals on the autism spectrum can reach their full potential.

And whereas the City of Elk Grove is honored to participate in the annual observance of autism acceptance month and world autism awareness day in the hope that it will lead to a better understanding and acceptance.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the City Council of the City of Elk Grove hereby proclaims April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2nd, 2026 as World Autism Awareness Day in Elk Grove, California to raise public awareness about autism and the resources and organizations which support affective individuals and families within our community, signed on this day, April 8th, 2026.

Thank you.

You may now have the floor.

I want to thank you on behalf of Goals and all of our participants.

If you ever want to see something amazing, if you came and watched us bowl, you would see the variety of persons that are involved.

Some of them with autism are able to socially integrate with the others.

Some of them wear headphones because the noise of the folding alley is too loud, but they all interact and have a marvelous time.

I feel very honored to be a part of that organization since 2003 and look forward to continuing as we grow.

I thank you so much on behalf of all of us at GOLS.

Thank you.

Welcome to meet you down there, all right.

Next up is item 4.2, proclamation and recognition of American Muslim Appreciation Awareness Month.

I would like to call forward representatives from the Tarbia Institute while we read the proclamation.

Others can join you if you like.

Yeah.

Please come, please.

Please come forward, yeah.

Yeah, so um our vice mayor is going to read some words and then you have the floor.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mayor.

Good evening, and thank you for being here.

Uh, it's my honor to recognize American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month.

Whereas enriched by the unparalleled diversity of its residents, the City of Elk Grove takes great pride in supporting individual religious freedoms and is strengthened by the diverse religious, political, and cultural traditions of its residents, including Americans who practice Islam.

And whereas Muslims around the world and in the United States specifically constitute a racially and culturally diverse group that is bound together by a shared belief in diversity as strength and unity as power.

And whereas the Tabaya Institute empowers American Muslims through authentic Islamic knowledge to address modern challenges, fostering a distinct identity while providing comprehensive religious, social and leadership services to meet the community's spiritual, intellectual, and physical needs.

And whereas the diverse team at the Tarbaya Institute, excuse me, is committed to utilizing their individual passions, professional skills, and spiritual commitment to provide the means for the Muslim American community to carry forth the torch of traditional Islamic knowledge and dedicated torchbearers inspired to build and lead.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the City Council, the City of Elk Grove, hereby affirms and proclaims the month of April 2026 as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month and recognizes the invaluable contributions of the Tarbaya Institute through its social and spiritual empowerment programs serving the Elk Grove community.

Congratulations.

Thank you so much.

Asalaamu alaikum.

Walikumma salaamalla.

Madam Mayor, members of City Council, friends and neighbors.

On behalf of the Tarbiya Institute, we are deeply honored to accept this proclamation for the American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Awareness Month.

We want to thank the council for recognizing the contributions of our community.

This gesture to us is not just a piece of paper.

It is a powerful signal that in our city, everyone has a place and every contribution is seen.

My friends, to receive this proclamation is a distinct honor, as my son is expressing behind me.

But it comes at a time when the world outside these doors feels increasingly fragile.

We stand here today at a peculiar moment in history.

From the ongoing tragedies in Ukraine to the deeply unsettling escalations that we are witnessing across the Middle East.

It has seemed to have forgotten the language of tolerance, of beauty, and of humanity.

But it is precisely because of the world seems so unstable that the work that we do here in El Grove at the Terbiyya Institute is so vital.

This leads us to a central Islamic value we call in Arabic Jira, which is the sacred right of the neighbor.

In Islam, a neighbor is not just someone who lives next door.

Rather, the definition of neighbor in Islam extends to 40 houses in every direction.

And what does that mean for us?

In other words, your immediate neighbors in every direction that you come into contact with on a regular basis.

Take five minutes this week to introduce yourself to a neighbor that you don't know.

A simple introduction can be the seed of a safer, kinder, and more resilient city.

As we accept this award, we look forward to the future with immense hope.

We are not just Muslims in this city.

We are your doctors.

We are your teachers.

We are your business owners.

We are your friends.

We are your neighbors.

Madam Mayor, when you recognize the Tarbiya Institute today, you're not just recognizing a building.

You're recognizing a philosophy.

You're affirming that in Elk Grove, we choose to meet global instability with local strength.

While we may not be able to solve every international crisis from this chamber, we can ensure that every person who walks through our doors leaves as a more compassionate neighbor, as a more present parent, and a more dedicated citizen.

We are building a community that knows who it is, what it stands for, and how to create for one another or care for one another when the world feels like it's falling apart.

This proclamation is a signal that tells our community that uh even in an age of uncertainty, there are anchors.

There are places where the self is valued, where the family is protected, and where peace is not just a dream, but a daily practice.

On behalf of the Tarbiah Institute, uh, my family and the community members and our office manager that is here today with us, uh, our students and the hundreds of families that call us home and the wider Muslim community, thank you.

Uh, we accept this honor not as a trophy of what we have done, but as a solemn pledge of what we will continue to do for the city of Elk Grove.

Uh, if we follow the concept of jira, uh perhaps we can collectively take a step toward that global stability we all long for, but that all begins here at home.

Uh, may we all be the peace that we wish to see in the world.

Thank you very much.

Peace be upon you, Salaam O'Neal.

Before we come down, um, your words were so powerful.

Thank you.

I think in this moment we needed to hear from you.

Um, healing words and so necessary.

I'm a big supporter of the Tarbia Institute.

Please give my best to Imam Aziz.

I will.

I will he sends his regards, and he's uh apologize for not being able to make it.

Uh, but he sent me on his behalf, and I'm glad to have uh been able to be here and meet you all today.

Thank you.

We will come join you.

Apologies for the mispronunciation.

That's okay.

It's a hard word and it's Arabic, so I don't blame you.

Yes.

Okay.

Okay.

Next up is our presentation of a certificate of recognition for the 75th anniversary of the Elk Grove Lions Club.

I'd like to call forward representatives from the Elk Grove Lions Club.

Are you here?

Oh, excellent.

And assisting will be Councilmember Spees.

Come on down.

I think I know most of this motley crew here.

The motleyist is first.

Yes, please.

Hey, all right.

Everyone.

Perfect.

Well, thank you for being here today.

I I think um most folks who have uh attended events in Elk Grove probably don't know the impact that that you have had on that event.

And what most people don't know is that it's the Elk Grove Lions typically who and uh Laguna and Pride of Laguna Lions who are making the dinner, like helping in the bar, and that's where most people see would see every day.

And so I want to make sure that you know uh thank you very much for that, and folks should know that as well.

So let me I'll read the uh certificate of recognition here to the Elk Grove Lions Club on their 75th anniversary.

Whereas on October 5th, 1951, 22 residents of Elk Grove met with a delegation of lions from Sacramento and North Sacramento to consider the formation of a lions club in Elk Grove.

That was the birth of the Elk Grove Lions Club.

The club, sponsored by Fort Sutter Lions Club and North Sacramento Lions Club, was chartered on March 12th, 1951.

