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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Folsom City Council Regular Meeting Summary – May 14, 2024

City Council — Tuesday, May 14, 2024

BodyFolsom, California

SessionCity Council

DateTuesday, May 14, 2024

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 2:52:11

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0:01

All right, good evening.

0:02

I'm going to call to order the regular meeting of the Folsom City Council for Tuesday, May 14th, 2024.

0:08

Madam Clerk, will you please call the role?

0:11

Council members Aquino here.

0:12

Chalem Sherla.

0:14

Rodriguez here, Rohrbach.

0:16

Here.

0:16

And Kozlowski.

0:17

Also here.

0:18

And if everybody would please rise and join me for the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:30

One nation and job and indivisible liberty and justice roll.

0:38

Right.

0:41

So we are going to start out with business from the floor this evening.

0:45

We have a couple of requests to speak, but just as a reminder, this is an opportunity for people to address the city council on topics that are not already on the agenda tonight.

0:54

So if you'll please call up our speakers.

0:56

Okay, our first speaker tonight will be Sean Martin.

0:59

And Sean will be followed by Wendy Soule and Janelle Marion.

1:06

Welcome, Sean.

1:07

Good evening, Council members, city staff and community.

1:10

My name is Sean Martin.

1:11

I'm the assistant superintendent of business service for Folsom Cordova Unified School District.

1:16

And I am here today actually on behalf of the district to start kind of what we're calling a sunshine campaign.

1:22

We are wanting to reach out to our colleagues in our city level and community level to just share about some of the highlights that are going on in Folsom Cordova Unified School District and specifically here the schools in Folsom.

1:34

And so in a few minutes, Wendy Sowell, our principal from Gold Ridge Elementary is actually going to share about her wonderful garden program.

1:40

And so we hope to make this a recurring event and hopefully get out smiling faces and talk about how great our schools are here in Folsom.

1:48

I do have a couple of uh interesting tidbits about our district at the district level.

1:53

First, I'd like to share that we have uh the board is very proud to announce that they have selected a new superintendent to uh replace our outgoing retired superintendent, Dr.

2:03

Sarah Kalegian.

2:04

Um, his name is Eric Swanson, um and he will be starting on July 1st.

2:09

I know that he is already being uh in his team is reaching out uh to Folsom Cordova staff or uh Folsom City staff to schedule a meet and greet and start some introductory.

2:19

Um, and so we're excited to have him joining us.

2:21

He actually is currently serves as the senior advisor at the California Collaboration for Educational Excellence, uh, working with school districts and county offices throughout the state.

2:31

Um, prior to that, he's also been the assistant superintendent in Stockton Unified and the superintendent of St.

2:36

Hope Public Schools, which is in Sack City Unified School District.

2:40

So uh a couple other exciting events, uh, as you may know.

2:44

Next week is the end of the school year on Thursday, the 28th, or I'm sorry, the 20 uh third, um, and a couple of events that we have with regards to graduations.

2:52

Folsom High's graduation will be on Thursday, the 23rd at 7 p.m.

2:57

And Vista de Lagos will be on the 24th at 6 p.m.

3:01

Um, both of those will actually be live streamed as well for those that can't come and appear in attendance uh through Folsom TV, which is available on YouTube.

3:09

Um, and so those will be available and recorded uh for people to watch at a later date.

3:13

Um then also uh I know it seems uh short, but on August 8th, we will actually start school year back up.

3:20

Um so please enjoy your summer break.

3:23

And uh, we are very excited to open our newest elementary school, Alder Creek.

3:28

And so I know uh we'll be reaching out.

3:30

Um our communications department will be reaching out about a ribbon cutting ceremony for that event as well.

3:35

So thank you so much for having us tonight, and hopefully we can make this a recurring event.

3:39

Thank you very much, Mr.

3:40

Martin.

3:41

Okay, our next speaker, it looks like a combination of Wendy Sol and Janelle Marion, and they will be followed by Susan Spielman.

3:52

Hi, good evening, uh Mayor Kozlowski and members of the Folsom City Council.

3:56

I'm Wendy Saul, I'm the proud principal at Gold Ridge Elementary.

4:00

And I'm Janelle Marion, the proud creator of Garden Grow.

4:05

We're here to share an exciting initiative taking root at Gold Ridge Elementary, the Garden Grow Program.

4:10

This program encompasses a multifaceted approach to education, sustainability, and community engagement, and we believe it aligns closely with the values and goals of our city.

4:21

So Garden Grow at Gold Ridge Elementary goes beyond traditional gardening initiatives.

4:26

While it certainly cultivates fresh produce for our students, staff, and the community to enjoy.

