The Folsom City Council held a regular meeting, followed by joint meetings of the Folsom Redevelopment Successor Agency, Folsom Public Financing Authority, Folsom Ranch Financing Authority, and South of 50 Parking Authority, on December 14, 2021, at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. The council considered a wide range of items, including scheduled presentations, a consent calendar, multiple public hearings, old business, new business, appointments, and the election of the mayor and vice mayor for 2022. Key outcomes included approval of new solid waste rates with modifications, sale of surplus land to Habitat for Humanity, rejection of a fiber network agreement, and selection of a new mayor and vice mayor.
Taken many walks along Hinkle Creek Trail over the years. We've hunted for tadpoles, searched for items on the nature scavenger hunt, and enjoyed the beautiful trees. My mom will point out what some of the trees are. We've even had a friend take us on a nature walk and identify some of the plants. A nature center would allow us to take a deeper look at learning about the natural species in our area. This kind of knowledge would help us better take care of our environment and the animals that live among us. Please consider providing a nature center that would serve my family and our community. Thank you. Okay, next is Olivia Klein, and she will be followed by Jennifer Lane. Okay, go ahead. Hello, my name is Olivia Klein, and I am in third grade at Carlson Elementary School. I am eight years old. I live in Folsom in American River Canyon. I'm here today to talk about why it is important to have a nature center. Nature is beautiful, and I think it is important to learn about it with my friends and family. If we could have a nature center, it would be fun to learn about the animals that walked in my neighborhood like the skunks, turkeys, squirrels, deers, and birds. And that is why I would like to have a nature center in Folsom. Thank you for your time. Thank you, Miss Klein. Well done. Hi there. Good evening. You can pick the mic up. Good evening. I'm back. As most of you know, I was an elementary school teacher with Folsom Cordova school district for many years. All parts are valued in nature and science. Where we could study birds and other wildlife, including native plants. This is built in with respect. This must be taught. Why do we need to go to other nature centers when we have the very place to study nature here? Our very own city corporation yard right next to Lake Natoma. Let's build our own nature center and take care of this for all our children and others to share this experience. I hope that I have just planted a seed for this idea. I believe that I was put on earth to teach children about this sensitive subject, nature. And thank you for your time tonight. Thank you, Ms. Lynn. Next will be Crystal Tobias and Crystal will be followed by Rebecca Bornamisa. Good evening. I'm Crystal Tobias, longtime city volunteer and activist and co-founder of Friends of Lakes Folsom and Natoma. I want to take a moment to thank the city for their efforts in preserving Folsom's trees, plus all the other hard work that they do to keep our city clean and safe. Oaks are a keystone species that provide a rich source of food and shelter to many creatures and have a positive effect on the surrounding soil and water. They directly or indirectly benefit a wide range of species, including deer, a variety of small mammals, many bird species, some that are declining rare or endangered, reptiles and amphibians, and other organisms. According to Michigan State University, a mature tree is worth 193,250 by generating oxygen, controlling pollution and soil erosion, recycling water, and providing a home for animals. This does not include the value of fruit or lumber. Since I was five years old, I've wanted to live in historic Folsom due to the proximity of the American River's Riparian Corridor. The Greater Folsom area is amazingly beautiful and diverse and is truly a perfect setting for a nature center. Amazingly enough, we have such a center in the Hinkle Creek Nature Area. We are here tonight to strongly encourage the city to continue working towards opening that center to the public, including student groups, and investing in an educational program that would have a lasting positive effect on the people, especially children who visit the center.