Folsom City Council Meeting Summary

The Folsom City Council held a regular meeting on April 26, 2022, at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting covered several key items, including a commendation for a local business, the introduction of a police military equipment use policy (AB481), and a public hearing on an appeal to overturn the denial of a conditional use permit for a crematorium. A technical glitch with WebEx interrupted the meeting and led to the continuance of the crematorium appeal to the next regular meeting on May 10, 2022.

Consent Calendar

• Item 3: Approval of the April 12, 2022, meeting minutes.
• Item 4: Resolution 10839 ratifying emergency replacement of fuel tanks at the Corporation Yard (CEQA exempt, fund appropriation).
• Item 5: Resolution 10840 approving the Mangini Ranch Phase 2 Village No. 3 Subdivision improvement agreement, offers of dedication, and final map.
• Item 6: Resolution 10841 authorizing purchase of a ladder truck from Golden State Fire Apparatus (Pierce) with an interfund loan and fund appropriation.
• All items were approved by a unanimous roll-call vote (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jack Henry: Addressed the council on the Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad (PSVRR), emphasizing the economic importance of the excursion railroad to Folsom tourism, citing a survey showing $67.6 million in local economic impact from the Skunk Train in Fort Bragg. Mayor Howell noted the issue belongs to the Rail JPA and offered to schedule a meeting.

Scheduled Presentations

• Commendation for 2BGlass: Mayor Howell presented a resolution honoring 2BGlass for receiving the 2021 Folsom Arts Achievement Award. The event, operated since 2018, draws thousands and features over 5,000 glass art sculptures. (No opposition or discussion.)
• Sacramento Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District Presentation: The presenter was unable to join due to a technical glitch; the item was postponed.

Discussion Item: Ordinance No. 1326 – Folsom Police Department Military Equipment Use Policy (AB481)

• Staff Presentation: Lieutenant Brian Lockhart presented the ordinance for introduction and first reading, as required by Assembly Bill 481. The bill mandates council approval and annual reporting for defined 'military equipment.' The department currently possesses eight of fifteen categories, including a Bearcat, command vehicle, drones, patrol rifles, less-lethal launchers, and tear gas. All items are already in use or owned. The policy (FPD 707) was posted online and discussed at a community meeting on March 31.
• Council Discussion: Councilmembers asked about training, regional sharing, and the nature of the equipment. Lieutenant Lockhart clarified that all officers receive training (minimum 80 hours) and that specific equipment requires specialized courses. He noted the department is not seeking approval for any new acquisitions. Mayor Howell and Councilmember Chalamcherla expressed that the disclosure is positive, highlighting the department's strength and preparedness.
• No public comments were taken as this was a new business item, not a public hearing.
• Outcome: The ordinance was introduced and given first reading. A second reading is scheduled for a future meeting.

Public Hearing: Appeal of Historic District Commission Denial – Lakeside Memorial Lawn Crematorium (PN 19-182)

• Staff Presentation: Associate Planner Josh Kincaid presented staff's recommendation to deny the appeal. The project proposes a crematory within an existing metal structure at the cemetery, with up to four cremations daily (max 500/year). Staff's initial study, including air quality and cultural resources analyses, found less-than-significant impacts under CEQA. However, the Historic District Commission denied the CUP (6-1) based on historical character concerns, citing letters from the Cemetery Advisory Commission and the Chinese Historical Society.
• Council Questions: Councilmembers sought details on the cumulative risk, the county cemetery commission's opinion, and the zoning alternatives. Responding to questions, Mr. Kincaid noted that the 140+ public comments were counted individually, even if similar. A question about the National Register status of the Chonghua Cemetery surfaced conflicting information: staff said it was eligible but not listed, while a Letter of Decision from the Chinese Historical Society indicated it was listed. This discrepancy was noted.
• Appellant, Igor Semenyuk: Representing Miller Funeral Home, argued the crematory is needed to serve the growing community's cremation needs, that traffic and air quality impacts are minimal, and that the denial was based on residents' concerns rather than data. He stressed that the facility would be modern and that the cemetery is already an operating business.
• Public Testimony on Appeal: 20 speakers addressed the council.
  • In Support of the Appeal: Laura Alba, Anita Clainey, Wendy Schneider, Lauren Claney, Andre Semenyuk, and others emphasized the dignity of the service, the inability to meet demand, cultural needs, and the inconvenience of sending remains to Yuba City or Marysville.
  • In Opposition to the Appeal: Megan McClure, Terry Sorensen, Nancy Oldham, Sean Gates, Joy Hayes, Mary Johnson, Deborah Grassle, Peter Lucego, Helen Walsh, Steve Walsh, Victoria Foster, June Chan, and others expressed concerns about impacts on the historical character of the area, air quality and health risks, fire danger from propane tanks, property values, and the 'ick factor.' Several referenced the Chonghua Cemetery's importance to the Chinese community. Some noted that the initial study and noise analysis were inadequate.
• Technical Glitch Continuance: Due to the WebEx, the council unanimously voted (5-0) to continue the public hearing to the May 10, 2022, meeting. The council will accept additional public comment at that time. Those who already spoke are encouraged not to repeat.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Unanimously approved (5-0).
• Ordinance No. 1326: Introduced and read for the first time. A second reading is scheduled.
• Crematorium Appeal: Continued to May 10, 2022; no decision made.
• City Manager Reports: Community events announced: Drug Take Back Day (April 30), Folsom Monitoring Station Open House (April 27), and Community Service Day (September 17). A housing study is open for public input.
• Councilmember Items: Councilmember Aquino requested expanding the scope of a consultant contract to assess the Superintendent's House for potential renovation; consensus was reached, and City Manager will review. Councilmember Kozlowski reported on SACOG's regional trail plan and funding. Councilmember Rodriguez updated on the STA executive search. Vice Mayor Rodriguez also urged the public to obey traffic laws.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 9:16 PM.