And the Elk Grove Lions Club has a storied history, encompassing a wide and varied contribution spectrum, including active involvement in many community events and organizations, providing generous philanthropic donations, building our community through volunteerism with project and event delivery, offering camaraderie and friendship, and providing a central culinary support in support of fundraisers and activities for area schools, scouting organizations, parent teacher associations, festivals, special Olympics game, future farmers of America events, and many, many more.

Whereas during the past year, the club has raised nearly 35,000 and contributed over 2,400 volunteer hours for community and charity.

Since 1951, Elk Grove Lions through various projects have donated well over two million dollars and tens upon thousands of hours of worthy cause in the Elk Grove community.

And whereas the 50 members of the Elk Grove Lions Clubs and their predecessors have represented, served, and fed the community of Elk Grove well and have proudly aided their community and tended as faithful stewards to the world to the essence of their motto we serve.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Elk Grove City Council and the City of Elk Grove hereby extends its congratulations to the Elk Grove Lions Club on its 75th anniversary, who truly portray their pride of our past and confidence in our future.

Sign this eighth day of April 2026.

Would someone like to speak?

I'm not done yet.

Oh, you're not done.

Just a couple more things that uh that most people don't know, and I'm sure you'll touch on it real quick, but um the focus on on eyes, right, and helping with optometry and getting kids' glasses, uh, as well as for me as a kid growing up uh participating in 4-H and having the Lions Club supporting, making sure the kids uh when they sell their animals get at least market value or above to help them break even to pay for their projects and the fantastic breakfast every morning that's served uh on auction morning.

So from this Elk Grove kids um heart, thank you very much.

I appreciate you.

So please go ahead.

75 years ago, um, one of the first things that we ever did was sponsor Troop 59, Boy Scout Troop, which we still sponsor.

Uh 75 years later, they were already in this community for 30 years at the time.

So we we've had a long distinguished uh partnership with them throughout this time.

We've also uh put lights up around the football field, both temporary and permanent uh at Elkgrove High School.

As you mentioned, we've sponsored um the Babe Roof League, Soapbox Derby, numerous PTAs, um, just many uh community organizations, the Coles Child Spree, all of those kinds of things that we love, and we do it because of our love of our community.

So I would like to thank Mayor, Council members, and the community of Elk Grove for the love and the um long partnership and giving us something to do.

I mean, you can see there's a there's a fair number of old guys here, and we need to get them out of the house once in a while, so it's very important.

Thank you again for this uh recognition.

It we are very proud of our club and particularly of these great people that I get to stand with.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Congratulations to all of you.

Spin around.

You gotta come in the middle, we'll hide you.

You do your head.

We've got to see your head.

You're a younger space.

Thank you.

And then we're just like we were uh demonstrated earlier.

One, two, three, still a lot.

On that note, I will see you guys Saturday.

Pancakes.

All right, thank you.

Next up is our Stars of Service Awards.

And let's see.

April is National Volunteer Month, a month dedicated to recognizing the importance of volunteering and honoring the significant contributions that volunteers make by generously donating their time and talents for a worthy cause.

One of the honors the city council and I have is to recognize Elk Grove residents who volunteer their time and talent to make Elk Grove a better place to call home.

Our Stars of Service Awards recognize residents in seven different categories.

With so many deserving nominations submitted for the program this year, it is difficult to choose.

I want to thank the group that assisted with reviewing this year's applications.

Of course, starting off with our vice mayor, thank you.

Alicia Tutt, Gabrielle Flynn, Carlise Laurent, and Betty Lowe, who all reviewed the applications with myself and the vice mayor and came up with our amazing recipients.

So now let me announce our recipients for 2026.

In the category of residents, neighborhoods, and community groups.

Recipient is Yana Schober, who was nominated by Jodi Moreno.

Yana is a dedicated and caring volunteer who has spent over a decade supporting Elk Grove's cultural events, including the annual Multicultural Festival and Diversity Month celebrations.

She discovers, researches, and brings more than 50 different dance and music groups to the city's events, ensuring each performance is authentic, well prepared, and celebrated with respect and trust.

Yana volunteers countless hours behind the scenes coordinating logistics, supporting performers on site, and building lasting relationships, helping make Elk Grove a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming community.

Please join me in recognizing Jana Schober.

Is Yana here?

What we're gonna do is I'm yep, there's Yana.

We'll go through the other winner so that we can all take our photos all at one time.

Does that sound good?

All right.

All right, in the category of social and community services.

The recipient is Carolyn Bronkowski.

Nominated by Scott Richmond.

Carolyn has devoted nearly three decades to volunteer service, exemplifying an extraordinary commitment to consistency, reliability, and community care.

She serves as treasurer for the Association of California State Employees with Disabilities, volunteers regularly with the Elkrove Food Bank, and has generously donated blood for more than 30 years, quietly saving lives and strengthening her community.

Carolyn has also dedicated seven years to the Sacramento Suicide Prevention Hotline, work that demands deep emotional resilience, empathy, and courage.

Please join me in recognizing Carolyn Bronkowski.

Carolyn.

Is Carolyn here?

Hi.

All right, in the category of arts, the recipient is the JYL Foundation.

Yes.

Received four separate nominations from Cartier Lin, Gang, and I forgive me if I'm butchering the name, Zhu, Lizzie Trong, and Zhuan Trong Zhu.

Sounded like an expert, I don't know.

The JY L Foundation is dedicated to creating a nurturing platform where youth can grow, express themselves, and thrive through the power of arts, leadership, and community services.

Community service.

Among its many accomplishments, the JYL Foundation has produced talent showcases, youth interview series, and community-centered arts programs that empower students to find their voice.

These initiatives have strengthened the public's public speaking skills, enhanced stage presence, and cultivated leadership qualities in young participants.

Please join me in recognizing JYL Foundation.

Thank you.

We're all lining up here in queue.

All right.

In the category of culture and heritage, the recipient is Eva Zhu.

This recipient received eight separate.

Yes, go ahead and clap.

Eight separate nominations.

And I am going to butcher this.

Umejin Ying, Kia Luo, Heidi Moore, Peggy Kuang, Sarah Tang, Wen Li Yang, Zhao Hong Ding, and Yuzhu Luo.

Ms.

Zhu is a passionate Elk Grove leader dedicated to building a stronger, more inclusive community.

She advocates for neighborhood safety, supports new residents in navigating civic life, and shares the richness of Chinese cultural traditions with a broader community.

As founder of California is my home, she creates opportunities for connection, learning, and celebration through cultural events, educational programs, and translation services, ensuring every resident has a voice and access to essential resources.

Through her leadership in civic forums, large scale cultural celebrations, and volunteer engagement, Ms.

Zhu inspires participation, empowers youth, and strengthens the bonds that make Elk Grove a vibrant, welcoming community.

Please join me in recognizing Eva Zhu.

Hi, Eva.

All right, moving along in the category of sports and recreation, the recipient is Bianca Solano, nominated by Eric Shelton.

Bianca is a generous, kind and nurturing leader whose passion for youth extends far beyond the soccer field.

