Folsom City Council Special and Regular Meeting – January 24, 2023

The Folsom City Council convened for a special meeting at 5:30 PM in closed session to discuss real property negotiations, existing litigation, and labor negotiations, with no final actions announced. The regular meeting began at 6:30 PM, featuring presentations, public comments, consent calendar items, discussions on ARPA funds, two master plan introductions, and a comprehensive budget workshop. The meeting adjourned in memory of the Honorable Donald Clark at approximately 11:00 PM.

Scheduled Presentations

• Resolution of Commendation: The council honored the Folsom Jr. Bulldogs for earning the 2022 Excellence in Academics and Athletics Award. President Xavier Williams accepted, and cheerleader names were read. Coach noted the cheer team placed 4th out of 11 teams at a national competition with zero deductions.
• Recognition of 2022 Holiday Lights Contest Winners: Communications Officer Chris Shepard recognized winners in five categories, each judged by a council member. Winners included Ashley Brown and Johnny Chase (Holly Jolly Resident), John DeGraaff (Hollywood Christmas), Robert and Megan Del Visco (Clark Griswold), Bayside Folsom (Merry and Bright Business), and the homes on Legemont Court and Dovergins Circle (Illuminate the Block).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Srinivasa Boka (439 Serpa Way) complained about construction at 433 Serpa Way, alleging malicious intent, height violations (planned 35 ft, built 45-48 ft), and damage to his property (cracks, leaks). He stated the city called it a civil matter and urged city supervision.
• Mark Loomis (442 Serpa Way) opposed the design of 433 Serpa Way, stating it exceeds the 35-foot height limit, blocks his western view, and will decrease his property value by $50,000. He requested a redesign harmonious with the neighborhood.
• Henry Lee (434 Serpa Way) echoed concerns, claiming the home is 42 ft high, violates city code, and will reduce property values (his by $100,000, two adjacent homes by $50,000 each). He asked for compliance with codes and equitable treatment.
• Sharon Kindle advocated for increased spending on nature, the Hinkle Creek Nature Center, tree mitigation, and parks. She urged more budget for park staff and volunteers.
• Rich Foreman (Startup Folsom) presented case studies: Gridware (Folsom founder, opened office in Walnut Creek due to perceived lack of innovation) and iRate (supported by Elk Grove, now employs 45 there). He noted Folsom is seen as an "entrepreneurial void" and encouraged investment in startup ecosystem.
• Lokesh Sakaria (Moneta Ventures, Folsom resident since 1994) supported Startup Folsom, noting other cities fund startup support and his firm invests in companies from those ecosystems. He asked the city to evaluate supporting Startup Folsom.
• John Selep (38-year resident, head of AgStart) supported Startup Folsom, sharing that his nonprofit lab incubator in Woodland has supported 10 startups, created 24 jobs, raised $46 million, and provided internships for 26 students. He urged council to consider the proposal.
• Donna Walters (20-year resident, founder of College Esports) supported Startup Folsom, noting she had to seek support outside Folsom for her nonprofit. She asked for official pathways for startups and nonprofits.
• Claire DeVries echoed Sharon Kindle's comments about Hinkle Creek and nature investment, citing Folsom's "distinctive by nature" motto.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar was approved 5-0, with items 7 and 10 pulled for discussion.
• Item 7 (SPCA Contract): Councilmember Aquino pulled for public information. Commander Lockhart explained the $80,000/year contract covers about 150 animals annually; the city lacks a shelter. Added a second animal control officer (one working, one in background). Contract holds animals 7 days (not 9). Statistics on reunification/rehoming/euthanasia will be shared. Motion to adopt passed 5-0.
• Item 10 (Fund Transfer): Councilmember Rohrbough moved to postpone the $3.2 million transfer to risk management fund until the formal budget discussion in May, arguing the fund is solvent and replenishment should be systematic. Councilmembers Aquino and Rodriguez opposed, favoring immediate restoration. Motion passed 3-2 (Chalamcherla, Kozlowski, Rohrbough yes; Aquino, Rodriguez no).

Old Business

• Item 11 – ARPA Funds Expenditure: CFO Stacey Tamanaha reported $507,700 remaining from $8.4 million allocation. Staff recommended setting aside all for the zoo perimeter fencing (USDA mandate, $1.2M estimate, $10,000/day fines after March 2024). Council discussed options: Vice Mayor Chalamcherla suggested $60,000 for pedestrian safety flashing lights and sending fence issue to Parks and Rec Commission. Councilmember Kozlowski moved to hold the funds for the fence project and ask staff to refine the project. Motion passed 5-0.
• Item 12 – Termination of Winter Storm Local Emergency: City Manager Andersen requested termination. Motion to adopt Resolution 10982 passed 5-0.

New Business

• Item 13 – River District Master Plan: Project Manager Robert Goss presented a vision for increased public access, recreation, economic development, and gateways along the American River/Lake Natoma. Council directed formation of an ad hoc advisory committee, inclusion of council members (District 1 suggested), and broad stakeholder representation. Councilmember Kozlowski volunteered to serve.
• Item 14 – Central Business District Master Plan: Project Manager Kathy Peace presented objectives for housing, economic development, pedestrian safety, and identity along East Bidwell Street. Councilmember Aquino requested expanding boundaries to include Lemby Park and extending to Natoma Street for connectivity. Council agreed to form an ad hoc committee, include council members, and seek broad participation.
• Item 15 – Preliminary Budget Workshop:
  • Mid-Year Review: Stacey Tamanaha reported a projected $103.2M expenditure ($1.2M over budget) and $23M unassigned fund balance (22% of expenditures). She recommended raising the reserve policy from 15% to at least 17% and adopting a surplus policy.
  • Roof Repairs: Council directed staff to use $900,000 contingency for sports complex roof ($725K) and 405 Natoma Station roof ($60K) (consensus, no vote needed).
  • Police Staffing: Councilmember Rohrbough moved to fund two Community Service Officers (CSOs) using unassigned fund balance, citing community demand for traffic and homeless issues. Police Chief Hillman noted 8 vacancies but 5 in backgrounds and upcoming testing. Councilmember Aquino opposed, arguing one-time funds should not fund ongoing positions. Motion passed 3-2 (Rohrbough, Kozlowski, Chalamcherla yes; Aquino, Rodriguez no).
  • Department Priorities: Department heads presented top requests (staffing, equipment, facilities) totaling over $20 million. Council agreed to hold a focused budget discussion at the February 28, 2023 regular meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Contract with SPCA (Item 7); termination of winter storm emergency (Item 12); ARPA funds reserved for zoo fence (Item 11); formation of ad hoc committees for River District and Central Business District master plans; direction to use contingency for roof repairs; funding for two CSOs from unassigned fund balance.
• Tabled: Transfer from general fund to internal service funds (Item 10) until May budget discussion.
• Deferred: Specific allocations for ARPA funds until after zoo fence project refinement.
• Next Steps: City Manager to present proposed operating and capital budgets on May 9, 2023; public hearing May 23; adoption June 15. Budget discussion workshop scheduled for February 28, 2023 regular meeting.
• Adjournment: Council adjourned in memory of the Honorable Donald Clark.