4:32

It also serves as an outdoor classroom where students engage in writing, phonics, math, and hands-on learning opportunities.

4:40

By integrating curriculum-based activities into the garden setting, we provide students with immersive educational experiences that foster a deep understanding of various subjects while nurturing the love for the unique diversity of nature and the environment.

5:00

Additionally, the Garden Girl program promotes social emotional development and a sense of responsibility and respect for our school campus.

5:05

Through tending to the garden and participating in beautification projects, students learn the importance of caring for their surroundings and develop a strong sense of ownership and pride in their school environment.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Community Engagement████████████████████20%

Homelessness████████████████16%

Public Safety██████████████14%

Engineering And Infrastructure█████████9%

Budget and Finance████████8%

Procedural███████7%

Economic Development██████6%

Transportation Safety█████5%

Parks and Recreation████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Folsom City Council Regular Meeting Summary – May 14, 2024

The Folsom City Council met on May 14, 2024, at 6:30 PM in City Council Chambers. The agenda included presentations on water safety, Folsom Plan Area development, the Central Business District master plan, and a report-back on a homelessness listening session. The council also considered consent calendar items, introduced two ordinances, and discussed future budget priorities.

Public Comments & Testimony

Sean Martin (Assistant Superintendent, Folsom Cordova Unified School District) announced the selection of a new superintendent, Eric Swanson, starting July 1, 2024, and highlighted upcoming graduations and the opening of Alder Creek Elementary.
Wendy Saul (Principal, Gold Ridge Elementary) and Janelle Marion (Garden Grow creator) presented the Garden Grow program, emphasizing its educational, sustainability, and self-funding aspects. They invited the council to visit the school.
Susan Spielman (Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary docent) expressed support for the zoo sanctuary and noted that other zoos recognize Folsom's zoo. She urged the council to protect the zoo in the upcoming budget.
Peggy Plett (Zoo docent and Friends of the Folsom Zoo board president) spoke about the zoo's benefits to the broader community and supported the 1% sales tax measure, stating it equitably supports community needs.
Bruce Klein (resident, chair of the sales tax measure) urged the council to use the sales tax measure funds for economic development and to support master plans like the CBD plan.
DeAndre (business owner, Wally's Pizza Bar) raised concerns about business outreach, traffic count, and accessibility, noting that the CBD master plan committee did not adequately represent business owners. He requested more inclusive communication.

Scheduled Presentations

Proclamation – National Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Month (Mayor Kozlowski): The proclamation noted that between 2016–2021, 2,559 California residents died from drowning, 1,168 were hospitalized, and 5,854 were treated for non-fatal events. The city provides 1,770 swim lessons and 390 classes annually. The proclamation was adopted.
Folsom Plan Area Semi-Annual Report (Pam Johns, Community Development Director; Rebecca Neves, City Engineer): Reported 4,603 mapped single-family lots, 863 building permits issued in 2023, 407 permits in 2024 (through March), 3,048 homes occupied, and an estimated 8,230 residents. Mentioned affordability housing project (Mangini Place), Fire Station 34 (late summer/fall), Alder Creek Elementary, Prospector Park (early fall), and a transmission waterline project. Councilmember Aquino requested mandatory HOAs for future developments; Councilmember Chalamcherla urged tree planting and roundabout consideration.
Central Business District Master Plan Citizens Advisory Committee Report (Kathy Peace, project manager; Joe Galliardi, committee member): An online survey received 821 responses, and pop-up events engaged 125 people. Key themes: enhanced landscaping, more restaurants, special events, public gathering places, mixed-use buildings, but concerns about traffic and roundabouts. The committee noted no consensus on density or roundabouts. Next steps: draft master plan, community workshop in August, planning commission in September/October, council in October/November.
Report-Back on April 11, 2024 Homelessness Listening Session (Mayor Kozlowski and Vice Mayor Aquino): The session involved about 90 residents. Eight recommendations were presented: new park signage, enforcement of park closure hours, doubling CAPS volunteers (currently ~50), public education on helping homeless, pet licensing enforcement, prohibiting public urination/defecation, banning congregation in high-speed road right-of-ways and rail corridors, and reinstating off-trail closure during fire season. Council discussion: Councilmember Rohrbough raised concerns about resources and legal issues; Councilmember Rodriguez suggested a comprehensive plan and a committee; Councilmember Chalamcherla supported an advisory committee and county funding. The council directed staff to enforce municipal code, launch a public education campaign, and explore a community prosecutor.