As a coach with Elk Grove Soccer and IR Academy Soccer, she makes the game accessible and inclusive to all children, regardless of background or circumstance.

She teaches more than soccer, instilling values of respect, teamwork, responsibility, and positive communication, helping shape not just skilled athletes, but thoughtful and caring young people.

Bianca gives her time, resources, and support to families in need, whether it is providing equipment, rides, or cheering on her players at school and community events.

Her selfless dedication and joy inspire everyone around and strengthen the Elk Grove community.

Please join me in recognizing Bianca Solano.

Okay.

In the category of service organizations and groups, the recipient is Visions in Motion Adult Day Program.

Nominated by Kristen Irton.

Kirsten.

Kirsten.

Visions in Motion has provided nearly a decade of compassionate care for adults with developmental disabilities in Elk Grove, ensuring every individual is supported with dignity, respect, and opportunities for growth.

Owners Shirley Lewis and Julie Colili.

Oh goodness, how do you say it?

What she said.

Are tireless advocates, leading their staff and clients and volunteering across the community, hosting inclusive events, and connecting local organizations, businesses, and medical providers to programs for individuals with special needs.

Their leadership extends beyond the program, serving on community boards, participating in inclusive sports initiatives, and spreading awareness about developmental disabilities, strengthening Elk Grove through service, inclusion, and meaningful community engagement.

Please join me in recognizing Visions in Motion Adult Day Program.

Okay, and now in the category of young volunteer of the year, the recipient is Carly Clark.

Nominated by Dawn Price.

Carly is the youngest youth commissioner in Elk Grove, demonstrating remarkable maturity, leadership, and dedication through her work on the Youth Commission and as a liaison to the Diversity and Inclusion Commission.

She actively participates in civic discussions, helping shape policies and programs for youth while inspiring her peers to engage in building a more inclusive and equitable community.

Through the California International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, Carly coordinates membership events and volunteers in projects like donation drives, public space cleanups, and Elkgrow Food Bank events, showing initiative, hands-on leadership, and a genuine commitment to service.

Please join me in recognizing Carly Clark.

Thank you to Jana Schober, Carolyn Bonkowski, the JYL Foundation, Eva Zhu, Bianca Solano, Visions in Motion Adult Day Program, and Carly Clark for the significant impact on the quality of life you all are making in our city.

If you know someone you'd like to nominate next year, please visit the city's website for more information.

And now on to our awards presentations.

Let's head down there.

All right, we'll start with uh Yana Schober.

Yana?

Thank you, David.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, thank you, congratulations.

Congratulations, thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Right here.

Okay.

Oh, here we go.

One, two, three.

Okay.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next up is Carolyn Vonkowski.

Congratulations.

Congratulations.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

It's right here for a minute.

Perfect.

Oh, here we go.

One, two, three.

And one, two, three.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you again.

All right.

Next up is the JYL Foundation.

You guys are weird.

You're just figuring that out right now.

Well done, thank you.

Congratulations.

Can I have my team off here?

Yeah, please have the team.

Come on, JYL.

Come on up.

JYL, come on down.

Yeah, that's fine.

Stand wherever you want.

Excellent.

There we go.

All right, yeah, we can like swap out.

That's cool.

There we go.

Can you see everyone?

I can't.

You can't or can't.

Okay, very good.

All right, here we go.

One, two, three.

One, two, three, three.

Thank you.

All right.

Thank you.

Congratulations.

Next up is Eva Zhu.

Good to see you again.

Yes.

Yeah, of course.

You can do however you like it.

Yes.

So one with me and the mayors, and then another one with my food out there.

Thank you.

One, two, three.

One, two, three.

Okay.

All right, Eva Friends and Family, come on down.

I'm taller, so I can come back here.

It's easier.

That's what tall people have figured out.

Excellent.

All right, yep.

All right.

Okay, that's like everyone in here.

Okay, you ready?

Here we go.

One, two, three.

One more.

One, two, three.

Congratulations, Eva.

Thank you.

Thank you.

All right.

Next up is Bianca Solano.

Bianca.

Yes, of course.

Thank you very much.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

I know.

Four and five.

One, two, three.

One, two, three.

Thank you.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

All right.

Next up, visions in motion.

Adult day program.

Dave, AI, just switch them back.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I know who you originate.

Hey, buddy.

You remember me?

Yes.

I think you're like.

Good to see you, buddy.

There you go.

You guys got it?

Yeah, I'll stand right here.

All right.

Okay.

One, two, three.

One, two, three.

What?

All right.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

All right.

Last but not least.

Oh, I think you'll meet you.

Carly Clark.

You guys are cleaning.

Oh, yeah.

You want to come down and take a join.

Can we do one and carry here too?

Yeah.

All right.

Look at me first.

Here we go.

One, two, three.

One, two, three.

All right, friends and family, come down.

Oh, there you go.

Miss Phoebe in here too.

And that's the other half of the crowd.

Oh, you're all wearing the same crowd.

Oh my gosh.

Yeah.

I expect my dress to go.

Miss Fenny.

Come on, ask me.

We're waiting on Frammy.

No, no, you're good.

Doctor.

Here, you want to be able to figure out what you're doing.

Yes.

One, two, three.

One, two, three.

Thank you.

She'll email you.

To our next item, I'll just give another thirty seconds.

As we clear out.

Bye-bye.

All right, at this time, we are on to item five, our public comment.

I'll open up the public comment opportunity.

We have one person signed up to speak.

Joey Mai.

City Council.

I am uh currently a guest at the Elk Grove Home Shelter.

I've been there since December.

Um I'm trying to get housed at Adam's Town.

Uh I helped moved in the housing manager over there nine weeks ago.

Recently.

They let us fill out an application three weeks ago to get into there.

And I'm struggling to understand why I've been there four months when a housing manager has been in there for nine weeks in a house that's available.

I I just don't understand.

Um, I understand they're trying to run background checks, but I'm not trying to run a white uh room at the White House.

I'm just trying to rent a room at Adamstown.

I'm hoping you guys can maybe because I'm struggling to understand, and I just need anything.

Um, what the best I could do for you right now is to refer you to someone on our staff to have a follow-up conversation.

Yeah, actually, um, Sarah and the team will be following up with him tomorrow.

Okay, so did you hear that, sir?

Tomorrow?

Yes, we have Sarah Bontrager with the city who will follow up with you tomorrow.

Okay.

All right.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

All right.

Uh that was our final public comment.

So I will go ahead and close the public comment opportunity and open it up to our next item, which is our city manager's report.

Good evening, Madam Mayor, Vice Mayor, members of the city council.

Um the city and local partners will offer two listening sessions on immigration enforcement to support immigrant communities and allies next starting next Tuesday, April 14th from 3 to 5, um, or 6 to 8 p.m.

at District 56.

Each session will address concerns, clarified um enforcement roles and share resources.

Residents can submit questions to the city in advance of these meetings for the online web form found on the city's website.

I should also note that there was a training that occurred yesterday at District 56 that was hosted by the Fuel Network, and that was uh a great opportunity as well for residents to get informed about their rights when it comes to immigration.

