OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting Summary - May 13, 2026

Other — Wednesday, May 13, 2026
BodyElkgrove, California
SessionOther
DateWednesday, May 13, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:31:13
Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

From closed session, there is nothing to report out.

0:04

So we will adjourn the special meeting at 601 p.m.

0:10

And at this time, I would like to call to order the Elk Grove City Council regular meeting.

0:16

Today is Wednesday, May 13th, and the time is 601 p.m.

0:20

Clerk.

0:22

Thank you, Mayor.

0:22

This meeting of the Elgrove City Council is recorded with closed captioning.

0:26

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.

0:33

The recording will also be video streamed at Metro14 Live.secCounty.gov.

0:38

Tonight's meeting replays will be on Friday, May 15th at 1 p.m.

0:42

and Monday, May 18th, also at 1 p.m.

0:44

on Metro Channel 14.

0:46

Once posted, the recordings of this and previous meetings can be viewed on demand at the three W's.elgrobe.gov or YouTube.com slash Metro Cable 14.

0:55

For members of the participating audience who may have personal electronic devices, please place them on silent mode when uh during the meeting or on mute when you are not speaking.

1:04

The Elkrove City Council welcomes, appreciates, and encourages participation in the city council meeting.

1:08

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

1:13

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.

1:20

Pursuant to resolution number 20 uh number 2021-154.

1:25

No individual speaker concerning public comment may address the city council for more than three minutes.

1:29

If you wish to address the council during the meeting, please complete a blue speaker card, which can be found at the back of the chamber and provide it to assistant city clerk, Brenda Hagard, prior to consideration of the agenda item.

1:38

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

1:42

And starting out for the roll call, I will start with Councilmember Robles.

1:46

Councilmember Spees.

1:48

Present.

1:48

Councilmember Brewer.

1:50

Present.

1:52

And Mayor Singh Allen.

1:54

Here.

1:54

Got all five.

1:56

Thank you.

1:56

Next up is our land acknowledgement.

1:58

To assist, will be our vice mayor.

2:00

Thank you, Mayor.

2:01

We honor, respect, and acknowledge Elkro's first inhabitants, the Plains Miwok, who lived as sovereign caretakers of this land in these waterways since time immemorial.

2:11

We commemorate and advocate for their descendants, the Wilton Rancheria tribe, the only federally recognized tribe in Sacramento County who endure because of their bravery, resiliency, and determination of their ancestors, tribal members, and leaders.

2:26

Thank you.

2:27

Next up is our Pledge of Allegiance, and I would like to call forward Jay Shaw with Troop 288 to help lead us this evening.

2:36

Please rise if you're able.

2:44

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

2:51

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

3:02

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

3:12

Alright, thank you.

3:13

Next up is our approval of the agenda.

3:15

May I get a motion?

3:16

So moved.

3:16

Second.

3:17

All those in favor, please say aye.

3:18

Aye.

3:19

Aye.

3:19

Thank you.

3:20

Next item, please.

3:23

Under section three, our 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 item being item 4.1 proclamations recognizing May 2026 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

3:41

Alright, thank you.

3:42

I have the honor of reading this, and we are going to be honoring three people this evening.

3:48

So we will start with first the dynamic duo, Cynthia Ong Lam and Jonathan Lamb.

3:53

If you would please come forward.

4:48

And whereas Jonathan Lamb, an accomplished entrepreneur and boatswing, how do you say that?

4:56

Boat swing.

4:57

But he's just said.

5:17

And whereas Cynthia Ong Lam, through her transition from the world of pharmacy to the food industry, has successfully bridged the gap between health care and the culinary arts, utilizing her background and wellness to nourish the community, and whereas together, Cynthia and Jonathan co-founded the award-winning Pegasus Bakery and Cafe in 2016, a cornerstone of the local economy, recognized as the 2023 business of the year, where they continue to foster community growth in Elk Grove through their steadfast commitment to quality, cultural diversity, and exceptional guest experience.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Miscellaneous████████████████████████24%
Parks and Recreation███████████████████████23%
Procedural████████████████16%
Arts and Culture███████7%
Community Engagement██████6%
Public Safety██████6%
Technology and Innovation██████6%
Economic Development█████5%
Transportation Safety███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting Summary - May 13, 2026

The Elk Grove City Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, starting at 6:01 PM and adjourning at 8:32 PM. The meeting included proclamations, annual reports, a public hearing, and several policy items. Councilmembers present: Mayor Singh-Allen, Vice Mayor Suen, Councilmembers Robles, Spees, and Brewer.

Proclamations & Presentations

The council issued three proclamations and received three annual reports:

  • Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May 2026): Recognized by proclamation the contributions of Cynthia Ong Lam and Jonathan Lam (Pegasus Bakery and Cafe) and Monica Patel (Bimo Bank, Vice President; Fijian community leader). Monica Patel highlighted the newly formed Fijian Association of Sacramento Region (FASAR).
  • Food Waste Awareness Month (May 2026): Presented to Marie Mertz. She reported recovering nearly 12,000 pounds of food in five months via a pilot program, feeding 200–400 people three times a week. Over 12 years, her kitchen has saved 115,000 pounds of food from waste.
  • National Public Works Week (May 17–23, 2026): Recognized by proclamation; Public Works Director Jeff Warner praised the council’s prioritization of infrastructure and announced a “Big Truck Day” event on May 20.
  • Mosquito & Vector Control District Annual Update: Steve Ramos reported that in 2025, Elk Grove had positive West Nile virus mosquito samples and dead birds. Statewide, 113 human cases were reported in 2025 (down from over 400 in 2023). Invasive Aedes mosquitoes are established; a sterile insect technique pilot in South Natomas showed promising population reduction.
  • Trails Committee Annual Report: Chair Mark Mendenhall presented a 25-year anniversary report. Key accomplishments: Ryland Trail extension, Laguna Springs Drive restriping, Laguna Creek Trail resurfacing, and progress on a trail overcrossing of State Route 99 (shovel-ready for 2026). The committee recommended a connected network using low-stress streets.
  • Youth Commission Semi-Annual Update: Chair Abbas Chaudry and Vice Chair Cara Hughes reported on events: mental wellness workshop, college/career readiness, family fun day, and a food drive. Three graduating seniors were recognized: Abbas Chaudry (UC Merced), Cara Hughes (Seton Hall), and Andres (UC Santa Barbara). Three vacancies to be appointed.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent calendar (routine approvals) was approved unanimously by a voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Anthony Robertson and Pluchette Robertson (Soul Project): Urged the council to strengthen smoke-free housing protections, noting Elk Grove received an “F” grade from the American Lung Association for smoke-free housing. They requested meetings with council members.
  • Mark Doty (Trails Committee): Praised staff and the trails committee; encouraged biking to the Luke Bryan concert (May 16) with city-provided bike parking. Recognized outgoing city manager Cara Redig.
  • Lynn Wee: Advocated for bike racks in retail centers and using Measure E funds for trails. Praised the trails committee’s persistence.
  • Mark Graham: Requested the council oppose HR 2289 (telecommunications bill) and use non-toxic materials for the new library. He also asked for clarification on three-minute speaker limits per agenda item (later addressed by staff).

Public Hearing: CDBG/HOME Action Plan 2026-27

  • Staff presented the action plan, which was released for a 30-day comment period with no comments received. The council unanimously adopted the resolution approving the plan.

Discussion Item: ACCESS Incentive Program (Accessibility Compliance)

  • Staff (Mel Lasher and Jim Ramsey) presented a new matching reimbursement grant program (up to $10,000 per business) to help small businesses comply with ADA accessibility requirements. Funding comes from a $4 fee on business licenses; current fund balance over $96,000, growing ~$10,000 annually. Eligible businesses: fewer than 20 employees, under $3M revenue, in good standing. Requires a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) report. Council expressed strong support. Vote: unanimous approval.

Discussion Item: Community Sentinel & BRICS Camera Programs

  • Staff (Mel Lasher and Andrea Cortez) presented the Community Sentinel program (live exterior camera feeds shared with police real-time information center) and the BRICS reimbursement grant (up to $5,000 per business for cameras, 50% cost share). Both programs aim to deter retail theft (shoplifting up 6% in 2024-25) and enhance public safety. Cameras are not actively monitored; only accessed during incidents. Program is a pilot with $75,000 in initial funding. Council asked about HOA inclusion and rolling applications. Vote: unanimous approval to adopt both programs.

Discussion Item: SB 707 Remote Comment Regulations

  • City Clerk Jason Lindgren explained new state requirements (effective July 1, 2026) mandating remote public comment options for eligible legislative bodies. Elk Grove will implement a two-way telephonic service (via Zoom) with live webcasting, starting with the City Council only. Two resolutions were adopted: (1) a disruption of service policy (for broadcast interruption) and (2) an update to the rules of procedure to prioritize in-person speakers before remote speakers. Staff clarified that the three-minute speaker limit applies per agenda item, not per meeting. Vote: unanimous approval with direction to clarify the three-minute rule in the policy.

Key Outcomes

  • Unanimous votes on all action items: consent calendar, CDBG/HOME action plan, ACCESS program, Community Sentinel and BRICS programs, and SB 707 implementing resolutions.
  • Direction to staff: Clarify in written policy that the three-minute speaker limit is per agenda item (including for remote commenters).
  • Council discussion: Vice Mayor Suen asked staff to bring back a comprehensive bike network map (based on Trails Committee presentation) as part of a future CIP discussion.
  • Memorial: The meeting adjourned in memory of Janet Hume, mother of Supervisor Pat Hume.

Meeting Transcript

From closed session, there is nothing to report out. So we will adjourn the special meeting at 601 p.m. And at this time, I would like to call to order the Elk Grove City Council regular meeting. Today is Wednesday, May 13th, and the time is 601 p.m. Clerk. Thank you, Mayor. This meeting of the Elgrove 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 Metro14 Live.secCounty.gov. Tonight's meeting replays will be on Friday, May 15th at 1 p.m. and Monday, May 18th, 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 three W's.elgrobe.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 when uh during the meeting or on mute when you are not speaking. The Elkrove 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 at 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 20 uh number 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 a blue speaker card, which can be found at the back of the chamber and provide it to assistant city clerk, Brenda Hagard, prior to consideration of the agenda item. With that mayor, I'll be moving into the roll call. And starting out for the roll call, I will start with Councilmember Robles. Councilmember Spees. Present. Councilmember Brewer. Present. And Mayor Singh Allen. Here. Got all five. Thank you. Next up is our land acknowledgement. To assist, will be our vice mayor. Thank you, Mayor. We honor, respect, and acknowledge Elkro's first inhabitants, the Plains Miwok, who lived as sovereign caretakers of this land in 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 their bravery, resiliency, and determination of their ancestors, tribal members, and leaders. Thank you. Next up is our Pledge of Allegiance, and I would like to call forward Jay Shaw with Troop 288 to help lead us this evening. Please rise if you're able. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. All right, at this time, please join us for a brief moment of silence. Alright, 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. Aye. Thank you.

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