Folsom City Council Special and Regular Meeting - July 11, 2023

The Folsom City Council convened a closed-session special meeting at 5:00 PM and opened the regular meeting at 6:30 PM on July 11, 2023. The regular meeting included a proclamation, approval of routine consent calendar items, a major policy change to eliminate library late fines, and a decision to share the cost of a school district reorganization feasibility study. Councilmember Anna Rohrbough was absent due to a family tragedy.

Consent Calendar

• Approved items 2 through 17 as amended (item 15 with a revised staff report), including minutes from prior meetings, multiple purchase and service agreements (e.g., chemicals for water treatment, a boom truck, a street sweeper), a cannabis tax fund grant from California Highway Patrol ($92,772.60), a lease agreement with Pour Leadership Inc., and appointments to advisory committees. All consent items passed unanimously by a 4-0 vote (Rohrbough absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• From the Floor (non-agenda): Anita Bogdanov, a Folsom resident, homeowner, taxpayer, and voter, expressed opposition to locating a card room at 400 Iron Point Drive near a residential neighborhood. She cited concerns about increased crime and safety, noting that comparisons to the former card room on East Bidwell were inaccurate because the proposed business is a different type. She requested the card room not be placed in a residential area and quoted Mayor Rodriguez’s State of the City speech emphasizing community and safety.
• On Agenda Item 18 (Library Fines): Rupini Janalagata, a 21-year Folsom resident, supported eliminating late fines, citing research that fines do not affect overdue behavior but discourage library use, especially among lower-income households. Vijay Janalagata, a library commissioner, added that 3,190 Folsom patron cards (9% of total) are blocked due to fines, including 822 youth patrons, and that fines represent only about 1% of library revenue.

Discussion Items

• Resolution No. 11069 – Library Late Fines Elimination (Item 18): Library Director Tom Grnison presented the recommendation to discontinue late fines, aligning with regional best practices. He explained that fines generate only about 1% of the library budget but block 8–11% of residents from using the library, disproportionately affecting lower-income households. Folsom is the last library in Sacramento County with late fines, causing confusion and inequity. Councilmembers expressed strong support, citing equity, improved customer service, and consistency with neighboring libraries. No opposition was voiced. The resolution was moved and seconded.
• Memorandum of Understanding for FCUSD Reorganization Feasibility Study (Item 19): City Manager Elaine Andersen proposed that the city pay one-third ($24,166.67) of a $72,500 feasibility study to be conducted by School Services of California, evaluating the potential split of the Folsom Cordova Unified School District. The other two-thirds would be shared by FCUSD and the City of Rancho Cordova. Councilmember Mike Kozlowski opposed spending city funds, arguing that a split appears unlikely due to demographic criteria and that the city should not cut other services. Councilmember Sarah Aquino supported the MOU, noting partnership value and a desire to eventually annex the American River Canyon area into Folsom Cordova. Vice Mayor YK Chalamcherla supported it as a goodwill gesture to collect updated demographic data. A motion to approve was made and seconded.

Key Outcomes

• Item 18 (Library Fines): Resolution 11069 adopted unanimously by a 4-0 vote (Rohrbough absent). Effective immediately, the city will no longer collect late fines on overdue library materials.
• Item 19 (Feasibility Study MOU): Motion passed 3-1 (Chalamcherla, Aquino, and Rodriguez in favor; Kozlowski opposed). The city will reimburse FCUSD one-third of the study cost, funded through budget adjustments.
• Meeting Adjournment: The regular meeting was adjourned at 7:31 PM in memory of Keoni Hubbard (nephew of Councilmember Rohrbough), K9 Officer Reno, John Snook (founder of Snook’s Candy), and Kirsten Davis (local teacher).

City Manager Reports & Council Comments

• City Manager announced that Assemblyman Josh Hoover secured $425,000 in state funding for the Johnny Cash Trail Art Experience (Cash’s Pick No. 2); a groundbreaking occurred for Prospector Park and Fire Station 44 south of Highway 50; the free Friday evening concert series continues; and the Green Bidden organics program marked its first anniversary with over 11,000 tons of organic material diverted since July 2022, including a record-breaking 27 tons in May 2023 from Folsom businesses.
• Councilmembers thanked staff and volunteers, promoted National Night Out on August 2nd, encouraged residents to apply for vacancies on the Landscaping and Lighting District Advisory Committee, and recognized the successful Folsom Rodeo.