We have a couple of events coming up that I want to mention.

So we have the third annual day of La Concha, Elk Grove Suite Fest.

It's a celebration of Mexican traditional sweetbreads, pendulche that will be held this Sunday, April 12th from 10 a.m.

to 4 p.m.

at District 56.

Come and enjoy a sweet uh Sunday experience with your friends and family at this free event hosted by Artners and sponsored by the City of Elk Grove.

Uh we also have our family fund day coming up.

Residents are invited to Old Town Plaza on Saturday, April 18th from 12 to 4 for Family Fund Day, hosted by the City's Youth Commission.

It's a free celebration with featured live music and fun for all ages.

Will be food trunks on food trucks on site.

Volunteer service hours are available for high school students interested in helping out.

Please contact Femi to get involved.

And then finally, just a reminder we do have some used oil filter exchange um opportunities coming up in April, May, and June at Cal Recycle and O'Reilly Auto Parts.

You can see our website for more details.

And that concludes my report.

Happy to answer any questions the council might have.

Thank you for your report.

Any questions or comments from colleagues here?

Seeing none, thank you.

We will move on.

Oh, you do have one?

Yes.

Did attend uh the fuel network uh workshop yesterday.

It was really informative.

We'll be having another one on the 14th.

I believe that's gonna be a little bit more in depth of what uh the city of Belgrove is doing, and um looking forward to continuing the Fuel Network know your rights campaign that's gonna be happening, I guess, and uh in May as well.

So will there be an online opportunity as well?

Okay, because I think that'll be the next one is the online one.

Perfect.

Okay, excellent.

Thank you.

All right, with that, um, we will move on to our next item, which is our consent calendar.

At this time, I'll open up public comment.

We have several people sign up to speak on item 7.11.

We will start with Ellen B, followed by Lindsay Halsell.

Good evening.

I'm here to urge you to reject the proposed waiver of competitive bidding for the flock contract amendment.

The city is relying on the best interest of the city exception under the municipal code.

But the justification provided does not meet that standard.

First, there is no evidence supporting the claim that a competitive process would not produce better pricing or services.

There's no market analysis, no comparison of vendors, and no cost benchmarking.

Just a statement that it's unlikely.

That's not evidence.

Second, the reasoning presented is essentially a sole source argument that the system is integrated and already in place.

But our code has a separate provision for sole source contracts, and it requires a finding that only one vendor can provide the service.

That finding was not made here.

Third, this is now the Sixth Amendment to the same contract.

Over time, the scope and cost have expanded significantly.

At some point, continuing to amend rather than compete the contract becomes a way to avoid the bidding requirements altogether.

Fourth, the amendment introduces changes in equipment and deployment strategy.

That raises the question of whether this is really just a continuation or whether it should be treated as a new procurement.

At a minimum, minimum, before waiving competition, the city should be able to demonstrate that other vendors were considered, that pricing is competitive, and that no viable alternatives exist.

None of that analysis is in the record.

Competitive bidding exists to protect the public, ensuring transparency, fairness, and the best value for taxpayer dollars.

Waiving it without a clear evidence-based justification undermines those protections.

For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to reject the waiver and require a competitive bidding process.

Additionally, it's disheartening to see this on the consent calendar, right after multiple residents raised significant concerns regarding a documented pattern of unlawful behavior by Flock at the very last council meeting.

More than 60 jurisdictions across the country have already decided to suspend or terminate their FLOC contracts because of safety and privacy concerns.

Clearly, this contract is not non-controversial.

Finally, the timing of this vote is surprising.

Why not wait until after the California Department of Justice completes an independent audit of the city's FLOC data?

As the Elk Grove PD and council indicated at the last city council meeting would be the preferred way to address community concerns regarding FLOC.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next up is Lindsay Halsell, followed by Rico G.

Hello.

I'm against the city expanding the Flock contract.

I'm asking you to pull this item from consent and wait to continue it until after the California DOJ has completed an independent audit of the data to verify no federal agency access has occurred.

Please suspend the Flock Safety ALPR contract pending that investigation and research alternative ALPR vendors with proven local control and a record of complying with California law.

Although California's Senate Bill 34 prohibits state law enforcement agencies from sharing license plate reader data with out-of-state public agencies or federal entities.

And Flock itself claims it does not share data with ICE.

Many California cities have shared information with federal agents.

Whether or not Elk Grove intends to share data is relevant.

Our data becomes a part of a national database that has proven to be highly insecure.

Flock maintains a national lookup tool for law enforcement agencies to reference, and they typically don't even need a warrant to search.

Additionally, many federal agencies have access to FLOC, and there is evidence of ICE and a secret service accessing the camera network.

Flock has been used to wrongfully accuse people of theft.

Flock has left live streams of its AI-powered cameras exposed to the open internet.

Other police departments have failed to redact searches when responding to FOIA requests, inadvertently releasing data about surveillance targets.

FLEC has claimed that case studies show installing FLOC cameras decreases crime, but independent analysis has found that crime stayed flat or increased.

It is reckless to increase surveillance during this era of expanding authoritarianism.

Surveillance does not make us safer, although it may provide the illusion of safety.

Expanding Flock in our current political climate sends a message that only white people have the right to be in public.

Our family, friends, and neighbors are afraid of being disappeared by ICE.

There is no reason to further invest in a tool that makes it easier for DHS to surveil us.

Outgrowth can and should do better.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Rico G, followed by Alison Randall.

Good afternoon, City Council.

Hope you all are having a beautiful day today.

I'll keep it very short and brief, but straight to the point.

The time I've spent living and working in this community has taught me so many beautiful things about what it means to truly stand with one another in solidarity to truly exemplify what it means to contribute to collective community care and safety for all of those who live here.

With that being said, I'm disappointed to see that the city is moving ahead with the expansion of the flock contract despite the documented pattern of illegal actions raised by multiple residents at the last city council meeting.

It has been evident to see in other states as well, the lack of safety for privacy that has existed among Flox safety ecosystem.

Ben Jordan, a city member in Dunwood, Dunwoody, Georgia, reported that he and his colleagues found at least 60 vulnerabilities in this ecosystem, some of which allowed him to directly access Flox GPS tracking information and live camera feeds without restricted access.

If a normal person on the street can do it, who's to say that a law enforcement officer with the vendetta would not do the same?

Multiple California cities have discovered FLOC was sharing their data with federal agencies, including ICE in violation of state law and without their knowledge or consent.

I'm asking you today to pull this item from consent and continue it until after the California DOJ has completed an independent audit of the data to verify no federal agency access has occurred.

Elk Grove was ranked this year in California as the number one place to live.

I don't believe this is by accident, and I believe that the city has an amazing opportunity to continue to foster the trust that can be built here today.

In that spirit, please suspend the Flock Safety ALPR contract pending that investigation and research alternative ALPR vendors with proven local control and California law compliance.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

Next up is Alison Randall, followed by Jeff Toon.

Good evening, City Council.

