Folsom City Council Meeting Summary - May 11, 2021

The Folsom City Council met on May 11, 2021, at 6:30 PM. The meeting covered a range of topics including the fiscal year 2021-22 budget, a proposed social host liability ordinance for illegal fireworks, a policy for sidewalk maintenance responsibility, and public comments addressing homelessness and police conduct. The council deferred adoption of the budget to a future meeting, approved the first reading of the fireworks ordinance, and directed staff to develop options for sidewalk maintenance.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar was approved unanimously with no items pulled.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Marky shared a personal story about a friend named Josh who experienced police brutality and had his belongings discarded by the Folsom Police Department while homeless. He urged the council to prioritize resources for homelessness and affordable housing over increased law enforcement funding, calling the proposed $25,000 for homelessness support “insulting.”
• Judy Alexander noted the departure of two local clergy members who supported marginalized communities and announced a moment of remembrance for a life lost near city hall, scheduled for Thursday at 5:30 PM at Lyons Park.
• A member of the public (during the budget discussion) cautioned against raising fees for youth and teen programs, stating that even small increases (e.g., $200 to $400) are significant for single parents.
• Judy Alexander (during budget discussion) supported increasing the homelessness support line item from $25,000 to $50,000, suggesting that funds could be reallocated from other programs such as senior services or zoo operations.
• Joe Galliardi (Greater Folsom Partnership) advised the council to provide clear direction on desired uses for the historic district retail space, including whether tenant improvements will be funded, and recommended requiring minimum operating hours in any lease.
• Kendra Miller (Vista Junior Eagles) submitted a written comment in support of the social host fireworks ordinance, noting it is a key fundraiser for youth sports.

Discussion Items

• Fiscal Year 2021-22 Operating and Capital Budget (Item 5): Finance Director Stacey Tamani presented the proposed $92.5 million general fund budget, a 3.3% increase over 2021. Key enhancements include funding for a battalion chief, body-worn cameras for police, radio encryption upgrades, ladder fuel reduction, and $25,000 for homelessness support. There were no changes from the April 27th proposal. Parks and Recreation Director Lorraine Pagioni presented a detailed cost recovery analysis for recreation programs, showing recovery rates ranging from 31% (senior programs) to 141% (events). Councilmember Rosario Rodriguez requested increasing the homelessness support to $50,000; staff noted that additional one-time federal funds would be discussed on June 8th. A motion to adopt the budget was made but died for lack of a second. The council agreed to bring the budget back for consideration at its next meeting.
• Historic District Parking Garage Retail Space (Item 7): Lorraine Pagioni presented the results of public outreach, including a virtual workshop with about 50 attendees. Public suggestions included water sports equipment, a brew pub, market, event space, and avoiding offices or tattoo parlors. The council directed staff to proceed with a Request for Proposals (RFP) that gives preferential treatment to retail or food service uses, under a lease, at market rates. The RFP will be developed with input from staff, the Greater Folsom Partnership, and a consultant, and will not include council subcommittee evaluation; final recommendations will come back to the full council.
• Social Host Liability for Illegal Fireworks Ordinance (Item 8): Fire Chief Ken Cassano proposed adding section 9.36.220 to the municipal code, making hosts of gatherings where illegal fireworks are discharged liable for administrative citations (up to $1,000). The ordinance is intended to address enforcement challenges where individual violators cannot be identified. Councilmembers expressed strong support, with some noting the importance of deterrence. The council voted unanimously to approve the first reading (5-0).
• Sidewalk Maintenance Responsibility Policy (Item 9): Senior Civil Engineer Ryan Chance presented three options: continue current practice (city makes repairs but assumes liability), adopt state law making property owners responsible, or enact a city ordinance with cost-sharing and tree mitigation programs. Council discussion revealed that many members believe sidewalk maintenance should remain primarily the city’s responsibility, given that many trees were required by the city. The council directed staff to return with a proposed policy or ordinance that focuses on prevention, education, and partnership with homeowners, rather than shifting liability.

Key Outcomes

• Budget Adoption Delayed: The proposed FY 2021-22 budget was not adopted; staff will bring it back for a vote at the May 25th meeting. The council will also discuss allocation of $15.3 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds on June 8th.
• Fireworks Ordinance Approved (First Reading): The social host liability ordinance passed 5-0 and will proceed to a second reading before final adoption.
• Retail Space Direction: Staff will issue an RFP for lease of the 3,700-square-foot historic district space, prioritizing retail or food service uses, with lease terms to be negotiated at market rates. The evaluation will involve staff and the Greater Folsom Partnership.
• Sidewalk Policy Next Steps: Staff will develop a draft policy or ordinance that emphasizes city responsibility for sidewalk repairs, with public education and potential tree-management programs, and bring it back to the council for further discussion.