OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Folsom City Council Special and Regular Meeting – June 28, 2022

City Council — Tuesday, June 28, 2022
BodyFolsom, California
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, June 28, 2022
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

Okay, we will reconvene the special meeting of the Folsom City Council for Tuesday, June 22nd, 2022.

0:08

You have anything to report out?

0:10

Madam Mayor, nothing to report out of closed session.

0:13

Okay, then we will convene the regular meeting of the Folsom City Council for June 22nd, 2022.

0:19

If the court will call the royal please.

0:22

Council members Rodriguez, Kair Aquino.

0:24

Here, Shalem Chairla.

0:25

Yeah.

0:26

Kozlowski and Hal.

0:27

Here.

0:28

And if you guys will all join me in a pledge of allegiance.

0:34

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic.

0:40

Which it stands.

0:42

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

0:50

Do we have any agenda update?

0:54

You have no agenda updates this evening.

0:56

Okay.

0:57

We do have one request to speak in business from the floor.

1:00

But Loretta, is this actually about the survey that the city sent out?

1:05

Which is actually item two.

1:09

Can we save it for item two then?

1:14

Okay.

1:16

Um, do we have anybody else that would like to speak of business from the floor?

1:19

That's your opportunity to speak about anything that is not on the agenda for a maximum of three minutes, understanding that we may not um have a discussion with you about it.

1:29

Uh Madam Mayor, you do have one request to speak from an online caller.

1:34

Okay.

1:34

Actually, we have two now.

1:36

Okay.

1:36

Um, so uh first hand up, I believe, was Scott Rafferty.

1:40

If you want to go ahead and unmute yourself and talk, I'll set the three-minute timer once you start and we'll give you a 30-second warning.

1:49

Thank you.

1:50

Well, your attorney's attempt to get a federal court to dismiss the state law claims uh against uh the city of election methods failed rather spectacularly this afternoon.

2:05

So we will be back in court.

2:08

Uh and there will be district elections uh this fall.

2:12

Uh we have uh one person to thank for that.

2:16

That's the mayor.

2:17

Because two years ago, when two distinguished African Americans were being considered for counsel, the mayor said we've already had a black person, referring to the mayor, prior mayor, who had been arrested for prostitution and cocaine distribution, as if that experience was somehow relevant to Folsom and what it aspires to be today.

2:44

That's why we've had this proceeding, and that's why you are where you are.

2:49

And it was sad at the time that uh members Kozlowski and Aquino just couldn't stand up for their convictions.

2:58

But now we will have a more equitably elected council.

3:03

I hope that we can settle this.

3:06

We're going to have a discussion with your lawyers on Thursday, but just to set your expectations.

3:17

But let's assume that you can.

3:28

So I'd like to read just a few sentences of the opinion regarding Palmdale.

3:33

The current members of Palmdale City Council were elected to an unlawful election.

3:37

The citizens are entitled to have a council that truly represents all members.

3:43

More importantly, the Latino and African American citizens deserve to have their voices heard in the operation of their city.

3:50

This can only be accomplished if all members of the city council are lawfully elected to permit some members of the council to remain to obtain their office for an unlawful election will not remedy the clear violation.

4:03

Therefore, the court finds that in order to tailor an appropriate remedy to address the violation.

4:15

That's what we'll be seeking in Superior Court now that we are back in state court.

4:20

All of you need to go.

4:22

Thank you very much.

4:27

Okay, your next speaker on from the conference line will be Jason Davis.

4:32

Jason, go ahead and unmute yourself.

4:34

And when you're ready to start, go ahead.

4:39

Good evening.

4:40

Uh today I sent all of you via email public rec records that I recently requested uh from the city.

4:46

Those records were uh first one was uh regarding the Folsom Navigator, and they're provided through the police department, and I totally appreciate all the data that was given.

5:00

Um it was regarding fiscal year uh 2021 and 2022 expenses that the city um has paid for that position and all expense details and daily logs that the person has been doing in that position.

5:12

I'd requested uh the same information uh regarding animal control services.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety██████████████████18%
Parks and Recreation████████████████16%
Public Transportation████████████12%
Community Engagement████████████12%
Strategic Planning█████████9%
Budget and Finance█████████9%
Public Health████████8%
Pending Litigation████4%
Procurement Processes███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Folsom City Council Special and Regular Meeting – June 28, 2022

Note: The transcript incorrectly states the date as June 22, 2022; however, the agenda and provided meeting date confirm June 28, 2022. This summary uses the correct date.

