Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting - May 27, 2026
Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting - May 27, 2026
The Elk Grove City Council held a regular meeting on May 27, 2026, at 6:04 PM. The meeting included a proclamation, updates from the Arts and Creative Economy Commission, a presentation on the Corporation Yard Master Plan, an overview of the Capital Improvement Program, a presentation on the proposed FY 2026-27 budget, and a resolution opposing microenterprise home kitchen operations. The council also recognized outgoing Deputy City Manager Kara Redig for her 24 years of service. Several items were approved unanimously, and direction was given on future projects.
Consent Calendar
- The consent calendar was approved unanimously with no public comment. Items included routine approvals and actions not requiring discussion.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Mark Graham, telecommunications policy advocate, urged the city to oppose the FCC's proposed rules in docket 25-276, which he argued would undermine local authority over broadband deployment, similar to the city's previous opposition to HR 2289.
- Lynn Wheat commended the city's Elk Grove 101 program, calling it an excellent use of time, and emphasized that arts should primarily serve residents' quality of life rather than economic development. She also noted a state bill (AB 213) that could preempt local control over microenterprise home kitchens.
Proclamation and Presentations
Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month
- The mayor and vice mayor read a proclamation recognizing May 2026 as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month. Representatives from Wilton Rancheria expressed gratitude for the city's solidarity.
Arts and Creative Economy Commission Annual Update
- Chairman Brian Rickel presented the commission's annual report, highlighting achievements: establishment of a reenvisioned commission with an expanded focus on the creative economy, selection of the Cultural Planning Group for a long-term arts strategy, and organization of the "Paint the Grove" mural festival (June 1–6, 2026) featuring eight muralists transforming seven walls on Historic Main Street. Other accomplishments included the 25th anniversary photo competition (168 submissions, 600 public votes) and the Asphalt Art Task Force for school zone crosswalks. Council members expressed strong support for the commission's work.
City Manager's Report
- City Manager Jason Behrmann reported on the 2026 Community Survey (open through June 1), the latest Elk Grove 101 cohort (24 graduates), upcoming e-bike safety class (May 30), a sold-out Luke Bryan concert with 20,000 attendees, and recognized Deputy City Manager Kara Redig on her retirement after nearly 24 years and her appointment as Lodi's next city manager. Council members each offered heartfelt tributes.
Corporation Yard Master Plan Update
- Sean Gallagher, Deputy Director of Public Works, presented the 2026 update. Two long-term options were evaluated: Option A (renovating the existing Iron Rock site for ~$64 million) and Option B (developing a new, expandable site at the disposal lane for ~$65.5 million). Option B was favored for its operational efficiency, lower disruption, and capacity to support growth beyond 2050. Council members expressed support for Option B. Staff will begin initial design with a $1.5 million investment.
Proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program
- Christina Castro, Capital Programs Manager, presented the five-year CIP, totaling 97 projects and approximately $450 million in planned investments. Key projects included: completion of the new Elk Grove Library (opening fall 2026), Laguna Creek Interregional Trail (bridge crossings and trail segments), Elk Grove Boulevard Streetscape Phase 2, Grantline Business Park Sewer, EV fleet charging infrastructure, and a permanent homeless shelter. Council received the report.
Proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 Annual Budget
- City Manager Jason Behrmann presented a balanced budget with $491 million total and $107.5 million in the general fund. Revenues exceeded expenditures. Measure E revenue is estimated at $36 million. Highlights include: 11 new positions (seven in police), increased traffic enforcement, five new red light camera approaches, continued investment in homelessness services ($7 million set aside for a permanent shelter), a $2 million middle-income housing initiative, a partnership with CSD for Mendez Park ($4 million), and a sound wall beautification project. The city's pension is 88% funded. Council members praised the budget's emphasis on safe streets, public safety, and fiscal responsibility. Adoption is expected at the June 10 meeting.