I'm also asking you to remove consent calendar item 7.11 from consent and continue it until after the California DOJ has completed the independent audit of the data to verify that no federal agency access has occurred.

If that federal access has occurred, I ask that you consider alternative vendors with proven local control and California law compliance.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next up is Jeff Toon.

Is it Toon or Toon E?

Toon.

Followed by Sydney Poole.

Hello, good after good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor, and City Council.

Over the last few months, I've heard members of this council and the council as a whole express concern about the unprecedented violations of constitutional law and violence being carried out by federal agents under the color of law.

You have acknowledged the widespread and justified public mistrust of federal law enforcement across the country.

You've listened to our concerns and have directed city staff to facilitate meetings and provide information about what the city is doing to protect all of its citizens.

While there's always more to be done, you appear to have responded appropriately to the concerns raised by the Elk Grove residents.

In contrast, however, the city has demonstrated a consistent disregard for legitimate concerns of a rapidly growing number of its residents regarding many of the exact concerns we all share about mass surveillance and militarization of law enforcement.

At the March 11th City Council meeting, the city placed a resolution on the consent calendar to accept the police department's military equipment report and to enthusiastically greenlight the acquisition of a brand new armored vehicle, in spite of significant opposition heard in public comments.

At the March 25th City Council meeting, the real-time information center manager gave a presentation about the police department's use of flock automated licensed plate reader cameras.

This presentation was followed by a large number of residents expressing concern about the use and documented misuse of flock cameras across California.

Following these comments, the city discussed the possibility of requesting an independent audit by the California Department of Justice to ensure that Elk Grove flock cameras have not been accessed or shared in violation of state law.

Yet in this yet the city somehow thinks it's appropriate to place an expansion of the flock surveillance system and an increased financial contract on the consent calendar.

I'm requesting that you immediately pull this item from the consent calendar and table any further discussion about the renewal or expansion of the flock surveillance contract until an independent audit has been performed by the California Department of Justice.

I'm requesting that the City Council make a binding commitment to provide its residents with a thorough and public audit and to stop demanding that the residents simply trust the police.

As an Elk Grove resident, I don't get to vote for the city budget.

I don't get to vote for the chief of police.

I don't get to vote on the purchase of and use of military equipment by your police department.

We are all relying on you, uh, the city council to act in our best interest.

We need you to stop performing the functions of a shiny PR firm for the police department and to start using the authority we granted you to be our voice and to act in our best interest.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you.

Sydney Poole, followed by Stefan F.

Hello.

My name is Sydney Poole.

I have lived in Elk Grove for nearly my entire life.

I've gone to school here.

I work here.

I have friends and I have family that all live here.

I plan on living here for the foreseeable future.

In the political climate of the United States today, authoritarianism is expanding and becoming an ever-increasing concern of mine, my family, and my friends.

There are numerous people that I know that could not make it out tonight that wanted to express their sympathies with my argument.

I implore you to pull the item 7 and 11 from consent and continue it until after the California DOJ has completed an independent audit of the data to verify no federal agency access has occurred of the data that Flock is getting from people.

When a tool is created, it is not inherently good or bad.

But when used by someone for good or bad, it becomes such.

Right now, our administration and our government across the United States has shown time and time again that it will use the tools at its disposal to do harmful acts upon its community.

Elk Grove has time and time again stood for inclusion, welcomingness of all people from all walks of life.

And in order for us to maintain integrity to our values, we need to be mindful of the services and infrastructure that we commit to building and funding.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, Sydney.

Stefan uh Stefan F.

I'm, I guess it says do not adjust the microphone.

Sorry, I'm gonna adjust it.

I'm not usually a rule breaker.

Um so hi, my name is Stefan.

I am an Elk Grove resident and voter.

I actually am a product of Elk Grove Unified School District Schools.

Um, and so I think that one of the things that I was taught was about civic engagement, and I was assigned the book in 1984.

Um, so if this was something, you it's it's all your fault that I'm up here.

No, I'm just joking.

Um, okay, anyway.

So um I'm just kind of gunning off the cuff, but I do have a script.

So I am disappointed to see the city is moving ahead with the expansion of the FOLC contract, despite a documented pattern of illegal actions raised by multiple residents at prior city council meetings.

Multiple California cities have discovered that FOLC was sharing their data with federal agencies, including ICE, in violation of our state laws and without their knowledge or consent.

So even if everyone here has the best intentions of not sharing this data, it is not something that is necessarily in the city's control.

It's something that Flock um has a history of already violating cities' rights and state law.

So I'm asking that you pull this item from the consent agenda and continue it until after the California DOJ has completed an independent audit of the data to verify that no federal agency access has occurred.

Um, furthermore, I would implore you to suspend the Flock Safety ALPR contract pending that investigation, and also research alternative ALPR, um, which is automated license plate reader vendors to with proven local control in California law compliance.

Um I will say that I know that these cameras are installed under the auspices of safety.

And I think that we have a little bit of a false dichotomy between safety and our own um like personal uh civil liberties.

But this is a I would do ethics for a living.

So this is like a very um, this is a very uh like common tension that there is.

And so it's your job as our elected officials to use your discernment to decide is what I'm doing actually something that I should go more towards the um like towards civil liberties versus like this safety, which independent studies of the Fox safety system does demonstrate that they are not actually helping to prevent crime on the level of um what you all are paying for them.

Sorry, it's like not that coherent, but I'm after work.

So all right, thank you.

Thank you.

All right, Stefan was our final pub uh speaker on public comment.

I'm gonna go ahead and close the public comment.

Uh does any would um the chief of police like to respond to anything on this item?

Uh sure.

I think that we've uh demonstrated over the past several council meetings where we've been able to show that uh our systems here are um protected.

Uh we have not shared, will not share with the our any uh federal partners that are out there.

Um I would say that um the city of Belgrove was voted number one largely because of our public safety stance and the fact that we utilize technology to ensure that all the residents of our community are safe.

Uh, we're able to find resolutions for many victims of assaults, many victims of homicides, many victims of all sorts of crimes that are happen have have happened in our community uh as a result of the technology that we use.

Um for us, it's a tool.

Um, this is not a means for us to do any surveillance, it's not a means for us to violate people's rights, uh, and nor have we.

In addition to that, um, over the you know, the the narrative that decarcerated and some of the other groups have wanted to bring uh to bear, uh, are largely tied to uh breaches, the supposed breaches from Flock.

Um all the systems, all the information we have uh regarding Flock, uh, no customer data was ever hacked.

Uh no access to Flock Cloud Environment was violated uh associated with the City of El Grove or anything that we have done.

Um they had uh a camera system that they had, there was a PTZ camera system that supposedly had been hacked somewhere.

We don't use those cameras.

We never have, we've never had them here.

That camera has not been deployed anywhere in the city of Bell Grove and has not been has not been uh hacked.

Um in addition to that, um uh DOJ did do a study back in 2023 where they had they recognize a lot of uh ALPRs and uh information that haven't been shared amongst the entire country.

Um, and that was when this was very prolific and coming into into or into place.