The City Council met in a special closed session at 6:00 PM to discuss labor negotiations (no actions reported), then convened the regular meeting at 6:30 PM. The meeting included a proclamation, presentation of city survey results, public comments, consent calendar approvals, and council reports.

Proclamation

  • Mayor Rodriguez presented a proclamation declaring July 2022 as "Parks Make Life Better" Month in Folsom, recognizing the importance of parks and recreation. Parks and Recreation Director Lorraine Pajoni thanked the council and the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Scott Rafferty (online): Reported that the city’s attempt to dismiss state law claims in a voting rights lawsuit failed earlier that day. He criticized Mayor Howell for a past comment about African American candidates and predicted district elections would be implemented. He cited a court opinion regarding Palmdale and urged the council to leave.
  • Jason Davis (online): Requested public records regarding the Folsom Navigator position and animal control services. He expressed disappointment that the Navigator does not keep daily statistics, stating the position costs about $60,000 per year and questioned how success is measured without documentation. He praised the animal control logs.
  • Loretta (in-person): Commented on the upcoming survey presentation, cautioning the council not to rely solely on survey results as the survey was based on the existing budget rather than the general plan goals and current issues like historic district parking and homelessness.

Discussion Items

1. City Survey Results and Direction to Staff The city manager, Elaine, introduced the survey process. Two consultants presented:

  • Brian Godby (Godby Research) – Polling results (March 16–24, 2022):

    • 89% of residents satisfied with quality of life (8:1 ratio).
    • 86% satisfied with city services; 64% satisfied with management of public funds.
    • For a hypothetical 1-cent sales tax measure, initial support was 60% (Nov 2024 universe) and 57% (Nov 2022). After hearing pros/cons, support dropped to 54% and 53% respectively.
    • A half-cent measure showed 59% support (Nov 2024) and 58% (Nov 2022), indicating price sensitivity.
    • Voter priorities: maintaining 911/fire/paramedic response times, parks, drought mitigation, street repair, police patrols, fire protection, wildfire protection.
    • Effective opposition arguments: funds can be used for any purpose (blank check), county considering another tax, waste reduction.
    • Preferred information source: city e-newsletter (26%).

  • Bonnie Moss (Clifford Moss) – Community survey results (mailed to 29,000 households, 4,773 responses, 1,209 written comments):

    • Response rate of 16.5% (15 times higher than typical).
    • Top priorities: 1) Public safety (74% ranked first), 2) Wildfire protection, 3) Street repairs, parks/trails, disaster preparedness.
    • Comments ranged from praise to specific suggestions.

Council discussion:

  • Councilmember Kozlowski urged scheduling a discussion on a sales tax measure.
  • Councilmember Aquino agreed and asked for ballot language at the next meeting.
  • Councilmember Chalamcherla supported discussion but noted the city only has one chance; he preferred a presidential election year for best odds.
  • Councilmember Rodriguez supported the discussion.
  • The council directed staff to bring ballot language for both half-cent and full-cent general sales tax measures to the July 12, 2022 meeting.

2. Item 4 (Consent Calendar Pulled) – Resolution No. 10873: Landscaping Contract with BrightView Landscape Services Councilmember Chalamcherla pulled the item to discuss the contract amount ($1.98 million annually) and a separate $430,000 for unscheduled work. He suggested exploring volunteer opportunities to reduce costs. Councilmember Aquino suggested sending the item to the Landscape and Lighting Commission for input. Staff explained that the current contractor, Terracare, would not extend month-to-month at the lower rate; the new contract reduces service frequency (e.g., pruning from 4x to 2x per year). After discussion, Chalamcherla withdrew his motion to approve a one-year contract. The council approved the item as presented.

3. Item 6 (Consent Calendar Pulled) – Resolution No. 10875: Donated Furniture Councilmember Kozlowski praised former Mayor McLeod for the donation and moved approval. The item was approved.

Consent Calendar

  • Items 3, 5, 7–13 were approved en bloc by a single motion (Councilmember Rodriguez, Aquino, Chalamcherla, Kozlowski, Howell all yes).
  • Items 4 and 6 were pulled and approved separately (see above).

