Folsom City Council Meeting - April 27, 2021

The Folsom City Council met on April 27, 2021, for a regular meeting covering the proposed fiscal year 2021-22 budget, an update on unfunded parks, a quarterly report on the Folsom Plan Area, and a presentation from Sacramento Regional Transit on service changes. The meeting also included public comments on a potential development and police staffing concerns, several consent calendar items, and city manager announcements.

Consent Calendar

• Approved items 5 through 14, with item 9 (resolution for increased compensation for Johnny Cash Trail art casting) pulled for separate discussion and subsequently approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Sutherland spoke against a possible development at 103 East Natoma, citing a grove of old-growth oak trees and the area's value as wilderness; he urged the council to preserve it.
• Jake Verhalen, President of the Folsom Police Officers Association, delivered an extended statement expressing deep concern over police officer retention and recruitment. He described a trend of experienced lateral officers leaving Folsom PD for other agencies, leaving the department reliant on inexperienced pre-service hires and at risk of becoming a "training ground." He urged the council to prioritize public safety funding and recognize the department's contributions during the pandemic.

Discussion Items

• Fiscal Year 2021-22 Proposed Budget: Finance Director Stacey Tamani presented the city manager’s budget, projecting general fund revenues of $92.5 million and expenditures of $92.5 million, with a small deficit projected for the current year. Key additions include a battalion chief position ($314,000), fire station roof repair, two ambulances, a new fire engine partial set-aside, a street sweeper, ladder fuel reduction, police cadet program expansion, and $25,000 for homelessness support. Sales tax recovery is expected to lag until FY 2022-23. The budget maintains a hiring freeze and uses one-time resources. Councilmembers discussed the need to promote local shopping to retain sales tax, the importance of rebuilding the retiree health trust fund, and concerns about the solid waste fund’s low working capital ($772,000). The five-year forecast shows risk if expenditure growth outpaces revenue.
• Unfunded Parks Presentation: Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Dave Nasworth and Commissioner Matt Hedges presented a status report on 19 unfinished or unstarted parks in the city’s master plan. Total cost to complete master plan goals is $50.2 million, up from $30 million five years ago. Ten parks are not yet started (estimated $50.2 million total includes them), and nine are incomplete. Annual maintenance needs are $300,000–$400,000 but only $140,000 is budgeted. Council discussed whether the city has more parks than it can maintain, the need to revisit the master plan scope and amenities, explore private sponsorship, and assess program cost recovery. Vice Mayor Aquino called for a more entrepreneurial approach and a review of program revenue versus cost. Staff and the commission were asked to report back on program costs and revenue.
• Folsom Plan Area Quarterly Report: Community Development Director Pam Johns and City Engineer Steve Cron provided an update on development activity. In Q1 2021, over 200 building permits were issued, and model homes are near completion for several builders. Water supply constraints are not an issue at current occupancy (roughly 600 units), but phase one infrastructure capacity is approaching its limit, requiring phase two infrastructure in the next two years. Council expressed support for ongoing progress and questioned water efficiency and supply.
• Sacramento Regional Transit Annexation Update: RT Director of Planning James Boyle presented proposed changes to Folsom’s dial-a-ride service, transitioning to SACRT Go (paratransit) and Smart Ride (on-demand microtransit) with expanded service hours and regional access. Public commenter Margie Donovan, a current dial-a-ride user, voiced concerns about the 90-minute wait requirement between trips, loss of driver assistance, and lack of feedback from regular riders. RT officials indicated flexibility to adjust policies, including reducing the wait window. Another speaker, Mike Barnbaum, supported the changes and highlighted light rail improvements. The council noted the need for continued outreach and RT committed to returning for formal approval of the transition.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Items 5–14 approved (item 9 individually, then all as a whole).
• Item 9 (Johnny Cash Trail Art): Unanimously approved after Councilmember Aquino expressed concern about Core-10 metal corrosion but was assured there is no taxpayer funding and staff will address staining issues.
• Budget Presentation: No vote taken; public hearing scheduled for May 11, 2021.
• Unfunded Parks: No action; staff and commission will return with more detailed analysis on program cost recovery.
• RT Annexation Update: No action; staff will bring back resolutions for the dial-a-ride transition and branding at a future meeting.
• City Manager Reports: City clerk Krista Manel recognized for earning her bachelor's degree; Willow Hill Reservoir water level lowering announced; city celebrating 75th anniversary with public activities.