Folsom City Council Special and Regular Meeting - February 28, 2023

The Folsom City Council convened for a special meeting at 6:00 PM followed by a regular meeting at 6:30 PM on February 28, 2023. The special meeting consisted solely of a closed session (no final action reported). The regular meeting included public comments, a proclamation, a presentation on short-term rental tax enforcement, approval of a consent calendar, a controversial vote to add two community service officer positions, unanimous designation of two landmark trees, and a discussion on developing a city water vision. The meeting adjourned at 8:02 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from January 24, 2023 and February 14, 2023 meetings.
• Appointed an at-large member to the Folsom Historic District Commission.
• Authorized amendments, appropriations, and agreements for water/sewer infrastructure projects (Resolutions 10990–10995).
• Authorized installation of all-way stop signs at Parkshore Drive and Plaza Drive.
• Authorized an agreement with Flock Safety for traffic/automated license plate reader cameras.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Denise Taylor and Gary Bolin each spoke in support of a joint city council–traffic safety committee public workshop to address hazardous conditions on the East Natoma/Folsom Lake Crossing corridor, urging prompt scheduling.
• Nitya Narasimhan (a Vista Delago High School junior) requested the city council implement Senate Bill 54 to reduce single-use plastics, citing that California discards 285 Olympic pools worth of plastic daily and that packaging waste occupies 25% of landfill space. She noted Los Angeles County’s 2022 ordinance banning polystyrene and requiring compostable/recyclable foodware.
• Agami Rao described the 16th annual Health for Humanity Yogathon (Surya Namaskar Yagna) organized by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), reporting 46,131 sun salutations performed in the Greater Sacramento area, with the Roseville chapter achieving 27,422 salutations, the highest of any chapter in California and second in the U.S.

Proclamation

• Mayor Rosario Rodriguez presented a proclamation recognizing HSS’s Health for Humanity Yogathon, encouraging community participation. Pradeep Mishra, an HSS volunteer and nine-year Folsom resident, accepted and thanked the council, noting the event’s goal of promoting spiritual, mental, and physical well-being.

Presentation: Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Short-Term Rental Pilot Program

• Revenue Services Supervisor Elizabeth Hanna presented a one-year pilot program with HDL Companies to identify short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnbs) and collect the 8% TOT. HDL will use data scraping over 90 days, then send notices to operators. Councilmember Aquino asked about identification methods and whether the city could collect directly from listing platforms; Hanna noted platforms are notoriously difficult to work with. Councilmember Chalamcherla suggested pursuing both paths. The pilot will begin with letters targeted for mid-April.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 10998 – Adding Two Community Service Officer (CSO) Positions: Finance Director Stacey Tamani explained the $75,513 cost for the remaining four months of FY 2022‑23 ($217,000 annualized). She noted the ongoing deficit, upcoming budget pressures (salary increases, inflation, a $375,000 annual property tax software fee increase, underfunded fire overtime), and that ongoing expenses should be funded by ongoing revenue. Chief Hillman stated police officers remain his top priority and that a genuine emergency does not exist; CSOs would free sworn officers for patrol by handling non‑emergency calls like traffic collisions. After a motion to table failed (2‑3 with Aquino and Rodriguez in favor), a motion to pass the resolution succeeded (3‑2: Chalamcherla, Kozlowski, Rohrbough in favor; Aquino and Rodriguez opposed).
• Landmark Tree Designations (Resolutions 10996 & 10997): Community Development Director Pam Johns presented two trees: a 40‑inch‑diameter oak at 710 Sibley Street (“Grover Tree”) valued for historic significance and superior beauty, and an interior live oak at 192 Blue Ravine Road (preserved during development) also recognized for historic value and structure. Both property owners consented. Councilmember Aquino questioned the $280 fee that might discourage applicants; staff agreed to review it when the tree preservation ordinance is updated later in 2023. Barbara Leary spoke in support, noting she had filed landmark tree applications 20 years ago that were finally being addressed. Both resolutions passed unanimously (5‑0).
• Introduction of the City of Folsom Water Vision: Environmental & Water Resources Director Marcus Yasutake outlined a process to develop a long‑term water supply plan, including a stakeholder group of fewer than 20 members (including water experts, major water users like Kikkoman and Gekkeikan, homeowner associations, etc.), utility commission involvement, and consultant‑facilitated meetings. Councilmember Aquino asked about compartmentalizing service delivery to different parts of the city; Yasutake confirmed possible valving to isolate supply areas. Councilmember Chalamcherla emphasized the need for supply reliability and redundancy given climate‑change impacts and the lack of local groundwater. Mayor Rodriguez directed staff to proceed with developing the stakeholder group and issuing an RFP for a consultant, funded through enterprise fund reserves.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Resolution 10998 (adding two CSO positions) by a 3‑2 vote, appropriating $75,513 from the unassigned fund balance (emergency reserve) for the remainder of the fiscal year. The council also found that an emergency or extraordinary need exists.
• Adopted Resolution 10996 (landmark tree at 710 Sibley Street) and Resolution 10997 (landmark tree at 192 Blue Ravine Road) unanimously.
• Directed staff to move forward with a Water Vision stakeholder group and consultant procurement, with the group to include representation from the utility commission and technical experts among Folsom residents.
• The consent calendar (items 3–11) was approved without discussion.

City Manager Reports

• Upcoming traffic safety improvements on Folsom Lake Crossing and East Natoma Street: installation of 2,100 feet of metal beam median barriers, radar speed feedback signs, and a friction course overlay, starting spring 2023.
• Waste & Recycling route reviews begin March 2023; bins with more than 10% contamination will receive educational “oops” tags (no fines).
• Folsom Public Library now offers free California State Parks passes for up to three weeks.

Council Comments

• Councilmember Kozlowski reported that most of the city’s Green Means Go grant applications were recommended for approval by SACOG, pending final board action. He also highlighted a presentation at the Sacramento Regional Transit Board on zero‑emission vehicle infrastructure.
• Councilmember Rohrbough (participating by teleconference) shared positive economic development news from a conference in Monterey.
• Councilmember Aquino noted an upcoming possible rate increase of $4‑$4.50/month from Regional San (wastewater treatment) effective July 2024, subject to Prop 218 process.
• Vice Mayor Chalamcherla thanked the Folsom Athletics Association for thousands of volunteer hours and encouraged residents to participate in the Water Vision stakeholder group.
• Mayor Rodriguez acknowledged visiting high school students, praised the strategic planning session, announced a free jazz festival April 28‑29, and congratulated the fire department for raising over $71,000 for burn victims.