Consent Calendar

Item 5: Pulled from agenda.
Item 12 (Replacement bleachers at Lembi Softball Complex): Passed 3-1 (Councilmember Rohrbough opposed, citing desire to prioritize budget).
Items 6 (Roundabout study grant), 7 (SB1 project list), 9 (Local Early Action Planning Grant), 11 (ARPA funds for HVAC), 14 (Managed grazing services contract), 15 (Chimney exhaust fan) were all approved after discussion and separate votes.

Key Outcomes

Proclamation: Adopted May 2024 as National Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Month.
Folsom Plan Area Report: Received and filed.
CBD Master Plan: Received as informational; staff to continue community outreach and bring back final plan by end of 2024.
Homelessness Recommendations: Council directed staff to enforce municipal code, enhance public education on helping homeless, and explore a community prosecutor. City Manager will follow up on trespassing authorization forms for businesses.
Ordinance 1344 (Fee schedule updates): Introduced and passed first reading (5-0). Second reading scheduled for May 28, 2024.
Ordinance 1345 (Utility billing vacancy): Introduced and passed first reading (5-0). Second reading scheduled for May 28, 2024.
Public Hearing (Item 17): Continued to May 28, 2024.
Future Agenda Items: None requested.
City Manager Report: Sales tax measure qualified for November ballot; City Works Day on May 15; Aquatic Center opens May 25; weed abatement underway; meeting adjourned in memory of retiree Kent Gary.

Meeting Transcript

All right, good evening. I'm going to call to order the regular meeting of the Folsom City Council for Tuesday, May 14th, 2024. Madam Clerk, will you please call the role? Council members Aquino here. Chalem Sherla. Rodriguez here, Rohrbach. Here. And Kozlowski. Also here. And if everybody would please rise and join me for the Pledge of Allegiance. One nation and job and indivisible liberty and justice roll. Right. So we are going to start out with business from the floor this evening. We have a couple of requests to speak, but just as a reminder, this is an opportunity for people to address the city council on topics that are not already on the agenda tonight. So if you'll please call up our speakers. Okay, our first speaker tonight will be Sean Martin. And Sean will be followed by Wendy Soule and Janelle Marion. Welcome, Sean. Good evening, Council members, city staff and community. My name is Sean Martin. I'm the assistant superintendent of business service for Folsom Cordova Unified School District. And I am here today actually on behalf of the district to start kind of what we're calling a sunshine campaign. We are wanting to reach out to our colleagues in our city level and community level to just share about some of the highlights that are going on in Folsom Cordova Unified School District and specifically here the schools in Folsom. And so in a few minutes, Wendy Sowell, our principal from Gold Ridge Elementary is actually going to share about her wonderful garden program. And so we hope to make this a recurring event and hopefully get out smiling faces and talk about how great our schools are here in Folsom. I do have a couple of uh interesting tidbits about our district at the district level. First, I'd like to share that we have uh the board is very proud to announce that they have selected a new superintendent to uh replace our outgoing retired superintendent, Dr. Sarah Kalegian. Um, his name is Eric Swanson, um and he will be starting on July 1st. I know that he is already being uh in his team is reaching out uh to Folsom Cordova staff or uh Folsom City staff to schedule a meet and greet and start some introductory. Um, and so we're excited to have him joining us. He actually is currently serves as the senior advisor at the California Collaboration for Educational Excellence, uh, working with school districts and county offices throughout the state. Um, prior to that, he's also been the assistant superintendent in Stockton Unified and the superintendent of St. Hope Public Schools, which is in Sack City Unified School District. So uh a couple other exciting events, uh, as you may know. Next week is the end of the school year on Thursday, the 28th, or I'm sorry, the 20 uh third, um, and a couple of events that we have with regards to graduations. Folsom High's graduation will be on Thursday, the 23rd at 7 p.m. And Vista de Lagos will be on the 24th at 6 p.m. Um, both of those will actually be live streamed as well for those that can't come and appear in attendance uh through Folsom TV, which is available on YouTube. Um, and so those will be available and recorded uh for people to watch at a later date. Um then also uh I know it seems uh short, but on August 8th, we will actually start school year back up. Um so please enjoy your summer break. And uh, we are very excited to open our newest elementary school, Alder Creek. And so I know uh we'll be reaching out. Um our communications department will be reaching out about a ribbon cutting ceremony for that event as well. So thank you so much for having us tonight, and hopefully we can make this a recurring event. Thank you very much, Mr. Martin. Okay, our next speaker, it looks like a combination of Wendy Sol and Janelle Marion, and they will be followed by Susan Spielman. Hi, good evening, uh Mayor Kozlowski and members of the Folsom City Council.

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