Folsom City Council Special & Regular Meeting – March 28, 2023

The Folsom City Council held a special meeting at 6:00 PM that immediately adjourned to closed session for labor negotiations with police middle management, reporting no final action. The regular meeting convened at 6:30 PM, featuring a lengthy agenda that included a public hearing on a 136-unit affordable senior housing project, adoption of a five-year strategic plan, renewal of the Historic Folsom Property and Business Improvement District (PBID), and discussion of housing capacity to meet state mandates. The meeting lasted until 11:05 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved, with the exception of items pulled for discussion: items 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8 were adopted by a single motion. Item 9 (2022 General Plan Annual Progress Report) was pulled for public comment and then approved unanimously after comment.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Beverly Sees, Director of the Heart of Folsom Winter Shelter, reported on the shelter’s 11-week season (one week shorter than the prior year). Seven faith communities hosted, ten host groups and four restaurants participated, and approximately 70 volunteers worked 400+ shifts. She thanked the city for support.
• Jennifer Lane, a 40-year resident of Old Town Folsom, requested information on the River District ad hoc committee and asked how many people are on it and when a decision will be made.
• Ethan Walker, an 11th grader from Vista Del Lago High School, presented a petition with 212 signatures in support of implementing California’s SB 54 (plastic reduction) in Folsom, citing environmental and health benefits.

Discussion Items

• TEDCorp Quarterly Report (Item 1): Presented by Joe Galliardi, Laura Fickle, and Phil Scott. They highlighted launch of a tourism asset study, the new VisitFolsom.com website (April 1), economic development zone mapping, and data capture through Zardeco. 19 large business visits were made (including Dignity Health, UC Davis, PowerSchool, Micron, Intel). They also introduced Daniel Kaye, founder of Baconics, a subscription platform for tech product invention, which raised $1.3 million in funding and employs six people.
• Resolution No. 11006 – Greenback Sewer and Lift Station No. 3 (Item 4): Vice Mayor Chalamcherla noted only one bid ($2.5M) was received despite advertising. He motioned to reject all bids to seek more competition. The motion failed (1-4), and the project was subsequently approved (4-1).
• Resolution No. 11010/11011 and Ordinance No. 1338 – CFD No. 23 Amendment (Item 10): Public hearing held. The amendment adjusts maximum facilities special tax for Improvement Area No. 2 (291 units, 5.1 acres non-residential). No written protests were received. The election (mailed ballot) resulted in 32 votes for, 0 against. All resolutions and the ordinance passed unanimously.
• Resolution No. 11007 – Historic Folsom PBID Renewal (Item 11): Presented by Jim Snook (FHDA president) and Christine Brainerd. The PBID has been in place since 2008 and is proposed for a 10-year renewal (2024-2033). Benefits cited: 17 annual events, 230,000 visitors, increased property values, enhanced maintenance. The council unanimously approved the resolution authorizing the city manager to sign the petition and ballot.
• Housing Element Program H-2 – Additional Housing Capacity (Item 12): Staff (Stephanie Henry) presented a plan to add ~6,000 units of residential capacity across three targeted areas (East Bidwell corridor, transit stations, and Folsom Plan Area) to meet state no-net-loss requirements and future RHNA cycles. Planning Commission expressed concerns about traffic and infrastructure. Council provided direction to proceed with assumptions and return with technical studies.
• Appeal of Vintage Senior Apartments (Item 13): Katharine Gray and neighbors appealed the Planning Commission’s approval of a 136-unit affordable senior (55+) apartment project at 103 East Natoma Street. Appellants argued the project violates the General Plan (site zoned professional office, not in identified housing areas), creates traffic/pedestrian safety hazards, and has inadequate parking. Project applicant (Robert Holder, Jen Van Gerpen) and staff (Steve Banks) countered that the project meets all objective standards and the Housing Accountability Act (HAA) prevents denial absent specific findings. After public testimony (multiple residents opposed, one speaker supported), the council denied the appeal 4-1, amending condition #3 (project approval reduced from 3 to 2 years) and condition #54 (removing designation of 6 guest spots, requiring 136 total parking spaces and a residential permit program for no more than 130 permits).
• Resolution No. 11015 – Strategic Plan FY2023-28 (Item 14): City Manager Elaine Andersen presented the plan, developed through stakeholder input and three workshops. Goals: financial stability, public safety, economic/community development, organizational effectiveness. Council amended priorities (move Folsom Plan Area financing plan to earlier column, delay parks master plan update). Adopted unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Item 4 (Greenback Sewer): Motion to reject all bids failed (1-4); project awarded to McGuire and Hester (4-1).
• Vote on Item 10 (CFD No. 23): All three actions adopted unanimously (5-0).
• Vote on Item 11 (PBID Renewal): Resolution adopted unanimously (5-0).
• Vote on Item 13 (Senior Housing Appeal): Appeal denied (4-1); project conditions amended as described.
• Vote on Item 14 (Strategic Plan): Resolution adopted unanimously (5-0).
• Council Member Requests: Councilmember Rohrbough requested an ad hoc committee on budget oversight. Councilmember Aquino requested a letter opposing AB 742 (restricting police canine use).
• Future Agenda Items: City manager will bring implementation plan for strategic plan with dates.