Folsom City Council Regular Meeting – September 8, 2026

The Folsom City Council met on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 6:30 PM to address a wide-ranging agenda including awards, routine consent items, a public hearing on density bonus updates, the Castle Park playground renovation, a Rotary Club flagpole proposal, a presentation on micro‑enterprise home kitchen operations (MEHKO), and two ordinances regarding e‑bike and e‑conveyance regulation. The meeting adjourned at 10:42 PM after continuing the e‑bike and e‑conveyance ordinances to a future date.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the August 25, 2026 special and regular meetings.
• Approved nomination of a joint representative to the Sacramento Environmental Commission.
• Approved Resolution 11691 (remote participation policy) with an amendment to request remote speakers identify whether they are a Folsom constituent – passed 5‑0.
• Approved Resolution 11694 (Sutter Lofts project – design review and density bonus) – passed 5‑0 after discussion on parking; two on‑site parking spaces are provided, no additional parking required under state law due to proximity to light rail.
• Approved Resolution 11707 (revised policy for receipt/distribution of tickets) – passed 5‑0. The city manager explained the policy update was prompted by a planned celebration event and ensures compliance with FPPC regulations; tickets must be reported via Form 802.
• All other consent items (resolutions 11696, 11698, 11702, 11703, 11706, 11708, and 11707 as above) were approved en bloc with items 5, 6, and 13 pulled for separate votes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Paul Kerfeld (on item 6 – Sutter Lofts) expressed concern about parking in the historic district, noting it has been a two‑decade problem and urging council to consider parking impacts.
• Chad Vanderveen (on item 13 – ticket policy) questioned why the policy was revised now, whether the city received tickets to a “Dinner on the Bridge” event, and the cost of associated road closures. Staff responded that the policy update was routine and that the city’s involvement was as an in‑kind sponsor providing public benefit through a drone show.
• Jerry Bruno (on item 17 – flagpole) voiced strong support for the Rotary Club’s proposal, calling it “a phenomenal project” and stating he intends to be a major donor.
• Jim Kirstein, Kamed Kurmy, Fred Michael, and Paul Kerfeld (on item 20 – e‑bike ordinance) raised concerns about reckless riding, safety of pedestrians and children, and the need for stronger enforcement. Kurmy reported near‑miss incidents with his toddler and said a petition with ~500 signatures has been started. Fred Michael asked for modifications allowing e‑bikes on paved park pathways and for signage to be posted before enforcement begins. Paul Kerfeld questioned the consistency of applying rules to e‑bikes versus regular bicycles and the city’s share of fine revenue.

Discussion Items

• Spirit of Folsom Awards & Community Service Day – Presentations recognized five honorees and the 13th annual Community Service Day (September 19, 2026, at Lakeside Church). Approximately 1,600 volunteers anticipated; 64% of spots filled; 40 projects planned plus 63 “Neighbors Helping Seniors” projects. $115,000 in cash and in‑kind sponsorships received.
• Item 5 – Remote Participation Policy (Resolution 11691) – Council adopted an amendment requiring remote participants to identify themselves by name and whether they are Folsom constituents, with the caveat that it is a request only and must treat in‑person and remote speakers equally. Passed 5‑0.
• Item 6 – Sutter Lofts (Resolution 11694) – Council discussed parking implications. The project provides two on‑site parking spaces and bicycle parking; state law (AB 2097) prohibits requiring additional parking within ½ mile of a light rail station. The density bonus allows six units (from base four) in exchange for one low‑income unit restricted for 55 years. Approved 5‑0.
• Item 13 – Ticket Policy (Resolution 11707) – Council clarified that tickets received by the city are reported via Form 802 and that the policy update aligns with recent FPPC amendments. Approved 5‑0.
• Public Hearing – Density Bonus Ordinance (Ordinance 1374) – First reading to repeal and re‑enact Chapter 17.102 of the Municipal Code to comply with state density bonus law. Staff explained that the update streamlines language, removes redundancy, and requires applicants to reference state statutes. A last‑minute amendment simplified the section on prohibited studies/reports to mirror state law. The ordinance was introduced and first reading approved 5‑0; second reading is scheduled for September 22, 2026.
• Castle Park Playground Renovation (Item 16) – Three resolutions ratified contract amendments and authorized funding. The project, completed with 1,541 volunteers and over 6,000 hours, cost $1,149,288 total (including $259,000 in donations and in‑kind services). An additional $20,000 donation received after the staff report. Council approved all three resolutions 5‑0, with a modification to increase the donation revenue appropriation to $88,409.
• Flagpole Proposal (Item 17) – Rotary Club of Folsom proposed installing a 70‑foot flagpole with American and California flags in the Historic Folsom Station Plaza at an estimated $40,000 cost, funded by donations and brick sales. The club would handle maintenance and flag replacements. Council approved the proposal 5‑0 and waived permit fees (building and encroachment) totaling ~$1,600.
• Micro‑Enterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO – Item 18) – County health department staff presented AB 626, which allows home‑based food businesses. Folsom has a 2019 opt‑out position. Council heard concerns about conflicts with home‑occupation ordinances, enforcement costs, traffic, noise, and impacts on existing restaurants. Mayor Raithel noted the potential to bring unlicensed operators into compliance. Council voted 4‑1 (Raithel opposed) to maintain the opt‑out position and send a letter to the county recommending they not proceed.
• Water Improvements Project (Item 19) – Acceptance of Notice of Completion for CFD 18 Phase 2 water improvements (18,500 feet of 24‑inch water line). The project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, with a construction total of $18.55 million and $3.61 million remaining in CFD funds. Approved 5‑0.
• E‑bike/E‑conveyance Ordinances (Items 20 & 21) – Item 20 (Ordinance 1376) would prohibit dangerous riding behaviors and generally restrict e‑bikes in parks unless signage permits. Council discussed enforcement challenges, fine amounts ($50/100/500), impoundment authority, and the need to allow responsible use on park pathways. Item 21 (Ordinance 1377) addresses e‑bike rules on Class I trails but was not heard. Council voted to continue both items to a future meeting, with direction to staff to: (1) combine the two ordinances into a unified code, (2) increase fines to $100/250/500, (3) consider a walking‑pace speed limit (5 mph) on park pathways, (4) require signage before enforcement, and (5) explore designated areas for safe riding.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved with separate votes on pulled items: remote participation policy (5‑0), Sutter Lofts (5‑0), and ticket policy (5‑0).
• Density Bonus Ordinance introduced on first reading (5‑0); will return for second reading September 22.
• Castle Park resolutions approved (5‑0) with modified donation appropriation.
• Flagpole proposal approved (5‑0) with permit fee waiver.
• MEHKO – Council voted 4‑1 to recommend the county opt out; letter to be sent.
• Water improvements Notice of Completion accepted (5‑0).
• E‑bike ordinances continued indefinitely; staff to draft unified code incorporating council feedback.
• Meeting adjourned at 10:42 PM.