Public Hearing
Laguna West Service Area Levy
- A public hearing was held on the FY 2026-27 annual report and levy. No public comment was received. The council adopted the resolution confirming the report and ordering the levy, maintaining the current service charge level (e.g., $17.04 per single-family home).
Discussion Items
Resolution Levying Special Taxes/Assessments for Seven Districts
- Staff presented a resolution to continue levying special taxes and assessments for five Community Facilities Districts and two Assessment Districts. Rates are increased annually based on CPI or construction cost index. One district (Laguna Ridge maintenance) will increase from 90% to 95% of the maximum rate. The council approved the resolution unanimously.
Resolution Opposing Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MIKOs)
- Jose Mendes, Code Enforcement Manager, presented concerns about MIKOs: public health risks, neighborhood impacts, and unfair competition. Sacramento County is considering a countywide ordinance. All six other incorporated cities in Sacramento County oppose the permitting. Councilmembers expressed support for the opposition, citing quality of life and safety. The council approved a resolution directing the mayor to sign a letter to the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors reaffirming the city's opposition.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously.
- Laguna West Service Area Levy: Resolution adopted unanimously.
- Special Tax Levies for Seven Districts: Resolution adopted unanimously.
- Corporation Yard Master Plan: Council directed staff to proceed with Option B (new site) and included $1.5 million for initial design in the FY 2026-27 budget.
- Capital Improvement Program: Received and filed.
- FY 2026-27 Budget: Received with discussion; adoption scheduled for June 10, 2026.
- MIKO Opposition: Resolution passed unanimously, authorizing the mayor to send a letter to the county.
- Recognition: Kara Redig honored with a proclamation for her 24 years of service.
- Adjournment: Council adjourned in memory of Dave Nevis, a beloved educator and community advocate.
Meeting Transcript
We have returned from closed session, and there is nothing to report out. So that will take us to our regular meeting. So at this time, I would like to call to order the Elk Grove City Council regular meeting. Today is Wednesday, May 27, 2026. And the time is 6.04 p.m. Clerk. Thank you, Mayor. This meeting of the Elkgrove 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. Tonight's meeting replays will be on Sunday, May 31st at 6 p.m. and Tuesday, June 2nd at 9 a.m. on Metro Channel 14. Once posted, the recordings of this and previous meetings can be viewed on demand at 3W's dot elkgrove.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 Elkrobe City Council welcomes, appreciates, and encourages participation in the city council meetings. City Council requests that you limit your presentation to three minutes per person per item so that all present will have time to participate. City Council reserves the right to reasonably limit the total time for public comment on any particular notice agenda item as it may deem necessary. Pursuant to resolution number 2026-099, no individual speaker concerning public comment, may address the city council for more than three minutes per item. 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 Haggard, prior to consideration of the agenda item. With that, mayor, I'll be moving into the roll call. And for the roll call, I will be starting with Councilmember Robles. Present. Councilmember Spees. Councilmember Brewer. Present. Thank you. Next up is our land acknowledgement. Assisting will be our vice mayor. Thank you, Mayor. We honor, respect, and acknowledge Elkgrove's first inhabitants, the Plains Miwok, who lived as sovereign caretakers of this land and these waterways since time immemorial. We commemorate and advocate for their descendants, the Wilton Rancheria tribe, the only federally recognized tribe in Sacramento County who endure because of the bravery, resiliency, and determination of their ancestors, tribal members, and leaders. Thank you. Next up is our Pledge of Allegiance. I would like to invite Kara Reddick to lead us this evening. 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. Thank you. Next item, please. Under section three, there are no closed session items on the regular agenda, which will advance us to section four, our presentations and announcements. And that first being item 4.1, which is a proclamation recognizing May as missing and murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month. Excellent. I would like to call forward our tribal leaders here with us this evening from Wilton Rancheria. Would you please join us? And assisting with reading of the proclamation is our Vice Mayor.
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