Folsom City Council Meeting Summary - May 28, 2024

On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, the Folsom City Council held a regular meeting at City Hall. The meeting included presentations, public comments, a consent calendar, a public hearing on fee updates, and a new business item placing a citizens' initiative sales tax measure on the November ballot. Key discussions centered on the city manager's proposed budget for fiscal year 2024-25, which highlighted a structural deficit, deferred maintenance, and proposed additions including a homeless outreach team and park renovations.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sherry Richter (Folsom resident): Expressed strong support for the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, highlighting its educational and tourism value, and urged the council to consider it in future budgets.
• Walter Little (Certified Stop the Bleed instructor): Described the free, 75-minute training program for bleeding emergencies and noted that California now requires Stop the Bleed kits in new construction.
• Judy Alexander: Urged the council to include education from experts, social workers, and homeless advocates in addressing homelessness; requested rehiring a professional navigator and better clarification of indirect city services for homeless individuals.
• Michael Harris: Spoke about the importance of recognizing Juneteenth as a paid city holiday and preserving the history of African Americans in Folsom, including Negro Bar.
• Janet Kurtz-Pugia (Lexington Hills resident): Advocated for funding to reconstruct Castle Park (Kids Play Park), noting its community history and that neighborhood residents are willing to partner monetarily.

Consent Calendar

• Items Approved (4,5,7,8,9,10,11,13): Routine items including meeting minutes, several ordinances (second readings), resolutions for elections, construction agreements, a lease with VFW, a grant application for electric vehicles (see item 12 discussion), and a service agreement for library repairs. Approved on a single motion.
• Item 6 (Ordinance 1344 – Cost Recovery of City Services): Pulled for discussion. Councilmember questioned removing guardrails; City Attorney clarified council retains discretion to set lower fees. Approved.
• Item 12 (Resolution 11208 – Grant for Five Light-Duty Battery Electric Vehicles): Pulled. Councilmember Rohrbough expressed concerns about high upfront cost ($130,000 per vehicle after $20,000 grant) and timing. Staff noted the grant is optional and vehicles would be city pool vehicles. Motion passed 4-1 (Rohrbough opposed).

Discussion Items

City Manager’s Proposed FY 2024-25 Budget

City Manager Elaine Andersen presented the draft budget, noting a structural deficit with flattening sales tax growth (2% vs. historical 6%) and low reserves (18.8% of expenditures). Key proposals:

• New Positions: 11 positions (8 general fund funded) including a six-officer homeless outreach team (HOT), a fire training division chief, park planner, and maintenance workers.
• One-Time Reserve Use ($1.7 million): For Kids Play Park renovation ($1.1M), community center kitchen/table replacements ($480,000), library repairs ($80,000), and data storage replacement ($60,000).
• Unfunded Needs: $38.7 million in department requests; only $3.4 million funded. Park maintenance short of $1.5 million needed; police vehicle replacement underfunded.
• Councilmember Aquino questioned the funding plan for three unbudgeted police officers via vacancy savings. CFO Stacey Tamani explained an overhire policy using historical savings ($500k/year over 5 years). Other councilmembers discussed revenue generation (sales tax justice, corporate sponsorships, improving procurement) and requested a list of cost increases.

Public Hearing: Amended User Fee Schedule (Resolution 11186)

Josh Kincaid (Community Development) presented updated building and engineering fees (last updated in 2006). Changes include tiered permits, new flat rates, and technology costs folded into hourly rates. Estimated $1 million annual revenue increase. Public comment: Bill Romanelli asked about annual CPI adjustments – staff confirmed. Approved.

New Business: Citizens’ Sales Tax Initiative (Resolution 11207)

City Attorney Steve Wong reported that a citizens’ initiative qualified with 8,279 signatures. The measure would add a 1% special sales tax (approx. $29 million/year) for six categories: police (20%), fire (20%), parks/trails (15%), streets/traffic (15%), community enhancement/economic development (15%), and capital improvements (15%). Council has a ministerial duty to place it on the November ballot.

• Public speakers: Dennis Haglin (supporter, transportation needs), Gary Qualsett (opposed, suggested cutting expenses), Dan Carson (Folsom Firefighters – supporter), Justin Raithel (Folsom Takes Action – supporter), Rich Francis (Folsom Athletic Association – supporter), Robert Goss (co-chair – supporter), Bruce Klain (supporter).
• Councilmembers expressed respect for the democratic process, with some noting the need for additional education and alternative revenue sources.
• Resolution 11207 approved unanimously; ballot placed for November 5, 2024.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Items 4,5,7,8,9,10,11,13 approved; Item 6 approved; Item 12 approved 4-1.
• FY 2024-25 Budget: First presentation; public hearing and adoption scheduled for June 11, 2024. Council to consider adjustments (e.g., fully funding six officers, council travel budget).
• User Fee Schedule (Resolution 11186): Adopted with effective date August 1, 2024.
• Sales Tax Measure (Resolution 11207): Placed on the November 5, 2024 ballot. Council directed staff to prepare impartial analysis and written arguments.
• Council Requests: Future agenda item to consider a resolution in support of a statewide Prop 47 reform measure if it qualifies for the ballot.