OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Folsom City Council Regular Meeting - November 12, 2025

City Council — Wednesday, November 12, 2025
BodyFolsom, California
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, November 12, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:44:58
Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

So vote must be unanimous.

0:02

Thank you very much.

0:03

All right.

0:04

Then we will adjourn the special meeting and call to order the regular meeting of the Folsom City Council for uh Wednesday, November 12th, 2025.

0:11

Would the clerk please call the roll?

0:12

Council members Robah.

0:14

Here, Kozlowski.

0:16

Here.

0:16

Leary.

0:17

Here, Graethel.

0:18

Here.

0:18

And Aquino.

0:19

Here, you'd all please rise and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:25

I don't think you have the case of America.

0:28

And the Republic.

0:30

One mission.

0:32

Indivisible with liberty and justice.

0:39

All right.

0:40

Mr.

0:40

City Attorney, any agenda updates to report?

0:44

Yes, madam mayor.

0:45

We do have additional information on transmitted for item 14 on tonight's agenda.

0:50

A copy has been previously provided to you, and it is also available on the table in the back.

0:55

Okay, thank you.

0:56

And as you'll notice, our city manager is not here tonight.

0:59

Unfortunately, he has been under the weather all week, so I think he's watching.

1:03

So Brian, go to bed.

1:04

Get better soon, and uh, hope to see you back here.

1:07

Um that takes us to business from the floor.

1:10

This is the public's opportunity to address the council on items that are not on the agenda, but please understand we cannot take action or deliberate on items that are not on the agenda.

1:18

Do we have any requests to speak from business from the floor?

1:20

There are no requests to speak from business from the floor.

1:23

Anybody in the audience want to speak on business from the floor?

1:27

See no one, we will move on to the next item, please.

1:31

Next is schedule presentations.

1:33

Item number one is a presentation from the Folsom Police Department regarding e-bikes in our city.

1:39

Current status and future direction.

1:42

Thank you, Lieutenant Rahela.

1:44

We promise not to kill the messenger.

1:47

Well, thank you, madam mayor, members of the council and city staff.

1:50

Uh Jake Rohelan, Lieutenant with the police department.

1:52

So this presentation I'm gonna give tonight is really designed to set the stage for a proposal that Commander Andrew Bates will be bringing forth uh at your meeting on the 9th in December regarding uh an adjustment or a change, modification to the Folsom municipal code specific to e-conveyances.

2:12

So this presentation really gives you more of uh an overall view of some of the issues that we've been dealing with in the police departments specific to those challenges.

2:21

Um, I would imagine, and I'm aware that most of you have heard from your constituents a variety of complaints going all the way back to when these things really hit the streets in Folsom.

2:31

So this is gonna be some of the data that gives you some some more specifics kind of drills down into just how broad this problem has become.

2:39

Uh some of the e-bike laws in California, and a lot of people are having a hard time becoming aware or familiar with them.

2:47

Fortunately, we have a really robust uh tab on the police department's uh website where parents and anyone who's looking for additional information can go and look this information up even after this evening.

2:58

So a class one uh e-bike provides uh assistance only while pedaling the bicycle, and it can travel up to 20 miles an hour.

3:07

A class two has a throttle similar to a motorcycle, also assisted riding without pedaling up to 20 miles an hour.

3:13

Class three has a motor that provides assistance only while pedaling, and it can travel up to 28 miles per hour.

3:21

Uh that slide just shows some of the age requirements and bike access as far as where they can go up to the class three, which is forbidden from bike paths.

3:35

And I'll use the term e-bikes pretty much synonymous tonight, but it includes these e-motorcycles as well.

3:42

Um, and e-motorcycle is this is a perfect example of one, and we've all probably seen them from time to time out there.

3:49

Um, it's electric powered only, it goes faster than 30 miles an hour.

3:53

In fact, some upwards of 60 or even 70 miles per hour, depending on how big the battery is.

3:58

Uh, the rider of this has to have uh California driver's license and a motorcycle endorsement, either M1 or M2, just like uh an adult would have to ride a motorcycle.

4:09

Uh it also has to be registered with a DMV and have a license plate, as well as all the accoutrements that would come with a vehicle that's street legal, like turn signals, brake lights, headlamp, and and the similar.

4:22

This just shows the popularity, which we're all obviously aware.

4:26

These things are all over the place.

4:28

But from 2020 to 25, there's been about almost a 200% increase in e-bike sales across the United States.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Economic Development█████████████████████████████29%
Transportation Safety████████████████████████████28%
Parks and Recreation██████████████████18%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████████9%
Procedural████████8%
Community Engagement██████6%
Affordable Housing██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Folsom City Council Regular Meeting - November 12, 2025

The Folsom City Council held a regular meeting on November 12, 2025, at 2:45 PM (UTC). The meeting covered a presentation on e-bike issues, adoption of the consent calendar, a public hearing on SPIF fee adjustments, approval of the Castle Park play structure replacement project, a resolution of intent to modify the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) assessment, adoption of objective design standards for multi-unit housing, and a contract amendment for Mangeny Ranch trail design. The council also heard public comments on e-bikes and the TBID proposal.

