Folsom City Council Regular Meeting and Joint Authorities Meeting - September 24, 2024

The Folsom City Council held a regular meeting on September 24, 2024, simultaneously convening joint meetings of the Folsom Redevelopment Successor Agency, the Folsom Public Financing Authority, the Folsom Ranch Financing Authority, and the South of 50 Parking Authority. The council approved consent calendar items, conducted public hearings on alley parking restrictions and a subdivision map amendment for Folsom Heights, and authorized the issuance of up to $50 million in special tax revenue bonds for Community Facilities District No. 18. Citizens provided extensive public comment on Measure G, a proposed sales tax increase on the November ballot, and on transit service changes.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution 11259 – Authorized a contract change order with Mozingo Construction for the Folsom Boulevard 27-Inch Trunk Sewer Project.
• Resolution 11262 – Authorized renewal of GIS software agreement with ESRI.
• Resolution 11264 – Authorized construction of sidewalks on Old Ranch Way and Savannah Parkway.
• Resolution 11265 – Authorized Amendment No. 3 with HydroScience Engineers for design services for the Ashland Water Rehabilitation Project.
• Resolution 11267 – Authorized construction of a median fence at Folsom High School.
• Resolution 11268 – Authorized a grant reduction amendment with SACOG and addition of $15,000 from the Housing Fund.
• Resolution 11269 – Authorized an agreement with the 50 Corridor Transportation Management Association for Transportation Demand Management services.
• Joint Meeting Consent Calendar (Item 12) – Received and filed monthly investment reports for June 2024 for all joint authorities.

All above items were approved unanimously on a single motion without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Business from the Floor (Measure G and other topics): Ronald Carter expressed concerns that Measure G constitutes overtaxation and questioned the allocation of funds from earlier development. Jeanette Feltz argued the city’s special edition newsletter was biased, amounting to advocacy for the measure rather than neutral education. Margie Donovan stated “No on G” and raised concerns about the discontinuation of Smart Ride transit service as of January 1, 2025, urging the city to find alternatives for seniors and people with disabilities. Sarah Norberg, secretary of the No on G committee, accused the city of procedural violations and slanted messaging. Bruce Klein defended the newsletter as educational and thanked the council for providing factual information. Marty Swindell criticized the city’s timing and alleged indirect involvement in the ballot measure effort. Gary Quelsett requested the city cease its one-sided messaging, calling it a violation of government code and election laws.
• Public Hearing on Alley Parking (Item 10): No public comments were offered.
• Public Hearing on Folsom Heights Map Amendment (Item 11): Price Walker (Elliott Homes) spoke in favor, calling it a win-win. Ellen Post (nearby Stonebriar resident) also supported the amendment, noting the Rolling Hills CSD voted unanimously in favor.

Discussion Items

• Item 2 – Conflict of Interest Code Update: City Attorney Chris explained that Resolution 11260 repeals a prior resolution and updates conflict of interest filing positions, a routine biennial requirement. Council approved unanimously (4-0).
• Item 3 – Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Renewal: City CFO Stacy Tamani clarified to a public question that 658 licenses are needed due to temporary employees. Council unanimously approved Resolution 11261.
• Item 10 – Alley Parking Ordinance (First Reading): Public Works Director Mark presented the need to prohibit parking in historic district alleys to accommodate solid waste collection and fire apparatus access. Council discussed the language, agreeing to remove the word “stop” and use “no parking anytime” signs. The ordinance passed first reading (4-0) with the amended language as shown.
• Item 11 – Folsom Heights Subdivision Map Amendment: Staff presented removing conditions requiring Prima Drive as an emergency vehicle access route, based on fire department agreement and coordination with El Dorado County and EID. The Planning Commission had recommended approval. Council unanimously approved Resolution 11263.
• Joint Meeting Item 13 – CFD No. 18 Special Tax Revenue Bonds: CFO Stacy Tamani presented the proposed issuance of up to $50 million in bonds to finance 19,000 linear feet of water transmission pipeline and other infrastructure. Appraised property value is under $3 billion, with a value-to-lien ratio of 11.5 to 1 and projected tax burden of 1.49% to 1.81% per developed residential property. Council approved Resolutions 11266 and Folsom Ranch FA Resolution 012 (both 4-0) after no public comments.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All items were approved unanimously (4-0, with Councilmember Chalamcherla absent).
• Next Steps: The alley parking ordinance will return for second reading in October 2024. The bond issuance will proceed under the approved documents.
• Council Reports: Mayor Kozlowski updated on RT Smart Ride program discussions and community events (Community Service Day with 2,000 volunteers, Eagle Scout recognition). Councilmember Rohrbough reported on encampment cleanup coordination with state and county partners.
• Council Requests: No new future agenda items were submitted.