Um ever since we have had uh things in place that have not uh have proven um secure for us, or that's multi-function um uh security um and uh just in general when it comes to us utilizing Flock, any update to the systems that we have before we utilize the system itself after updates, we go in and make sure that everything is turned off.

Uh, there is not an agency in the state of California that has shared uh that we share with uh who that has violated that.

We do not share with any of those organizations.

Uh and uh we ensure that if they have shared, they're not part of our systems.

Even to the extent that there was a California state uh approved group that um was allowed to have data shared, but because that group had a member of the federal government on it on their board, we chose not to, even though it didn't go outside the state of California, we made the conscious effort because of the association uh to not share that data just because we wanted to ensure that our community and the folks that are in our community who have concerns uh were um could be comfortable in knowing that we didn't share just because uh somebody from the federal government was a part of those committees.

Um and then um there are several agencies who have um who were or were part of uh systems or that said that they had uh canceled and some of those contracts for Richmond and San Francisco, uh, which were not true.

We've been hearing from uh people saying that those organizations have canceled and they have not.

There are still significant organizations out there that are using it.

Um but I think the important piece for us in the city of El Grove and what we have done is we do not share with any federal partners.

We will not share with any federal partners, uh, and we are comfortable um uh with not just our technology that we utilize here, but ensuring that we have the highest level of public safety in the in the state.

Uh we are proud that we are the number one place to live, uh, and we will continue to provide a level of public safety uh that is unparalleled in this state, and quite honestly, across this country uh with technology, with holding our own people accountable, with being transparent everything that we do and ensuring that we are here for our community and that we can be part of that community as well.

Thank you for your very thoughtful and detailed response.

Any of my colleagues?

Before we go, uh can I address the comments about the contracting process and whether or not that's appropriate that there was a speaker that expressed concern about whether or not the council could or should award this contract under the what we call the best interest exception.

And I'd just like to address that for a moment.

The city council has discretion in situations like this to award or amend a contract as a case may be here.

Uh the speaker is correct.

This is not a sole source contract.

We're not relying upon that as a basis for the contract amendment.

As a legislative act by the city council, you have broad discretion to decide whether or not to award the contract with or without uh competitive process.

And it doesn't require strict evidentiary findings as you would for a court hearing or something like that.

I'm very comfortable under the circumstances and for the reasons set forth in the staff report that you do have discretion, should you so choose to award this contract amendment without going through a formal competitive process.

Thank you for that additional clarifying response.

Uh questions for my colleagues.

I'm looking to the right questions or comments on any of the uh consent calendar items.

Is that a yes or your thinking?

Thank you.

All right, I'll start to the left.

Any questions, comments, Councilmember Brewer?

No questions, no comments.

All right, Vice Mayor.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh Chief, I also appreciate your your comments.

And I I want to thank the residents for for voicing their concerns.

Uh I I think uh, you know, we're we are a transparent government.

Doesn't necessarily mean we always agree.

And in this case, uh I am not in agreement with with the perception that the people we've heard from tonight have.

I I do agree, as your representatives, we are charged with looking into these things, and I'm confident all of us have had our own conversations with our city manager, with our police chief, in a trying to make sure the concerns that were expressed tonight, uh, whether the validity, uh, what are we doing to uh to uh prevent these things from happening?

And as you heard tonight very eloquently from our our chief, we are not the federal government, we are not these other local governments that you are referencing uh from the the data.

Uh there's there's a lot of restraint, a lot of responsible use of our technology that that is employed here.

I hope you what from what you heard tonight that maybe that uh you you hear that now.

And please reach out to to us.

I'm sure any of them, the chief and and any of his team is willing to sit down with you and show you and talk to you about the your specific concerns.

Uh again, I I do really appreciate you you raising this because we wouldn't might not have asked these specific questions if if you didn't.

But I just feel that uh how we've gone about it, the risk, and it is a risk assessment, right?

This the technology from um that we're using is a tool, and these the things that you mentioned can happen, but I think the risk of not catching the the criminals, the the wrongdoers here in our city, things that happen every day, right?

The the burglaries, the thefts, the larcenies, you know, it all those things that that um our police department is able to uh act on and uh keep our public safe outweighs what um what could happen at this point, given again the precautions that are taken right now.

If the if the precautions weren't taken, if we participated with federal governments, if we participated with the organization the chief mentioned where there was a federal representative sitting on there, the risk of sharing that that data.

I mean, if if we were exposing ourselves in that way, then that would be a different conversation.

But we're not so the risk of of is very low compared to the amount of good that we're able to do for our residents today.

Uh you know, because of our positions up here, we can hear, and in fact, if I'm sure you guys can look and ask for crime logs and things like that.

You can see the the amount of good that's being done because of the tools that our police department has as at its disposal.

And so I'd point you to that to look at whose lives are being um saved, protected, crimes that are being solved.

You know, when you're violated like that, when when you're your home is broken into, or you know, you you know, maybe your child gets his scooters stolen right off the street from another group of kids.

You want the police department to be able to find those people and hold them accountable.

Those things can happen in any given time of the day versus what we're talking about here tonight.

That again, given the pro the precautions that are are taken by our police department uh and the practices that are employed today by this department under this chief.

I think uh we are better off with this flock uh camera flock data system.

Thank you.

Thank you, Vice Mayor.

Looking to the right, any questions?

Um, go ahead.

Questions, but I can I agree with I think uh Vice Mayor Sue once said it well.

So all right, anything from you.

All right.

Uh I also want to thank all of our um residents that came out to speak and also all of those that submitted emails without um sounding redundant from our vice mayor.

I think he said it best, but I appreciate everyone coming out, raising your concerns.

Um if you still feel unsure, I implore you to reach out to the chief.

Trust is built from both sides.

And we trust our police chief and our department.

That's one of the reasons why we keep our community safe and we're able to.

And for the victims and the victims' families who need this technology.

I don't I don't have any concerns or red flags that have been raised other than anecdotal from other jurisdictions and what might be happening there.

I have to have faith and trust in our staff because that's one of our responsibilities.

And then I have trust in what you have provided for us, Chief.

So I thank you for that, and I thank you for staying engaged on this subject.

As you know, it is an important subject.

There is a lot of fear and concern out there.

And I'm hopeful that at some point we get to a place where at least we can have healthy conversations and start to build that trust.

Um, but it's gonna take both sides.

And so I we are here.

I look forward to meeting some of our residents next week.

Our police chief will be there as we navigate these uncharted um waters here.

I understand people are scared.

Um, but thank you.

Thank you for being a part of this.

I think that we have actually improved a lot of our systems and providing resources for the community.

So thank you for being a part of that process.

With that, um, I will look for a motion for our consent.

So moved.

So move second.

All those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Thank you.

Motion passes.

With that, we will move on to our next item, which is item 8.1.

A public hearing to consider a resolution adopting an updated schedule of development related fees and related administrative revisions.

And you are not Rosa.

I am not Rosa, unfortunately, she's on vacation this week.

So I drew the shortstraw.