Consent Calendar

  • The council unanimously approved the consent calendar without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • James Kirstein (resident, age 83, former bicycle commuter and trail advocate): Expressed strong concerns about e-bike safety on trails, citing dangerous speeds (over 15 mph), lack of respect for laws, and hazards to seniors. Recommended prohibiting bikes on sensitive natural surface trails like Hinkle Creek and requiring proof of knowledge of road rules before e-bike sales.
  • Robert Goss (past president, Friends of Folsom Parkways): Described trail damage from e-bikes (e.g., spraying decomposed granite onto pavement, pioneering illegal trails) and expansion of problem to include internal combustion dirt bikes. Suggested prohibiting e-bikes off paved trails, considering use of PG&E power line corridor, imposing 5 mph limit in parks, and directing education to parents.
  • Bob Holderness (resident, former councilmember): Shared historical context of Folsom’s economic development, urging the council to view the TBID increase as a tool to build tourism infrastructure and continue the city’s legacy of strategic investments.
  • Martha Lofgren (vice chair, TED Corp): Emphasized urgency of moving the TBID modification forward to avoid losing potential revenue (estimated $100,000 per month). Cited consensus among hotel owners and thanked city staff for expediting the process.
  • Pat Finnegan (resident, CPA): Opposed the TBID rate increase, arguing that voters rejected a similar measure (Measure G) a year ago and that the chamber already receives $1.3 million annually. Expressed distrust and suggested instead pursuing a TOT increase via voter approval.
  • Shannon Robb (resident and Choose Folsom employee): Supported the TBID increase, citing examples of businesses (e.g., Inductive Automation) leaving Folsom due to lack of meeting space. Highlighted positive impacts of events on small businesses and the need to catch up with neighboring cities like Roseville and Rancho Cordova.

Presentation: E-Bike Current Status and Future Direction

  • Lieutenant Jake Rohelan (Folsom Police Department) presented data on e-bike-related issues:
    • Calls for service involving e-bikes increased from 23 in 2023 to 350 in the first 10 months of 2025 (a nearly 300% increase).
    • 90% of calls involve juveniles.
    • Hotspots: Economy Park (25% of calls) and Palladio (16%).
    • Reckless behavior accounted for over two-thirds of calls.
    • Collisions rose from 4 in 2023 to 12 in 2025; in three-quarters of those, the e-bike rider was at fault, and two-thirds of riders were juveniles.
    • Two incidents described: a juvenile fleeing at over 60 mph in a 40 mph zone, and a 16-year-old on an e-motorcycle dragging an officer 25 feet.
    • Focused education/enforcement at middle schools: 5 warnings at Sutter Middle School (Oct 7) and 12 warnings + 2 citations at Folsom Middle School (Oct 9).
  • Council discussed enforcement challenges, potential ordinance changes (e.g., permitting, licensing), parental accountability, and designating places for off-road riding. The police department will present a specific proposal at the December 9, 2025 meeting.

