Folsom City Council Meeting Summary - May 25, 2021

The Folsom City Council convened on May 25, 2021, for a special closed session at 6:15 PM followed by a regular meeting at 6:30 PM. Key topics included the fiscal year 2021–22 budget, a workshop on the City Council Governance Manual, a discussion on Governor Newsom's drought emergency declaration, and public comment on homelessness and water conservation. The council approved the budget as presented, continued the legislative platform item, and directed staff on drought outreach and governance manual revisions.

Consent Calendar

• Item 7 (Local Road Safety Plan) was continued to a later meeting.
• Items 3–6, 8, 10–12 were approved as a consent block.
• Item 9 (Resolution 10630 – Grant to Bidwell Place, LP for affordable housing) was pulled by Councilmember Howell due to recusal; the remaining council approved it 4-0.
• Item 13 (Mangini Ranch Phase 1 Subdivision) was pulled for discussion regarding warranty language; after explanation from the city attorney, it was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jay Coffer advocated for providing showers for unhoused residents, stating "it's a basic human need" and argued that supporting hygiene reduces crime and improves mental health.
• Gene Schumann (Jake's Journey Home) expressed frustration with systemic shortfalls and noted that a mobile shower opportunity was missed due to lack of a hose bib; called for saying "yes" to more services.
• Jason Davis criticized the city's cooling station management in 2020, saying it was underutilized and poorly advertised; suggested planning ahead and noted that unhoused individuals often cannot reach the location.
• Rennie James (written) requested replacement of trees and trash can repairs at Briggs Ranch Park, offering to donate trees.
• During the budget item, several speakers addressed homelessness:
  • Heather Riley requested funding for showers, recovery housing, and outpatient programs.
  • Beth Crotell urged the city to shift from "managing" to "intervention and prevention," proposing a community care center; she supported the $25,000 line item but called it insufficient.
  • Vijay Janalogata supported increasing the $25,000 to $50,000 and suggested creating a commission to oversee homelessness spending; the city manager clarified staff costs are already allocated regardless.
  • Judy Alexander (HART volunteer) highlighted new Bidwell Suites units (20 units, 30% for Folsom residents) and HART's transitional housing program, urging continued support.
  • Elena Hanrahan (written) expressed support for allocating COVID relief funds to unhoused populations.

Discussion Items

• Budget Adoption (Item 14): City Manager Elaine Andersen reported that the city will receive approximately $8.375 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), far less than the expected $15.3 million, due to a classification error. She and the mayor are meeting with Congressman Ami Bera to seek restoration. The proposed budget includes $25,000 for homelessness (in addition to over $900,000 in existing staff costs). Councilmember Chalamcherla moved to add $45,000 from the contingency fund for three student assistants (two for Parks and Rec, one for Communications); the motion lacked a second and the budget was approved as presented, with a commitment to revisit if revenues improve.
• Governance Manual Workshop (Item 15): Staff presented sections on communications and meeting protocols. Council discussed AB 992 restrictions on social media (no commenting or liking each other's posts on city matters), proper meeting flow (staff presentation, council questions, public comment, follow-up questions, motion, deliberation, vote), and several wording clarifications. Direction given to bring final document back by end of June.
• Drought State of Emergency (Item 17): Marcus Yasu Taki outlined the governor's order and the Regional Water Authority's request for a voluntary 10% water use reduction. The council favored education and targeted outreach (e.g., utility bill inserts, smart controller rebates, three-day-per-week watering recommendations) rather than mandatory measures. No formal vote; staff directed to implement enhanced outreach.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the fiscal year 2021–22 budgets for the city, Successor Agency, and financing authorities (unanimous).
• Continued the Legislative Platform and Advocacy Manual (Item 16) to the next meeting for further review.
• Directed staff to finalize the City Council Governance Manual with the changes discussed (meeting protocol order, social media guidance) and bring it back for adoption.
• No action on drought; staff to proceed with voluntary conservation messaging and evaluate rebate programs.
• Item 7 (Local Road Safety Plan) and item 13 (subdivision) were handled as noted.
• Next regular meeting scheduled for June 8, 2021.