This is oh, come on.

Okay, there we go.

Oh they get rid of these options sometimes, don't they?

Come on.

All right, good evening, Mayor and Council, Christopher Jordan, Community Development Director.

Um, it's still not loading.

So before you this evening, our updates to the development fee service fees um for our community development departments.

Um, I'll walk through this quickly.

Our current fee schedule dates from about 2011, so it's been quite some time since we've done a comprehensive look.

Staff is working on one, uh, but it's taking us a little longer to bring it all the way through for your consideration.

Um, at this time, though, there are some key revisions that we'd like to for your consideration, bring forward for your consideration of potential adoption that really reflect the changes that have happened the way our development services team is providing these services over the last several years.

We've brought the planning division in-house.

We most recently brought our engineering division in-house.

And so, with those and changes to consultant services being more of a supporting role, um, we think there's a number of changes that will be helpful and better for not just the city, but also for our customer pool.

Um, these changes we're proposing this evening were presented to the industry working group back in February and March, and no comments were received from them.

So, with these changes, um, we'll be better aligning our fees with the actual cost of services.

There are a number of fees that uh today are provided for on a flat fee basis, a lot of things like improvement plan review and inspection services.

We're proposing to move those to a time and materials service.

This provides for better control of the cost based upon the scale of the project and the actual cost providing those services.

Um we'll also be making sure that all of our fees for city staff are at the fully burdened rates.

There's the last page of the revisions uh provide for that process, identifying that we use the salary step for that position or top step for that position, plus the benefits that go along with it, plus the city's overhead service rate of 49% for that.

And then that would apply to both our planning and engineering divisions where those in-house staff exist.

And then the revenue there will be based upon that activity and workload.

So we're actually charging for the services performed.

We do have a couple of fee categories we're clarifying throughout and updating uh the descriptions for or removing several of the obsolete fee, obsolete fees that are no longer applicable and some overall reorganization to recognize that our engineering services for a very long time have not existed in the public works department.

And then there's a couple of minor updates to the public works related fees table as well.

So with that, staff's recommending your approval this evening, and I'm available for questions if you have them.

Thank you for your report.

At this time, I will declare that the public hearing is now open and open up the public comment opportunity.

I do not have anyone signed up to speak.

I'll go ahead and close public comment.

I am declare the public hearing is now closed.

Any comments or questions?

If not, I'll look for a motion.

Yes, please.

Um can you just elaborate, CJ, on any the conversations with the industry group?

Yeah, so with many of the changes, they've actually been asking for some of these for a while.

For example, the improvement plan review and inspection services.

Today we charge a flat fee based upon the valuation of those improvements.

It's collected in two installments.

First, it's your initial submittal of the plans, and then the second, the start of construction for those.

We've had a number of developers identify, hey, look, I've um brought forward a clean set of plans.

I've only gone through one or two rounds of plan review.

I've hired what I feel was a great engineering firm to do that work, but you're still collecting the value based upon the average submittal.

Is there any way I can have a reduced fee submittal?

Well, the best way to do that is to move over to a time and materials billing.

And so it's really the time we individually are spending on that project.

So if you really do have a clean submittal, we're charging you less for that review because there's less city time review necessary for that.

So it's something they've been looking forward to.

Staff supportive of that change.

Um, it'll also make sure that we're capturing what those true costs are and not at a point where we're losing uh revenue that we need in order to operate the services for projects that really aren't they go through multiple rounds of reviews, 10, 14 rounds of review for some reason, or make sure to capture those projects effectively.

Yeah, well, so funny thing, pendulums swing.

They do.

So I I've been in the case where you uh the time of materials, they keep coming back with very minor comments.

Yeah.

And so, how do we prevent that from happening?

So, our hope is that with our new in-house team and our new division manager, Jennifer, um, we've done uh we're getting a better handle on what those range of comments are.

We're getting better systems in place in order to provide more comprehensive reviews early and often.

So we're not going with multiple bytes of the Apple.

We feel like our procedures that we're putting in place are gonna be better around that, better communication with the applicant team, sitting down early in that process to capture what those pieces are, and also having a consistent staff member from the entitlement step all the way through into construction so that those conversations that were happening in the entitlement phase are carrying through into the improvement plan review.

And we're starting to see that with a couple of projects right now.

Okay, and then I would just ask uh just as a suggestion off the top of my head here, someone at management level can take a look at what type of comments, maybe just a spot check, right?

What type of comments are being put back?

So there's definitely a few projects that I've got my eye on directly in coordination with staff, and then with our assistant director, Jason, I think you've met a couple of times here at the podium.

Um, he's also very involved in sort of the and many of the projects throughout, a couple in particular that we've had some correspondence on recently.

So I feel like we've got better systems coming online with the staff that we have now to be able to better do that.

Okay, great.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mayor.

And the engineering manager of development services are also involved.

So on the public works side, we have a deputy director that's involved, certainly overseeing the public works comments, and then also um helping with the address whatever challenges they're facing on the development services side as well.

So it's certainly a partnership and improved systems as CJ mentioned.

Okay, great.

Thank you.

I have uh Yes, go ahead, Castle Member Brewer.

Uh thank you, Mayor.

So, no, I definitely totally agree with this readjustment of the of the fee structure right now.

I like how this is helping adjust, make things more um more sensible.

And plus, it takes a lot of uh the onus away from having to pay so much and not knowing what to what more they have to take care of as part of the checklist.

But in looking at on-site noticing, I noticed that we're we're now saying that it's at contracted cost.

Um, and I believe that's on uh page six of the report, but page two of the actual fee scale itself.

When we talk about at contracted cost, are we going back to the actual fee that the applicant um takes care of when they're starting the process, or is this or is this uh an additional fee that is based on the assessment when you have to do an on-site visit?

So, no, this uh the on-site notice in this case, this is the big sign that we put on properties identifying that there's an application for an autonomous pending, and here's the file number, here's who to call.

That's a service that we currently contract at the scienter over in uh on Historic Main Street for those services.

Um, on occasion, those con that contract comes up for renewal and there's new rates for it.

Um, our proposal here is simply to recognize whatever that contracted value is for the council approved contract.

That's what the direct charge is for the applicant for that service.

And so rather than coming back to you every time that we go to update the contract and update the fee to reflect it.

Here we just specify it's per the contract rate.

Great.

That's that was the one thing I I just I like the clarity on that because um because if anyone like a novice will look at it, they would think that it's for something entirely different when that's not even the case.

So thank you again.

Any other questions or comments?

Seeing none, I'll look for a motion.

So moved.

Second.

All over here, please say aye.

Hi.

Thank you.

Next item 9.1.

Receive an update on the city's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts for calendar year 2025.

Good evening, Mayor, members of the city council, Kara Redig, Deputy City Manager.

I'm gonna be giving an update on the city's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts for calendar year 2025.

Before I get started, I do want to thank uh Femi Omotesho for all of her work in helping to prepare tonight's report and presentation.

So I want to give you some context of what DEI is for Elkrove.

It is where we create and maintain a culture of belonging and welcoming.

