Folsom City Council Regular Meeting – August 26, 2025

The Folsom City Council met on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, for a regular meeting that included a mid-cycle housing element update, approval of a development agreement for Broadstone Crossing Phase 2, adoption of speed limits on several roads, appointment of a planning commissioner, a property exchange, and adoption of affordable housing loan program guidelines. The council also approved consent calendar items and heard public comments on the planning commission appointment.

Consent Calendar

• Items 2, 3, 5, 7, and 9 were approved unanimously. Item 6 was continued off calendar at the request of the event organizer.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Business from the floor: No speakers.
• Planning commission appointment: Two speakers addressed the council: Marco Malikateen and Amanda Ross. Both expressed interest in the at-large planning commission seat. Malikateen highlighted his background in land use consulting and public service. Ross noted her previous experience as a planning commissioner in El Dorado County and her commitment to community service.

Discussion Items

• Mid-Cycle Housing Element and Housing Fund Update (Item 1): Stephanie Henry, Community Development Department, presented an update on Folsom's progress toward meeting its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) for the 2021–2029 cycle. As of 2024, the city has made strong progress in moderate and above-moderate income segments but faces a significant shortfall in lower-income allocations. Two new affordable housing developments will add 187 units for lower-income households. The city has completed 5 of 34 housing element programs, with 8 underway and 5 not yet initiated. Total housing funds available are approximately $23 million. Councilmembers discussed loan repayment terms, ADU affordability, deed restrictions, and priorities for future funding, including ADU incentives, home rehabilitation, homeownership, and prioritizing Folsom residents and workers.

• Willow Hill Dam Valve Replacement Project (Item 4 – Resolution 11438): Council unanimously approved the initial study and mitigated negative declaration for the project. Councilmember Rethel asked about the need for a fence; staff confirmed a smaller enclosure (4'x4') would be used instead of a 6-8 foot chain-link fence.

• Riley Street Safety Improvement Project (Item 8 – Resolution 11452): Staff presented a design and engineering agreement with RUI Engineers, funded by a $4 million congressional grant. The total project design cost is estimated at $1.1 million, with an initial segment funded at $659,000 for environmental clearance and 30% design. Council approved the resolution after discussion about phasing and cost transparency.

• Broadstone Crossing Phase 2 Development Agreement (Item 10 – Ordinance 1354): A public hearing was held. The development agreement requires Elliott Homes to fund roadway improvements (estimated $3.6 million) and contribute up to $2.5 million toward a pedestrian bridge over East Bidwell Street. The bridge design will be funded with an initial $1 million deposit. The ordinance was introduced and approved on first reading, 5-0.

• Prima Facie Speed Limits (Item 11 – Ordinance 1356): A public hearing was held. The council adopted speed limits based on engineering and traffic surveys for East Bidwell Street (45 mph), Westwood Drive (30 mph), Alder Creek Parkway (35 mph), Grand Prairie Road (35 mph), and Mangeny Parkway (35 mph). The ordinance was introduced and approved on first reading, 5-0.

• Appointment of At-Large Planning Commissioner (Item 12): After a ballot vote, Amanda Ross was appointed to serve the remainder of the term expiring December 2026, with a vote of 3-2 (Councilmembers Kozlowski, Leary, and Aquino for Ross; Vice Mayor Rethel and Councilmember Rohrbach for Malikateen).

• Property Exchange (Item 13 – Resolution 11449): Council approved a resolution declaring a portion of city-owned land exempt from the Surplus Land Act and authorizing a property exchange with a private developer. The exchange will result in the city receiving more square footage than it gives up, plus funds for tree mitigation. The resolution passed 5-0.

• Affordable Housing Loan Program Guidelines (Item 14 – Resolution 11427): Council adopted formal guidelines for providing affordable housing loans, establishing consistent terms for gap financing. The guidelines aim to protect the city's loan portfolio and ensure long-term affordability. Councilmember Rethel suggested adding a residency and local worker preference in future ordinances. The resolution passed 5-0.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All consent calendar items (2,3,5,7,9) approved unanimously. Item 4 (Willow Hill Dam) approved 5-0. Item 8 (Riley Street) approved 5-0. Item 10 (Ordinance 1354 – Broadstone DA) introduced and approved 5-0. Item 11 (Ordinance 1356 – Speed limits) introduced and approved 5-0. Item 12 (Planning commissioner) Amanda Ross appointed 3-2. Item 13 (Property exchange) approved 5-0. Item 14 (Affordable housing loan guidelines) approved 5-0.
• Directives: Staff to return with updates on housing element implementation, including an analysis of the inclusionary housing ordinance, objective development standards, and potential residency preferences for affordable housing. The city manager reported on the appointment of Rebecca Neves as Public Works Director, the reopening of Oak Parkway Trail, and upcoming community events.
• Council Reports: Councilmembers shared updates on local sports, fundraising events, and public safety issues, including fireworks concerns and DUI checkpoint notice.