Folsom City Council Special and Regular Meeting – July 26, 2022

On July 26, 2022, the Folsom City Council convened for a special meeting at 3:00 PM (closed session) followed by a regular meeting at 6:30 PM. The regular meeting included presentations, a public hearing, consent calendar items, and a major discussion on a multifamily housing study. The council directed staff on several items, including moving forward with a permanent residential permit parking program in the historic district and advancing technical studies for zoning changes to accommodate more housing. The meeting adjourned at 9:17 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Items 4–6 (minutes approval, Badger Meter contract amendment, Ferguson Group advocacy contract extension) were approved unanimously. Item 5 had a revised staff report.
• Item 7 (Resolution No. 10896 rejecting all proposals for the City Hall Boiler and HVAC Replacement Design-Build Project) was pulled by Councilmember Aquino, who noted the process had required four attempts and urged process improvements. The resolution was adopted unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Business from the Floor: Darren Sandeski, a new resident of Folsom Ranch Enclave, expressed concern about a proposed Chevron station less than 100 feet from the property easement, noting three existing stations on Pedro. He asked the council to continue looking into the issue.
• Public Hearing (CFD No. 23): No speakers for or against the amendment. No written protests were received.
• Housing Study: Dave Economy, representing family property on East Bidwell, spoke against the proposed density increases, parking reductions, and the conceptual use of the Snowline Hospice site. He cited concerns about parking spillover, construction costs, and the lack of robust transit. He requested continued input as plans develop.

Discussion Items

• Presentation from Folsom History (formerly Folsom Historical Society): Executive Director (name not given) presented the organization's rebranding, new exhibits (e.g., "Folsom CA: A History of Innovation"), plans for Pioneer Village and the Chinese Heritage Museum, and a strategic plan to serve as a community connector. Councilmembers praised the transformation.
• Parks and Recreation Commission Perspectives 2022 Report: Commissioners Will Kempton, Brian Wallace, and Marina Light presented the commission-authored report, highlighting 88% public satisfaction with the park system. They identified challenges (maintenance, funding) and potential solutions: public-private partnerships, a park foundation, sponsorships, volunteerism, and grant funding. The report will be posted on the city website.
• Historic District Residential Permit Parking Pilot – Report and Direction: Public Works Director Mark Rackovan presented outcomes of the six-month pilot (Dec 2021–June 2022) on Figueroa Street and adjacent blocks. Of 62 addresses, 46 (74%) applied for 223 permits (average 4.8 per address, including many guest placards). The pilot restricted parking Fridays and Saturdays 6 p.m. to midnight. Observations showed a 50% reduction in non-resident cars within the boundary (from ~140 to ~60 vehicles), but no significant diversion to the parking garage or light rail lots. Enforcement was light (24 citations over six months). Community feedback: 19 total comments – 9 positive, 5 negative, 5 neutral. Estimated pilot cost was $12,000. Key issues: enforcement funding, permit fees, and guest pass policy. Council directed staff to bring back a draft ordinance for a permanent program at the August 23 meeting, with guidance to consider charging for permits (including guest passes), longer-term permits, and exploring CAPS volunteer enforcement.
• Targeted Multi-Family and Mixed-Use Housing Study – Results and Recommendations: Principal Planner Desmond Parrington presented the study, funded by SACOG, to address state housing element mandates. The city must plan for 6,000+ housing units over eight years, with over half for lower-income households. The study focused on three areas: East Bidwell Corridor, Glen Station/Iron Point transit-oriented development, and Folsom Town Center. Recommendations included increasing density from 30 to 40 dwelling units per acre (with a minimum of 30), introducing floor area ratio (FAR) caps (1.5–4.0 depending on location), height increases (up to 6 stories near transit), build-to lines instead of setbacks, and parking reductions (as low as 0.7 spaces per unit) with alternative mobility options. The Planning Commission recommended reducing FAR to 3.0, heights to 5 stories, and requiring design standards such as stepbacks and massing breaks. Council discussion: Mayor Howell expressed strong support for all changes along Folsom Boulevard but wanted East Bidwell treated separately due to lack of vacant land and existing businesses. Councilmember Kozlowski supported all six questions, noting the need for design standards. Councilmember Rodriguez supported the changes but voiced concerns about parking reductions and suggested careful consideration of parking impacts. The council directed staff to proceed with technical and environmental studies, incorporating the comments made, and to return with proposed amendments to the General Plan and Folsom Plan Area Specific Plan.

Key Outcomes

• CFD No. 23 Amendment: Council unanimously adopted Resolution Nos. 10893 and 10894 and introduced Ordinance No. 1330 (first reading) to amend the rate and method of apportionment for Improvement Area No. 6, eliminating the facility special tax on high-density and non-residential properties. The special election resulted in 29 votes in favor, 0 opposed.
• Historic District Parking Pilot: Council directed staff to prepare a permanent permit parking ordinance for the August 23 meeting, with parameters including fee structures, guest pass policies, and enforcement options.
• Housing Study: Staff will proceed with technical and environmental studies over the next 12 months, incorporating council direction on densities, heights, FAR, design standards, and parking reductions. A future council meeting will consider proposed General Plan and Specific Plan amendments.
• City Manager Report: Announced $4 million in federal funding secured by Representative Ami Bera for the Riley Street Safety Improvements Project (sidewalks, bike lanes). Promoted National Night Out (August 2) and the Neighbors Helping Seniors program for Community Service Day (applications due August 12).