We identify and remove barriers in employment, where we relate and thoughtfully interact with our diverse community, and where we follow all state and federal employment laws.

It is not hiring or representation targets or goals, and it is not affirmative action.

This is just a pie chart of our current resident demographics.

Uh we have a very diverse community as you know.

Nine percent of our residents are black, 15% are Hispanic, 30% are Asian, 24% are white, um, 12% are multi-race, and 7% are other, and then there's other smaller categories.

A big part of our DEI efforts relates to training.

So we partner with Circle Up Education.

We train 328 staff on DEI-related topics.

These are non-sworn staff.

We trained 106 sworn officers in um uh post trainings called Beyond Bias, supervisor support, beyond bias, racial and ID profiling, women in law enforcement, and procedural justice.

So 96.1% of the organization was trained on a DEI-related topic in 2025.

We continued our campaigns on social media.

We did 19 tributes to individuals and 40 posts acknowledging holidays or awareness months.

There were 19 council proclamations before the council.

We raised the pride flag on June 2nd, and we also participated in the regional Pride March.

The city again scored a 100 uh score of 100 with a municipal quality index, which is a nationwide assessments of LGBTQIA plus inclusion and municipal laws, policies and services.

We raised the Wilton Ranchery a tribal flag at City Hall on November 3rd, 2025 in partnership with the tribe.

So the flag flies year-round across at City Hall, um, and it is positioned lower than the United States flag.

We completed a comprehensive training RFP process.

So this next year we're gonna be bringing on a second DEI trainer.

Uh, we'll continue to work with Circle Up, but we have a new company called Ready Set that's gonna be doing advanced training for the organization.

We continued our mentorship program.

We started a book club, we did a uh culturally significant barbecue, and HR continued their career panel discussions with staff.

This is a great opportunity for people to see um leaders in the organization and their career paths.

And then we participated in many diversity month festivals.

We prioritize diverse panel members, and our external panel panel members are in the first interview to eliminate bias.

We continue to conduct blind screen recruitments.

So what that means is when uh the applicant comes in, it has an initial HR screening, no names are seen.

And then when it goes to the next level, the subject matter expert, no names are seen either.

So the name of the app of the candidate isn't revealed until the interview stage.

And there are specific DI questions in all candidate interviews.

So these are just a snapshot of statistics that we look at every year.

So these are our new hire by ethnicity.

So 43% of our new hires in 2025 were white.

15 57% were non-white.

Our new hire by gender almost 53 were female, 47 were male, and there was a small percentage of non-binary.

The staff turnover ratio is consistent at 3%, which it has been for the last several years.

This is our employee diversity ratio by ethnicity.

So this is all staff other than Caucasian.

So 47% of the city organization is diverse.

And this has been steadily increasing over the last five years.

This is a five-year trend marker that we have.

So the difference on the bottom shows the five-year difference.

But but if you're looking between 2024 and 2025, things have really um really been consistent between all um race and ethnicities.

The Hispanic ethnicity raised by 2%.

That was the highest, and then most uh remained the same or increased by one.

And then our employee diversity ratio by gender has stayed consistent for the last five years at 52% male, 48% female, and a small number of non-binary.

So some of our initiatives, you have the Disability Advisory Committee, the Diversity Inclusion Commission, we have our Chief's Advisory Board and his new community youth advisory board, um, a lot of outreach in the public affairs department and our police department.

Um economic development has their workforce development programs.

They did a comprehensive survey of local the local business community last year.

Um we've strengthened partnerships with diverse chambers of commerce, and we're a member of various diversity associations.

So in 2026, we're going to continue our staff training and development, um, as well as our community campaigns.

Elk RFPD staff will continue to participate in diversity and empathy trainings, and we'll continue to address uh disparities through community engagement, data-driven insights, and culturally relevant programs.

So that's the conclusion of my report.

If you have any questions.

Thank you.

Excellent report.

At this time, I'll open up public comment.

Nobody signed up to speak.

I'll close public comment.

Open it up for questions or comments.

I'll start to the right.

Thank you for the presentation and just so grateful and and and happy to see that the city is going in the right direction when obviously what's going on on the national level, right?

It steps back.

Um, thank you for for just leaning into the diversity of our of our city and making sure that staff feels welcome and uh I love this to see the panels.

Uh that's awesome because you never know when someone just wants to kind of get to hear and and figure out the trajectory of other folks.

So I'm just happy to see what's going on in our city.

Thank you.

Councilmember Spees.

Um, just want to say uh a quick thank you.

You know, I think I think it was about 10 years ago that was significant conversation from uh members of the community that were concerned that that uh employment didn't reflect um what uh the makeup of our community was.

Uh, that was there were a lot of difficult conversations, um, and there was you know, there has since then been significant improvement.

And so I just want to thank you for that.

And um let's keep on doing the good work.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Vice Mayor.

Thank you, Mayor.

Yeah, I want to agree with uh councilmember Speace.

I I remember those conversations, and uh it was I mean, there was a lot of skepticism around it, and and the conversations were difficult, but I'm really proud and Kara.

I know I mean you've been here forever too.

Uh you know, you and Jason and the way uh you all embraced it as leaders in the organization, uh looking at things now.

It I think it's incredible.

So thank you for all the good great work you've been doing.

Thank you.

Councilmember Brewer.

I am very appreciative of this update and with the information that you shared.

And I really am very appreciative of uh city staff uh treating this with the seriousness and the intentionality that it takes to serve this beautiful diverse community that is Elk Grove.

I mean, we have so many 182,000 people officially, a lot of different you have 182,000 different stories, backgrounds, perspectives, and for us to lean in and engage and and and take these classes to learn a little bit more about ourselves as we go in and engage with the public.

That is uh seriously something to be commended from everyone across the board.

Makes no difference if you're in um at the front desk, if you're in public works, if you're if you're in PD, everyone is participating in something that is pertaining to their work and how they engage with the public, and all that being the end result of still maintaining that perfect score, the municipality equality index is amazing, but it shows how the everything starts at the top is the leadership that is being done by the city manager, the assistant city managers, the leadership, um, really impressing upon everyone that works here at the city of Elk Grove that they're here to serve the entire community, and um it's great work, but as everything is when you get the number one rating or you get the perfect rating, you still have to find ways to improve upon it and work and work towards new ways because you find new wrinkles of of blind spots that we may have missed.

And so um again, thank you.

This is this is good work.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Great presentation.

We're truly an inclusive city, welcoming to all, and I know that we live by those words, not just you know, in the community, but of course, leading by example internally.

So thank you to all of the leadership team.

It's it's all about continuous improvement.

We don't just pause and stop.

We continue to improve and continue to embrace um more diversity because what that looks like changes, it evolves.

So thank you for all the great work that you're doing.

Thank you.

All right, we are on to our council comments, reports, and future agenda items.

Anyone have a report you want to share?

Looking to the left?

No.

Looking to the right, all right.

I don't have one either.

So with that, we will adjourn this regular meeting at 7 38 p.m.

Have a great evening.