Folsom City Council Meeting Summary

On December 8, 2020, the Folsom City Council held a special meeting at 5:00 PM (closed session) followed by a regular meeting at 6:30 PM. The regular meeting included public comments, consent calendar approvals, a public hearing on speed limits, and approval of a $4 million Homekey grant for affordable housing. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved 16 of 18 consent items (items 1–11, 13, 15, 17–18) with one amended item (Resolution No. 10563 as amended).
• Items 12, 14, and 16 were pulled for separate discussion and later approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• By-district elections (business from the floor): Multiple residents spoke in favor of transitioning from at-large to district-based city council elections, citing better representation, compliance with the California Voting Rights Act, and avoiding costly litigation.
  • Vijay Jana Logata argued that district elections are a natural progression for a growing city and would allow grassroots democracy.
  • Scott Rafferty, attorney for a resident group, noted over 300 petition signatures from all parts of Folsom, only 60% of which were from registered Democrats. He urged the council to act after the census.
  • Muriel Brownstein stated the group collected over 300 signatures and warned that no California city has won a lawsuit over district elections, referencing Palmdale’s $4.6 million legal battle.
  • Hari Shetty cited lower campaign costs, better representation, and increased resident participation.
  • Bob Dresser highlighted differing neighborhood needs and lower campaign costs for districts.
  • Tony Oliver stressed that Folsom’s growth warrants government alignment, and the Voting Rights Act makes adopting districts the right thing.
  • Bernie Dooley and Dolly Sood expressed support.
  • Jennifer Lane, a two-time council candidate from Old Town, said she would have been elected under district elections.
  • Robert Holderness, former councilmember and lifelong Democrat, opposed, arguing the current system gives every voter a chance to vote on all seats and that recent elections of minority candidates show districts are unnecessary. He claimed districts would disenfranchise 80% of voters.
• No public comments were made on agenda items other than business from the floor.

Discussion Items

• Item 12 – Speed Limits (Resolution No. 10566): Councilmember Chalamcherla raised concerns about 85th percentile speeds exceeding posted limits (e.g., 37 mph in a 25 mph zone). Staff explained ongoing safety studies, grant applications, and traffic management efforts. The item was approved without change.
• Item 14 – Oak Avenue Pump Station Construction (Resolution No. 10568): Councilmember Chalamcherla questioned the need for separate construction and inspection contracts. Staff clarified that two different firms are hired: one for construction (Soracco, Inc.) and another for construction management (ICM Group, Inc.). The project includes night work and bypass pumping. Approved.
• Item 16 – SACOG Grant Applications (Resolution No. 10571): Engineering Manager Mark Rackovan presented a list of 12 prioritized projects totaling ~$50 million in grant requests. Staff noted SACOG’s new prioritization process and that typically only 20% of requests are funded. Approved prioritization.
• Public Hearing Item 19 – Speed Limits Ordinance (Ordinance No. 1310): Staff presented the methodology for setting prima facie speed limits based on engineering and traffic surveys (85th percentile speeds). The ordinance covers 11 streets. Council approved introduction and first reading.
• New Business Item 20 – Homekey Grant (Resolution No. 10573): Staff reported a conditional approval of up to $4 million from the state to convert the Folsom Lodge Motel into 31 studio apartments (Bidwell Street Studios) for homeless or at-risk individuals. The grant requires funds to be spent by December 30, 2020. Developer Doug Scalise and Hope Cooperative CEO Aaron Johansson spoke. Council expressed strong support, with Vice Mayor Aquino emphasizing the need for clean and well-managed operations. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar voted unanimously (with noted pulls).
• Item 12 (speed limits), Item 14 (pump station), and Item 16 (SACOG grants) each approved separately with unanimous votes.
• Ordinance No. 1310 (speed limits) approved for first reading (5-0).
• Resolution No. 10573 (Homekey grant) approved (5-0). Staff directed to execute grant agreement and appropriate funds.
• Joint meeting consent calendar approved.
• City Manager reported on pinhole leak investigation results posted online; permit fee waiver for repairs; Santa visits; and local shopping promotions.
• Council comments included updates on LAFCO representation, a request for future discussion of Hinkle Creek issues, and traffic safety reminders.
• No formal action taken on public requests for district elections; item not on agenda.