Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting - October 14, 2026

The Elk Grove City Council held its regular meeting on October 14, 2026, at City Hall. The agenda included a groundwater update from the Sacramento Central Groundwater Authority, recognition of Disability Awareness Month, a public hearing on a storm water drainage fee zone annexation (Grant Line Village), and the establishment of a Local Preference Program for affordable housing. The meeting featured extensive public comment on the Flock Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system and concluded with council member reports.

Presentations & Announcements

• Sacramento Central Groundwater Authority (SCGA) Update: Executive Director Pirat Harmon provided an overview of the South American Subbasin. The basin has a sustainable yield of 235,000 acre-feet per year, with 188,000 acre-feet pumped in the last water year, indicating a healthy surplus. All six sustainability indicators were in good standing (green/yellow), though some monitoring points near a superfund site (Aerojet) showed lower groundwater levels. Major projects include the Harvest Water project (operational in 2027, adding 50,000 acre-feet) and the Sacramento Regional Water Bank. The SCGA is undertaking a five-year reassessment, Joint Powers Authority (JPA) review, and fee study.
• Disability Awareness Month Proclamation: Councilmember Brewer read a proclamation declaring October 2026 as Disability Awareness Month, recognizing the contributions of individuals with disabilities and the work of the Disability Advisory Committee.
• Above and Beyond Program Accessibility Award: The Disability Advisory Committee presented the 20th Annual Above and Beyond Accessibility Award to Yadera Badera, the RAD and Enrichment Coordinator for the Cosumnes Community Services District, for her work creating inclusive recreation programs for individuals with disabilities.

Consent Calendar

• The City Council unanimously approved the Consent Calendar (Items 7.1-7.10). This included approval of meeting minutes, various contracts and reports, adoption of Ordinance No. 09-2026 amending the Affordable Housing Fee, authorization for the Annual Striping and Legend Project ($279,890), the Franklin Boulevard Cycle Track Project ($296,269), the purchase of BMW motorcycle parts, and the acquisition of property at 9392 West Stockton Boulevard for $959,000.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lynn Wheat (General Comments & Item 7.10): Ms. Wheat commented on the city's former zoo project, stating that nearly $16 million in taxpayer funds were spent and asking the council to ensure a sale of the property recoups that amount. During the Consent Calendar item 7.10, she questioned the acquisition price for 9392 West Stockton Boulevard, requesting information on whether an independent appraisal was obtained.
• Justin, Yev, Ellen (General Public Comment on ALPRs): Three speakers voiced strong opposition to the city's use of the Flock ALPR system. Justin argued that the system allows vendor access to data, permits federal backdoors, and poses a fiscal risk under Senate Bill 34. Yev stated the cameras capture full-frame photos capable of classifying individuals, raised concerns about surveillance infrastructure, and requested the item be placed on a future agenda. Ellen pointed to ICE use of ALPR data in other jurisdictions and questioned the council's oversight of the system, citing a campaign contribution from the District Attorney. All urged the council to cancel the Flock contract.

Public Hearings

• Grant Line Village Storm Water Drainage Fee Zone 2 Annexation (Item 8.1): The council held a public hearing for Annexation No. 78 for the Grant Line Village commercial project (14.15 acres). The Clerk reported no majority protest, with all 15 weighted votes in favor. The council unanimously adopted the resolution levying the assessments.

Discussion Items

• Establishment of a Local Preference Program for Affordable Housing (Item 9.1): Management Analyst II Joshua Tovar presented a proposal for a Local Preference Program for city-supported affordable rental and ownership units. The program prioritizes households that either live or work in Elk Grove, aiming to combat displacement and support housing stability. Staff highlighted strong demand (30 applicants per unit in the PARDIS II lottery) and high cost burdens on residents, particularly seniors on fixed incomes. The program applies to newly deed-restricted units and does not overrule other funding-specific requirements.
  • Councilmember Spease questioned the application to permanent supportive housing (Coral Blossom), where other funding requirements (Project Homekey, SHRA) necessitate a coordinated entry system. Staff noted efforts are being made to incorporate geographic preference and that the program will apply to new projects like Old Town Senior Apartments and Sheldon Farms North.
  • Councilmember Robles, Councilmember Brewer, and Vice Mayor Suen expressed strong support for the policy, emphasizing its role in providing stability for the local workforce and existing residents. The resolution was adopted unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Closed Session (5-0): Authorized the city attorney to initiate litigation (details not subject to disclosure at that time).
  • Consent Calendar (Items 7.1-7.10): Approved unanimously.
  • Public Hearing 8.1 (Grant Line Annexation): Resolution adopted unanimously.
  • Regular Agenda 9.1 (Local Preference Program): Resolution establishing the program adopted unanimously.
• Directives and Clarifications:
  • Councilmember Spease directed staff to follow up with Lynn Wheat regarding the appraisal process for 9392 West Stockton Boulevard.
  • Vice Mayor Suen requested outreach to residents regarding an upcoming Proposition 218 process for the sewer district.
  • City Manager Jason Barman corrected the public record on zoo project costs, stating the total was approximately $13 million, not the nearly $16 million figure cited by a speaker, and offered to review a General Ledger expenditure report with the resident.