Discussion Items

  • SPIF Fee Adjustment (Item 11): Stacy Tamani (CFO) presented Resolution 11505 to adopt the November 2025 adjustment of the Folsom Plan Area Specific Plan Infrastructure Fees (SPIF). Fees decrease for most residential units (from $431 to $4,116 per unit) and non-residential (from $0.13 to $0.42 per building square foot), with one land-use increase in each category. The adjustment accounts for updated construction costs and more fee-dwelling units from the 2024 specific plan amendment. The council held a public hearing (no speakers) and unanimously adopted the resolution.
  • Castle Park Play Structure Replacement (Item 12): Brad Nelson (Park Planning Manager) presented:
    • Resolution 11497: Rename “Folsom Kids Play Park” to “Castle Park.” Approved unanimously.
    • Resolution 11498: Sole-source procurement from Leathers & Associates for custom play components (not-to-exceed $110,870). Approved unanimously.
    • Resolution 11499: Sole-source procurement from Playground Plastics for structural plastic lumber (not-to-exceed $322,594). Approved unanimously.
    • Total project cost: $1 million (funded by parks capital fund $778k, Measure A $135k, in-kind $153k). Community build in March 2026, park opening planned for April 2026. Restroom infrastructure being studied for future funding.
  • TBID Rate Increase (Item 13): Resolution 11506 – a resolution of intent to modify the Tourism Business Improvement District assessment from 4% to 8% (an additional 4%) for the current 20-year term (expiring 2033). The new revenue (estimated $1.1–1.2 million/year) would be dedicated to tourism facilities and amenities. The council heard public comment and then unanimously approved the resolution of intent, initiating a 45-day process that includes mailing hoteliers and a subsequent public hearing and final council approval.
  • Objective Development and Design Standards (ODDS) (Item 14): Desmond Perrington (Planning Manager) presented Resolution 11464 and Ordinance 1357 to adopt objective development and design standards for multi-unit and mixed-use development in specific overlay areas (East Bidwell Corridor, Iron Point/Glen light rail stations, Folsom Town Center). Parking reductions were modified: reducing from 1.5 spaces per unit to 1 space per unit if bicycle parking is doubled (2 spaces per unit) with secure storage. Two options for review process: ministerial (staff-level) vs. discretionary (public hearing with appeal). Council first unanimously adopted Resolution 11464 (which likely adopted the standards) and then unanimously adopted Ordinance 1357 with the alternative requiring discretionary review (i.e., public hearing and appeal process). The ordinance will go into effect January 8, 2026, after second reading on December 9.
  • Mangeny Ranch Trails Design Contract Amendment (Item 15): Ryan Neves (Capital Projects Manager) presented Resolution 11500 to approve Amendment #4 ($64,168) with Kimley Horn & Associates for design of a Class I trail around Community Park East and a Class IV separated bikeway along Westwood Drive and Mangeny Parkway. The amendment also covers evaluation of a potential under/overcrossing at East Bidwell (estimated $9–14 million, deemed not feasible at this time). The N6 segment will be built by the Regency developer at a savings of $200,000. The council approved the resolution unanimously, with discussion on bikeway design preferences (e.g., raised curb vs. green paint) and safety barriers at trail endpoints.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent calendar adopted unanimously.
  • Resolution 11505 (SPIF adjustment) adopted unanimously after public hearing.
  • Resolutions 11497 (Castle Park name change), 11498 (Leathers & Associates sole source), and 11499 (Playground Plastics sole source) adopted unanimously.
  • Resolution 11506 (TBID intent to modify) adopted unanimously.
  • Resolution 11464 (Objective Design Standards) adopted unanimously.
  • Ordinance 1357 (Design review process) adopted unanimously with the alternative discretionary review option.
  • Resolution 11500 (Mangeny Ranch Trails design amendment) adopted unanimously.
  • The e-bike discussion will continue at the December 9, 2025 meeting with a specific ordinance proposal.

Meeting Transcript

So vote must be unanimous. Thank you very much. All right. Then we will adjourn the special meeting and call to order the regular meeting of the Folsom City Council for uh Wednesday, November 12th, 2025. Would the clerk please call the roll? Council members Robah. Here, Kozlowski. Here. Leary. Here, Graethel. Here. And Aquino. Here, you'd all please rise and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I don't think you have the case of America. And the Republic. One mission. Indivisible with liberty and justice. All right. Mr. City Attorney, any agenda updates to report? Yes, madam mayor. We do have additional information on transmitted for item 14 on tonight's agenda. A copy has been previously provided to you, and it is also available on the table in the back. Okay, thank you. And as you'll notice, our city manager is not here tonight. Unfortunately, he has been under the weather all week, so I think he's watching. So Brian, go to bed. Get better soon, and uh, hope to see you back here. Um that takes us to business from the floor. This is the public's opportunity to address the council on items that are not on the agenda, but please understand we cannot take action or deliberate on items that are not on the agenda. Do we have any requests to speak from business from the floor? There are no requests to speak from business from the floor. Anybody in the audience want to speak on business from the floor? See no one, we will move on to the next item, please. Next is schedule presentations. Item number one is a presentation from the Folsom Police Department regarding e-bikes in our city. Current status and future direction. Thank you, Lieutenant Rahela. We promise not to kill the messenger. Well, thank you, madam mayor, members of the council and city staff. Uh Jake Rohelan, Lieutenant with the police department. So this presentation I'm gonna give tonight is really designed to set the stage for a proposal that Commander Andrew Bates will be bringing forth uh at your meeting on the 9th in December regarding uh an adjustment or a change, modification to the Folsom municipal code specific to e-conveyances. So this presentation really gives you more of uh an overall view of some of the issues that we've been dealing with in the police departments specific to those challenges. Um, I would imagine, and I'm aware that most of you have heard from your constituents a variety of complaints going all the way back to when these things really hit the streets in Folsom. So this is gonna be some of the data that gives you some some more specifics kind of drills down into just how broad this problem has become. Uh some of the e-bike laws in California, and a lot of people are having a hard time becoming aware or familiar with them. Fortunately, we have a really robust uh tab on the police department's uh website where parents and anyone who's looking for additional information can go and look this information up even after this evening. So a class one uh e-bike provides uh assistance only while pedaling the bicycle, and it can travel up to 20 miles an hour. A class two has a throttle similar to a motorcycle, also assisted riding without pedaling up to 20 miles an hour. Class three has a motor that provides assistance only while pedaling, and it can travel up to 28 miles per hour.

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