City Manager Reports

  • Beginning July 1, 2022, residents must recycle food waste per SB 1383. Free kitchen countertop pails will be distributed at events.
  • National Night Out: Register events by July 14.
  • Citizens Academy: 12-week program starting August 10.
  • Stricter penalties for illegal fireworks: $1,000 fine for property owners. Report non-emergency fireworks to 461-6400; use 911 only for emergencies.

Council Comments

  • Councilmember Aquino: Visited roundabouts in Rocklin and Lincoln; asked staff to report on feasibility of roundabouts in new developments (south of 50) and retrofitting existing intersections. Also raised concerns about virtual meeting technology issues and suggested phasing out remote participation, but noted the council meetings have reliable support.
  • Councilmember Kozlowski: Thanked the Folsom Historic District Association for the parade; promoted the Pro Rodeo. Supported roundabouts.
  • Councilmember Chalamcherla: Thanked parade organizers; suggested recognizing them at City Hall. Supported roundabouts for speed reduction. Noted attending the Cal Cities conference. Thanked staff for cooling stations during heat.
  • Mayor Howell: Urged safe driving, careful fireworks use, and keeping pets inside. Noted a serious hit-and-run accident at Blue Ravine and Gavin.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved: Consent calendar items (3, 5, 7–13) en bloc; items 4 and 6 individually.
  • Directive: Staff to bring draft ballot language for a half-cent and full-cent general sales tax measure to the July 12, 2022 City Council meeting.
  • No action: Councilmember Aquino’s request for a roundabout feasibility study will be considered by staff; no formal vote.
  • No action: Discussion on virtual meeting technology was deferred; staff will monitor issues.
  • Next Steps: The July 12 meeting will include a formal discussion on the sales tax measure and potential ballot language.

Meeting Transcript

Okay, we will reconvene the special meeting of the Folsom City Council for Tuesday, June 22nd, 2022. You have anything to report out? Madam Mayor, nothing to report out of closed session. Okay, then we will convene the regular meeting of the Folsom City Council for June 22nd, 2022. If the court will call the royal please. Council members Rodriguez, Kair Aquino. Here, Shalem Chairla. Yeah. Kozlowski and Hal. Here. And if you guys will all join me in a pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic. Which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Do we have any agenda update? You have no agenda updates this evening. Okay. We do have one request to speak in business from the floor. But Loretta, is this actually about the survey that the city sent out? Which is actually item two. Can we save it for item two then? Okay. Um, do we have anybody else that would like to speak of business from the floor? That's your opportunity to speak about anything that is not on the agenda for a maximum of three minutes, understanding that we may not um have a discussion with you about it. Uh Madam Mayor, you do have one request to speak from an online caller. Okay. Actually, we have two now. Okay. Um, so uh first hand up, I believe, was Scott Rafferty. If you want to go ahead and unmute yourself and talk, I'll set the three-minute timer once you start and we'll give you a 30-second warning. Thank you. Well, your attorney's attempt to get a federal court to dismiss the state law claims uh against uh the city of election methods failed rather spectacularly this afternoon. So we will be back in court. Uh and there will be district elections uh this fall. Uh we have uh one person to thank for that. That's the mayor. Because two years ago, when two distinguished African Americans were being considered for counsel, the mayor said we've already had a black person, referring to the mayor, prior mayor, who had been arrested for prostitution and cocaine distribution, as if that experience was somehow relevant to Folsom and what it aspires to be today. That's why we've had this proceeding, and that's why you are where you are. And it was sad at the time that uh members Kozlowski and Aquino just couldn't stand up for their convictions. But now we will have a more equitably elected council. I hope that we can settle this. We're going to have a discussion with your lawyers on Thursday, but just to set your expectations. But let's assume that you can. So I'd like to read just a few sentences of the opinion regarding Palmdale. The current members of Palmdale City Council were elected to an unlawful election. The citizens are entitled to have a council that truly represents all members. More importantly, the Latino and African American citizens deserve to have their voices heard in the operation of their city. This can only be accomplished if all members of the city council are lawfully elected to permit some members of the council to remain to obtain their office for an unlawful election will not remedy the clear violation. Therefore, the court finds that in order to tailor an appropriate remedy to address the violation. That's what we'll be seeking in Superior Court now that we are back in state court.

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